As we searched for a title for this new LightNOW page, we took some time to consider what we want to accomplish for you, and for the lighting industry. We want to provide a place where those who are searching for new career opportunities could find job postings, of course. And, we wanted to provide resume, interviewing, and career advice from people in the industry that make hiring decisions.
We also wanted to offer advice for employers, because not all companies in our industry have HR departments and in fact, many of us do all the necessary HR functions without much background or training in hiring great candidates and employee retention.
So, for now, at least, we are calling this page In Search Of (ISO) – for those In Search Of their next career move and for those In Search Of information and ideas that will make for better workplaces through improved hiring practices and employee retention efforts.
We welcome your feedback on our new endeavor – this space is dedicated to you and we need to hear from you to make it helpful and effective. Comment below or email us.
If you would like to suggest a topic for an upcoming article, post an open position or offer your advice to folks who are searching for a career change, email Suelynn at suelynn@lightingsold.com
JOB POSTINGS
Employers – post your open positions here! Contact Suelynn for details
Light and Health Research Center – Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine
Lighting Engineer, Albany, NY- details available here.
JOB SEARCH RESOURCES
The Illuminating Engineering Society is the recognized technical and educational authority on illumination. They provide a variety of professional development, publications, networking and educational opportunities to our membership of engineers, architects, designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, manufacturers and scientists in nearly 60 countries.
https://careercenter.ies.org/
LightNOW – TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS
RESUME ADVICE FROM TWO LIGHTING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Recently, we asked Jill Cody, Principal from the design firm, Dark Light, and Courtney Abraham, Chief Human Resources Officer, from GE Current, a Daintree Company, for advice on preparing a resume that delivers results.
What catches your eye on the first glance of a resume?
Jill: Since we work in design it really does have to be well organized at the minimum. That doesn’t mean it has to be overdesigned, but it is good to know that someone has an eye for what looks good. At the very minimum, at least make sure there aren’t any typos!
Courtney: Action verbs and outcomes. What was the person’s role in the activity and what results were attained?
Does this make you want to spend more time with the resume? Or less?
Jill: If I see something that’s just overwrought I might not want to spend too much time on it. But seeing something that’s cleanly laid out and well designed (and by that I mean easy to read as well) would make it easier for me to spend some time with it.
Courtney: Action words and outcomes make me want to spend more time. Your resume is an opportunity to tell your story – what are the most impactful activities you’ve accomplished that demonstrate why you are an excellent candidate for the role. From individual contributor roles to leadership experiences—they are all relevant; include those that illustrate why you are the best candidate and don’t be afraid to have multiple versions of your resume that are customized for the role you are applying to.
What information do you wish that every resume provided?
Jill: I know this sounds old school, but I do appreciate when there’s a physical address on a resume. It’s just nice to know where people are located, especially in these days of Zoom calls. Depending on the position, we may or may not be able to accommodate remote work.
Courtney: If you are relocatable, willing to travel, speak more than one language; worked in a team and how you collaborate, how you take decisions, where you’ve grown and demonstrated success; those items you can do with your eyes closed that are true strengths and separate you from other candidates.
Any advice on what must be included in a resume?
Jill: Be thorough but concise. Try to remember that the person reading your resume has a job to get back to, so making it easy to understand your education and experience in the least time possible is your goal.
Courtney: Emotional intelligence and learning agility are — shall I say— more important that technical skills- use your cover introduction to bring yourself to life. Cover letters should share what’s not in your resume.
Is it acceptable to have a resume that is more than two pages?
Jill: Oh my gosh no, see above.
Courtney: Two pages will suffice. You can attach other marketing pitches and addendums that demonstrate your capabilities.
What if the applicant has a 50-year history in the industry? Still just two pages?
Jill: If they have a 50-year history in the industry, they should be able to distill their notable accomplishments into something that really matters, what I really care about, into less than two pages!
What are some strategies that can help people edit down to the two pages if they have decades of experience?
Courtney: Cover letters and samples of work products that you have approval to use!
Any other resume advice?
Jill: Make it neat, make it concise, and have somebody proofread it!
Courtney: Don’t be afraid to be different- different color fonts (greys, blues); blocks with text or testimonials, what about your resume will make the recruiter pause on it over others that are 11 pt Arial black font
Many thanks to Jill and Courtney for taking the time to share their valuable advice.
If you use this advice to update your resume, be in touch – we would love to hear about your experience.
If you are in a hiring position in the lighting industry and would like to share your advice and insight in our next TIPS article, reach out to Suelynn, suelynn@lightingsold.com .
