One Federal Resume is Not Enough

One Federal Resume is Not EnoughOne Federal Resume is Not EnoughOne Federal Resume is Not EnoughWhen my boys were younger, one pair of sneakers would pretty much be the only pair of shoes they would need for about half a year, if I sized them correctly (as in way too big).I never dreamed the day would come when my teenager would own the outrageously expensive collection of shoes pictured hereWhy? we ask. The answer is that his goal is to own a pair of basketball shoes for every day of the week, plus a cadre of shoes to wear expressly for each basketball kollektiv that he plays on.But theyre all Nike basketball shoes, I protest.And how many pairs of shoes do you have? comes the very smart reply.Mine arent all basketball shoes, I lamely counter.The truth is, hes got me. I do own more pairs of shoes than he does. OK, I own a LOT more pairs of shoes than he does.Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you also own more than one pair of shoes.Chances also are, if you are reading this blog, you will need more than one federal resume to achieve your dream federal job- unless you already understand this post so perfectly that you landed the very first federal job you applied for.For the rest of us, let me show you why one resume is not enough.Today, I found two vacancy announcements on USAJOBS, both for Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-05, and both with the National Park Service. The core of the work for both positions is administrative, but look at the underlined keywords, and you will landsee some critical differences.Vacancy Announcement 1DUTIESThe Administrative Support Assistant is an important member of the Administrative team at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, providing a number of vital services for the park and its employees. The incumbentServes as receptionist for the Headquarters building, answering the telephone and greeting and assisting geschftszimmer visitorsProcesses all incoming and outgoing mailArranges travel for all employees, prepa ring travel authorizations and vouchers, and answering technical questions related to travelServes as the primary timekeeper for the park, processing electronic time and attendance records and working with the payroll arbeitszimmer to resolve problemsOrders office supplies and pays utility bills with a government charge cardManages accountable property for the three national park areas in North Dakota, maintaining current inventory records in FBMS and assisting with the disposal of excess/surplus propertyPrepares and manages correspondence and memoranda, and maintains both electronic and paper files.Vacancy Announcement 2DUTIESThis is a permanent, subject to furlough,position located in the Maintenance Division, Petrified Forest National Park. Duties include a variety of administrative tasks associated with the operation of the maintenance division. The incumbent coordinates the division budget, finance and micro-purchase functions. Incumbent is required to be proficient in a variet y of commercial software systems as well as becoming proficient in software systems specific to the National Park Service.Assists the division with the preparation of project status reports by the collection and management of a photographic library. The incumbent maintains all of the Divisions files and official records.Lets compare the keywords from the two announcementsAnnouncement 1ReceptionistAnswer telephoneGreet and assist office visitorsProcess mailArranges travelPrimary timekeeperOrder office suppliesPay utility billsManage accountable propertyMaintain inventory recordsDispose excess/surplus propertyPrepare correspondence and memorandaMaintain electronic and paper filesAnnouncement 2Administrative tasksDivision budgetFinanceMicro-purchase functionsCommercial software systemsPrepare project status reportsCollection and management of a photographic libraryMaintains files and official recordsThese two very different sets of keywords means that you will need two different federa l resumes to apply for these jobs.In fact, every GS-0303-05 announcement that I looked at today had a different set of keywords. Though all of the announcements had administrative tasks at the core, they each also had some required specialized experience that made the position (and resulting resume) unique.The Good NewsDont let this scare you. You wont have to completely rewrite your resume for each application. For most people, having two or three versions of your resume will cover the majority of the work, with some tweaking for each application to adjust for the keywords.To see how to use the keywords in your federal resume, check out our sample federal resume in the Outline Format. (More on this in a future post as well.)Also, as you get used to reading announcements and analyzing the keywords, you will start to be able to narrow down the qualifications you can actually meet. This focus will help you limit the number of announcements you apply to, thus saving you valuable time. Finally, remember that the announcement is giving you a clear map for writing your resume. Save yourself time and frustration by carefully studying and using the keywords.So, the common sense tip for your federal resume is one pair of shoes (and one federal resume) is not enough________________________________________Paulina Chen has a passion for taking the complex and making it simple for people to understand. Paulina has been a graphic designer, developmental editor, and webmaster for The Resume Place for over 10 years. Since receiving her Certified Federal Job Search Trainer certification, she has been eager to show federal applicants that writing your best possible federal resume is within your reach. If you need more writing help with your federal resume, contact us for an absolutely free estimate. If you need expert advice or training, Kathryn Troutman the Federal Resume Guru is still your best bet on the planet.emaille*Sign up to receive our blog and newsletters. Submit you r email and we will deliver them directly to your inbox

How to Write a CV CV Format (Curriculum Vitae Template UK USA)

How to Write a CV CV Format (Curriculum Vitae Template UK USA)How to Write a CV CV Format (Curriculum Vitae Template UK USA)CVs are an important part of professionals life in a majority of countries, specially of those whio belong to the feilds of academics.It is not true that since the concept of resumes has prevailed no one uses CVs anymore. Despite of new mediums like social media and digital media, CVs remain th ebest traditional way to sell yourself to any particular role.So dont fill it up with unnecessary keywords and phrases just for the sake of making it long and completely occupied, ensure its readability and keep it relevant to the role youre applying for.Also, make sure you write skills which you can substantiate and not soft-key skills which cannot be substantiated. Mentioning soft skills will only develop the thought in the recruiters mind that you are trying to fill up the white space, which is a negative impression.Also avoid using slangs and acronyms in your CV. CV s are meant to be professional documents and not blogs full of fancy words.Simply put, like a resume, a curriculum vitae ( CV ) is a summary of your experience and skills.However, CV layout is longer than resumes - transcending two or three pages.CV layout include ingestaltation on your academic background, including teaching experience, research, degrees, awards, presentations, publications, and other achievements.CV layouts are thus much longer than resumes, and include more information, particularly details related to ones academic background.A CV Summary is a 1-2 page long, shortened versions of a full length curriculum vitae. Its sole purpose is to convey ones skills and achievements along with qualification in a briefed up information. When large organizations hire in bulk they often ask the applicants to send in a CV summary instead of full complete CVs.Also, you will get more clarity on how to write a CV in the CV example given below.Who needs a CV?As mentioned above, CVs ar e generally used by people in the field of academics like that of archaeology. People in such feilds have an extensive work to put on paper to which CVs serve the best purpose.Their extensive works include things like publications and papers published, feild trips, lectures delivered, etc.The mention of all these things on an academic CV play an important role. Basically, an academic CV is incomplete without such terms.Students of fellowship or doctorate would often put emphasis on how important it is to get published in ones career and reflect it in the standard academic CV.Look at the CV example below to get more clarity on how a CV looks.Where do you need a CV?Basically, when you are applying for a job in New York City, Minneapolis or Austin, the language should be cear on what all documents are required with the application. More often than not, they all require a resume.However, opportunities overseas will clearly state whether they need a CV or a resume from the applicants.US and Canadian citizens often require a CV in case where they are submitting job applications to work overseas, particularly in the UK, New Zealand and Ireland.In countries like these, only a CV works for all purposes. Resumes are not used at all.American resumes follow a format different from in Ireland. This is very important because if your resume does not follow a format the hiring manager is used to, he or she may view it as poorly prepared. Remember even the best professional CV template in Ireland may not be appropriate for an employer in the US.The CV is what is used in mainland Europe and it even has a European Union CV format Heres the link to create a CV in an European Union CV Format if you want to build one.Have a glance at the CV example given above to see how a UK CV format looks like.CV Format How to write a CVPeople often search for the answer to the question, How to write a CV?The cv writing format is considerably different from a resume format.A cv layout does not e ntertain the reverse chronological order. So the question mucksmuschenstill remains, How to write a CV? It is the font of document that is expressively opposite to a standard resume.Refer the CV example given above to get more clarity on how to write a CV.Professional CV template - TypesBelow are a few professional CV templates that are used for different purposes. Each CV template serves a differet purpose and these professional CV templates should be used only for thesepcific purpose that is stated below.Creative professional CV Templates (for showing skills in marketing, design, and other creative fields)Technical professional CV Templates (for IT-based positions)Teaching professional CV Templates (for teaching roles)Academic professional CV Templates (for research/lecturing based positions or PhDs)Skills-based professional CV Templates (for those with little work experience)These professional CV emplates shouldnt be used for the purpose that it is not meant for.Creative professi onal CV templates are meant for roles pertaining to marketing, design and other creative roles like that of a markwting head, graphic designer and ballroom dancer.Technical professional CV templates are meant for roles pertaining to IT industry like that of web designer, java developer and business analyst.Teaching professional CV templates are meant for roles pertaining to the field of education like that of nursery teachers, primary teachers and senior classes teachers.Academic professional CV templates are meant for roles pertaining to the field of academica like that of research scientist, immuno-oncologist, and junior researchers.Skill-based professional CV templates are meant for people in the fields of electrical engineers, soft skill trainers and sale managers.Look at the few CV example templates given above.CV LengthOnly include what makes you a good fit for the role you are applying for, and do not overdo it with unnecessary detail. Write a CV that is the perfect length a nd not unnecceserily lengthy.You can always use addenda or a portfolio to elaborate on any skills, projects or experiences you did not have room for in your CV. Ideally, write a CV that is minimum of 1 page and maximum of 4 pages.CV ContentJust as a resume, your CV layout should have your name, education, contact information, skills, and experience.Additionally,a curriculum vitae contains your research, publications, professional associations, awards, teaching experience, grants and fellowships, licenses and any other additional information that is relevant to the job youre applying for.You must still start with a master CV,first list all your information and then organize it into sections.As opposed to a resume which you tailor according to your target job profile, a CV layout contains all of the following informationContact informationAcademic historyProfessional experienceQualifications and skillsAwards and honorsPublicationsProfessional associationsGrants and fellowshipsLicenses and certificatesVolunteer workPersonal informationHobbies and interestsSee the CV example above to get the idea of what length a CV should be.How to write a CVThe following points will tell you how to write a CV in detail.Start your points with power verbs and use active verbs within the points. For example, use words like administered,commissioned and determined to start your sentences.Conduct a spelling and grammer check on your resume befor you post it angeschlossen or send to a recruiter. This should include checking for mistakes like misspelled words and puntuation and double spacing errors.Do not write soft skilla in your key skills section such as hardworking,self-motivated and good communication skills. Instead, writes skills which you can substantiate within the resume like PL Management,Business Development and KPI.Ensure that your CV is relevant to the profile that youre applying for. To do so check the companys website and read the job description posted by them properl y.Write all your information in reverse chronological order whether its a skills-based CV or an academic CV.There is no need to mention the term Curriculum Vitae at the starting of the page.Never write false thoings in your job application or CV as it can have serious consequences. This will leave the negative impact of being dishonest on the recruiter. For example, if you write false degree grade by increasing it to 90% from 85%, it will be considered as a degree fraud and you can land up in jail.Do not write your home address when posting a CV online as fraudsters can target you.Always include a cover letter with your CV untiless stated therwise by the recruiter. This way you can personalize your job application. You can concentrate on highlighting a specific pat of your curriculum vitae like mention a disability or justify gaps in your career if any.So, the above mentioned points tell you precisely how to write a resume.Refer the CV example given above to get clarity on how to wr ite a CV.TipsAvoid unprofessional fonts such as Serif type fonts. Instead, choose something more professional such as Calibri at 10 points.Keep your CV short and readable by giving clear spacings and writing bullet points.This type of professional CV template bolsters its readability, allowing employers to peruse your CV and easily pick out the relevant information.If youre submitting your CV, go for a single page CV layout, one side. Only print on one side and dont fold your CV - you dont want it to arrive creased.These few tips will also help you with your question of How to write a resume?The tips written above are also applied on the CV examples provided above. Have a look.Professional CV Template UKThe professional CV template UK is a different template which is esily available on the Europass Online CV maker UK. Make use of this CV template to create a CV if you are applying for a job in the UK or Europe.This professional CV template allows you to enter all informartion with a CV template form and then arranges your CV template in the UK CV template form.This professional CV template is one of the fruchtwein used profesional CV template across UK.UK professional CV template layouts are simple and list all your experiences in chronological order from your education to your current work profile.In this professional CV template firt list your work profile in the reverse chronological order, staring from the most recent job first and then the second most recent job. List your education section in the same form in this CV format.Ensure that your points highlight achievements and quantify your contributions to optimize the impact of your Curriculum Vitae.Highlighting achievemnts and quantifying your contributions will make this professional CV template more impactful.Have a look at the UK CV example given above.Curriculum Vitae USAIn the US, the universal CV is only accepted for the followingResearch/Fellowships/GrantsAcademiaMedicalIf youre looking for a job in the U.S.A then you need to make the resume in American fromat.A resume is different than a CV.Take a look at the USA CV exaple given above.Curriculum Vitae USA Structure ContentThe following points blow will tell you how to write a CV that can be used in the USA.Technical ParametersYour resume length should not exceed a single page, one sideYou may use an 4 or 8.5 x 11 inch paperLeave a 0.5 - 1 inch margins on all sidesIf you are sending your resume via post, print it on quality paper synchronizing the colour scheme with your cover letter.Do not write information such asheightweightagegendermarital statusphotographreligionracepolitical preferencesIt is illegal in the USA for recruiters to recruit employees based on characteristics or preferences of applicants. If you share such information on your resume, your curriculum vitae usa could be disqualified.Educational experience in your curriculum vitae usa should includeName of all the educational institutes attendedDegree or cert ificate receivedDates of attendanceAdditional awards or honors receivedBriefly mention all the courses that you completed and all the projects you did that are relevant to the job that you are applying for.If youve done any volunteer work then put that in your CV as well. First mention the name of your organisation, then the dates in the format of (mm/yy) in which you volunteered. Next comes the drehort and the department in which you volunteered.Include a short section at the end of your resume that includes a description of any special skills you have such as knowledge of computer programs and foreign languages.Spell check the resume at least two times, using an English spell check program.Once you have completed your own edits and corrections, have someone else review your resume for mistakes Save your resume as both Microsoft Word and text only formats, as some employers and job sites accept only one of these.If you have the ability to save your resume as a PDF, this can be a be tter format to use when sending email attachments because compatibility issues can sometimes arise with other file types.Remember that your resume is a reflection of you.Tailoring Your ResumeWhile responding to a job posting, it is necessary to make your resume specific to the position you are seeking.Present your educational and professional experience in a way that matches the requirements and duties of the target position. This includesIncluding Target KeywordsNaming Relevant Subjects StudiedALigning SkillsetRewriting Summary SectionExampleIf Job Position states that the applicant should be familiar with budgeting principles,Then Applicant should include descriptions of any projects you completed in school or in your job that is related to managing expenses, conducting financial analysis, or using accounting software and/or spreadsheets.So, the following points abov tell you how to write a CV that can be used in the USA.Weve implyed the guideline given above in the CV example pro vided above as well.CV HelpWe suggest you get your resume reviewed professionally.Further there are plenty of services which shall allow you to rewrite your entire cv in order to fit the classic format.The relevance of these services lie in the fact that you shall receive a professional texture to all aspects of your curriculum vitae. This includesIndustry-Specific Keywords Keywords to pass all ATS algorithmProfessional CV Templates Industry-specific official designsQuantitative Action Numertically aided contribution pointsSTAR points Cause-effect point formation (Situation Task Answer Result)Fluff-proof Nil open-ends or insignificant detailsProofread Nil grammatical or spelling errorsQuality Assured Passed through multiple quality checksThe CV example provided above has been proof read in all the ways provided above.Key TakeawaysIf youre skilled at writing resumes, then you must be tempted to make your CV layout of one page.However, that shouldnt be the case. CVs need a lot of in formation so they have multiple pages full of information.Basically, dont delete important information to save more space.Before posting your job application, ensure that youve proof read your CV for an gramatical errors and spelling mistakes.You can also ask one of your trusted colleagues or mentors to go throught it once especially if they belong to the same industry or profile which youre applying for.A second opinion or a fresh pair of eyes are always helpful in this scenario.So, we hope this article helped you to anser your question, How to write a CV?

Create a Music Promotion Package

Create a Music Promotion Package Create a Music Promotion Package Having an informative and professional promo package can be the thing that sets you apart from other bands, whether youre approaching record labels,  promoting your own music, trying to get a gig, or if youre an indie record label trying to drum up some interest in your bands. The following steps will help you put together a promo package that will rival any promo campaign run by a pricey PR company. Choose the Music The point of your promo package is, of course, to get your music heard, so choosing the music to include in the package requires some thought. Whether youre trying to get the attention of a label, an agent, the press or radio stations, remember that these people receive A LOT of music every day. They cant possibly sit down and listen to every album from start to finish. Make a short demo cd with your best two or three songs, preferably songs that have strong beginnings, so they capture the listener before they can push next. Write the Bio Your promo package should include a short -one page is ideal - artist bio. This step is where a lot of people fumble. Dont try to be overly cute and dont make it read like it was written with your thesaurus firmly in hand. The people who do decide to work with you on the basis of your package are going to need some useful information about you and your music, but they dont need to know which song is your Moms favorite or that you knew you were going to be a musician the first time you picked up a guitar/heard such and such a song/etc. Go for professional over cheesy. Write the Press Release If youre sending a demo to a label or trying to get a gig, you may not have a specific event to promote that requires a press release. However, if youre trying to promote a new album or a tour, your promo package should include a press release detailing the specifics of the thing you are trying to promote. The same rules that apply to band bios apply to press releases - keep it short and include useful information instead of clever fluff. Remember, the point is for someone to read that press release and use it to write something about your band. Give them something to work with. Create a Press Pack If you have a stack of press clippings featuring reviews of and interviews with your band, include them in your promo package. Of course, if you have several youll have to make some choices about what you can send. Go for clippings from the highest profile publications you can find. To make good copies of clippings. Keep clippings of all of the press you get, and of course, dont send the bad reviews! Cut out the article, the masthead/title of the publication, and the date/issue number.Arrange these items on one sheet of paper, with the title and date at the top, and photocopy the paper. Include a Photo If youre sending your promo package to magazine, website, or newspaper, make sure to include a color photo in your package. A hard copy of the photo or a disk with a photo file will work equally well. The media is much more likely to run a photo if they dont have to chase it down, so including one in your package dramatically increases the chance they will actually run a photo. You should always send a color photo because many publications demand color photos, and the others can always print the color photo in black and white. Be sure to include the photo credit information. The Personal Touch Adding a short, personal note to each package is a nice touch, especially if the package is going to someone you have had dealings with in the past or to someone whose attention you are especially anxious to receive. If you have any promotional material, like stickers or badges, throw a few into every package as well. Be Sure to Include Contact Info Last, but certainly not least, make sure your contact information is clearly printed on your demo, your bio, and your press release. You can include a phone number, but you should never ONLY include a phone number. People will be hesitant to call you; include your email address and you will be much more likely to get a response to your package. Additional Tips Stay on Point - Although it is nice to include some personal touches in your promo package, avoid taking the everything but the kitchen sink approach. In other words, a sticker or two is nice. Fifty stickers, t-shirts in every color and a copy of your favorite novel? Thats just overkill. If your promo package has too much stuff, the person opening it will be tempted to roll their eyes and put it aside to deal with later.Perfect Timing - You can send your demo to a record label any time, but if your promo package is to be used to generate attention for a new release or a tour, then timing matters. You can get your package to the right people in enough time to let them act on your information, but not so soon that they forget about you by the time your big event is actually happening. The best way to figure this out, especially with the press, is to call up your targets and find out what kind of publication deadlines they have. Yeah, Im Talking to You - Speaking of the people to whom you send your promo packages - find out who they are. You wont always be able to find just the right person at the label or the magazine to address your package to, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt try. Youre more likely to get some kind of response if you dont fling your package out there and cross your fingers but instead, make sure there is a specific person on the other end of the line.Press Release Help - Need some help writing the material for your promo package? Check out these articles.