• Optimize the introduction. What employers want to see is your potential or the type of employee you will be without having to read a lot of content. Start with a strong About section that outlines a summary. Remember to mention your accomplishments where necessary.

• Visuals are important. Take advantage of visuals. It can be anything including icons, photos, and formatting. Choose an appearance that will make your website attractive to others. Take pictures and browse online for free stock photos. If you use a software like Google Charts, you may even consider infographics.


• Have a headshot. If you don’t want to pay a professional photographer, be sure to use natural light and a neutral background. Smile and wear something classic in dark or neutral solid colors.

• Include your work samples. Depending on your industry, you might feature content you’ve created or case studies of noteworthy projects. Testimonials are valuable too, because what others say about you can be more persuasive than what you say about yourself.

​

• Consider tabs. Chances are your work includes several aspects or you have a gig on the side. Try to use one website and create tabs or sections for different areas of your career.

 

• Check contact information. How do you want to be reached? It’s a good idea to have a contact page as opposed to posting your cell phone number or home address on your personal website. 

 

• Keep it real. Show your individuality, but please keep it professional. Mention some of the things that are not mentioned on your resume like your hobbies or perhaps volunteer work. For example, showing your pictures in swimwear may not be a good idea. 

1. Learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  It attracts prospective employers and other people to your website. Use and apply some basic search engine optimization techniques. For example, research industry keywords and use headings and subheadings. You can find free SEO courses online from reputable organizations like HubSpot.

1. Include your website in your email signature. It’s a good idea to list your website address in your email signature. If you use a logo or a photo, please be sure it’s not too large in size or bytes. Otherwise, it may slow your email transmission speed or take too much space your Inbox quickly.

 

1. Release a newsletter. The tried and true idea of having a newsletter remains an effective way to stay connected. Make it compelling and useful and offer an easy way to cancel the subscription.

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1. Update regularly. It’s easy to keep your website current, unlike outdated resumes that end up in the recycling bin. Post major changes promptly and start a folder for material you might want to add later, so you’ll remember it for future editing sessions.

 

1. Perform analytics. Studying your data will help you to evaluate your efforts and make changes as needed. Many website building and hosting companies have analytics built in to help you measure things like unique visitors and traffic sources.

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1. Build your brand. Think about how your personal website fits into your online presence and your overall efforts to position yourself professionally. Maintain a consistent tone. Audit yourself occasionally, including your social media pages, to see that you’re projecting the image you have in mind.

 
A personal website could make your next job search faster and more successful. It’s one more tool that helps you stand out from the crowd and show an employer how much you have to offer.

There are great coaches out there. Once you find one, you’ve got to do your part to get the most out of coaching. Follow these top tips to be sure you get the best coaching and that you make the most of your investment. 

​The average corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes, according to the employment website Glassdoor. With that kind of volume, it’s little wonder that most resumes get looked at for seven (7) seconds or less.
 
If you think it's time to change your job, be sure to learn to increase the odds that a hiring manager will pay attention to your resume long enough to appreciate what you have to offer.
 
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make sure your resume gets read. Study these suggestions before you reply to another job listing.

Even if you're a star performer, you will need to know how to make your resume stand out. Learning about what employers want to see in a resume and making it easier for them to recognize your value will help you to land more interviews and job offers. 

Find recruiters who specialize in a given field. As with advertising, choosing an effective recruiter might be just a matter of targeting, particularly for a managerial or executive position. These positions can be very hard for in-house personnel directors and human resource managers to fill. While these people do have responsibility for hiring, the search for a new employee with skills beyond the norm for their company can best be targeted by a professional executive recruiter.
 
The same can be said for specialized fields, such as Accounting or IT. For example, in-house human resources staff in a pharmaceutical company might know all about pharmaceutical skillsets required for a multitude of research positions, but they may not know as much when it comes to hiring staff to track money or to keep the computers functioning. That's when recruiting agency services specializing in IT, Accounting , or any other specialized field can come in handy. ​

Pharmacist resumes must have information of your experience relevant to the position in a quick and clear format. You already know employers are only interested in a highly qualified pharmacist with a customer-friendly attitude.

Apart from highlighting your qualifications, contact information, experience etc, the following points will provide a hint on how to prepare the resume for a Pharmacist position.
​

• A clear cut Profile or Summary section which shows your sense of direction to the employer. 
• Use a resume and cover letter checklist. Your resume should have the accurate names of each of your employers and your corresponding job titles. 
• Give a brief description about the employer, if they are not well known. 
• Mention the number of staff that you manage (if applicable). 
• List your educational qualifications with the name of the institution, city, state, degree, major, year awarded, and GPA. 
• Learn how to quantify your accomplishments on your resume.

Use important keywords in your resume (i.e.: pharmacology, dispensing and compounding, medication therapy, pharmaceutical research, and in specialty areas like acute and critical care, ICU, nuclear pharmaceuticals, and retail etc. 

Narrate some of the main reasons why you should be called for the interview. For example:

• Thorough knowledge of drug distribution systems
• Drug utilization evaluation
• Complex equipment and delivery systems
• Emerging medications
• Inventory management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Licensed clinical pharmacist with acute care and hospital experience.
• Serving and maintaining effective communication with the community to improve drug usage and therapeutic outcomes. 

Mention how you have reduced costs and saved money in your department or the organization in general.  Highlight any other achievements that have benefited your department and your organization in general.

Learn how to make your resume stand out. Below is a video of a sample Pharmacist CV for your review. ​

​Applying online is not only done through job sites. You can also check the websites of companies that usually have a section on careers to see what openings are available. You simply have to go through the process of giving certain information and uploading your resume. 

Employers review your resume before connecting with you. Given the many that apply, this usually takes seconds. Consequently, we  must use limited words while we also have to be sure that the resume is well-written and grammatically correct. 

The resume must say almost everything about the person. This should always start with pertinent information such as the person’s name and contact information.  

Next is the Summary which briefly gives the audience an idea of what to expect as they continue to read the resume. It's almost like a quick introduction. If written in a precise and concise way, one can give a very professional introduction. 

However, many people find it difficult to write a brief resume summary. Below are six (6) examples for your review. 

Software development leader and technology evangelist with a strong leadership presence; is currently seeking a new role that will draw upon expertise in software leadership, data protection, business transformation, enterprise-level implementation, automation, analytics, AI, client relations, and strategic planning.

​There is no ideal resume. It depends on the job. It is an important step one must pass before being called for that first interview.

As we are going through The Great Resignation, many are considering the cost of a career change and looking for resources to help them learn about other related aspects of a career change. 

​If you’re also thinking about changing careers, talking to someone who does the job you’re interested in can give you insight into what you will — and will not — like about your desired job.
 
For someone who hasn’t interviewed for a job in a long time, an informational interview can also provide valuable practice before applying for jobs and going on interviews.
 
Informational interviews (also called information sessions, informational meetings, or research interviews) are interviews that are conducted to gather information to help prepare for a job interview and/or learn more about a specific job, industry, or company.
 
However, an informational interview is not a job interview, and should not be confused with one. With an informational interview, you’re not seeking a job — you are seeking information to help you get a job.
 
Anyone can conduct an informational interview, although they are most commonly used by new graduates and perhaps those who may feel they have been on a  wrong career path.

Below is a sample scenario to demonstrate "how to ask" for an informational interview. 

If there is a company you’d like to work for, use this script to ask for an informational interview. This can also be a script if you identify a contact who can give you information or help you network to a job.
 
Preparation:

• Try to find someone you already know at the target company. Look at the company’s page on LinkedIn and see if you already know someone at the company who can help introduce you to the person you want to talk to/meet.
• If you don’t have a specific name, research the company’s website and/or LinkedIn company profile to see if you can find the name, title, and phone number of the person who hires for and/or oversees the job you want.

 
Make the Call:
Hi! My name is (your name) and I was given your name as the person who oversees the (name of) department or hires (job titles).
OR
[If you were referred to them by someone, mention that. Or, if you have something else in common — like your alma mater or a professional association, use that as your lead-in.]
 
I’m looking to make connections in the ____ field. I know you’re not currently hiring, but I was hoping you might be able to provide me with some advice.
 
Would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions?
[If no, ask if you can schedule a time to talk to them later.]
[If yes, give a quick summary of your background and qualifications and then ask one or more specific questions]

• (If the job you want isn’t currently open): How do you typically fill positions within your department? Do you hire from within or do you advertise them? And, if so, where? Or do you work with a recruiter? (in-house or which firm or firms do you typically work with?)
• How do you like working for the company? [If you’ve researched the person on LinkedIn, you can ask more specific questions.]
• Do you know of another department within the company — or another company — that might be hiring (job titles)?
• How can I be helpful to you?

 
Thank you for your time.
 
How It Might Sound:
You: Hi! My name is Melanie McIntosh and we’re both members of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). I’ve seen you at a couple of meetings, but we’ve never formally met. I’m looking to make connections in the public relations field. I was hoping you’d have a couple of minutes to provide me with some advice. Would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions? I promise I’ll keep it short.
 
Contact: Sure, I’ll try to answer a question or two for you, if I can.
 
You: I’ve worked with a couple of agencies — I’m currently a PR Specialist with Be Bold PR and previously worked as an Account Executive for  Stronger Brands for five years before that, specializing in pitching, account service, and media relations. I was wondering how your agency typically fills positions when they come open. Do you hire from within, do you advertise them, or do you work with recruiters?
 
Contact: We usually put up postings on the PRSA job board, LinkedIn, and Indeed. We also work with recruiters — usually PR Talent and Recruiters Inc.
 
You: Great. Can I ask how you got hired at Phantom Public Relations?
 
Contact: One of my former bosses came to work here and he hired me away. They actually created a job for me, and then I was promoted into my current role two years ago.
 
You: That’s great. I see from your LinkedIn profile that you’re well connected in the industry. Do you happen to know of any companies that might be hiring PR Specialists focusing on agriculture and farming clients? That’s my specialty.
 
Contact: I don’t know of anyone specifically who may be hiring, but I am friends with Simon Bass over at Waypoint Communications and I know they have a couple of ag and farming accounts. You’re welcome to drop my name if you want to ask him about openings.
 
You: Thank you. I really appreciate it. One last thing: Is there anything I can do for you? I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me today.
 
Contact: No, I can’t think of anything. But do say hi if you are at next month’s PRSA meeting.
 
You: Will do. Thanks again. 

Having “inside information” about a company you’re interested in working for, or about a specific job you’re applying for can be very helpful throughout your job search. Getting "inside information" is the purpose of an "informational Interview". Hopefully the sample scenario above will help you to effectively leverage this strategy.

​

Deciding to change careers is a big plan. Perhaps you have been in a wrong career path. This post is designed to help set you up for career shifting success. 
 
The idea is to suggest you take action in as little as 10-15 minutes per day for the next few weeks.  Take one action each day from one of the suggested actions — or you can come up with your own task to tackle!
 
There are suggested actions in four categories:

• Future Orientation
• Research
• Mindset
• Putting Yourself Out There

 
Try to plan and track your activities. Here are three ways to do this: 

• Do one action item each day for 14 days straight
• Take action for six days each week (no Sundays) for a little more than two weeks
• Take action for five days each week (no weekends) for just under three weeks

 
Here are suggested actions within each of the areas:
 
Future Orientation

• Start thinking about the future by examining the past. Reflect on your career journey to date — how you got to where you are today. How did you choose your current career?
• Spend 15 minutes brainstorming what you want your ideal next job to be like in your new career fields.
•  Take a career assessment test (skills test) to identify opportunities for a future career. Free assessments include the O*Net Interest Profiler (https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip) or the CareerOneStop Skills Matcher (https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/Skills/skills-matcher.aspx).
• Take a career assessment test (personality test) to help find professions that would be a good fit for your personality. For example, the MBTI® instrument (a paid tool) assesses your personality type and helps you identify career options that might be a fit for you. Learn more here: https://www.mbtionline.com/en-US/Products/For-your-career
• Make a list of what you like — and don’t like — about your current job. What do you want to be different in your next career?
• Take a sheet of paper. On one half, write a list of the skills you already possess. On the other half, make a list of the skills required in your new industry.
• Spend 30 minutes and identify deficiencies in your current skills that would be needed in your next career.
• Think about volunteer work you’ve done that might lead you to a new career field. What hobbies and interests do you have that might transfer to your next career?
• Get important people in your life on board with your desire for a change. Talk with someone close to you about your vision for the future and where you want to go with your career.
• Set a deadline for yourself for your career change. It can be one month, one year, or longer, but put a date to when you want to be in your new career.

 
Research

• What skills, education, and experience do you have to offer (not just from your current job, but also consider volunteer work, hobbies, previous roles, etc.)? Take inventory of your competencies. Make a list.
• Review your strongest skills in O*Net and see which occupations are a match for your skills: https://www.onetonline.org/find/descriptor/browse/Skills/2.A/
• Explore your transferable skills and experience using a tool like the CareerOneStop mySkills myFuture tool: https://www.myskillsmyfuture.org.
• Spend 15 minutes researching a target profession. Use an online tool like the CareerOneStop Occupation Profile: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx
• Make a list of 10 job titles you’d consider in a career change.
• Google some of the job titles you’re interested in.
• Narrow down your choices and spend 30 minutes going in-depth on one of the job titles you’d consider in your job search. Research the specifics of “a day in the life” of that job using an online tool such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• Spend 15 minutes researching what skills and education and/or training you need to move toward your next career. 
• Check out free and low-cost training to boost your skills. Check out the list available here: https://www.careeronestop.org/EmploymentRecovery/ExploreANewCareer/training-options.aspx
• Make a list of 10 target employers you'd be interested to join in your next career.
• Spend 15 minutes researching the salary and benefit averages for your desired career.
• Write down the names of 10 people who might be helpful in making your career change. 
• While you'll be considering the cost of a career change, create a budget for this change. What do you need to make the transition? Will you be taking a pay cut with this change? How will you handle the loss in income? Develop a plan, cut your expenses, and start saving money now.
• Spend 30 minutes researching funding/grants to retain for a career change. (For example, if you lost your job in certain professions, some states have grant funding to help you make a change to a different career.) Look into Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs in your state. There are several job training programs available under this program.
• Consider whether you want to work for yourself in your next career. Research how to find contract work or become self-employed. Remember, freelancing is also considered as self-employment. 

 
Mindset

• Answer the following questions in writing: Why do you want to make a change? What do you want to be different in your next career?
• Write out a statement — a mission statement — that you can use to guide your career change. It should outline what you want your career to look like and how you will achieve your goal.
• Create a mental picture of what you want to do next … and then create a physical picture to match it! This can be a photo or image which symbolizes your career goal or even a Pinterest board that incorporates your idea.
• Think long-term. Really spend some time thinking about your next career and imagining yourself working in that field for the next 10-15 years.
• Don’t fear the transition. Spend some time dreaming about the future.

 
Putting Yourself Out There

• Register for a class, training, or degree that will move you towards your next career.
• Make an appointment with a career counselor to provide an objective point of view on your career change planning. Some even administer career assessments.
• Set up an informational interview. Arrange a meeting/call to talk to someone who does the job you want to do.
• Ask one of your contacts if you can “shadow” them at their job to see what a “day in the life” is like in that career.
• Reach out to your network and ask someone for help with something related to your career change.
• Start to explore a career change by volunteering. Is there an opportunity to get involved in your new career field by volunteering or interning?
• Join a LinkedIn Group for the profession you’re targeting. Read, listen, learn.
• On LinkedIn, follow five of the target companies you identified in your research about your career change.
• Find a mentor or accountability partner to help you with your career change.
• Learn how to customize your resume to highlight your transferable skills, experience, training, and education, towards your new career target.