Many employers require a Job Application Form to be completed prior to hiring their employees because it fills in certain gaps that the resume does not provide. In order for you to complete this form accurately and efficiently, you need to be prepared.
The Job Application Form differs from your resume in that it requires you to include much more detailed information about certain things, such as your former employer's address and telephone number. Your resume does not provide this and employers will want this information if they want to contact your former employer(s) and/or if they do a background check.
Be prepared when you go to your next interview.
On a separate sheet of paper, list all of the specifics about each of your former employers, the schools you attended and other important details that your resume omits.
Most forms are easy to fill out, but they are time consuming and tedious. You will be asked to complete anywhere from 2-6 pages of information about your current situation as well as your history. Don't be intimated by it, just fill each section out as completely and accurately as possible.
One of the reasons these forms are used is that the Human Resources department needs a variety of information to complete all of the necessary forms for insurance purposes, social security records, payroll data and so on. To make it easy on them, write as neatly as possible on the form and follow the instructions carefully.
Sometimes you will come across a section that does not apply to you, such as military service or volunteer work. If that is the case, write "Not Applicable" or "N/A" in the blank(s) provided. That way, it will be obvious that you didn’t skip over the section.
Whether you are asked to complete the employment application form before you are offered a job or afterward, be sure that the information you include on the form is directed specifically toward (tailored) to the position you are seeking. Just as the resume is aimed at a certain position, so too the application form should be similarly targeted to a specific job.
In addition to the form or forms you are required to complete, you may be requested to provide other items as well. Take your social security card, driver's license, a list of personal and professional references, extra copies of your resume and copies of any certifications or licenses that you have with you. Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.
Completing the forms that a prospective employer requires does not have to be difficult. Just spend a little time preparing for the situation prior to your arrival.
For more information about the Job Search, check out these sources:
Research the Company
What you need to know about the hiring manager
Job Interview Questions
The Employee Selection Process
Selasa, 31 Oktober 2006
Senin, 30 Oktober 2006
The Selection Process
When you are looking for a job, it helps to know what is likely to happen so that you can be prepared. For this reason, a peek at the selection process from the employer's point of view is detailed below. More than anything else, you need to meet or exceed the prospective employer's expectations in order to proceed through the selection process.
The initial stage in the selection process is the resume review. Most often, this is done by an individual who is simply looking for errors or unqualified candidates. The goal is to weed out the good from the bad in order to decrease the number of potential candidates. Why? Because interviewing people has costs. The fewer candidates that are interviewed, the lower the costs. Everyone has a budget and even HR has to stay within their limits.
Once the pile of resumes is decreased substantially, the remaining resumes are given a more thorough read. Those which make a favorable impression are kept while the others are not.
Some companies use a telephone interview at this point and others do not. For those organizations which do, another screening is done with basic questions about professional history and qualifications.
Next comes the personal interview. A company may select up to ten candidates to come in for an interview. The job candidate may meet with one person or a half dozen. It depends upon the position being filled. A consensus of the interviewers is then taken and and the best candidate is offered the job. In the case where the interviewers are not in agreement, another round of interviews may be done for the final candidates.
This is the basic selection process for most jobs. For more information, please refer to this article:
The Employee Selection Process
The initial stage in the selection process is the resume review. Most often, this is done by an individual who is simply looking for errors or unqualified candidates. The goal is to weed out the good from the bad in order to decrease the number of potential candidates. Why? Because interviewing people has costs. The fewer candidates that are interviewed, the lower the costs. Everyone has a budget and even HR has to stay within their limits.
Once the pile of resumes is decreased substantially, the remaining resumes are given a more thorough read. Those which make a favorable impression are kept while the others are not.
Some companies use a telephone interview at this point and others do not. For those organizations which do, another screening is done with basic questions about professional history and qualifications.
Next comes the personal interview. A company may select up to ten candidates to come in for an interview. The job candidate may meet with one person or a half dozen. It depends upon the position being filled. A consensus of the interviewers is then taken and and the best candidate is offered the job. In the case where the interviewers are not in agreement, another round of interviews may be done for the final candidates.
This is the basic selection process for most jobs. For more information, please refer to this article:
The Employee Selection Process
Sabtu, 28 Oktober 2006
Intangible Benefits of Writing a Resume
Writing a resume is not something to which most people look forward. It is time-consuming and seems to benefit employers more than the people who actually write them. Think about this, though: There is a great deal of itangible benefits to writing a resume FOR YOU.
If you take the time necessary to evaluate your resume and target it to a prospective employer, you also have an opportunity to explore your career plan at the same time. Sure, you want a job. You want a good job. What most people fail to do in the job search process is to get specific about what they want out of a job and whether or not it will lead them to their career goals.
Oh, wait! I just thought of something. Is it possible that most people don't HAVE career goals. I'll get back to this in a little bit.
Do you remember when you were a child and you were asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" When I was in 3rd grade, I wanted to be a baseball player. That's a great goal, especially for a boy, but I don't happen to be a boy. Later in life, when I was in high school, I decided I wanted to be an accountant. I took two years of accounting while still in high school (even had to eliminate my lunch time to cram all of the classes in that I wanted) and looked forward to crunching numbers for the rest of my life. That lasted until my first cost accounting class in college. Ick. This is not what I want to be when I grow up.
I found my career path in Human Resources - in helping others find jobs. Now, everything I do is focused on helping others find meaningful employment. I no longer work in Human Resources, but I provide essential information to people who need assistance with resumes, cover letters, the job search process and career planning.
Back to career goals... most people just find jobs. They don't focus on career goals. Taking the time to decide what you want to be when you grow up is essential if you want to achieve any level of success. Where are you going? Are you headed in a positive direction or are you simply working to pay the bills? Sometimes we all have to take jobs that pay the bills. I'm not saying that it's inherently a bad thing. What's important is that the thrust of your career movement must be forward. By forward, I mean toward a goal.
One of the greatest benefits of writing a resume is the reflection it causes into an individual's past. How does your past employment lead you to your future goals? If you want to work as a bank manager, you have to outline the steps you need to take in order to achieve that goal. Don't answer a job posting for a production supervisor job or a teacher's assistant. They may pay the bills, but they don't direct you to your career goals.
Take a look at your resume. What does it say about your career focus? Do you show a logical progression to a career goal?
While writing a resume is mostly to benefit a prospective employer (in determining if you are qualified for a job), it can also provide you with some huge benefits in defining your career path.
Take some time to think through your future goals - then go after them with everything you have within you.
Best wishes for a happy life.
To read more about career planning, click on this link: My Career Planning
If you take the time necessary to evaluate your resume and target it to a prospective employer, you also have an opportunity to explore your career plan at the same time. Sure, you want a job. You want a good job. What most people fail to do in the job search process is to get specific about what they want out of a job and whether or not it will lead them to their career goals.
Oh, wait! I just thought of something. Is it possible that most people don't HAVE career goals. I'll get back to this in a little bit.
Do you remember when you were a child and you were asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" When I was in 3rd grade, I wanted to be a baseball player. That's a great goal, especially for a boy, but I don't happen to be a boy. Later in life, when I was in high school, I decided I wanted to be an accountant. I took two years of accounting while still in high school (even had to eliminate my lunch time to cram all of the classes in that I wanted) and looked forward to crunching numbers for the rest of my life. That lasted until my first cost accounting class in college. Ick. This is not what I want to be when I grow up.
I found my career path in Human Resources - in helping others find jobs. Now, everything I do is focused on helping others find meaningful employment. I no longer work in Human Resources, but I provide essential information to people who need assistance with resumes, cover letters, the job search process and career planning.
Back to career goals... most people just find jobs. They don't focus on career goals. Taking the time to decide what you want to be when you grow up is essential if you want to achieve any level of success. Where are you going? Are you headed in a positive direction or are you simply working to pay the bills? Sometimes we all have to take jobs that pay the bills. I'm not saying that it's inherently a bad thing. What's important is that the thrust of your career movement must be forward. By forward, I mean toward a goal.
One of the greatest benefits of writing a resume is the reflection it causes into an individual's past. How does your past employment lead you to your future goals? If you want to work as a bank manager, you have to outline the steps you need to take in order to achieve that goal. Don't answer a job posting for a production supervisor job or a teacher's assistant. They may pay the bills, but they don't direct you to your career goals.
Take a look at your resume. What does it say about your career focus? Do you show a logical progression to a career goal?
While writing a resume is mostly to benefit a prospective employer (in determining if you are qualified for a job), it can also provide you with some huge benefits in defining your career path.
Take some time to think through your future goals - then go after them with everything you have within you.
Best wishes for a happy life.
To read more about career planning, click on this link: My Career Planning
Jumat, 20 Oktober 2006
A Resume Tip
When you begin the resume writing process, take some time to do some self-assessment first. Don’t sit down at a computer and expect to type in a few choice words and a few dates with the hope that it will all come out beautifully.
To create a professional resume, you need to sit down and think about your qualifications. What kind of job are you after and how can you write a resume that reflects your past experience in a way that employers will take seriously.
Your resume must be well-written – and I don’t just mean proofread, either. It must be carefully targeted to the position you are seeking.
When you take the time in advance to consider your work experience and education – then write your resume – you will be much more likely to win favor with a prospective employer.
If you are going to apply for a position, make it count. Consider all of your past experiences and how they can relate to your future goals. Don’t leave out volunteer work, either.
Self-assessment is vital in the resume-writing process. It will also benefit you during the interview, too.
Follow this link for more important resume tips:
Resume Tips
To create a professional resume, you need to sit down and think about your qualifications. What kind of job are you after and how can you write a resume that reflects your past experience in a way that employers will take seriously.
Your resume must be well-written – and I don’t just mean proofread, either. It must be carefully targeted to the position you are seeking.
When you take the time in advance to consider your work experience and education – then write your resume – you will be much more likely to win favor with a prospective employer.
If you are going to apply for a position, make it count. Consider all of your past experiences and how they can relate to your future goals. Don’t leave out volunteer work, either.
Self-assessment is vital in the resume-writing process. It will also benefit you during the interview, too.
Follow this link for more important resume tips:
Resume Tips
Rabu, 11 Oktober 2006
Selasa, 10 Oktober 2006
Cover Letters for Graphic Designers
Why are cover letters so important? They provide the prospective employer with a brief review of your skills and abilities in the form of a letter. Letters are written much differently than resumes and can have a lasting impact on the reader. The best news is that writing one it isn't that hard.
If you are wondering whether you need a cover letter or not, the answer is "yes".
Employers are expecting a cover letter, but more important than that, you have an extra page to sell yourself if you write one. Even if you are an excellent Graphic Designer, you still need to convince the employer that you are worthy of a job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Among the five design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014; however, job seekers are expected to face keen competition for available positions."
What does that mean? It means there are design positions available, but you are going to have to work hard to get the really great jobs.
One other note of interest: "Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities." That is also according to the BLS.
Graphic Designers, generally speaking, are in a good labor market right now. That's wonderful news, certainly. You should not encounter difficulties in obtaining work.
What about that awesome position with the top salary that you have your eye on, though? Do you think the competition for that position will be greater? You bet it will. That means your credentials will have to be presented in the best light possible if you are to get the job offer.
So, how do you write a great cover letter?
The cover letter builds on the resume and leads the employer toward it. Its goal is to get the employer excited about the resume. It is a sales tool, just like the resume is. Sell yourself in a compelling and exciting way. Inject energy and let your best qualities reach the employer through carefully written examples and anecdotes. Don't just state what you are capable of, show the employer what you have done in the past with vibrant language that attracts and invites the employer to want to know more.
You are a part of a significant sector of the labor market. You have to be your very best to get the great jobs. What skills and abilities do you have that you can offer the employer – and – how can you do so in a way that makes the employer pick up the phone and call you for an interview?
Be personable, but professional at the same time.
Let your cover letter generate interest in your resume, then let your resume grab the employer's attention so that you are invited in for a face to face meeting.
A cover letter isn’t likely to persuade an employer to grant you an interview on its own, but it is part of the whole package that WILL encourage an employer to want to get to know you better. Make it an exciting and enjoyable read and you will find yourself being offered the Graphic Designer position you apply for.
For more information about cover letters, follow any of these links:
'Cover Letter Guideline'
'Cover Letter Checklist'
'The Power of a Good Cover Letter'
'Cover Letter Tips'
'A Great Cover Letter'
'Ten Cover Letter Tips'
If you are wondering whether you need a cover letter or not, the answer is "yes".
Employers are expecting a cover letter, but more important than that, you have an extra page to sell yourself if you write one. Even if you are an excellent Graphic Designer, you still need to convince the employer that you are worthy of a job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Among the five design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014; however, job seekers are expected to face keen competition for available positions."
What does that mean? It means there are design positions available, but you are going to have to work hard to get the really great jobs.
One other note of interest: "Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities." That is also according to the BLS.
Graphic Designers, generally speaking, are in a good labor market right now. That's wonderful news, certainly. You should not encounter difficulties in obtaining work.
What about that awesome position with the top salary that you have your eye on, though? Do you think the competition for that position will be greater? You bet it will. That means your credentials will have to be presented in the best light possible if you are to get the job offer.
So, how do you write a great cover letter?
The cover letter builds on the resume and leads the employer toward it. Its goal is to get the employer excited about the resume. It is a sales tool, just like the resume is. Sell yourself in a compelling and exciting way. Inject energy and let your best qualities reach the employer through carefully written examples and anecdotes. Don't just state what you are capable of, show the employer what you have done in the past with vibrant language that attracts and invites the employer to want to know more.
You are a part of a significant sector of the labor market. You have to be your very best to get the great jobs. What skills and abilities do you have that you can offer the employer – and – how can you do so in a way that makes the employer pick up the phone and call you for an interview?
Be personable, but professional at the same time.
Let your cover letter generate interest in your resume, then let your resume grab the employer's attention so that you are invited in for a face to face meeting.
A cover letter isn’t likely to persuade an employer to grant you an interview on its own, but it is part of the whole package that WILL encourage an employer to want to get to know you better. Make it an exciting and enjoyable read and you will find yourself being offered the Graphic Designer position you apply for.
For more information about cover letters, follow any of these links:
Jumat, 06 Oktober 2006
My First Resume
When I wrote my first resume, I had very little understanding of just how powerful a tool it could be. Of course, at that time, my work experience consisted of fast food restaurants and pizza joints.
Twenty-something years later and extensive experience in the business world, I now realize that a resume can make or break a career.
If you need help writing your resume, take a look at:
Professional Resumes
The information is free and is extremely valuable.
Best of luck.
Twenty-something years later and extensive experience in the business world, I now realize that a resume can make or break a career.
If you need help writing your resume, take a look at:
Professional Resumes
The information is free and is extremely valuable.
Best of luck.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)
