Are you a busy entrepreneur? Or maybe you haven’t quite started your own company but you’re like me - a small business junkie with a relentless business spirit and you LOVE the agility of leading small teams and building companies at early stages.

If you know all about wearing a million different hats everyday and feel like you are constantly on the brink of burnout, then my friend, this podcast is for you.

Welcome to Inbox Zero.

If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Bianca Lager, a recovering CEO and host of Inbox Zero. I’m also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, a keynote speaker and a virtual trainer on platforms like Cornerstone's LMS.  I teach busy entrepreneurs and small business leaders just like you the exact actions you need to take to get out of the weeds and get back to your life. 

So let’s get started. 

SPECIAL GUEST: 

Mary Southern, an expert resume writer and entrepreneur.

Podcast Recap: Building Success through Delegation, Human-Centric Leadership, and Time Mastery

 In this conversation, Mary and I discuss effective strategies for resume writing, particularly for those transitioning from entrepreneurship to traditional employment. We emphasize the importance of clarity in job focus, the impact of applicant tracking systems, and the need for tailored resumes. Our discussion also highlights the role of AI tools in assisting with resume creation and the emotional challenges faced by job seekers.

Key Takeaways:

When it comes to writing a standout resume, Mary has several tried-and-true tips for job seekers:

1. Focus and Clarity: It’s crucial to be clear on the role you want. Without a focused job title or objective, resumes can come across as scattered. This is especially important for entrepreneurs or individuals with diverse experience. Define your next step and communicate it clearly on your resume.
2. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Understanding how ATS works can significantly improve a resume's visibility. Many companies use these systems to screen resumes, so making yours ATS-friendly is a must. Simple formatting and including relevant keywords are some of the best ways to ensure your resume passes ATS filters.
3. Tailoring Your Resume: Mary strongly recommends customizing resumes for each position. Using AI tools like Sidekick can help you brainstorm relevant keywords and structure, but the human touch is crucial for tailoring content to align with the specific role.
4. Highlight Achievements: Rather than listing duties, Mary advises focusing on impactful achievements in each role. Quantifiable accomplishments, like “increased sales by 30%” or “reduced costs by 20%,” stand out to hiring managers.
5. Multiple Versions for Different Roles: Job seekers shouldn’t be afraid to create different versions of their resume for various applications. Each version should be customized to emphasize skills and experiences that align with the specific role.

A well-crafted resume can be a powerful tool in your job search journey. By integrating clarity, focus, and a bit of creativity, you can present a compelling story to potential employers. Mary’s insights remind us that while AI can help streamline the process, the heart of an effective resume still lies in human connection and storytelling.

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com