If you feel your resume qualifications are holding you back from progressing then it could be time to seriously consider going back to school!

Regardless of whether you left education a few years ago or decades ago, qualifications on your resume will be just as important. Although qualifications aren’t everything (some employers are really eager to find candidates with ‘hands on’ experience) your chosen industry might require a specific grade or qualification. Or you might find yourself losing out during job interviews to candidates with slightly higher grades. If this is happening to you then why not consider slipping back into your shirt and tie and attending a training course?

The good news for those who feel they don’t have the time is that some qualifications can be achieved by learning from home or employing a tutor to work with you when it’s most convenient for you.

Here are some advantages to adding extra qualifications to your resume;

• It will make you feel more confident
• It will add depth and content to your resume template
• It will help you to specialise in your chosen field
• It can impress the employer if you have taken the initiative to learn these skills outside of work hours
• It could help you to network and could lead to other opportunities
• It will make you feel productive during your job search

There are a number of places you can achieve extra qualifications so take the time to carefully consider what qualification is right for you and get searching!

You can impress an interviewer in a variety of ways and one thing most employers look at during a job interview is attitude. If a candidate has a positive attitude then it will most likely rub-off on the employer and leave them with a good impression. But what if you have a bad attitude?

A bad attitude can really hinder your chances of securing a job. Here’s a few things that can be regarded as bad attitude during a job interview;

• No regard for appearance or dress code
• Chewing gum
• Being late
• Having an excuse for being late
• Not asking questions
• Looking at your watch
• Negative facial expressions
• Not engaging with the staff
• Not keeping eye contact and looking un-interested

All of the above will make the employer feel uncomfortable and will also make them feel like you aren’t that interested in the job role. So instead, try the below to ensure you maximise your chances of job interview success;

• Research the office dress code and dress accordingly
• Don’t chew gum!
• Research how you are going to get to the offices and leave plenty of time to get there
• Look at the company website and think of some positive questions you can ask
• Practice your facial expressions and prepare for the interview
• Be friendly and approachable with everyone, not just the interviewer
• Ensure your interview body language remains positive and that you demonstrate your eagerness for the job!

The number of employers hiring in America has increased for the first time in four years, reports Bloomberg Business Week.

The number of positions available increased in March to 3.74 million – which is the highest it has been since June 2008.

The new figures suggest more employers in America are beginning to feel confident about their hiring activity.

When you are looking for a job you are probably looking for a well paid position as well as something you enjoy. Not all positions will have salary brackets so how do you know which ones are well paid?

The first thing to realise before you look for a position like this is that you need both experience and expertise in a field to command a higher salary. If this isn’t you yet then  consider volunteering or gaining more work experience because this will help to boost your resume template and will help you to negotiate salary in the future. Also it is crucial to realise that although well paid jobs are a bonus, job happiness and security is essential in order to have longevity. So take all of this into consideration before you start your job search.
Here are a few tips below which might help you find a well paid position;

• Networking. Networking within your chosen area is a great way of finding out about new positions and the more people you network with the more likely you are to find out about insider knowledge i.e. salary
• Research. Do your research and you will have a better chance of finding about well paid positions. By looking at different companies and their structure you should be able to get a vague idea of the sort of salaries they offer. Likewise do your industry research – most industries will have a standard starting wage so, depending on how experienced you are, you can rank yourself against this.
• Look out for commission. Most sales and marketing jobs will have commission and bonus packages. Most employers will keep this vague but if there is a mention of this on the advertisement then you know there is an opportunity to earn extra.

When you are writing a resume you automatically worry about the content. You want it to be packed with information that is both relevant and exciting. However it’s not just the content of your resume – the design and look is also vital.

The age old saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ is unfortunately not true during the job application process. If you send a resume directly to an employer then all they have to look at is your resume and work history – nothing else.  You will not have met them or spoken to them so their decision to invite you to an interview will usually be made from what your resume reads like.
The reason visuals are so important is because you could have the best content in the world, but if it looks messy and busy then it is probably not going to appeal to the reader. If your content is amazing, there is no point in having it there if the employer is not attracted enough to pick it up!
So what does your resume design say about you? We’ve listed a few examples below;

• Busy/cluttered = disorganised
• Bright colours = outgoing and bold
• Simplistic = not creative
• Spelling errors = no attention to detail
• No layout = not thorough

To ensure this isn’t the impression your resume gives off try to;

• Keep the resume linear
• Line up all of the text and ensure it looks neat
• Don’t write too much
• Keep it concise
• Proof read
• Consider the layout of the resume by using resume templates and designing a be-spoke application

If you’d like help creating a new professionally templated resume how about using our online resume building service? It takes you through creating a resume step-by-step and you can choose from a wide range of eye-catching graphic designs. What are you waiting for? Get started today!

Unemployment in America has fallen to almost 8% during April.

Around 115,000 people were hired during April. Although these figures suggest positivity, the jobs market is still in turmoil as more and more people are reportedly giving up on their job search.

Over 900,000 people reportedly have stopped looking for work.

While new jobs were added, the percentage of people in employment dropped by 0.2% and is now at a 30 year low.

Source: The Telegraph

It was announced in some reports today that the Bank of America plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs.

The Bank of America is the country’s second largest bank and currently employs 278,700.

The job cuts are expected to happen in investment and commercial banking and is thought to be due to cost cutting plans.

If you have attended a job interview and been offered the job you might want to negotiate the offer when you receive it. There could be a number of factors to consider so after you have attended an interview you need to prepare to negotiate and to make a counter offer.

There could be a variety of reasons why you need to negotiate;

• Salary
• Working hours
• Over time
• Over time rate
• Job title
• Progression opportunities
• The remuneration package

Below are some tips of how to negotiate;

• Carefully consider all of your options. It is pointless going in with a counter offer and realising you have got the figures wrong! Carefully consider the job offer and ensure your calculations are correct.
• Write down all of the points and brainstorm what you want to negotiate to keep it concise.
• Write down some reasons why you want to negotiate so you have a valid point when discussing with the employer.
• Don’t be over the top! Employers do expect counter offers occasionally and they will usually accept it if they really want you to work for them. However don’t go over the top and exaggerate what you need – be fair.
• Remain polite and professional at all times.
• Look at your resume template and remember the key points of why the employer wants to hire you. Consider using these as a negotiation should you see the employer face to face.
• Draft a letter. Your counter offer is best made in writing as it keeps an official thread of your discussions and it is professional. Address each point the employer has offered and outline your negotiation. Start the letter by thanking them for the offer and ensure you close it politely too to ensure maximum positive impact.

We’ve mentioned before that every now and then you will find yourself attending an interview and being asked curveball questions. These are usually about the job and your passion for the company and are thrown in by the employer to test your ability to think on your feet. But there are other difficult questions that might come up too – here’s our guide on how to answer these and impress the interviewer.

• Relationship with colleagues. Some interviewers will ask you to bring up a specific time where you have helped a colleague – just to see what your rapport building and approachability is like. Remember, if you have had a disagreement in the past and the job you are applying for is in the same industry, the interviewer could possibly know about this. So this question requires you to be honest. Promote your rapport building skills and try and think of one or two occasions before you attend the interview – avoid lying.
• You might be asked about your ability to work extra hours. Even if you are going for a retail job (where weekends and evenings are expected) if you don’t want to work these extras, or can’t, then you shouldn’t be afraid to tell the employer. Tell the employer how flexible you are with hours – ensuring that they aren’t under false pretence with what shifts you can work.
• If you have gaps in your employment this may come up. You should try and breeze through these questions and don’t draw too much attention to them.  Take your time to answer the questions too, to re-assure the employer you are not nervous! (For more information read our article on how to fill gaps in your resume).

Remember, if you do find yourself answering questions like these take your time to respond and ensure you think about the answers. Spend time before the interview updating your resume template too so you are prepared.

Working as a Hairdresser can provide lots of career benefits. Flexibility and socialising are just some of the industry perks. But with the job market as competitive as ever, how do you make your resume stand out?

Resume Surgeon talks to Lauren Smith, a Hairdresser, to get her resume tips.

How Did You Get Into Hairdressing?

When I decided I wanted to be a Hairdresser I sent my resume out to a few different salons in my local area to get work experience. But to work as an Apprentice you need to also attend college so, once I found a job, I started going to Hairdressing College on day release. It’s here that you learn different styles and study for the NVQ Level 2 qualification alongside working in a salon where you get hands-on experience.

Why Did You Want to Work in Hairdressing?

I have always thought it is a good idea to have a trade and a skill because it’s a safety net for the future. It’s nice to know that I will always be able to work, even if it is at home. I also was attracted to the social side of the job and the fact that you get to meet new people every day. I have always been interested in fashion and beauty so to work in the industry is a real privilege.

Is It Hard to Get Into?

It is competitive, just like any industry! There are few jobs and a lot of Apprentices wanting to get their foot in the door so it is quite hard. But as long as you have passion and you really want to work in the industry then you will succeed.

What is The Key Ingredient to Being a Successful Hairdresser?

I think you need to make an impression so that a customer will come back and specifically ask for you. Gaining referrals is a great way of increasing your income and obviously it is good for your reputation too.

How Long Does It Take to Qualify?

It depends on how advanced you want to be but for the NVQ Level 2 it takes two years. With that you are qualified to do most things apart from specific colour corrections. You can go on to do a Level 3 or even specific trades like Barbering but it depends on what you want out of the job.

What is The Best Part of the Job?

Meeting new people and socialising.

What is The Worst Part of the Job?

You feel like you are constantly cleaning up after yourself which can be tiring at times!

What Makes a Good Hairdresser?

I think you obviously need to be good at the job and you must be creative. You need to be precise and you need to listen to what the client wants. Being polite and ensuring you meet the customers’ needs is vital too.

What Would Your Advice Be to Someone Wanting to Work as a Hairdresser?

To get noticed in this industry I think you need to be friendly and patient and you need to show you are determined. Working as an Apprentice can be tough because you work long hours for little money and you sometimes will find yourself doing some mundane tasks. But if you want to work your way up and style then you need to ensure you are friendly and patient and show determination. Getting promoted won’t happen over-night and becoming qualified takes years but if you can show that you are a good listener and you are committed then the hard work will pay off eventually.