Cloud Resumes

I have recently discovered some "Cloud Resumes" and wonder what on earth these people are thinking!

A "Cloud", in case you are unfamiliar with the term, is a graphically pleasing way to illustrate a list or large group of words.

In the case of a cloud resume, it involves writing out a list of your skills and personal qualities (so far I'm with you - you need this for your resume), then you graphically arrange them in a "cloud" or roughly cloud shaped grouping, with each item in a different size, font and varying shades of black through grey, sometimes colored.

It looks very attractive. But it is not a good representation of who you are or what you can do, unless you are looking for a job as a graphic designer!

So whether it's a cloud or some other creative form of resume, stay away from it - again unless you are looking for a job in the creative, artistic areas of work. Most employers would perhaps be amused, perhaps be exasperated, but either way it is highly unlikely you would land an interview.

Looking for a job is a serious business, so stick to business and keep ultra creativity, no matter how visually pleasing, for a more appropriate place and time.

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Accomplishments and Achievements: how to recall those for your resume

No-one can answer all these questions with strong stories. The idea is to read through them and answer those that fit for you and your experience, and write a short version of the story that comes to mind.

You don't need to memorize it, or write it down in detail. You just need to remember it and then afterwards think through and come up with the major skills that allowed to you do that thing.

Then in an interview, when asked about certain skills, or times when you did certain things, you will have these stories fresh in your mind.

Telling a story is powerful and gives better proof of your abilities than just a list of skills could ever do.

1. Describe a time when you proved your ability as a problem solver. What was the situation, and what was your solution?
2. Describe a time when you realized there was a need for something in a work situation, and then took the initiative to fill that need in an appropriate way.
3. Have you ever helped someone else, at work, to achieve a goal that was important to them? Tell me about it.
4. Employers love people who can save them money. Have you ever come up with an idea, or done something that saved your employer money? What was it?
5. Have you ever come up with something that saved time at work? Explain.
6. What on the job training have you found most useful. Describe it and the difference it made.
7. Have you ever received any award or recognition in the workplace, or for community service?
8. If you have had various different jobs in your life, can you explain how your next employer will benefit from this?
9. Describe a time when you took charge and showed effective leadership at work.
10. The workplace is changing rapidly and employers need employees who can accept and embrace change. Describe a time when you helped introduce something new into your place of work and the challenges that presented.
11. Tell me about time you were involved in a team, and how you contributed and what you thought about it all.
12. What is the think you are most proud of related to work, that could also be a benefit in your next job?

Create one liners from these stories to empower your resume. One story could well give you several one liners in a resume.

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Now be willing and ready to share these stories, briefly, at your next interview.

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Resume formats: do I write my interests in my resume?

Should you write your interests in your resume?

Answer: it depends!

If your interests are strongly connected to the position for which you are applying, or any part of that job, then yes, it's a good idea to include them if you have room. But if you're short of space, it's not that important.

If your interests have nothing to do with the type of work you want to do, in any way, shape or form, then no, do not put them in. All you might do it attract attention away from your relevant skills.

The one time your interests absolutely should be included are when you are using skils gained through them, to get this job.

Let's say I want a job working in a music store.

I have never worked in a music store, and have very little customer service experience at all. Why would they hire me?

Well, if I could put a section of "interests" in my resume in which I outline in detail what I have done that is music related: if I play instruments, sing in a choir, listen to any specific type of music, go to live band shows etc.

All of this would show not only a keen interest, but a general knowledge of the subject built up through my interest and would therefore very good to put on my resume when looking for a music related job.

So be very selective about the interests you include in your resume.

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