Modern Resume Strategies (In the nonprofit sector)

The Nonprofit Show

This lively discussion is packed with insights and practical tips for job seekers looking to make a powerful impact with their resumes in today's digital landscape. Host Julia Patrick welcomes Katie Warnock, the visionary founder and CEO of Staffing Boutique, to explore the cutting-edge strategies for crafting resumes in the nonprofit sector.
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Katie dives right into the seismic shift from traditional paper resumes to digital formats, shedding light on how this evolution is revolutionizing the job application process. "Digital resumes are huge," Katie declares, describing that while digital formats offer the flexibility to include more information, it’s crucial to keep resumes concise and focused. She advocates for limiting resumes to one or two pages, even in the digital realm, to maintain clarity and relevance.
Attention to detail is the theme as Katie shares her experiences with resume templates and the common pitfalls candidates encounter, such as inconsistent fonts and misaligned bullet points. "If you don't pay attention to detail on that, and then you have someone looking at your resume who is meticulous about detail, they are going to disregard your resume even if the fonts are different," she explains.
The conversation heats up as they tackle the controversial topic of headshots on resumes. While more common internationally, Katie advises against this practice in the U.S. nonprofit sector, citing potential discrimination and the unnecessary complexity it adds to applicant tracking systems. "There really shouldn't be a headshot," Katie says, championing rather a clean, straightforward format that prioritizes content over aesthetics.
The use of keywords and their pivotal role in the digital hiring process take center stage next. Katie explains how applicant tracking systems heavily rely on keywords to filter and sort resumes. She advises candidates to include specific terminology related to their field and relevant software skills to boost their visibility. "It's so important that the font and format come over correctly," she emphasizes, pointing to the need for resumes to be easily parsed by these digital scanning systems.
Katie also details the importance of having a physical copy of your resume for in-person interviews, even in this digital age. This preparedness not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures that all interviewers can get a copy of the resume, especially in multi-person, and face-to-face, interview scenarios.
Keeping resumes current is another critical point Katie drives home. She urges job seekers to update their resumes regularly, listing new promotions, new skills, and volunteer experiences, which makes the resume a more dynamic document that reflects ongoing career progression.
For those grappling with resume creation, Katie suggests considering professional resume writing services. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to effectively articulate their experiences.
Katie insights durin

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