april2014newsletter newsletter template 9/2/14 10:11 pm ... · instructor: mr. ahmed elshahat 4–6...

The Journal of the Career Development Center at the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt

www.amcham.org.eg/cdc

CDCnewsVol. 10, Issue 2 • April 2014

For over 23 years AmCham’s Career Development Center (CDC) has worked toprovide top-notch training services and keep up with the ever-changing Egypt-ian job market. CDC understands how crucial human resources are for each

and every company’s success and works hard to offer the most advanced and rel-evant training.

CDC offers training programs for everyone — from the fresh graduate to the sea-soned professional. CDC’s Junior Professional Program is designed to enhance grad-uates’ business skills and allow them to excel in their fields. Our informative CareerAdvising Sessions help prepare university graduates enter the business world by of-fering guidance, helpful advice and useful tips. CDC’s recruitment center providesa valuable resource for employers and job seekers and aims at putting qualified jobseekers in touch with prospective employers. Additionally, CDC offers a wide va-riety of business-related workshops and courses designed specifically to meet theneeds of organizations.

Through a partnership with the University of Toledo’s College of Business andInnovation, CDC offers an MBA program. Upon completion of the program, grad-uates will earn an accredited MBA degree from the United States. We also offerover 20 internationally recognized certifications and achievement certificate pro-grams in a wide variety of fields. Our certification programs are the perfect valida-tion for any professionals’ skills and qualifications. Aimed at helping professionalsconduct business in English and allowing them to acquire language fluency, CDCoffers its Business English course.

In support of CDC’s initiatives to make its programs and training accessible tothe wider community of youth in Egypt, CDC offers training programs at variousuniversities country-wide, including, Ain Shams University, AMIDEAST Alexandria,Assiut University, 6 October University and Future University of Egypt (FUE). Weare also pleased to announce that further plans are underway to open CDC officesin Sohag University and al-Azhar University in Qena. Additionally, CDC is lookingto expand with a partner in Kuwait. Stay tuned for more updates on this front inupcoming issues of CDC News.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all CDC alumnifor their hard work and dedication to our programs — your success is the greatesttestament to our success. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mohamed Amin S. HemimyAmCham Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of CDC.

“CDC understands how crucial human resources are for a company’s success

and works hard to offer the mostadvanced and relevant training.”

CDC: Training Egypt for Over 20 Years

Inside this issue:uCertification Schedules 7

uCDC Alumni 11

uWorkshop Schedules 12uResume Help 15

April2014Newsletter_Newsletter Template 9/2/14 10:11 PM

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April 2014

Maslow categorized human needs in five main categories:1 Physiological / Basic Need: food, water, clothes and shelter.2 Safety / Security Need: the need to feel secured and safe.3 Belonging / Social Need: the feeling that you are being loved or in love.4 EGO / Self-Esteem Need: the feeling of importance and having a finger print.5 Self-Actualization Need: to reach your maximum potential – to the best human you can.

Maslow briefed his theory in a pyramid due to the following reasons:Needs are acquired in a consecutive manner.•The majorities of people are pursing lower needs and as we go up the pyramid less number of people exist.•Though, other scientists criticized Maslow’s theory – especially the consecutive manner – but Maslow was right

that different people have different needs and we can’t motivate them all in the same manner.Imagine the following situation in business that indicate how Maslow’s theory can be used: you have a well-off

employee who is working to prove him/herself and not looking after money, if you tried to motivate this employee byoffering a bonus – the oldest story in the book – such a motivation probably will not work, but when relating to Maslowand offering the employee a motivation that is linked to his needs, like a certificate of best achiever or even a publicpraise, it might work!

The morale, pay a close attention to your employees’ needs and you will get out of the limited budget and cost reduction trap.

– Nehal Abdel Aziz, CDC Instructor

The Oldest Motivational Theory Still WorkMaslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow the famous American psychologist created in1943 a psychological theory related to human motivation.Maslow proposed that humans have different needs and they

only feel motivated when they do an action that gets them closer

Take advantage of your employer’s annual party. Network andbuild relationships with these actions:

Show up. Failing to attend the party takes you out of the loop. Introduce yourself. Instead of hanging around with the usualcrowd, meet people from throughout the organization. Take a break from work. Allow people to see another side of you,without becoming too personal. Talk about your family or yourhobbies, and keep the conversation positive. Listen. Show an interest in what others are saying. Thank the host. Tell the employees who planned the party that you appreciate their efforts. Afterward, send athank you note to top management for holding the event.

– Adapted from “Holiday Office Party Dos and Don’ts,” Randall Hansen, Quintessential Careers, www.quintcareers.com

Find Opportunities at the Office Party


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CDCnews

When higher-ups say “keep in touch,” maintain those valuable career relationships without being a pest. Renewyour connection about once every three months with contacts like these:

E-mail updates. Send brief and upbeat messages about your new assignments, business travel and interestingnon-work activities.

Forward unique articles. The Internet makes it easy to send an article your contact might have missed but willbe interested in seeing.

Look to social media. Let others know about your professional blog. If you establish a connection throughLinkedIn or Facebook, make sure your content remains business appropriate or use the privacy controls.

Request advice. Flatter your contact by asking for suggestions via e-mail or in person. Stop by or plan to meet. Depending on your relationship, consider informally paying a short visit. Offer a legit-

imate reason such as “I was down the hall for a meeting and thought I’d say ‘Hi.” Or send an e-mail to in-vite the person out for coffee or lunch.

Send a card. Recognize holidays and birthdays by mailing or e-mailing greeting cards with brief personal notes.

– Adapted from “How to Keep in Touch,” Barbara Pachter, www.barbarapachtersblog.com

CDC HEAD OFFICE WORKSHOPS

Decision Making & Problem SolvingInstructor: Mr. Mahmoud El Lithy

23–25 February, 2014

Effective Planning & SchedulingInstructor: Mr. Ahmed ElShahat

4–6 March, 2014

Effective Purchasing ManagementInstructor: Dr. Samir Allam

10–12 March, 2014

Negotiation SkillsInstructor: Mr. Alaa Hafez

2–4 March, 2014

Stay in Touch Without Pushing


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CDCnews

Join us on facebook: www.facebook.com/AmChamCDC

QUESTION: I recently graduated from university and before I start my journey as a working professional I wouldlike to gain some skills that will help me. Does CDC offer any programs that would help me?

CDC CAREER ADVISOR: AmCham’s CDC offers the Junior Professional Program. The program is designed specifically for recentgraduates looking to gain basic business knowledge and help them kick-start their careers as workingprofessionals.

Ask the Experts

Your Career Advisor

?

CDC HEAD OFFICE CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - Part 1Instructor: Mr. Khaled Badr

7 November, 2013 – 18 February, 2014

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - Part 2Instructor: Mr. Ahmed Adel

14 September, 2013 – 22 February, 2014

Certified in Inventory and Production Management (CPIM)Instructor: Mr. Sherif Medhat

24 August, 2013 – 1 March, 2014

Cohort 2, International Business - MBA, University of ToledoInstructor: Dr. Anthony C. Koh 15 February – 8 March, 2014


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April 2014

Even what appears to be a simple conversation can be derailed if you fail to think carefully before you speak. Pause to avoid these three faults:

Ignoring the influences. Factors that have nothing to do with the present conversation can affect it. Examples:You are feeling stressed about another situation and have a short temper. The other person is late for an appoint-ment and not paying full attention. Remember: Your conversation also can affect other people in the room orwho hear about it later.

Assuming instead of anticipating. If you begin a conversation with preconceived ideas, you may ignore im-portant information. Plan for what you think will come up, such as the other person responding defensively. How-ever, ask questions and listen before you draw any conclusions.

Each conversation can build or tear down your reputation. Don’t let those mistakes steal an opportunity toreach the outcome you want and to show your professionalism.

Taking it personally. Learn why the person said or did something, and you will likely realize that it is not about you.

– Adapted from The Secrets of Successful Communication, Kevin T. McCarney, O’Connell House, www.oconnellhouse.com

Avoid 3 Conversation Missteps

CERTIFICATION SCHEDULESCDCCDC CERTIFICATIONSSince its inception in 1991, Am-Cham’s Career Development Center(CDC) has been offering a variety ofservices designed to enhance profes-sionals interested in advancing theircareer and acquiring new skills intheir fields of interest. In line withthis, CDC offers international certifi-cations and achievement certificatesin various fields, including manage-ment, human resources, marketing,finance, production and inventorymanagement, accounting, auditingand supply chain management.

For a complete listing of all international certi-

fications and achievement certificates offered

by CDC please contact:

Tel: (202) 3338-8220 - (202) 3337-3784

Fax: (202) 3338-9894 - (202) 3337-3779E-mail: [email protected]

Your Career Advisor


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CDCnews

Smart Thinking: Three Essential Keys to Solve Problems, Innovate, and Get Things Done by Art Markman

Think smart people are just born that way? Think again.Drawing on diverse studies of the mind, from psychology to linguistics, phi-losophy, and learning science, Art Markman, Ph.D., demonstrates the differ-ence between “smart thinking” and raw intelligence, showing readers howmemory works, how to learn effectively, and how to use knowledge to getthings done. He then introduces his own three-part formula for readers to em-ploy “smart thinking” in their daily lives.

Smart Thinking gives readers:The means to replace self-limiting habits with new behaviors that

foster smart thinking An understanding of the mind itself as well as memory The ability to define and solve problems by finding and applying

relevant knowledge Ways to present and process information effectively

www.amazon.com

“When you understandhow the mind works, youcan think smarter—and

act smarter.”

reviewBook

“No”Inspire when

sayingWhen you say “No” to someone who passionately shares an idea, youdeflate the person’s enthusiasm at best. At worst, you deliver a spirit-crushing blow. Instead, formulate answers that are interactive rather thandismissive. Respond by constructively investigating the idea.

Examples:Respond with a “let’s explore” answer if the idea shows promise. Listen and discuss the idea further. Maybe the timingisn’t right or the idea needs more development, but you offer the person an opportunity to contribute. Besides, withsome modifications, the idea could work.

Create a “What if” answer that alters the original idea into a better idea with the same result. That response recognizesthe merit of the idea and encourages future input.

– Adapted from “Leadership: How to Say “No” While Also Inspiring People,” Steve Denning, Forbes, www.forbes.com


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April 2014

CDC AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY

Marketing Professional Certificate (MPC) Graduation ProjectInstructor: Dalia Ayoub

October, 2013 – January, 2014

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)Instructor: Ahmed Adel

December, 2013 – March, 2014

Essentials of Human ResourcesInstructor: Hala Hamam

December, 2013 – February, 2014

AmCham CDCCareer Advising Sessions atAin Shams University

Conducted for Faculty of Commerce English Section

Vision ClubCVs & Interviews (Why Me?)

March 30, 2014 Instructor Balsam Bayomi , PHR

For university schedules and registration please contact:Ain Shams University: Tel: (20-2) 2403-8465

010-9719-2020E-mail: [email protected]

Assiut University: Tel: (20-8) 8242-3848 010-6554-4080

E-mail: [email protected]

October 6 University: Tel: 010-2173-0049 – 010-0765-7151E-mail: [email protected]

Future University: Tel: 010-2260-7996 – 010-2260-7997E-mail: [email protected]

Mohandesin Area: Tel: 011-1333-8331

For graduates before the year 2011 please contact:Main Office: Tel: (20-2) 3338-8220


Alexandria Office: Tel: (20-3) 546-1357 – 546-1375 Fax: 545-8475



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CDCnews

Show your team members that they do have creative po-tential. Guide them through the creative process withthese steps:

1. Define creativity. Explain that creativity encompassesmany different skills, including brainstorming, tweakingand implementing. Strengths may vary from person to per-son, but each person possesses the ability to contribute insome way.

2. Point out examples. Build confidence by remindingemployees about their past successes and good ideas.

3. Outline the specifics. Reveal the importance of the cur-rent challenge or problem and provide every detail. Thenparticipants can focus on the creativity rather than on theirquestions and insecurities.

4. Offer encouragement. Show people that you believe inthem. Provide feedback and link them with collaborators.

5. Allow sufficient time. Since on-demand performancesoften fail, take the pressure off by providing enough timefor people to exercise their creativity.

— Adapted from “Seven Ways to Help People Use Their Creative

Potential,” Kevin Eikenberry, Leadership & Learning,

Create the Conditions For Innovation

Capture more information when customers call and yoursales will soar. Here’s how:• Ask for the customer’s name and phone number or emailaddress early in the conversation. That allows you to use theperson’s name during the conversation and follow up later. • Check the offer. After you tell the customer a price, gaugethe reaction. That will allow you to tailor the offer if neces-sary Example: “Is that in line with your budget?” • Know their next step. Discover whether the customer willbe discussing the proposal with someone else or checkingyour competitor’s prices. Make arrangements to follow up,casting your action as a service to the customer. Example:“May I call you sometime tomorrow to answer any furtherquestions you might have?”

Adapted from “Selling Power: Ringing Up Sales,” Travel Trade Gazette, www.ttgdigital.com

Turn Casual Calls into Sales

For 2014 CDC Arabic Workshop schedules please see page 14F


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April 2014

CDC ALEXANDRIA

Essentials of Human ResourcesMrs. Hanan Sanaa El Din

February 12 - March 19, 2014

CDC ASSIUT

Business English (Intermediate Course)Mrs. Dalia Gamal Hamed & Ms. lamiaa Mohamed Ahmed

28 November - 12 January, 2013

CDC WORKSHOP SCHEDULES

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Date Topic Time Fees (LE) 1-3 Accounting for Decision-Making and Control 4 pm - 9 pm 13501-3 Time Management 9 am - 2 pm 11006-8 Administrative Support Skills 9 am - 2 pm 13507-9 Key Performance Indicators 9 am - 2 pm 13508-10 Strategic Planning 9 am - 2 pm 13508-10 Sales Management 4 pm - 9 pm 135013-15 Becoming a High Performance Manager 9 am - 2 pm 135014-16 Risk Management 4 pm - 9 pm 135014-17 Demand Forecasting and Inventory Control 4 pm - 9 pm 205015-17 7 Measures of Success 9 am - 2 pm 135022-24 Advanced Management Skills 9 am - 2 pm 135022-24 Assertiveness and Self Confidence 9 am - 2 pm 110027-29 Talent Management 9 am - 2 pm 135027-29 Strategic Marketing 4 pm - 9 pm 135028-30 Writing Reports and Proposals 9 am - 2 pm 135028-30 Conflict Resolution 9 am - 2 pm 1100

4-6 Professional Secretary 9 am - 2 pm 13505-7 Presentation Skills 9 am - 2 pm 11006-8 Principles of Managerial Finance 4 pm - 9 pm 13506-8 Compensation and Benefits 9 am - 2 pm 135011-13 Handling Customer Complaints 9 am - 2 pm 135011-14 Project Management 4 pm - 9 pm 205012-14 The Inspiring Leader 9 am - 2 pm 135013-15 The New Rules of Marketing & PR 4 pm - 9 pm 135018-20 Critical Thinking 9 am - 2 pm 135018-21 Purchasing & Supply Chain Management 4 pm - 9 pm 205019-21 Strategic Management 9 am - 2 pm 135020-22 Training Needs Assessment 9 am - 2 pm 135020-22 Sales Force Management 4 pm - 9 pm 135025-27 Business Writing 9 am - 2 pm 110025-29 IFRS 4 pm - 9 pm 250026-28 Key to Effective Supervision 9 am - 2 pm 135027-29 Communication Skills 9 am - 2 pm 1100

4-6 Professional Secretary 9 am - 2 pm 13505-7 Presentation Skills 9 am - 2 pm 11006-8 Principles of Managerial Finance 4 pm - 9 pm 13506-8 Compensation and Benefits 9 am - 2 pm 135011-13 Handling Customer Complaints 9 am - 2 pm 135011-14 Project Management 4 pm - 9 pm 205012-14 The Inspiring Leader 9 am - 2 pm 135013-15 The New Rules of Marketing & PR 4 pm - 9 pm 135018-20 Critical Thinking 9 am - 2 pm 135018-21 Purchasing & Supply Chain Management 4 pm - 9 pm 205019-21 Strategic Management 9 am - 2 pm 135020-22 Training Needs Assessment 9 am - 2 pm 135020-22 Sales Force Management 4 pm - 9 pm 135025-27 Business Writing 9 am - 2 pm 110025-29 IFRS 4 pm - 9 pm 250026-28 Key to Effective Supervision 9 am - 2 pm 135027-29 Communication Skills 9 am - 2 pm 1100

Subscribe to CDC News

Send us your name, title, company, phone number and address Email: [email protected]

Tel: (20-2) 3338-8220 - Fax: (202) 3337-3779


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CDCnews

Heba ElbrolosySenior Planner and CS Associate

Eli Lilly Egypt

Ahmed SayedMaterial Handling Engineer

General Motors Egypt

Eman Fawzy Abd El-Monem Planning Section HeadHalwani Brothers Egypt

Ossama RashadLead Auditor, IT Network

and Information Security ManagerTEData

Mohamed MohieEngineer

Mohamed Abd El-FattahSenior Section Head

Xceed

Hayam RahalAdministration Manager

Raya Holding

Ahmed Ellawindy Supply Chain Director

Swiss Garments Company

CERTIFIED SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONAL – CSCP

Ramy ZaklamaSenior Procurement Engineer

Orascom Construction Industries

Fady Samir WahbaRegional Procurement Manager

GlaxoSmithKline

Elham MohssenSpecialist Customer Support

Grundfos Egypt

CERTIFIED IN BASICS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CISA*

Ayman LouisHead of IT Network Security

Crédit Agricole Egypt

CISM**

* Certified Information System Auditor** Certified Information Security Manager

CDC AlumniCongrats to Our Recent Certified Managers

Certified Managers - CM

If you have passed the international exam for any of the CDC certification programs, share with us your success and send your name, title and company name to: [email protected]

Are you certified?CDC


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April 2014

Everyone knows it’s wise to do all you can to make a pos-itive impression on your manager. But what about all ofthe other people you interact with on a daily basis?

Clients, vendors, employees and other business contacts canalso play a key role in your career success. They may partic-ipate in your 360-degree performance review or just passalong a kind word to your boss about your work.

Here are some ways to stand out with a variety of audiences:

Make Life Easier For Them Aim to be a valuable, indispensable resource for everyone.This means going above and beyond your job description.For instance, if a harried client is having trouble reaching oneof your salespeople, you might personally track down theemployee rather than sending the client to voicemail again.

Also think of ways to simplify complex information. Maybeyour firm is upgrading to a new version of a key office applica-tion. You might proactively contact your IT department for a“cheat sheet” you can give staff with tips on the most importantchanges or create one yourself after going through training.

Follow Directions Taking the time to follow directions shows you’re listeningand respect your contacts. This may seem pretty basic, butthink about how many times people you work with fail to dothis. They may give you half of the information you requestedin an e-mail or miss a deadline completely.

If you’re unable to meet specific demands, always let peo-ple know why. For example, maybe you can’t make changesto an employee’s presentation immediately because of a last-minute project from your manager. Your contacts may not behappy with bad news, but they will appreciate an update andknowing that you’re on top of the situation.

Take Criticism In Stride Despite your best efforts, inevitably you’ll make a mistake atwork. No one is perfect. What will shape people’s percep-tions about you, is how you respond to the feedback you re-ceive afterward.

It’s all about mindset. If you see personal slip-ups as learn-ing opportunities, you’ll handle criticism far more effectivelythan if you allow yourself to become defensive or crushedby a blunder. You may have forgotten to dispatch a criticalpackage by courier to a local client last night, for example,but remedy the mistake by driving it over to the person onyour lunch break the next day.

Return Communication Promptly Ever send an e-mail to someone and just hear crickets in re-turn? Frustrating, huh? Make sure you’re not the person who

leaves-others hanging. At least acknowledge receiving a keymessage. It’s much better to explain that it’s a particularlybusy day and you’ll get back to the individual tomorrow thanto say nothing. The same is true for voicemails.

Manage Stress We all have bad days on the job. In a highly visible profes-sion like the administrative field, though, you have to makea particular effort not to let your emotions take over.

Develop a reputation as being a calming force in your team.Know which strategies suit you personally for dealing withstress, whether it’s stepping away from your desk for five minuteswhen you’re overwhelmed, talking to a colleague or making to-do lists. That way, when you’re faced with a difficult situation,you’ll know just what you need to do to stay composed.

Slow Down You can also make a positive impression by doing thingsright the first time. When in doubt with a project, ask ques-tions. Most people will appreciate you clarifying details ini-tially rather than coming back to them with repeatedproblems or concerns.

Don’t send out business e-mails, memos and other busi-ness communications in a hurry, either. Take a minute beforestarting to think about what you want to say and how to or-ganize your thoughts. Make sure your message is clear, andthat there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Check Back In Finally, take the additional step to follow up with people. Didthe information you shared with them resolve the problemat hand? Do they have any questions about the forms yousent? It may take just a minute to call or e-mail but it can goa long way toward making a memorable positive impression.

A great question to ask is, “Is there anything else I can doto help you today?” This can allow you to tie up any looseends with a request or project and ensure you’re keeping allof your audiences satisfied with your work.

– Robert Hosking, Executive Director of OfficeTeam September 2013

Beyond The Boss: Impressing Your Other Audiences


14

CDCnewsARABIC WORKSHOP SCHEDULES

Stay tuned formore updates inthe next issue of

CDCnews

CDC FUTURE UNIVERSITY

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)Instructor: Mr. Mina Nassif February 17 – May 15, 2014

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Part 2Instructor: Mr. Khaled Khater October 24 – March 3, 2014

Transforming Your Company’s Needs into WorkshopsAmCham’s Career Development Center offers TailoredWorkshops. These are developed to fit the specificneeds of your company and the individual needs ofyour employees. We develop custom course material

for each tailored workshop. All workshops are delivered by our qualified instructors.

For more information, please contact:Tel: (20-2) 3338-1050 • Fax: (20-2) 3337-3779

TailoredWorkshops Your Career Advisor


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April 2014

The good news is that it’s easier than ever to get resume-writing advice today, with so many books and online ar-ticles on the topic. The bad news is that job seekers are

often reading the same expert information and are submittingrésumés containing identical language.

Could your own resume be filled with clichés? The lastthing you want to do when job hunting is blend in with allof the other candidates. Executives polled in an OfficeTeamsurvey identified phrases they felt are the most overused ormeaningless on resumes. If these phrases are on your appli-cation materials, it’s time for a rewrite.

Highly Qualified Anyone can say they’re highly qualified, but it’s the work his-tory, skills, education and certifications you bring to the tablethat matter. Concentrate on creating a resume that showcasesyour expertise in a way that suits the open position. For in-stance, if the job ad mentions a need for an executive assistantwho is adept at supporting multiple executives, focus partic-ular attention to this aspect of your experience.

Hard Worker What exactly does this mean? For instance, did you regu-larly meet tough deadlines, handle a high volume of proj-ects or tackle tasks outside your job description? Describethe ways you often saved the day: “Frequently supportedsales staff with last-minute requests, including finalizingpresentations, making changes to travel arrangements andgathering materials for meetings with potential clients. Re-ceived ongoing praise as being the indispensable `go-to’person in the department.”

Team PlayerPeople often say they’re team players, but can’t back it up.Hiring managers want to see a track record of fitting in withgroups and making an impact. Use your resume to provideexamples of how you’ve partnered with others to achieve agoal. Mention specific projects that showcase your ability towork on or lead a team.

Problem Solver Exactly how have you thought creatively and developed solu-tions to challenges? Impress hiring managers by mentioningconcrete ways you are a problem solver. Maybe you’ve over-come roadblocks to the completion of a project or developeda new way of accomplishing goals within a reduced budget.

People Person Most hiring managers expect a professional in the adminis-trative field to be a people person. Saying you’re a peopleperson will just yield one giant yawn. To stand out, you needto show you have more than solid communication skills. AreYou also persuasive? Has your work had a positive impacton the business? The fact that you won over a challengingclient through superior customer service can be a huge sell-ing point with prospective employers, for example.

Self Starter This is another phrase that won’t make hiring managers runfor the phone to book an interview. Be an unforgettable ap-plicant by citing a time when you saw an issue that needed tobe fixed and took action. Perhaps you overheard employeescomplaining about a common problem mastering a new ap-plication. You then contacted the information technology de-partment to see if someone could provide a training sessionto help staff. This shows resourcefulness in ways that an over-used phrase does not.

Flexible Managers reading this will wonder how you are adaptableand just how big a change you can handle at work.

Think about times you’ve had to shift gears on the job andput your positive attitude to the test. For instance, a colleaguemay have quit unexpectedly and you had to cover his or herrole for several months until it was filled. Discuss the newresponsibilities you assumed and how your extra effort ben-efited the team.

If resume writing is a nerve-racking experience for you,sit down and make a list of the strongest qualities you haveto offer employers. What are you most proud of in your ca-reer? What have you done that really shows the value youcan bring to a company? These are the points you want tostress in a resume.

This list also can come in handy as you prepare for inter-views. You want to be armed with additional examples thathighlight the skills you mention in your resume.

The most memorable candidates are those who havesomething interesting to say and share it in a compelling way.Relying on tired, overused phrasing simply won’t get youwhere you want to be Just as you might tell someone aboutthe paths you’ve taken in life, give employers a road map ofyour career filled with the fascinating highlights.

–Robert Hosking. OfficeTeam, Office Pro, July 2013

That’s So Cliché: What Not To Say on Your Resume


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