Need inspiration? Follow us on our new project: Liberty and Justice for ALL…

Liberty and Justice for All…Stories of African-American Military Heroes of Middlesex County is the working title of a series of booklets and exhibition materials being created and gathered to document the experiences of our courageous Middlesex County New Jersey African-American Veterans from WWII to present day combat theaters.

The Chenault Group, Inc. has partnered with the NAACP Metuchen Edison Area branch to undertake this project of immense opportunity for learning and sharing the history of struggle, survival and perseverance.

The first phase of the project covers time periods surrounding WWII (1939 - 1945), and the Korean War (early 50’s).  Our goal is to interview and photograph Middlesex County African American veterans from different branches of the military in order to create engaging, detailed written, visual and audio accounts of each Veteran’s experience.  We hope to illuminate the African-American perspective to the call to defend America on foreign soil; the conflict between patriotism and racism; and the residual effect of war on personal lives, family and local community as they transitioned from military to civilian life.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  To make this an outstanding presentation befitting of the sacrifices made by our Veterans, we are in need of:

• Interview subjects: WWII and Korean War Veterans
•  Personal photos of family, social events taken in and around Middlesex County from 1939 -1945 and early 50’s that include Veterans (preferably in uniform)
• War-time related memorabilia (newspaper & magazine articles, obituaries, posters, post cards, etc.) and unique artifacts
• Uniforms and other articles of clothing, medals, awards, certificates

 DON’T LET OUR HISTORY VANISH! Help us take this rare and unique opportunity to preserve history and increase awareness of the contributions of our soldiers.

For further information, contact Monica Kilgore directly at monica.kilgore@thechenaultgroup.com or (732) 261-8279.

How do I build a resume that beats out the competition?

Your Resume: Illustrating Professional Growth and Achievement

Most companies are in business to make a profit through either providing better service than their competitors or making wise and calculated investment decisions. Therefore, businesses are only interested in having employees who can help them achieve these goals.

Your resume must show them that you can give them what they want.  Why else should they hire you?

A resume takes you only the first few steps toward that new job.  A poor resume can stop you dead in your tracks. It is a powerful marketing tool that introduces your skills and accomplishments to a potential employer.  It has to clearly, distinctly and single-handedly convey your strengths in order to survive the competition.  It is your road map to and through the interview and hiring process.

Your resume must speak loudly and clearly of your value as a potential employee. Resumes that are acted upon are those that demonstrate how well you can perform - one that focuses on your successes.

Businesses work by success. In other words, what have you successfully accomplished?  How did you contribute?  From entry-level to CEO, how did you impact the bottom-line?  Did you handle an overwhelming number of incoming calls, efficiently and effectively?  Did you master a computer application?  Did you turn around a troublesome department or division?

Your accomplishments differentiate you. Your accomplishments sell your potential.  Focusing on them tells the reader that you are results oriented, accomplished and a significant contributor.

Surviving the 7 Second Cut…
To survive the 7-second cut, your resume must grab the reader’s attention and tell them exactly how you can help the organization meet its bottom line.

BEFORE WRITING YOUR RESUME, ASK YOURSELF…
Hiring Managers are looking for individuals who can not only fulfill the functions of the position, but also resolve the day-to-day issues and challenges of the job to the best interest of the organization and their internal and external customers.

Before writing your resume put yourself in your potential employer’s shoes by asking yourself the following questions.  Write out your answers.  Provide detailed examples that reflect:

1. The problem(s);
2. Challenges to resolving the problem;
3. Steps taken to resolve the problem;
4. Quantifiable results

Can you provide complete and detailed examples of the different kinds of problems (i.e. people related, equipment/system related, organization related) that you solved on the job?

Can you provide complete and detailed example (problem, steps to resolve and results) of your most problematic project?

How did you turn-around a problematic project(s)?

How did the company benefit from your performance?

How did you do the job or resolve problem(s) differently and better than the person before you?

Did you introduce a new program or system?  If yes, what purpose did it serve and what were the results?

Did you save or earn money for the company?  If yes, how much? (Your answers can be in $$$ or %)

What were you most proud of at your former job?

What would your supervisors and co-workers say they would miss most about you when you leave? ( Rephrased:  What expertise do you possess that you could yourself a subject matter expert or what do you do differently than your co-workers or what do you individually contribute to a team effort?)

Have you led or work as part of a team?  (Example(s) should include how you managed that team so they worked cohesively and completed the project or how you worked as a team member)

Did you make any suggestions that streamlined a process or increased efficiency, profits, productivity, etc? (Include who and how you made this suggestion/s)

Did you sell a new concept, idea or procedure that was implemented?

Your ability to answer the above questions will help you create an accomplishment driven resume, as well as, formulate clear, concise answers during an interview.