Let’s Build Your Resume At BlogHer16

If you are thinking about your next career step, join me at #BlogHer16 on Friday August 5th for the Resume Building Open Lab.

BlogHer Open Labs are hands-on round table sessions where attendees share expertise on specific topics. I will be leading the Open Lab for Resume Building, and near me will be experts available for WordPress, Google Analytics, and Email Marketing. BlogHer Open Labs are a great place to get individual questions answered. Be sure to come and check them out!

For my lab, feel free to bring your latest resume or thoughts about career goals, and we can take it from there. Can’t make it to the Open Lab? No problem, just reach out on social media (@LorraineAkemann) and I’ll be happy to connect at another time. Here is a list of subjects we’ll be ready to address:

Resume Review

Let’s get into the nitty gritty and read your resume together. Having an objective person review your resume can help prioritize the most compelling content, scan for typos, and give the boost of confidence needed to get that resume out into circulation!

Resume Formatting

Dates, indentations, margins, grammar and headings: elements like these can be the reason why resume writing is such an overbearing process! Let’s face it together. I’ll have some reference books and samples on hand so we can make sensible decisions on whether that section needed a semicolon or a period!

Creation Tools

Resume creation tools are becoming more dynamic and visual as our world continues to shift online. Although I prefer the easy accessibility of Google Docs (always simple to update), other options like Canva or Visual CV provide templates and tools for a graphically designed layout. The good news is that plenty of options exist to get your resume experiment started.

Building Blocks (with LinkedIn)

What content will you use for work experience and education when your life has been so diverse? My favorite tool for tracking experience over time has been LinkedIn. There are sections of LinkedIn that cover volunteer work, autonomous projects, certifications and awards. Even if you’ve taken a break from the formal workforce, LinkedIn still provides ways to keep your profile up to date.

File Management

Creating a resume is a process which involves several iterations. Adding a skill, tweaking an action verb, or adjusting the format can be an ongoing process. Keep your files organized to ensure version control. I create folders in Google Drive and save each iteration with the exact date in the filename.

Securing References

As job searches progress, past work references may be needed for potential employers. Do you have people in mind who can provide those references? Are they prepared to receive calls and inquiries to give testimonials about your work? Make sure these contacts are well prepared. A great way to do this is to specifically request a reference after every major project you complete, and then find a reason to keep in touch with that person every few months.

Networking

Planning for your next career move involves proactive steps to stay connected to others. This includes having a “yes” mindset (“you bet, let’s do lunch!”), securing references, endorsing others, and attending meetups, conferences or networking events. It’s not always easy to step out into the limelight, but keeping your network in motion is a huge part of uncovering new opportunities.

Luckily, we’ll be in the right place to jump start this type of networking. BlogHer is my number one resource for personal and professional development. Follow everyone you meet, tweet about sessions you find valuable, create new content for your blog, share and learn best practices, and meet new, mutually supportive people.

Going alone? Me too. Let’s meet up!

Having worked in corporate America prior to having children, I firmly believe that women should have every opportunity to return to the workforce with confidence. Motherhood, entrepreneurship, blogging and community-building enabled me to find my own professional voice while building a diverse set of leadership skills. The more active I become, the more work opportunities I find.

Let’s lead the charge for workforce confidence at #BlogHer 16. I can’t wait to meet you!

Lorraine Akemann | Co-Founder and Editor | Moms With Apps

Photo Credit Flickr / Flazingo Photos