When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for people to pay their bills, and dissolve the financial bands which connect them to a debt, they should declare themselves employed and live comfortably in this financial separation.
I hold this truth to be self-evident…and so should you!
In 1776, the Founding Fathers wrote a resume for America. Sure, they didn’t think of it like that, but for anyone reading this, just humor me! Their ideas can help inspire your job search and stand out.
Your Objective Should Be a Declaration
Fellow hiredMYway.com blog contributor Wes Weiler has a philosophy about the “Objective” on a resume that I completely subscribe to. Most people start their resume with an Objective and they always say the same thing. Objective statements are used to tell the reader of your resume why they should consider you for a job. It’s usually 1-2 sentences and makes a case for your employment. At least that’s what people are told.
In reality, an objective statement doesn’t do anything other than take up space on your resume where more experience should go. If John Hancock had written an objective instead of signed his name large enough that you could see it from space, we might be the 50 colonial states. If you’re going to write anything at all at the top of your resume, make it a declaration, not an objective.
You need to be bold as a job seeker, otherwise you’ll fall back into the haystack and a hiring manger will kindly shred, and hopefully recycle, your resume. Use the space for experience, or write something that really sells who you are. Don’t just go through the motions because “King George” won’t call you back!
Why are you the best candidate for the job? Why should we pick you?
Did you feel that? I did – those shivers streaming down your spine when an employer asks you to “sell yourself” in an interview. It always happens at the end too. Right when you feel like you’ve aced the interview, you get the dreaded “why you?” question.
Once again, you have to be bold. Too many people are humble when it comes to this question, and say something like, “Well, not that I’m better than anyone else, but…” No! You ARE better! Don’t step foot in the interview room unless you believe that coming into it. This is another classic opportunity often missed out on because of timidity and lack of confidence.
It’s one thing to pursue happiness, but it’s quite another to take it. The reason you’re the best candidate for the job is your chance to take the job. You’ve already pursued it, but don’t stop there. Sell the employer on your work ethic, your experience, and your attitude. But more than anything, sell them on your personality. That will ultimately be why they hire you.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Barbecue
Hopefully by now you’re outside enjoying the holiday. This Fourth of July, if you’re looking around you and you’re able to appreciate your freedoms, just remember that it took a lot of courage to get things where they are today. You should be just as courageous to ensure your personal liberties are always intact and that you’re always able to grill until you can’t eat anymore. Enjoy your day off, or perhaps two. You’ve earned it.
Signed by order and in behalf of the staff of hiredMYway.com,
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
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