All right, everybody, let's dive into something we all have to deal with.
Resumes.
You know, that thing that can make or break your chances of landing a dream job.
We found this really interesting article and it starts off with this feeling.
And I know we can all relate to this.
It's that feeling when you're staring at a blank page.
And you know, this resume needs to be amazing.
But you have no idea even where to start.
It's like writer's block, but with like your entire career on the line.
Exactly.
And this article talks about how the author finally got past that.
They were talking about feeling like their resume was just a plain bagel.
I mean, it's fine.
It's there, but it's not really exciting.
Anyone just kind of blends in, you know.
Yeah.
And it's interesting because that feeling isn't just about like being creative.
It's something deeper, like the psychology of first impressions before someone even
reads a word on your resume, the visual impact.
It says a lot.
Right.
So this author, they decided to try to find a way to spice up their resume.
And they found this giant bundle of templates over 90 of them called the
Judo plus 90 mega CV resume templates bundle.
I got to admit, at first it felt a little overwhelming.
Yeah, I can see that a lot of people, when they hear the word template, they
think it's just about making things look pretty, but a good template.
It's so much more than that.
It's about organization, clarity, making sure the important information stands
out to whoever is reading it.
Yeah.
And it seems like this bundle gets that one thing I noticed, it comes in all
these different formats, PSD, AI and PDF.
I know what a PDF is, but those other two, I'm not so sure.
Right.
Well, that's smart.
It makes it accessible to people with different levels of design experience.
So PSD, that's the format for Photoshop.
That's kind of the standard for image editing.
And then AI, that's for illustrator.
It's for vector graphics.
You know, those are the ones you can scale up without them getting all blurry.
And of course, PDF, that's like the universal document language.
It's easy for anyone to open and read.
So you don't have to be some tech genius to use these.
And speaking of using them, the author got some pretty impressive results.
Landed their dream marketing job after using one of these templates.
Is that just a coincidence?
Or could a nice looking resume really make that much of a difference?
Well, I don't know if we can say it was the only reason, but it does make you
think about confidence, you know, having a well-designed resume.
It can give you a boost because you know, you've presented yourself professionally
you feel more prepared, more in control.
Yeah, it's kind of like that dress for success thing, but for your resume.
Exactly.
You're projecting an image like someone who takes their career seriously.
And that first impression, especially in a competitive job market,
that can make all the difference.
And it wasn't just the author who had success with these.
They mentioned helping out some friends.
One was a freelancer.
They were having trouble showing all their different skills in a way that made sense.
And the other was a graphic designer.
And they wanted a resume that was not just a graphic designer,
you know, showed off their creativity, but without going overboard.
Right.
And that brings up an important question.
What are all the different types of resumes out there?
And when should you use each one?
Like the author's friends.
They needed resumes that were tailored to their unique situation.
The freelancer needed to emphasize how adaptable they are.
And the graphic designer, they could use their resume to show off their visual skills.
So there's no one right way to do it.
You got to find the right format for your own story.
One thing I liked, the author mentioned that these templates,
it's a one time purchase, no subscription fees, which is nice.
Everything wants you to subscribe these days.
Yeah, I know.
I mean, it's nice to see something that's just a one time thing,
like you invest in it once and you can use it throughout your entire career.
That's a good value.
And speaking of value, they mentioned a commercial license.
So you could, like hypothetically, use these templates to start a side hustle.
Like as a resume designer.
Oh, that's interesting.
If you have a good eye for design and you understand what makes a resume stand out,
that could be a good way to make some extra money and help people at the same time.
It's taking a personal solution and turning it into a business.
Yeah, there you go.
But beyond the business side, the author also told this story about helping a family member
who hadn't applied for a job in over 10 years.
They felt totally lost.
But the templates helped them create a resume that boosted their confidence.
And they even got a few interviews.
Wow.
It just shows you a resume.
It's more than just a piece of paper.
It's a way for someone to show their skills, their experience, their potential.
A good resume can make you feel more confident, remind you what you've accomplished.
It can be a real symbol of moving forward in your career.
And sometimes that emotional impact, it could be just as important as actually
getting the job.
But we shouldn't forget about the practical stuff.
The author mentioned all these details.
A4 size, 300 DPI, CMYK color mode.
Honestly, those terms sound like a foreign language to me.
Ha, ha. You're not alone.
Those are those technical things that most people don't think about until they
print out their resume and it looks all pixelated.
So A4, that's the standard paper size in most of the world.
300 DPI, that just means it's a high resolution image.
So it looks good both on screen and printed out.
And CMYK, that's the color model that professional printers use.
Ah, OK.
So it's all about making sure your resume looks good, no matter how someone's
looking at it.
Like the difference between wearing a wrinkled shirt to an interview.
Yeah. Versus a nice crisp one.
Exactly. Details matter.
And speaking of details, I forgot.
The author mentioned matching cover letter templates.
Oh, yeah, it's like the perfect pair.
Yeah.
Think of it like a power suit for your job application.
A cover letter that matches your resume visually.
It shows that you pay attention to detail, that you're professional.
It creates a cohesive look, a memorable impression.
It can really make you stand out.
It's like that saying the devil's in the details.
But in this case, it's the details that could land you the job.
So we've talked a lot about templates and visuals.
It's easy to get caught up in how things look.
But what about the actual content of the resume?
What should people be thinking about there?
That's a great point.
A fancy design might get someone's attention, but it's the content that really
sells your skills and experience.
And this is where things get interesting.
Have you ever heard of applicant tracking systems?
Or ATS?
Ooh, that sounds kind of scary, like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Ha ha. Well, in a way, they are.
ATS are these software programs that a lot of companies use to filter through
all the resumes they get.
They scan for keywords, skills, experience that matches the job description.
Think of it like a digital gatekeeper.
So you basically have to speak the ATS's language
if you even want a chance of a human seeing your resume.
Exactly. And that's where keywords become so important.
You need to really look at the job
description and use those keywords throughout your resume.
But you can't just shove them in randomly.
You have to weave them into your experience and achievements so it feels natural.
So it's like this balancing act, appealing to the robot overlords,
but also showing off your unique human skills.
I like that analogy.
It's about finding that sweet spot where you're highlighting your qualifications
in a way that both the ATS and a human recruiter will appreciate.
And that leads to another important point, tailoring your resume to the specific job
and industry you're going for.
Right. You can't just use the same generic resume for every job.
Exactly. Each job has its own requirements, its own expectations.
You need to take some time to research the company, understand their values,
their culture, and then adjust your resume to show how your skills and experience
align with what they're looking for.
So it's all about personalization, showing that you've actually thought about
why you want this job at this company.
Precisely. That extra effort, it shows that you're not just going through the motions,
that you're genuinely interested, and that can really make a good impression.
Now, let's talk about something that everyone dreads, the career summary.
Yes. That paragraph at the top of the resume.
Yeah.
Where you're supposed to summarize your entire life in like three sentences.
I know, right. But when it's done well, a career summary can be incredibly powerful.
It's your elevator pitch, your chance to grab the reader's attention
and make them want to keep reading.
OK, but how do you make it stand out?
I've seen so many career summaries that are just filled with buzzwords
and they all sound the same.
The key is to focus on your unique value proposition.
What are your top skills, your biggest accomplishments?
What are you most passionate about?
And how can you tie those things together in a way that's relevant to the job
you're applying for?
So it's not just listing your skills.
It's about framing them in a way that tells the story and highlights what you can bring to the table.
Exactly. Think of it like a movie trailer.
You want to give them a taste of the excitement, the intrigue,
make them want to see the whole movie by reading your whole resume.
I like that.
So we've talked about keywords, tailoring your resume, crafting a good career summary.
What other content tips should people keep in mind?
Well, one of the most common mistakes I see is using vague language and not
quantifying achievements instead of saying managed a team, say, let a team of 10
to exceed sales targets by 15 percent.
Oh, so it's about showing, not just telling.
Numbers are more powerful than words.
Exactly. Whenever you can use concrete examples and data to back up your claims,
it makes you more credible and helps the hiring manager see the impact you made.
OK, so quantify, quantify, quantify, got it.
But what about people who haven't been in jobs where it's easy to quantify their achievements?
Like if you've been in more of a support role or create a field where it's not
always about hitting specific numbers.
That's a great point.
And it's why soft skills are so important.
Things like communication, problem solving, teamwork, adaptability,
all those qualities that make you a valuable asset, even if you're not directly
bringing in revenue.
So it's not just about what you did, but how you did it.
Exactly. And you can show those skills by using strong action verbs and giving
specific examples of how you've used those skills in your previous roles.
For instance, instead of saying excellent communication skills, you could say
facilitated weekly team meetings to improve communication and collaboration.
Ah, I see.
So it's about painting a picture of your skills in action.
Precisely. And don't be afraid to get creative with your wording.
The goal is to make your resume stand out and leave a lasting impression.
So it's about finding that balance between being professional and being yourself.
Speaking of being yourself,
a lot of people think their resume has to be super formal and stuffy.
Is that true?
It really depends on the industry and the company culture.
But in general, I think it's OK to let your personality shine through a little,
especially in creative fields.
Right. Like if you're applying to be a copyrighted or your designer,
you probably don't want your resume to sound like a robot wrote it.
Exactly. In those cases, it's more about showing your voice, your style.
Right.
But even in more traditional fields, you can still show some personality in the
way you describe your experiences, the language you use.
So it's about finding that sweet spot
between professionalism and authenticity,
which brings us back to the visuals,
because even if the content is amazing, if it's presented in a way that's hard
to read or just not visually appealing, it's not going to have the impact you want.
You're absolutely right.
It's like a delicious meal that's been plated poorly, no matter how good the food
is, if it doesn't look appetizing, no one's going to want to eat it.
Uh huh. That's a perfect analogy.
So what are some things people should keep in mind
when it comes to the visual side of their resume?
Well, the most important thing is readability.
Use a clear font.
Make sure there's plenty of white space to give the reader's eyes break.
Right. No one wants to struggle through a wall of text.
Exactly. And think about using visual elements to break up the text and highlight
important information, things like bullet points, bolding, headings.
Those can make a big difference.
And making your resume easy to skim and understand.
So it's about creating a visual hierarchy.
Precisely. The goal is to make your resume easy to navigate.
You want the hiring manager to be able to find the information they need quickly
without having to hunt for it.
So it's about finding that balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Exactly. And while we've been talking a lot about templates,
you don't necessarily need one to create a visually appealing resume.
Right. Not everyone is a designer.
Absolutely. There are plenty of other resources out there, online resume builders,
or even just using the formatting tools in a word processing program.
The key is to find what works best for you.
Exactly. And don't be afraid to experiment.
Try different layouts, fonts, formatting options until you find something you like.
So it's about having fun with it.
Absolutely. Because your resume is a reflection of you.
So it should be something you're proud of.
I love that.
And speaking of being proud of your resume, one thing we haven't talked about
is getting feedback from other people.
That's so important.
And a lot of people forget to do it.
A fresh pair of eyes can catch typos, inconsistencies,
places where you could improve your wording or clarity.
It's like having another set of taste buds
to make sure your resume is perfectly seasoned.
I love that analogy.
It's about getting that outside perspective to make sure your resume is as strong as possible.
So who should you ask for feedback?
Friends, family, career advisors.
All of the above.
And don't be afraid to reach out to people in your network who work in your field.
They can give you valuable insights into what hiring managers are looking for
and how to tailor your resume to specific jobs.
So it's about using your connections.
Exactly. Because in the end, creating a great resume is a team effort.
I love that. So we've covered a lot today.
Keywords, ATS optimization, visual presentation, getting feedback.
But before we wrap up, I want to go back to something we talked about earlier.
The why behind your job search.
Yes, it's easy to get caught up in all the details,
but it's so important to remember your resume is a tool to help you achieve your professional goals.
It's like having a fancy sports car.
It's great to have all the bells and whistles.
But if you don't know where you're going, it's not going to get you very far.
Exactly. So when you're working on your resume,
take some time to think about your values, your passions, your vision for the future,
what kind of work really excites you, what kind of impact do you want to make?
Because when you're clear on your why, your resume becomes more than just a document.
It becomes a roadmap for your career.
It becomes a declaration of intent, a stepping stone on your path to professional fulfillment
and that sense of purpose.
It will show in every part of your resume, from the content to the way you present yourself.
And that authenticity, that's what will really resonate with potential employers.
Because they're not just looking for someone with the right skills.
They're looking for someone who is passionate, driven,
someone who shares their company's value.
Precisely. So as you start your job search,
remember that you are not just a list of skills and experiences.
You are a unique individual with a story to tell, a vision to share, a contribution to make.
I love that. And on that note, I think it's time to shift gears a bit and talk about
something that could be a little tricky for job seekers, online resumes and personal branding.
Ah, yes, the digital age. It's brought a whole new set of challenges and opportunities.
When it comes to presenting yourself professionally online.
It's at the Wild West out there. So many from platforms, so many strategies.
Exactly. And with social media being so big, your online presence,
it's almost as important as your traditional resume.
So it's not just about what's on paper anymore.
It's about creating a whole online brand.
That reflects your skills and values.
Precisely. And that's what makes it so interesting because now you're not just talking
to potential employers, you're talking to the whole world.
So you have to be careful about your digital footprint.
Make sure you're presenting yourself in a way that's both authentic and professional.
Exactly. And that brings up a lot of questions.
What platforms should you be on?
What kind of content should you share?
How do you find that balance between personal and professional?
Oh, we could probably do a whole deep dive just on that.
Definitely could. But for now, let's focus on some of the key things to keep in mind.
When you're creating an online resume and building your personal brand.
Sounds good. So where do we even begin?
Well, the first step is to look at your current online presence.
Do you have a LinkedIn profile, a personal website, active social media accounts?
Because chances are potential employers are already googling you.
Oh, absolutely. They want to see who you are beyond your resume.
Get a sense of your personality, your interests, your values.
You're creating a digital identity that matches your professional
goals. Precisely.
And that doesn't mean you have to be perfectly polished and professional all the time.
Actually, a little bit of personality can help.
It makes you more relatable, more memorable.
Right. It's about finding that balance between being authentic and showing your best self.
Exactly. And when it comes to creating an online resume,
there are a few different approaches you can take.
Like what?
Well, some people like to create a dedicated website,
like a digital portfolio of their work.
This is great for creative people who want to show off their skills
in a visually interesting way.
So it's like an online gallery.
Exactly.
And you can use your website to share your resume, blog posts, testimonials,
contact information.
It's like a one-stop shop.
Precisely.
Another popular option is to use professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
Ah, LinkedIn.
The social media platform everyone loves to hate.
I know, right?
But even though the interface can be clunky and there's a lot of self-promotion going on,
LinkedIn can be a really valuable tool for job seekers.
Yeah, I mean, it's a huge database of professionals and companies.
Exactly.
And you can use your LinkedIn profile to connect with people in your industry,
research companies, even apply for jobs.
It's like a 247 networking event.
Exactly.
And just like with your traditional resume,
it's important to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date.
Well-written, visually appealing.
Right. First impressions matter.
Even online.
Absolutely.
And when it comes to personal branding,
one of the most important things is to be consistent across all platforms.
So your LinkedIn profile should match your website and your social media accounts.
Precisely.
You want to create a cohesive online identity.
That represents who you are, what you stand for.
So you have to be intentional.
Exactly.
And remember, your online brand is always evolving.
As you learn new skills, gain new experience,
you need to update your profiles and share content that reflects your growth.
So it's an ongoing process.
Exactly.
And it can be a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it.
I agree.
Because in today's world, your online presence can really make or break your career.
Absolutely.
So invest the time and effort to create a strong online brand.
And you'll be amazed at the opportunities that come your way.
Yeah. It really is a whole new ballgame.
It is.
And it's something that a lot of people struggle with,
especially if you've been out of the job market for a while.
Right.
Like that family member, the author was talking about.
Exactly.
It can be overwhelming to try to catch up on all the latest trends.
So what are some of the biggest changes people should be aware of?
Well, one of the most significant shifts
has been the move towards online applications
and the use of applicant tracking systems, or ATS.
We talked about ATS a bit earlier.
Right. And it's something that every job seeker needs to understand.
Because these systems are essentially the gatekeepers to most jobs these days.
So how do they work?
Basically, when you submit your resume online,
it's often scanned by an ATS, which is a software program that looks
for keywords, skills, and experience that match the job description.
So it's like a digital headhunter.
In a way, yes.
But instead of a human being looking at your resume,
it's a computer program.
And if your resume doesn't have the right keywords,
it might never even get seen by a human.
Oh, wow. That's kind of scary.
It can be.
But the good news is there are ways to optimize your resume for ATS.
Well, the first step is to carefully analyze the job description
and highlight all the key skills and qualifications they're looking for.
Then make sure those keywords are included in your resume,
in a natural and organic way, of course.
Right. You don't want to just stuff your resume with keywords.
Exactly. It needs to read well for humans, too.
But by strategically using relevant keywords,
you can increase the chances of your resume getting past the ATS
and into the hands of a hiring manager.
So it was like a balancing act.
It is. You have to appeal to both the machines and the humans.
I guess that's just the reality of job searching in the digital age.
It is.
But don't worry. It's not as complicated as it sounds.
Once you understand how ATS work,
you can easily adapt your resume to improve your chances of getting noticed.
Okay. That makes me feel a little better.
So aside from ATS, what are some other things job seekers should keep in mind?
Well, another big change has been the rise of social media
and the importance of personal branding.
Right. It's not just about your resume anymore.
Exactly.
Potential employers are now looking at your online presence as well.
Your LinkedIn profile, your social media accounts.
They want to get a sense of who you are as a person,
not just a list of skills and experiences.
So it's like you have to create a whole online persona.
In a way, yes.
You need to be mindful of the image you're projecting online,
because it can definitely impact your job prospects.
But what are some tips for building a strong online brand?
Well, the fee step is to be strategic about the platforms you use.
For most professionals, LinkedIn is a must-have.
It's the go-to platform for networking, job searching,
and building your professional reputation.
Yeah. I've heard a lot of people say that LinkedIn is the new resume.
It's definitely becoming more and more important.
So if you don't have a LinkedIn profile yet,
I highly recommend creating one and make sure it's up to date.
Complete.
And showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.
So LinkedIn is essential.
What about other social media platforms?
It depends on your industry and your target audience.
For some professions, having an active presence on Twitter,
Instagram, or Facebook can be beneficial.
But for others, it might not be as relevant.
So it's all about tailoring your online presence
to your specific career goals.
Exactly. And remember, everything you post online
is a reflection of your personal brand.
So be mindful of the content you're sharing
and make sure to align with the image you want to project.
So it's not just about what you say.
It's about how you say it.
Absolutely.
And it's also about being consistent.
Make sure your messaging is similar across all platforms
so that potential employers get a clear and consistent picture
of who you are.
That makes sense.
So we've talked about ATS, social media, personal branding.
Is there anything else job seekers should be aware of?
Well, one last thing I want to mention
is the importance of networking.
I feel like networking is one of those things
that everyone talks about.
Yeah.
But no one really knows how to do it effectively.
I know, right?
It can feel really awkward and intimidating,
especially if you're an introvert.
But the truth is, networking is essential for career success.
Because in today's job market, it's not always
about what you know.
It's about who you know.
So how do you network effectively?
Well, the first step is to identify the people
in your network who could potentially help you
with your job search.
This could be former colleagues, classmates, friends, family
members, even people you've met at industry events.
So it's about leveraging your existing connections.
Exactly.
And then don't be afraid to reach out to those people
and let them know that you're looking for a job.
You might be surprised at how willing people are to help
if you just ask.
OK, so reach out to your network.
What else?
Well, another great way to network
is to attend industry events, conferences, meetups,
workshops.
These events are a great opportunity
to meet new people, learn about new trends, and potentially
make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
So it's about putting yourself out there.
It is.
And remember, networking is a two-way street.
It's not just about what people can do for you.
It's also about what you can do for them.
So it's about building genuine relationships?
Exactly.
And those relationships can be invaluable throughout your career.
I like that.
So we've covered a lot of ground today.
ATS, social media, personal branding, networking.
It sounds like the job search has really evolved in recent years.
It definitely has.
But the good news is there are plenty of resources available
to help job seekers navigate these changes.
Right, like this podcast.
Exactly.
And with a little bit of knowledge and effort,
anyone can create a standout resume,
build a strong online brand, and land their dream job.
I love that.
So to all of you out there who are on the job hunt,
don't give up.
Keep learning.
Keep growing.
And keep believing in yourself.
Because you've got this.
So much good stuff to think about.
Definitely.
And you know what?
It's funny.
We've talked about all these changes in the job search.
But I think there are also some things that will always be important.
Oh, absolutely.
Like no matter how much technology advances,
there are certain fundamental skills that will always be in demand.
Like what?
Well, I'm thinking about things like communication skills,
problem-solving abilities, critical thinking.
Those are definitely timeless skills.
And they're becoming even more valuable in today's world,
where everything is changing so rapidly.
Right, because employers need people who can adapt,
who can think on their feet, who can communicate effectively,
regardless of what tools or technologies they're using.
Exactly.
And those are skills that you can develop through a variety of experiences,
not just in the workplace.
Like what?
Well, volunteering is a great way to build those skills,
as is taking on leadership roles in community organizations,
or even just participating in hobbies or activities that challenge you
to think outside the box.
So it's about being a well-rounded individual.
Exactly.
And that's something that employers will always appreciate.
And speaking of things that employers appreciate,
let's talk about cover letters for a minute.
Oh, cover letters.
The often dreaded companion to the resume.
They know, right?
A lot of people seem to think that cover letters are a waste of time.
But I completely disagree.
A well-written cover letter can be incredibly powerful.
In what way?
Well, for one thing, it gives you an opportunity
to tell your story in a way that your resume simply can't.
Your resume is all about facts and figures.
But your cover letter allows you to showcase your personality,
your passion, your unique qualifications
in a more narrative and engaging way.
So it's like the human touch.
Exactly.
And it can make a big difference in making you stand out from the competition.
Especially if you're applying for a job,
where there are a lot of other qualified candidates.
Right. Because even if everyone has similar skills and experience,
your cover letter is your chance to show why you're the best fit for the role,
why you're the one they should hire.
So how do you write a cover letter that really grabs attention?
Well, the first rule of thumb is to make it specific to the job you're applying for.
Don't just use a generic template and swap out the company name.
Take the time to research the company, the role,
and tailor your cover letter to address their specific needs and challenges.
That's all about personalization.
Absolutely. You want to show the employer that you've done your homework
and that you're genuinely interested in the position.
And what about the content?
Well, your cover letter should essentially answer three questions.
Why this company? Why this role?
And why you...
It's like a mini sales pitch.
In a way, yes.
You're selling yourself to the employer
and convincing them that you're the best candidate for the job.
Okay. I'm starting to see the value of a good cover letter.
Good.
Because it really can make a big difference in your job search.
So any other tips for writing a killer cover letter?
Well, one thing I always recommend is to start with a strong opening,
something that will grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading.
Like what?
Well, you could start with an anecdote, a personal story,
or even a bold statement.
Just make sure it's relevant to the job
and that it sets the tone for the rest of your letter.
So it's like a hook.
Exactly. You want to hook the reader
and make them want to learn more about you.
And what about the closing?
Well, the closing is your chance to reiterate your interest in the position
and to thank the employer for their time and consideration.
You can also use the closing to briefly mention any next steps,
like when you're available for an interview.
So it's like tying up all the loose ends.
Exactly. You want to leave the employer
with a positive and lasting impression.
Well, I think that's a great place to wrap things up.
I agree.
We've covered a lot of ground today.
For the basics of resume writing,
to the importance of personal branding,
and the power of a well-crafted cover letter.
It's been a great discussion.
I hope our listeners feel empowered to go out there
and create job application materials
that truly showcase their skills and experience.
I do too.
So to all of you job seekers out there,
good luck with your search.
And remember, you've got this.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Until next time, keep learning, keep growing,
and keep chasing those dreams.