Fun Ways to Beef Up Your Resume

I thought this article covered some pretty basic facts but was interesting, as many resumes start to blend together often. Aside form that, anything that separates you as having that extra edge or added quality can;t hurt. I love anything that takes someone out of their comfort zone...even a simple training course in something you;ve never dabbled in before will often give you that extra push or motivation to keep trying new things. The bonus, is from my own experience, I have almost always met someone interesting at anything new I have taken on trying. Enjoy! :)

Enjoyable Activities That Can Help You Advance Your Career
By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

The word "fun" isn't usually associated with looking for a job. Even in the best of circumstances, being unemployed or underemployed can be scary and stressful. But in any job search, keeping a positive attitude is important. So in addition to refining your resume and assiduously applying for jobs, consider these pursuits that are not only lots of fun, but that also make just about any candidate more attractive to hiring managers. Even better, most can be done for free or on the cheap.

What's more, most of these activities involve meeting new people -- and therefore put you in the path of new networking opportunities. Meeting people outside of your normal social and professional spheres is an excellent way to broaden the reach of your job search.

Study a Language

Even knowing only the basics of a second language can be a boon in many jobs -- for instance, greeting foreign clients in their own tongue makes a great first impression. And most language classes involve fun socializing activities and learning about foreign cultures.

Fluency takes time, but just telling an employer that you're studying a language can demonstrate self-discipline and a desire to learn new things, according to career expert Jason Seiden, the author of Super Staying Power: What You Need to Become Valuable & Resilient at Work.

Enroll in an Acting or Improvisation Workshop

"I definitely advocate taking an improv class," says Seiden. "I've done this myself...and I learned to work across an incredibly diverse group of people, I learned to become more adaptive to my environment, and I got some great stories to use to break the ice with new people."

These types of workshops can also be very beneficial for people who fear public speaking. Joining a Toastmasters club is another fun way to become a more effective speaker.

Learn Something New

"Take classes at your local college, online or through job-training programs," suggests Debra Davenport, business coach and founder of Identity IQ. "Employers want knowledge workers with top skills in the areas of technology, social media, communication, leadership, coaching, budgeting, marketing and global commerce." In addition, "fun" classes -- like photography -- may come in handy in surprising ways. After you get your finance job, say, the company may urgently need someone to take photos at an investor event -- and you'll be able to save the day.

Turn a Hobby Into a Business

Enjoy cooking? Gardening? Crafting? Davenport suggests looking into services provided by the Small Business Administration for ideas and guidance on turning your pastime into profits. And even if your side business doesn't become lucrative, your entrepreneurial initiative may impress the hiring managers in your future.

Volunteer

Jay Block, the author of 101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Times, recommends volunteering as a way to gain confidence and strengthen your resume: You could volunteer to teach what you know -- for instance, if you're good at sales, an organization like Junior Achievement might be a good fit. You could turn a hobby into a volunteer opportunity -- for instance, if you enjoy playing the piano, you could schedule song nights at a local retirement center. Or you could even travel to an area that could use your help or skills -- for instance, to work with Habitat for Humanity.

Write

Many career experts suggest developing a blog that focuses on a hobby or your industry. Or, suggests Block, you could offer to write a column for a free local newspaper. These are not only enjoyable ways to express yourself but also great ways to promote yourself as an expert and establish a well-rounded online presence.

Get Physical

"Sign up for yoga or Pilates -- or work on becoming an instructor or a certified fitness trainer," suggests Block. "At a time where too many people are unhealthy and depressed, this can be fun and healthy and look great on a resume."

Get Social

"Become a social networking junkie -- not to just pass time socially, but to collect a huge amount of contacts and to build solid relationships that would be valuable to a prospective employer," says Block. "Networking and relationship building are critical skills today."

Explore a New Career

Block suggests job shadowing as one interesting way to learn about a new field. "Job shadowing is when you follow someone around to learn how they do their job," he says. "It's an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and get advice from professionals in industries or venues you hope to break into."

Be Creative

If you're in the midst of a period of unemployment, you can expect hiring managers to ask how you've spent your time away from the 9-to-5 routine. With some creative thinking, you can turn just about any hobby or learning experience into a resume or interview asset. "The most important thing about resume boosters is not what they are, but how you present them," Sieden says. "When you're interested, focused and self-motivated, nearly anything can be an asset."

Dress For Success - 10 Interview Fashion Blunders

This article seems so common sense, but believe it or not back in my days of HR and even in recruiting and having met candidates in person at trade shows or industry events, it is amazing how often many folks make these fashion mistakes! Enjoy! (Article courtesy of: By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer)

Any article about what to wear to an interview might well begin with a qualifying statement covering the extremes in various states (New York and California, for example) and industries (technology, manufacturing), which are possible exceptions to the normal rules of fashion. But it might surprise you to learn that those extremes have, over the last couple of years, begun to move closer to the middle ground.

Anna Soo Wildermuth, an image consultant and past president of the Association of Image Consultants International, says, "Clothes should be a part of who you are and should not be noticed." She cites 10 dressing faux pas to avoid when interview time comes around:

Wild Nail Polish: This tip is for women or men. Extremely long or uncut nails are a real turnoff, too. Your nails should be groomed and neat.

Jangly Jewelry: Don't wear more than two rings per hand or one earring per ear. And no face jewelry or ankle bracelets allowed.

Open-Toed or Backless Shoes: And mules are a definite no-no. Out-of-date shoes should be thrown out or kept for other occasions.

Bare Legs: Wear stockings, even in humid summer weather. Stockings can be in neutral colors or a fashion color to match your shoes.

Out-of-Date Suits: These have lapels that are too wide (three inches or more) or too narrow (one inch or less). A good tailor can alter lapels. The style for men's jackets is full-body and looser rather than fitted or tight.
Short Skirts: Hemlines should not be more than three inches above the knee. Don't wear capri pants or leggings to the interview.

Leather Jackets for Men or Women: Even leather blazers are not good for interviewing purposes. They look like outerwear.

Turtlenecks for Men: A tie is preferable, at least in the first go-round. At the very least, wear a collared shirt.

Printed or Trendy Handbags: Purses should be conservative and inconspicuous.

Red Briefcases: Briefcases, purses and shoes should all be conservative in color and in good condition.
Conservative colors in various shades of blue and gray are best. Wearing black to the interview could be viewed as too serious. If you do wear black, make sure another color is near your face to soften the look. Brown is still considered questionable as a business color and probably should be avoided. Change your outfit's look for a second interview by wearing a different color blouse, shirt, scarf or tie.

An interview is not the place to make a fashion statement, though those in the creative/design field and the very famous can be more adventurous. Everyone else should opt for a conservative look. "More and more companies are returning to traditional professional dress," Wildermuth says.

Whatever you wear should accent the fact that you're a professional who's ready to get to work at a new job. Let common sense guide you, and it should be easy to avoid fashion blunders that could damage your chances of getting to the next step in the process. In this market, it is essential that you look good and your appearance is right for the job.