Your resume is the way you introduce yourself to potential employers. It’s your first impression, and you want to make it memorable. This guide can help you make sure you update your resume in a way that puts your best foot forward, so you land your next great career opportunity.

The Importance of Updating Your Resume

If you’re like most people, you put together a resume once upon a time when you were on the hunt for a job. But, your resume isn’t a one-and-done. It will likely change considerably over time as you gain new experiences and skills. That’s why you should periodically update your resume to best reflect the qualifications you bring to the table.

Resume Writing Tips

One way to get yourself on the right track from the start is to search for examples of resumes for your field. By reviewing resumes from other candidates like you, you can make sure you’re covering all the bases. Here are some more helpful tips as you dive in and update your resume:

Update Your Contact Information

Make sure your address, email, and phone number are all current, so a prospective employer can easily reach you without issue. This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re trying to get into the real details of your work experience. 

Take a Look at Your Formatting

Again, this may not seem critical, but it can make a difference to your prospective employer. Make sure to provide information in a concise, easy-to-read format with the most important details placed at the top of the document. There are many templates available online that can help you set up your resume in a modern format.

Freshen Up Your Goals and Objectives

Chances are that your priorities have changed since you developed the last version of your resume. Make sure that you spend a little time considering what you hope to accomplish with a career change. Most employers want to hire people who are thinking beyond today, so listing your goals and objectives statement can help you send the message that you’re goal-oriented and future-focused.

Add New Skills and Remove Outdated Positions

Add your most recent position and read through the rest of the content to see if it tells the right story about your skills and experience. Even if some of your experience isn’t in the same industry or field, consider how that position may contribute to a new position, and edit the details as appropriate. For example, if you’re applying for an administrative job in healthcare and have only worked in manufacturing, try editing your experience to reflect areas where both have similar priorities like efficiency, accuracy, being detail-oriented, etc.

Make Sure You are Using the Right Keywords

If the last version of your resume doesn’t include keywords relevant to the position or industry, now is the time to add them. Again, this is where finding other example resumes online can help you determine what language is essential to include—to increase your visibility and send the right message about your skills. For instance, if you’re looking for a job in technology, you may want to include words like troubleshooting, technology or technical, customer service, quality assurance, etc.

Proofreading

There’s nothing worse than spending the time getting all the details right, only to have a glaring typo that potentially takes you out of contention. When the document is in a good place, read it out loud, from top to bottom. Another good choice is to put the draft aside for a few hours or overnight and read it with fresh eyes. That’s a great way to catch mistakes. You may also want to have a friend or family member give it a read to help you catch any typos. 

Find a Job With Friday Services

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding professional career, Friday Staffing can help you learn more about how to get a job and find a position that’s perfect for you.

Importance of Professional Career Training

If you’re new to the professional world or looking for new opportunities to develop your career, a little training can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals.

Many employers in today’s world seek people who demonstrate an interest in self-improvement and advancing their skills. That’s why it’s so important to continue training and learning throughout your career to progressively advance. Plus, training can give you a valuable edge over other job candidates.

Types of Career Training

There are many types of training opportunities available for professional careers. Some are provided by an employer, while other types of training may be pursued outside of the workplace.

These are a few training opportunities to look out for in the professional realm:

Employer Training Programs

Many employers offer training programs to help you further advance your career. These sessions may be conducted in-person or online depending on the company’s training program. In these sessions, you may learn more about the company’s culture, practices, and systems, while some companies will offer job-specific skills training.

For example, let’s say your company rolls out a new software program for the accounting department. The accounting team will participate in in-depth training sessions to learn all the ins and outs of how the system works. Whereas other employees may have focused training sessions for specific functions associated with the new system that directly impact their area of work.

Apprenticeships

Some careers require more in-depth, hands-on training, where you observe and participate in the day-to-day activities involved with a job. It’s a way to learn how to do a job directly from another person or group who already knows the job.

Apprenticeships may be provided by an employer or a professional organization associated with the field. For example, if you’re interested in Information Technology (IT), you may participate in an apprenticeship program where you work alongside experienced professionals to learn the job.

Internships

Many professional careers begin with internship programs, where you can learn about a job while you actively participate in the workplace. This is another path to gaining hands-on job training, where you learn as you perform various tasks to support other team members.

Nearly every type of professional job offers some sort of internship program, many of which are paid opportunities. Internships are a great way to start building your skill set and resume for a successful launch into a professional career path.

Certification Programs

Several professional career paths have additional certification programs that you can participate in to further advance your skills. Certifications are awarded by professional organizations to confirm that you have the specific knowledge or skills needed to do a job. Typically, you earn a credential after you’ve completed your education or gained experience through an internship or time on the job.

Certification involves meeting specific standards and usually passing an exam. The credential is usually valid for a limited time and must be renewed periodically. Employers may require that you achieve certification before being promoted or receiving a raise.

For example, if you want to pursue a career as a project manager, there are Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications.

College Degree Programs

There are many programs, ranging from Associate to Bachelor’s degrees—and even advanced degree programs—where you gain the skills needed for professional careers. These programs typically take more time to accomplish than other types of skills training. Associate programs typically take about two years to earn the degree, while Bachelor’s degrees can take four or more years.

Not all professional careers require an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, but it can give you a helpful leg up on other candidates.

Explore Professional Training Opportunities With Friday Staffing Services

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding professional career, Friday Staffing can help you learn more about how to get a job and find a position that’s perfect for you.

How a Staffing Agency Can Help Your Job Hunt

If you’re in the market for a job, you may be wondering if you should seek the help of a staffing agency. There are so many benefits to having a staffing agency like Friday Staffing Services involved with your job hunt. Let’s go over the services that we provide job seekers in the Western North Carolina areas.

What Staffing Agencies Provide

Particularly when you’re new to the job market or if it has been a while since you’ve looked for a new position, a staffing agency can help you understand what’s happening in today’s marketplace. We help you get a pulse on various industries, job availability, and best practices for putting your best foot forward with prospective employers.

Many people don’t know this, but there’s no cost for job seekers who work with a staffing agency. We make your job search by giving you access to advantages like:

Access to a Network of Employers

Friday Services has been serving Western North Carolina since 1980, so we’re fluent in the marketplace. We know the employer landscape, including who is growing and looking for employees. We also have the benefit of understanding hiring trends in the region over time, which gives us a helpful perspective to share with job seekers.

Streamlined Job Search Process

With so many places to search and post job information online, it can be hard to know if you’re looking in the right place. Our team works tirelessly to know what’s available in our geography, so you have access to the latest opportunities in your area of interest. 

Helpful Advice and Resources 

In addition to our resources page and blog, Friday Services offers plenty of helpful advice with proven steps for finding a new and exciting next chapter in your professional life.

Access to Job Training

The team at Friday Services can even help you learn more about training, including gaining hands-on career training through our apprenticeship program.

How Companies Benefit from Staffing Agencies

For temporary, short- or long-term, or full-time jobs, staffing agencies like Friday Services help employers connect with a pool of vetted, pre-screened candidates that are well-suited for their positions. We take some of the burden of recruitment off an employer’s shoulders by assessing each candidate, including:

• Background checks
• Drug screening
• Thorough reference and work history check
• Skills assessments 

Learn more about advantages for employers.

Start Your Job Search With Friday Staffing Services

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career, review open positions and apply today!

Explore Ways to Get an Office Administrative Job

Administrative Assistants provide general office support while using management skills to keep the workflow of an office running smoothly. Strong organizational, communication (verbal and written), and computer skills are essential to succeed in the position.

Some common clerical tasks required in Administrative Assistant jobs include answering telephones, data entry, creating and editing reports, corresponding with clients and employees, scheduling appointments and meetings, filing electronic and paper records, or providing information to customers. Many employers also look for Administrative Assistants with the skills to perform accounting and human resources functions.

If you have good people skills, like to keep things organized, and have the right computer skills, you can work in countless industries at small and large businesses alike. This guide offers a little helpful advice to hit the ground running with your career. 

Tips to Get an Entry-Level Administrative Job

If you’re looking for an entry-level Administrative Assistant job, one of the most important things you can bring to the table is a high school diploma or GED, if not an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Beyond that, it’s about having the experience that proves this career is right for you. Even if you haven’t officially worked as an Administrative Assistant, you can take steps to make yourself more appealing to prospective employers. 

Know the Computer Programs 

One way to demonstrate experience to employers is to make sure you know how to use basic computer programs and those relevant to the industry you want to enter. This may include word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, along with accounting systems and other task-specific applications. 

Get Your Certification 

The American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) offers a variety of helpful information and resources, including certification. You can also find more options with a quick Google search that rates various certifications, including this free course option.

Gain Experience

Office internships are an opportunity to learn the tasks of an administrative assistant and what to expect on the job. An internship can also help you develop communication skills and learn more about the workplace. It can also lead to a permanent position when one becomes available or at minimum, it gives your resume more appeal.

Build Your Resume—and Start Applying

Once you have the educational qualifications and skills to apply for administrative assistant jobs, create a professional resume. It’s smart to tailor your skills and experience to the job requirements. If you don’t have experience, include internships, volunteering, and coursework to demonstrate you are a great choice for the position.

Friday Staffing can help you find an administrative position in Western North Carolina. Remember if you’re new to the job market, it is often easier to get hired if you apply for entry-level positions. Also consider applying for receptionist jobs or temporary positions, as these are a good way to get the experience you need.

Administrative & Office Support Jobs

These are just a handful of the types of administrative and office support jobs available:

Administrative Assistant

What you do: Organize, manage and keep an office running smoothly. This may include tasks like organizing files, scheduling appointments, assisting other staff members, directing customers, drafting messages, and maintaining office supplies.

Skill required: Organization skills, attention to detail, and basic computer knowledge

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $48,000 per year

Customer Service Coordinator

What you do: Interact with customers to provide information about a company’s products and services. Maintain a professional, positive manner when talking with customers in-person, over the phone or by email. Handle customer complaints or provide information on discounts and incentives.

Skill required: Great listening, communication, and problem-solving skills

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $42,000 per year

Financial Clerks

What you do: Financial clerks maintain and update financial records, performing administrative duties for a range of organizations. They keep records, help customers, and carry out transactions that involve money.

Skill required: Great with numbers, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills

Pay for full-time positions: Average salary $37,000 per year

Benefits of Working with Friday Staffing

Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned office administrator, Friday Staffing can help you find a position that fits perfectly with your interests and skills. As a full-service employment agency, we’re dedicated to helping the businesses of the Western North Carolina region thrive, placing the right people to the right job – every time. 

One way we accomplish our mission is to set our candidates up for success. Our team is ready with answers and helpful advice, including resources to help you land a position you’ll love.