QR Codes Use Them to Enhance Your Executive Resume

QR Codes Use Them to Enhance Your Executive ResumeAs technology evolves, new opportunities continue to emerge that enhance executive resumes and overall job searches. One relatively new concept that job seekers are taking advantage of is the QR code.The QR code, also known as the quick-response code, is a 2-dimensional bar code that contacts a set of data (text, numbers, or a hyperlink). If the code is placed on an executive resume, it can instantly link a hiring decision maker to important details about you as an applicant.Why QR Codes Are BeneficialQR codes add to the new generation of advancements shaping the world of job seeking. These unique codes are becoming popular as marketing tools and are often found on business cards, in magazines, and even on billboards.When applicants add a QR code to their resumes, hiring managers with QR readers can scan the code to be directly routed to information embedded in the code. Codes may contain a link to a LinkedIn page or Google profile, d isplay a telephone number or message, or simply share anything interesting that can increase knowledge about the applicant.Some have argued that including QR codes is a waste of time because many hiring managers dont want to go through the trouble of downloading a QR reader. But since the code typically isnt intrusive and can help an applicant stand out from the crowd, some recommend it as an executive resume option.Want to try one for yourself?If you have a smartphone, its easy. Search QR reader in your apps market, then download a reputable reader to your phone. Next, print this article and, using the downloaded reader, scan the QR code below to see what pops up.As you can see, it instantly provides you with the link to the Great Resumes Fast website. Now that youve tried one, you can easily create your own in just a few steps.How to Add a QR Code to Your Executive ResumeTo generate your own QR code, which can be added to your executive resume, take the following steps1. Conduct a Google search for QR generators which will take you to numerous links for free generators.2. Depending on the generator you choose, you may be able to use a URL, text, phone number, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile, e-mail address, or SMS message, among other options, to generate your code. You may also be able to choose from formatting options such as color, size, and output type.3. After youve entered the relevant information, you can click generate and your code should appear. Most generators also allow you to save and copy your code. Before adding it to your resume, be aya to test it with your reader.Because the process is so easy, many executive applicants are using it as a way to stand out from the crowd. Whether youre linking to your blog, executive profile, resume, or other professional information, the QR code can offer you an interesting way to enhance your already-impressive resume.Its important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for m ore information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter GreatResume.

How Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable Helped Advance My Career to Global Director

How Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable Helped Advance My Career to Global Director Dr. Deepali Palta knew as soon as she saw the job description that taking zu sich career to PepsiCo was a no-brainer. And yet, for at least a moment in time, she hesitated to apply for a reason many women will relate to she wasnt sure whether she was qualified.When I interviewed at PepsiCo, I was getting my PhD from Georgia Tech in Polymer and Material Science and had worked with similar processing technology, but for textile and materials, not food, Deepali explained. It took me some time to get out of my own way and say, okay, I should at least apply, even though I dont have the right degree. I kept looking at the job description and thinking, I can do that.Deepali knew that her experiencewasapplicable to the food industry, just not in the ways others expected. So, she developed her story, approached PepsiCos recruiters, and ultimately landed the job. Shes been part of the PepsiCo family ev er since.Given all of the career evolutions shes experienced in the past decade at PepsiCo, Deepali said shes ultimately gotten more and more comfortable in her own skin, in no small part because she hasnt taken a straight road. Challenging the traditional pathway of success may not have been easy, but its resulted in a unique perspective that she leverages in her current leadership role. And as PepsiCos Corporate Partnership Chair for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), its a perspective she uses to help up-and-coming women in STEM shed self-doubt and take risks, too.As women, we tend to not believe in our own abilities right away and stop ourselves two or three steps short before we should, she said. Ive seen junior women I mentor struggling with this, and lately Ive been challenging them to not be shy about having their points of view heard or being proud of their accomplishments.In buchung to help empower her mentees and the individuals on her team to confidently take ownershi p of their accomplishments, Deepali believes in creating a culture of trust, something shes seen demonstrated throughout her time at PepsiCo. One way of extending this trust as a leader, she added, is by not questioning employees when they need to make time for personal matters. (This same attitude is found throughout PepsiCo, as well women on Fairygodboss consistently rate it as a balance-friendly organization).As a leader, regardless of the timelines of projects, its about caring about the whole person, she said. If my team feels that Im authentically invested in their development and in their well-being, then everything else works itself out and I dont have to worry about timelines it will get done.By taking this approach, Deepali added, the end outcome is not only a culture where workers feel supported, but where theyre able to perform to a higher degree, too.I find that if I extend my trust to my team in the beginning, and say, Hey, I trust you, it just gives them more power a nd more lift, and makes them want to rise to meet that, she said.--Fairygodboss is proud to partner with PepsiCo. Find a job there today