Information
Last Updated: 5/17/2018
Contact: [email protected]
Background:
LiveCareer (BOLD) is creating a forum for questions and answers about resumes and cover letters. They have provided us with the questions and we need to do research and provide authoritative answers. We want to engage readers to respond and ask additional questions or provide their own answers.
Target Audience:
People looking for careers/jobs.
Tone/Voice:
Professional yet engaging tone.Informational/helpful. We are providing authoritative answers to questions that will go in a forum. You may use personal colloquialisms and put a little personality into the answer
NOTE – See examples in the drop-downs below.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Please use the Oxford (serial) comma.
- Use active voice. NO passive voice! Use this free grammar checker.
- For this client, “jobseeker” is one word.
- “Skill set” is two words
- Do not use the word “highlight” unless it is part of the question you are answering. Some readers take this literally and highlight portions of the resume, which is not appropriate. Instead, use phrases such as “illuminate,” “draw attention to,” and “point out.”
- Don’t use “OK.” Please spell out the word “okay.”
- Don’t write the word “percent.” Use the symbol “%” instead.
- Please spellcheck for the word “manger” and change it to “manager.”
Keyword – Please rephrase the question in an organic way within the paragraph – this will function as the keyword. It may be either a statement or a question, whichever flows best with your answer.
Word Count – Between 175 and 225 words.(You will be paid for 210 words) Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces. The question does not figure into the word count.
Links: Please include at least one link in each answer and include the HTML code within the document for the pages you are linking, following these instructions: HTML Instructions It should look like this:
<a href=”URL you want to link to”>anchor text</a>
FORMAT
- List the question exactly as given – except for minor changes to make it more grammatically correct. For instance, if a word is missing, please add it. Use sentence case, not AP title case.
- Example: If the question given is “What’s hiring process at Google like after emailing a resume to a recruiter?” it is missing the word “the” and should be rewritten as, “What’s the hiring process at Google like after emailing a resume to a recruiter?”
- Answer the question, keeping paragraphs to 6 or fewer lines. No single-sentence paragraphs
- Use the approved sources (see Resources tab) to conduct research on the question topic and then craft a unique response.
- Include specifics – not generalities.
- When a question asks for an example of a certain kind of resume or cover letter
- Reference a relevant LiveCareer example or sample – search specifically on LiveCareer for the job title:
- Include the link text written in HTML format, following these instructions: HTML Instructions
- Please also include some information about why this particular resume is good
- Be specific for any job title or industry that may be listed.
- If you can’t find one on LiveCareer, search on any of their family of companies – ResumeNow, MyPerfectResume, Resume Builder, CoverLetterNow, and Mighty Recruiter. Always go with LiveCareer first.
- If a question asks for information about a specific company
- please explore that company’s career site first and foremost for any information they may have that answers the question (Google the company name and ‘career site’). Here are some examples of company career sites:
- https://www.facebook.com/careers/
- https://www.tesla.com/careers
- https://careers.google.com
- Be as specific as possible – connect with that company as much as possible.
- Include at least one link from a reputable source (including livecareer, etc. links) in each answer, and use the HTML format, following these instructions: HTML Instructions
- You may include a relevant link from the company if it makes sense to do so within your answer.
Example questions and answers are below the style guide. Click to open.
Use the resources below to answer the questions you selected.
Resume-related topics:
- https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/resume/resume-vs-cv
- https://www.livecareer.com/resumes/objectives
- https://www.livecareer.com/how-to-write-a-resume
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryhannon/2011/08/24/want-an-unbeatable-resume-read-these-tips-from-a-top-recruiter/#5e73527a2fa2
- http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/resume-no-experience/
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-resume-summary-statement-when-you-need-one-and-how-to-do-it
- https://www.livecareer.com/skills-gap
Cover letter-related topics:
- https://www.livecareer.com/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-31-tips-you-need-to-know
- https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
- https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/cover-letter-basics
- https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/cover-letter-mistakes
Interview-related topics:
- http://www.businessinsider.com/smart-questions-to-ask-job-interview-2017-3/#-21
- https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/15-job-interviewing-tips
- https://www.livecareer.com/interview-questions/view-all
Salary Negotiation & Raises
- https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
- https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/salary-counter-proposal
Background check-related topics:
https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/background_checks_employees.cfm
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/background-checks-faq.html
Drug testing-related topics:
https://www.workplacefairness.org/drug-testing-workplace
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/drug-tests-job-applicants-if-33051.html
Visa-related topics:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment/temporary.html
Save as: ID # – LC Forum Questions
Example:
3 – LC Forum Questions
Please use the submission link found in column F to submit your content. You will need to enter the ID# (just the number, don’t include “#”), the question, and your answer. Double check the HTML code before submitting through the link.
Please also send the completed content to [email protected] and include “BOLD – LC Forum Questions” in your email subject line.
Style Guide - click on tab above. For examples, see below.
Tabs above include the style guide, resources, and saving and submitting instructions. Below are examples.
Example: What is STAR Interviewing
What is STAR interviewing?
To put it simply, STAR is an interview response technique. You should use this method to answer behavioral interview questions, which typically ask you how you handled a specific work situation in the past. The STAR technique encourages you to give a four-part answer to ensure you thoroughly respond to the interviewer’s question. Figuring out exactly what <a href=”https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/interview/star-interviewing”>STAR interviewing</a> is can better prepare you to wow hiring managers with your experience and accomplishments.
The important thing to know about this answering method is what each letter stands for: situation, task, action, and result. As you answer interview questions, you want to give specifics about each of the four parts. This could mean describing the context of a situation, pointing out the task you were responsible for, focusing on how you took action, and explaining what the final result was.
Because recruiters can ask a wide range of questions, you can’t necessarily practice answering the exact inquiries that will come up in the interview. Instead, you can brainstorm different scenarios that can make you a standout candidate in the eyes of the employer. Review the job description to figure out what type of skills and experiences are important for the position. Then as you brainstorm, you can think about situations when you showcased those experiences and used those skills.
How do I write a good flight attendant resume?
How do I write a good flight attendant resume?
When determining how to write a good flight attendant resume, consider crosschecking your document against a quality example. A good sample resume, like <a href=”https://www.livecareer.com/resume-search/r/flight-attendant-119168274″>this one</a>, can give you an idea of the best information to cover as well as how to format it.
The first details on your resume should be your name and contact information. Then, draw in hiring managers with a powerful summary statement that covers your years of experience and air safety expertise. Next comes the skills section. Here, you should add no more than eight bullet points of your most relevant strengths. Valuable social skills for a flight attendant include customer service, crisis management, active listening, and communication. Be sure to balance your skill set with technical abilities in scheduling and computer-based training software.
Next, go into detail about your past positions in the work experience section. Start with your current or most recent job and work backwards. When writing this section, start each bullet point with an action verb and try to use numbers, figures, and measurable data to quantify your achievements and duties. In the example resume, for instance, the jobseeker mentions experience managing 12 crewmembers. Conclude your resume with your education and any specific training you have received, particularly CPR and first aid.
Example: Does Anyone Have Any Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for Apple?
Does Anyone Have Any Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for Apple?
If you’re trying to land a job with Apple, you’ll have intense competition. That’s why it’s important to do whatever you can to make yourself stand out. A strong cover letter can help you differentiate yourself from hundreds of other applicants and help you get the job. So, if you’re looking for tips about writing a cover letter for apple, here is some advice.
First, go to Apple’s <a href=https://www.apple.com/jobs/us/corporate.html>career site</a> to check out the corporate culture and potential openings. Then, choose a position that you think you’re qualified for. Build a strong resume that demonstrates your ability to perform well in this role. Make sure you have good, specific examples that show your excellence.
Next, you’ll need to create a cover letter that further sells your talents and skills for this job. A good place to start for a cover letter is to use a <a href=”https://www.livecareer.com/how-to-write-a-cover-letter”>cover letter writing website for help</a>. Don’t just summarize your resume; instead, sell yourself and explain how you meet the job description’s requirements. Additionally, give details about why you want to join the team at Apple. Finally, thank the reader and ask for an interview to conclude your letter.
Example: What are some interview questions I should know how to answer?
What are some interview questions I should know how to answer?
Not all job interviews are the same, but many recruiters ask similar questions throughout the process. For this reason, you should know how to answer certain interview questions that often come up. Start practicing your answers to a few basic questions, including the following:
- Can you describe your dream job?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What other positions are you applying for?
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What makes you a good fit for this job?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
As you prep for interview questions, you should go over responses about your professional and personal sides. Employers want to figure out what makes you a good employee, which means learning about various aspects of your personality. You can get a better idea of what the hiring manager may ask by considering the particular job and industry. Try answering questions that emphasize skills and experiences important to the position.
While it’s okay for you to practice your answers to commonly asked questions, you don’t need to memorize your answer. After all, this inquiry may not even come up during the interview. Rather than memorize answers, simply get comfortable talking about your professional experiences, skills, and accomplishments. You can look over other <a href=”https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-the-31-most-common-interview-questions”>common queries</a> to help you better prepare for the interview.
Example: Is a CV a Resume?
Is a CV a Resume?
When you are in the process of searching for a job, you know it’s important to write either a CV or a resume. Some jobseekers wonder if a CV is the same thing as a resume. Actually, a CV and a resume are two different documents that have unique characteristics and requirements. If you want to apply for a job that demands a CV, you need to know how to write one.
To start with, figure out if you need to write a CV or resume by checking the job posting. Here is a resource that gives you an overview of the <a href=”https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/resume/resume-vs-cv”>differences between the two</a>. If you already have a resume written, you can convert some of the information into a CV customized for the specific job opening. Generally, a resume is shorter than a CV.
Both documents typically have your contact details, work history, and educational experience. A CV may go into further detail and talk about your professional publications, conference experience, and awards or honors. Whichever document you need for your next job application, make sure you explain how your talents and skills demonstrate your readiness to be a success in the posted job.
Example: What resume format do tech companies like Apple, Google, etc. prefer?
What resume format do tech companies like Apple, Google, etc. prefer?
They may be cutting-edge; however, tech companies like Apple, Google, etc. prefer a resume format that is traditional and straightforward. You want your content to catch the recruiter’s attention, not flashy graphics or unusual formatting. When applying to jobs at these companies, you upload your resume through an online portal on their career webpages. Before your document reaches a human recruiter, it may first go through an applicant tracking system. An ATS scans your resume for keywords and phrases that indicate you are a good match for the job.
In order to please both ATS bots and recruiters, it’s best to make your resume clear, concise, and compelling. Stick to these basic sections: contact information, professional summary, skills, work experience, and education. When writing your work experience, try to quantify your duties and accomplishments whenever possible. It’s also effective to begin each bullet point with a strong action verb. To ensure your resume makes it past the ATS, scan the job listing for key phrasing and recurring words. Insert these in your resume exactly as written by the employer.
Reference this <a href=”https://www.livecareer.com/resume-search/r/speech-analyst-onsite-103606603″>example resume</a> of a current speech analyst at Google for more information. This sample does an excellent job of demonstrating clean formatting and a powerful work experience section.