Your resume could be costing you that job and with up to 91 million Americans ‘on the sidelines’ there are plenty of people to fill it. But, there are a few things you can do to make your resume stand out in order to avoid missing the mark on your next job application.

First, choose a format for your resume.  By using a format, your experience and skills appear more organized and structured.  But what format should you use?  The three best formats for a resume are chronological, functional, and combination.  

• The chronological resume organizes your education and experience starting with the most recent.  It is also the best format to use if you are seeking a job related to your previous work history or if you want to highlight your achievements.  
  

• The functional resume highlights your skills and achievements and lists your education and work history as a secondary item.  This resume is the best format to use if you have different types of job titles listed in your work history or gaps between employment. 

• The last format is a combination of the chronological and functional formats and works best if you want to highlight both your work history and experience as well as your skills and attributes.  Also know that there are templates available online to use as a starting point for your format when writing your resume.

Next, start your research.  Research, research, research. Read the job description for the position you are applying for and learn as much as you can about the company. What does the organization do?  What is their mission, vision, and goals?  What would your responsibilities be in the position for which you are applying?  Make a list of words that stand out to you in the requirements, preferred skills, and overview sections of the job description and match those words to your own experience, education, and work history. 

Lastly, sell yourself.  Now is not the time to be modest about your achievements.  If you have accomplishments that you are proud of, list them on your resume. Add things that they may ask you to elaborate on in your interview.  Interviewers pull questions directly from what you list on your resume so make it interesting.  Make sure you are incorporating the words you wrote down from the job description.  Employers often look for those key words in your resume before reading it through.  What better way to stand out than to show them exactly what they asked for in the job description, right? 

For additional help with resume building contact Goodwill Industries of New Mexico to learn more about  job readiness programs and how you can make your resume showcase  your best self.                                                                                                                        


About the Author
Christina Chavez is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in Communication.  She works as a blog writer in Albuquerque, New Mexico and enjoys writing for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico as she takes an interest in and job development and community service. 

According to DoSomething.org, electronic waste, or “e-waste,” accounts for only 2% of all trash in landfills, but is as much as 70% of overall toxic waste. Staggering statistics. With a little help from Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, you can make a difference.

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico has partnered with Dell to form the Dell Reconnect program where you can recycle your e-waste easily and worry-free. Plus it’s free! Before dropping it off at Goodwill, back up all of your personal information from your computer or device.  Dell will systematically clean the drive—wiping it clean to make sure all your data is deleted in compliance with Dell’s Data Security Policy.  Also, all physical components of the computer equipment itself are broken down and disposed of safely and properly as specified in the Dell Electronic Disposition Policy instead of being disposed of in landfills and polluting the environment. A great deal for everyone. 

If you have e-waste to recycle, Goodwill, in conjunction with the Dell Reconnect program, accepts any brand of computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, tablets, and more (working or not).  You will also receive a receipt from your donation for tax deduction purposes. Be sure to consult with your accountant or CPA for additional guidance regarding any donation.

So, gather up those outdated computers, laptops, and printers and do your part to keep e-waste out of the environment. Additionally, your help creates green jobs and allows funding for Goodwill’s training and job placement programs.  .  By dropping off your e-waste at your local Goodwill store, you are not only helping yourself, you are helping the environment and your community.

About the Author
Christina Chavez is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in Communication.  She works as a blog writer in Albuquerque, New Mexico and enjoys writing for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico as she takes an interest in job development and community service. 

So you've got the job skills and training you need to get into the profession you've been dreaming of, you've polished your resume and maybe you even have a job interview or two lined up. Once you've successfully completed all of these steps, you should take some time to reflect on how far you've come and assess where you're going. Of critical importance is this: is the job you're applying to or interviewing for the right fit for you? Your job should be more than just a paycheck. It should provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment too. So, how do you gauge whether or not you should accept that job offer and start down an exciting new path? Consider the following question as you navigate the employment process, and I’m certain you'll end up in the ideal work environment for you!


Do you click with your future boss and coworkers? 
The people that surround you in your place of work can lend office a feeling of a community in the office, or it can make your workday downright unpleasant. You will definitely meet your supervisor during the interview process. During that time pay attention to your interactions and make sure that your values are well aligned. Before accepting any job offer, ask to meet your future colleagues too. Though they don't say everything, first impressions can be very telling.

Does the work excite you?
I'd love to be movie star, but I'm not holding my breath. The simple fact is that not everyone can have their absolute dream job, but being enthusiastic about aspects of your work, or the skills you will acquire there and where they can take you in the future is essential for finding happiness in your employment. Being passionate about a job is a good thing, hating a job is a clear indication that it isn't a good fit long term.

What skills and traits does the job require? Do you possess them? 
Carefully examine your resume and skill sets, as well as those outlined in the job description. Then consider how well suited you truly are for the position. You may be able to convince an employer of your ability to a do the job, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to do it effectively. Do you, yourself, believe you can do the job well and happily with your personality traits,unique skills and experiences? Know what you're good at and what you bring to the table, and target a position that requires those talents- that's a sure bet to achieve success.

So, you're ready to pursue your dreams and achieve big in the professional world? Local charity organizations like Goodwill Industries of New Mexico are a great resource for those in pursuit of success. As you navigate the job searching and interview process ask yourself the above questions so that you can make the transition into your new career with ease, and be happy as you gain expertise and experience. Good luck out there!

About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico offers a range of free programs and services to individuals in the state, from job readiness training and employment support to an array of services for veterans. In addition to the services listed above, Goodwill also provides specialized social services through their Brain Injury Case Management program that includes support, care and coaching that make transitioning after a traumatic or acquired brain injury less intimidating.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically understood as any brain injury that occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. These injuries can result in minor symptoms such as ringing ears and dizziness, to much more severe symptoms that include confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures. Many people fail to understand the severity of traumatic brain injuries and their potential to devastate the lives of those who suffer from them. Acquired brain injuries are also devastating and can result from medical episodes such as a stroke or swelling of the brain. Symptoms can be just as devastating as a traumatic brain injury.

The prevalence of brain injuries is often overlooked. There are more than 2.5 million hospitalizations resulting from brain injuries in the United States each year. The sheer number of individuals effected by such injuries, on any scale, means there is a huge population of brain injury sufferers in need of life and health-sustaining physical, financial, and emotional support.

Goodwill develops and promotes healthy living and successful reintegration into everyday life for those who have an acquired or traumatic brain injuries through their comprehensive Brain Injury Case Management program. Initial care for those with a brain injury can include surgery and assistive equipment upon release from the hospital while long-term solutions offered by Goodwill's program include life coaching, therapy services, and assistance managing the cost of prescriptions. Some individuals may struggle with cognitive function, sensory processing, and mental health in the aftermath of brain injury.

Through the range of services provided to those in need, Goodwill strives to enhance the quality of life for thousands of people in New Mexico.

To learn more or apply for Goodwill’s Brain Injury Case Management program click here or call (505) 881.6401.  

About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

Is resume writing an art or a science? Really, it is a little bit of both. Goodwill Industries of New Mexico knows a thing or two about employment, since the organization has been helping people in our state find jobs and improve their job skills since 1941. Here, I’ll apply some Goodwill wisdom and suggest some best practices when it comes to crafting your perfect resume to land you the job of your dreams. 

The resume is the cornerstone of a successful job search. Despite so many applications being submitted online, most employers still look for an attractive and well written resume from every potential employee. So- what works? First of all, remember that this is your first chance to impress your future employer! You should always display confidence that you’ll get the job done. Think of it this way, your potential employer has a need that must be filled. Use language and present yourself as the solution to that problem. Make sure that you communicate that you are a team player who is ready to start contributing form day one!

In addition to confidence, make sure that your resume is relevant. When you’re taking a seat at your computer to write your resume, you’re going to have to decide what to include. Here are some basics that tend to go over well with most employers:

• Summary
• Objective
• Training
• Work history
• References

You don’t necessarily have to include all of these to create the best resume for your unique skill sets and the position that you want, but all of these can be worthwhile in the right context. 

The last key strategy for finding the perfect job for you in New Mexico is to use some “power words” in your resume. You can find lots of information on effective verbs to use in your written materials and in your interview through online databases, but across the board these words tend to reflect leadership and managerial skills (think words like management, development, and knowledge). Incorporate these words, but just remember, you don’t need too many- resumes between 600 and 700 words in length usually are rated highest by employers.

If you need help finding a job in New Mexico, remember that Goodwill is more than just a thrift store. You can find resources there that will boost your appeal to employers in all sorts of fields. Get in touch with a local Goodwill representative for more advice in your job hunt. Now get out there and get your dream job, tiger!

About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

If you’re looking to donate your treasures to a local nonprofit, you’ve got a lot of choices. There are a wealth of nonprofits that operate thrift stores throughout the nation and across New Mexico that are happy to accept the resources that you no longer need- but how do you determine which nonprofit is the right choice for you to donate to? You can arrive at that answer by asking a nonprofit some simple questions.  One reason Goodwill has been so successful is transparency and a strong commitment to giving back to the communities in New Mexico. Whether you choose to donate your goods to a Goodwill store near you or another local thrift store or charity, make sure you’re giving to a charity that is meaningful to YOU by asking these essential questions.

1.  What is the nonprofit’s mission?
As a donor, you want a clear picture of what you are supporting, so ask about the nonprofit’s mission and work. Most of the time, the representative will give you a clear picture of the organization’s background, mission statement, growth, and achievements as well as how your donation helps to further these goals. Being able to imagine your impact is powerful!

2.  What outcomes result from their work?
How does the nonprofit measure what they do in the community? It is important that your charity of choice be able to describe the impact their work is having on related issues in New Mexico. What changes resulted from their work? We bet they’ll be excited to talk about their work and what it means.

3.  How much of the donation actually makes it to the intended recipients?
Supporting a newly established nonprofit can mean higher administrative costs (whether or not your donation is monetary), while an established charity might be able to deliver a higher percentage of the donated material to populations that the organization was established to support. Neither is right or wrong- it is all about what makes you feel good and comfortable!

No matter which organization you choose to give to, you should feel great about your decision to donate! Thinking of donating to Goodwill? Get all the details here!


About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico is in the business of helping individuals gain the skills they need to find fulfilling work. So, once you've tailored your resume and found your dream job, what next? If you're a good fit for the position, you might receive an interview!

The interview process can be stressful for those who don't know what to expect, but feeling confident is essential to leaving a good impression. Lucky for you, Goodwill not only has the insights and resources to help you, but also the thrift stores where you can find to wear on the day of your interview! Follow these tips for professional dress on your big day, and you're sure to feel great during the interview process, and move one step closer to your professional goals.

First Impressions
Whether you like it or not, your appearance is the first thing people notice about you. In fact, research suggests that others start to form opinions based on the way you look within 30 seconds of first meeting you. That's not a lot of time! Make sure hiring managers are able to visualize you in the role you are applying for by dressing the part at your interview. Visit one of our  Goodwill store locations and find an outfit that is appropriate, professional, and most importantly, comfortable. If you're uncomfortable in your outfit, your body language and confidence will suffer, which also impacts the impression you leave with your potential employer. The same goes for shoes. Find something work appropriate that you can easily walk in. Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune! Just stick with something conservative and professional. And to save even more, shop at a Goodwill store on a Monday for 25% off your entire purchase!

Keep It Simple
In addition to comfort and simple styling, make sure your power outfit is clean and ready to go the morning of your interview. Pay special attention to the accessories you are pairing with it. Keep jewelry minimal and simple- nothing too flashy, distracting, or large. The idea is to communicate that you will be a good fit within the company's culture, so researching the environment you may be working in is a good idea to help you select the right accessories. Keep fragrances to a minimum, too. Lots of people suffer from allergies to perfumes, and that is certainly not how you want to be remembered!

 Grooming
Pay as much attention to your general grooming as you do to the outfit you select. Make sure your hair and nails are smooth and polished, and of course, enter and leave your interview with a big smile! Goodwill has developed a number of programs to help our New Mexicans secure a better future through employment. Take advantage of the resources available to you through Goodwill and you'll secure an interview in no time!

About The Author

Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

To Donate: To give money or goods for a good cause, (for example to a charity). 

Donating your old stuff is an easy way to get that feel-good vibe that inevitably comes with helping those less fortunate than you are. But have you really ever given thought to which charity to choose?

Some folks just choose those tried and true nonprofit groups that are well known nationally for helping their causes. Others choose smaller, local groups because the cause is near and dear to their hearts. And yet others simply choose whichever charity group is most convenient, on their way to work or offer some sort of incentive like a coupon. No matter which you choose, you’re helping the community, right?  Well if I told you “yes,” my nose would grow like Pinocchio because the answer is a firm “no.”  If you’re not careful, your perfectly well-intentioned donation might be going to an organization that’s actually a for-profit corporation.

 To make sure to avoid this, always ask a business/organization the following five questions:

1. Is your organization for-profit or nonprofit?
   
2. If you partner with a for-profit, how much are you paid by that organization in exchange for the donated items you collect?
   
3. What happens to my donations once I put them in a bin or drop them off to your location? 
   
4. How will my donation to your organization help my local community?
5. How much of each dollar that you spend goes towards your programs and services?

A quick Google search, and I mean quick because I have the attention span of squirrel that’s had an energy drink, will pop up a few informative sites. They talk about how much a legitimate nonprofit spends on their programs and services. If 66% or 66 cents of every dollar they earn is spent on their programs and services, then they’re legit and a worthy nonprofit. But if it’s lower than that, they may not be.

There are also sites out there that rate nonprofits for their ability to provide for the community they serve. Those are charitywatch.org, charitynavigator.org and give.org just to name a few.

Now the final question to ask yourself: Who will you pick now that you’re armed with the knowledge to weed out the not-so-nonprofit groups?

About The Author
Melissa is a thrifty shopper who knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has been the community relations coordinator with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico since 2013 and takes pride working for an organization that’s part of the community. Melissa knows how to organize, DIY and weed through all the info and ideas the web has to offer.