Module 8: Build a Work from Home Resume That Will “Beat the Bots!”

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MODULE 8 LINKS & RESOURCES

HAVE QUESTIONS?: We’re happy to answer your questions in the COMMENTS section below this video in YOUTUBE.

DOWNLOADS:

• Resume Writing / Rewriting Worksheet – Your first step in creating (or recreating) a resume what will get past the ATS bots AND impress actual human decision makers!
• Sample ATS-Friendly Customer Service Resume (Microsoft Word .docx format)
• Sample ATS-Friendly Customer Service Resume (Microsoft Word .doc format)
• Sample ATS-Friendly Customer Service Resume (TXT format)

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KEYWORDS FOR YOUR RESUME:

• Using ChatGPT (a free AI tool) is a great way to extract keywords from actual job descriptions. Watch our video for step-by-step instructions on how to do exactly that!

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CREATE YOUR “BRAG TAG” & BRANDING STATEMENT

While we were all told for years to include an “Objectives” statement at the top of our resumes, it’s time to let that outdated advice go.

Replace your Objectives statement with a BRANDING STATEMENT / BRAG TAG! HERE’S HOW:

• Create your “BRAG TAG”
  • Your Brag Tag will be the first line of your resume content (below any header you might have). It’s a Job Title that you’ve assigned to yourself. It doesn’t have to be an actual job title from a past or current position (though it may be). Rather, it’s a title that truly describes “who you are” as it relates to your work. For example:
    • CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
    • CUSTOMER SUPPORT HERO
    • PERSUASIVE SALES PROFESSIONAL
    • SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
    • LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT
    • WEB DESIGN NINJA
    • AWARD-WINNING WRITER

>>>Tip>>> If it’s appropriate and accurate, mirror the language used in the description of the job you’re applying for.

• Create your SELF-DESCRIPTION
  • Under your Brag Tag, include a one- or two-sentence “SELF DESCRIPTION” that captures your “soft skills” and “hard skills.”
    • SOFT SKILLS might include things like upbeat, personable, creative, goal-oriented, dependable, flexible, patient, motivated, responsible, adaptable, innovative, resourceful, confident, respectful, enthusiastic, cooperative, friendly, energetic, courteous, empathetic, persuasive, dedicated, highly-organized, independent, dependable, self-directed, etc.
    • HARD SKILLS are “teachable abilities” or skills that can be measured. For example: accounting, editing, customer service, bookkeeping, researching, nursing, teaching, translating, etc.

>>>Tip>>> MAKE SURE YOU MIRROR THE LANGUAGE USED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION! Pay attention to what the employer is looking for in their own words, and make sure you’re telling them YOU’RE THE IDEAL CANDIDATE!

EXAMPLE OF A BRANDING STATEMENT

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Experienced and detail-oriented Customer Service Professional with 5 years providing outstanding customer experiences for a wide variety of businesses. Organized and confident working with multiple active screens, Microsoft Windows, and client interface software.

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BEEF UP YOUR CREDENTIALS WITH FREE TRAINING/RESOURCES

If you’re worried that your resume/experience seems a little thin, you can round out your skills with free online training and add it to your resume!

• Microsoft’s Free Online Office Tools Training
  • Word for Windows training
  • Outlook
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
• Free Resources to Speed Up Your Job Search and Help Your Quality of Life, Too

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RELATED POSTS & VIDEOS:

• Is Your Social Media Presence Killing Your Job Chances? [post]
• Remove the words JUST and ONLY when speaking about yourself and your work history

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JUMP TO ANOTHER LESSON MODULE:

Module 1: Employee vs Independent Contractor – Understanding the Differences

Module 2: Spotting Scams – Don’t Become a Victim