Not long ago I did some extensive research into about dozen or so ATS software (Applicant Tracking Systems) that are presently on the market (there are about 30-35 out there, as near as I can tell). Typically managed by Human Resource offices, ATS systems are software that scan your resume for keywords that match you […]
What Color Should My Resume Be?
A lot of people ask me about colors for their resume. What’s right for you may not be right for your colleague. I think that’s cool because we are all individuals, with different personalities, skills, and experiences. Color is yet another way to distinguish yourself from other professionals. And that’s what a resume seeks to […]
Translating Your Skills for a Career Transition
So you want to make a career transition, but don’t know how to articulate that in your cover letter, resume, and interviews? How do you create a bridge for potential employers, between your past and what you are capable of? In reality, it’s not much different than doing what you would do to change jobs […]
A Readable Resume is a Resume Read
A readable resume will give you a better shot at an interview. I’ve written about readability in writing for years – it’s what they taught me in journalism classes. But tight writing is backed by science. According to the American Press institute, when the average sentence length is fewer than eight words, reader understanding is 100%. […]
Using Adverbs in Resume Writing
You only have seconds to grab an employer’s attention and hold it. An over- or wasted-use of adverbs can impede your ability to achieve that. So, let’s talk about using adverbs in resume writing. Stephen King famously said, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” Adverbs are the words you insert with a verb […]
What’s Your Ideal Resume Length?
A really common question I get about dental hygiene resumes is how long they should be. And I always say it depends on what your objective is and a how much experience you have. Obviously, a new graduate is going to have limited content and experience to include. While a 30-year veteran will likely have […]