Resume Boutique Blog

More Information For Parents of College-Bound High School Students

2012-01-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

On November 28, 2010, I posted blog entry, "Blogs and Websites for College Applicants - The Ivy-Bound," http://resumeboutique.blogspot.com/2010/11/blogs-and-websites-for-college.html.

Today a "Harvard Mom" commented on the post. Grace Sullivan has worked as teacher and tutor in "some of the best private schools in the nation," and her daughter attends Harvard. Ms. Sullivan wrote a book, "Advice from a Harvard Mom," and she is promoting it on her website: http://www.harvardmomadvice.com/.

I think it is worth taking some time to review the website and her blog.

Randi Lewis

There is No Such Thing As LUCK in Landing a New Job

2012-01-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

By Randi S. Lewis
Founder, Resume Boutique LLC
info@resumeboutique.com

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Ancient Roman Stoic philosopher, Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Successful job seekers own the process.

In 2011, we worked with many people who were laid off or otherwise terminated from their positions. The most successful of them took full ownership of the process, maximized their resources, and never gave up. Each of them landed positions they wanted.

Some successful job seekers will tell you it was just luck. But landing a job happens only when you work hard to achieve your goal. Here is one example of preparation + opportunity:

From Account Executive to Business Manager

This twenty-something professional (Dave) began searching for new employment in February 2011. He was gainfully employed at the time but believed he needed to make a move to advance and began making inquiries of his mentors and contacts in the industry.

One of those contacts referred him to Resume Boutique for a resume, cover letter, and job pursuit/interview/post-interview strategy. We drafted the resume and several cover letters immediately. In May, after learning about a position he coveted, Dave went into full gear. The position was a stretch for someone with his experience. But that didn't deter Dave. He leveraged every connection to put in a good word with this prospective employer. Dave also began utilizing our consulting services to help him navigate this position. He had great instincts, including the knowledge that he should run his thoughts by those of us who were more experienced. He regularly relied on a coterie of mentors during what turned out to be a 2 - 3 month process that culminated in a job offer and acceptance.

We quickly recognized that Dave knew his strengths and understood how to compensate for his weaknesses. His strengths were many, including:

Client Relationships - established rapport with clients; temerity and raw ability to ask connections for assistance (remarkably, he was able to secure a personal letter of recommendation from a high level executive of one of his major accounts - also a major account of the potential employer)
Industry Knowledge - keen knowledge of his industry
Emotional Intelligence - high level of emotional intelligence and ability to read people
Strong Personal Qualities - kind, genuine, outgoing personality, great sense of humor
Goal-oriented - tenacity in pursuing his goal with the understanding it was his responsiblity to manage the process

Dave didn't have many weaknesses but writing wasn't his strong suit. He knew it and made no apologies about it. So, we drafted and revised all communications during the two-month interview process. We also worked Dave to refine his "elevator speech." Dave was mature for his age but, understandably, was not experienced in the employment process, particularly at the middle management level. He consulted with us on communication strategies for each interview and follow up, including salary negotiations. Dave prepared for every interview and every communication. We worked as a team with Dave and used the advice of his mentors in the industry to refine our discussions.

Dave always owned the process while leveraging his assets. Congratulations to Dave and all of you who took control of your lives to land great positions in 2011.

For those of you who are beginning your job search, we urge you to think about what is reasonably achievable, how you might begin your search, and how you can take control of your success.

There is no such thing as luck in the employment process. You have to use all available resources, including limitless patience, to achieve your goal.

Why Must I Change My Email Address on My Resume?

2011-12-31T16:13:00.000-08:00

By Randi S. Lewis
Founder, Resume Boutique LLC
info@resumeboutique.com

Throughout the years, we have job seekers to change their email addresses where the addresses may lead an employer to question their professionalism or maturity. This simple suggestion has been met with almost universal resistance because people are wedded to their email addresses. Typically, it's the name before the @ that is the problem, such as: "mikeysmith" (suggests lack of maturity) or "beergal69" (suggests lack of professionalism) that should be changed. In other circumstances the questionable email address includes the email provider too. Consider this email address: "[any name or initial]pleasant@excite.com." You don't want the employer wondering why you have that email address instead of considering your qualifications to fit the job.

It is so important to keep your contact information professional that we offer this suggestion:

Keep your personal email separate from your job search email. Simply open a free email account like "gmail" and use your gmail address for all employment-related communications.

Resume Tips for New College Grads

2011-11-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

New Grad Life posted an article worth reviewing if you are a relatively recent graduate. It is called, "12 Eye-Catching Resume Tips." Here is the link: http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2009/12/get-job-career-job-hunt.html

TMI: Think Before You Tweet About Your Job Interviews

2011-10-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

By Randi Lewis

Employers have a laundry list of basic qualities they seek in prospective employees. One obvious quality is an ability to exercise good judgment. During the interview, interviewers use different means to determine that basic quality. An ability to use good judgment in the use of social media has become increasingly important to employers.

With that in mind, here is a tip for those of you who are accustomed to “sharing all” on social media:

THINK BEFORE YOU TWEET

You should know that most businesses employ services that notify them by email whenever their business is mentioned on the internet. For example, check out Google Alerts, which will notify you by email anytime a word of phrase you identify appears on the internet. So, knowing that, you might think twice before you check in at www.foursquare.com or Tweet that you are interviewing at a particular company. Why?

Last month, a Chief Marketing Officer shared this story. She receives notifications on her email every time her company is mentioned on the internet. At a break during a Board of Directors meeting, she checked her email and noticed an unusual reference to her company. With a few clicks on her iPhone, she determined that a person had “checked in” at her company on Twitter. So, the CMO emailed the Chief Recruiting Officer, who called the Recruitment Manager. The young man actually had innocently “checked in” on foursquare, which was then posted on his Twitter page – something he does all the time – without thinking.

Within an hour of the time the interviewee had announced he was interviewing at this company, the recruitment professionals had informed an impression of him – correct or incorrect: THIS CANDIDATE USED POOR JUDGMENT.

So, the next time you think only your friends see your postings – think again. Particularly in this job market, think twice before you announce you are interviewing on social media.

Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

One Anecdote: Patience and Tenacity in Your Job Search in this Economy

2011-09-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

One of our Resume Boutique clients just landed a job after a long search. A Connecticut-based lawyer, he moved to New York City and took a temporary position with the thought that soon he would land a full time job. But within eight months, the New York legal market began to take a nose dive. So he did what he had to do. He was fortunate enough to work for on very long term projects for two firms. He contacted us in the summer of 2010. After he took the third temporary position, we recommended grouping all the contract work in one section rather than by law firms. We continued to refine his resume during this process to present the temporary positions in a manner that enhanced but didn't detract from his credentials. We also drafted numerous cover letters for different industries. The greatest concern regarding his resume was that there would be too many positions listed that might lead a recruitment professional to discard the resume without taking a second look.

Specifically, the contract work looked like this with bullet points below it summarizing the most relevant information from each position:

Contract Attorney, New York, NY

Aug. 2007 – Present

Contract lawyer for matters involving large financial, securities, and employment actions. Representative work:

Now, our colleague is working as an in-house counsel with a major national company. He made my day when he advised us on September 27, 2011 that he had landed a permanent position. Congratulations, SV!

Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Email Your Resume in PDF Format

2011-07-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

When you send your resume by email, the best way to forward it to a potential employer is to convert it to PDF format first. When you email by PDF, you ensure that no one can intentionally or inadvertently revise or amend it. A PDF format also maintains the integrity of your resume so that it looks the same on every computer.

How do you convert to PDF? You can do it for free by using a free PDF conversion program on the internet such as the one found at http://www.pdfonline.com/convert-pdf/. Or, you can purchase it from Adobe. It makes a difference.

Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Emailing Prospective Employers From your iPhone, Blackberry or Other Smart Phone

2011-07-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

by Randi Lewis

Should you correspond with a prospective employer while on the go? It depends.

Consider this scenario: You applied for a posted full time position. The recruiter (named changed to Joan) contacted you and asked you to come in for an interview. You waited almost a week to respond and then you wrote this in your car from your iPhone just before you went out for the day. You were in a hurry and didn't read it over before you sent this email:

Subject: Checking in

Joan, im sorry for the delayed response. While i would love to jave the opportunity to work for your company i'm having a hard time with the commute that I would have to make. I need to try to work a few things out since I have two little ones. I was going that I could work from home two days a week would be an option bit it doesn't seem that way. Please let me know what you think.
Sincerely, [Name Withheld]

My response to the writer: What were you thinking? Why would you delay in responding in the first place? Then when you responded, why didn't you wait until you were at your home computer? And if, for some reason, you had to respond from your iPhone, why didn't you take the time to check your spelling and grammar? And, this is much too informal and personal to send to a prospective employer. Use this as a lesson learned.

My answer to the initial question: If you are corresponding with a prospective employer and you must or should respond right away but the only means to respond is from your smart phone, then of course use the email on your phone. But take as much time as you need to check spelling and grammar. And make sure the email makes sense and is not too informal. Most smart phones have spell checks on them and you should use the spell checks only AFTER you have checked the email yourself. If it can wait, send it from your computer and check your work.

■ ■ ■ ■

Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

"5 Reasons to Join a Start Up After Graduating" by Eric Stromberg

2011-06-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Eric Stromberg

In April, we posted tips on how to get a job with a start up by a young professional, Eric Stromberg. His blog posting generated significant interest from college seniors and recent grads working on Wall Street and with other large business who appear to "just want someone to assure them [that choosing a start up is] a rational move." (See http://resumeboutique.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-get-job-at-startup-advice-by.html

Stromberg's recent post responds to those inquiries by giving people five reasons to join a start up after graduation. If you are thinking about joining a start up, click on the link below to read Stromberg's blog. http://estromberg.com/post/6108833062/5-reasons-to-join-a-startup-after-graduating

COMMON GRAMMAR MISTAKES IN RESUMES, COVER LETTERS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

2011-06-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Proper spelling and grammar are basic requirements for resumes, cover letters, thank you notes, emails, and all other written communications with prospective employers. This is particularly true in professions that involve significant writing.

Below are six most common grammatical errors to avoid in resumes, cover letters, emails, and other communications with prospective employers.

WHEN TO USE “THAT” vs. “WHICH”

“That” is for ESSENTIAL clauses (key to the meaning of the word or phrase it modifies). “Which” is for NON-ESSENTIAL clauses.

For example, a sales representative’s original resume contained a bullet point that read:

Developed new business from television advertisers for local NBC affiliate, that increased revenues by 58% in two years.

In this sentence, the word “that” doesn’t help define for whom the applicant developed new business. We already know that from the following words. The word “that” in this sentence is NON-ESSENTIAL. So, it correctly should have read:

Developed new business from television advertisers for local NBC affiliate, which increased revenues by 58% in two years.

Helpful Tip:

Essential clauses do not have commas around them. Non-essential clauses are surrounded by commas.

USE “THAT” IF YOU WOULD NOT PAUSE WHEN READING THE SENTENCE. USE “, WHICH” IF YOU WOULD PAUSE WHEN READING THE SENTENCE.

Another Example Using the “Pause Test”

A C-Level business executive wrote this bullet point on his resume:

Introduced a three-circle model to business operations, which centered on acquisition, development, and operations.

In this case, the clause, “which centered on acquisition, development, and operations,” is ESSTENTAIL to defining the three-circle model. The “, which,” therefore, should have been replaced with “that” in this case. You wouldn’t pause when reading the sentence.

Introduced a three-circle model to business operations that centered on acquisition, development, and operations.

WHEN TO USE “THAT” VS. “WHO”

“Who” refers to people. “That” and “Which” refer to things and groups.

WHEN TO USE “WHO” VS. “WHOM”

Use the “HE/HIM” test to decide which word is correct in each sentence.
Use the word “WHO” when the sentence, if rewritten, would read “HE.”
Use the word “WHOM” when the sentence, if rewritten, would refer to “HIM.”

Example:

In a cover letter, should you use who or whom in the following sentence?

I worked on these sales initiatives directly with the company’s President, who/whom promoted me to the Manager position within 8 months of the date I was hired.

Rephrasing the second part of the sentence, it would read: “He promoted me . . . .”

The correct word in this sentence, therefore, would be WHO.

WHEN TO USE “YOU’RE” VS. “YOUR”

One of the most common mistakes of apostrophe use is confusing YOUR with YOU’RE. They sound alike but their meaning is not the same. “You’re” is a contraction for “You Are.” But “Your” is a possessive adjective that describes a noun by describing to whom it belongs.

Helpful Tip:

Use the “YOU ARE” test. If you can substitute the words, YOU ARE, in the sentence, then use the contraction YOU’RE.

The most common misuse I have seen in recruitment-related communications is the misuse of “Your welcome.” This is WRONG. It should be either: “You are welcome.” OR “You’re welcome.”

WHEN TO USE “ITS” VS. “IT’S”

A common grammar mistake, particularly made by professionals whose second language is English, is the usage of “it’s” in pace of “its” and vice-versa.

Helpful Tip:

"It's" is a contraction for "it is" or "it has."

When in doubt whether to use “it's” or “its,” just replace “it is” or “it has” in your sentence.
If your sentence makes sense, then use the contraction, “it's.”
If it does not make sense then you use the non-contraction “its.”

NEVER END A SENTENCE WITH A PREPOSITION

The topic of ending a sentence with a preposition inspires debate among people committed to proper writing. Although there are times when trying to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition creates awkward phrasing, my view is that you should not end a sentence with certain prepositions such as “at,” “as,” and “for.”

Example:

In corresponding with a prospective employer to schedule an initial telephone call, a lawyer wrote, “. . . please let me know which phone number I can call you at.”

He should have written, “. . . please let me know the telephone number you would like me to call,” or simply, “. . . please let me know your contact phone number and I will be delighted to call you at a mutually convenient time.”

Helpful Tip:

NEVER END A SENTENCE WITH THE WORD “AT.”

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Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Thinking About Applying to Law School

2011-06-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about applying to law school, here is a site that contains a lot of information, including pre-law advice, school rankings, help with personal statements, and more. http://www.top-law-schools.com/

Randi

How To Get A Job at a Startup - Advice by A Wise Recent College Grad

2011-04-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Eric Stromberg

Duke University 2010 graduate, Eric Stromberg, gives aspiring entrepreneurs advice on how to land a job at a startup if you aren't a developer, in an April 20th blog post, which you can find on http://estromberg.com/. Stromberg, an economics major who chose to work in a NY startup over Wall Street's Goldman Sachs, works at Hunch Inc. His 7 main points:

(1) Know the landscape better than anyone else. (2) Form an opinion and start a blog. (3) Be familiar with the startup culture. (4) Offer a concrete skill (Stromberg tells about mistakes he made in his first interview). (5) Take an internship. (6) Send cold emails. (7) Understand that most people get non-technical jobs at startups through their network, not job postings.

Take a look at Stromberg's blog. It's also reprinted at http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-a-job-at-a-startup-if-you-aren't-a-developer-2011-4 . Think about how you can apply some of these principles to your job search and interview situation. It's sound advice.

Randi Lewis

Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | www.resumeboutique.com

Resume and Cover Letter Do's for Managers, Directors and Other Executives

2011-04-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am working on a resume for a highly accomplished engineer/MBA in Products/Operations Management. The first iteration of the resume is almost completed. I am refining his core competencies, and looking ahead to the cover letter. During this process, I often search the internet for similar positions.

Today, I found this posting on OperationsManager.com entitled, "5 Key Personality Traits of Operations Managers," http://www.operationsmanager.com/what-is-operations-management/5-key-personality-traits-of-operations-managers/.

Leadership | Great Planner | Common Sense | Effective Communicator | Cool Under Pressure

The explanations under each "Personality Trait" are well worth your time to read, particularly if you are writing your resume, crafting a cover letter, and preparing for the interview.

Randi Lewis | Founder | Resume Boutique LLC

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Resumes: What Hiring Managers Want in 2011

2011-03-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Question: What do Hiring Managers want to know when considering the resume of a mid-level to senior candidate?
Answer: They want to know you can solve problems, help the company run more efficiently, and/or help their business make money.

~ ~ ~

Question: HOW does that translate to a resume?

Answer: SHOW, don't TELL

Example #1: if you are a sales representative, writing that you have "excellent sales skills" is telling. But, writing that you "won 10 consecutive annual sales awards for achieving 110% of plan" is SHOWING. Because you have made money consistently in the past, the Hiring Manager most likely will infer you will make money for his/her company.
Example #2: if you are a C-Level Executive, writing that you are "responsible for branch office performance of 30 consultants with an increase in revenues" is telling. But, writing that your "leadership doubled sales staff from 30 to 60, boosted morale, and revitalized performance, resulting in a 58% increase in sales and a 35% decrease in operational costs," now that is SHOWING.

Answer: HIGHLIGHT Accomplishments | Results | Impact

~ ~ ~

These are simple answers to a tricky question. Every resume is different. For a free Resume Consult, send me your resume and I will let you know what I think - in plain English - no sales pitch.

Randi S. Lewis | Founder, Resume Boutique LLC | rlewis@resumeboutique.com

Resumes for Moms Returning to Work

2011-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

I just read an amusing blog post, http://nilsenlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/resume.html, by a full-time mom who contemplated what her "MOM" resume would look like. Interestingly, I have worked with these back to work moms to help them transform 5 to 13 years at home into something about which they can be proud. In May 2010, a former retail clothing buyer who has been raising her three children full time for the past 10 years. Within a short period of time, we had a two page resume that made her feel proud of herself. What's more, the first thing her interviewers commented on was what a great job she did on her resume. She didn't get the job, but she made it to the final three, and feels like she has something to contribute to a work environment.

The first back to work mom I worked with was a former practicing lawyer who had been out of the workforce for almost 13 years. Again, one of the most important challenges is for a mom to appreciate her value. After she landed an interview with her new resume, we worked on that emotional aspect of her job search, then her attire, then interview prep. She landed the job! That was years ago. And she acted with much more confidence when it was time to move on to the next opportunity.

If you are a mom looking to go back to work, think about all the volunteering you do at school and elsewhere. Volunteer work should go on your resume. If you are a mom thinking about returning to the work force and you just want to talk about how to start your resume, email me at rlewis@resumeboutique.com and I will be happy to talk you through the process.

Randi S. Lewis | Resume Boutique™

Audio and Video Resumes - The Future In Hiring?

2011-01-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

By Randi S. Lewis

Those of you looking for employment know that you need an electronic version of your resume to email or send online. In the year 2011, businesses more often prefer to receive resumes electronically rather than through the mail. For the most part, therefore, you don't need to buy expensive resume paper. Everything is communicated and stored electronically.

More recently, businesses are promoting both audio and video resume packages. I have no data at the moment in regard to the number businesses or recruiters who are testing these new services. I have no personal experience with these services and therefore I cannot speak to their benefits. I still provide the traditional resume and interview services but I thought you might want to learn more about new technology.

Talent Rooster, a video resume service, promotes its benefits to employers by asserting that "[b]ecause video resumes give hiring managers the ability to see candidates before bringing them in for an interview, a potential employee who may not look good on paper can shine with TalentRooster." (See http://www.talentrooster.com/benefits-of-video-resumes-for-recruiters.) Some career networking sites have a section that permits you to include a video.

Entrepreneur, Bradford Peterson, developer of the Audio Job Interview iPhone App, says his product "allows job candidates to create an actual audio interview they can record from their mobile device and send via a unique URL to employers. No other app we are aware of does this. We are already one the more popular apps in the Business category and the feedback we are getting from job seekers is more than gratifying."

Below are the links for more information about the Audio Job Interview iPhone App:

Video Demo on the product in use: (Facebook) - http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=342809865471

A brief sample interview Bradford recorded of what employers see and hear: http://uttr.net/node/1%26uid=B0C939AD61AF99A7D3807ACA69FF3BA9F22ECB03%26profileid=3

Professional Video Demo: http://www.vimeo.com/9980929

There are risks inherent in promoting yourself via an audio or video resume, however. Search on Google for pros and cons.

I am interested in learning anecdotally whether anyone has had experience with these types of employment screening methods. If so, let me know your thoughts by emailing me at rlewis@resumeboutique.com or by commenting on this post. Thank you, Randi Lewis

Top Job Search Blogs

2010-12-31T20:10:00.000-08:00

Resume Boutique recently made a list of 50 Top Headhunting Blogs. See: http://www.acceleratednursepractitionerprograms.com/top-50-job-hunting-blogs.html#37. We also made Job Profile's short list of Best Blogs for your job search in 2009. See: http://www.jobprofiles.org/library/job-search/100_best_blogs_for_your_job_search.htm.

Both websites contain blogs with helpful information related to your job search.

Randi Lewis

Tips to Improve Wording on Your Resume

2010-12-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year.

I thought this December 21, 2010 article on careerism.com was worth sharing with you:
http://www.careerealism.com/resume-7-overused-phrases/. It contains some thoughtful ideas about how to use more impactful language to make your resume stand out.

Randi Lewis

Blogs and Websites for College Applicants - The Ivy-Bound

2010-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

By Randi Lewis

It's that time of the year for high school seniors and their parents. You have submitted your early admissions and early action applications. You have submitted applications with November 15th deadlines. Hopefully, you have submitted your application to all schools with rolling admissions. Some of you are continuing to work on back up applications (which I recommend you do well before December 15th), and others, including those of you who are not applying for early admissions, still have time to submit the remainder of your applications.

For those of you with Ivy League or similar aspirations, here are a few websites you might find interesting:

"From Hopeless to Harvard," http://www.hopelesstoharvard.com/ivy-league-schools/ivy-league-admissions-secrets/.
Campus Compare, http://www.campuscompare.com/college-resources/dear-babs/?tag=college-search.
The College Solution, http://thecollegesolutionblog.com/tag/ivy-league/.
Huffington Post blog column, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kat-cohen/. The writer is a College Admissions Consultant and hosts a website called IvyWise: http://www.ivywise.com/About_people_katherine.html. Because I do not know the writer, I am not in a position to recommend her services, I think her content could be helpful to you.

In May 2010, we posted three websites that might provide some help to you regarding college interview preparation. This is the link to the post: http://resumeboutique.blogspot.com/2010/05/college-interviews-preparation-is.html. Those sites provide great information to help you prepare for interviews, whether they are with alumni or with the admissions professionals. Those are great places to start.

For more strategic help on preparing for your college interview, contact Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC.

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | 410.602.2500 | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Advice to Law Student Applicants: Do Not Use a Service to Send a Mass Mailing to Law Firms

2010-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Last week, an experienced, highly regarded legal recruitment professional working in a major U.S. law firm forwarded me an email by a law student. The email had a resume attached and asked for more information about the firm's summer associate program. My colleague thought the email was curious and asked me:

"Do you think this is a professional resume writer sending out resumes on this candidate's behalf?"

What do you think? Why was the email unusual? First, the name of the resume attached did not identify the student. Instead, it contained the name of resume company then the words, "LAW SCHOOL_ SUMMER ASSOCIATE SEND OUT." Not a good idea. My advice to you is to place your name on the document that contains your resume.

Second, the email said this:

"Hello Ms. [name of recruiter], my name is [name of applicant]. I am a 2L at the University of [name of school but not the correct name because it didn't say law school] and would like more information about applying to [name of law firm]'s Summer Associate program. I have attached a copy of my resume and appreciate any information."

As you can see, the email itself contained errors and showed a lack of knowledge of the summer associate application process. The greeting wasn't separate from the email (something a law student should know would be unwise); the email asked for more information about applying to the summer program (when law students should know that significant information about summer programs in major law firms, including how to apply for the summer program, is contained in each law firm's website); and, the last sentence was grammatically incorrect.

This is an example of how to get your resume in the NO PILE. An experienced legal recruitment professional would be able to determine from the substance of the email, the tile of the attached resume, and the resume itself, that the applicant had no idea why he applied to this firm in that particular city.

In this economy, you would be better served to ask your career counseling office for advice, particularly about how to target your search. Find a way to get an informational interview with as many law firms as possible and put on your best show. Even if the firms are not hiring now, if they find you particularly impressive, the interviewers may remember you when an position becomes available.

Summer Associate position mass mailings, particularly when you are not choosing the law firms or the cities to which they will be sent, are a waste of time and money. That's just my opinion.

If you ever have a question about transmittal emails to law firms, feel free to email me your question at rlewis@resumeboutique.com. Randi Lewis, Founder of Resume Boutique LLC.

http://www.resumeboutique.com/

After The Interview - Three Tips For Thank You Notes & Emails

2010-09-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

After your interview for a job you would consider taking, we recommned you send a brief thank you note - either by email or U.S. mail. If immediacy is a concern, use email. If not, either means of communication is acceptable in most circumstances. Use your judgment. Here a are three simple tips to keep in mind:

Keep it short to one paragraph or two.
Make it about the interviewer or the employer, not yourself.
For example, don't say how much you enjoyed talking about yourself and your accomplishments. Instead, discuss that you enjoyed learning more about something related to the business, the position, or the interviewer's career.
If you are truly interested in the position, write why the interview confirms your interest.

If you aren't interested in the position, for whatever reason, and you have at least one other job offer you would accept, let the employer know immediately. The employer needs to offer the position to the next person in line and would appeciate hearing from you ASAP, either to reiterate your interest, withdraw from consideration, or to accept or reject an offer.

By: Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC.

info@resumeboutique.com | 410.602.2500

http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Military Resumes Revisited

2010-08-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

If you are currently in the military thinking about how to transfer to a civilian job, you need to make a list of your competencies and find what types of civilian jobs are compatible with your military experience. Then you need a resume. You can use your performance reports as a guide to outlining your positions, duties, and accomplishments. Then you must translate the acronyms and abbreviations into plain English. If you don't, the civilian reader is likely to gloss over your resume and place it aside because he just can't see how your work can add value to his company.

If someone is helping you on your resume, you may want to refer him or her to this site, which contains a comprehensive list of abbreviations and acronyms:

http://www.patriotfiles.com/forum/showthread.php?p=454000

I am using it now and it has helped significantly. For more tips how to make your military experience more attractive to civilian employers, see our April 2007 blog posting: http://resumeboutique.blogspot.com/2007/04/word-about-military-resumes.html.

By: Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC.

info@resumeboutique.com | 410.602.2500 | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Resume Keywords - The What, Why, and How

2010-07-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

We were asked to post the following link on our blog that gives 10 resume tips. Here is the link. http://www.onlinecertificateprograms.org/blog/2010/10-ways-to-make-your-resume-stand-out/

Below are our comments on the use of Keywords, Tip # 1.

We agree. Use key words. But what are keywords and how do they help? How do you use them effectively in your resume? Just throwing out words that have no relation to your skills is not helpful. Where do you find the right keywords? The first place to look is on the job posting itself. Then look on the internet for industry-specific key words. Ask people in the industry what skills, experience, and qualities their companies seek.

Keywords can be verbs that suggest certain qualities employers seek such as leadership & team building, problem-solving, and achievements or results. A few examples are:

Leadership & Team Building

led | developed | directed motivated | empowered | revitalized | conducted | spearheaded | presided over

Problem-solving

streamlined | strengthened | re-designed | solved | eliminated | analyzed | evaluated | resolved

Achievements & Results

achieved | turned around | accomplished | produced | expanded | completed | increased | succeeded | enhanced | created | developed | devised | delivered (on time and within budget)

There are also industry-specific keyword that you also should place in your resume in strategic places. Here are a few examples for business-related resume of experienced job seekers whose experience would call for them to list core competencies in a separate section and/or throughout the resume:

Change Management | Investor, Board, or Trustee Relations | Strategic Planning | Project Management |
Infrastructure Development | P&L Management | Regulatory Compliance | Sales & Marketing Leadership

The Boston College Career Site contains practical information about keywords: http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/skills/resumes/keywords.html

Look for future postings commenting on some of the other nine resume suggestions. Contact Randi Lewis, Founder of Resume Boutique LLC with more questions about how to use Keywords effectively.

rlewis@resumeboutique.com | 410.602.2500 | http://www.resumeboutique.com/

College Interviews: Preparation is Important

2010-05-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time again when high school students begin interviewing for college admission. Preparation for your interviews, whether they are formal or informal, will help you feel more confident and present your best. Take advantage of the offerings by your high school college counselors. If your school offers mock interviews, participate. Practice with a parent.

Make sure you can articulate:

Why this school (know the school's website inside and out - use language from the website in your answer.
Why you (this is how you paint a picture of yourself and why you likely will align with "why this school")

Be prepared to answer questions. Here are a few websites you might find helpful. They contain basic interview questions for college interviews.

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theartofgettingaccepted/tp/college-interview-questions.htm

http://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/40-five-common-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them

http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ (lot of good info for college bound people, including chats about particular college interview questions – student to student)

For more strategic help on preparing for your college interview, contact Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, rlewis@resumeboutique.com.

http://www.resumeboutique.com/ | 410.602.2500

Law Firm Summer Associate and Entry Level Recruiting Plunged in the Fall of 2009

2010-03-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

The March 4, 2010 NALP Now Bulletin for Legal Career Professionals reported that the hiring of summer associates and entry-level lawyers plunged in the Fall of 2009. This is what was published:

"All of the markers that measure the strength of the legal employment market for new lawyers, such as law firm recruiting levels for summer programs and summer program outcomes, fell in 2009, continuing and accelerating the general downward trend in recruiting volumes that was measured in 2008. The drop-off in the numbers in the second year of the recession was steeper than the decrease in volume seen during the first year of the recession, as the recession continued to batter both the economy in general and the legal employment market specifically. Based on information provided by NALP members about fall 2009 recruiting, the market for entry-level legal employment shrank dramatically, especially for current second-year students (2Ls) seeking a position for summer 2010. This is according to Perspectives on Fall 2009 Law Student Recruiting, an annual report published by NALP on selected aspects of fall recruitment activity and the experiences of both legal employers and law schools. All NALP members will receive a copy of Perspectives on Fall 2009 Law Student Recruiting with their March Bulletin. The report is also available as a downloadable PDF from www.nalp.org/perspectivesonfallrecruiting, and NALP issued a press release about the report this week that can be found at www.nalp.org/2009perspectivesonfallrecruiting."

What does this mean for current law students? Most 2011 and 2012 graduates do not yet have legal-related summer jobs. What's worse, most 2010 graduates - third year law students - don't have any job prospects. What do you do? Understand that you have NO CONTROL over the economy or the job market and that you are NOT ALONE. The economy has reduced the job market in every sector of our global economy. Here are some thoughts:

Keep actively looking for jobs - legal, quasi-legal, internships, and as a last resort, non-legal jobs.
Network and take advantage of any and all offers of help by people you know and those you just meet. This help often appears in the form of opening doors.
Accept every offer for courtesy or informational interviews with lawyers or recruitment professionals.
Prepare for and present yourself in those interviews as if they were actual job interviews because the first impression you make will be a lasting one. And one contact leads to another and another.
Be able to articulate why you are interested in each job and why you would add value to each organization. (A recruiter just rejected an otherwise suitable candidate because when asked what about the company was of interest, he replied that he needed a job and the company posted the position on the school's website.)
Evaluate your unique situation after law school. (a) Will you have loan debt? If so, when will you have to start paying it back and how much will it be per month? (b) Will your living situation require you to pay rent or a mortgage? (c) Estimate your monthly fixed and variable living costs.
If you cannot find a paying legal job, determine whether you are in a financial position that would enable you to work in an unpaid internship position for a year and supplementing that with a paying job (i.e., waiter, store clerk) at night or on weekends.
If you have a sense of entitlement and can't get over the unfairness of it all ~ lose it! Adopt a winning attitude by searching for what is within reach. Down the road, employers will be looking at your resume and what will separate you from the rest of the pack is their perception of your resourcefulness and resilience.
Understand that this is a temporary situation. History tells us that this time will pass. We don't know when things will turn around but we know they will.
Adopt a positive attitude. Even if it is forced initiatlly, positive, hopeful attitudes are evident in your daily interactions with people, who will be more inclined to help someone upbeat.

For more information on legal job search tips, see our prior Blogs in 2009 on "Thinking Outside the Box: Your Approach to Finding a Legal Job in a Tight Job Market" and "The Importance of Informational Interviewing in A Down Economy."

Video Resumes in a Down Economy - Risks vs. Rewards

2010-02-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, msnbc.com contributor, Eve Tahmincioglu, wrote a piece about creating video resumes to land jobs. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35367030/ns/business-careers//. She profiled two men who created videos that accompanied more traditional resumes. One landed a job; the other hasn't landed any interviews. The man who landed a job shaved his head for a marketing position in a razor company. Clever. He thought about his audience and the position.

Do I generally recommend making a video or, what has become more common, creating a web resume, NO. You have to know your audience. Although you may think your idea is clever, that you look great, and that your content sets you apart, prospective employers may not. But there are some times where the potential reward will outweigh the risk. Read the entire column if you are thinking about a video resume. The columnist writes the weekly "Your Career" column for msnbc.com and chronicles workplace issues in her blog, CareerDiva.net.

For information about traditional resumes, contact Randi Lewis, Founder of Resume Boutique LLC, at 410.218.0586 or by email at rlewis@resumeboutique.com. Visit our website at http://www.resumeboutique.com/.

Getting Out of Our Own Way

2009-10-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

By Gary Cohen

As a professional executive and career coach, a common thread I find with clients is that they create many of the obstacles that get in the way of achieving their goals. This sounds crazy! If we are determined to achieve our goals, why would we sabotage ourselves along the way? Most, if not all of us, will experience this phenomenon at some point in our lives, but may not even be conscious of it. I was certainly in this position and through the help of my coach, began moving forward and eventually overcame my own obstacles to achieve my goals. Why do we get in our own way and what role does a coach play in helping us navigate around these self-imposed roadblocks?

Often times we get in our own way because of some kind of fear – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of rejection…and the list goes on. The easy way to avoid facing our fears is to practice self-sabotage, and remain nestled in a little cocoon known as our comfort zone. Sometimes remaining in a place where we really don’t want to be is more secure than venturing outside of our comfort zone and going after what we really do want in our lives. Fear is a powerful force that must be confronted head-on to overcome obstacles. When we allow fear to take over, we actually relinquish control over our destiny. Fear holds us back, keeping us from stretching outside of our comfort zones, a key ingredient to personal and professional growth.

We develop specific fears for numerous reasons, far too many to mention in this article. The good news is that everyone has the capability to overcome their fears and get out of their own way, clearing a path for the creation of positive personal and professional changes in our lives. There is nothing better than pursuing our passions without self-sabotage. A professional coach helps us navigate through the obstacles we have created, jump-starting us when we are stuck and accelerating our progress toward achieving our goals. This is achieved through guided self-discovery, with the coach asking powerful questions, challenging the client and creating a new level of accountability. This is accomplished in a safe environment for the client, with the feeling of partnership and support.

Even the best in their field can benefit from a coach. Tiger Woods, arguably the best golfer in the world, has a coach. Professionals hire a coach for a couple of reasons. One is that they have difficulty seeing their own mistakes and the other is the belief that we must continue to improve and get better on an ongoing basis to experience personal and professional growth. Many of the best and brightest in their fields work with a coach, so if you choose to do so, you will be in excellent company.

Gary Cohen is a faculty member at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and a principal of Forward Action Coaching, LLC where he specializes in executive, career and family business coaching. Contact Gary at gary@forwardactioncoaching.com and visit Forward Action Coaching, LLC at www.forwardactioncoaching.com.

Thinking Outside the Box: Your Approach to Finding a Legal Job in a Tight Job Market

2009-09-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

By Randi S. Lewis and Ellen B. Feldman

The Current Reality:

The legal job market is slow. But remember, nothing in life is permanent. The market will change.

Dealing With Your Current Reality:

Prepare an updated, accurate resume to be able to provide to anyone at a minute’s notice.
Evaluate your skill set and determine the legal and non-legal market for your skills.
Research the job market via internet, legal newspapers, trade associations, peer groups, professional and personal contacts, and legal search firms.
Determine your flexibility:

(a) Are you willing to take a pay cut? (b) Are you willing to relocate? (c) Are you willing to take a non-lawyer position? (d) Are you in a position to take a volunteer position in a legal setting? (e) Are you willing to travel for your job?
Do not apply for specialized positions for which you are absolutely not qualified.
When applying for a position, apply once, follow up once by a phone call or email after time has passed. Don’t apply several times for the same position.

Networking & The “About Me” Speech:

Networking is very important. More people get hired because they have a contact somewhere (either the reference or the connector).
Force yourself to attend every personal and professional event to which you are invited. Prepare the “About Me” speech (otherwise known as the "Elevator Speech." It needs to be positive and confident - without bitterness or negativity.
Contact everyone you know: family; friends; colleagues. Give them your “About Me” speech and ask if they know anyone you might contact.
When you talk with people at a networking or other social event, be prepared with your “About Me” speech. Where appropriate, ask for their help AND ask for their business card and their permission for you to email them your resume. Email your resume the next day with a similar “About Me” transmittal email and make sure you are asking them to do something – either passing your resume along or providing you with names of others with whom you can connect.
If anyone offers you a courtesy or informational interview, TAKE IT happily. Conduct yourself like it is an actual job interview. The interviewers may be your next connectors. Also, when the organization’s needs change, you may be first on their minds to fill a position.

Job Search Tips:

Look at traditional ways employers advertise job openings. If you are not finding anything and you are available, you should consider doing contract legal work either by networking with people you know to work on short-term projects or by working through a legal staffing company such as Special Counsel. It has been a very busy time in the temporary legal world.
Look at federal and state government jobs.
Look at law & policy/analyst positions.
Look at other public interest positions.
Look for in-house positions either part-time or full-time, in legal or quasi-legal positions.
If you are trying to switch practice areas, invest in education and volunteer.
Take some CLE’s in that different area.
If you are really serious, get an advanced degree (i.e., LLM, an MBA, MPh, MPA).
Attend a meeting of your area of interest or practice group through the bar association.
Find volunteer work for an organization working in your area of interest.

Current Trends in the Job Market – Who/What is Hiring:

Bankruptcy Litigation
Federal Government Jobs
Insurance Defense Litigation
Business & Commercial Litigation
Labor & Employment Litigation
Estates & Trusts in smaller firms

Websites:

Attorneys in Transition, http://attorneysintransition.com/
American Bar Association Career Counsel, http://www.abanet.org/careercounsel/finding.html

This was adopted from a presentation prepared for the Bar Association of Baltimore City Young Lawyers' Division (http://www.baltimorebar.org/files/pdfs/JobSearchProgram.pdf). For more information about temporary lawyer positions, contact Ellen B. Feldman, Esq., Senior Search Director, Special Counsel, ellen.feldman@specialcounsel.com.

The Bright Side of Job Loss

2009-08-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

By Gary Cohen, MBA, Certified Executive & Career Coach

♦ ♦ ♦

Losing your job during these tough economic times is a traumatic event and the realization of one of our greatest fears while we are employed. This is particularly difficult for breadwinners who feel the self-imposed pressure to “bring home the bacon.” When this misfortune strikes us, our first thought is to search for the same type of job in the same industry, simply because this is what we know, are comfortable with and believe to be our best opportunity. Few executives and managers take the time to evaluate their career satisfaction over the past several years, simply because we are creatures of habit and by nature resist change. However, we are assured a better quality of life if we are passionate about our work and look forward to it each and every day. Shouldn’t we be taking stock in this truism?

♦ ♦ ♦

My point is simply that job loss is a golden opportunity to revisit our career aspirations and make positive changes. It is a time to consider reinventing ourselves. We don’t have to lose our jobs to go through this exercise. I speak from experience, as I left a senior management position to become a business school faculty member and certified executive and career coach. Think about what you are passionate about and the activities that feed your soul. Wouldn’t it be great to earn a living around these passions? Many people successfully transition to new careers where they experience the delight of doing what they love every day.

♦ ♦ ♦

If you are out of work and love what you were doing, look to continue in your field with another firm. If you are no longer passionate about your work and need a paycheck now, it would be prudent to search for a position in your current field, but don’t ignore the opportunity to reinvent yourself and follow your passion. You may find that losing that job was a blessing in disguise.

♦ ♦ ♦

Contact Gary at gary@forwardactioncoaching.com

Visit Gary's website at www.forwardactioncoaching.com

100 Best Blogs for Your Job Search

2009-08-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

If you are a recent casualty of the economy, you will be joining the ever-growing list of professionals who can claim they were the subject of an economic layoff. Although many "experts" recently have opined that the economy is in an upswing, I am not seeing that as a resume writer and interview coach.

Frankly, in the last month alone, we are working with professionals at the D and C levels who have been laid off with no notice. We are seeing the same upswing in layoffs of lawyers at all levels.
Students with hefty student loans are having difficulty navigating the new economic realities. (If you are a parent of one of those students, we are going to Blog about how you can help them.)
On the upside, our clients ARE finding jobs. But, it is taking longer to land new jobs and the job searches require hard work, determination, and focus.

Here is a list of Blogs that may help you in your job search. http://www.jobprofiles.org/library/job-search/100_best_blogs_for_your_job_search.htm. We are delighted to have made the list of resume blogs. To learn how our resume consultants can help you, visit us at http://www.resumeboutique.com/. Randi Lewis, Founder © 2009 Resume Boutique LLC. All rights reserved.

The Importance of Informational Interviewing in A Down Economy

2009-06-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's June 2009. Jobs in most sectors of our economy are scarce. If you are looking for a job, it is likely you've experienced your share of "thank you but no openings" responses. Or what's worse, no response at all. You need a job now. "What is the point of setting up informational interviews," you ask.

In more prosperous times, you might want to set up informational interviews for two reasons: (1) to gain information you need to help in your career choice; and (2) to make connections.

But, in this economy, it's a buyer's market and you are the seller. You want to use the informational interview process as part of your long-term job search strategy. Your goals should be (1) to build relationships for the future, (2) to ask for advice and contacts for your job search, (3) and to leave a positive impression. Here is how you start the process:

MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE YOU KNOW THROUGH YOUR OWN CONTACTS, CONTACTS FROM FAMILY, AND CONTACTS FROM FRIENDS, with phone numbers and email addresses (placing the information in chart form with a column for comments/ follow up.
MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET.
PREPARE A SCRIPT TO TAILOR FOR EACH CONTACT.
CALL OR EMAIL EACH CONTACT AND LET THEM KNOW: (1) your job status and area of expertise (or that you are a graduating student seeking an entry level position); (2) that you are looking for a position; (3) why you are searching; (4) where appropriate, the name of the person who referred you.
TELL THEM YOU ARE NOT CONTACTING THEM TO ASK FOR A JOB, BUT RATHER TO ASK FOR 15 OR 20 MINUTES OF HIS OR HER TIME AT HIS/HER OFFICE TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE CURRENT MARKET AND JOB SEARCH SUGGESTIONS.
FOR THOSE CONTACTS YOU REACH BY TELEPHONE, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR PRESENTATION AND QUESTIONS PREPARED IN THE EVENT THE CONTACT SUGGESTS THAT YOU TALK AT THAT TIME.

Keep notes of your conversations, follow up, and the contacts recommended. Then, send a thank you note or email. Include something you found helpful during your conversation. Contact each person to whom your contact referred you, going through the same process.

Keep an open mind, cast a wide net, and maintain a positive attitude.

For more information on informational interviewing, contact Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, at rlewis@resumeboutique.com or 410.602.2500.

When in Doubt, Take it Out! Social Media Users - Beware of Your Content

2009-05-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Blogs, facebook, My Space YouTube, Twitter, Diggs, and more. Millions of people use social media outlets to share personal information, some minute-by-minute. To some of us, they have become addictions, like the "Crackberry!"

Whether we are obsessively connecting on facebook or responding to Tweets delivered to our iPhones, we seem to forget - or disregard - the fact that we have no expectation of privacy in this manner of connecting.
That's particularly true when we are at work or looking for work.
Last September, I gave job seekers eight tips for using facebook. Take a look. http://resumeboutique.blogspot.com/2008/09/no-privacy-on-facebook-8-tips-for.html.

Job seekers aren't the only ones who need to be mindful of their postings. We know employers increasingly use these new technologies to check the backgrounds of job applicants. But, senior management also read blogs, monitor their facebook accounts, and follow Twitter. Clients and customers - the same.

Have you ever written that you had too much to drink the night before and called in sick? Posted photos that could be offensive to others? Used profanity in exchanges with others? Probably.
Have you thought about who's reading your musings? That's right. Co-workers. Clients. Customers. Are they laughing? Maybe not so much.

Employees and job seekers take note:

When in Doubt, Take it Out!
No bare skin photos or videos. That's right. Lose the skimpy bathing suits.
No photos or videos of excessive drinking or partying.
No foul language.
No negative comments about co-workers, customers, or clients.
Remember, the standard is NOT what you think is appropriate. It's what employers, clients, colleagues, and customers think.

Be smart. Keep your job.

Job Search Etiquette: Nay to the Word, "Hey!"

2009-05-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

The word, "HEY," is an informal way of saying, "HELLO." When you are in the job search process, should you use that word to address your potential employer? Our clients have asked us that question more frequently in this competitive economic climate - particularly in the context of exchanging emails.

Our Answer Remains the Same: Don't Use the Word "Hey"

Always be safe. Address people as Dear Mr. or Mrs. You can't go wrong with that. If your professional setting is much more informal, then use the words, "Hi" or "Hello." But, it depends on the industry. In the young tech world and in the entertainment industry, the rules are more relaxed. To be sure, we asked employers who are on the front lines of the hiring process to tell us their thoughts. Here's what five of them said:

Fifty year old lawyer and former Recruitment Committee Chair: "I am old school so my answer is no way."
Forty-something Recruitment Manager for Professional Services Firm: "Using 'hey' to address an employer is too informal and an immediate turnoff. It leaves me with a bad impression."
Thirty-something New York Casting Director: "I use it all the time, including in my emails to full-time job and summer internship applicants. I went back and looked at my emails after you posed the question and I noticed that most young people responded with a word other than 'hey' even when I used it as a greeting. I am fine with the word but I guess it's more respectful to use 'hi' or 'hello' when you are not in the driver's seat."
Forty-something Medical Practice Administrator: "I absolutely detest when people use that word and I would find it very disrespectful if an applicant sent me an email addressing me with the word, 'hey.'"
Forty-something Human Resources Director for Fortune 100 Business: "Hey is for horses. Don't ever be that informal in the interview process and don't write that in any email or correspondence if you want to work with our company."
Twenty-something Tech Entrepreneur: "Depends on the industry. In tech? Yes, by all means."

For more interview tips and advice, contact Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, at rlewis@resumeboutique.com 410.602.2500 http://www.resumeboutique.com/.

Job Search - Harder and Smarter

2009-04-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's April 2009.

Some businesses, organizations and governmental agencies are hiring even in today's uncertain economic climate. But more people are applying for the jobs you want. Take your job search up a few notches. Make yourself standout. Here are a few suggestions:

Federal government jobs are on the increase. Check out http://www.usajobs.gov/ weekly. Search trade organization websites. Send your resume and a brief note asking for any leads to any one who might be in a position to help.
Make it personal. Pick up the telephone. Where appropriate call the contact person and try to introduce yourself. You can't do that with federal government jobs but you may be able to make the connection in the private sector.
Polish your resume. One size doesn't fit all. Try not to use a template.
Use Keywords. Study job postings online and create a list of common words and competencies used by the employers. They're called, "keywords." Place key competencies that include key words in a core competency section at the top of your resume just below a profile section that defines/summarizes your professional achievements.
Lock your fear of rejection in a box. Stop planning, revising, and re-writing. Perfect your resume and just start looking for suitable positions. Send your resume to headhunters that post positions.
It's likely to take longer to find a position in this economic climate. Therefore, patience and determination are critical.

For a free resume critique, please contact me, Randi Lewis, at 410-602-2500, or by email at rlewis@resumeboutique.com.

A Note To College Students Looking For Summer Internships

2009-03-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

Accept the offer on the spot!

"Why?" you ask. "It's the economy, stupid," to quote a line often stated by President Clinton's campaign officials when he was running for President in 1992. I know you live in an insulated environment and that most of your parents support you. But, the economy is contracting every day. In this economy, it's hard to find work for interns when companies have less work for their paid employees. People are getting laid off from their jobs - more than 1.2 million in January and February alone. Some newer professionals are taking unpaid internships just to stay in the working world and in the hope that they might turn into paying jobs. I have completed resumes for many young people in that position, including 2008 college grads without jobs.

If you are fortunate enough to land a few interviews for unpaid internships, do your best, learn as much about the company as you can. Know WHY you want that job and be ready to discuss YOUR CAREER GOALS and how that internship aligns with those goals. There are no certainties that you will land that internship. After all, there are hundreds of students just like you lining up for those couple of jobs.

So, if you are telephoned on Friday from one of your interviewers who calls to give you the good news, JUST SAY YES!! And sound very excited and honored. You don't have the luxury of sounding non-committal and asking when you have to let them know. You might find yourself in a situation where your offer is rescinded and given to one of the 99 people anxiously waiting behind you. That's the real world. Operate from a place of gratefulness and you will do very well in this environment.

[Do I sound like your mother or father? I hope so!] Randi

2009-02-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Career Coaching for Women

2009-01-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Are you at that time in your life where you stop and take stock of your career choice and the path ahead? It's helpful to be able to talk about it with a non-family member, non-friend, who has the training and life experience to help you take ownership of your future. One of my clients in 2008 was at that crossroads in search for a different meaning in her life. I helped this business professional, with an MBA and Wall Street experience, to create a powerful resume. More importantly, a career consultant helped her reach a deeper personal understanding and re-define her goals. Robin Kahn, that brilliant consultant, works with women professionals and entrepreneurs who feel stuck. I have known Robin for many years. Her intellect combined with her professional experience and keen listening/analytical skills enable her to make a difference in people's lives. According to Robin,

"these feelings can be especially pronounced at life transitions such as midlife when we may question our purpose, or for businesses looking to get to the next level of growth. As a coach, my goal is to listen to and support clients to get from where they are to where they wish to go."

If you are at that crossroads, contact Robin. http://robin.revcetera.com/

Facebook Resume and Interview Advice Group Special for College and Grad Students

2008-11-27T10:29:00.001-08:00

Are you in college or grad school? Are you going to apply for a summer internship? Now is the time to start getting organized. Are you a member of the Resume and Interview Advice Group on Facebook? If not, join today: http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&init=q&q=resume%20and%20interview%20advice&sid=abdbb4175cbcb55b10d42dbd28bc2859#/group.php?gid=24400964246. From Thanksgiving Day through Inaguration Day, we are running a special for College and Grad Students who are members of our Facebook Group. The offer expires on January 21, 2009. It's time to start thinking about internships and jobs for the summer of 2009. You will need a resume and a cover letter or transmittal email to apply for those positions. This special gives you a resume and a cover letter plus a list of references for $130 (actual cost is $180 so you are saving $27%).

Last year at this time, we crafted resumes and cover letters for students who applied for and landed internships across broad industry sectors. They include:

New York publishing company
Washington D.C. financial institution
New York fashion industry
New York investment banking firm
Indpendent film company

Let us help you look your best on paper. Call or email for more information.

Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

Telephone: 410-602-2500

Email Address: rlewis@resumeboutique.com

Website: http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Obama Administration Jobs

2008-11-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

While employers nationwide are laying off thousands of workers, there is one potential employer poised to consider your application:

The Obama-Biden Administration Transition Team

The new Administration is considering the expressions of interest for "non-career" positions. If you are interested in working for the new Administration, go to: http://www.change.gov/page/s/application. You will be asked to complete and submit an "on-line Expression of Interest Form." Within a few days, you will receive an email with a link to a more complete on-line application, which you will be required to complete. If you get to the stage where you will be interviewed, you should have a resume and a reference list ready to submit.

Resume Boutique is poised to help you become a part of this historic administration.
We will help you navigate the process.
Email us your current resume for a free telephone critique. rlewis@resumeboutique.com

Election Day - Get Out The Vote

2008-11-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

We urged you to exercise your constitutional right to vote on November 4, 2008. Well before midnight, John McCain conceded the race to Barack Obama. Change brings opportunity. Your next job may be linked to the new Administration. Think out of the box. Get your resume ready!

No Privacy On Facebook: 8 Tips for College Students & Other Job Seekers

2008-09-14T06:49:00.001-07:00

By Randi Lewis

Facebook ~ A Means of Expression and Connection ~ But Who's Looking?

It's fun connecting with your friends on Facebook - sharing photos; videos; posting what you are doing and how you are feeling at a given moment. And, yes, there is a big BUT! But guess who is looking at your musings: POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS. Increasingly more employers are searching Facebook postings as reference tools. Facebook is becoming the third reference tool, a modern day adjunct to the Credit Report and the Criminal Background Check. Below are a few absolutes that you should consider well before you are looking for a job.

College students & younger professionals, read on.

Carefully review everything posted on your Facebook page including postings by others.
Remove postings by others that may be funny to you (inside jokes) but could be perceived as immature or unsophisticated by employers.
Remove all photos and videos of yourself and others that are at all sexy or seductive (no low cut tops for girls; no bare chests for boys).
Remove all photos and videos of yourself and others that show excessive partying or the use of alcohol.
Remove all other photos and videos of yourself and others that depict anything that might offend your parents or their friends.
Remove all content (words) that contain foul or unsophisticated language.
Stop writing what you are doing or feeling at any moment (i.e., "Dave is hungover and not going to classes today"; or "This new Facebook layout sucks!").
When in doubt, take it out!

Randi S. Lewis Founder, Resume Boutique LLC ~ 410.602.2500 http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com

How and When to Accept a Job Offer in this Economic Climate

2008-08-31T08:25:00.001-07:00

By Randi Lewis

~ ~ ~

It's the end of August 2008. The job market, like the housing market, has slowed considerably. Although there is more activity in some industries than others, this is not the best time to look for a job. It's a buyer's market - and you as job seeker are the seller.

~ ~ ~

Whether you are a college grad looking for that first job or a more seasoned professional who is required or just "itching" to look elsewhere, my advise from the employer's perspective is the for the most part the same. Although you don't ever want to look desperate, you should let employers know in an appropriate way, and especially if they ask you either directly or indirectly about your goals and priorities, that you are sincerely interested in the position with THAT organization.

~ ~ ~

If it's your first choice, let them know and tell them why. Here are a few other general tips - remember, your situation will vary - use your judgment and ask others for help in your process:

Think deeply, analytically, and clearly about which position would be best for you - if you had the choice - and prioritize your choices.
Be prepared to accept the job offer if it comes from your first choice - either on the spot or within short order. If you do not accept on the spot, let the employer know you are inclined to accept and let them know you will get right back to them.
If you receive an offer from your second or third choice, express your genuine excitement and enthusiam for the offer and then try to buy time.
In order to buy time, ask questions like: (a) What are the health and other benefits and would they be able to send you the information about the benefits; (b) Would they be sending you a formal offer letter; (c) What is their preferred timing for responding to the offer and for starting employment.
Then, immediately let your other interviewers know you received an offer and your time constraints. Inquire in an appropriate way whether they could let you know your status within your deadline.
When communicating with your first choice employer and you know you would accept the offer irrespective of the details - let them know that, if they gave you an offer, you would accept it on the spot. OR, if that is too bold for your style, let them know they are your first choice.
In any case, do not string any employer along very long. The manner in which you handle the offer process will make a difference, at least in the short term, in the manner in which your employer will view your interest in the organization and your honesty and maturity in the process.

In this economy, when jobs are scarce, don't play hard to get. Your enthusiam and professionalism will be remembered by your employer.

Personal Growth

2008-07-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

There is a wealth of information on the website above. I thought you might be interested in scrolling through it. Randi

Cover Letters and Reference Lists

2008-06-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Don't sweat the small stuff when you are beginning to look for a new job. Here are a few simple first steps:

Determine what type of positions you will seek.
Find job postings that interest you.
Revise your resume using language in the qualities listed in the job postings.
Craft concise cover letters with two or three paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Identify yourself and why you are writing. Paragraph 2: Talk about work experiences related to the posted position AND what value you would bring to the organization. Paragraph 3: Express your interest in meeting with the employer to discuss your qualifications and express thanks for the employer's consideration, providing your contact information.
Compose a reference list that includes the person's full name, title, name of company, email address and telephone number. If the reference has moved on from the company from which he or she would give you a reference, use the new company and then in parentheses note the prior position and company.
Use the same format for the top of your resume, cover letter, and reference list.

Randi S. Lewis Founder, Resume Boutique LLC ~ 410.602.2500 http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com

The Top of Your Resume IS Important

2008-05-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

By Randi S. Lewis, Owner, Resume Boutique LLC

~ ~ ~

Form and substance matter on resumes. Did you know that a recruitment or human resources professional, typically the person who decides whether to "continue reading" or "discard" your resume, takes about 5 to 10 seconds to make that initial decision? As a result, you want to make sure the top of your resume looks GREAT. Here are a few simple suggestions:

Your name should be in bold and in larger font - 16 or 18 pts. There are a number of ways to postion your name and contact information. One clean way is to center your name and then on one or two lines you should place your address, the best telephone where you can be reached most often, and your email address. The address line should not be in bold and can be in the smallest font - no smaller than 10.5 but more commonly 11 pt.
In the U.S., the most commonly used font is Times New Roman. Garamond if you want an elegant look. If you have a lot of information on your resume, you probably should use 11.5 or 11 pt. font. The font of the texts shouldn't be larger than 12 pt. Your headings can be larger but no larger than 13 pt. unless you are using SMALL CAPS.
Objective vs. Profile or Summary of Qualifications. Most sample resumes suggest placing an objective at the top of your resume. As a recruitment professional who is the first stop for people's resumes, my view is that most Objective sections are meaningless and can serve to undermine the resume. So, my advice: don't waste your time writing an objective. Instead, write a Profile or Summary of Qualifications.
Here is an example of one recent profile I wrote: Accomplished executive with 20 years of sales, marketing and operational leadership achievements in the insurance industry and track record of establishing, developing, maintaining, and growing profitable business relationships in a broad range of industries. Collaborative leader with refined networking skills and proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate top-performing sales teams. Lead and manage operations of firm’s largest revenue-generating department.
Here is an example of a summary of qualifications (or profile): Employee benefits, ERISA, and retirement plan specialist with a recent law degree and more than 17 years of experience working with major companies and financial institutions administering retirement plans. Extremely thorough and detail-oriented professional with experience designing and drafting plan documents and amendments, conducting and overseeing non-discrimination testing, ensuring operational compliance with plan documents, timely governmental reporting, and disclosure of plan changes and modifications to participants.
Here is an example of the profile of an army sergeant looking for employment after completion of his tour of duty: United States Army Sergeant with secret security clearance and eight years of experience in maintenance procedures and repair for Patriot Missile Defense Mission. Strong leader, responsible for the tactical training, morale, health and welfare of other soldiers and for the accountability and maintenance of section equipment. Loyal team player recognized for having unlimited potential, the ability to take direction well and manage time effectively, and creatively executing missions. Seeking civilian position upon completion of tour of duty. ~ ~ ~

Resume Boutique LLC ~ 410.602.2500

http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com

Don't Define Yourself By Whether Or Not You Get THE Job

2008-04-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

YOU KNOW YOU CAN MASTER THE JOB. BUT WHAT MATTERS IS ONE THING: WHAT THE MARKET WANTS.

In this slowing economy, the job market is even more competitive than in years past. In recent months, our clients have had to search harder and smarter to find suitable positions.

EXECUTIVES and MANAGERS

This has been particularly true for more senior executives and business owners looking for new opportunities. It's been evident to our resume writers that our experienced managers and executives could add real value to companies seeking more junior employees. But some clients have found that potential employers don't see it their way. For example, an entrepreneur who was seeking upper management/executive opportunities after he recently wound down his financial services company, was answering job postings for managers with 5-10 years experience. "I will work for the same salary as a 10 year executive but bring my 22 years of experience to the table," he told me. "Why wouldn't a company want 22 years of experience and pay for 10?"

~ ~ ~

But the answer to that question is irrelevant. Our seasoned executive cannot set the bar. He has to accept the market's desires in most situations. So, last week, he then went to Plan B: he began contacting every business contact in his Outlook Contacts List to ask for advice and assistance. When searching for the right next position, target your search to minimize your frustration and don't define yourself by not being what the market wants. Find the market that wants what you can contribute. Then start your search with your base: the people who know your skills; your intellect; your work ethic; and ask for their advice and assistance.

COLLEGE STUDENTS

When you are a college student looking for a summer position, it's even more difficult to understand that it's not about you if you aren't selected for all the positions you seek! If you are looking for a job in any major city like New York, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, you likely are competing with hundreds, if not thousands, of students throughout the country. You might be a sophomore with a 3.6 from Princeton with a major in economics and you don't get the internship you covet. You are devastated and start thinking there is something wrong with you. Not a chance! There was simply someone else in the job pool, for whatever reason, landed the job. You would have done well too. Just keep on looking for a position. It only takes one job. And when you are working there for the summer, take ownership of your work, go the extra mile, and don't exhibit a sense of entitlement about anything. Exhibit gratitude in your demeanor.

Lawyers Close to Partnership - Evaluating Your Situation In Our Slowing Economy

2008-03-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

The crash of the subprime mortgage industry, rising gas prices, and a looming recession is having an impact on most sectors of the U.S. economy. Certain law firms are among those beginning to feel the pain. New York firms - even those not impacted by the subprime crisis - are tightening their belts and being more selective in their hiring, particularly of lateral lawyers.

~ ~ ~

Law firm COO's and Executive Committees are preparing for a difficult year. What does that mean for you? Are you next in line to be considered for elevation to partner? You may be less likely to move up the ladder this year - or for the next period of time. If you will not make partner, you may be thinking of going somewhere else. But don't make that decision, and surely don't telegraph that to the partners, until you very discretely test the market. If you are not in an "up or out" situation, in this economy, it may be wise to wait. Here are a few things you can do to evaluate the market in a discrete way to assess the legal market:

Ask a colleague in another firm to connect you with his/her firm's recruitment professional.
Talk with a headhunter or two about their experiences with the market.
Evaluate job websites to determine what experience level firms are seeking now.

If your research leads you to believe it will be difficult for you to make a move now, you should consider staying where you are, working harder, deepening relationships with clients, and attempting to find a way to get some business. Your marketability will increase if you have your own business.

Randi S. Lewis

Founder, Resume Boutique LLC ~ 410.602.2500

http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com

What Happened To The Handshake?

2008-01-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

By: Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

~ ~ ~

Can your handshake really make a difference? The answer is a resounding YES! Whether you are a high school student going on a college interview or a seasoned professional meeting with potential new business colleagues, the manner in which you greet others matters. A strong handshake coupled with eye contact and a proper greeting will create an initial positive impression. A weak handshake, on the other hand, is perceived as a sign of weakness.

Here are a few simple handshake tips:

At the beginning of your meeting, stand tall, extend your hand, smile, look the person in the eye, shake his or her hand fully and firmly, and say, "Hello Mr. Smith, Randi Lewis. Nice to meet you."
If you are a novice interviewer, practice this with someone else until you get it right.
The handshake should last for about three pumps.
You should maintain eye contact the entire time.
If you have a strong handshake, your interviewer is likely to form the immediate impression that you are confident and invested in the interview. This sets the tone for the interview and the rest will be up to you.
At the end of the interview, stand up, approach your interviewer, extend your hand, shake firmly with the three pumps and the eye contact and say something like, "Thank you, Mr. Smith, for meeting with me. I enjoyed our conversation."

For more information about the importance of handshakes, contact Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, at 410.602.2500 or rlewis@resumeboutique.com.

http://www.resumeboutique.com/

An Executive Seeking A Different Opportunity Needs Patience

2007-12-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

Patience in the Process; Clarity in Your Goals. When you are a seasoned executive looking to move on, there may be a pot of gold waiting for you at the end of a rainbow, but you need to be patient until the right opportunity presents itself. I don't mean to suggest that you should wait until an opportunity comes to you, rather that you need to have stamina during your search. Sometimes it takes years to find the right fit. And, you need to have clarity in regard to what it will take for you to change positions, because negotiating the deal is as important as getting the offer. Below are a few anecdotes where patience and perseverance were victorious.

~ ~ ~

Four years ago, I began working with an executive at the director level of an international company. After being passed over more than once for several Vice President positions, he began looking elsewhere. I revised his resume several times in three years. Unfortunately, he couldn't land a job that would provide stability for himself and his family. He faced signficant rejection and was demoralized each time he wasn't selected as "the candidate." He remained with his company and continued to pursue other opportunities. This November, he finally landed a new position - at the VP level of another international company!
Two years ago, I had the pleasure of revising the resume of a senior hospital administrator. His background and experience were extremely impressive. He wasn't really looking for a new position, but an executive search firm had contacted him about an interesting position out of state. After learning more about the position, he withdrew his name from consideration and remained content in his position. Recently, he was contacted again by another executive search firm and sent his resume right away. It looks like he is poised to land the coveted executive position, but he said it will have to be something special for him to leave his position.
In the summer of 2006, I wrote a resume for a talented business executive at the Vice President level of a sports organization who was being courted by a couple of other franchises. He came close to accepting an offer at the President level of a larger sports organization, but his instincts during the negotiation process told him it was not the right fit for him. He remained with his team. Then, about a month ago, he accepted the COO position of another sports franchise. He will do wonderful things for the organization, and I will be routing for the team with a big smile.

Whether you are a senior executive or a newer employee, patience in the process will serve you well. And, doing your research and other due diligence about the new opportunity should help you make an informed decision about your future.

Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Tips for Choosing A Career and Succeeding At Work

2007-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

By Randi S. Lewis

Career Development Professional and Resume Writer

How do you find an appropriate career? And once you do, how do you succeed? Here are a few tips to consider.

Five Things to Consider When Choosing A Career:

Let your passions help guide your career choices.
Identify the things you do well.
Determine what motivates you (i.e.: public service; financial security; fame; intellectual stimulation).
Develop a reasonably achievable plan to find and pursue careers that would align your passions with your aptitudes.
Take risks and don't be deterred by rejection or failure. Success is around the corner.

Five Tips to Help You Succeed At Work:

Learn your craft by working hard, observing others, participating in relevant workshops, and reading work-related materials.
Listen well, ask questions, don't gossip, and take ownership of your work.
Find a mentor to help guide you through your career.
Treat everyone in your office with the utmost respect, while exuding a sense of gratitude, not entitlement.
Ask for feedback and respond appreciatively to constructive criticism.

Randi S. Lewis

Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Scented Resumes on Pink Paper? Only if you are Reese Witherspoon!

2007-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

In the summer of 2006, I wrote a resume for a recent college grad looking for his first job. He had been advised to put his photo on his resume and it was not easy for me to convince him that was not a good idea. He wanted to print his resume on blue paper. Also not a good idea.

~ ~ ~

After all, the only one who could get away with a pink, scented resume was Reese Witherspoon playing a law student, Elle Woods, in the movie Legally Blonde.

~ ~ ~

In the end, he took my advice about the photo and the colored paper. He also landed a nice job in the business world.

~ ~ ~

This month, I had the pleasure of working with this delightful, energetic, young professional again. He is being courted by another company and needed to update his resume. He brought up the photo issue again and told me he thought it was commonplace now in NYC. My response was that I was unaware of this new trend (I even called one of the NYC headhunters with whom I work, who confirmed my suspicions - NO PHOTOS).

~ ~ ~ ~

Earlier this week, I received an email from a representative of HR World (http://www.hrworld.com/), referring me to a recent posting entitled, "25 Things You Should Never Include on a Resume " (http://www.hrworld.com/features/25-things-not-to-put-on-resume-121807/). The list contains very basic, important information about "resume don'ts," some of which should be intuitive. I had to smile when I saw No. 14. Here is what was posted:

"14. Photograph: JobFairy.com reports that hiring departments "legally cannot consider your picture in determining if you are to be interviewed, or hired," and that "many companies won't even consider résumés that are submitted with a picture to ensure that they are in compliance with [the Equal Opportunity Employer]" legislation. Keep in mind, however, that if you are applying for jobs overseas, photographs may be the norm on résumés."

I rest my case!

In regard to the other 24 listings about what not to put on your resume, I agree with most of them, but not with all. For example, the two that concern me the most are numbers 4 and 5. As most of you should know, the term is sexual orientation, not sexual preference, for no. 4. And for sexual orientation and religion, whether they would be placed on your resume would absolutely depend!

If you want to know more about my advice on those issues, feel free to contact me at 410-602-2500 or by email at: rlewis@resumeboutique.com.

Happy Holidays. Randi

Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, http://www.resumeboutique.com/

What They Don't Teach You In Law School About Job Search Etiquette

2007-10-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

By Randi S. Lewis

Legal Recruiters of AmLaw 250 firms throughout the country have reported similar frustrations, disappointments, and other experiences in their dealings with second year law students during the fall interview process for summer associate positions. Below are a few tips for law students (applicable also to any job applicant in any field) interviewing for summer positions and full time associate positions.

Voicemail message - make it professional: The voicemail message on your contact telephone should sound professional. Your message SHOULD NOT start with the word, "HEY." A simple, "Hello, this is Joe Smith. Please leave a message at the tone," will do.
Returning phone calls and emails: Return phone calls and emails promptly from recruiters and lawyers from the firms with which you interviewed - even if you have no interest in working with that firm. You never want to burn a bridge because a few years after your law school graduation you might decide the firm to which you were unresponsive may be a better fit for you. It is likely there will be a note in your file about your failure to communicate that could hurt your chances of being considered as a lateral candidate.
Decline ASAP if you are not interested: And, if you are not interested in working with a particular firm and have at least another offer with a firm of interest, kindly decline with the other firm(s) ASAP - notwithstanding the NALP rules that allow you to hold a certain number of offers. You will not hurt anyone's feelings. This is a business. For every offer a firm extends, they have multiple applicants who WOULD BE interested in the position.
Accept as soon as possible: If you have an offer from your firm of choice, accept within a reasonable time. Don't hold on to the offer too long if you don't have a good reason. Firms like to receive acceptances early. The firm that gives you an offer remembers when people accept. If you are unsure, establish honest and frequent communications with the recruitment professional to continue reaffirming your interest while exploring other options.
All written communications must be ERROR-FREE: Proofread all emails, resumes, letters, deal sheets and thank you notes before sending them. Make sure correspondence is addressed to the correct person with the correct title.

For more information on resumes, interviewing techniques, and summer associate success tips, contact Randi S. Lewis, Founder of Resume Boutique LLC. 410.602.2500 ~ rlewis@resumeboutique.com

http://www.resumeboutique.com/

Resumes For College Applications - Tips

2007-09-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

When helping your child apply to college, how do you highlight aspects of your high school senior's academic and extra-curricular activities to help him or her stand out from the pack of thousands of students applying early decision or regular decision? Here are two suggestions to SUPPLEMENT the college application: (1) Add a Resume; or (2) Add an Activities List.

____________________

The College Application Resume:

The Common Application and numerous individual college and university applications permit a student to attach a resume. The resume should include the following:

The student's name, address, telephone number, email address, and social security number at the top, used as a heading on the first page - AND the student's name and social security number (and whatever other information is required by the university) on every other page.
High School Information such as the name of the High School, GPA, class standing where applicable, honors courses, AP courses.
SAT Scores. If your SAT scores are stellar, add them. They are not a must.
Honors and Awards. Depending upon the number of honors and awards, you may want to group them together or separately but do list all of them with the receipt dates and grades (i.e. National Merit Scholar, 2006, 11th grade). Some of the honors or awards will require a short description.
Activities. The order of the activities will differ for each student. Some will have stellar athletic accomplishments and Athletics should be listed next. Others will have impressive Leadership or Student Government activities. Participation in Student Clubs, Performing Arts, and other activities should be included as well.
Community Service should be a separate category. Many of these activities will have a short description of the work involved.
Work Experience. If your child has worked during the summer or otherwise, that work also may be included.

For the Resume and the Activities List:

To the right of each activity you should add, at a minimum, the grades in which the activity occurred and the number of hours per week and weeks per year that your child participated in each activity (take your cues from the college application itself).
Let the information requested in the college application guide you.

The College Application Activities List:

In some instances, particularly in connection with college applications that suggest you may attach a list to expound on your activities. You may decide that all you need is to augment your activities. Your activities list contains much of the same information and in the same or a similar format as a resume. Below are some similarities and differences:

Name and Document Title. Your child's name, social security number and other contact information should be the same as if you were submitting a resume. IN ADDITION, after the contact information on the first page, you should place a title, the name of which will depend upon the application requirements. Each subsequent page should have that information at the top with the page number. For example: a student applying to Duke University a couple of years ago attached an Activities List and this is how she titled it:

Attachment to Duke University Admissions Application C. Activities

As a general rule, List Each Activity In Order of Importance to Your Child. Make the format reader friendly. For example, the categories of activities should have a title in bold and underlined.
The activities listed should expand upon the list on the application and it may include activities such as sports, performing arts, community service, and work experience.

Disclaimer: These suggestions are not intended to supplant your own judgment, specific directions from the university, or the instructions given to you by the school's college counselor. Use the college counselor as your primary resource. Make sure you have thoroughly studied the admissions and other relevant information posted on the website of each university to which your child will send an application. The information the school wants you to know may be invaluable to you and your child in the application process.

For more information about college resumes or activities lists, please contact Randi Lewis, founder of Resume Boutique LLC.
Contact Information: info@resumeboutique.com ~ 410.602.2500 ~ www.resumeboutique.com

Summer Associate Tips for Law Students - What to do if You Don't Get An Offer

2007-08-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

By Randi Lewis

You were lucky enough to be among the 20% of your law school class who worked in an Am Law 250 law firm as a summer associate. You may have worked hard. You may have partied too much and failed to take the summer program seriously. What happens after you complete your summer program?

You might have a sense as to whether the law firm will ask you to return. But you can't be sure until you hear it directly from the hiring partner.

_ _ _

So what do you do if you believe, based upon a series of less than stellar reviews, or if you were told off the record, that you won't be receiving an offer? Here are a few thoughts:

If you are relatively certain you will not get an offer, touch base informally with one of the recruitment professionals and float the idea of withdrawing your name from consideration because [you want to work in a different city OR you want to try a different law firm OR you want to work in government or a non-profit].
If you are told about not getting an offer before you withdraw your name, you may want to ask if the firm would permit you to withdraw your name from consideration so you can maximize your chances of getting an offer from another firm.
Whether or not you withdraw your name, you must determine how you can get a good reference from the firm. Ask your recruitment professional about the protocol. You also could talk with a lawyer in the firm for whom you believe you did good work and ask if he/she will serve as a reference.

For more resume and interview tips, contact Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC ~ 410.602.2500. http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com

2007-07-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

A Resume MUST: Be Truthful - A Lesson Learned

2007-07-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

By Randi S. Lewis

~ ~ ~

Why is it so important to tell the truth on your resume? The answer is simple: if you fabricate something on your resume, one way or another, your untruthfulness will be uncovered.

~ ~ ~

Last week, the headmaster of an elite all-boys prep school in Maryland was asked to resign due to a non-academic fabrication on his resume. During an annual evaluation of the headmaster (an experienced educator with three academic degrees) it was discovered that he had NOT been a member of an intercollegiate hockey team, as he had noted on his resume and discussed in interviews at the time he was hired 6 years ago. Was it worth the fabrication? Of course not.

~ ~ ~

Three years ago, a young lawyer was given three months to find another job because it was mutually agreed that it just wasn't working out. His supervisors agreed to give a favorable reference. When he first started looking for a job, he was still employed with the firm. So, it was accurate for him to indicate his employment dates were from Sept. 2002 - Present. But by the time he was poised to receive his first offer to join another firm, he had left his firm and his biography had been removed from the company website. This young lawyer did not advise the new company that he had left his current firm. In checking references, the new firm learned he was no longer employed. He didn't get the offer. Would he have landed the offer if he had let the firm know that he had a mutual agreement with his firm that he would be leaving at the end of the month? Maybe, particularly because his supervisors had agreed to give a favorable reference. But failing to provide pertinent information was as fatal here as it was to the headmaster, who told an affirmative untruth.

~ ~ ~

LESSON LEARNED: TELL THE TRUTH.

For more resume and interview tips, contact Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC ~ 410.602.2500.
http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com

Job Fair Tip: Consider It An Interview

2007-06-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

By Randi Lewis, Resume Boutique LLC

In April 2007, I provided free resume critiques at a law school job fair sponsored by the Maryland Daily Record (http://www.mddailyrecord.com/calendar.cfm?fuseaction=event_details&eventID=263). A few of the students I met knew I both owned this resume business and was a recruiter at a large law firm in town but most did not. Yet, everyone I met acted very professionally even though they were asking me for help on resumes and more. This is something that I, in my role as recruiter, will remember. And if one of their resumes lands on my desk in the future, my vision of their professionalism will be foremost in my mind.

I also was struck by how well-groomed and professional looking the vast majority of the students appeared. The few who forgot to "dress up" stuck out. The people who dressed professionally did absolutely the right thing. You always want to dress for your audience - and they did.
Don't forget to dress up or dress for your audience when you attend a job fair. In addition, prepare your "elevator speech" about yourself, your academic record and your professional goals and have it ready to use at the proper time. Your next employer could be in the room.

http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ info@resumeboutique.com ~ 410.602.2500

Resume Tips: A Resume Don't

2007-05-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

My colleague emailed me a resume the other day and commented that the applicant did not place her contact information on it. I opened the resume and indeed the information was not there -- until I clicked on VIEW and then on HEADER AND FOOTER. The applicant had made a common mistake. She placed her name, address and contact information in the header.

Placing your contact information in the header 15 years ago, when it was common to send resumes through the U.S. mail, was a style choice that had no consequences. But today, when you are emailing your resume to a busy professional who has only seconds to look at your resume and decide whether to read on, it is unwise to place your contact information in the header. Why? Because it is hidden on the document that appears on the computer screen. And that sometimes is enough for the reader to hit DELETE.

So, the resume tip for the day is: place your name and contact information in the text of your resume, not in the first page header.

A WORD ABOUT MILITARY RESUMES

2007-04-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

By Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

Are you in the military now looking for a civilian job within the next several months? Are you a military vet in transition? Are you a professional with prior military experience? How do you highlight your experience in civilian terms? It's not easy! We've collaborated with current and former military professionals in transition, including Iraq War veterans, a Patriot Missle Defense specialist, a 25 year Army vet, and numerous second career professionals with significant military backgrounds and accomplishments. Each resume has its own challenges and there is no template for a successful military to civilian resume. Here are a few tips:

Define as clearly as possible your civilian career path.
Solicit the help of your military transition office if you are having difficulty defining your next step or if you need help with your resume.
Surf the internet for military resumes and study the sample resumes prepared by other professional resume writers.
Organize your resume in terms of the defined core competencies required for each civilian job. You may need to created more than one resume with slight variations.
Place general skills, competencies and achievements at the top in civilian terms.
Translate military terms and acronyms into civilian terms.
Highlight the aspects of your experience most relevant to each position you seek.
Exclude military experience, accomplishments or awards that have no relation to the civilian position you seek.
As a general rule, your resume should be no longer than 3 pages. If it is, it probably means you have not adequately translated your military experience into civilian terms.
Always keep in mind that the training, discipline and experience you receive in the military are invaluable to civilian employers. Be proud of your service and accomplishments.

EXECUTIVE RESUME TIPS FOR CEO's, VP's, DIRECTORS AND TOP MANAGERS

2007-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

By Randi S. Lewis, Executive Resume Writer and President of Resume Boutique LLC

Executives at all levels need powerful, up-to-date resumes in substance and in format. But more often than not, some of the most accomplished CEO's, VP's, Directors and others in top management don't. And when another business opportunity presents itself, they often send their current resume - the format of which they haven't updated in 8 years, 10, years, 15 years, 20 years - to a retained executive search firm that posted the position. Twenty years ago, we used personal typewriters. Fifteen years ago, Word Perfect was the program of choice. Now most of us use an updated version of Microsoft Word and we've become more sophisticated in our ability to market everything, including people. Even if their credentials get them past the search consultant, the resume is unlikely to wow their true target audience: the entity looking for top talent. Other top executives have skeletal resumes, relying instead on their biographies written by their company's marketing departments. Bios are different from resumes. We've worked with many top executives who have submitted bios in applying for corporate positions only to be asked to submit a resume. Then they search the web for a company to help with their resume. We believe that's not the best time to be looking for a skilled resume writer.

Below are ten executive resume tips from Resume Boutique:

Hire a professional to revise your current resume and to draft or punch up your company bio at the same time. It's easier for someone else to tout your accomplishments and be a bit more bold about them.
Talk with the actual resume writer - the person who will be revising or drafting your resume - before you engage the company to determine her/his: -- Process for working on your resume. -- General comments on the current resume and what types of changes she/he anticipates. -- The total cost and the precise services you will receive [e.g.: are cover letters or other ancillary documents included; is there any period of time for free updates or consultation after the resume is completed; the charge for a resume and a bio]. -- Establish a comfort level with the writer. Use your instincts to determine if this writer is the right one for you.
Once you have an updated and professional format of your resume and your bio, it will be ready at a minute's notice to present to the next professional opportunity.
Update it every 5 years even if you have no intention to seek new employment.
Although I am not a fan of the functional resume, we suggest a hybrid between that and the traditional chronological resume. It will be different for each of you. [The next suggestions relate to your experience and accomplishments.]
At your level, you have significant accomplishments, success is typically measured in return on investment, exceeding projected margins, cost savings and more. Your resume should feature prominent accomplishments.
Your resume also should feature your leadership and management skills and achievements as well as your ability to collaborate well with colleagues in your organization and organizations past.
It also should contain a brief summary paragraph of 3 or 4 sentences below your name and contact information but above your list of experiences. Think of it as an introductory marketing tool.
In some cases, a section on representative skills/competencies or something similar should follow to help the reader understand who you are and what value you'd bring.
Then you would present your experience chronogically but in a manner that groups and organizes your experience in each position.

Although your resumes and achievements vary dramatically, at the end of the resume writing process, we hear the same thing from every top executive: "I should have done this years ago. "

For other resume questions, contact Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC. http://www.resumeboutique.com/ ~ 410.602.2500 ~ info@resumeboutique.com

Happy New Year and Thank You to our Clients

2007-01-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

As the new year begins, we would like to thank our clients and referral partners for your business and we hope that you realize and are fulfilled by your professional goals. We have bee rewarded by the personal connections we have made with you and we are thrilled when you let us know you've landed that job or that you've been accepted to your college of choice. Remember that we offer free resume updates for a year so let us continue to help you look your best on paper. Below are some of our 2006 clients and referral partners:

PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Administrative Professionals
Business Consultants
Business Owners/Entrepreneurs (seeking political appointment, seeking other opportunities)
Controller
Corporate Vice Presidents
Engineers
Human Resources Professional
IT Executive Director
IT Professionals
Journalists (changing careers)
Lawyers (partners, associates, in-house counsel, government lawyers, judicial clerks)
Marketing Professionals (directors and managers)
Medical Coordinator
Museum Director
Paralegals
Plant Manager
Real Estate Manager/Sales Agent
Retail Sales Manager
Teachers/Adjunct Professors (college, high school, law school)

STUDENTS

College Graduates (seeking their first jobs)
College Students (for summer jobs)
High School Students (resumes and interview preparation for college applications)
Law Students (seeking summer positions, judicial clerkships, and permanent positions)

MILITARY VETERANS

25 Year Navy Vet (seeking security position)
Iraq War Vet
Army Vets

REFERRAL PARTNERS

Executive Recruiters
IT Recruiters
Legal Headhunters
Sales and Management Recruiters

THE A B C’s OF INTERVIEWING

2006-12-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

By Randi Lewis

Interviewing is a learned skill. And the more you interview, the more skilled you become. When we work with professionals and students on interviewing skills, we tailor each session to the individual and the job focus. But, there are some universal do’s and don’ts that every job seeker should learn. If you remember nothing more, remember these simple A B C’s of interviewing:

A = Appear professional. Dress in a conservative, dark suit.
B = Be prepared. Research the company and interviewers.
C = Communicate confidently your qualifications & interest.

Appearance.

It is of the utmost of importance that you look clean, crisp, and professional. Make sure you have showered, brushed your teeth, and that you are well-groomed. When in doubt, dress up. Wear a suit. It shows respect.
Men, wear dark suits with a white or light blue shirt and a conservative tie.
Women, wear a dark knee-length suit (not pants) with a light blouse or a dark dress with closed toe shoes and pantyhose.
No Distractions. The Focus is on YOU. Do not wear heavy cologne or perfume because your interviewer may be allergic to it or find it unappealing. Lose the nose ring, the purple hair, the black nail polish, and the short skirts. Lose the bow tie, the tattered shoes, and the polyester suit.
First Impressions Are Hard To Break. For each interviewer you meet, extend your hand, shake hands firmly, introduce yourself, smile, and look the interviewer in the eye. That’s a great start. Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview.

Preparation.

You should prepare for each interview as if you were studying for an exam. Find the company on the internet and study the site. Learn what is important to the company and how it positions itself. Find commonalities between the company’s philosophy and yours.

Learn about your interviewers if possible. Have they spoken at conferences, have they written articles; have they won awards? You are going to store this information and use it, where appropriate, during the interview.

Know Your Resume. Know everything on your resume. Prepare two talking points about the highlights of each prior job position.

Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses. Think about your strengths and the positive feedback you have received. Be prepared to discuss your greatest strengths, how you could add value to the company, and what your supervisors and peers have said about you. Be prepared to talk about your weaknesses. This is tricky. You don’t want to say that you don’t have any weaknesses because the interviewer might conclude you are unable to self-reflect. But you want to talk about a weakness very briefly and then turn the conversation into how you have managed to overcome it or how, with experience, the problem has become less of an issue. Don’t offer your weaknesses and don’t dwell on them.

Prepare Three Questions. Prepare three questions (or more) to ask each interviewer.

The Interview.

Take Your Cues From The Interviewer. Check you audience. Don’t talk too much, too fast, or too slow. Don’t answer in one or two word answers. Weaver your prepared strengths into the conversation. Talk about commonalities between the company’s needs and your experience.

Be Engaged During The Interview. Turn off your cell phone. Sit tall, maintain eye contact, respond appropriately. Show your knowledge about the company in your answers to questions and in the questions you ask. When it is your turn to ask questions, always ask a question from your prepared question list or one more appropriate to the conversation. The questions should be about the company, the position, or the interviewer’s career.

Behavioral Questions. You may be asked what are commonly known as behavioral questions. Some companies spend thousands of dollars on consultants who study the organization and determine questions that might elicit whether you have the right stuff to join the company. They may ask you how you have handled work-related situations in your current or prior jobs. The theory behind the questions is that the best way to determine an applicant’s suitability for a job is to learn how he/she has handled prior work experiences.

Sound Directed and Project Confidence. Be able to discuss your career goals, why you want this job with this company, and why you would be a fit for the position. Highlight your accomplishments and attributes in concrete examples. Keep the conversation focused on the company and your suitability for the position. Don’t talk about your personal life.

What You Do At the Conclusion of The Interview. Stand up, look each interviewer in the eye, shake his/her hand FIRMLY, smile, and thank him/her for taking the time to meet with you. Don't ask about next steps. You can call the HR person or recruiter later.

Send Thank You Notes. Take the time to send individualized thank you notes either by email, or in writing by hand or typewritten.

For more detailed information about interviewing, you can contact Randi Lewis at 410-602-2500 or by email at info@resumeboutique.com. © Resume Boutique LLC™ 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.resumeboutique.com/

2006-12-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

HOW TO LEAVE YOUR COMPANY GRACEFULLY

2006-11-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

By Randi Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC

You’ve made the decision to move on. You’ve updated and perfected your resume. You’ve interviewed, received an offer or more, and you’ve chosen a new path. How do you tell your company? How much time do you give them? How do you keep the door open either to return or for referral or other business opportunities? These are questions our clients regularly ask. Every situation is different but here are a few basic points to keep in mind:

1. Supervisor First. Tell your immediate supervisor in person first.

2. Be Direct. Tell him or her up front that you have decided to leave the company and where you are going.

3. Give the Reason. In general, the reason you are leaving should be about you and your career, not a criticism of your company.

4. Praise Your Supervisor. You should be telling your supervisor and others with whom you work how much you appreciate the company and what your colleagues have done for you. Discuss specific examples of their leadership, mentoring, and support.

5. Keep Door Open. Where appropriate, find a way to discuss keeping the door open for you to return or for a mutually beneficial way each can refer business or collaborate. Depending upon here you go, this may not be possible.

6. Exit Interviews. Many companies ask for you to participate in a formal or informal exit interview. Be prepared to talk constructively about issues that may have caused you to look elsewhere.

7. Notice. Most protocols require that you give a minimum of two weeks notice. But in some circumstances, in order not to leave your employer in a difficult position, the professional thing

to do would be to offer to remain longer. When in doubt, do the professional thing even if your new employer wants you to start ASAP. Your new employer will respect your concern to do a good job. But remember to think about timing in relation to health insurance.

8. Health Insurance Considerations. When deciding when to leave your company, you should factor in how long, if at all, you are covered by your current firm’s health insurance and when your new company’s health insurance becomes effective. Sometimes a day makes a big difference. You want to revert to costly COBRA benefits only as a last resort.

9. What to Take and How. You may have created documents, Outlook contacts, and other tangible projects or items that you want to take with you. Make sure there are no company policies that would prohibit you from doing so. Similarly, if the company requires you to request permission, go through the proper channels. Follow the rules. Often, your current company will coordinate with your new company to exchange computer-based documents and data.

For more information, contact Randi Lewis, rlewis@resumeboutique.com, or 410.602.2500.

2006-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

THE FUNCTIONAL RESUME. DOES IT REALLY HELP A PROFESSIONAL GET THE JOB?

2006-10-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

By Randi Lewis

The Functional Resume. What is it and does it really help a professional get the job? I have worked with a number of professionals recently who have inquired about the functional resume. These men and women were told by career counselors that they should craft one. Why? Either because they had long careers and it would mask their “age,” or because they have gaps in their employment history and it would mask those gaps.

What do I think? As a recruitment professional who screens thousands of resumes per year, I think the purely functional resume doesn’t help at all. It raises questions about your work history and what you did where. If recruiters have to work too hard to understand what you did where, they may become suspicious that you are hiding something, which you are, or they may become frustrated because they can’t determine where you received your experience. Consequently, they are more likely than not to place your resume in the “no thank you” pile.
What's a Functional Resume? What do the resume professionals mean by a functional resume? The functional resume groups experience in skill-related categories rather than in reverse chronological order like the more typical resume. The purely functional resume doesn’t list your employers or your job duties. Recruiters looking to hire professionals such as accountants, senior sales professionals, marketing professionals, lawyers, doctors, CEO’s, CFO’s and so on, want to see your job history. It’s as simple as that. So, the resume that lists employment history in reverse chronological order will make it to the top of the pile.
Common Questions: How do you minimize the employment gaps? How do you conceal your age? How do you highlight prior work experience that may be more relevant to the job you seek? Each case is different but here are a few suggestions:
Employment Gaps. If you are a mom or dad who has stayed home for a number of years raising your children, consider mentioning that in the profile section. You might say, “Accomplished marketing professional with eight years of experience in global marketing and branding returning to workplace after working at home full time raising three children and managing family.”
Worried About Age? If you are concerned that your age will place your resume in the “no thank you pile” before you’ve had a chance to meet them so they’ll know you are perfect for the job, here are my thoughts. If you have a long history of employment, consider crafting the employment heading with a slight change such as RELEVANT EXPERIENCE or RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE. Then omit employment experiences that occurred 20 years ago or more. Also consider omitting the dates you graduated from college or graduate school. But, if you omit the dates, know that it will alert the employer that you don’t want your age known. That’s not a bad thing but prepared to let people know your graduation years if asked. Also, don’t be untruthful about anything in an interview. If asked, freely talk about the work experience you omitted without apology.
Prior Work More Relevant? If your prior work is more relevant, place it first under a section such as, RELEVANT EXPERIENCE. The next section would read something like, OTHER EXPERIENCE. A PROFILE paragraph and/or SUMMARY OF SKILLS section may help too.
But can you have a winning chronological resume that INCLUDES skill-related categories? Yes. And in some instances, I recommend it. For example, if you are an experienced professional having substantially similar experience with multiple employers, it would be wise to include a section of representative skills or key accomplishments before the chronological job history. But you still must write something substantial under each job.
What about the OBJECTIVE Section? I am not a fan of the OBJECTIVE section at the top. I have never seen a resume with an objective that has made a difference. Instead, in my experience, objectives sometimes distract from the substance of the resume because they are poorly written and tell us nothing of import. Instead, I recommend that the resumes of seasoned professionals include a PROFILE section at the top that summarizes and highlights the essence of their experience and strengths. How many years of experience do you need to have before it would be appropriate to add a profile? It depends. I have written profile for professionals with as few as 3 years experience.

410.602.2500 ~ info@resumeboutique.com ~ www.resumeboutique.com

2006-07-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

How to Help Your High School Seniors Prepare for their College Interviews

2006-07-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

By Randi Lewis

The college application process is around the corner. It is a stressful time for students and their parents, in part because of the increasing competitive nature of the process. When we work with high school students to help them prepare for interviews, their parents often take an active role in the process. We go through "The ABC's of Interviewing" with our students and our parents so that our parents can take home what they have learned in our preparation sessions and help empower their children to be themselves and to do their best. Here are a few tips for parents to help your teenager navigate the interview process. We call them, “THE THREE P’s.” PREPARE ~ PRACTICE ~ PRAISE

PREPARE. Help your child prepare. Study the school’s website with your child. Help your child organize and write down:

Academic or career goals.
Interest in each school.
Accomplishments such as AP classes, honors, extra-curricular activities, unique interests.
Why each school would be a good fit, finding commonality between something about the school's values, culture, academic program, etc., and your child. (Examples: Yale's honor code is similar to the honor code in your child's school; UCLA's commitment to public service is important to your child because it offers opportunities to give back to the community like your child has done in high school; the small class learning environment of University of Maryland's Honors Program is of itnterest to your child because . . . .)

PRACTICE. Help your child practice. Strategizing while role playing works well for some students. Others prefer just talking. Play it by ear.

Start with a firm handshake and eye contact. Both are important in making a good impression.
Help your child practice talking about him/herself and his or her academic and career goals.
Help your child practice talking about his or her interest in that school, weaving in the commonalities between the school and your child's accomplishments, interests and goals.
Help your child devise three questions for the interviewer.
Practice answering and asking questions and talk about what to say at the end of each interview.

PRAISE. Praise your child’s efforts.

Understand your child is under tremendous pressure to continue high school studies and extracurricular activities while completing college applications.
Let your child know OFTEN how proud you are of how well he or she is juggling the demands of school, extracurricular activities, and the college application process.

A WORD ABOUT ATTIRE. Discuss how your child will dress for each interview. The dress may vary by school but here are a few things your child must keep in mind:

Don't dress like a kid. No shorts. No tennis shoes. No short skirts or low cut blouses.
Boys should wear a suit or khaki pants a white or blue shirt and a dark blazer.
Girls should wear a knee length skirt with a jacket and a white shirt.
Dressing up, even if you feel overdressed, is a sign of respect.
No weird piercings. Remove the nose ring.
Keep your hair well-groomed.

Trust the process. Randi

Thirty-Something, Forty-Something and Changing Careers

2006-07-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

We are working with a growing number of professionals who, for one good reason or another, have decided in your thirties and forties that you need a change. Each of you has a different reason for wanting a change. Your flexibility to make a change will depend largely on your family and financial situations. Some of you provide the sole financial support for yourselves or your families. Others share the financial burden. Others are going back to work after a hiatus managing your families. And some of you need flexibility so that you can continue to manage your families. Some of you can relocate and others can't. Notwithstanding these differences, there are some general things you can do to conduct a meaningful job search.

Define and Package Your Story. Define what you want to do. Then package that desire in one paragraph that has an upbeat tone to use when you see people at the store, at social functions and elsewhere to let people know you are looking for a new challenge.
Contact Your Base. Make a list of 100 to 250 people you know including relatives, friends, business colleagues, colleagues of family and friends. Call, email or write a personal note advising them that you are looking for new opportunities and asking them for their help (what/who they know).
Assess Your Opportunities. Be realistic about your opportunities and the market.
Hire Professionals. If you need career counseling, help putting your resume together, or a headhunter to help in your job search, invest in a good professional. It will be worth the investment. Also, make sure you determine how your resume should look for the new industry or position.
Follow Up With Your Base. Follow up with your base. Contact the leads they provide.
Keep Searching. Look in local papers; search key websites and post your resume where appropriate; go on informational interviews.
Think Out Of The Box. Brainstorm with anyone who will take the time. What do you like to do? What are you good at doing? Think about what professions value those qualities and whether those positions might be a fit for you.
Persevere. Be thick-skinned about rejections. Keep a positive attitude. Be flexible. Don't be deterred. Something better is around the next corner. You can do it! Randi

Written by Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC.

www.resumeboutique.com

Ten Tips For A Better Legal Resume

2006-07-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

By Randi Lewis, Esq.
Are you getting ready to update your resume to search for your first full time job as a lawyer? Here are 10 Tips to help your resume make it to the top of the stack:
Tip No. 1 - The Five Second Rule. Legal recruitment professionals review hundreds, sometimes thousands, of resumes per year. List your education, grades (see below), honors and important activities at the top of your resume in bullet points, not in a string cite, so they are able to be read within 5 seconds, the time it takes to decide whether to read on or to place your resume in the “no pile.”
Tip No. 2 - The Font & The Format. The text should be no smaller than 11 point in Times New Roman, Garamond or Georgia. Headings should be in larger font and bold. The format should be compatible with OCI+ and reader-friendly for receipt by email.
Tip No. 3 - The Order. List education first and experience second (even if you are a second career law student). List experience first only after practicing for at least 5 years.

Tip No. 4 - Honors, Law Review and Activities. Group all honors, law review/journal positions and law school activities with your law school. Similarly, keep all undergraduate honors and activities with college information.
Tip No. 5 - Law School Grades. A general rule of thumb: list law school grades if they are a 3.0 or better.
Tip No. 6 - Undergraduate & Graduate School Grades. Another general rule: list undergraduate and graduate school grades if they are a 3.0 or better EVEN IF law school grades are below a 3.0. (Reason: if you don’t, the reader may assume you received less than a 3.0 in law school, grad school and college.)

Tip No. 7 - Employment Achievements. Where possible, describe your employment in terms of substantive work and/or successes, keeping descriptions short to use as talking points in your interview. Example: “Drafted successful motions to dismiss in contract dispute, securities fraud case and products liability matter.”
Tip No. 8 - Use Action Words. Use action words to add power to your resume. Examples: prepared; analyzed; collaborated; managed; led; devised; researched; drafted.
Tip No. 9 - Bulletize and Italicize. Use bullet points and italics to add visual interest and help guide your reader.
Tip No. 10 - Proofread. Always proofread your resume several times to ensure there are no typographical or grammatical errors.

Randi Lewis, Esq., is the founder of Resume Boutique LLC, http://www.resumeboutique.com/, which provides resume and interview consultation to professionals and students, including lawyers and law students. A former practicing lawyer, Randi also runs the Recruitment Department of, and reviews resumes submitted to, an AmLaw 250 law firm. For more resume tips, contact Randi at info@resumeboutique.com or 410-602-2500.