Opportunities to learn can be found in the most unusual places. Tonight I watched the Discovery Channel’s reality shows, The Deadliest Catch and After the Catch. The program was about the passing of Captain Phil Harris who was Skipper of the Cornelia Marie (an Alaskan crab fishing vessel).

In a round-table discussion, those closest to Captain Phil shared stories in celebration of his life. In one segment, the camera man assigned to the Cornelia Marie shared details of his friendship with the Captain and how he helped Phil realize “to make good TV, there is a beginning, middle, and end to every story”. The camera man, Todd, was at the hospital after Captain Phil had a massive stroke and he shared how the captain requested the “end of the story” be filmed (at the time, Phil was in ICU recovering from a massive stroke).

So, what does this have to do with you and the preparation of a resume? As Todd shared his story about Captain Phil’s request, I had a light bulb moment. This story telling truth can help others in resume writing. When you prepare your resume, you need a beginning (your employment history – where you worked, snapshot of key skills); a middle (your accomplishments – how your skills benefited the organization) and an ending (the value you offer a new organization – relevance to position being sought). If you focus too much on any one component, your story becomes out of balance and you lose your audience along the way.

Follow the 3-steps to write your resume then layout your document with your ending first (value offered) and you will be on your way to a stellar resume. I cannot close without expressing my deepest sympathy to the Harris family, the crew members of the Cornelia Marie, and Captain Phil’s close friends and I thank you for allowing viewers to share your story.

About the Author:

Tammy Shoup, Executive Director and Head Writer of Breakthrough Résumés, is among a small number of professional résumé writers in the U.S. who has earned the title of Certified Professional Résumé Writer from the Professional Association of Résumé Writers / Career Coaches.

Shoup is also a member of the National Résumé Writers’ Association and Career Directors International. Her activity in both organizations ensures that her knowledge of industry and employment trends remains current. It also indicates her dedication to continuing education in her industry. Her work is published in both JIST and Barron’s career books. Please review Shoup’s information at www.breakthroughrésumés.com or www.tammyshoup.com or inquire directly to Tammy Shoup at awordpro@aol.com

Wishing you the best in your job search campaign! †

Over the years, I have worked with thousands of clients who have diverse backgrounds, career targets, and goals. I truly enjoy gathering and reviewing each client’s initial data, selecting the most appropriate information for the career target, minimizing the distracting jargon, and transforming the document into a stellar job search tool.

For the most part, many of the clients I work with have not had their resume updated for a number of years and many do not realize the art of resume writing and job seeking has changed. Writing style, content, and (formatting) structure have changed along with networking techniques via the launch of LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, VisualCV, FaceBook and other social media avenues.

Today’s modern resume needs to convey to the reader the value you will add to their organization. What does their organization look like now? What will their organization look like with you onboard? In essence, what can you do for them?

For ministry workers / pastoral candidates – Can you promote healing and bring unity to a congregation experiencing unrest? Or, create programs that foster fellowship and meet the needs of an organization? A church congregation may be in need of such skills and that will create interest in you as a candidate.

As a mainstream, Christian job-seeker, it’s results and actions that matter. Draw upon your past experiences and identify your key successes. Have you launched (specific) initiatives that have positioned the company or the department for future growth? Added revenue streams? or Increased sales? The actions you have taken and the corresponding results appeal to hiring managers. Your performance (results) in the past helps them predict future outcomes.

Throughout your career, I’m sure you have performed a lot of tasks and held an array of responsibilities. Hold off on including all of the details. The goal of your resume is to create interest and get your phone to ring (to schedule interviews). To do this effectively, target your communications toward one career goal and the value you offer and then showcase how your unique qualifications (skills, experiences, and personality traits) will benefit your new employer. This will help lead the reader toward the realization that they need to look no further as they have just found “the” candidate they have been seeking.

About the Author:

Tammy Shoup, Executive Director and Head Writer of Breakthrough Résumés, is among a small number of professional résumé writers in the U.S. who has earned the title of Certified Professional Résumé Writer from the Professional Association of Résumé Writers / Career Coaches.

Shoup is also a member of the National Résumé Writers’ Association and Career Directors International. Her activity in both organizations ensures that her knowledge of industry and employment trends remains current. It also indicates her dedication to continuing education in her industry. Her work is published in both JIST and Barron’s career books. Please review Shoup’s information at www.breakthroughrésumés.com or www.tammyshoup.com or inquire directly to Tammy Shoup at awordpro@aol.com

Wishing you the best in your job search campaign! †

With the challenging economic climate, it is imperative you are prepared to launch a focused, purpose-filled job search. To ensure your Christian job search is linked to self-discovery rather than frustration, follow these simple steps.

1.        Make a list of your goals and career priorities (things you value or feel strongly about within your career or work environment). Some people place a high priority on a career that offers a flexible (or structured) work schedule, long-term job security, task diversity, or a high paying salary. Your completed list will help you determine your core values and guide you in your job search.

2.       Spend time researching organizations then only focus on those companies that line up with your values. You can use Google or your local library to find out information on companies or specific industries. Be sure to locate a company directory so you can address your résumé and cover letter to the appropriate person.

3.       Prepare yourself with an up-to-date résumé that is specific to the employer’s needs. Do not send out a general résumé or one that is focused on what you want. Take a little extra time to tailor your document toward how your skills will meet the employer’s needs. Always follow the employer’s specific posting instructions and, if it is a cold call, address your inquiry directly to the decision maker rather than the human resources department.

4.       Outline a plan of action. How will you conduct your search? Will you answer classified advertisements, post your résumé online, attend job fairs, and /or send your information snail mail? Each will require a different strategy. Spend a specific amount of time each day on your search and always have your home answering machine and voicemail greetings set up correctly. You never know when opportunity will knock, don’t get caught off guard. Take the time to have everyone in the family prepared with appropriate an appropriate phone greeting and answers to questions.

5.       Always thank the interviewer for their time and confirm your interest in the position via a follow-up letter. Be sure to customize each letter toward specifics discussed during the interview. Just saying “thank you” is not enough. Don’t pass up the opportunity to show your attention to detail, further demonstrate how you can provide solutions, and lend expertise on overcoming obstacles and challenges.

By taking the time to conduct research, tailor your résumé, and outline a plan of action, you will be laying a solid foundation that will help you avoid the frustrations usually associated with a job search. Your purpose filled search will give you the edge when interviewing by allowing you to express your interest in the company and focusing the discussion on how your skills match their particular needs.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Tammy Shoup, CPRW

Tammy Shoup, CPRW is a Christian Resume Writer dedicated to helping Pastoral Candidates, Ministry Workers, and Christian Job Seekers launch a successful job search campaign. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and National Résumé Writer’s Association. She is also a past member of the Christian Writer’s Guild.

The purpose of any resume (Pastoral, Ministry, or Secular) is to get the job seeker interviews. If your resume isn’t getting you noticed, it is time to polish it and make it POP! When writing your document, do not use the mindset that your resume is about your past, but rather, breakthrough and write toward your future. Focus on your qualifications that match the employer’s needs and enhance your document with words, phrases and verses that show your passion. (For the non-ministry worker, use past accomplishments and always quantify results to set yourself apart.)

 Here are 5 ways you can improve your resume:

1.  POP that Resume – Put your Passion On Paper. Use words and phrases that convey your dedication, commitment, and love for serving the Lord.  Keep your action-oriented statements brief and demonstrate to the reader the value you offer and the impact you have made within your congregation and community. Don’t get bogged down with extreme details Example: Pastoral Candidate with 10+ years’ experience preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ, leading small groups’ ministries, and spearheading diverse outreach events. Possess servant’s heart and focused on providing pastoral care and reaching others with the life-changing message of salvation.

2. Write Toward Your Future – Emphasize your qualities and experiences that match the needs of the employer. What is the employer looking for in a candidate and what experience do you have that allows you to fulfill their needs? Example ad: able to guide the congregation and outreach to the community. Example Response: Collaborated with staff members and community leaders to spearhead age-appropriate activities and events that cultivate faith in Christ.

3.  Add a Proclamation / Vision Statement – What key verse is your ministry based upon? Briefly explain your ministry focus and your core beliefs. (If you are a non-ministry job seeker, use a profile section to highlight your key skills / attributes and add recommendations throughout your document to further demonstrate the value you offer an employer!)

4.  Make Your Resume Uniquely Yours – Microsoft offers great products but make your resume uniquely yours by not using one of their templates. After you have created a visually appealing layout, add adjectives that describe your personality and breathe life into your document. Sample resumes and the examples above are just that. Samples and examples. Try to use them as a guide and not as a wording template.

5.  Give a Personal Portrait and List References – Allow the committee to get to know you as an individual by giving them a glimpse of your personal life. Are you single or married? Do you have children? Are you in good health? What are your hobbies?  Selection committees also want to see the names of three to five individuals who can attest to your abilities within a ministry setting. (If you are a non-ministry job seeker, you can use recommendations throughout your resume but do not include references.)

When an employer is seeking candidates, multiple applicants apply. The Pastoral Candidate and Ministry Worker need to be armed with an honest, fact-filled document that gives a basic portrait but yet shows their passion for serving the Lord. These 5 strategies will help express your passion (on paper) and give you the right edge to stand out from the competition.

 Remember to place your plans before the Lord, stay faithful in prayer, and trust in Him.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 Chronicles 28:21 (NLT)

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Tammy

Tammy Shoup, CPRW is a Christian Resume Writer dedicated to helping Pastoral Candidates, Ministry Workers, and Christian Job Seekers launch a successful job search campaign. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and National Résumé Writer’s Association. She is also a past member of the Christian Writer’s Guild.

The purpose of a pastor cover letter is to personally convey your interest in an organization or a specific job opening and to briefly introduce your key qualifications to the search committee. Think of your cover letter as you would the opening statement of your sermon. The goal is to capture attention and draw others into wanting to hear more! To make a great first impression, you will want to make sure your letter is straightforward (not too wordy) and that it encourages the reader to contact you for more information. Use the following 5 rules to tackle your cover letter with confidence:

1. Present a professional appearance through use of business letter format. Your letterhead should match or complement the style of your resume (using the same paper and font style), begin with date, organization name and address, and the salutation should always be to the appropriate person (listed in the advertisement.) If a specific name is not listed, you may consider using “Dear Friends in Christ”.

2. Use a straightforward three paragraph style. Your opening paragraph should highlight the position you are seeking (As an experienced senior pastor exploring current job postings, I was encouraged when I found your listing …) and your reason for responding (I offer several of the qualities you are looking for including leadership, program administration, and community outreach.) The next paragraph should summarize your experience relative to their needs (I bring hands-on experience in pastoral care, preaching, and teaching the Gospel of Christ, along with church administration and a strong desire to impact the community for Christ …) and the final paragraph should thank the committee for its time and consideration in reviewing your application and give invitation to further discussions.

3. Customize every letter. Take the time to tweak every letter to the specific instructions of the selection committee and don’t simply restate information shared in your resume. You have a lot to offer. Share it with warmth, humility, and focus while expressing your desire to serve as the Lord leads.

4. Proofread and Delete. Print your document then proofread! The printed copy looks different than the onscreen version and allows for easier editing. Read slowly and focus on one sentence at a time. Correct any misspelled words and delete confusing text. Return to the computer version to make any necessary adjustments.

5. Mail flat rather than folded. Make a great first impression by using 8.5” x 11” envelopes rather than the standard business size #10s. This small attention to detail will go a long way in communicating your professionalism.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2: 3-4 (NKJV)

Use this guide to break your cover letter into manageable parts. Start with the advertisement to create an outline and then match your qualifications to the needs listed in the ad. Now prayerfully start writing your way toward a cover letter and resume that paves the way for interviews!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Tammy

Tammy Shoup, CPRW is a Christian Resume Writer dedicated to helping Pastoral Candidates, Ministry Workers, and Christian Job Seekers launch a successful job search campaign. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and National Résumé Writer’s Association. She is also a past member of the Christian Writer’s Guild.