Quote of the Week

On my Starbuck's cup this morning:

"The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say "no"--they may not be smart enough to say "yes"."

--Keith Olbermann
Broadcast journalist and host of MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann

Resumes

In my job, I see a lot of resumes--some good and sadly, some bad. I know how important a great resume is, and how much it reflects on the candidate and their chances of making a stellar first impression. A resume can make the difference between getting an interview and being put in a stack of maybes. Here is a list of things I think are important to remember when constructing your resume.

Things to Remember When Writing a Resume

1. Have a well written, clear objective.

I often get resumes where it is hard to figure out what kind of a position the candidate is looking for. Make sure your resume states clearly what your goal is.

2. Find an organized resume format that fits the position you are seeking.

Formatting can make a resume sink or float! Take the time to look online at sample resumes and find the format and style that works for you! Make sure that it flows and is easy to read.

3. Only include pertinent information.

Try to only incorporate information that is useful to the employer! Don’t try to fluff up your resume to add content. An employer wants to quickly read through and get the gist of who you are and what you've done. They don’t have time to read a book!

4. Keep your sentences short and sweet!

Make sure your sentences are concise and precise. Start each sentence with an action verb that emphasizes your role at the company and instills in the reader your responsibilities.

5. Grammar, Grammar, Grammar!

I have seen many resumes that I want to toss in the trash because of misspellings, grammar, and punctuation. Although I was a teacher for five years, punctuation and spelling are not my forte. I understand if it’s not yours, but there is help out there. Find a trusted friend, professor, or someone at the Career Center to proofread and make any needed adjustments.

6. Be honest about your accomplishments.

What’s more embarrassing than having a possible future employer find out that you weren't really the Regional Director at Chuck E. Cheese, but rather, you wore the mouse suit?! Employers really want to see that you have a consistent work history and a great work ethic! Be honest!

To sum it all up-- make it effortless for the reader! Read it over to yourself, as if you were the prospective employer (be critical), making sure it is easy for them in every way--format, readability and organization. A resume can make it obvious that you are organized and professional and would make a great addition to any company!

Do you have specific resume questions? Feel free to email me at Stephanie.Murrill@ahss.org for questions. I am happy to look over your resume and offer feedback!

To browse sample resume formats click here.

Quote of the Week

"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." Vince Lombardi

In the Shoes of a Corporate Communications Specialist

I chose the next individual to interview, not only because he is an awesome person, but because he has a super fun and interesting job. Southern graduate, Anthony, has worked at AHS for the last 4 years as a Corporate Communications Specialist.

What is a Corporate Communications Specialist, you ask? Well, the title includes many things. Anthony's days are filled with new and exciting projects. A man of many hats, he describes his position as having four primary parts: project management, corporate branding management, video production and web development.

One of the best parts of his job is working with people! He also enjoys being a part of the production of His Touch--a video series that highlights stories of hope and compassion found in our hospitals. He loves being involved in capturing and sharing those stories with others.

Anthony was initially interested in working for AHS because of the opportunities in ministry that it provides. His health care career began in academy when he worked for a local Nursing home owned by AHS. While there, he saw first hand the work that was done and the people that AHS serves. Working at AHS in his current role, has allowed him to extend the ministry of Christ in a way that fits well with his expertise.

When not at work, Anthony can be found doing "outdoorsy" stuff! He loves hiking and other mountain activities. He also is an avid "themeparker" and urbanite, so Orlando is right up his alley!

His future aspirations include traveling the world, meeting new and interesting people, and then writing about his experiences to share with others. He is a self proclaimed night person and he has an affinity for pogs. He is always looking for someone who shares his passion and will play with him!

Anthony

Anthony and Kirsten

Color me Happy

There are all kinds of tests out there that help you figure out the best career for you. I found this one today and thought it was fun to try! It uses your color preferences to pick your best career choice. I tried it and it was very accurate! Enjoy. Click here.

Who am I?

Interested in knowing more about your personality and what jobs would suit you perfectly? Go to these links:

Personality and Careers and Career Planning

Also, would you like a detailed description of possible jobs out there? Here is a great link to help you with that:

Occupations

Walk a Mile in their Shoes

I recently attended a SHARE seminar (customer service training at AHS). It was full of inspirational stories, movies and activities. But the thing that stood out to me the most, the activity I know I will never forget, had to do with a paper flower. Doesn’t rock your world? Let me explain.

We were each given a paper flower on which we had to write on the petals, things that were the most important to us-things that we would have a hard time living without. I wrote my husband, my family, some of my hobbies, my health, etc. In all, I wrote about 9 things.

Then came the hardest part (I thought). They asked us to remove one of the petals, which would represent not having that in our lives anymore. It was so tough, but I did it. I could live without exercising for the rest of my life, right?

Then, they really let us have it. They had us turn to our neighbors with our flowers facing away from them. They had to randomly tear off three petals. My neighbor tore off my husband, my God, and my health petals. What could be worse than that? Losing your best friend, getting horribly sick, and on top of that, not believing in God.

The trainers reminded us that we don’t know why people act the way they do sometimes. I may never know why the lady just cut in front of me in line. I may never understand the grumpy spandex guy at my gym, but I can try to put myself in their shoes. I can think that they just might be dealing with the things I only had to pretend to deal with.

Needless to say...I wept (I’m a softie). It really hit me hard. So anyway, before you get mad at people, before you get frustrated and say or do something you don’t mean, realize that they could be carrying a burden heavier than you will ever know. Why not try to make their burden a little lighter?

Ask Stephanie

"Ask Stephanie" is a new addition to our blog. Feel free to ask me career related questions and I would be happy to respond. Email your questions to stephanie.murrill@ahss.org

Dear Stephanie,

To start off, I have to say that my parents are awesome. They are both phenomenal doctors and they both adore their jobs. I have always looked up to them and would consider both to be my mentors.

With that being said, from the time I was little it has been assumed that I, too, would become a doctor. I really was never given the choice to do anything but be a doctor. I know what being a doctor entails, as I have been involved with it my whole life. I think it would be a great career choice, but just not for me!

My passion is math. I love accounting and I am seriously thinking about changing my major from biology to business. Stephanie, my question for you is, how do I tell that to my parents?

Help me!

Losing it in Lincoln


Dear Losing It,

Wow, that is a tough one. No one ever wants to feel that they let down their parents.

I can tell by the way you write about them, that they love you and want the very best for you. I think the most important thing in this situation is to be honest and tell them how you really feel.

If you have never shared with them your ideas for the future, they may just assume that their dream for you, is the same as your dream for you!

When a parent sees their child realizing their dream, there is NO way that they could feel let down! Make them proud, by being you!

Sincerely,

Stephanie

Quote of the Week

"Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else." - James M Barrie

Isn't this so true! If you like what you are doing, than it never feels like work. That's why it is so important to enjoy your career, and if you don't--change!

Best Foot Forward

It's almost that time again...Career Fairs! Whether you are an experienced attendee or a first timer, it's important to realize how much of a benefit that they can be to you and your future success. I've included some tips on how to get the most out of your upcoming college career fair.

1) Plan Ahead: Abraham Lincoln said, "If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe". It is important to strategically plan what you want out of a fair instead of just casually strolling through. Most career fairs list the companies who will be attending days in advance. Check it out and plan who you would like to network with. You might want to do some research on the companies prior to the fair so that you can be well versed in their mission and current opportunities. Do your homework and it will pay off!

2) Dress for Success: As uncomfortable as it might be, it is important to show up to career fairs well dressed and ready to impress. By going that extra mile, you let all the representatives know that you are professional and are serious about future opportunities.

3) Come Prepared: Resumes, pens, paper, a list of questions for employers-all great things to bring along to a fair.

4) Bring it: A good attitude, that is. Show the employer that you are not only professional, but that you would represent the company well. A great attitude and an approachable demeanor can go a long way.

Career Fairs are a great way to network and get your name out there! I'll be at many of your career fairs! Come meet me and get your picture taken! I hope to see you soon!

Meet the Firms Video

Every year at Southern Adventist University, they hold a class named, "Meet the Firms." AHS created a video to celebrate it! It was such a big hit, I thought I would post it here for you to see. You just might find some of your friends featured.

Farewell Summer!

Congratulations to those of you who are beginning a new year in your educational journey! Some of you are just starting college, while others are old pros. Wherever you are at in your experience, remember to never stop learning! Enjoy yourself.

Quote of the Week

"Picasso obviously viewed his art as a business, which it was. I view my business as an art, which it is. You should view your work that way, too." -Donald Trump

I think this is such a cool way to think of your job...as a work of art. Just like in a piece of art, you can decide what it looks like...we can decide what we can accomplish in our careers.

Try making yourself the artist of your job! Maybe you are unhappy in your current job, maybe you haven't quite decided what you want to do, or you might even be perfectly satisfied in the career you are in now. Whatever your situation, what would it hurt to try a new perspective?

Try making work decisions with the mindset that you are the artist of a beautiful painting. Think of each interaction with your colleagues/customers/teachers as a brushstroke towards your final masterpiece! See if that makes your work/school days any more exciting! I am going to give it a try!