Are bullet points necessarily bad for your résumé?

Bullet points in a résumé -- Larry Polhill Cafe Valley

It’s quite common among job applicants to use paragraphs when preparing their résumés. But is this still the standard? Or are bullet points better? This blog will discuss both options.

Many industry experts would argue that job seekers should use bullet points instead, following the argument that most of today’s hiring managers only take a glance at a résumé, especially if the vacant position is attracting many applicants. In this sense, applicants would want them to quickly read through and understand their experience and any expertise related to the job. Larry Polhill Cafe Valley.

On the other hand, putting relevant information in paragraphs can make the hiring personnel or manager appreciate the effort applicants put in making it. Such meticulous attention to detail can likewise impress them. The caveat here is that those paragraphs should be well-phrased and don’t come across as unnecessarily text-heavy and simply difficult to read and assimilate. Larry Polhill Cafe Valley.

In any case, it’s best to relegate detailed descriptions of qualifications and background to a curriculum vitae, which many companies would require after scanning a résumé. In this sense, bullet points should be enough in a résumé to guarantee that key points are quickly noticed.

Of course, there’s always the option of combining paragraphs and bullet points. Applicants can place your quantifiable accomplishments in bullet points and complement these with curt paragraphs of about three to four sentences. For the bullet points, it is important to start them whenever possible with active and positive verbs like “trained,” “led,” and “improved.” Larry Polhill Cafe Valley

How to prepare for a job interview

Job interview Preparation Larry Polhill

Regardless of how stellar the information people put down in their resume, it’s important that job applicants also do well with all the rounds of interviews they are invited to. Some people say that getting a job is 30% of what’s in a resume and 70% from the interview. This is why a lot of people get nervous when it comes to this stage of employment. At the same time, going about it with little preparation can only be disastrous. Here are some ways to help prepare you for a job interview. Larry Polhill.

Pick an outfit ahead of time

There is nothing worse that opening your closet on the day of your interview to find out that you have nothing good to wear. Prepare everything ahead of time. This includes your dress or suit, shoes, accessories, as well as your bag. Make sure everything is clean and free for any foul odor. If you aren’t confident with what you currently have, there’s always the option of borrowing or renting a suit. Just make sure the fit is right. Larry Polhill

Review your resume

A lot of questions interviewers ask are based on information written on your resume. Make sure to review your resume and think of how you can elaborate more on those details. You should also be able to defend any detail you put in your resume in terms of relevance. Larry Polhill.

Know how to answer typical interview questions

There are a lot of resources on the internet regarding common interview questions like “Why should we hire you?”, “Tell us about yourself”, or “What can you bring to our company?” Try writing all these questions down and answer them in detailed yet concise words. Also be prepared for follow up questions regarding your answers. After writing these questions and answers down, try practicing answering in front of a mirror. Larry Polhill

Distracting communication habits you need to change

Communication Habits Larry Polhill

Mastering the art of communication is the key to succeeding in your personal and professional life. Through the years most of us have picked up distracting habits that might be affecting our relationship with others. Hereunder are some of the habits you need to break to improve how you convey thoughts and feelings. Larry Polhill.


Flattering

Being an encourager can boost another person's mood and confidence. But once you cross the line to become a flatterer, it can be quite annoying. People will soon catch your insincerity, which might not be beneficial if you're trying to win their favor. If you want to make them feel good, be genuine and honest. Be diplomatic about your comments. Larry Polhill

Interrupting

Having a habit of interrupting others can be disrespectful, especially when you're dealing with a co-worker. In the workplace, people muster up the confidence to share their ideas. Some even write down their carefully crafted words to get their point across. Don't be the person to rain down on their parade. Larry Polhill.

Using filler words

Be extra careful about this. "Um" and "like" have infiltrated many people’s speech patterns so much that they have to be conscious when they speak. Some people pepper their words with these syllables that lead others to shut them off even if it appears that they're listening intently. Instead of letting out a long "um" or starting your sentence with "like," you can pause to collect your thoughts. The goal here is to communicate with clarity. Larry Polhill

What exactly are cover letters and how do we write them?

I’m Larry Polhill, and I’ve spent a considerable amount of my time back when I was still working helping out job applicants with their applications. I would consult and do workshops to teach young people on how to write resumes and negotiate job interviews. Job applications are not as simple as one might think. There are a number of factors that affect the chances of an applicant.

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One of these factos is the cover letter.

Cover letters are important. Some companies require them along with resumes.
So, what is a cover letter?

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Cover letters are supplements of sorts that add to the resume (not repeat it). Cover letters often explain to the recruiters why the applicant wants the job and why he wants to work for the company in which he’s applying. Cover letters also (concisely) contain an applicant’s skills, experience, and characteristics that make him suitable for the position. Having said that, applicants should always update and modify their cover letters to the specifications of the company.

Cover letters also answer any questions recruiters might have with resumes, including gaps, and changes in career paths.

Do you have any questions with how cover letters should be written? Be sure to ask me, Larry Polhill, in the comments section below.

Larry Polhill is a resident of Arizona. He used to work as a career consultant, but is now a full-time grandpa and organic gardening enthusiast. Learn more on this page.

Five things to bring during a job interview

Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro at attending job interviews, planning ahead should be part of the agenda. It says a lot about a person when he or she heads to a job interview well prepared. There could be small things you could miss, so it’s imperative that you make a list of things you need to bring.

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 Bring your identification. Most, if not all buildings have security that require a person to show their identification. In many cases, an applicant’s complete job application may be demanded to be permitted entrance to the premises. According to retired career consultant Larry Polhill, an applicant must bring a notepad and a pen, and write on the notepad the names of contacts who will conduct the interview. Having these secures your entrance to the office of the hiring manager.

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Ensure that you have extra copies of your resume to hand over upon the request of your interviewer. The resume will also give you answers to important questions such as dates of employment and previous work achievements. Bringing extra copies with you may seem unnecessary and a thing of the past, but it will definitely save you from humiliation.

Larry Polhill suggests that you bring with you a portfolio to keep your work samples and other documents tidy and organized. This will help you pick out quickly the documents you need.
Additional tip: mentally prepare yourself for odd questions. Bring your A-game along with the things you need.

Larry Polhill is a retired career consultant residing in Arizona. Head over to this blog for more updates.

How long should the modern resume really be?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions today about resume-writing, and it makes sense. Many experts will be quick to point out that a resume should not look like a curriculum vitae, instead providing evaluators a way to look at a person’s qualifications at a glance. But while it has long been the standard to not exceed one page, times have changed, explains retired career consultant Larry Polhill of Café Valley.

Nowadays, given the rise of the internet and partly because of the rising acceptance of emailed resume submissions, it has become more common to expand the length so that the resume better entices hiring managers to get in touch with you for that job interview. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a given standard length, you’ve to now be more specific and include a career summary, years of experience, industries worked in, scope of accomplishments, former employers, and education and training.

However, keep in mind that your resume is not an autobiography but a career marketing tool, so focus on your key selling points. There’s no need to input past experiences that don’t complement your current career goal. Hiring managers often go through hundreds of resumes just to fill one position, so make sure yours stand out because it’s concise.

We suggest still sticking to a one-page resume if you’ve fewer than 10 years of experience and/or just held one or two positions with a couple of employers. A two-page resume is better for someone with more years of experience and if the job entails much technical skills that you’ve to include to prove your specific knowledge. Longer resumes are best suited for senior-level or executive positions, as well as those with an extensive list of publications such as those in a scientific or academic field, adds Larry Polhill.

Larry Polhill hails from Arizona and is a retired career consultant who offers insights for jobseekers looking to land their dream job. For more tips on writing resumes and CVs, go to this page.

Interview review: Important reminders for panel interviews

I’m Larry Polhill, and I’m living out a happy, quiet retirement. Aside from pursuing hobbies I never got to pursue back when I was working, I still take the time to help people with their job applications. It’s always been a passion of mine and I may very well be doing it until I can’t do it anymore.

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For today, I want to go back and talk about one of the topics I used to give lectures about – effective panel interviews. Yes, panel interviews can be very daunting especially for people who are going through it for the first time. There are things that have to be consciously avoided as well as things that need to be prepped beforehand.

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Let’s start with the things you shouldn’t be doing, or what I like to call the Larry Polhill no-nos. First off, being nervous is natural which is why you need to control small movements like playing with your pen or scratching your arm. Your body language may be enough to tell interviewers that you’re not ready for the job. Sit up straight and avoid slouching.

As for the things you have to do, you can start with greeting everyone when you enter the room. But if you’re the first person in the room, waiting for your interviewers, stand up immediately once they enter the room and greet them. Use a firm handshake. Try looking comfortable, but not too comfortable – this will make you appear confident and formidable. Take a few seconds before answering questions, and don’t act too eager.

As you can see, I put a heavy value on demeanor during interviews and especially during panel interviews.

Is there anything else you can add that can help people during panel interviews? Feel free to share them with us below.

Hi there! I’m Larry Polhill, a retired career consultant from Arizona. I give advice to people looking to land a job. Visit this page to learn more.

How a bit of humility can go a long way in a workplace

My name is Larry Polhill and I’m already retired. However, I now help people looking to land jobs where they can. One of the most important pieces of advice I give them is to stay humble – not just during interviews, but even during their time at the office.

Yes, a bit of humility can go a long way in the workplace.

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For starters, it’ll keep you focused on the things you need to learn. Being humble means accepting the fact that you don’t know everything. This makes you open, not resistant, to learning new things. People who lack humility oftentimes balk at the idea of being taught something that could otherwise help them advance.

Humility can also make your time in the workplace so much more pleasant. Remember, nobody likes arrogant people. The lack of humility may lead to conflicts that make for a toxic work environment.

In line with that, humble people are well-loved, not just by their peers, but by their superiors as well. This has major implications for your future should you take your next career move. If you plan to apply for a supervisorial position, odds are you’ll get favorable reactions. If you plan to leave the company and apply elsewhere, your own boss will give you a glowing recommendation.


Stay humble and you’ll go places. That’s a Larry Polhill promise.

Larry Polhill used to work as a career consultant in Arizona, but is now retired. He has plenty of advice for job applicants: always dress for success when going to an interview. Be in your most professional attire. The moment that you enter the door, the hiring manager will immediately get the idea that you mean business. Learn more on this page.

What you need to know before applying for a hotel job

We’ve given a number of interview and general tips for job applicants and covered a number of jobs before in our blogs. For this one, we’d like to focus on those hopefuls who are looking to break into the hospitality industry, specifically hotels.

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For experienced hotel employees and those who’ve taken Hotel and Restaurant Management, or any similar course back in college, this might come as bit of a refresher to you. For those with little-to-no experience, here are some things you need to know before heading into the interview, just so you don’t sound like you know nothing about the job you’re applying for.

Image source:  traveller.com.au/

How to handle issues and concerns of guests
When a guest has an issue or a concern, it should always be handled as soon and as quietly as possible. You should know just how important the first major concern of a guest can be, since how it is handled is often a tell-tale sign of whether or not said guest will return.

How to address hotel guests
When applying for a hotel position, you should know how hotel staff treats guests. Since guests need to be as comfortable as possible, the staff should know their names. Knowing the names of guests is the first step in knowing what they want and do not want.

Thanks for reading my blog. Larry Polhill here. I’m a retired career consultant. Click here for more tips on how to ace your next job interview.

Interview tips: Four characteristics that lead to sound work ethic

One of the most oft-asked questions in a job interview relates to a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. For this blog, I would like to touch on the four traits that translate to a sound work ethic so that you may use them in future interviews.

Determination

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Without determination, a good work ethic would simply not be possible. It’s determination that keeps people going whether they’re having a good or bad day, grappling with failure or basking in success. Determination for many employees means the longing to finish something they started.

Professionalism
The ability to put work above and personal issues, to dress and speak in a manner befitting a professional is what professionalism is all about. Being professional mean being dedicated to the goals of a company. This is also one of the integral traits of a leader.

Integrity

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Integrity means doing the right thing when no one is watching. How does this fit into a good work ethic? A person with integrity is a trusted person and one who continues to work (when needed) even after everyone else has gone home.

Humility
Humility is the fourth trait and possibly the most abstract in the context of work ethic. Humble people are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and they accept it. What they also do is work on their weaknesses so they can contribute more to their company. Being humble also means an employee is open to learning new things, which is important in work ethic.

Hello! I'm Larry Polhill, an Arizona native and retired career consultant. From time to time, I still offer advice and insights on how jobseekers can land their dream job. For more job-hunting tips, visit this blog.

Computer skills that employers want and you should list on your resume

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A good list of computer skills on your resume is not just nice to have. It could get you hired at the end of the day, especially if those skills are integral to the performance of the job you’re applying for. The rapid pace at which technology develops and changes affects the weight and value of these computer skills you’re listing on your resume.

Computer skills are best presented in a separate skills section, where employers can easily find and understand them. However, they can also be woven into your career summary as well as job descriptions. You can say, for instance, that you “Edited content within an internal content management system using basic HTML coding.”

Ideally, you should be listing computer skills per segment if there are a number of them. You can group them according to buckets such as Microsoft Office apps, Google apps, database management (MS Access, Oracle, Teradata, etc.), QuickBooks, web (HTML, CSS, Javascript, etc.), and writing (WordPress, Shopify, Google Sheets, etc.). Showcase advanced computer skills under this same heading, listing skills such as Java, PHP/MySQL, web development, debugging, and more.

Image source: Pixabay.com

It’s best to prioritize computer skills that are most relevant to the position you’re gunning for. For instance, if it’s a digital marketing role, you might want to list first skills such as Google Analytics, content management systems, email marketing (such as Mailchimp), search engine optimization, and web page design.

Larry Polhill is a resident of Arizona. He used to work as a career consultant, but is now a full-time grandpa and organic gardening enthusiast. Learn more on this page.

How should applicants explain their greatest strengths?

If you've been in the workforce for quite some time, you must have been asked by interviewers to explain your greatest strengths and how these traits will help you excel in the job you are applying for.  As a career counselor, most of the people I have worked with thought that their answers to this question cost them their dream jobs.  Let me share with you some tips on showcasing your expertise and good traits without going overboard:

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Talk about character-based and skill-based strengths appropriate for the position you are applying for

We know you have a lot of strengths.  And it’s good if you are aware of them.  But for a job interview, you have to choose only the traits that will show interviewers why they should give you the post.  For example, you can share how your being resourceful helped save funds for a project.  Or you can also talk about how clients and superiors commented on your design skills.  The key is to show that your strengths are essential for the specific job you are applying for.

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Say something about your credentials—certifications, degrees, or awards and talk about how these things contributed to what you consider to be your greatest strength

When asked about what you do best, don't be shy to back it up with your accomplishments.  This will show that you are passionate and capable.  While you have to make sure you don't sound like a braggart, don't be too modest about your accomplishments especially if they are already on your resume.  You can also talk about how these achievements have helped you in your current position or latest project.

The interview stage of the application process can be the most unnerving.  To ensure that the question won't catch you off-guard you have to think of your best points beforehand so that you'll be able to talk about them comfortably with the interviewer.  Good luck! Hello! I'm Larry Polhill, an Arizona native and retired career consultant. From time to time, I still offer advice and insights on how jobseekers can land their dream job. For more job-hunting tips, visit this blog.

What companies look for in managers

So you’re applying for a management or a supervisory position at an office near you, and it’s your first time doing so.  You’ve already had experience after being promoted at your previous job, but you know the interview will be different.  

Here’s one very important thing you should remember about companies looking for managers – they need someone who can lead. That said, you have to put your best foot forward and show that you’re a leader, not just a manager. 

How do you do this?

First off, leaders are much more than managers.  By this time, it’s already expected of you to know the ins and outs of being a manager, from administrative tasks and goal-setting to conflict-resolution and all the other things managers do.  The interviewer will probably ask you if you know how to emphasize the bottom line and focus on systems and structures.  And you should answer all these quite capably.

However, you should also exhibit an eagerness to make a connection to the team you’ll be assigned to, and to upper management as well.  You should make it a point that your priority is to lead, to motivate, and develop trust among the members of your team, yourself, and those above you.

There are key differences between managers who are simply managers, and those who are true leaders, and interviewers can see this from a mile away.  Be the leader.  It opens a lot more doors. Larry Polhill is a retired career consultant who offers views and insights on how jobseekers can land their dream job. He currently lives in Arizona, taking care of his three grandchildren and running a mini farm. More articles like this on this page.

Effective Tips To Calm Your Nerves During An Interview

Our nerves have a way of acting up especially during important events like job interviews. If telling stories and jokes in front of your friends can be easy and light, you can also feel this way when you get interviewed for a job. 

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Avoid speaking too fast. Calm down, and speak to the interviewer with no rush. Practicing deep breathing—breathe in through the nose slowly for three counts, then out through the mouth—to lower your heart rate can to beat your nerves. While tightening your butt cheeks to seem confident and composed can sound funny, it’s actually effective. Most clothes will mask the action anyway, why not do it? 

Find something to praise about your interviewer. Instead of boasting about what you can do when you land the job, it’s also effective to calm your nerves by making the other person feel special. Be confident and genuine with your answers and don’t be scared of asking questions, too. Listening is a key communication skill people tend to forget. Slow down and listen attentively to what the interviewer is asking to provide them with the right answers. 

As cliché as it sounds, be yourself. You’ll find yourself more relaxed, confident, and authentic when you’re not hiding behind a fake persona. Use words that belong in your vocabulary instead of trying to say words that you just read somewhere. Enjoy the interview and be grateful for your past experiences. Job interviews should be a breeze when you’re prepared and equipped with the right tips to make it through successfully. 

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Hi there! My name is Larry Polhill, and I’m a retired career consultant. Subscribe to my blog to get more tips on how to do your best in a job interview.

Proper Etiquette Tips During a Panel Interview

The way we behave and act during a panel interview can make or break our chances of landing that job, so we’ve to be extra careful about the simplest things we might be doing unconsciously, like fidgeting with a pen or repeatedly scratching an arm.

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Of course, these are not aspects of etiquette entirely, and most interviewers will not fault the interviewee for being a bit nervous. Yet body language is important, and the path toward getting hired begins with thorough mindfulness.

Greet everyone as your or they enter the room. Stand up if you’re first in the room and give each panel member a firm handshake. Show a sincere smile despite any feeling of nervousness.

Avoid closing your arms and slouching while being asked questions, as these can likewise exude insecurity. Sit straight without looking rigid. Even as your arms are kept open, keep your legs held together. This will make you exude an air of both confidence and professionalism.

During the actual interview, never rush to answer questions. Wait patiently for each question to finish, collect your thoughts, and reply without stuttering and stumbling. Project your voice as you answer, without shouting, so that everyone can hear you clearly.

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Of course, don’t take too long to answer. Focus on each individual question and don’t get caught up overexplaining even if you’ve felt your answer was incomplete. Finally, thank everyone individually and shake hands anew after the panel interview is done.

My name’s Larry Polhill, a retired career consultant from Arizona. I understand the daunting tasks that hiring managers and recruiters face, so I continue to offer insights for jobseekers to get ahead. More on my work and interests here.

Tips On Writing Your Contact Information On Your Resume

In most resumes, no matter the format, job applicants’ contact information should be included and placed visibly because it lets potential employers easily get in touch with job applicants. The following are the elements that should be included in this section:

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• Name: Generally, it suffices to write just the first and last name, if it is the name by which you go by or are known for. Those who have quite common names may also want to include a middle initial or name to distinguish themselves from other job candidates. The name should also be placed atop of the resume and emphasized, if possible.
• Mailing address: It is a misconception that addresses are not required anymore since this is the digital age. However, applicant tracking systems check physical addresses and use it to send acknowledgment communications through postal mail. If there are privacy concerns, an alternative is listing the city and state.
• Email address: Many employers nowadays contact job applicants via email. Thus, including an email address in a resume is a must. It is important to remember, though, that unprofessional usernames and work email addresses should be avoided.
• Valid phone numbers: More than one phone numbers can be included, such as home and mobile numbers, on the condition that these are easily accessible. Also, the area code should be written.

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Creating a well-written resume is one of the first steps in landing your dream job. If you need advice in doing so, be sure to follow me Larry Polhill, on Facebook.

Confident Answers To Questions About Career Goals

Some applicants have short-term goals for the job they are applying for and getting asked questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” can be disorienting. This can be difficult to answer, so it’s best to really have a clear map of what your career goals are before plunging into an interview.

Experts say that hiring managers often ask this question to applicants for them to know and hire those who are willing to work for the company for many years, as employers want to get a discernment of how long an applicant intends to be in the company or role. For applicants to buoy up interviewers that they anticipate a future working with them, they must indicate the means by which they propose to grow with the company. Let them know that the opportunities for growth align with your career goals, or that you hope to lead a team in the future.

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Before you find yourself seated across the table from the hiring, educating yourself about what the company is looking for will assist you in emphasizing your ability to solve their issues. Refrain from discussing personal goals outside of work and focus your answers on how you can be of help to the company, with regard to their growth path. The objective is to have your goals and the company’s vision aligned at all times.

Let them know that your long-term goals include growing with a company where you can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and present as much value as you can.

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Larry Polhill spent the last 40 years helping job applicants succeed in the hiring process. He has found the experience productive and fulfilling. For more posts like this, visit this blog.

Ready, Set, Go: Preparing For a Job Interview

Are you getting ready for a job interview? Here are helpful job interview preparation tips to help you land your dream career.

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Take time to review the job posting. Do you have the required skills for the job? The job posting states what the company is looking for a candidate. Have a list of your knowledge, skills, and qualities to see if you are fit to do the job. 

Research about the company. Not all companies are the same. Some are big corporations, others are startups, and there are also nonprofits. Knowing what the company does can help you manage your expectations. It can also help you answer critical questions during the interview. 

Practice running through interview questions. Where do you see yourself professionally five years from now? How can you be an asset to the company? These questions are commonly asked in job interviews. Practicing these questions can help you be more confident during the actual interview. These can also help you reflect on what you really want to do in the long run. 

Find the appropriate attire for your interview. First impressions do last. One of the many ways you can stand out in the job interview is by choosing the right clothes to wear. Dress accordingly. If you’re eyeing a professional position, get your business attire ready. If you’re applying for a job in a casual, relaxed environment, make sure your clothes are still tidy and well-groomed. 

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Larry Polhill is a retired career consultant. Visit this blog for more tips on how to land your dream job.

Numbers Talk: Quantifying Accomplishments In Your Resume

If you think that the only numbers that should be included in a resume are your contact numbers, then it is time to have a change of mindset. Numbers can highlight your accomplishments by providing a metric for them, which enhances the resume and leaves a greater impact on hiring managers.

For instance, if you put yourself in a hiring manager’s shoes and see these two accomplishments:

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• Wrote blog articles daily

• Wrote 40-50 blog articles within a week under daily deadlines

Which do you think is more impressive? The second statement carries more weight because it quantifies the achievement and provides a picture of the responsibilities of the job applicant and how much productive they were. Hiring managers tend to notice and hone in on digits, especially since metrics is the language of business nowadays.

There are many ways to include metrics in writing down your accomplishments. As seen in the example above, the amount of production can be included in the resume, instead of merely pluralizing your accomplishments.

Another way is to describe achievements and responsibilities in terms of money – how much was earned, saved, or managed in your previous job, internship, or extracurricular activities. This can showcase your aptitude in dealing with money and how instrumental you can be in affecting the company’s bottom line.

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Time-oriented entries should also appear in the accomplishments section because it can highlight your ability to meet deadlines and manage your time.

Follow me, Larry Polhill, on Twitter for more tips on writing a resume.

Resume Or Curriculum Vitae: Which To Use And When

While both the curriculum vitae (CV) and the resume reflect a person’s skills and experience, they are different documents. Let’s look at the distinctions and what’s more appropriate to submit in a given situation.

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Resumes are much shorter, typically just one to two pages long. Keeping your resume brief and concise means that you’ve to omit older positions and details from time to time. CVs keep these data and add new ones in your career as they are meant to be comprehensive. A typical CV may grow in pages upwards of a dozen, depending on one’s experience.

Resumes often allow management to look at one’s qualifications at a glance, so they require the use of short phrases and often come in a bullet-point format that highlights select accomplishments. CVs are deliberately more in-depth and are studied closely by a company’s HR department.

CVS usually begin with a listing of degrees earned, followed by academic interests and thesis and dissertation titles. These are followed by former work positions, published work, and any grant, award, or honor received. The last entry is usually a list of references.

It is in a job seeker's best interest to have both these documents ready, as they serve different purposes. While resumes are more common for applying for most jobs in the U.S., research work, positions in the academia and grant applications often require CVs.

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Arizona-based retired career consultant Larry Polhill believes that clean and well-written resumes and CVs will help the job applicant stand out. For more insights for jobseekers, visit this blog.