What is Branding?

Branding can be described as how you portray yourself or how others view you as a person. Creating your brand is like creating your image online. Showing what your interests, goals, and work culture are helps establish yourself without having to be asked questions. Think of it like this, typically when you are going through a hiring process the employer will ask you what you like, what you do in your free time, and what makes you stand out from other candidates. Setting up your brand lays it all out for them. Resume services advise you to take a look at how you appear online. Ask your friends and family how they would interpret what you post or like. This can help you get an idea of what you need to adjust. Social media is being used by employers from all over. As newer generations step into the workforce, employers are realizing that you can tell a lot about someone based on their social media presence. Utilizing your personal media can help lay out your personality for employers before giving the option of an interview. If they deem something inappropriate or irresponsible on your page, the likelihood of you securing that interview goes down. 

How to Create Your Brand 

The first place you will want to start is your online presence as mentioned before. Joining groups on your social media that gear towards your hobbies and interests is a step in the right direction. Keep in mind the job you are applying for. If you want to secure a job with a journaling company you may want to include that on your page. For example, join a journalist or writing tips group. You should aim for the most authentic you. Avoid posting about or joining groups that you have no interest in. You want someone to be able to tell that you are the same as your online self. Your resume content and LinkedIn are just as important as your online persona. Adding a 2-3 sentence section that describes who you are as a person also benefits your branding and how an employer sees you. Additionally, Include an appropriate picture that you feel describes you. Employers look at resumes all day, make yours stand out. Adding these things can create a fine line between your resume coming off as professional and detailed or rather improper. Hire resume services to ensure you avoid this. 

What is Cultural Fit?

Cultural fit is like the counterpart to branding. Cultural fit is when an employee’s values, attitudes, and behaviors align with the company’s. Working for a company that values the same things as you do is crucial for productivity. Working for someone who has opposite morals or values from yourself can cause management to create an untrue idea of you since you don’t fit in culturally with their environment. It is important to do your research when applying for jobs. Having an off balance of culture can be detrimental to your experience at that job. An example of cultural fit would be the differences between Gen Z and Baby Boomers. The majority of the time these generations have opposing views and values, especially in the workplace. Baby Boomers tend to be more professional in the way they dress and the way they talk while at work whereas, Gen Z stays professional while acknowledging the importance of personal comfort and showing their personality. Sharing similar beliefs, values, and morals as your employer can help you have a productive enjoyable experience while working. Resume services put emphasis on the importance of branding and cultural fit so you can find the right job for you.   

Characteristics to Highlight

Leadership style, flexibility, motivation, work ethic, and self-direction are a few examples of characteristics that can help your employer see your branding and cultural fit in relation to the company. Employers value these characteristics and seek them out in the hiring process. Companies look for individuals who can problem solve on their own while also being able to stay productive and on task. These examples listed help highlight your best attributes and show how you can benefit the company. Avoid using traits that do not describe you at all. Adding additional traits that do not describe you can put you at a disadvantage when being hired. Understanding what you are capable of is just as important as creating your branding and cultural fit. Avoid highlighting certain characteristics that may not be your strong suit. Resume services offer guidance on how to highlight your best characteristics while staying unique and professional. 

Professional Resume Services

Picking your work environment is solely up to you. Think about whether you prefer an upbeat environment or a more laid back flexible one. Figuring out what environment works best for you can help you build your resume. The key to getting your dream job is having the correct branding and cultural fit highlighted on your resume and linkedin.

Have you had trouble achieving an ideal resume? Or maybe you have never written one before? Capstone offers professional resume services that can help you write the most ideal resume while keeping it true to yourself. Highlighting your desirable characteristics, resume formatting, and creating the right resume content are some few ways we can help assist you. Contact one of our resume writing professionals so you can create the resume that will land you your dream job!

What Do Hiring Managers Look for in a Resume and How is it Interpreted?

Have you ever asked yourself, “How long do hiring managers look at resumes?” The answer may surprise you. Hiring managers often spend only a few seconds on an initial review of each resume they receive. This limited time frame means that your resume content needs to make a strong and positive impression quickly. To achieve this, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers prioritize and how they interpret various sections of your resume.

Hiring managers are primarily looking for three key elements:

1. Clarity: Your resume content should be easy to read and navigate. Clear headings, concise language, and a logical structure help ensure that hiring managers can quickly find the information they are looking for.
2. Relevance: The content of your resume should be directly related to the job you’re applying for. This means tailoring your resume to highlight experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the specific requirements of the position.
3. Evidence of Ability: Hiring managers look for tangible proof of your capabilities and achievements. This includes specific examples of your accomplishments, quantifiable results, and demonstrable skills that show you can contribute to their organization.

Here’s how hiring managers interpret different sections of your resume to gauge these elements:

Layout and Design

First impressions matter, and the layout and design of your resume play a crucial role in how it is perceived. A professional and well-organized resume can make a significant difference.

• Clear headings and subheadings: These help hiring managers quickly find the information they need.
• Consistent formatting: Ensures your resume is easy to read and looks professional.
• Brevity: Keeps your resume content concise, ideally one to two pages, focusing on the most relevant information.

Educational Background

Your educational background provides hiring managers with insight into your foundational knowledge and qualifications. It’s important to present this information clearly and concisely.

• Relevance to the job: Highlight educational experiences that are directly related to the position you’re applying for.
• Prestige of institutions: Attending reputable institutions can add credibility to your resume.
• Honors and distinctions: Showcase any academic achievements that demonstrate your dedication and excellence.

Professional Summary

A professional summary at the beginning of your resume can capture a hiring manager’s interest and provide a quick overview of your qualifications.

• Summarize your career highlights: Include key achievements and relevant experiences that make you a strong candidate.
• Highlight your value proposition: Explain what unique skills or experiences you bring to the table.
• Be concise: Aim for three to five sentences that effectively summarize your professional background.

Experience and Skills

The experience and skills section is often the most critical part of your resume. Hiring managers use this section to assess your suitability for the role.

• Relevance and progression: Show a clear career path and relevant job history.
• Quantifiable achievements: Use specific numbers to demonstrate your impact, such as “Increased sales by 20%.”
• Technical and soft skills: Highlight both job-specific skills and essential soft skills like communication and teamwork.

Achievements and Awards

Listing your achievements and awards can help set you apart from other candidates. This section should highlight your accomplishments and recognition within your industry.

• Industry recognition: Awards from professional bodies or significant industry-specific achievements.
• Performance indicators: Achievements that demonstrate exceptional performance, such as “Employee of the Month.”
• Extracurricular accomplishments: Activities that show well-roundedness and leadership skills.

Common Red Flags for Hiring Managers

While it’s important to know what goes on a resume, it’s equally crucial to be aware of potential red flags that might deter hiring managers. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your resume content stands out for the right reasons.

• Gaps in employment: Unexplained gaps can raise concerns; always provide context if possible.
• Frequent job changes: A history of short-term positions may suggest instability or lack of commitment.
• Vague descriptions: Be specific about your roles and achievements; avoid generic job descriptions that don’t convey your true impact.
• Typos and errors: Mistakes can indicate a lack of attention to detail and professionalism, which are critical in any job.

Where to Get Help Making a Resume That Hiring Managers Want

Creating a resume that captures the attention of hiring managers can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Capstone Resume Services offers a range of professional services to help you craft a standout resume that meets industry standards and highlights your strengths effectively.

• Professional Resume Writing Services: Capstone’s expert resume writers ensure your resume content is polished, well-structured, and tailored to your target job. They emphasize your strengths and align your experiences with job requirements.
• Career Counseling and Coaching: Capstone provides personalized advice and support, helping you create a compelling resume and prepare for interviews. Their career coaches can offer insights into the job market and strategies to make your application stand out.
• Online Resources and Templates: Capstone also offers access to a variety of templates, tips, and examples that can guide you in crafting an effective resume. These resources provide a good starting point and help you understand what hiring managers are looking for.

Creating a resume that resonates with hiring managers requires a deep understanding of what they look for and how they interpret resume content. By focusing on a clear layout, relevant educational background, a compelling professional summary, detailed experience and skills, and notable achievements, you can create a resume that stands out. Be mindful of potential red flags and seek professional assistance when needed to ensure your resume makes a strong impression.

Are you ready to elevate your job search? Capstone Resume Services is here to assist you. Our professional resume writing, career counseling, and comprehensive online resources will help you create a resume that meets hiring managers’ expectations and highlights your unique qualifications. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards your dream career!