And here it is in slide-show mode:

Let me know what you think of the new design!

That header is not the final one… I’m making that a surprise, and there’s still a few modifications to the post layout that I have to do, small bits to add.

But we’re getting there!  Look for it this weekend!

I wanted to tell you, I’m still here. I’ve had one of those “Ah-Ha” moments where I feel like if I don’t put this stuff in the right context, I’m helping aid your transformation into cogs. I want to do this right, I want to help you; not hurt you. Not all jobs are created equal. My goal is to help you find the (unfortunately rare) job that will appreciate you for who you are.

I’m also going to shift my… erm… radical business ideas to a different blog so that I can return the focus of this one to job searching.

Stay tuned. A new look and new content is on its way.

Between starting up my own business and busting out work for clients, I’m swamped!  Most of my time for Psychotic Resumes has been focused on revamping the static content pages.  If you haven’t visited those lately, you might want to take a peek.  Also, I’m working on some creative and inventive content that I think you’ll really like – something beyond just endless blog updates.

In the static sections of the site, I’ve got information on how to write an effective Resume, masterful Cover Letter, do better on your Interviews, and how to put together a Job Search no matter what your situation.

I’ll be getting back to my regular update schedule of M-W-F this week, so… thanks for being patient!

What this means is that if you think I missed something in the guide, feel free to write and tell me on that page.  If I like what you have to say, I’ll add it to the page!

Also, I know that this site is, from time to time, painfully slow to respond.  I’m working on a new hosting solution… but it’s turning out much more difficult than I would have ever imagined it would be.

So, my weekend fun aside, keep on coming back – the content is continously being updated as I learn more and explore more.  Some of the freshest content: the For Employers page!

I Don’t Know How To Say This… Your Resume is Appalling

There are a lot of businesses out there that claim to know how to review a resume. In fact, there are a lot of entrepreneurs who think this is a great way to make an extra buck (even I was considering charging $50 for the service!). I’m not one of those guys – I think it’s unethical to take advantage of the desperation unemployment tends to engender.

The Economy looks to be getting worse. It only makes sense to learn how to review your own resume or to be able to offer a friend the same.

Wax On, Wax Off, Wax On…

The only reason a resume exists is to show what you can do for an employer. This can only be accomplished by making all the information intuitive, simple to understand, and easy to find. Things to look for:

• Name and contact information at the top, easy to read, easy to understand.
• Most important information closer to top.
• Consistent formatting.
• Emphasis used only when necessary.
• Action verbs used for every skill.
• Bullet Points line up.

Develop an Eye for Detail

On a resume, it’s the little things that matter. The difference between $50,000 a year and waiting in line at the unemployment office can often be as little as mistaking “their” and “there” and “they’re”. Worse than grammatical errors are spelling errors – unforgivable in an age with spell-checking available to anyone just slightly more diligent than a slug.

Less annoying but still bad is inconsistencies in period use at the end of fragments – particularly in skill or achievement lists. Either use them or don’t – pick a way and stay consistent. Along these same lines, failing to line up the bullet points on lists is just plain dumb. Every list on the document should be formatted so all the items of the same level are in vertical alignment.

Brevity is Appreciated

In an economy with 13% unemployment (including the soft-stats), every job is likely to receive stacks upon stacks of resumes. The hiring manager needs to see a resume that is concise and to-the-point. The goal isn’t to use as few words as possible, but instead to present the content in the clearest, most concise way possible. Eradicate waste! It was Thomas Jefferson who said, “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” He invented the light bulb wrote the damn Declaration of Independence (thanks Josh – wow, I must have been stoned); he’s worth listening to.

Wording and the order of sentences is key.

• Always put the most important things first in lists.
• Always list the most relevant job first.
• Always put the action word first.

Following these very basic guidelines can prevent a lot of job-search heartache.

More of a Stay-Cation…

So this is my first post in a while.  I guess you could say that I got a little distracted, like our friend in the last article.  Or maybe you could say that I was pursuing motivation.  Or things ending in “ation.”

I found it.  ‘Em.  Whatever.

More precisely, I came up with a schedule for all my friggin’ personal projects that will actually allow me to have a life and get this site flying.  I will update this site at least once a week, aiming for Friday.  (I’d like to do two, but my girlfriend had mentioned she would like to see me at least once a week, so… there you go.)

Friday’s update will be an original article along the lines of the ones you’ve come to expect from me.  Now, once a month, I will aim to put out a podcast.  This will start around 2009 when I have a bit more organizational umph behind me.  Keep in mind that in addition to this project, I am also running THREE other blogs, writing TWO audio dramas, and attempting to learn a new programming language to boot.

You could say that I am a busy man.

You’d be right.

You might say I need a better way to manage my time.

Well, you might also be right on that – I’m trying.  Remember, I’m not an expert on any of this stuff, I just know what has worked for me and I present it as such.  And so far, putting a plan in place is my best attempt at managing my time.  I decided that scheduling out each of these things, so I do a little each night – 30 minutes a night each weeknight, to be exact – I can achieve my goals.  Now, it’s not going to be pretty at first.  It will take a lot of commitment and getting used to.

I think that’s what good time management is all about.  Setting realistic goals, then measuring out how much time each goal will take, then plotting out revenge on your mortal enemies, and then finally mapping out how you will divide the time it will take to complete your goals.

So, why, you ask, am I doing so much?  Well, mainly because I have always loved making people laugh.  I just happen to have a multitude of ideas that I can make that happen right now.  So, I ask in return, why not?

A quick note: check out the brand new communication section of www.psychoticresumes.com.  I spent a few hours tonight tweaking and fine-tuning.  Please let me know what you think – and if you have any additions or recommendations, please let me know!

Thanks for reading,

-Nick

Just a quick note that I’m now submitting blog feeds to Twitter under the name TheResumeGuru. I might on occasion post something unique out there, but I think it’ll just be a sort of notification service and to pick up new readers! After all, more readers means more comments and more points of view for you when you’re in need!

I’m working hard to finish the rest of the site – the Cover Letters section is almost completed. The Resume section is completely done. Goals is also finished. I’m working on Communication next and then Interviews. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want to write in those sections, and those should be finished either this weekend or next. Why so slow? I’m trying to focus on quality content for you, not a rush-job.

Anyway, enjoy what’s posted so far, leave me some feedback, and let me know if you find any errors!

I’m thinking I may also start podcasting this… once every two weeks or so, I’m going to try to start around November. With the Economy headed for a definite slowdown, I want to make sure you have a bastion of hope out there somewhere!

Thanks for visiting!

-Nick