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Why You Need A Mentor Now!

2/9/2019

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How many highly successful business people and public figures have you seen attribute a portion of their success to their mentors?  It’s quite significant isn’t it? I provide professional resume writing services to clients in the Calgary area and beyond, and during our conversations about resume services and their need to have an experienced resume writer put their career marketing documents together, one of the themes that often arises is their need to find a mentor and their difficulty in doing so.

If you don’t have a mentor and you’re serious about professional and/or personal development, you’re missing out. People at all stages of their career could benefit from mentorship, whether they’re entry-level employees or seasoned executives. 

Many people have goals, aspirations and a desire to improve themselves and realize their potential and having a strong mentor or network of mentors can be the key to achieving those ambitions.

How Do You Find A Mentor?

This is a question I’ve heard quite often, mostly from people in the entry-level/early stage of their career and the pattern I’ve noticed amongst them is remarkably similar. 

They know they should have a mentor, yet they don’t know where to go find one.  They identify one, but don’t know how to make an approach. They make an approach, but don’t quite know what they want to get out if the relationship.

Then, if they’re politely rebuffed by their first choice, they second guess themselves. This type of analysis paralysis leads to a tailspin in their quest to find a worthy mentor. So, they still don’t have one.

Stop Looking For A Unicorn

Don’t hit up the CEO of the company to become your mentor.  It probably won’t happen.  Many early stage professionals identify the head honcho as an ideal person to become their mentor. 

Why?  Well, look at them!  They’re super successful, seem to know everything there is to know – who better to mentor an up-and-comer?

On the surface this sounds all good and well.  However, the CEO is the er..CEO.  So, they’re super busy and that goes for everyone else in the executive team. In addition, many other young ambitious up-and-comers have already made similar approaches and have been similarly rebuffed.

What about someone at another company, someone super successful?

The truth is, if they don’t know you, they will probably rebuff your approach.

They’re Right In Front Of You

The best person to be your mentor is someone who sees you every day.  Someone who knows you, who has a good understanding of your skills, output, and ambitions, and someone who can use this essential information to offer you opportunities to improve.

So, someone who sees you every day.  That narrows it down a bit doesn’t it?

Look around you, find mentors in those people.  It doesn’t have to be a formal relationship.  You don’t have to ask anyone “Will you be my mentor?”. 

Sometimes, the most constructive mentor/mentee relationships happen organically.  Find someone you respect, work with them, learn from them, ask questions, volunteer to work on projects, share a workload, ask for advice. Watch and learn. It can be as easy as that.

If you do want to strike up some sort of formal mentor/mentee relationship with someone you work with on a daily basis, then go ahead and make that known to them.

You need to be clear on what you would like to achieve, what you need from them, and have a realistic plan and timeframe for helping get you there.  If you have this in place, it’s a great starting point for the discussion.

If you’re seen as someone with real potential who is open-minded, flexible, willing to learn, and dedicated, you will have more chance of someone taking a real interest in your progression.

The More The Merrier

Keep in mind, you don’t have to limit your exposure to one person.  The entire environment and everyone in it provides you with opportunities to learn and develop. There may not be one single person who can guide you in everything. 

If your idea of mentorship is a one-to-one relationship, consider changing your perception to include multiple people with varying experiences and insights that could be shared with you.

Tommy Emmanuel is considered by many to be the greatest living guitar player of our age.  He is undoubtedly a phenomenal talent, and a seriously advanced player, yet he has noted in the past that he can learn something from everyone…even people who have just started playing.

That’s an incredible mindset, and perhaps is indicative of his success.  You can find something in anyone that you can absorb and adapt to improve yourself and advance your skill set and career.

We’ve talked about learning from people you work with and people you respect, what about people at work you don’t respect?

You know who they are!  Seriously though, perhaps you look at a manager in your company and realize that they’re not the type of person you want to be.  Ask yourself, “what do they do, that makes them ineffective or unlikeable” and take steps to make sure you don’t develop those traits or behave in that manner.

Making Yourself A Contender – A Final Word

What else can you do to position yourself as someone who deserves to be mentored?

#1 – Be a top performer.  Top performers are noticed, they’re usually serious about their careers, and forward-thinking companies know that if they want to retain them, they need to help develop, engage, and inspire their best people.

#2 – Ask for more. By showing your readiness to absorb additional duties or responsibilities to advance the departmental/corporate interest, you’ll be viewed internally as someone who can be relied upon.  The additional respect and attention this generates can only bode well for your quest to be noticed, mentored, and developed.

#3 – Don’t be shy. Get in among it.  If there are extra sessions to be done, late nights, meetings, offsite get-togethers, get yourself involved.  Remember, this is an opportunity to highlight your commitment, intelligence, and willingness to contribute.  Plan for these sessions accordingly.

#4 – Don’t be selfish.  Make sure you respect and work well with others.  Champion their accomplishments, recognize their success. Being willing to appreciate another’s talents is strong quality and will be needed as you advance your career.

-#5 – Reach out to others.  Build a reputation within the company as someone who is interested in learning the function and challenges of other business areas, identifying opportunities to help them be successful.  This builds your personal brand within your company, you’ll have many people talk highly of you if you do this well.



Ken Docherty is an Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Executive Resume Master, and Certified Professional Resume Writer providing best-in-class resume writing and interview coaching services to client from all industries in the Calgary area and beyond.


If you are considering having your resume professionally written, get in touch to discuss your requirements.
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How Your Resume Can Make or Break Your Life Plan

1/27/2019

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How Your Resume Can Make or Break Your Life Plan - Resume Services Calgary

How many people have you met with a newly developed life plan?

However many it is, you’ll know just how much thought and soul-searching these people have gone through just to put that plan on paper.  Whether their ultimate goal is related to relationships, health & wellness, financial independence, or personal achievement, at some point for many people their career will play a part in helping them realize their objectives.

Over the years, I have provided resume services to thousands of people in Calgary and throughout Western Canada, many of whom realized that having a professional resume, written by a professional resume writer was central to them achieving the goals set out in their life plan. 

Big Problemo

Well, after spending all that time and effort analyzing what’s not working in your life, assessing your values, creating detailed plans, establishing routines, spending thousands on additional education, it amazes me how many people fail to give a second though to their RESUME.

It’s almost an afterthought.  An inconsequential piece of paper with a list of duties and dates. How important can that piece of paper be, right?

Well, that resume can make or break your career.  If your career is a key component of your life plan, it follows that the resume can make or break your life plan.

Eliminate The Roadblocks

An essential element in any well thought-out life plan is concrete steps you can take to eliminate roadblocks.  Now, roadblocks as they relate to the world of careers can be varied and out-with your control. 

However, one of the major roadblocks I’ve encountered preventing my new clients from professional advancement and/or achieving their life goals is something that’s very much within their control…you guessed it, their resume.  Do something about it!

Choose Wisely!

Many people know this, and think they have done something about it, yet still don’t get any traction.  How can that happen? 

Well, I’ve lost track of the number of resumes I’ve had to completely re-work because the client in question had originally taken the advice of a two-bit hack setting themselves up as a “resume writer”.

You know, people who have zero careers industry experience or think that because they once worked in the mail room of a big company opening resumes makes them a bona fide resume expert!

If you take advice from anyone, at least make sure that person has the qualifications and experience needed to actually give specialized advice.  To do otherwise, is to add another roadblock that will eventually have to be overcome.

What’s So Special About My Resume?

If you’ve not put the effort in or don’t know what you’re doing, then probably nothing!  And that’s a major problem.

Some Tips for Helping you Prepare a Winning Resume

Design & Structure

Think about your audience.  What do they want to see?  Do their work for them. Don’t make them have to read every single bullet point on your resume before they start to appreciate what you can do.  Here’s why..they probably won’t do that.

You’ve got 10-15 seconds to grab the attention of the reader.  Fail to communicate your worth or suitability for the role, and it’s “say hello to my leetle shredder”.

You need to choose a design and structure for the document that clearly communicates the fact that you have the skills and experience they need.

You need to build in enough white space to make high-impact sections pop and ensure excellent readability.  Use wide margins, clean type, and clear headings.  Don’t use zany fonts.  You can also apply bold strategically to draw the readers’ eye and guide them through the document.

Format

Choose a format appropriate to your situation.  Whether that’s a hybrid/combination style document, reverse chronological, or functional style resume, depending on your background and experience you should pick the format that accentuates the positives, minimizes the negatives (too many jobs?), and gives you the space you need to pitch.

Selling, not Telling

You should seek to identify accomplishments, not just regurgitate job descriptions.

Yes, we need to see content that’s relevant to the role and this is very important when navigating Applicant Tracking Systems, however you must identify and position your key achievements in each role for maximum impact.

You’ll see many people, including myself, advising you to have a couple of lines to introduce the job, then list accomplishments.  Many of the best resumes I’ve written have followed that pattern. And yes, in the strongest of accomplishments listed on a resume, you will take ownership of the activity performed and be able to take credit for the net benefit to the company or client.

However, for many people putting their resumes together by themselves, they struggle with citing numerous accomplishments, especially if they’re performing transactional work.  That’s a reality.

So, after much soul-searching, if you genuinely believe that’s you, what do you do?  

Well, you can always tie the work you do and the function within the business you serve to the end product or the effective operation of the business itself.  If you weren’t there to perform that function or if you didn’t do it well, what would the impact be on the business?  

You can use that to say that you “help support” the ongoing effective operation of the business / department.  Perhaps you “help facilitate” the acquisition of new clients by ensuring potential customers are re-directed to the sales professional with most expertise in their area?

Listen, don’t get yourself lost here grasping at straws or bending the truth just in the service of trying to get an “accomplishment” on your resume.  

As a recruiter, I came across this type of situation often.  In those cases it would have been better to focus on core content that made those people qualified for the job.  At least then you’re giving me something I can use, as opposed to a half-baked, not-so-impressive “accomplishment” that may be bending the truth anyway.

If you’re coming up short, use the type of detail your target employer uses in their job description.  Reflect as much of it as you can to optimize the document.

Remember though, don’t give upon identifying accomplishments just because you find it hard.  Put the work in and you’d be surprised at the material you’re capable of producing.

Maximize Impact of Accomplishments

Ok, so you’ve identified your accomplishments.  How can you structure them for optimal impact?

Use metrics wherever possible.  This greatly increases the impact of the accomplishment and allows the reader to truly understand the benefit and impact of the work you do.

On-Target Resumes

The on-target resumes will be customized to target the role you’re going for.  This is essential.  A generic resume will yield mediocre results.  You need to take the time to fine tune your document to target the role you’re going for.

Use the target job description to help you understanding what the employer is looking for and use content from that spec to help you demonstrate your suitability.

Don’t use any content from that specification you can’t legitimately lay claim to having done.

Take the time to customize your resume and you’re results will improve dramatically.

You need to cater for your target industry as well.

Don’t use flashy looking resumes for a conservative profession.  Be mindful of the target audience, always.

Objectively Bad

Here’s another tip.  Lose the “Objective” at the top of the resume.  When a resume is being reviewed, your application is being assessed against the requirements of a candidate profile and the specific technical aspects of the role.

The last thing a recruiter wants to see at that stage is what you expect to get out of the this exercise or what you want long-term.

Not only does the Objective communicate the wrong message, it wastes valuable resume real estate that could have been used to sell in your suitability for the role.

Use this space instead for a Branded Statement.  A powerful showcase highlighting your unique value proposition.

The Secret.

If you can clearly and quickly communicate your value to your target employer, you’ve cracked the code.

If you can do that, and happen to also present that information in a high-impact and accessible manner on your resume, you’re on to a winner!

“But, I already know that I have to show value, the second bit I didn’t think about as much, but I already had the jist of it.”

Really? Then why does your current resume not do that?

Knowing something should be a certain way, yet not ever getting it done is part of the human condition. “I don’t have the time to think about that!”

“I don’t know how to do that!”

“I don’t know what they want to see!”

“I wasn’t trained to do that!”.

Sometimes admitting to yourself that you can’t do it all is the first step to seeking the help you need to get something done.  In my experience that’s how smart people operate.  

Whether they’re seeking external assistance with something, or delegating work to a talented employee – knowing what you’re good at, and what you’re not good at, is a level of self-awareness we all should embrace.

I know what I need to do to fix the oil leak I have in my car’s valve gasket, but I don’t.  Why?  Because I don’t have the skills to do that.  I’m going to need help.

I know what should be done to correct the uplift in the bridge on my acoustic guitar, but I don’t have the skills needed to execute that as effectively as someone who has been doing that very thing for decades.

I could go on, but you get the idea.
​
For some reason, many people beat themselves up about the need to ask for assistance with their resume.  There is absolutely no need. 

It’s a specialized skill set.  It’s selling. It’s marketing.  It’s not just a list of stuff you did!

Over the years I’ve written resumes for broadcast journalists, a TV anchor, HR Directors, and people who have worked everywhere from the White House to the Fortune 500, and Parliament Hill in Canada.  These are super talented people, some of them actually wrote for a living.

They recognized the value in seeking the assistance of someone who actually did this for a living.

And in doing so, it gave them an edge they didn’t have before.


If you're looking for resume writing services in Calgary and need the assistance of an experienced professional resume writer to help your bring a laser-sharp focus to your next application, get in touch.

Ken Docherty is a multi-certified, multiple award-winning resume writer.  Ken is an experienced executive recruiter and has led recruitment consulting and executive search campaigns for leading employers on two continents. Ken has written resumes for thousands of people in Calgary and throughout Western Canada to help them realize their career ambitions.
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#1 Reason For Job Application Failure

1/27/2019

0 Comments

 
What’s the #1 Reason?

Over 2 decades as an executive recruiter, recruitment consultant, and resume writer to client in the Calgary marketplace, I’ve specialized in coaching top professionals in uncovering their true value proposition, how to create a laser-focused applications for a specific roles, and how to address the needs of the target organization.

As a recruiter, I’ve assessed thousands of applications.  The number one reason for instant failure is failing to actually address the needs of the role and show the hiring team why they should bother meeting you.

When I was recruiting, I knew the profile of individual I was looking for.  I was intimately familiar with the job description for the role, and when looking at a resume, I could tell inside 10 seconds if you were someone who could extend my interest or have your document shredded at that point in time.

10 seconds. If you don’t show me inside 10 seconds that you have the profile, technical skills, or related impressive track record of success, then you’re out.

Sounds brutal, doesn’t it?  It’s just the way it works in that game.

The vast majority of people don’t know how to target their resumes to a particular role.

They don’t know how to position content in their document for maximum impact.

They don’t know how to actually identify, uncover, and write hard-hitting, high-impact branded profiles, accomplishments, and employer entry bullet points that convey the KEY MESSAGES the target employer wants to see.

These are some of the issues you'll need to consider if you want to avoid the #1 reason for job application failure.  If you're looking for resume writing services in Calgary and need the assistance of an experienced professional resume writer to help your bring a laser-sharp focus to your next application, get in touch.

Ken Docherty is a multi-certified, multiple award-winning resume writer.  Ken is an experienced executive recruiter and has led recruitment consulting and executive search campaigns for leading employers on two continents. Ken has written resumes for thousands of people in Calgary and throughout Western Canada to help them realize their career ambitions.
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Common Reasons for Job Application Failure - Resume Services Calgary

12/12/2018

0 Comments

 

What's the # 1 Reason?

We’ll get to that in one little moment!
Over 2 decades as an executive recruiter, recruitment consultant, and resume writer offering resume service to a diverse array of top professionals in Calgary and beyond, I’ve specialized in coaching top professionals in uncovering their true value proposition, how to create a laser-focused applications for a specific roles, and how to address the needs of the target organization. ​

​As a recruiter, I’ve assessed thousands of applications.  The number one reason for instant failure is failing to actually address the needs of the role and show the hiring team why they should bother meeting you. ​ I've assessed countless resumes for my clients in Calgary, and quite often when they're targeting specific roles, I can tell quite quickly the problems in the applications and/or in the way they're presenting information.

When I was recruiting, I knew the profile of individual I was looking for.  I was intimately familiar with the job description for the role, and when looking at a resume, I could tell inside 10 seconds if you were someone who could extend my interest or have your document shredded at that point in time. ​ 10 seconds.

If you don’t show me inside 10 seconds that you have the profile, technical skills, or related impressive track record of success, then you’re out.
​ Sounds brutal, doesn’t it?  It’s just the way it works in that game.  ​

The vast majority of people don’t know how to target their resumes to a particular role. ​ They don’t know how to position content in their document for maximum impact. ​

They don’t know how to actually identify, uncover, and write hard-hitting, high-impact branded profiles, accomplishments, and employer entry bullet points that convey the KEY MESSAGES the target employer wants to see. ​

If you can do that, you will overcome one of the common reasons for job application failure. Some of the things that prevent you from securing the job you want are out of your control.  

Some of those things can be controlled.  Conveying your true value on your resume is one of those things.

If you could benefit from partnering with someone like me to help convey those key messages and your unique value proposition to target employers, get in touch. Resume Services Calgary.

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Resume Tips & #1 Resume Secret - Calgary Resume Services

12/7/2018

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​My background as a recruitment consultant, executive recruiter, and multi-certified resume writer has given me the opportunity to provide resume services to people not only in the Calgary market, but to a global client base.

Whether my resume clients hail from Calgary or beyond, the approach to helping them identify their unique value proposition and market that content to a target job or employer remains the same.​


So, what is it? What’s the top secret?


Is it having a one-page resume?

No.

Is it having an infographic resume?

Certainly not.

Is it using fancy logos to make it stand out?

No.

Well, what is it?

The sole goal of your resume is to demonstrate to the target employer that you have the ability to add-value to their organization. In most cases, that will require a document that's longer than 1 measly page.  It also needs to communicate value clearly, which rules out the vast majority of cluttered infographic resumes I've seen.

Here are some tips for helping you prepare a resume for the Calgary market;

Design & Structure

Think about your audience.  What do they want to see?  Do their work for them. Don’t make them have to read every single bullet point on your resume before they start to appreciate what you can do.  Here’s why..they probably won’t do that.

You’ve got 10-15 seconds to grab the attention of the reader.  Fail to communicate your worth or suitability for the role, and it’s “say hello to my leetle shredder”.

You need to choose a design and structure for the document that clearly communicates the fact that you have the skills and experience they need.

You need to build in enough white space to make high-impact sections pop and ensure excellent readability.  Use wide margins, clean type, and clear headings.  Don’t use zany fonts.  You can also apply bold strategically to draw the readers’ eye and guide them through the document.
 
Format

Choose a format appropriate to your situation.  Whether that’s a hybrid/combination style document, reverse chronological, or functional style resume, depending on your background and experience you should pick the format that accentuates the positives, minimizes the negatives (too many jobs?), and gives you the space you need to pitch.
 
Selling, not Telling

You should seek to identify accomplishments, not just regurgitate job descriptions.

Yes, we need to see content that’s relevant to the role and this is very important when navigating Applicant Tracking Systems, however you must identify and position your key achievements in each role for maximum impact.

You’ll see many people, including myself, advising you to have a couple of lines to introduce the job, then list accomplishments.  Many of the best resumes I’ve written have followed that pattern. And yes, in the strongest of accomplishments listed on a resume, you will take ownership of the activity performed and be able to take credit for the net benefit to the company or client.

However, for many people putting their resumes together by themselves, they struggle with citing numerous accomplishments, especially if they’re performing transactional work.  That’s a reality.
So, after much soul-searching, if you genuinely believe that’s you, what do you do?  

Well, you can always tie the work you do and the function within the business you serve to the end product or the effective operation of the business itself.  If you weren’t there to perform that function or if you didn’t do it well, what would the impact be on the business? 

You can use that to say that you “help support” the ongoing effective operation of the business / department.  Perhaps you “help facilitate” the acquisition of new clients by ensuring potential customers are re-directed to the sales professional with most expertise in their area?

Listen, don’t get yourself lost here grasping at straws or bending the truth just in the service of trying to get an “accomplishment” on your resume. 

As a recruiter, I came across this type of situation often.  In those cases it would have been better to focus on core content that made those people qualified for the job.  At least then you’re giving me something I can use, as opposed to a half-baked, not-so-impressive “accomplishment” that may be bending the truth anyway.

If you’re coming up short, use the type of detail your target employer uses in their job description.  Reflect as much of it as you can to optimize the document.

Remember though, don’t give upon identifying accomplishments just because you find it hard.  Put the work in and you’d be surprised at the material you’re capable of producing.

Maximize Impact of Accomplishments

Ok, so you’ve identified your accomplishments.  How can you structure them for optimal impact?
 
Use metrics wherever possible.  This greatly increases the impact of the accomplishment and allows the reader to truly understand the benefit and impact of the work you do.

On-Target Resumes

The on-target resumes will be customized to target the role you’re going for.  This is essential.  A generic resume will yield mediocre results.  You need to take the time to fine tune your document to target the role you’re going for.

Use the target job description to help you understanding what the employer is looking for and use content from that spec to help you demonstrate your suitability.

Don’t use any content from that specification you can’t legitimately lay claim to having done.

Take the time to customize your resume and you’re results will improve dramatically.

You need to cater for your target industry as well.

Don’t use flashy looking resumes for a conservative profession.  Be mindful of the target audience, always.

Objectively Bad

Here’s another tip.  Lose the “Objective” at the top of the resume.  When a resume is being reviewed, your application is being assessed against the requirements of a candidate profile and the specific technical aspects of the role.

The last thing a recruiter wants to see at that stage is what you expect to get out of the this exercise or what you want long-term.
Not only does the Objective communicate the wrong message, it wastes valuable resume real estate that could have been used to sell in your suitability for the role.

Use this space instead for a Branded Statement.  A powerful showcase highlighting your unique value proposition.

The Secret.

If you can clearly and quickly communicate your value to your target employer, you’ve cracked the code.

If you can do that, and happen to also present that information in a high-impact and accessible manner on your resume, you’re on to a winner!

“But, I already know that I have to show value, the second bit I didn’t think about as much, but I already had the jist of it.”

Really? Then why does your current resume not do that?
 
Knowing something should be a certain way, yet not ever getting it done is part of the human condition. “I don’t have the time to think about that!”

“I don’t know how to do that!”

“I don’t know what they want to see!”

“I wasn’t trained to do that!”.

Sometimes admitting to yourself that you can’t do it all is the first step to seeking the help you need to get something done.  In my experience that’s how smart people operate. 

Whether they’re seeking external assistance with something, or delegating work to a talented employee – knowing what you’re good at, and what you’re not good at, is a level of self-awareness we all should embrace.

I know what I need to do to fix the oil leak I have in my car’s valve gasket, but I don’t.  Why?  Because I don’t have the skills to do that.  I’m going to need help.

I know what should be done to correct the uplift in the bridge on my acoustic guitar, but I don’t have the skills needed to execute that as effectively as someone who has been doing that very thing for decades.

I could go on, but you get the idea.

For some reason, many people beat themselves up about the need to ask for assistance with their resume.  There is absolutely no need.

It’s a specialized skill set.  It’s selling. It’s marketing.  It’s not just a list of stuff you did!

Over the years I’ve written resumes for broadcast journalists, a TV anchor, HR Directors, and people who have worked everywhere from the White House to the Fortune 500, and Parliament Hill in Canada.  These are super talented people, some of them actually wrote for a living.

They recognized the value in seeking the assistance of someone who actually did this for a living.

And in doing so, it gave them an edge they didn’t have before.

Calgary Resume Services.  If you're looking for resume services in the Calgary market, drop me a note using the form below.

    Contact Ken

Submit
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How To Manage Your Personal Brand

11/14/2018

1 Comment

 
What is a Personal Brand and How Do I Use It?

As a professional resume writer serving clients in Calgary and beyond, I routinely discuss the importance of a consistent personal brand across all platforms with many of my clients.  If you are in the process of writing your own resume or seeking out the assistance of Calgary professional resume writing services, this blog entry may be of value to you in shaping the way your approach or think about your personal brand.

If you think brands are the exclusive property of companies, think again. Your "personal brand" might be the difference between finding the job of your dreams, or spending years in career limbo. Maybe it’s time to perform a little due diligence on your end to bring personal brand in alignment with your resume or CV. 

SURVIVAL STRATEGY

Understand the Term

Personal brand does not mean you need a logo and a color scheme, what it means is that you are comfortable being who you are and are confident enough to share yourself boldly with the world.
Your brand is not a listing of your wonderful executive accomplishments. Your brand is who you are, your creativity, your innovation, your motivation, and your deep commitment to excel.

Comprised largely of perceptions of who you are, a personal brand is an amalgamation of:

· Your online presence

· Track record

· Personality

· Appearance

· Interests

Understanding the state of your personal brand is as simple as running your name and province through a series of online searches. Results will be similar to those that a potential employer sees. As you analyze, put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter and look for anything that could throw up a red flag, for example, something that is inconsistent with your resume. 

Your personal brand comes alive when you combine your personal attributes, strengths, and passions with your core value proposition – and then communicate that message effectively in your resume to your target audience.  This is a central component to understanding what you have to offer, how you differentiate yourself from your peers, and what you are able to do to add value for your target company.

Personal branding, as it relates to this activity is a process of developing a message that is created around your name or your career. You can then apply this message to express and communicate your personal values, professional/personal skills, and personality.

Many people I talk to about this start off by telling me they don’t have a personal brand, they don’t understand what that is, only major corporations have brands..etc..however we all have the ability to be a brand and to harness our power to stand out, get noticed, and get hired.  It is these unique qualities that draws people to what you have to offer – your message. Your personal brand should be about who you are and what you have to offer.

So, what do I say to people who say, but Ken, I don’t have a brand…or what do you mean...how can I get one of those….? Well, nature abhors a vacuum...so where there is no personal brand, you leave the other people the opportunity to create one for you..and it may not be all you had hoped.  Never leave your unique message to others…take ownership of it, take accountability for this process of developing it and you’ll be able to craft a compelling personal brand capable of winning over the most intransigent of hiring managers. Your personal brand is what will make you stand out from your competition.

Why Personal Brand Matters

Along with your resume and cover letter, various bits of information lingering in cyberspace come together to create a sketch of your personality and attributes. They result in first impressions that can determine whether you will get the opportunity to compete for a position. 

Personal brand also matters while employed, especially if you have a prominent position or work with a reputable local company. Showing you are comfortable with yourself is one of the most beneficial aspects of managing your personal brand. To many recruiters, this level of confidence can be irresistible.
Your personal brand can be an excellent way to share interests, opinions, and the ways you are preparing for the future. Those pieces of who you are do not normally come through on a formal resume or CV.  

Managing a Personal Brand

Define how you want the world to see you. Do you want to be known as a conservative professional who studiously gets results or do you want to be seen as a gregarious marketing professional? Each of these types of brands has different needs. 

Next, look at what is publicly visible on Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn. Each platform offers some control over how your information shows in search results. Account settings in Google and Facebook can control privacy and search engine visibility. The 'public profile' is what LinkedIn shares with search engines. Modify visibility to meet your needs, and delete content that is contrary to the image you wish to portray. Finally, update your profile pictures to display a professional headshot and proceed with a smart strategy about what to post.

Allow your personal brand to develop with you, naturally. As you learn new things and take on new interests, share your findings. Be proud of the steps you take to improve and advance, even if it is in contrast to something you did before. 

Bringing your resume in line with your personal brand is also especially important if you are in search of a new position.

Ken Docherty is a Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Executive Resume Master, and Certified Professional Resume Writer.  Ken provides professional resume writing services throughout Calgary and beyond.

 
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How To Develop An Effective LinkedIn Profile

11/14/2018

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How Do I Develop an Effective LinkedIn Profile?

Over the course of my resume writing career, acting as a resume writer to a huge client base throughout Calgary, I've often advised the need for professionals in Calgary to add a LinkedIn profile to their career marketing strategy.

Although most employers still require traditional resumes, a LinkedIn profile can be an active complement to your resume and provide added insight into your professional network in Calgary and beyond. 

Many people simply don’t make use of their profile space.  What’s the point in having a placeholder profile with no summary, bare bones information, and no obvious representation of your capabilities?  Are you hoping to be contacted by friends?  Join Facebook.  Do you want to connect with potential hiring managers or peers? Then give them something to work with.  Give them a reason to reach out and connect with you, or accept your connection request.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY

Choose an Appropriate Profile Image

LinkedIn is akin to a non-stop virtual networking mixer. Would you wear a mask to a networking event in person? Not likely, so use a current headshot on your LinkedIn profile. Few things diminish your credibility like having no picture or an image of something besides your smiling face.

Make your Headline Pop

As the most prominent piece aside from your picture, the headline is a hook that should pique the interest of potential employers & colleagues. Like any intriguing headline, yours should offer a preview of you, without giving it all away. Headlines can only be 120 characters, make your words count. 

Pay Attention to the Summary Section

It is essential that you craft compelling commentary for the Summary section of the profile.  This is where you take control of the message.  Don’t give the reader an opportunity to skim straight down to your employment experience.  At that point, they’re forming snap judgements about the type of company you work for, the level you’re at, the length of time you’ve been there and then you’re relying on the first two or three bullet points of the first entry to sell yourself.
You need to OWN the message in that summary section – sell them on who you are, what you’ve done, and what you can NOW do for them.  Yes, it’s a sales pitch – and even though you may not be looking for a job, highlighting your key skills, abilities, and accomplishments won’t do anyone any harm.
As LinkedIn is all about first impressions, draft the first paragraph to highlight your top skills or accomplishments and include just enough biographical information to humanize your profile. For example, compare the following two examples:

•"I have been serving clients well for many years with XX brokerage" 

•"As a 10-year veteran of the financial services industry in New York, I have highly developed knowledge of current regulation, a talent for identifying emerging markets, and a sincere devotion to my clients' success …" 

In the second example, you discover this person has at least a decade of experience, is local to New York, and claims expertise in three areas of significance to his or her industry.

Experience Section: Details Matter

Much like the body of a resume, the experience section is where you detail work history and experience. Mind the details and make sure the dates, titles, and names accurately reflect your resume or CV. Recruiters will likely check your LinkedIn profile and will be wary of inconsistencies. 

Add photos and links to online content to both the experience and the summary sections. Portfolio pieces, images and YouTube videos that show you giving talks or presentations will help your profile carry greater weight than descriptions alone.
Of course, having a knock-out LinkedIn profile may lead to questions from a colleague or employer as to why you’re looking so stellar on LinkedIn, however if the goal isn’t to look great then what’s the point?
Just be careful not to divulge commercially sensitive information on your profile or you may find yourself in breach of confidentiality clauses or at the wrong end of a telling-off.  Unless otherwise cleared, you should avoid using financial metrics (I made the company $10M this year in XYZ market), avoid disclosing pending deals, products, or technologies, and otherwise avoid giving your employers competitors any kind of commercial or competitive advantage/information that could lead to any kind of loss.

Participate in Groups

Networking is easy when you join groups that discuss areas of your expertise. Participate in conversations and show your expertise through involvement, not self-promotion. Ask intelligent questions, share interesting content and offer specific examples when you discuss your personal experience to foster connections. 

Interact with Peers

Aside from groups, interact with your personal network regularly. Endorsing your peers for skills, making intelligent comments on material they share, and thanking them when they endorse you are effective ways to connect. Recommendations are another key element, so be sure to give them and request them regularly. Remember that interactions are often reciprocal in that you receive when you give. 

Stay Active and Engaged

Like most social networks, the key point of LinkedIn is to show you are active and engaged in your industry. With interactive examples of your work and the chance to learn more about you as a person, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to raise an employer's interest. 

With effective networking, your profile can even bring offers to your doorstep.

Whether you need the services of a professional resume writer or not, you should consider updating your LinkedIn profile to make sure it reflects the true value you can offer an employer.

Ken Docherty is a Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Executive Resume Master, Certified Professional Resume Writer.  Ken assists clients in Calgary and beyond in developing a professional resume.

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How to Create an Effective Cover Letter

7/23/2018

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As the premier provider of resume services in Calgary, I have encountered thousands of resumes and cover letters over the years.  As a former executive recruiter and employment agency owner, I can tell within a matter of seconds what each job seeker is doing well with their resume/cover letter, and what they're not doing well!  In this blog, I'll focus on giving some cover letter tips for professionals in the Calgary area.

For almost every job, a cover letter is an essential part of the application. Effectively constructing your cover letter can open the door to the interview. As an experienced recruiter, former staffing agency owner, and career marketing consultant, I can attest to numerous examples of cover letters that fast track an application to the "No, thank you!" file.

Although I customize the structure, tone, and content of each letter to suit my resume client’s needs and overall objectives, I’ve put together a general overview for you should you need a basic ‘how to’ when drafting your own cover letter. 

Too many letters are, quite honestly, as waste of a perfectly good piece of paper.  They’re often long, boring, fail to communicate jobseeker value, and fail to address the needs of the role.  When I was recruiting, I was often staggered by the number of cover letters that left me wondering “So, why are you applying for this role?”.  That should NEVER happen.  Yet it did, continuously and from job seekers at all levels across all industries. 

Purpose

What’s the point of having or using a cover letter?

Well, if the hiring company ask for one, it represents another opportunity to SELL yourself into the role. So, there are two reasons for having a cover letter 1) if the company asks for one, you give them what they want, and 2) you get another wonderful opportunity to differentiate yourself from the chasing pack of hounds looking to snaffle that role from under your nose.

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it?  So why do 95% of cover letters fail to sell the job seeker into a role?

So, we know the purpose of the letter – SELL yourself into the job.  Avoid the cookie cutter introductions and faux deference to the company that you were taught in college. I’ve seen so many of these things it’s comical – I immediately know you’re copying a template letter given to you by a college career advisor, and they’re generally uninspiring.

I remember one cover letter in particular sent in application to a gaming (gambling) company.  The opening stanza followed the standard college career advisor template, and in this case the job seeker pledged to do all they could to support the company in their quest to “uphold their mission to ensure responsible gaming”.  The job seeker was applying for an accounting role.

Clearly, the job seeker had gone to the company website, saw that blurb about responsible gaming and slapped it into the cover letter.  That’s what these templates look like, isn’t it?  There a space underneath the opening line for you to add in a little ditty like that!  Please don’t.

The cover letter is a one-page document.  Never, ever more than that. Don’t resist..I can already hear a small number of you trying to make a case for a 2-pager – DON’T DO IT.  When I received 2-page cover letters, a little thought crept into my mind that this was borderline rude.  I kid you not.  Maybe that’s just me!

So, it’s a one-page document and real estate space is limited.  There’s no room for waffle.  No room for platitudes, or inane chatter copied and pasted from the target company’s mission statement.

The letter must be concise, highly-focused, high-impact, and leave the reader in no doubt that you have the skills and experience needed to this role.  In addition, they should understand that you are able to ADD VALUE.  If you’re super strategic about it, you can also seek to eliminate any potential objections to your application in there. 

For the meantime though, here are a few pointers.

Appearance and Format

Help your cover letter to stand out by keeping it clean, simple, and professional. Above all, carefully proofread, so it is free of grammatical and spelling errors. Self-editing is not trustworthy, so enlist help from a friend or family member. Double-check the spelling of the company's name and person to whom you are addressing the letter.

Follow standard business formatting guidelines, as seen in this image. For a digital version, format your cover letter and resume as a PDF. For a hard copy, consider using unique paper stock and custom letterhead. 

Tone and Structure

The tone should be positive, direct, and professional; it should also be free of quips and idioms. Moreover, write to a person, not an entire organization. Focus the letter on how you will add value to the company, not your skills and experience. Three to four paragraphs is an appropriate length. 

First paragraph: Introduce yourself and discuss why you want the job. Briefly mention your most relevant experience and emphasize why the company or the job interests you and more importantly for the target audience, what you would be able to do for them. Be specific! 

Avoid generalizations such as, "… because your company is a leader in XX industry…" or "…I want to work with a quality organization…" 

Second paragraph: Next, discuss how your unique experience, skills, and attributes will add value to the company. Look for clues about what to highlight in the job posting. For example, if an employer asks for an outgoing personality, mention you enjoy working closely with clients, because of xyz reason. If the job requires specific technical skills, mention your certifications and summarize your experience with those skills.

Third paragraph: Depending on your style and the job, you might want to include a third paragraph or a short list of bullet points to highlight specific examples that substantiate key points in the second paragraph. Share specific examples that are not included on your resume or CV. Be prepared to discuss these examples in detail during an interview.

Conclusion: Graciously close by thanking the reader for his or her time. Always include when and how to contact you, and insert a statement such as "I look forward to speaking with you in person about this position."

I have been writing high impact resumes & cover letters for Calgary's top professionals for over a decade.  If you're looking for resume services in Calgary, get in touch!

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Ken Docherty Becomes First & Only Certified Master Resume Writer in Canada

8/3/2015

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 Originally released Sept. 30th 2014 - http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ken-docherty-awarded-international-master-level-resume-writing-certification---becomes-only-cmrw-in-canada-515725481.html 

KEN DOCHERTY AWARDED INTERNATIONAL MASTER-LEVEL RESUME WRITING CERTIFICATION – BECOMES THE ONLY CMRW IN CANADA

Ken Docherty, Owner, Docherty Career Management Inc., has been awarded international certification as a Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) by Career Directors International (CDI). This Master-Level certification is the pinnacle level of competency for CDI, and is the industry's oldest and most prestigious master-level resume credential. Ken is the only Certified Master Resume Writer in Canada.

To attain the credential and become recognized as one of the world’s elite resume writers, Ken had to demonstrate his superior knowledge and experience in contemporary resume writing through an intensive examination of his professional writing. Ken was assessed on his broad range of industry knowledge and expertise in the areas of strategy, branding, advanced visual appeal, and contextual narrative. Recognition as a CMRW sets Ken Docherty apart from the competition and distinguishes the high caliber of his credentials in assisting clientele with professional resume services. 

Docherty Career Management Inc. offers expert resume writing and career coaching services to entry-level through executive clientele in the global marketplace. Ken’s expertise is in empowering clients to navigate the complexities of job search and emerge as successful candidates. To learn more about the services offered, visit www.expertresumewriter.ca for more information.

CDI is an international association that provides proactive resources and assistance to empower its members to apply world’s best practice in career development, resume writing and job search.

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How to Transition into a Different Industry

8/3/2015

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Long gone are the days when you chose a career path and worked the same job for thirty or more years. The new normal is that you will likely work for several employers and in several capacities. Although changing industries is easier than it was for previous generations, your career will fare better if you take deliberate steps to ease the shock of the transition.

Give Yourself Permission to Dream

Change can be frightening, especially if you have invested years in your current industry. On the other hand, change also brings exciting new opportunities and can be your chance to become the person you wish to be deep down inside, which can be a dream come true. Focus on the running possibilities through your mind, rather than worrying about the unknown or your ability to earn a competitive income. 

For many of my clients who utilize my professional resume services in Calgary, the decision to move to a new industry is a matter of practicality. However, people who choose to move because they dream of invigorating opportunities tend to experience a more fulfilling transition. 

Research the Industry

Although it is perfectly normal to feel apprehensive when changing industries, it is less intimidating when you know what to expect in terms of pay, advancement opportunities and overall prospects for growth. Here in Alberta, one of your best resources is the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS).

Leading up to the transition, be sure to keep informed of the latest developments in your new industry by monitoring the news and industry insiders. Setting up Google alerts and subscribing to interesting columns and RSS feeds can help you in this effort, as will following industry thought leaders on social media.

Assess Your Skill Sets

Your first objective is to identify which skill sets will be most valuable in your new industry. Soft skills such as leadership, communication and technological savvy are often at the top of this list. A close second would be universal business skills such as finance and budgeting, project management, regulation, and human resources expertise.

Defining the industry-specific skills you need is the next step. Recruiters, contacts within the industry, and the ALIS can help you identify which competencies to develop in order to ease the transition.

Create a Roadmap

Transitions can take up to five years to complete, and it is surprisingly easy to lose track of your progress. A specific, achievable roadmap with defined benchmarks is one of the most effective means to keep your spirits high and your motivation strong. 

Include education and certifications, necessary connections, and financial preparations, and attach an estimated timeline to achieve each benchmark you define. Timelines should be negotiable, as you must allow for unexpected obstacles. Remember to acknowledge success when you achieve your benchmarks!

Be Positive, Confident, and Open-Minded

No matter how well you research and prepare, you will encounter surprises along the way. Keeping an open mind will help you manage interruptions and reinforce your confidence. The transition is a journey to enjoy, so maintain a positive outlook every step of the way. As I remind many of my clients, you have found success in your current industry, and you will do it again. 

If you would like help preparing your resume for transition, please consider me your personal resume writer in Calgary.

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    Ken Docherty is a leading authority on resume writing, interview coaching and LinkedIn profile development.

    Ken is Canada's first Certified Master Resume Writer, an International Award-Winning Resume Writer, Experienced Executive Recruiter, and Former Employment Agency Owner.

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