How to Work Your Way Through the Process of Writing a New Resume Or Cover Letter

How to Work Your Way Through the Process of Writing a New Resume Or Cover LetterAs far as what it is to be a resume writer, I'll leave that up to you to decide. This is what I do on a daily basis for my clients in the job search world. Basically, when we have to do a quick fix on a resume, or even just to check on it after reading through and looking at many resume writing notes PDFs, we are searching through a huge amount of information which is probably pretty confusing at this point. It is good to know what can work for you, and there are very effective ways of doing it if you know what you are doing.When you first write a new resume or cover letter, or any kind of writing that will need to be done, you need to get the basics down on paper. How much of a resume should you put on paper, what format should you use, how many pages should you put it on, and when is the best time to submit it? Knowing these answers will help you learn how to work your way through the process of writing a new resume or cover letter.When you do your resume, start out with something concise and simple, and add more detail as needed. You want to add things as you go through the process to make it easier. I always have a whole paragraph that I am going to use to describe the experience and skills that I have, so I just add it into the first paragraph.After you have done your resume, then take out everything you can from it to learn how to get through to the end of your new resume. These are the resume writing notes PDFs that are available online.There are many available resume writing notes PDFs online, but you want to pick the ones that you find that are going to answer your questions about the process and what to do next. It is a good idea to take a look at them over again to see what it says and how well they answer the questions that you have. This is a great way to keep from getting stuck and doing the work the wrong way.Once you are through with your resume, you want to have som e information to show what your resume looks like. Make sure you add a brief and professional job description that shows what kind of job you have, what you bring to the table, and how your skills and experience fit the position.As a final step, after you have made the changes and edited your resume, you want to have a good, easy to read template on which to start submitting your resume. You don't want to confuse the employer, but don't forget to save yourself some time. Just save your resume notes PDFs on your desktop, and make a few notes so you are sure that you are seeing what you should have.

Executive Assistant Resume Example and 5 Tips to Writing One - Zipjob

Executive Assistant Resume Example and 5 Tips to Writing One Spread the loveAre you looking for a good executive assistant resume  example? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together an excellent executive assistant resume sample  along with some great tips on writing an effective one.Executive Assistant Resume Example(Have trouble reading this resume? You can click on the image or check out the text version below!)You should also check out our executive assistant cover letter example.  5 Tips to Writing an Executive Assistant Resume#1 Utilize a SummaryEvery resume should contain a summary which tells the employer a bit about who you are, how youre qualified and why youd make a great fit for the position. Your summary should contain relevant information that shows the hiring manager why youd make a good fit for that particular position. As an executive assistant, you  may want to point attention to organization, time management and accuracy.#2 Focus on AchievementsTo capture the attention of a hiring manager you need to po int to specific achievements. Many job seekers make the mistake of simply listing out all of their responsibilities.  There could be hundreds of other candidates applying for the same position so you really need to stand out from the competition.This is best done by mentioning specific achievements from previous positions. You should also quantify wherever possible (use numbers).Here are some examples from our executive assistant resume example:Exercised negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements with vendors, hotels, caterers and other service providers, saving at least $XX annually.Improved office efficiency by implementing an electronic filing system which introduced additional time-saving measures.#3 Keyword OptimizationMost employers today use whats called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to automatically screen resumes. These systems are designed to scan your resume and search for keywords, experience and other information that relates closely to wh at the position is asking for.Having the correct keywords is crucial for getting past these scans. You should utilize a core competencies section like the example above to list relevant keywords. This also allows you to easily tailor your resume by swapping keywords in and out. You could look at the job description to get an idea of what keywords you could possibly use.For example, an executive assistant may use the following skills:Event PlanningSchedulingFiling and OrganizationExecutive SupportAppointment Setting#4 Technical SkillsAn executive assistant is usually familiar with numerous scheduling and organization programs. Make sure you list out all of your technical competencies in a Technical Skills section.#5 Professional Development/OrganizationsAnything related to professional development should also be listed on your resume. Do you have any certifications? Are you associated with any relevant organizations? If so, be sure to list them on your resume.If you dont have any c ertifications or arent associated with any organizations you may want to get a move on that.Here are some great organizations  and certifications you can look into:Executive Assistant Network (EAN)Executive Assistant Certification â€" Study.comNational Executive Assistant AssociationExecutive Assistant Resume Example (Text)  Executive Assistant  Administrative Support  Project ManagementOffice Management  Scheduling  Multitasking Executive Assistant Resume Summary ExampleA dynamic, personable, bilingual/multilingual Executive Assistant with experience providing exceptional executive-level administrative support, ensuring projects are completed on time and with high confidentiality. Extremely accurate and organized with the ability to perform office management, staff training, meeting planning, budgeting, and data management, while creating a warm, welcoming environment for clients. Dedicated to relieving executives of managing their busy schedules by organizing their calendars, liaising with clients, preparing documentation and planning meetings and event. Proven team player with the ability to work with people at all levels of a corporation.Selected Highlights §   Supported members of the executive team by promptly and accurately fulfilling administrative and business needs. §   Maintained CEO’s calendar â€" scheduled appointments, and planned and organized meetings, teleconferences and travel. §   Exercised negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements with vendors, hotels, caterers and other service providers, saving at least $XX annually. §   Improved office efficiency by implementing an electronic filing system which introduced additional time-saving measures. §   Enhanced communication between staff department and executive team, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.Core Competencies/SkillsClient/Customer ServiceExecutive SupportAppointment SettingEvent PlanningCorrespondenceFiling OrganizationDatabase ManagementR esearchBookkeepingPreparing ReportsSchedulingMeeting CoordinationProfessional ExperienceCompany Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" PresentJob Title  Supported members of the executive team by promptly and accurately fulfilling administrative and business needs.Maintained CEO’s calendar â€" scheduled appointments, and planned and organized meetings, teleconferences and travel.Exercised negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements with vendors, hotels, caterers and other service providers, saving at least $XX annually.Improved office efficiency by implementing an electronic filing system which introduced additional time-saving measures.Enhanced communication between staff department and executive team, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXX Job TitleDelivered excellent support skills to clients/customers and strictly adhered to all company policies and procedures.Provided outstanding and profession al client/customer support, receiving high customer satisfaction ratings.Established procedures for ensuring accurate coordination of schedules and meetings which increased work efficiency.Garnered expertise in database systems to track client/customer information, file confidential records and document financial reports.Collaborated with staff members to ensure accurate sample requests, involving, billing and other office duties.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXX Job Title  Handled complex problems and worked with customers to ensure all discrepancies are resolved quickly.Listened to the client/customer and analyzed the problem to offer a prompt resolution to ensure loyalty and business.Maintained detailed records of billing through reconciliation processes.Excelled in greeting guests, typing letters and reports, filing, managing supplies, routing phone calls, preparing blueprints for shipping, and editing specifications.Ensured the office was always working at top productivity â€" managed all mailing and shipping needs, office supplies, filing, scanning and ensured top level customer service at all times.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXX Job TitleCollaborated with peers on multiple, complex administrative projects to exceed all expectations and deliver projects on time.Maintained a detailed delivery calendars to coordinate schedules, installation consultations and appointments.Captured and entered confidential information into specific files and forms from recorded material.Excelled in greeting guests, typing letters and reports, managing supplies, routing phone calls, preparing shipments, and editing documents.Functioned as bookkeeper, posting all expenses, handled bank deposits, and reconciled all quarterly reports.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXXJob TitleAligned with management on weekly postings and master reports to facilitate with oversight for all aspects of composition, editing, and preparation of fi nal copy from draft to distribution.Processed monthly expense reports reflecting supporting documents and budget code indexes.Designed corporate presentations for meetings and special events.Established, automated, and maintained highly efficient filing systems that housed electronic application records, employee communications, and other pertinent files.Effectively handled critical projects for top executives with high levels of confidentiality.EducationComplete Degree Name â€" Major  Complete School Name, City, State/Country: List graduation year if within the last 10 yearsAdditional CredentialsTechnical Skills:  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher) / Microsoft Visio / Microsoft SharePoint / Adobe Photoshop / Google Docs /  Google Drive / Google Calendar Google Plus / QuickBooks /  Dropbox /  Salesforce /  Printers / Fax Machines / Internet / Scanners / Raisers Edge / Smart Office / Typing Speed: 70 wpmProfessional Development:  Executive Assi stant Certification â€" Study.comIAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)IAAP Organizational Management (OM)Office Administration CertificateOffice Dynamic TrainingOrganizationsExecutive Assistant Network (EAN)National Executive Assistant AssociationIAAP Leading Administrative Professionals Executive Assistant Resume Example and 5 Tips to Writing One Spread the loveAre you looking for a good executive assistant resume  example? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together an excellent executive assistant resume sample  along with some great tips on writing an effective one.Executive Assistant Resume Example(Have trouble reading this resume? You can click on the image or check out the text version below!)You should also check out our executive assistant cover letter example.  5 Tips to Writing an Executive Assistant Resume#1 Utilize a SummaryEvery resume should contain a summary which tells the employer a bit about who you are, how youre qualified and why youd make a great fit for the position. Your summary should contain relevant information that shows the hiring manager why youd make a good fit for that particular position. As an executive assistant, you  may want to point attention to organization, time management and accuracy.#2 Focus on AchievementsTo capture the attention of a hiring manager you need to po int to specific achievements. Many job seekers make the mistake of simply listing out all of their responsibilities.  There could be hundreds of other candidates applying for the same position so you really need to stand out from the competition.This is best done by mentioning specific achievements from previous positions. You should also quantify wherever possible (use numbers).Here are some examples from our executive assistant resume example:Exercised negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements with vendors, hotels, caterers and other service providers, saving at least $XX annually.Improved office efficiency by implementing an electronic filing system which introduced additional time-saving measures.#3 Keyword OptimizationMost employers today use whats called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to automatically screen resumes. These systems are designed to scan your resume and search for keywords, experience and other information that relates closely to wh at the position is asking for.Having the correct keywords is crucial for getting past these scans. You should utilize a core competencies section like the example above to list relevant keywords. This also allows you to easily tailor your resume by swapping keywords in and out. You could look at the job description to get an idea of what keywords you could possibly use.For example, an executive assistant may use the following skills:Event PlanningSchedulingFiling and OrganizationExecutive SupportAppointment Setting#4 Technical SkillsAn executive assistant is usually familiar with numerous scheduling and organization programs. Make sure you list out all of your technical competencies in a Technical Skills section.#5 Professional Development/OrganizationsAnything related to professional development should also be listed on your resume. Do you have any certifications? Are you associated with any relevant organizations? If so, be sure to list them on your resume.If you dont have any c ertifications or arent associated with any organizations you may want to get a move on that.Here are some great organizations  and certifications you can look into:Executive Assistant Network (EAN)Executive Assistant Certification â€" Study.comNational Executive Assistant AssociationExecutive Assistant Resume Example (Text)  Executive Assistant  Administrative Support  Project ManagementOffice Management  Scheduling  Multitasking Executive Assistant Resume Summary ExampleA dynamic, personable, bilingual/multilingual Executive Assistant with experience providing exceptional executive-level administrative support, ensuring projects are completed on time and with high confidentiality. Extremely accurate and organized with the ability to perform office management, staff training, meeting planning, budgeting, and data management, while creating a warm, welcoming environment for clients. Dedicated to relieving executives of managing their busy schedules by organizing their calendars, liaising with clients, preparing documentation and planning meetings and event. Proven team player with the ability to work with people at all levels of a corporation.Selected Highlights §   Supported members of the executive team by promptly and accurately fulfilling administrative and business needs. §   Maintained CEO’s calendar â€" scheduled appointments, and planned and organized meetings, teleconferences and travel. §   Exercised negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements with vendors, hotels, caterers and other service providers, saving at least $XX annually. §   Improved office efficiency by implementing an electronic filing system which introduced additional time-saving measures. §   Enhanced communication between staff department and executive team, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.Core Competencies/SkillsClient/Customer ServiceExecutive SupportAppointment SettingEvent PlanningCorrespondenceFiling OrganizationDatabase ManagementR esearchBookkeepingPreparing ReportsSchedulingMeeting CoordinationProfessional ExperienceCompany Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" PresentJob Title  Supported members of the executive team by promptly and accurately fulfilling administrative and business needs.Maintained CEO’s calendar â€" scheduled appointments, and planned and organized meetings, teleconferences and travel.Exercised negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements with vendors, hotels, caterers and other service providers, saving at least $XX annually.Improved office efficiency by implementing an electronic filing system which introduced additional time-saving measures.Enhanced communication between staff department and executive team, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXX Job TitleDelivered excellent support skills to clients/customers and strictly adhered to all company policies and procedures.Provided outstanding and profession al client/customer support, receiving high customer satisfaction ratings.Established procedures for ensuring accurate coordination of schedules and meetings which increased work efficiency.Garnered expertise in database systems to track client/customer information, file confidential records and document financial reports.Collaborated with staff members to ensure accurate sample requests, involving, billing and other office duties.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXX Job Title  Handled complex problems and worked with customers to ensure all discrepancies are resolved quickly.Listened to the client/customer and analyzed the problem to offer a prompt resolution to ensure loyalty and business.Maintained detailed records of billing through reconciliation processes.Excelled in greeting guests, typing letters and reports, filing, managing supplies, routing phone calls, preparing blueprints for shipping, and editing specifications.Ensured the office was always working at top productivity â€" managed all mailing and shipping needs, office supplies, filing, scanning and ensured top level customer service at all times.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXX Job TitleCollaborated with peers on multiple, complex administrative projects to exceed all expectations and deliver projects on time.Maintained a detailed delivery calendars to coordinate schedules, installation consultations and appointments.Captured and entered confidential information into specific files and forms from recorded material.Excelled in greeting guests, typing letters and reports, managing supplies, routing phone calls, preparing shipments, and editing documents.Functioned as bookkeeper, posting all expenses, handled bank deposits, and reconciled all quarterly reports.Company Name  City, State/Country  XXXX â€" XXXXJob TitleAligned with management on weekly postings and master reports to facilitate with oversight for all aspects of composition, editing, and preparation of fi nal copy from draft to distribution.Processed monthly expense reports reflecting supporting documents and budget code indexes.Designed corporate presentations for meetings and special events.Established, automated, and maintained highly efficient filing systems that housed electronic application records, employee communications, and other pertinent files.Effectively handled critical projects for top executives with high levels of confidentiality.EducationComplete Degree Name â€" Major  Complete School Name, City, State/Country: List graduation year if within the last 10 yearsAdditional CredentialsTechnical Skills:  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher) / Microsoft Visio / Microsoft SharePoint / Adobe Photoshop / Google Docs /  Google Drive / Google Calendar Google Plus / QuickBooks /  Dropbox /  Salesforce /  Printers / Fax Machines / Internet / Scanners / Raisers Edge / Smart Office / Typing Speed: 70 wpmProfessional Development:  Executive Assi stant Certification â€" Study.comIAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)IAAP Organizational Management (OM)Office Administration CertificateOffice Dynamic TrainingOrganizationsExecutive Assistant Network (EAN)National Executive Assistant AssociationIAAP Leading Administrative Professionals

Interview Yourself To Prepare Your Resume - Work It Daily

Interview Yourself To Prepare Your Resume - Work It Daily The traditional way that most people prepare their resume is to start recording “just the facts,” names, dates, and positions. It’s driven in part by the paradigm of the application forms that many companies used to use â€" or still use in an electronic format. The same is true for the creation of a LinkedIn profile, driven by their profile paradigm for experience, skills, and so on. Related: How To Prepare For A Job Interview There’s an alternative for preparing both your resume and your online profiles that will result in a stronger, clearer picture of not just your “experience,” but your accomplishments â€" in a format that will more likely spark interest among potential employers. “Just the facts” should end with the headline for each of your jobs. That’s the job title, organization, and dates. But that’s it! Don’t continue to create a short list of boring job duties. Don’t do this: Manager and lead chef Developed regional skills development program Manage 15 full and part-time employee Interview Yourself The interview you conduct with yourself is simple â€" but it has great depth that will not only help you prepare your resume but help you prepare for potential interviews. Here’s the first question: Please describe your current position and your greatest accomplishment in the last year! You’ve already answered the first part, just the facts, so focus on the second part, your greatest accomplishment. In an interview, this should be a two to three-minute response. For your resume, it should only be 2-3 lines long. One advantage of a LinkedIn profile is that your experience â€" ACCOMPLISHMENTS â€" can be longer. Maybe it’s something like this: Reduced food waste from 7.2% to 5.2% in three months, exceeding company goal of 5.9%, resulting in $60K annual cost reduction. Accomplished by improved inventory management focusing on daily goals and positive work habits. Next, ask yourself for another accomplishment in your current position. “Record, refine, repeat” for your other positions. Two or three accomplishments for each position is a general guideline. For positions that are four or five years ago, you can include only one key accomplishment. It’s important to check to make sure that your “accomplishments” are not just individual accomplishments. There’s a natural tendency to initially focus on what “I did” on the job. In today’s team and collaborative environment, it’s equally important to present your leadership or team skills. Here’s a question to prompt that: In your current position, please describe your most significant leadership or team accomplishment. Make sure your response is specific. Follow a format that describes the Challenge, the Action you took, and the Result (C-A-R) Here’s an example response: Identified high turnover indicating “too much work” and “poor recognition.” Reduced turnover by 44% working side by side with individual team members and supporting their work in a fast-paced, high-pressure, increased productivity and morale via cross-training. When suggesting this approach, I’m often challenged with “this type of response requires answers that are too long.” First of all, in an interview, you can provide a lot of detail in an effective, two or three-minute response. You can do the same in a powerful two or three-line bullet point for your resume. Challenge: High turnover Action: Working side by side with individual team members Result: Reduced turnover by 44% Powerful statements do not have to be long. In reality, the short answers pack a punch that inspires potential employers to want more detail. In the examples I’ve provided above, I’d want to know more: How this person “focused on positive work habits.” I’d say “give me an example…” “Tell me more” about the cross training… What were the challenges? Action verbs on your resume are critical â€" but it’s more than just one word. The specificity that you can provide in a description that is still short is the key. Here’s a final example from the above, “Developed a regional skills development program.” Developed and presented a regional skills development program for compliance with new environmental regulations. The program included classroom presentation materials and online quizzes. A program evaluation indicated 90% “good to outstanding” quality. Conclusion Specific, “accomplishment” answers describe the results of what you’ve done, not just the activity of typical job duty statements. They’re interesting, and that makes the reader curious to know more. That increases your likelihood of being interviewed or selected for a position. To implement these ideas for your resume or LinkedIn profile, simply “Record â€" Refine â€" Repeat!” Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a Work It Daily-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Bigstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!