How to address employment gaps on your resume

Navigating the job market can be challenging, especially when your resume includes employment gaps. Whether due to personal reasons, further education, or health issues, gaps in employment history can concern potential employers. Addressing these gaps effectively is crucial to presenting yourself as a competent and reliable candidate. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to handle employment gaps on your resume.

1. Be honest and transparent. Honesty is important when dealing with employment gaps. Attempting to hide gaps can lead to suspicion and distrust. Instead, be upfront about your time off. Briefly explain the reason for the gap in your cover letter or during the interview, but ensure your explanation is concise and professional.

2. Use a functional resume format. Consider using a functional resume format, which focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. This format allows you to highlight your competencies and achievements, making employment gaps less noticeable. A functional resume typically includes sections such as:

• Summary of qualifications: A brief overview of your skills and experiences.

• Skills: Highlight your relevant skills with specific examples of how you’ve applied them.

• Work experience: List your work history, but focus on roles that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

• Education and certifications: Detail your educational background and any relevant certifications.

3. Address gaps directly. If the gap is significant and recent, address it directly within your resume. You can include a brief note in your work history section. 

4. Highlight productive activities. Show that you used your time off productively. Include any volunteer work, freelance projects, part-time jobs, or courses you completed during the gap. This demonstrates that you remained proactive and continued to develop your skills. 

5. Focus on achievements and skills. Employers are more interested in your skills and achievements than the exact dates of your employment. Emphasize your accomplishments in previous roles and how they relate to the job you're applying for. Use quantifiable metrics to showcase your impact, for example: 

• Increased sales by 30% by developing a new marketing strategy.

• Reduced customer service response time by 50% by implementing a new ticketing system.

6. Customize your resume for each job application. Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight the most relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. Customizing your resume shows that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the position.

7. Prepare a strong cover letter. Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to explain your employment gaps in more detail. Address the gaps positively, focusing on what you learned or how you grew during that time. Keep your explanation brief and move on to highlight your enthusiasm for the role and what you bring to the table.

8. Practice your explanation. Be prepared to discuss your employment gaps during interviews. Practice your explanation so that you can discuss it confidently and succinctly. Focus on the positive aspects of the gap and how it has prepared you for the role you’re applying for.

9. Seek professional help. If you’re struggling to address employment gaps on your resume, consider seeking help from a professional resume writer or career coach. They can provide personalized advice and help you present your work history in the best possible light.

10. Stay positive and confident. Maintain a positive and confident attitude. Employment gaps are common, and many employers are understanding, especially in light of recent global events. Focus on your strengths and what you can offer to the company.

Addressing employment gaps on your resume can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn potential red flags into positive talking points. Be honest, focus on your skills and achievements, and use your cover letter and interviews to provide context. By doing so, you can present yourself as a strong candidate ready to contribute to your next role.

Why would you need a copywriter?

We all know that effective communication is key to success. Whether you are running a small startup or a well-established company, the ability to convey your message clearly and persuasively is crucial. This is where a professional copywriter comes into play. But why would you need a copywriter? Let's explore why hiring a copywriter can significantly benefit your business.

First, copywriters are experts in creating compelling content that captures the attention of your target audience. They use persuasive language and storytelling techniques to create content that resonates with your readers. By hiring a copywriter, you can ensure that your message is delivered in a way that engages and motivates your audience, increasing the likelihood of converting them into paying customers.

Furthermore, copywriters deeply understand your target market and can tailor their writing to appeal to your specific audience. They conduct thorough research to identify your customers' needs, desires, and pain points, enabling them to craft messages that truly speak to them. By tapping into the expertise of a copywriter, you can effectively communicate your value proposition and differentiate yourself from the competition, ultimately boosting your brand's reputation and credibility.

Copywriters are skilled in optimizing content for search engines. With the ever-growing importance of online presence, it's essential to have content that ranks well in search engine results. Copywriters possess the knowledge and techniques to incorporate relevant keywords and phrases without compromising the quality of the content. 

Copywriters can save you time and effort. As a business owner, your plate is already packed with various responsibilities and tasks. Crafting persuasive and engaging content requires time and skill that you may have yet to develop. By outsourcing the writing workload to a professional copywriter, you can focus on other critical aspects of your business, such as strategy, operations, and customer satisfaction. This allows you to maximize your productivity and ensures that your content is of the highest quality.

Additionally, copywriters bring a fresh perspective to your business. A copywriter can provide a fresh pair of eyes and offer valuable insights and ideas that can enhance your marketing efforts. By collaborating with a copywriter, you can benefit from their creativity and expertise, resulting in innovative and impactful content that gives your business a competitive edge.

Hiring a copywriter is essential for any business that strives for effective communication and successful marketing. From creating compelling content that engages your audience to optimizing your online presence and freeing up your time, the advantages of having a copywriter on board are undeniable.

Mastering the Art of Video Interviews: Your Path to Success

Preparing for a video interview can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and mindset, you can significantly enhance your chances of success and leave a lasting impression on your prospective employer. In today's digital age, video interviews are gaining popularity as a convenient and cost-effective means for companies to evaluate candidates remotely. While they offer many advantages, they also come with unique challenges that necessitate proactive preparation.

Step 1: Ensure Your Tech Is Up to Par The first order of business is to make sure you have the essential equipment and a reliable internet connection. This includes a dependable computer or smart device, a high-quality webcam, and a clear microphone. Prior to your interview, conduct a thorough tech check to ensure everything functions seamlessly, and update or install any necessary software. It's also wise to test your internet speed to guarantee a smooth video call. Have a backup plan, such as a mobile hotspot, on standby in case technical glitches arise.

Step 2: Craft Your Ideal Interview Setting Creating a professional, distraction-free environment is pivotal. Select a quiet room where interruptions and background noise are unlikely. Proper lighting is key to ensuring your face remains clearly visible to the interviewer. Position your camera on a stable surface or use a tripod to achieve a natural and engaging conversational angle. A neutral, uncluttered background reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism.

Step 3: Research and Tailor Your Approach Dive into thorough research about the company and the role you're pursuing. Understand their values, mission, and culture, along with the specific responsibilities and requirements of the position. This knowledge will empower you to tailor your responses and demonstrate how seamlessly you fit into the company's vision. Scrutinize the job description, noting relevant experiences and skills to highlight during the interview.

Step 4: Prepare for the Interview Questions Anticipate the questions likely to be asked during the video interview. Create a list of commonly asked interview questions and practice your responses. Additionally, be ready to tackle industry-specific queries with well-thought-out answers. While practicing, pay close attention to your body language and facial expressions, as they can greatly influence your presence on video.

Step 5: Shine During the Interview Maintain composure and professionalism throughout the video interview. Dress in appropriate business attire, mirroring the company's dress code as if it were an in-person meeting. Speak clearly and confidently, ensuring active and attentive engagement with the interviewer while maintaining good eye contact. Showcase your enthusiasm and interest in the role by posing thoughtful questions about the company and the position.

Step 6: Follow Up with Gratitude After the video interview, don't forget to send a thank-you email or note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This simple gesture demonstrates your gratitude and reaffirms your genuine interest in the position.

In conclusion, preparing for a video interview demands careful planning and attention to detail, but the effort is well worth it. With the right preparations, you can make a remarkable impression and enhance your chances of success in today's competitive job market. For more expert insights and guidance, visit www.barbarnoldcreative.com. Your path to career success begins here.

Stand Out and Get Noticed: 5 Resume Mistakes to Avoid

As a resume-writing expert, I know your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Resume mistakes could lead to missed opportunities and stall your professional success.

I’m committed to helping you put your best foot forward. Avoid these common resume pitfalls to land more job interviews and achieve your career goals.

Typos and Grammatical Errors

A resume full of typos and grammar mistakes detracts from your professionalism. Even a single error can cost you an interview.

As your resume coach, proofreading is one of my top priorities. I meticulously polish your resume to eliminate mistakes that could undermine your success. With flawless spelling and grammar, you’ll make a polished first impression.

Lack of Quantified Achievements

Your resume needs to showcase concrete results, not just duties. As your resume expert, I spotlight quantified achievements and metrics demonstrating your value.

The facts and data speak louder than generic claims. Backing up your experience with numbers proves you understand the impact of your work.

Irrelevant Information

Your resume should empower you to achieve your next career goal. That’s why I only highlight your most relevant positions and accomplishments.

Together, we shape your resume content around your target industry and ideal role. The focus stays on showcasing the experiences that matter most.

Dense Blocks of Text

Your resume should be skimmable and digestible. As your resume strategist, I craft targeted bullet points that convey your background at a glance.

I break up text and strengthen bullets with facts, data, and keywords. The formatting spotlights your value quickly for busy hiring managers.

Lack of Customization

A generic resume won’t unlock your career potential. We will customize your resume for each application, optimizing it based on the role, company, and goals.

With a targeted resume, you’ll stand out from the crowd. Hiring managers will recognize that your experience is a strategic fit for their needs.

As a resume writer, I aim to help you put your best foot forward. I believe resume mistakes should never stop you from showcasing your potential. Together, we’ll perfect your resume so you can get noticed and achieve career success. Let me know how I can help you take charge of your professional journey!

Why Professional Writing is Your Secret Superpower in Career Growth

"Wait, hire a professional resume writer? But I can write, too!" If you've ever caught yourself tossing this question around, then join the club! It's a common enough query when you're busy building your awesome career. You might be navigating a job search, piecing together a new grad resume, or standing at the precipice of a thrilling career pivot.

Unleash the Power of Words

Welcome to the digital age, where words have morphed from being simple communicative tools into mega transformers of your professional persona. Like a carefully selected outfit that can turn heads, words can be your statement pieces, building your personal brand in an ever-competitive job market.

A professional resume writer is like your personal stylist in this world of words. They’ve got a sixth sense about what your audience wants and can tailor your narrative to be more than just appealing. They're wordsmiths who craft stories that resonate and engage, making your professional journey come alive.

You've Got a Friend in a Professional Resume Writer

We all have our superhero powers. You might be a whiz in engineering or a pro in project management. And while you might also be a decent writer, let's be honest, crafting an exceptional resume or an eye-catching cover letter can feel like you're trying to scale Mount Everest without a map. Enter: professional resume writer, your friendly guide on this challenging expedition!

These word-gurus not only have the ability to take your achievements and skills and present them like an award-winning story, but they also bring a vital external perspective. They can add that dash of objectivity, that sprinkle of clarity, and that hint of precision that could be the difference between your resume being the star of the show or just another one in the pile.

Riding the Wave of Trends

Fashion faux pas at a party? Embarrassing! An outdated resume or cover letter in a job application? Potentially career-stalling! Just like your wardrobe needs to keep up with changing fashion trends, your professional documents need to be in vogue too. Professional writers are the fashionistas of the writing world, constantly keeping an eye on changing styles and preferences. If you're using the same resume you did five years ago, it might be the equivalent of showing up to a trendy party in bell-bottoms and tie-dye. Ouch!

In a world where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are as common as coffee machines in offices, your writer-pal understands the importance of the right keywords, strategic formatting, and all the behind-the-scenes details that could give your documents a VIP pass to the hiring manager's desk.

The Professional Writer: Your Career Superpower

Sure, hiring a professional resume writer might seem like shelling out extra bucks. But, think about it this way - it's like buying a first-class ticket for your career journey. A professional resume writer crafts narratives that capture your unique journey and ensure your story is heard loud and clear in the crowded professional arena.

So next time you're facing a major career move or want to turbocharge your job hunt, remember, you've got a secret superpower in a professional resume writer. They don't just write. They weave words into bridges that connect you to your dream job. And that, my friends, is why professional writing can be a game-changer in your career growth.

Remember, you’re not just investing in a service. You’re investing in yourself and your career, and that’s priceless. So, are you ready to embrace the superpower of professional resume writing and leap forward in your career journey?

7 Tips for a Career Pivot

Are you looking for a career pivot and want it to be as successful as possible? Then check out these career pivot strategies.

If you're considering a career pivot, know that the best career change advice is the stuff that you feel in your gut. It can be challenging to think about change - change is hard for many of us but happiness in your career is worth a pivot if you feel like you are stuck or need a change.

1) Get clear on the “Why?” The answer to this question will be the foundation for your next steps. Are your skills no longer needed? Are you craving more work/life balance? Are you bored, and you need a more significant challenge? Determine the driving factors that will guide you; otherwise, you may land in a new spot with the same problem.

2) Spend some time on the “What’s Next?” What does the new job look like and not look like? Spend some time on job boards looking at what’s out there. This doesn’t mean you need to settle for what you see posted but rather use what you find to help you identify your desired position or career.

3) Look at your transferable skills, also known as “career capital.” These skills are critical to your next move. These are skills that you have that are valuable to employers across industries and functions. Some examples are project management, communication, management, etc. If you don’t have the skills you need for this new opportunity, start acquiring them now to make yourself more marketable.

4) Update your brand.  This includes your resume, LinkedIn, “elevator pitch” and the answer to “what do you do” when you meet someone, etc. You want these to focus on your new goals moving forward rather than what you’ve done in the past.

5) Network and make connections. Your connections may be able to refer you for entry-level roles in a new industry, which saves you a lot of time and effort in wooing recruiters looking through your application. And there's nothing prospective employers love more than someone vouching for the chance they're taking on you.

6) Do your research. When you’re shifting your career path, it’s essential to have some data under your belt. Success comes easy to the well-prepared, and we can all stand to learn a thing or two about preparation; if you’re interested in pivoting down a new path, set aside time to do some research about that field. The more you learn before you dive in, the better chance you have of enjoying the job later down the line. Also, the more information you have, the less likely you will be surprised or disappointed if something unforeseen arises.

7) Continuing education. You’ll likely need new skills to qualify for different roles when making a career transition.

Consider what your new career will look like. If classes or certifications are involved, it's a good call to check out what those milestones look like. When you come to the table prepared, your future self will be grateful for your hard work.

Unfortunately, online courses or advanced degrees can be costly. Budgeting can be an incredible source of stress. Glancing ahead at your next paydays, preparing for a lapse in income, and getting creative with your time might save you the hassle of chaos that comes with any transition.

Now that you've aligned your strategy, it's time to make this change come to life. Though a career pivot can feel like a balancing act, you are the one who gets to decide which hand catches the next ball. You work hard to play hard, and you might as well be somewhere doing something that you love.

How to stand out in a busy job market

In a fast-paced world, where time is always a concern, making an excellent first impression plays a critical role in any job search. Your resume should instantly showcase an enticing appearance that stands out to your potential employers and helps you get noticed.

YOU are what makes your resume stand out—your unique background, qualifications, and skill set. The trick is to convey that information in a way that appeals to your possible employer.

Your resume should contain impressive and precise information about your qualifications and skill set relevant to your desired job. You should share your professional attributes, experiences, and accomplishments. Be sure to lead with phrases that start with strong adjectives or adverbs.

Here are a few critical things for you to focus on to make your resume stand out.  

1. The resume should be concise. Emphasize your skills and experiences by using bullet points. Long, drawn-out sentences are boring to read, and when a hiring manager is staring at a table full of resumes, they do not want to read long-winded sentences. You have to ensure that you can immediately catch the reader's attention and portray the professional image required. Anyone should be able to understand your key accomplishments, skills, and career progression in 30–60 seconds. Be concise and to the point. 

2. Your resume should tell your story. Focus on creating a powerful profile that highlights your value-added skills and qualifications. A hiring manager is interested in the skills and qualifications you can bring to this particular role. Once someone finishes reading your resume, he/she should have a grasp of your career progression. In short, they need to know your story. 

3. The resume should be relevant. Hiring managers hate to read resumes that aren’t targeted to the open position. It's boring and adds no value. Highlight your experience and your value-added skills that you can bring to the job by using quantitative examples as much as possible. Interviewers are looking to hire someone to solve a specific set of problems – show how you can relieve their pain-points.

4. Relevant skills and experiences should be highlighted. This means you need to study the job descriptions in detail and make sure your resume matches the description. Turn your resume from a boring one into an achievement-based resume focused on highlighting real-life examples.

 Creating a strong resume highlighting your achievements and real-world experience tied to the job posting is the best way to get noticed by your potential employer. If you are finding it difficult to sell yourself, reach out today.