Recruiters are on tight schedules and, when reviewing a potential candidate for a job, have to move quickly. This often means taking only a few minutes to scan resumes before deciding on who will be invited for an interview, or who will be referred to the hiring agent. During a recruitment, recruiters are on the lookout for specific candidates with specific skill sets. If they have to try to “guess” if you have that skill set or the experience they are seeking, they will just move on! An applicant may be completely qualified for the job, but a disorganized, poorly-written resume and, one where applicant has buried their experience in a lot of text, will take them out of the running. Though resume writing norms differ from country to country, and sector to sector, there are several common mistakes that professionals make when applying for a position.
Here are common mistakes to avoid:
1) Using the same resume/CV and cover letter for every job. It is a fact: job seekers can look careless when they rush to apply for jobs without first tailoring their resumes or cover letter for that job.
Would you grab any old suit out of your closet and rush off to church to get married? I hope not. It's a real pet peeve of most hiring professionals. A cover letter and resume tailored to show you meet the qualifications requirements of the job, makes the recruiter's job a lot easier when they forward that resume to the client, or hiring manager.
2) Missing candidate address/contact info on the resume. Make sure to include your permanent address (including the name of your country!) and do show your citizenship/nationality on the resume. Candidates should also provide a cell number, a home number, and a personal email address. Although such information may have been in your email as you sent in your documents, the resume may be copied for a review team and get separated from the original email. You would be surprised how often a hiring agent contacts us, looking for contact information that should have been in the resume of their top candidate. Not having it on the resume could handicap your prospects of being called for an interview.
3) Burying your work experience in volumes of text: The most important part of the work entry is the bold line with dates of assignment, jobs title, project name, employer and country. Many applicants bury this critical information that should be in the bold headings in long paragraphs of text instead. Other applicants start with a long paragraph from the project website that tells what the project did! Boring! The text should be only a few lines of text that tell us specifically what you did on the project that is relevant to the job or that responds to the qualifications requirements of the job. The more seasoned consultant applicants have also learned to put their experience first and get right to clearly showing they meet the qualifications requirements. Second, they follow with education, then personal information.
4) Not providing enough detail or distinctive information: It’s crucial to provide full coverage of your career. In the International Development sector, longer resumes with detail on your work experience are more compelling than shorter resumes summarizing your experience. Some resume tailoring services have been teaching job applicants that resumes need to be as short as possible. While this may be true in some sectors or may have been true in the past, it is best to err on the side providing more information than not enough. Or better yet, ask the recruiter or hiring agent what they expected or prefer.
5) Including too much irrelevant history: It is a tricky guessing game to decide how much (or not) to include, when you have a full and interesting work history. Experience as a sales clerk in your early career stages is no longer relevant to your current career as an accomplished consultant or subject matter expert. Recruiters don’t need to know where you went to elementary school, or if you are married and have children.
6) Not providing Country name in your work locations. Some applicants do not provide the country where they worked because they mostly worked domestically in their home country in the past. However when working internationally or applying for jobs in foreign countries, it is imperative to show the countries where you live, worked, and country where you were educated. The recruiters and reviewers that are in different countries may not know where the cities or provinces of your work history are, when the country is not named.
7) Lack of dates or time periods to show length of assignment or job. Show the time period or number of months for each position or assignment worked. Please do not use single year only like 2009 which does not tell us how long you were on assignment in a given country or region. Was it 3 weeks or 3 months? If three weeks, then show it as 2009 (3 wks).
8) Do not use lots of graphics and boxes. The use of tables, boxes and other graphics often makes it confusing and harder to read. Boxes get in the way of software programs that read and summarize resumes for the hiring agents or store them in a resume database. We now all live with Apps or software that restructures information for all sorts of use -- some of these store resumes for future searches. The only boxed-in resumes that has not been offensive to me, as a recruiter, is the European format resume. For some reason, applicants adhere to a strict standard or format when completing European format resume.
9) Fancy fonts, funky margins, colored background: Formatting can make the resume stand out, but such heavy formatting, too often, has the recruiters very agitated and seeing red. Use a clear font, that’s easy to read, like Arial and Times New Roman. Also make use of bold and italics, where needed, to highlight positions. I have found that fancy fonts make the resume more difficult to read and for the recruiter to retain the information.
10) Resumes, CV in a foreign language: Your resume should be written in the same language as the advertisement unless the posting, itself, requests that you send in a resumes in another language. For example, if the advert is in English and the requirement is for someone with strong English language skills to work with foreigners, don’t send your resume in another language, even the local language. Do not assume the recruiters know Spanish or French or will hire a translator to read your resume.
11) To add or not to add references: Do not send pre-written letters of references. Hiring agents prefer to do their own reference check and speak with previous supervisors or professional referees. When requested, it is helpful to add a list of referees (i.e. persons, and contact information, who will provide references when asked) at the end of the resume. Do add your referees only after they have agreed to serve as such, and, if they have been in your resume for a while, do make sure that the referees’ contact information is accurate and up to date. Such references will guide the employer to positive information you want them to have about your past accomplishments. Otherwise the hiring agent will be left to their own device and that may not lead to the person most familiar with your better accomplishments.
What is the best way to help your resume/CV make it to the hiring agent? Put yourself in the place of the recruiter that sees hundreds of resumes for any given job each day. Most of the applicants have all the right qualifications. If you put their resumes side-by-side, some of their skills and experience would be equal. The recruiter has to select the candidate just the same and present them to the employer within a short time period. Thus, it is imperative to have your work and achievements outlined and highlighted clearly within the chronology of your resume. With a few tweaks, applicants can make that experience and career information stand out more clearly.
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How to Have a Better Resume for International Development Job Applications
February 22, 2022
Among the most important elements of applying for a position with a firm in the international development sector, is to present a CV/resume that is easy to review for everyone in the organization you are applying to. That includes the first line recruiters, the Hiring Agent and all the way to the CEO of the firm. In the US, most International Development sector organization seem to prefer the longer, more detailed, chronological format resumes. This is quite different than the short one-page resumes that businesses in the private sector prefer. The hiring agents in the development sector need information that quickly shows the applicant meets the minimum qualifications requirements listed on the position description. This can be easily be shown in the bold headings of each professional entries with a set of quick critical pieces of information that gives the readers critical information. This information is comprised of six items listed in detail below and, as a regular blogger on...
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Tips for Finding your Next Assignment in International Development - Updated
February 21, 2022
A few years ago, I was the presenter for the Foreign Policy Association's Global Careers Boot Camp series in Boston. The workshop was about how to "Land a job in International Development" for new entrants, or individuals transitioning from other sectors into the international development sector. This made me reflect about the type of information that may be useful to you, when trying to find your next assignment. While some of you may be on my email list and receive my alerts when I am recruiting, many find their way to this website while looking for jobs. Good luck in your search and here are good approaches to find your next assignments: First and topmost, the best way to search for jobs or assignments is to go directly to the websites of International Development organizations and search out their vacancies and employment opportunities. The International Development organizations do post all their positions on their websites. Only some of those open positions get posted on the...
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Resources for Evacuations of Afghans - updated 2024
January 2, 2022
Organizations Helping with additional Evacuations of Afghans: Currently, There are many NGOs made up ex-veterans and AID workers who have made it their mission to help Afghans be safe: Allied Airlift 21, DigitalDunkirk, No One Left Behind, Ark Salus, Society 76, Task Force Pineapple.” Here are some I have been in touch with, that are active 24/7: Follow #AfghanEvac which has become the umbrella organizaitons uniting all of these efforts. The #afghanevac effort is hosting meetings and phone calls with dozens of different organizations and having multiple group chats – conducted on the secret messaging app Signal – to connect with people who have been in contact with Afghans. Check out #afghanevac (https://afghanevac.org/) , #SaveOurAllies on Twitter: “Task Force Pineapple and partners are actively working to find options to get our Afghan allies to safety, and ultimately, freedom.” American veterans have banded together as Task Force Pineapple, establishing a "Pineapple...
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Helping with additional info for Evacuations of Afghans
September 10, 2021
Hello again, I continue to receive helpful advice and lists of resources and organizations that are helping our friends in Afghanistan. The most important piece of information i received is a "Checklist for Afghans: How to Minimise Risk through Data on Phones/Devices", written in both English and Pashto. Please share this document widely with Afghans who have Western contacts - it is crucial they see this helpful info ASAP: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19GPJDmMLPagNnbumZwmKZGJaIiRMFmHiJKtuvmL6wl8/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR09QNYMXh513v2zzkqo877voDfurQ-O339MpaZ9TJUfSSeoCV0qEwIaLio . This very valuable information was obtained from The Crecendo Group, a US and international humanitarian organization that has compiled resources for Support for Afghan Allies. For instance there is a list of SIV and P-2 contact info for some of the larger contractors in Afghanistan that can help former employees no longer employed by such organizations but that still need those contacts to initiate and...
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Partial List of SIV/ P2 contact info for USAID contractors and USG partners
September 10, 2021
Thanks to Carrie Hasselback, (Dexis) I can share these valuable contact for SIV-P2 visas help. Carrie wrote: In case it is useful to anyone I know in Afghanistan or my friends who have worked in Afghanistan in the past, below I have compiled the SIV contact info for some of the larger USAID contractors. Additionally, the DOS just shared this:"DoS has established a SIV hotline to answer calls. While the line is currently overwhelmed with calls, they are staffing up as quickly as possible. IMPORTANTLY, DoS is sending texts and emails to those SIV applicants who are eligible for evacuation, informing them they should make their way to HKIA, if possible.DoS SIV Hotline: 1-888-407-4747. Alternate number (same message) is 202-501-4444."Deloitte: Contact this email address if your loved ones worked for Deloitte in Afghanistan and need recommendation or HR letters. usdeloitteafghanSIV@deloitte.comChemonics: Individuals who have worked with Chemonics International in Afghanistan can use the following...
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Help for Newly Arriving Afghans to the US --Go Fund Me and Fundraising
September 2, 2021
It has been a difficult few week as the world watches the situation unfold in Kabul. Many of us are asking, what can we do as individuals while we also call upon our governments to prioritize the evacuation of Afghan women leaders and ensure the protection of women's rights inside of Afghanistan in the short, mid and long term. The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security have assembled this list of urgent actions that you or your organization can take to save the lives of our Afghan sisters. Make A Donation of Any Amount to Provide Humanitarian Aid and Safe Houses Support humanitarian aid to internally displaced people. Contribute to this GoFundMe campaign, at any level, organized by Afghan activist Samira Hamidi and administered through local volunteers who are getting aid directly to those in need. Support safe houses that are protecting women in Afghanistan targeted by the Taliban. Contribute to this GoFundMe campaign, at any level, organized by the Women’s Regional...
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Working abroad: How to prepare your finances
August 11, 2019
This article has been written on behalf of Bankrate, by Andrew Paniello, (February 5, 2019) Freelance Writer. As the world becomes more globalized and traveling to distant places has become widely accessible, an increased number of Americans are finding themselves with opportunities to work abroad. However, while these new opportunities can often be quite exciting and rewarding, they all still require a large amount of preparation. Many expatriates tend to overlook the financial planning process of their overseas adventure. In addition to creating a well thought out budget for the trip, there are many other essential details that will need to be accounted for. Fortunately, we have created a detailed guide to help anyone going abroad prepare themselves financially. By making an effort to assure that your finances are well-kept, you will be able to have the life-changing experience that you’re hoping for.
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Cover Letters reloaded: How to Write them so you get to the Next Level
May 15, 2018
This is one of the best self-help article in my blog: What makes a good cover letter that is helpful for me and the clients? I often get cover letters that merely summarize what is obvious in the CV/resume. When a cover letter is requested, it is not our aim to just give you more busy work. It is an opportunity for you to give us some additional information that may not be in your CV. Or it is a way to have you give the various recruiters that will be reviewing your information to get more info that is targeted to the job ad or position description. The best cover letters are those that address all the qualifications requirements or job specifications in the position description and shows the reviewer how you have that required experience. Here is some important advice for cover letters directed to International Development sector organizations:
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Tips for Finding your next assignment - Reloaded
January 13, 2016
Tips for Finding your Next Assignment in International Development A few years ago, I was the presenter for the Foreign Policy Association's Global Careers Boot Camp series in Boston. The workshop was about how to "Land a job in International Development" for new entrants, or individuals transitioning from other sectors into the international development sector. This made me reflect about the type of information that may be useful to you, when trying to find your next assignment. I am hearing from many managers in the field that they will be seeking new projects very soon. Recently, there has also been a big push by donor organizations to hire more locals, national workers and fewer expats. This means that there is likely to be much more competition for getting choice positions on fewer projects in the future. Therefore, there will be a need for a smarter approach to applying for international development positions. While some of you may be on my email list and receive my alerts when I...
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Important Fraud Alert:
August 17, 2015
Fraud - Scam Alert: An individual claiming to represent me or or Aines International has been selling employment help to individuals in Pakistan and possibly South Asian countries, claiming he can procure them jobs, such as USAID, UN, or other International Development sector jobs. He extracts fees for this promise of employment and never delivers. Letters from linda.aines@hotmail.com are fraudulant!This Scam being conducted by someone who sometimes goes by the name of Dr. K. Mehmood, (citizen of Pakistan,) and sends or shows letter or emails from a (linda.aines@hotmail.com ) to give himself glowing references, or bolster his association to me or this firm. Be aware this email address is fraudulent, as well anyone claiming to provide jobs for fees. Any letters, or references, from Linda.aines@hotmail.com is a SCAM -not written by me- and all claims should be doubly checked for authenticity. Any communication or claims on this email address is likely to be written by Mr. or "Dr...
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New CV Reformatting Service now being offered by Aines International
April 11, 2015
Due to an increase in requests for help with our consultants' CVs/Resumes, Aines International is now offering a resume reformatting service. (For those who want it, a small prepaid fee of $230 will be charged, via PayPal or similar Quick Pay system.) However, we still encourage anyone to reformat their own CV for free and to avail themselves of the advice that is freely given about CV/Resumes on the Aines International website (www.internationalink.net). To obtain the resume reformatting, just send an email to linda.aines@internationalink.net and request the service. One of the most important element of applying for a position with a firm in the international development sector is to have a CV/resume that is easy to review for everyone in the employer's...
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How Recruiters get in a Bad Mood when Reviewing Applicants
November 13, 2014
Recruiters are on tight schedules and, when reviewing a potential candidate for a job, have to move quickly. This often means taking only a few minutes to scan resumes before deciding on who will be invited for an interview, or who will be referred to the hiring agent. During a recruitment, recruiters are on the lookout for specific candidates with specific skill sets. If they have to try to “guess” if you have that skill set or the experience they are seeking, they will just move on! An applicant may be completely qualified for the job, but a disorganized, poorly-written resume and, one where applicant has buried their experience in a lot of text, will take them out of the running. Though resume writing norms differ from country to country, and sector to sector, there are several common mistakes that professionals make when applying for a position. Here are common mistakes to avoid: 1) Using the same resume/CV and cover letter for every job. It is a fact: job seekers can look...
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Your LinkedIn profile --- Treat it as your Workplace
May 28, 2014
LinkedIn is a wonderful tool for showing the professional that you are and bringing forth your body of work for employers, recruiters, and colleagues, to see. It is one of today’s most important social network tools of the work place. But remember this: it is not Facebook. Be careful of inappropriate pictures and incomplete work profile. Anywhere you would post your professional experience or resume should be treated like your workplace or mirror you as a mature professional. The majority of people who want to view your LinkedIn profile are bosses, potential employers, recruiters, employees, and colleague, so be sure to show your profile in the best light possible to obtain that next interview or job. Here are some tips to keep your LinkedIn profile in top professional shape– and make sure that you don’t end up in the “reject” pile. Have a Complete Profile and review it often: Many job candidates ask recruiters to check their LinkedIn Profiles in lieu of sending a CV/resume, fully...
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Ten suggestions for Finding International Development Jobs or Internships
February 9, 2014
In my last blog, I wrote about suggestions and resources for breaking into International Development. I write about this topic because, in my daily mails, I often get emails from professionals, and students, asking how to break in or make the transition into the International Development sector. As a follow-up to my last blog article, here are 10 suggestions for finding International Development jobs or internships:
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Suggestions and Resources for breaking into International Development
January 17, 2014
In my daily emails, I often get letters from professionals, both entry level or late career, asking how to break in or make the transition into the international development sector. Although an individual may have international experience, this does not guarantee a lateral move or easy entry into the international development sector. The development sector can be attractive to college graduates and also executives weary of the ups and downs of labor market affected by cyclical economic fluctuations. Development sector jobs, which are created and funded by large donor organizations and their contractors, are less cyclical and include the various posts needed for managing/implementing foreign aid, humanitarian programs/projects in developing countries worldwide. Such post may be challenging but they are attractive and even addictive to those who crave adventure, travel and excitement of creating solutions or resources that can make a big difference. It is best to start in your own...
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How to Have A Better Resume for International Development
July 17, 2013
One of the most important element of applying for a position with a firm in the international development sector is to have a CV/resume that is easy to review for everyone in the employer's organization. That includes the first line recruiters, the Hiring Agent and all the way to the CEO of the firm. In the US, most International Development sector organization seem to prefer the longer, more detailed, chronological format resumes. This is quite different than the short one-page resumes that businesses in the private sector prefer. The employers in this sector also need a set of critical information to be within each professional entries that quickly shows the applicant meets the minimum qualifications requirements listed on the position description. This information is comprised of six items listed in detail below and, as a regular blogger on this site, I will come back to it often as it is an important tool, critical to bringing applicants to the short list of the hiring agents....
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Aines presenting at Foreign Policy Association program in Boston
April 22, 2012
On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, I will be in Boston providing an instructional program titled "Landing a Job in International Development". The program is being sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association that is offering several multi-city program (also being offered in New York City during April) addressing how careers in international development offer excitement and the chance to work toward the greater good.
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Meet Linda Aines
December 5, 2011
(a partial biography) Hi, my name is Linda Aines. I am an independent recruiter that specializes in International Development and foreign projects. I am hired by US contractors to USAID, or other large Donor organizations, or government entities that have projects in various developing countries. I own my own business, Aines International that provides recruitment services and some HR services for International Development Organizations. My current involvement in the International Development Sector has gradually evolved over the past 20 years. As an Associate Professor at the University of Vermont (UVM), I became more and more involved in international trade and in developing resources for businesses. From 1990 to 2002, I served as Business and Export Specialist at the University of Vermont (UVM) and developed & implemented an Export Assistance Program for small businesses. The Program served as resource center, which provided marketing and export assistance and education, for...
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How to Have A Better Resume for International Development
August 26, 2011
How to Have a Better Resume for International Development Job Applications Among the most important elements of applying for a position with a firm in the international development sector, is to present a CV/resume that is easy to review for everyone in the organization you are applying to. That includes the first line recruiters, the Hiring Agent and all the way to the CEO of the firm. In the US, most International Development sector organization seem to prefer the longer, more detailed, chronological format resumes. This is quite different than the short one-page resumes that businesses in the private sector prefer. The hiring agents in the development sector need information that quickly shows the applicant meets the minimum qualifications requirements listed on the position description. This can be easily be shown in the bold headings of each professional entries with a set of quick critical pieces of information that gives the readers critical information. This information is...
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