communication | Robin's Resumes (r)

Highlighting Cooperation and Teamwork on Your Resume

Dec 15 2019

Arguments, misunderstandings, and lack of manners occur among coworkers, just as they do among any other group of people. The difference between handling workplace issues cooperatively and handling them contentiously is the difference between a pleasant, healthy work environment and a bad one. Bad behavior is cited by 77 percent of workers as having an impact on their productivity and morale, according to a recent study.

As a result, highlighting cooperation and teamwork on your resume is a good move. How can you do that?

Cite any specific responsibility you had for turning around a department experiencing low morale, low productivity, high turnover, or other signs of bad workplace behavior.
If you work on a team, show the results achieved by the team; they are your results. For example: “Made recommendations leading to improved voice mail system by researching new systems and ranking choices as a key team member.”
If you lead a team, show the results achieved by the team; they are also your results.
If you are the only member of your department or the only person at your level, you probably still interact with other departments and other levels. Track those interactions and any results; for example, presenting a report to another group, joining with another department to solve a problem, or helping another employee to reach a goal.
Give the results of any mentoring, coaching, and teaching between you and someone else—whether you are the mentor or the person being mentored. For example: “Nearly doubled percentage of closed sales by teaching consultative sales to flagging sales reps.”
Communication skills with customers are also important. For example, “Explained agile software development in layman’s terms to potential customers, focusing on value-added for their project.”

Cooperative people argue facts, not personalities; they seek out win-win situations; and they listen to objections, trying to find common ground from which to build. They train and guide others to communicate cooperatively as well.

People who enable an organization to run smoothly may hold positions at any level of an organization, not just management. At Robin’s Resumes®, we know how to word your resume so that your contribution to a healthy, safe workplace is clear to hiring managers and recruiters.

5 Important Soft Skills

Jul 23 2017

“Soft skills” are people skills—they are always in high demand at every level of an organization. You may demonstrate your soft skills at every stage of your job search, from the first time you revise or write your resume to the final interview. What soft skills are companies looking for?

Communication. One way to show that you are a good communicator is to make sure that your resume looks and sounds professional, without spelling and grammatical mistakes. Another way to demonstrate communication skills is through examples of achievements that involved talking across departments, helping customers, or leading a team. Finally, a good communicator will be able to talk comfortably with hiring managers and recruiters. If you feel week in any of these areas, it may be time to hire a professional resume writer, join Toastmasters, or take volunteer positions that will help you hone your communication skills.
Flexibility. The achievements on your resume should show that you accept new ideas, new managers, and new approaches to work. Your ability to survive a merger, take on a new role, or implement a change in process or technology are all examples of your flexibility.
Problem-solving. Almost every company or nonprofit runs into a road block at some time, whether it is lack of resources, high turnover, lack of training, or some other problem. Your achievements should include examples when you were aware of problems and helped solve or surmount them.
Organization. This soft skill is apparent in the way your resume is organized. It is also apparent in the way you organize your job search: Did you research the companies where you are applying? Have you kept accurate records of where you sent your resume? When recruiters and hiring managers interview you, are you ready with relevant questions and information?
Delegation. Your achievements should demonstrate your ability to delegate to increase efficiency and productivity.

Your decision to use a professional resume writer like Robin’s Resumes® shows your ability to recognize great communication, take a flexible approach to your job search, solve problems in your resume, organize your job search, and delegate. We will make sure the achievements on your resume reflect your strong soft skills. Contact us today.

What Belongs in a Cover Letter or Email?

Oct 16 2011

A cover letter or email is an essential part of a resume.

The cover letter echoes some of the most important achievements from your resume, chosen to highlight your fit for the particular job you are applying for. Sometimes an important experience, skill or accomplishment needs more emphasis or explanation than you have room for in your resume. The cover letter is a perfect place to expand on what’s already in your resume. Cover letters and resumes do become separated, so don’t rely on the cover letter alone to tell a recruiter or hiring manager that you have essential skills they want.

Certain pieces of information belong only in a cover letter, not in a resume. For example, the cover letter is the place for information about your availability for all shifts or your flexibility regarding travel or relocation.

Make sure your contact information is identical on your cover letter and resume. If you are considering a job in another state, you may want to rent a postal box in that state to give yourself a local address. Your contact information includes:

A phone number that is answered professionally—if your children always answer your home phone, purchase a pay-as-you-go cell phone that you can use for the length of your search.
A professional email address based on your full name (robertsmith@yahoo.com). Opening a new free email address at yahoo or gmail is easy and few employers will bother to contact a candidate at “skibum@yahoo.com.”

Double and triple check the address you are mailing to: on the cover letter, you don’t want to misspell the name of the recipient or their company or division.

Finally, the cover letter or email is a great place for a statement of what you hope to contribute to the company, whether increased sales, greater team work, improved communications or whatever your expertise qualifies you for.

Having trouble fitting all that in three or four short paragraphs? Email me today and I’ll give you a cover letter and resume that show off your value.