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Write a Resume for Jobs
in Sedona and the Verde Valley

 By Marie King | As seen on Sedona.biz

(Sedona Verde Valley, Arizona) - When applying for a position in any job market, it’s important to understand what job qualifications the employer is seeking. 

In Sedona and the Verde Valley, obtaining a job, especially a professional one, is highly competitive.  To rise above the crowd, a well written resume targeted to the employer's needs is crucial.

To find out what employers located in the Sedona ant the Verde Valley want to see in a resume, I interviewed three local resume-writing experts:  Victoria Ward, Director of Human Resources for the City of Sedona; Gioia Goodrum, Coordinator of Career Services at the Clarkdale Campus of Yavapai College and Dave Beach, Employment Specialist for the Career Center of the Arizona Department of Economic Security in Cottonwood.

Here are some tips that they suggested:

Make Sure Your Resume is Free of Errors

Victoria Ward emphasizes that resumes need to be professional looking and free of grammar and spelling errors.  Dave Beach suggests that job seekers have three people proof read their resume.  Two of the people can be individuals that know the kind of position that you’re applying for to ensure that it has the necessary content, and the third person should have no idea, so that they can review your resume more objectively.

A few years ago a mechanical engineer came into my office in the Boston area.  He was totally frustrated because he had been sending out resumes for three months and hadn’t gotten any interviews.  “What’s wrong with my resume?” he asked.  When I looked at the resume, I realized that he had spelled the word “engineer” incorrectly.  When I pointed out the error to him, he understood why he wasn’t getting interviews.

Create a Resume That Is the Right Length

Gioia Goodrum feels that candidates sometimes write resumes that are either too long or too short.  Professionally, I have encountered both types and I know that neither kind serves you well. One insurance executive I counseled was irate that she was being offered low-paying jobs in her industry.  When I looked at her resume, I realized that she had kept it so brief that her experience appeared to be entry level.  I have also seen resumes that are too long and contain irrelevant and dated information.  You should only go back ten years when describing your work experience.

Dave Beach feels strongly that resumes should be no more than one page long because employers don’t have time to read lengthy resumes, while Victoria Ward defines lengthy as three to four pages.

The bottom line as far as length is concerned is that your resume should contain the information that the employer needs to have to determine if you are the right candidate for the job.  Most job seekers can detail that in a one-page resume.  However, someone applying for a professional position may need two pages to address the qualifications required for the job.

Focus on What the Employer Wants

Gioia Goodrum believes that the biggest mistake job seekers make is by not presenting themselves well.  They don’t accurately depict the skills and abilities they have.  The resume is after all a marketing document, and candidates need to show an employer why they’re the right person for the job.

Victoria Ward prefers to see a resume and cover letter on good stationary and in a resume folder.  She would like candidates to answer three questions in these documents:

1. Where have you worked?
2. Why are you interested in the position?
3. What specific skills and qualifications do you have for the job?

Dave Beach says that resumes need to be concise and targeted, or they can wind up in the trash can.

I also suggest to job seekers that they go through the ad for the job description of the position and list all the knowledge, skills, and abilities requested by the employer.  Before you write the cover letter or resume, jot down the information or accomplishments that address each item, so you know what to include in each of these documents.  For more help on writing accomplishment statements, complete the worksheet on accomplishments provided by Quintessential Careers at http://www.quintcareers.com/accomplishments_worksheet.html.

Not Just One Resume

People often think their resume is set in stone once it's written, never to be changed.  But each employer is different, with different needs and expectations.  Don't be afraid to rewrite your resume so that it perfectly fits each job you are seeking.  For instance, emphasize and expand on those skills and experiences you've had in the past that best match the new job.

Do not Lie or Exaggerate on Your Resume

Gioia Goodrum feels that one of the biggest mistakes candidates make is that they misrepresent themselves and exaggerate their accomplishments. Victoria Ward has actually run into situations where candidates have lied about their credentials, especially whether they possess a college degree.  Victoria believes that lying on resumes creates more problems than it solves.  Once the lie has been discovered the candidate is eliminated from consideration, or if they are on the job, fired.

Avoid Using Fluff on Your Resume

“What does I am a people person mean?” Victoria Ward asks about a phrase that exemplifies the kind of fluff used on resume.  Victoria explains that employers can see through this meaningless use of language.  What she wants to see on a resume is verifiable information.

When you write a resume, the most effective way to demonstrate that you have certain soft skills such as interpersonal or communication skills is to show in the experience section of the resume how you have used these skills - increased sales, provided exceptional customer service or helped clients solve complex problems.  If you want to list your skills at the top resume, write down the ones that the employer requires for the job.  That could be skills in Excel, Medical Coding or Project Bidding.

However you approach your resume, you need to create one that mirrors the skills and experiences the employer is seeking.

 

More Articles by Marie King:

• Staying on Course in Sedona
  Sedona is unique in that people are often times called to live here for a specific purpose.  
• The State of Education in Sedona
  Although the Sedona-Oak Creek School District may be challenged by limited state funding, it appears its students aren't being short changed.
• Is Living in Sedona Right for You?
  Marie King believes that change is inevitable, but how you react to it can provide a chance for personal growth or a missed opportunity. 
• Ten Tips for Job Hunting in Sedona and the Verde Valley
  Job seekers before launching a job search often shortchange themselves by failing to analyze the local market to discover what are the growth occupations and largest employers .
• When Relocating to Sedona, Contain Your Housing Costs
  In expensive housing markets, individuals need to take creative approaches to housing, and this article describes some of these strategies.
• Starting Your Own Business in the Verde Valley
  This article outlines tips for starting your own business and identifies resources in Northern Arizona and statewide.
• Finding and Keeping Good Employees in Sedona and the Verde Valley
  The article details suggestions on how to find an employee who matches your needs and how to avoid the pitfalls of turnover, which can cost an employer up to 25% of an employee's annual salary.
• New Team to Lead Sedona Red Rock High School
  The article focuses on the concept of back building that will be used by the new leadership team.  This approach structures education by looking at the desired  outcome and putting in place steps to achieve it.

 

Contact Sedona Transitions

Marie King ~ Sedona Transitions
6770 W Hwy 89A #167, Sedona, Arizona 86336
928.593.9448 ~

Articles by Marie King • HOME