The ABC's of Resume Writing | "Y" is for YOU

XYZ: YOU Are More Important Than Your Resume.

This entire blog series has been focused on strategies for writing your resume. We all know that the resume is a very important and integral communication tool for use in your job search and sufficient attention should be given to it make sure it is well written and effective in communicating your personal brand. At the end of the day, however, remember that employers hire people not resumes and you are more important than your resume.

The ABC's of Resume Writing | "W" is for WRITE

W: The Best way to WRITE Your References.

At some point in the interviewing process, you may be asked for a copy of your references. You probably know that you never include references on your resume. You also should know that you want to include references that can speak to your professional ability and thus personal references should not be included. You should prepare your references on a separate sheet and have it handy, should you be asked for it during the interview process. But what format should you use? Should you simply list the name and phone number of each reference? Not exactly. Here is the best way to write your references.

The ABC's of Resume Writing | "V" is for Volunteer.

V: Highlight VOLUNTEER Activities to Showcase Your Leadership Skills.

We all know that employers focus on career experience and skills when trying to decide if a candidate should be considered for an interview and ultimately employment. However, there is another area of your professional career that you should give consideration to when writing your resume: volunteer activities. Volunteer activities can be an important aspect of your professional career and there are three reasons why you should definitely list volunteer activities on your resume.

What not to include on your resume: Advice from a professional resume writer | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

What not to include on your resume: Advice from a professional resume writer

By Bobby Sisk

Posted: Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011

Certified professional resume writer Nathan Adams is moving right along in the alphabet. On his blog, he's outlining the ABC's of resume writing.

He's up to "N," but "I" got my attention based on recent questions from readers. I'm often asked what to include and, more importantly, not include in a resume. Some of Adams' advice may come as common sense to you, but we can all use a refresher. And I found what he says about references particularly interesting.

Longtime resume basics may need additions, subtractions | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

In this article, I was interviewed by Bobby Sisk, on the topic of how to display your contact information on your resume. The article appeared in the Charlotte Observer and online at Charlottebserver.com.

Longtime resume basics may need additions, subtractions

By Bobby Sisk

Posted: Sunday, Jul. 03, 2011

In this changing world of technology, have you wondered what you need to include - or, for that matter, exclude - from your contact information? It sounds simple. Use your name, address and the best way to get in touch.

Not so fast, says Certified Professional Resume Writer Nathan Adams. He makes a convincing case for leaving off some specifics and adding other items you might not have a few years ago.

One-size resume does not fit all | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

In this article, I was interviewed by Bobby Sisk, concerning using one resume for your job search. The article appeared in the Charlotte Observer and online at Charlottebserver.com.

One-size resume does not fit all

By Bobby Sisk

Posted: Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010

I've received countless e-mails from readers who say they've sent out hundreds of resumes and gotten little response. I always ask whether they're sending out the same resume for each position. If that's the case, resume expert Nathan Adams says, stop right now.

"Employers want the easy hire. They want to fit a round peg into a round hole and a square peg into a square hole," Adams said. "Knowing this information, you need to look like the candidate that the employer wants to hire."

Customization makes a résumé stand out | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

In this article, I was interviewed by Bobby Sisk, on the importance of customizing your resume. The article appeared in the Charlotte Observer and online at Charlottebserver.com.

Customization makes a résumé stand out

By Bobby Sisk

Posted: Sunday, Mar. 27, 2011

For nearly 20 years, Nathan Adams has helped job-seekers improve their résumés. But in this current job market, he recognized his advice is only one part of the sometimes difficult process of finding work.

"I had always held firm to the belief that once you got a solid résumé that accurately highlighted your skills, the next thing to do was start applying for any and all positions that you thought you were qualified for," Adams said.
Recent struggles of job seekers competing against hundreds of other applicants led him toward a different approach, one of more customization.