Everyone knows that most employees end up doing work that is outside of their job description.  Yet, one of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when creating their resume is underestimating their skills and knowledge.

An administrative assistant, for example, may have done some accounts receivable work outside his/her typical job duties.  And, providing this information on a resume enhances their image in an employer’s mind to where they’re no longer just a clerical person.

This also relates to any special projects they may have done.  So, how about you?  Have you performed any jobs or tasks outside of your job description or not covered by your job title?  You’ll be amazed at what you can uncover when you take the time and think about it.

It doesn’t matter if the skill or experience was brief or small.  This is the time and your resume is the place for you to “blow your own horn.”  After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?  Displaying your skills and knowledge so that you get noticed by your prospective employer.

Numbers

One way to do this is to find skills or experiences that can be quantified (described in numbers).  Things like:

• How many parcels/calls/customers/etc handled?
• Did you increase revenues or reduce costs?  If so, by how much (percentage or dollar amount)?
• How many bills or accounts processed?
• How many staff did you manage/supervise?
• Did you improve service, production or handling time?  If so, by how much (percentage)?

Again, you need to be in employer mode and think about what an employer would want from you in the job being applied for. 

In Conclusion 

Using numbers helps an employer to understand what a job applicant will be capable of, should they be hired.  So, if you want to increase your chances of getting an interview, take the time to reflect on your job experience and quantify your accomplishments.

Whenever someone approaches me for help with their resume, I always try to get a copy of their old one. 

• Gross sales of the company?
• Size of the company (how many employees, offices or branches, etc.)?
• Reputation of the company (was it a leader in the industry, etc.)? 

Here’s an example of why: every waiter, waitress, bartender and busboy out there can say they worked a busy section, handled cash, took orders, dealt with customers.  But, if one of them says they:

Worked for a nationally famous restaurant that won the top awards in the industry for 3 consecutive years plus had sales of $2.5M with a seating capacity of just 100 people

… that person stands out from the crowd, not only because of his/her skills but also because of the profile of the company. 

The business or company doesn’t have to be famous or overly successful, it’s about looking for angles and opportunities to use in a resume or cover letter that can enhance the person’s image.

Went to the gym today and OMG … I was blown away when the guy next to me opened up his gym bag.  So, it only makes sense that today’s post would have to deal with getting smelly odors out of your gym bag? 

One inexpensive way is to make your own gym bag deodorizer by cutting an old T-shirt into small squares.  In the center of each square, toss in some baking soda and a few slivers of deodorant soap.  Then just make a pouch by folding up the ends and secure them tightly with a rubber band. 

Or, you could purchase a couple of sneaker balls (about $5.00).  They work relatively well and can be picked up from nearly any shoe store.  Simply twist to activate the scent and drop them inside your gym bag.  They’re a little more costly than doing it yourself but an effective way to eliminate odors if you want to spend the cash.

A tiny crack around a window frame may seem insignificant, but tiny cracks and gaps can really add up to big energy waste. 

• Add insulation to the attic, walls and floors (may need to add ventilation).
• Get and efficiency audit on natural gas, fuel oil furnaces, boilers and water heaters.  New furnaces or heat pumps may be installed to replace inefficient heating equipment.  Tax credits are available for 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500 for qualifying equipment. 
• Check all of your doors and windows for any air leaks or drafts, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
• Replace broken glass and reputty loose panes.
• Do you have a fireplace?  If used, keep the chimney flue closed when not needed.  Otherwise, close off unused fireplaces.

In addition to reducing energy use and heating costs, you’ll find that weatherproofing may actually extend the life of your home.

Need a space-saving way to hang wet clothes?  Try hanging an extra shower rod behind the shower curtain.  This is an excellent way to drip-dry blouses, dress shirts, etc.  

The beauty is the rod stays in place and out of your way, so you don’t have to bother with setting it up and taking it back down after every use.  And, if you’re like me, you may not like or have the time to iron.  So, here’s the secret to wrinkle free drying: 

1. Tumble dry clothes for a few minutes,
2. Place immediately on hangers and on the shower rod (spacing garments a few inches apart),
3. Let dry overnight.

You may need to apply a quick press with the iron to the collar and button areas, but everything else should be wrinkle free.  You can also avoid those pesky “shoulder nipples” by replacing cheap wire & plastic hangers with padded ones.

Struggling with a gift idea?  If you’re able to spend some money, there’s no better way to treat a loved one than to give them the gift of massage (especially if they have a high-stress or very physical job).

Most studies show that massages are great for relieving anxiety, tension and muscle soreness, but they’re just one of things that people rarely think of giving themselves.  Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a massage anywhere between $40 and $85 an hour (check pricing/packages).

If cost is an issue, look into a massage school, which sometimes offer discounted services.  Otherwise, couples that massage each other for, at least, 10 minutes a few times a week can gain some additional benefits.

I haven’t received one of these text messages but apparently; the messages are asking cell phone users to call a 1-800 number.  If the user does, a request is made for their credit and/or debit card numbers.  The same scam is used to acquire bank account information as well. 

For the not so “techno” savvy, this is known as “phishing,” where the sender disguises themselves as trustworthy source in an attempt to acquire sensitive information.  Don’t get suckered in, ignore and simply delete it.  Always protect your information by being aware, diligent and on guard.

Booksfree.com has an entire inventory of paperback and audio books you can borrow for a monthly fee as low as $10.99, less than the cost of one new book.  Make a list of the books you want and they ship you two at a time.  When you return the books you’ve read or listened to, they automatically ship your next selections (free).

BookSwim is another online book service lending you paperbacks, hard covers and — wait for it — even college textbooks.  They stock all the latest bestsellers and provide free shipping directly to and from your home!  Again, no need to worry about late fees, so read your books for as long as you want.  You may even choose to purchase and keep the books you like.

The rule of thumb, in the summertime, is that sunny areas should receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.  If you happen to live in an area with water restrictions, you shouldn’t need to water more than twice a week anyway.  This action alone can help save on your water bill.

I have found that a short (15 minute) spray in the late afternoon can really help a hot, stressed lawn.  I’ve also started to cut the grass to a longer length than usual, which is supposed to reduce the amount of water loss.  As for those shady areas, they require less water because they don’ dry out as quickly.