Pink Resumes and Candy Wrappers

Pink Resumes and Candy WrappersPink Resumes and Candy WrappersJob applicants have used everything from Vine videos to infographics to candy wrappers to replace the standard resume. Unfortunately, theyre also a great way to annoy recruiters who are attempting to sift through hundreds of other job applicants. Yes, creative resumes can be a great way to show off your design skills and stand out but it really just depends on the situation.Where Youre ApplyingIf youre applying to a graphic design firm or a funky art gallery then yes, they might appreciate an eye-catching resume, but if youre applying to be an accountant or bank manager, then the hiring manager will appreciate a traditional resume that gets straight to the point your professional experience.Getting to the PointRemember that basic resume-writing rules mucksmuschenstill apply if you decide to submit a creative resume. Information should be presented in a clear, concise, easy-to-read format and should take the recruiter five minutes to figure out what your name is because you typed it in some weird, hard-to-read font. The fact is, most hiring managers spend no more than 60 seconds looking over a resume, so you have to make koranvers they get the gist of it in that short timeframe.OriginalityYou should have a good reason for choosing to put together a creative resume, not just because its fun. Using hot-pink paper might make your resume stand out but what does it really say about your skills?Make sure youre not copying a creative resume idea. Why would you steal someone elses concept if your goal is to be unique? Make sure youre communicating clearly a distinctive skill set through your idea and its execution.A great resume service can help you catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers, drastically increasing your callbacks and interviews. At Executive Drafts, we know the secret to providing a great resume is to work closely with our clients, valuing your feedback throughout the process. Our review s dont lie people love working with us because we ask great questions, encourage feedback, and produce outstanding resumes that get immediate results.

Top Resume Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

Top Resume Tips for Writing a Federal ResumeTop Resume Tips for Writing a Federal ResumeHow to Write a Federal ResumeIf youre searching for a job in the federal government, youre going to need a resume different from the norm.Writing a resume that gets results is tough. Writing a federal resume? Things just got even more complicated. If youre interested in working for the U.S. government, your traditional resume will need to undergo a serious overhaul to meet the strict application requirements. The rules for writing a federal resume are different than those for a professional resume from page length to the number of details on your education, the resume format is a whole different game when you have your eyes set on a career in government.To get a better understanding of the differences between a federal resume and one for the traditional job search, we sat down with TC Paulson, one of TopResumes senior resume writers. Along the way, she shared her top tips for writing a successful federal resume that will help you get the interview and explained how TopResume can help write your federal resume.TopResume Why do job seekers need a special resume when applying for a position in the federal government?TC Paulson The federal application path itself is a more lengthy, involved, and comprehensive journey, so your resume needs to reflect that. However, its not just about developing a resume as complex as a government process there are lots of required elements you wont find in a typical corporate hiring process, and its important that you include them all.TR So a federal resume is different. What does it look like?TP First and foremost, you can expect a federal resume to be longer than a private sector one. A typical private-sector resume will be 12 pages in length, but to include all the critical data essential for the federal application process you might find yourself needing 3-7 pages for your resume, depending on the length and breadth of your work experience.R elatedWhat You Need to Know About Applying to Federal JobsTR What should a federal resume include?TP Like any traditional resume, a federal resume is a key tool in the first leiter of the job application process. It is designed to showcase that you have the required qualifications for the specific job you are targeting.A federal resume needs to keep pace with government policies and procedures for hiring, which means following mandated changes required by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Its important that you redesign your resume so it complies with the core elements required by the majority of government agencies, all while, of course, including unique aspects of each specific job. It should detail the key aspects of your qualifications, including your experience, education, certifications, and any other relevant data. In addition, the header should contain your personal data including your name, contact information, citizenship, Veterans Preference, and federal employmen t history (as applicable).Overall, it should contain the following categories of informationProfessional Job History and/or Military CareerThis section doesnt start off too differently from a traditional resume Begin with your experience. List your professional and/or military career history with your role titles, employers names, and a detailed description of each job so the reviewer knows your daily responsibilities. Be sure to highlight your key achievements so you display your individual value. Then, add an extra layer of information to satisfy the requirements for a federal resume, such as the start and end months of each job, your salary, hours worked per week, and your supervisors contact information.EducationWhile you generally include education and degrees on a traditional resume, a federal resume requires you to dig much further into the details of your educational background. This means your GPA, credit hours earned, date of degree completion, and any awards or special re cognition you may have earned along the way. Yep. They want it all.Relevant Training and CertificationsEarned a certificate? Finished a course or training program? They want to know about it when youre applying to work in the U.S. government. And dont forget to name the granting organization and date you completed the programAdditional DetailsThey may not fit into any other category, but theyre totenstill necessary to include on a federal resume. If youre part of any associations, have given presentations, or written publications, include these details in your resume. Also, if you speak any other languages or are proficient in certain technologies, include those as well. And last but certainly not least, include a list of references, the nature of your relationship with each person, and their contact information. These can be past supervisors, managers, mentors, or even colleagues just make sure theyre willing and ready to talk you up.See why federal resumes are longer?Sample Feder al ResumeClick on the image below to view a sample federal resumeTR What is a vacancy announcement and why is it important when writing a federal resume?TP A vacancy announcement is the federal version of a private sector job posting. Just like we recommend targeting a traditional resume toward your specific job goals, your federal resume should also highlight your qualifications for the specific job youre targeting in your job search. Hiring managers whether theyre working for the federal government or for the private sector dont appreciate a resume that takes the jack of all trades approach. Customize your resume to demonstrate how youre a good fit for the role youre pursuing, and your application will stand a better chance of making it to the top of the pile.The vacancy announcement is a great distribution policy to source the information youll need to customize your federal resume in fact, its required Because of the strong focus on addressing core elements of specific vacanc ies or job series, a federal resume must include key details of the vacancy announcement as required by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the agency posting the opening. Its important to pay attention to this key piece of information so you can craft the most effective resume possible.RelatedHow to Customize Your Resume for a Specific Job PostingTR Is it really necessary to employ a resume-writing service to write a federal resume?TP You can certainly write your federal resume on your own, but letting a professional resume-writing service like TopResume do it for you will save you time and, more importantly, optimize your chances of landing the interview. Resume writing is a crucial part of landing the position you want, so why not leave this sensitive and complex job to an expert?Our federal resume writers are carefully selected to ensure that they are knowledgeable of the general application process for federal jobs, the structure of the USAJOBS website, the elements of a vacancy announcement, and TopResumes resume-writing standards. Armed with your critical information and their expert knowledge of the process, your TopResume federal resume writer will craft a federal resume that will leave you feeling confident in your applications.TR What tips can you give to someone looking to use a federal resume-writing service?TP Your federal resume will go through a scoring process when you apply for a job. To help you score higher, your federal resume writer will need your helpThoroughly review the requirements in the vacancy announcement and select the details and achievements from your background that align with those requirements. As you invest in this service, take the time to provide your writer with comprehensive information, quantifiable data, and specific achievements. With this, your professional resume writer will be able to develop an interview-winning document for you.After your writer has delivered your final document, the rest is up to you. Follow the directions in the application process and pay attention to additional questions or essay requirements. And of course, be mindful of the application deadlineClick on the following link for more information on what to include in your federal resume.Looking for a position in the federal workforce? Hire a TopResume federal resume writer todayRecommended ReadingInteresting Jobs Before He Became PresidentThe Modern Guide to Career TransitionWhat Makes an Effective Job Search?

U.S. Military 101 - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard

U.S. Military 101 - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast GuardU.S. Military 101 - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast GuardThe present U.S. military organizational structure is a result of the National Security Act of 1947. This is the same act that created the United States Air Force and restructured the War Department into the Department of Defense. Department of Defense The Department of Defense is headed by a civilian, the Secretary of Defense, who is appointed by the President of the United States and approved by the Senate. Under the Secretary of Defense, there are three military departments The Department of the Army, the Department of the Air Force, and the Department of the Navy. Each of these military departments is also headed up by a civilian service secretary, who are also appointed by the president. There are five military branches The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine korporation, and Coast Guard. The Army is commanded by a four-star general, known as the Army Chief of Staff. The top military member in the Air Force is the Air Force Chief of Staff. The Navy is commanded by a four-star admiral, called the Chief of Naval Operations. The Marines are commanded by a 4-star general called the Commandant of the Marine Corps. While the chiefs of staff of the Army and Air Force report to their respective cabinet secretaries for fruchtwein matters, both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Marine Corps Commandant report (for most matters) to the Secretary of the Navy. So yes, the Marine Corps is technically part of the Navy. Joint Chiefs of Staff These four flag officers also make up a group called the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC), which also includes theVice Chairman and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Chairman is nominated by the President and approved by the Senate (as are other general and flag officer positions). For operational matters (such as war or conflict), the Joint Chiefs bypasses the individual service secretaries and report directly to the Secretary of Defense and the President. Army Main U.S. Ground Force The Army is the main ground-force of the United States. Its primary function is to protect and defend the country and its interests with ground troops, armor (such as tanks), artillery, attack helicopters, tactical nuclear weapons, and other weapons. The Army is the oldest U.S. military service, officially established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. Its also the largest of the military services. The Army is supported by two Reserve Forces which can be tapped for trained personnel and equipment during times of need The Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard. The primary difference between the two is that the Reserves are owned and managed by the federal government, and each state owns its own National Guard. However, the president or the Secretary of Defense can activate state National Guard members into federal military service during times of need. Air Force Newest Br anch The Air Force is the youngest military service. Prior to 1947, the Air Force welches a separate Corps of the Army. The primary mission of the Army Air Corps was to support Army ground forces. However, World War II showed that air power had much mora potential than simply supporting ground troops, so the Air Force was established as a separate service. The primary mission of the Air Force is to defend the U.S. and its interests via air and space. It operates fighter aircraft, tanker aircraft, light and heavy bomber aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopters. The Air Force is also responsible for all military satellites and controls strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. Like the Army, the active duty Air Force is supplemented by the Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard. Navy Safety at Sea Like the Army, the Navy was officially established by the Continental Congress in 1775. The Navys primary mission is to maintain and protect U.S. interests at sea. In times of c onflict, the Navy helps to supplement Air Force air power, since Navy aircraft carriers can often deploy to areas where fixed runways are impossible. An aircraft carrier usually carries about 80 aircraft, mostly fighters or fighter-bombers. Navy ships can attack land targets from miles away with very heavy guns and cruise missiles. Navy submarines allow stealth attacks on our enemies from right off their shores. The Navy is also primarily responsible for transporting Marines to areas of conflict. The Navy is supported in times of need by the Naval Reserves. However, unlike the Army and Air Force, there is no Naval National Guard (although a few states have established Naval Militias.) Marine Corps Amphibious Operations Marines specialize in amphibious operations their primary specialty is to assault, capture, and control beachheads, which then provide a route to attack the enemy from almost any direction. The Marines were officially established on 10 November 1775 by the Contine ntal Congress to act as a landing force for the United States Navy. In 1798, however, Congress established the Marine Corps as a separate service. While amphibious operations are their primary specialty, in recent years, the Marines have expanded other ground-combat operations, as well. For combat operations, the Marine Corps likes to be self-sufficient, so it also has its own air power, consisting primarily of fighter and fighter/bomber aircraft and attack helicopters. But the Marines do use the Navy for logistical and administrative support there are no doctors, nurses, or enlisted medics in the Marine Corps, for instance. Even medics that accompany the Marines into combat are specially-trained Navy medics. Coast Guard Smallest Branch The United States Coast Guard, the smallest of all the U.S. military branches, was originally established as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. In 1915, it was reformed as the United States Coast Guard, under the Treasury Department. In 1967, th e Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Transportation. Legislation passed in 2002 transferred the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security. In peacetime, the Coast Guard is primarily concerned with law enforcement, boating safety, sea rescue, and illegal immigration control. However, the president can transfer part or all of the Coast Guard to the Department of the Navy in times of conflict. The Coast Guard consists of ships, boats, aircraft and shore stations that conduct a variety of missions. It is also supported by the Coast Guard Reserves, and a volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary in times of need. The Coast Guard is commanded by a four-star admiral, known as the Coast Guard Commandant. Enlisted Personnel Enlisted members perform the primary jobs that need to be done, trained to perform specific specialties in the military. As enlisted personnel progress up the nine ranks, they assume more responsibility and provide direct supervision to their subordinates . Enlisted personnel in certain grades have special status. In the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, this status is known as Non-Commissioned Officer status, or NCO. In the Navy and Coast Guard, such enlisted are known as Petty Officers. In the Marine Corps, NCO status begins at the grade of E-4 (Corporal). In the Army and Air Force, enlisted personnel in the grades of E-5 through E-9 are NCOs. However, some Army E-4s are laterally promoted to corporal and are considered NCOs. Also in the Army and Air Force, personnel in the grades of E-7 to E-9 are known as senior NCOs. In the Marine Corps, those in the grades of E-6 through E-9 are known as staff NCOs. In the Navy/Coast Guard, petty officers are those in the grades of E-4 through E-9. Those in the grades of E-7 to E-9 are known as chief petty officers. Warrant Officers Warrant Officers are highly-trained specialists. This is where they differ from commissioned officers. Unlike commissioned officers, warrant officers remain in their primary specialty to provide specialized knowledge, instruction, and leadership to enlisted members and commissioned officers alike. With few exceptions, one must be an enlisted member with several years of experience, recommended by their commander, and pass a selection board to become a warrant officer. The Air Force is the only service which does not have warrant officers it eliminated the role when Congress created the grades of E-8 and E-9 in the late 1960s. The other services elected to retain the warrant ranks and shifted the emphasis from a promotion process for E-7s to a highly selective system for highly-skilled technicians. There are five separate warrant ranks. Warrant Officers outrank all enlisted members. Commissioned Officers Commissioned officers are the top brass. Their primary function is to provide overall management and leadership in their area of responsibility. Unlike enlisted members and warrant officers, commissioned officers do not specialize as much (with certain exceptions such as pilots, doctors, nurses, and lawyers). Commissioned officers must have a minimum of a four-year bachelors degree. As they move up the ranks, if they want to get promoted, they will have to earn a masters degree. Commissioned officers are commissioned through specific commissioning programs, such as one of the military academies (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy), ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps, or OCS (Officer Candidate School), called OTS (Officer Training School) for the Air Force. There are also two basic types of commissioned officers Line and non-line. Non-line officers are non-combat specialists which include medical officers such as doctors and nurses, lawyers, and chaplains. Non-line officers cannot command combat troops as they are specialists and have different jobs and responsibilities.