Changing Careers?
Are you considering changing careers?
There are times when you reach a plateau and need to change your career path if you are to achieve your dreams. For some people, a change is brought about when a family is started.
Regardless of the reasons involved, make sure the change is well-thought out. Taking your work-life in a new direction has its own pros and cons. Be sure you know what all is involved.
If it's truly time to switch career tracks, the ideas below offer some excellent advice for updating your resume to reflect the new direction your career will be taking.
As you know, your resume has to be outstanding. When changing careers, your skills and achievements may not perfectly fit into your new position, so you have to pay especially close attention to the format you use and the words you choose to define yourself.
First, select a resume format that best highlights your skills, accomplishments and abilities. Most likely, this will be a functional format. The reason is that it is far better for career-changers. Why? You have the ability to place more emphasis on the work you have done and the accomplishments you have achieved rather than on the employers, education and dates the work was done.
It does make a difference. Be sure to list your achievements near the top of the page. Let the hiring manager see what you have to offer instead of what your job title was or where you worked. List your skills below that. There are many places where you can see what a Functional Resume Format looks like, including the site listed below.
While important on some level, who you worked for is not of as much value (unless is it a major corporation) for the simple reason that you are changing from that field or industry to another one. What you did while you were an employee there is only valuable if it relates to the new position you are seeking. Why?
Let's say you for Safe Pest Control as a graphics designer for their product labels and now you want to re-focus your career in a new direction. Now, you want to be a graphic artist for a craft magazine. While the two involve artistic abilities, many of the tasks and responsibilities will not be the same.
Placing those skills and aptitudes where the prospective employer can see them first, is vital, especially when you remember that your resume gets scanned, not read. You have to grab the reader's attention right away or you won't grab it at all.
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
Sabtu, 28 April 2007
Kamis, 26 April 2007
The Best Resume WINS
In today's competitive job market, a well-written resume is the single most important factor in getting your foot in the door and on your way to landing the perfect position.
How does your resume look? Is it well-written? Is it concise and focused?
You can have a professional resume. Resume BUILDER and PUBLISHER gives you the tools to create, print, e-mail and fax your resume, quickly and easily, all in one convenient location - online!
Pongo Resume - Create. Publish. The best resume wins.
Get expert guidance on writing your resume: industry and occupation-specific advice and recommendations for your personal career situation, at no extra cost. This is a great opportunity to fine-tune your resume - or create one from scratch, if necessary.
Pongo Software delivers awesome web based career advancement tools for job seekers all over the world. They deliver the technology behind the most advanced resume writing, cover letter and activity tracking software used by job seekers.
Pongo Resume - Great resumes lead to great jobs. Free trial.
Just remember: The Best Resume Wins!
How does your resume look? Is it well-written? Is it concise and focused?
You can have a professional resume. Resume BUILDER and PUBLISHER gives you the tools to create, print, e-mail and fax your resume, quickly and easily, all in one convenient location - online!
Pongo Resume - Create. Publish. The best resume wins.
Get expert guidance on writing your resume: industry and occupation-specific advice and recommendations for your personal career situation, at no extra cost. This is a great opportunity to fine-tune your resume - or create one from scratch, if necessary.
Pongo Software delivers awesome web based career advancement tools for job seekers all over the world. They deliver the technology behind the most advanced resume writing, cover letter and activity tracking software used by job seekers.
Pongo Resume - Great resumes lead to great jobs. Free trial.
Just remember: The Best Resume Wins!
Senin, 23 April 2007
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Personal contacts - Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking, according to BH Careers International. Therefore, the people you know—friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, and former coworkers—are some of the most effective resources for your job search. The network of people that you know and the people that they know can lead to information about specific job openings that are not publicly posted. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.
School career planning and placement offices - High school and college placement offices help their students and alumni find jobs. They allow recruiters to use their facilities for interviews or career fairs. Placement offices usually have a list of part-time, temporary, and summer jobs offered on campus. They also may have lists of jobs for regional, nonprofit, and government organizations. In addition to linking you to potential employers, career planning offices usually provide career counseling, career testing, and job search advice. Some have career resource libraries; host workshops on job search strategy, résumé writing, letter writing, and effective interviewing; critique drafts of résumés; conduct mock interviews; and sponsor job fairs.
Employers - Through your library and Internet research, develop a list of potential employers in your desired career field. Employer Web sites often contain lists of job openings. Web sites and business directories can provide you with information on how to apply for a position or whom to contact. Even if no open positions are posted, do not hesitate to contact the employer and the relevant department. Set up an interview with someone working in the same area in which you wish to work. Ask them how they got started, what they like and dislike about the work, what type of qualifications are necessary for the job, and what type of personality succeeds in that position. Even if they don’t have a position available, they may be able to put you in contact with other people who might hire you, and they can keep you in mind if a position opens up. Make sure to send them your résumé and a cover letter. If you are able to obtain an interview, be sure to send a thank-you note. Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting.
Classified ads - The "Help Wanted" ads in newspapers list numerous jobs. You should realize, however, that many other job openings are not listed, and that the classified ads sometimes do not give all of the important information. They may offer little or no description of the job, working conditions, or pay. Some ads do not identify the employer. They may simply give a post office box to which you can mail your résumé, making follow-up inquiries very difficult. Some ads offer out-of-town jobs; others advertise employment agencies rather than actual employment opportunities.
Internet networks and resources - The Internet is an invaluable resource. Use it to find advice on conducting your job search more effectively; to search for a job; to research prospective employers; and to communicate with people who can help you with your job search. No single Web site will contain all the information available on employment or career opportunities, so in addition to the Web sites listed below, use a search engine to find what you need. The different types of sites that may be useful include general career advice sites, job search sites, company Web sites, trade and professional association Web sites, and forums. Internet forums, also called message boards, are online discussion groups where anyone may post and read messages. Use forums specific to your profession or to career-related topics to post questions or messages and to read about other peoples’ job searches or career experiences.
State employment service offices - The State employment service, sometimes called the Job Service, operates in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Local offices, found nationwide, help job seekers to find jobs and help employers to find qualified workers at no cost to either. To find the office nearest you, look in the State government telephone listings under "Job Service" or "Employment."
Federal Government - Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through USAJOBS, the Federal Government’s official employment information system. This resource for locating and applying for job opportunities can be accessed through the Internet at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov or through an interactive voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978) 461-8404. These numbers are not tollfree, and charges may result.
Private employment agencies and career consultants - These agencies can be helpful, but they may charge you for their services. Most operate on a commission basis, with the fee dependent upon a percentage of the salary paid to a successful applicant. You or the hiring company will pay the fee. Find out the exact cost and who is responsible for paying associated fees before using the service.
Although employment agencies can help you save time and contact employers who otherwise might be difficult to locate, the costs may outweigh the benefits if you are responsible for the fee. Contacting employers directly often will generate the same type of leads that a private employment agency will provide. Consider any guarantees that the agency offers when determining if the service is worth the cost.
Community agencies - Many nonprofit organizations, including religious institutions and vocational rehabilitation agencies, offer counseling, career development, and job placement services, generally targeted to a particular group, such as women, youths, minorities, ex-offenders, or older workers.
This information was obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information, follow this link: BLS
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
Personal contacts - Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking, according to BH Careers International. Therefore, the people you know—friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, and former coworkers—are some of the most effective resources for your job search. The network of people that you know and the people that they know can lead to information about specific job openings that are not publicly posted. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.
School career planning and placement offices - High school and college placement offices help their students and alumni find jobs. They allow recruiters to use their facilities for interviews or career fairs. Placement offices usually have a list of part-time, temporary, and summer jobs offered on campus. They also may have lists of jobs for regional, nonprofit, and government organizations. In addition to linking you to potential employers, career planning offices usually provide career counseling, career testing, and job search advice. Some have career resource libraries; host workshops on job search strategy, résumé writing, letter writing, and effective interviewing; critique drafts of résumés; conduct mock interviews; and sponsor job fairs.
Employers - Through your library and Internet research, develop a list of potential employers in your desired career field. Employer Web sites often contain lists of job openings. Web sites and business directories can provide you with information on how to apply for a position or whom to contact. Even if no open positions are posted, do not hesitate to contact the employer and the relevant department. Set up an interview with someone working in the same area in which you wish to work. Ask them how they got started, what they like and dislike about the work, what type of qualifications are necessary for the job, and what type of personality succeeds in that position. Even if they don’t have a position available, they may be able to put you in contact with other people who might hire you, and they can keep you in mind if a position opens up. Make sure to send them your résumé and a cover letter. If you are able to obtain an interview, be sure to send a thank-you note. Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting.
Classified ads - The "Help Wanted" ads in newspapers list numerous jobs. You should realize, however, that many other job openings are not listed, and that the classified ads sometimes do not give all of the important information. They may offer little or no description of the job, working conditions, or pay. Some ads do not identify the employer. They may simply give a post office box to which you can mail your résumé, making follow-up inquiries very difficult. Some ads offer out-of-town jobs; others advertise employment agencies rather than actual employment opportunities.
Internet networks and resources - The Internet is an invaluable resource. Use it to find advice on conducting your job search more effectively; to search for a job; to research prospective employers; and to communicate with people who can help you with your job search. No single Web site will contain all the information available on employment or career opportunities, so in addition to the Web sites listed below, use a search engine to find what you need. The different types of sites that may be useful include general career advice sites, job search sites, company Web sites, trade and professional association Web sites, and forums. Internet forums, also called message boards, are online discussion groups where anyone may post and read messages. Use forums specific to your profession or to career-related topics to post questions or messages and to read about other peoples’ job searches or career experiences.
State employment service offices - The State employment service, sometimes called the Job Service, operates in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Local offices, found nationwide, help job seekers to find jobs and help employers to find qualified workers at no cost to either. To find the office nearest you, look in the State government telephone listings under "Job Service" or "Employment."
Federal Government - Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through USAJOBS, the Federal Government’s official employment information system. This resource for locating and applying for job opportunities can be accessed through the Internet at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov or through an interactive voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978) 461-8404. These numbers are not tollfree, and charges may result.
Private employment agencies and career consultants - These agencies can be helpful, but they may charge you for their services. Most operate on a commission basis, with the fee dependent upon a percentage of the salary paid to a successful applicant. You or the hiring company will pay the fee. Find out the exact cost and who is responsible for paying associated fees before using the service.
Although employment agencies can help you save time and contact employers who otherwise might be difficult to locate, the costs may outweigh the benefits if you are responsible for the fee. Contacting employers directly often will generate the same type of leads that a private employment agency will provide. Consider any guarantees that the agency offers when determining if the service is worth the cost.
Community agencies - Many nonprofit organizations, including religious institutions and vocational rehabilitation agencies, offer counseling, career development, and job placement services, generally targeted to a particular group, such as women, youths, minorities, ex-offenders, or older workers.
This information was obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information, follow this link: BLS
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
Sabtu, 21 April 2007
Do You Want to Get the Right Job?
Do You Want to Get the Right Job?
Your resume and cover letter can be very helpful in getting the right job, but how do you go about finding that perfect job in the first place?
There are many situations where people are headed down one career path and find themselves given another opportunity altogether that is even better than the one they initially chose. Other times, someone may interview for one position, but the hiring manager thinks your skills and accomplishments fit better with a different position.
Don't rule out a job or a career path just because it was not what you were initially considering.
Many people start off in one career and decide later in life to pursue another career or even their hobby. The experience almost always is more enjoyable and more profitable. Whether you create the opportunity yourself, it falls into your lap or are given direction by someone else, you should always be open to the possibilities around you. Your dream career might not be what you anticipated when you start your job search. It might be something you haven't considered at all.
One thing that can really help in this situation is understanding your expectations for a job/career. What is it that you want from your job? What is the minimum salary that you will accept for a position? How much flexibility do you need to care for your family? Are you more inclined to work by yourself or as part of a team?
In order to understand and appreciate what will make you happy, you need to spend some time analyzing your needs, desires and expectations. Unless you truly grasp what truly matters in your life, you will likely find yourself switching jobs somewhat frequently.
To read more about Careers and Jobs, go to: Career Planning
Your resume and cover letter can be very helpful in getting the right job, but how do you go about finding that perfect job in the first place?
There are many situations where people are headed down one career path and find themselves given another opportunity altogether that is even better than the one they initially chose. Other times, someone may interview for one position, but the hiring manager thinks your skills and accomplishments fit better with a different position.
Don't rule out a job or a career path just because it was not what you were initially considering.
Many people start off in one career and decide later in life to pursue another career or even their hobby. The experience almost always is more enjoyable and more profitable. Whether you create the opportunity yourself, it falls into your lap or are given direction by someone else, you should always be open to the possibilities around you. Your dream career might not be what you anticipated when you start your job search. It might be something you haven't considered at all.
One thing that can really help in this situation is understanding your expectations for a job/career. What is it that you want from your job? What is the minimum salary that you will accept for a position? How much flexibility do you need to care for your family? Are you more inclined to work by yourself or as part of a team?
In order to understand and appreciate what will make you happy, you need to spend some time analyzing your needs, desires and expectations. Unless you truly grasp what truly matters in your life, you will likely find yourself switching jobs somewhat frequently.
To read more about Careers and Jobs, go to: Career Planning
Kamis, 19 April 2007
Using a Resume Outline
The Resume Outline identifies the major headings of the resume and what information is contained within each one. Make sure you are comfortable with each of the following sections since you will be creating your own personal professional history with them in mind.
Heading/Contact Information
Objective
Education
Work Experience
Honors/Activities/Achievements/Publications
Other
Do you know what kind of information is contained in each section?
Click here for a description of each section: Resume Outline
This resume outline should provide you with a basic understanding of the sections of a resume. While different formats use these sections in a variety of ways, the information is used in each resume.
If you need more information than this resume outline offers, peruse the site listed above. The formats tab and the examples tab both provide a great deal of information.
Best of Luck
Professional-Resume-Example.com
Heading/Contact Information
Objective
Education
Work Experience
Honors/Activities/Achievements/Publications
Other
Do you know what kind of information is contained in each section?
Click here for a description of each section: Resume Outline
This resume outline should provide you with a basic understanding of the sections of a resume. While different formats use these sections in a variety of ways, the information is used in each resume.
If you need more information than this resume outline offers, peruse the site listed above. The formats tab and the examples tab both provide a great deal of information.
Best of Luck
Professional-Resume-Example.com
Rabu, 18 April 2007
What do You Want in a Job?
What do You Want in a Job?
Your resume and cover letter can be very helpful in getting the right job, but how do you go about finding that perfect job in the first place?
There are many situations where people are headed down one career path and find themselves given another opportunity altogether that is even better than the one they initially chose. Other times, someone may interview for one position, but the hiring manager thinks your skills and accomplishments fit better with a different position.
Don't rule out a job or a career path just because it was not what you were initially considering. You never know what might just be your new favorite thing.
Many people start off in one career and decide later in life to pursue another career or even their hobby. The experience almost always is more enjoyable and more profitable. Whether you create the opportunity yourself, it falls into your lap or are given direction by someone else, you should always be open to the possibilities around you. Your dream career might not be what you anticipated when you start your job search. It might be something you haven't considered at all.
One thing that can really help in this situation is understanding your expectations for a job/career. What is it that you want from your job? What is the minimum salary that you will accept for a position? How much flexibility do you need to care for your family? Are you more inclined to work by yourself or as part of a team?
In order to understand and appreciate what will make you happy, you need to spend some time analyzing your needs, desires and expectations. Unless you truly grasp what truly matters in your life, you will likely find yourself switching jobs somewhat frequently.
To read more about Careers and Jobs, go to: Career Planning
Your resume and cover letter can be very helpful in getting the right job, but how do you go about finding that perfect job in the first place?
There are many situations where people are headed down one career path and find themselves given another opportunity altogether that is even better than the one they initially chose. Other times, someone may interview for one position, but the hiring manager thinks your skills and accomplishments fit better with a different position.
Don't rule out a job or a career path just because it was not what you were initially considering. You never know what might just be your new favorite thing.
Many people start off in one career and decide later in life to pursue another career or even their hobby. The experience almost always is more enjoyable and more profitable. Whether you create the opportunity yourself, it falls into your lap or are given direction by someone else, you should always be open to the possibilities around you. Your dream career might not be what you anticipated when you start your job search. It might be something you haven't considered at all.
One thing that can really help in this situation is understanding your expectations for a job/career. What is it that you want from your job? What is the minimum salary that you will accept for a position? How much flexibility do you need to care for your family? Are you more inclined to work by yourself or as part of a team?
In order to understand and appreciate what will make you happy, you need to spend some time analyzing your needs, desires and expectations. Unless you truly grasp what truly matters in your life, you will likely find yourself switching jobs somewhat frequently.
To read more about Careers and Jobs, go to: Career Planning
Senin, 16 April 2007
What You Should NEVER Include in Your Professional Resume
By Tracey Drake
There is one golden rule in resume writing- never include information such as hobbies, race, marital status and political information on a resume. In the 1960s it used to be very popular to include a lot of personal information on your resume. That was an era when the employer wanted to know a lot about your personal life because they would use that information in the decision making process. That was also an era when there were not as many discrimination laws and employers were able to hire and fire on a variety of different reasons. Times have definitely changed and most employers have decided that they don’t need to know that information. Choosing individuals to interview and hire has become a lot more objective and they would prefer that they only know your work history rather than you personal history. Despite all of this, there are still those individuals that decide to include that information either as filler to make their resume longer or because they simply don’t know any better.
You are only setting yourself up for disappointment by including personal information on your resume. The number one item that is included on resumes, that shouldn’t be, is marital status. Potential employees should never know whether or not you are married, single or have children. This suggests that you will be preoccupied with sick children, trips to the doctor, teacher conferences, school events, etc. These things will get your potential employer preoccupied with thoughts of you missing work. Employers should also not know if you are single. This may make them think thoughts like, “Great, we’ll get him or her to work long hours or weekends!” If you are married, they might think that your spouse won’t want you to work late.
Your height and weight should also not be included in your resume. This does not really matter to your position and it is definitely too personal, but people still include this on their resumes. Also, nobody cares whether or not you like to bowl, golf, surf the Internet, take long walks on the beach and play with your puppy. These are just not necessary for a resume and your hobbies are not selling you on the position.
Other aspects that should not be included on your resume include religious and political affiliations. These open you up to personal preferences and prejudices. Potential employers may be very tempted to use this type of information against you.
Another popular feature that was included on resumes “back in the days,” was personal photographs. This is not a portfolio or an actor’s promotion pack. You are not trying to land a part, but a career. Your picture shows people what you look like and this may make them disregard the important information on you resume. This also allows them to make assumptions about you and you shouldn’t give people that opportunity. A picture will also open you up to prejudices and may keep you from getting interviews.
If you have not been in the job market for quite some time, it is time to make your resume comply with today’s guidelines. Too many individuals fail to update their resumes on a regular basis when you should be doing this regardless of whether or not you plan on leaving your current job. It is better to be prepared and always have a resume ready than to have to update one that is twenty years old.
Many students are led astray by word processing programs that suggest you had areas such as hobbies and interests. These areas are not essential and they should not be used. These areas simply add filler and nonsense to a functional resume. You are also tempted to leave personal comments that you will not want included in your resume. If you are unsure about certain areas of your resume, have friends, family, colleagues and career-counselors examine your resume and give you suggestions. Many career-counseling offices at colleges offer free resume counseling services.
© Career-Launch – specializes in effective and focused resume packages, written by industry certified professional writers. Career-Launch has written thousands of successful resumes to date for clients across a diverse range of industries and career choices. Any reproduction or reprint of this article must include this information.
Article Source:
Tracey Drake
Article at EzineArticles.com
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
There is one golden rule in resume writing- never include information such as hobbies, race, marital status and political information on a resume. In the 1960s it used to be very popular to include a lot of personal information on your resume. That was an era when the employer wanted to know a lot about your personal life because they would use that information in the decision making process. That was also an era when there were not as many discrimination laws and employers were able to hire and fire on a variety of different reasons. Times have definitely changed and most employers have decided that they don’t need to know that information. Choosing individuals to interview and hire has become a lot more objective and they would prefer that they only know your work history rather than you personal history. Despite all of this, there are still those individuals that decide to include that information either as filler to make their resume longer or because they simply don’t know any better.
You are only setting yourself up for disappointment by including personal information on your resume. The number one item that is included on resumes, that shouldn’t be, is marital status. Potential employees should never know whether or not you are married, single or have children. This suggests that you will be preoccupied with sick children, trips to the doctor, teacher conferences, school events, etc. These things will get your potential employer preoccupied with thoughts of you missing work. Employers should also not know if you are single. This may make them think thoughts like, “Great, we’ll get him or her to work long hours or weekends!” If you are married, they might think that your spouse won’t want you to work late.
Your height and weight should also not be included in your resume. This does not really matter to your position and it is definitely too personal, but people still include this on their resumes. Also, nobody cares whether or not you like to bowl, golf, surf the Internet, take long walks on the beach and play with your puppy. These are just not necessary for a resume and your hobbies are not selling you on the position.
Other aspects that should not be included on your resume include religious and political affiliations. These open you up to personal preferences and prejudices. Potential employers may be very tempted to use this type of information against you.
Another popular feature that was included on resumes “back in the days,” was personal photographs. This is not a portfolio or an actor’s promotion pack. You are not trying to land a part, but a career. Your picture shows people what you look like and this may make them disregard the important information on you resume. This also allows them to make assumptions about you and you shouldn’t give people that opportunity. A picture will also open you up to prejudices and may keep you from getting interviews.
If you have not been in the job market for quite some time, it is time to make your resume comply with today’s guidelines. Too many individuals fail to update their resumes on a regular basis when you should be doing this regardless of whether or not you plan on leaving your current job. It is better to be prepared and always have a resume ready than to have to update one that is twenty years old.
Many students are led astray by word processing programs that suggest you had areas such as hobbies and interests. These areas are not essential and they should not be used. These areas simply add filler and nonsense to a functional resume. You are also tempted to leave personal comments that you will not want included in your resume. If you are unsure about certain areas of your resume, have friends, family, colleagues and career-counselors examine your resume and give you suggestions. Many career-counseling offices at colleges offer free resume counseling services.
© Career-Launch – specializes in effective and focused resume packages, written by industry certified professional writers. Career-Launch has written thousands of successful resumes to date for clients across a diverse range of industries and career choices. Any reproduction or reprint of this article must include this information.
Article Source:
Tracey Drake
Article at EzineArticles.com
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
Sabtu, 14 April 2007
Six Essential Elements of a Professional Resume
Six Essential Elements of a Professional Resume
Writing a resume may not be the most exciting thing you have ever been challenged to do, but it may be one of the most important. Well, it is if you are interested in finding a great job.
There are six essential elements of a professional resume that you must be aware of when drafting your personal copy. While there are a lot of things to keep in mind, these six elements are extremely important to crafting a professional resume that gets read and establishes your credentials in the eyes of a prospective employer.
Take a look at these Six Elements and see how your resume stacks up.
One
The Contact Information section will always appear at the top of your page regardless of which format you choose. It contains your name, address, phone number and email address. Be sure this information is correct or the employer will have no means to contact you.
Two
The Objective Statement is a vital part of the professional resume. It lets the employer know how you will contribute to the organization as well as the specific type of work you are interested in doing. Don’t be vague or the employer may not be able to figure out what you are after.
Three
Accomplishments are the most important things you can list on a resume. This is true regardless of how old you are or how much experience you have. The reason is that accomplishments show that you worked hard, were involved and got things done.
Four
The Education section is presented in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent school you attended is listed first. List your GPA if it is significant. If you haven’t completed your course of study yet, list your expected date of graduation and your intended degree.
Five
Proofread everything until you are certain that your resume contains no mistakes. Also, have someone else read your resume in an effort to ensure it is error-free. Typos and grammar errors are the first things an employer looks for when weeding out the good resumes from the bad ones.
Six
Target your resume to best garner the attention of the prospective employer. According to distinctiveweb.com, "A targeted resume is used to focus your resume toward a specific career objective, performed in a specific industry, and for a specific company. The content of a targeted resume is written to highlight the skills, qualifications, and experience that match the requirements of your job target."
If you are able to incorporate these six essential elements of a professional resume into your personal resume, you stand a much better chance of getting selected for an interview. Other job candidates are doing it, so to compete for those great jobs, you have to do it, too.
Take the time to do it right. You'll reap the rewards.
Writing a resume may not be the most exciting thing you have ever been challenged to do, but it may be one of the most important. Well, it is if you are interested in finding a great job.
There are six essential elements of a professional resume that you must be aware of when drafting your personal copy. While there are a lot of things to keep in mind, these six elements are extremely important to crafting a professional resume that gets read and establishes your credentials in the eyes of a prospective employer.
Take a look at these Six Elements and see how your resume stacks up.
One
The Contact Information section will always appear at the top of your page regardless of which format you choose. It contains your name, address, phone number and email address. Be sure this information is correct or the employer will have no means to contact you.
Two
The Objective Statement is a vital part of the professional resume. It lets the employer know how you will contribute to the organization as well as the specific type of work you are interested in doing. Don’t be vague or the employer may not be able to figure out what you are after.
Three
Accomplishments are the most important things you can list on a resume. This is true regardless of how old you are or how much experience you have. The reason is that accomplishments show that you worked hard, were involved and got things done.
Four
The Education section is presented in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent school you attended is listed first. List your GPA if it is significant. If you haven’t completed your course of study yet, list your expected date of graduation and your intended degree.
Five
Proofread everything until you are certain that your resume contains no mistakes. Also, have someone else read your resume in an effort to ensure it is error-free. Typos and grammar errors are the first things an employer looks for when weeding out the good resumes from the bad ones.
Six
Target your resume to best garner the attention of the prospective employer. According to distinctiveweb.com, "A targeted resume is used to focus your resume toward a specific career objective, performed in a specific industry, and for a specific company. The content of a targeted resume is written to highlight the skills, qualifications, and experience that match the requirements of your job target."
If you are able to incorporate these six essential elements of a professional resume into your personal resume, you stand a much better chance of getting selected for an interview. Other job candidates are doing it, so to compete for those great jobs, you have to do it, too.
Take the time to do it right. You'll reap the rewards.
Kamis, 12 April 2007
Self-Assessment Prior to Writing Your Resume
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. Reflect on your past accomplishments and achievements. What can you offer your next employer?
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.
When you take the time in advance to consider your qualifications (work experience, education, accomplishments, etc) – 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. Self-assessment is vital in the resume-writing process. It will also benefit you during the interview.
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.
When you take the time in advance to consider your qualifications (work experience, education, accomplishments, etc) – 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. Self-assessment is vital in the resume-writing process. It will also benefit you during the interview.
Follow this link for more important resume tips:
Resume Tips
Rabu, 11 April 2007
How Long Should Your Resume Be?
The length of your resume is less important than its substance. Remember when you were told, especially as a child, that it wasn't what you wore on the outside, but what kind of person you were on the inside? Well, to some extent, that is exactly the same with your resume.
The length is not as important as the content.
How long should your resume be? The length of your resume should be in direct proportion to your success in reaching your career goals and in pursuing related educational objectives. What does that mean?
Write your resume in such a way that the reader knows exactly what you want and your credentials support that goal. Anything more becomes tedious and takes away from the impact of your true purpose. Anything less and your goal become unsubstantiated by your past experience and education.
Most experts suggest you keep your resume to two pages. If you can fit your skills and accomplishments on one page, that is even better. If you are a professional or executive, two pages should do nicely, but be sure you are using only what best supports your career goals.
The goal of the resume is to get the interest of the prospective employer to the extent that you are sought out for an interview. If your resume does that, then the length of your resume will not be an issue. Write what matters.
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
The length is not as important as the content.
How long should your resume be? The length of your resume should be in direct proportion to your success in reaching your career goals and in pursuing related educational objectives. What does that mean?
Write your resume in such a way that the reader knows exactly what you want and your credentials support that goal. Anything more becomes tedious and takes away from the impact of your true purpose. Anything less and your goal become unsubstantiated by your past experience and education.
Most experts suggest you keep your resume to two pages. If you can fit your skills and accomplishments on one page, that is even better. If you are a professional or executive, two pages should do nicely, but be sure you are using only what best supports your career goals.
The goal of the resume is to get the interest of the prospective employer to the extent that you are sought out for an interview. If your resume does that, then the length of your resume will not be an issue. Write what matters.
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
Selasa, 10 April 2007
What if Your Future Employer Did a Google Search on Your Name?
Employers are using search engines to find out more about their potential employees.
Are you safe from the scrutiny? What if your future boss does a Google search on your name? What will he/she find?
Recruiters and hiring managers do not have an easy job. They are trying to find the best people to fill vacant positions at their corporations. While many resumes may be sent in to a company, employers have to sift through each of them to determine who the best candidates are to proceed through the hiring process. Once that initial scan is completed, it then becomes a matter of looking deeper to find out which candidates are worthy of an interview for the open position(s).
Why are some candidates eliminated after the initial screening and before the interviews take place? The resume in most instances is not the problem. A job candidate's qualifications may even be a perfect match for a job opening. What can curtail the whole process is a trend that many people, especially younger people, are using to make social contacts on the internet.
To find out if you are at risk, follow this link to:
Resumes and Personal Web Pages
Are you safe from the scrutiny? What if your future boss does a Google search on your name? What will he/she find?
Recruiters and hiring managers do not have an easy job. They are trying to find the best people to fill vacant positions at their corporations. While many resumes may be sent in to a company, employers have to sift through each of them to determine who the best candidates are to proceed through the hiring process. Once that initial scan is completed, it then becomes a matter of looking deeper to find out which candidates are worthy of an interview for the open position(s).
Why are some candidates eliminated after the initial screening and before the interviews take place? The resume in most instances is not the problem. A job candidate's qualifications may even be a perfect match for a job opening. What can curtail the whole process is a trend that many people, especially younger people, are using to make social contacts on the internet.
To find out if you are at risk, follow this link to:
Resumes and Personal Web Pages
Senin, 09 April 2007
Strange Jobs - Would you want to do this?
Odd Jobs
Some of these are funny and some of them are very odd
All of them are REAL
No, this isn't referring to the "odd jobs around the house" that need to be done from time to time. This is about real jobs that individuals hold, but that most people don’t think about.
For instance:
1. If you work for the Research and Development department of a lawn care product manufacturer, you get to play with bugs. Actually, you get to research chemical products that kill bugs, but for grown-up boys, this is just an extra.
2. Wastewater Treatment Centers need workers, too. Reclaimed wastewater is used on a number of golf courses to keep those greens nice and, well, green. Perhaps you could claim the next 18 holes as a business expense.
3. Who feeds the baby mice to the snakes in the zoo? There's an odd one for you.
4. Someone created a web site called toilet.com. Of course, it just proves that you can find anything and everything on the Internet. They even market a potty that is painted in camouflage for hunters (doubles as a hunting blind). What will they think of next? Will you create the newest most amazing toilet ever? This could be the job for you.
5. At DominoArtwork.com, you can have your portrait re-created using sets of dominoes. Really. It’s actually amazing. Robert Bosch is the designer and uses a mathematical process called integer programming to achieve the results. Seems like a neat way to spend an afternoon. You could learn to do this… maybe.
6. As an Horticulture Agent for a local County Extension Office, one of your tasks would be to identify pest and disease problems for trees and other plants. It isn’t always a pretty sight, but such problems are vital to diagnose for orchards and many other growers. It's not especially "odd", but it's not especially exciting, either.
7. Perhaps you would like to be a Fish Culturist and be responsible for the care of salmon. The pay isn’t bad, but the smell might be. Of course, if you live in the Midwest, you will have to relocate. The last job posting for this was in Alaska.
8. Have you ever wanted to be a steeplejack? That's an odd job title, don't you agree? You can’t be afraid of heights as you would be working on towers, tall buildings, church spires, and such. Usually the position involves repair and/or maintenance, but mostly it involves being able to stay balanced.
As you can see, there are a variety of interesting jobs that people do – or even have created for themselves. Some are more intriguing than others, but all are of value in some way or another. Mostly, the value is in shaking your head back and forth while sipping your beverage of choice and thanking the Good Lord for giving you a sense of humor.
Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com
Jumat, 06 April 2007
Career Planning
Career Planning for College Students and Recent Graduates
How would you like to achieve more success at work in a faster amount of time than anyone with whom you graduate?
It's really quite simple. Have a plan. Have a career plan.
So many people approach the job search as a "somebody take me please" endeavor as opposed to charting out the steps to take, focus on the employers where you want to work and setting goals and deadlines for career achievements.
Most people just happen along with no focus, goals or deadlines at all. Life just happens. Jobs just happen.
The reason for making decisions today about where you want to be tomorrow is so that you have the ability to actually get there.
If you don't know exactly where you want to be, you will be wandering aimlessly from position to position hoping that somehow it will all work out. Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works.
When you left for college, you probably spent a lot of time figuring out where you wanted to go, applied to the school(s), then when you were accepted, you formulated a plan to enroll in classes, find a place to live and budget your finances so that you could afford to eat and buy necessities.
If you applied that same amount of time and effort into setting out a career plan and the goals involved in achieving professional success, you would be much more successful and you’d blow past the competition easily. No one in your graduating class at college would even come close to achieving what you would achieve.
The great news is that Career Planning isn't some magical experience. It's not hard at all. Just give yourself a little time and ask yourself a few questions and you'll be on the right track. As you have more time in the months and years to come, revisit your Career Plan and determine if it still makes sense for you or if you need to tweak it.
You are the only one who can create your destiny. You choose.
________________________________________
Take the time NOW to set the course for your future.
If you take the time to set your career goals, you will be ahead of 90% of the rest of the people out there who don’t bother to plan ahead. You will be more successful than your peers in the same field because you know where you are going and how you intend to get there. You will make more money and you will be much happier. Why? Because you didn't wait for destiny to step in. You took control of your life and made things happen.
How would you like to achieve more success at work in a faster amount of time than anyone with whom you graduate?
It's really quite simple. Have a plan. Have a career plan.
So many people approach the job search as a "somebody take me please" endeavor as opposed to charting out the steps to take, focus on the employers where you want to work and setting goals and deadlines for career achievements.
Most people just happen along with no focus, goals or deadlines at all. Life just happens. Jobs just happen.
The reason for making decisions today about where you want to be tomorrow is so that you have the ability to actually get there.
If you don't know exactly where you want to be, you will be wandering aimlessly from position to position hoping that somehow it will all work out. Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works.
When you left for college, you probably spent a lot of time figuring out where you wanted to go, applied to the school(s), then when you were accepted, you formulated a plan to enroll in classes, find a place to live and budget your finances so that you could afford to eat and buy necessities.
If you applied that same amount of time and effort into setting out a career plan and the goals involved in achieving professional success, you would be much more successful and you’d blow past the competition easily. No one in your graduating class at college would even come close to achieving what you would achieve.
The great news is that Career Planning isn't some magical experience. It's not hard at all. Just give yourself a little time and ask yourself a few questions and you'll be on the right track. As you have more time in the months and years to come, revisit your Career Plan and determine if it still makes sense for you or if you need to tweak it.
You are the only one who can create your destiny. You choose.
________________________________________
Take the time NOW to set the course for your future.
If you take the time to set your career goals, you will be ahead of 90% of the rest of the people out there who don’t bother to plan ahead. You will be more successful than your peers in the same field because you know where you are going and how you intend to get there. You will make more money and you will be much happier. Why? Because you didn't wait for destiny to step in. You took control of your life and made things happen.
Selasa, 03 April 2007
Preparing for Job Interviews
Job interviews can be so frightening. They may even be worse on the nerves than public speaking, which is also a huge fear for most people. How can a person overcome some of the fears of interviewing?
The most important thing you can do to feel more comfortable in a job interview setting is to prepare for the situation. Being prepared for an interview is essential – not only for your success in finding a great job, but also in keeping your nervous system from going crazy.
When you are able to answer many of the expected questions asked in a job interview, you will be far more confident and successful.
Here are some questions to help you prepare for your next job interview. Either recite your answers, write them down – or both. Go over them until you feel you can answer them without hesitation.
Why did you leave your last job?
Why should I hire you?
What are your strongest abilities?
How do your skills relate to our needs?
How would a good friend describe you?
Describe the best job you've ever had.
What would your last boss say about your work performance?
Name two things that you would like to accomplish while working here.
What makes you qualified for this position?
What are you looking for?
Would you accept part time or temporary work?
Are you willing to work overtime?
What would you like to know about our firm?
Tell me something about yourself?
What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Why do you want to work for us?
What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?
What kinds of people do you enjoy working with?
What kinds of people frustrate you?
Do you consider yourself a leader?
What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
What are your long range career objectives?
How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
Why did you choose this career?
Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?
What have you learned from your activities?
Were your extracurricular activities worth the time you put into them?
What interests you about our company?
How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?
Are you willing to submit to a background check?
What concerns you about our company?
Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.
If you were hiring a job-seeker for this position, what qualities would you look for?
Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
Are you willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in this job?
In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
How do you work under pressure?
What's one of the hardest decisions you've ever had to make?
How well do you adapt to new situations?
How many hours per week do you expect to work?
What can you do for us that someone else can't?
What do you look for in a job?
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
Why did you decide to apply for this position?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What is more important to you: integrity or success?
What kind of work environment do you prefer?
How would you characterize your work ethic?
What else besides your school and job experience qualifies you for this job?
How do you determine or evaluate success?
What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
How do you work in groups, and what experience have you had working in groups?
Are you easy to get along with?
What does "failure" mean to you?
What questions didn't I ask that you expected?
What do you know about our competitors?
How will you fit in with the corporate culture here?
What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
Are you willing to relocate?
How do you deal with competition?
If a background check were performed on you, what would it show?
What are some things you would like to avoid in a job? Why?
What are some of the things about your last job that you found difficult to do?
Do you have your reference list with you?
How has your present job developed you to take on even greater responsibilities?
What do you have going for you that might make you successful in such a job?
Would you like my job?
What do you do when people disagree with your ideas?
What plan of action do you take when facing a problem?
What is the most boring job you have ever done?
Yes, that is a long list of questions. Of course, you do not need to have an answer for every single one, but the more prepared you are, the better you will do. Also, as you answer some questions, it becomes easier to answer others, so you will gain a lot from going through the list and tackling as many questions as possible.
Interviewing is never going to be easy, but it can be EASIER if you are well prepared. Show your confidence the next time you are in a job interview setting and the employer will definitely take notice.
Good luck.
Here are some links to additional Job Interviewing information:
Developing Anecdotes for the Interview
Suitable Attire
Interview Mistakes
The most important thing you can do to feel more comfortable in a job interview setting is to prepare for the situation. Being prepared for an interview is essential – not only for your success in finding a great job, but also in keeping your nervous system from going crazy.
When you are able to answer many of the expected questions asked in a job interview, you will be far more confident and successful.
Here are some questions to help you prepare for your next job interview. Either recite your answers, write them down – or both. Go over them until you feel you can answer them without hesitation.
Why did you leave your last job?
Why should I hire you?
What are your strongest abilities?
How do your skills relate to our needs?
How would a good friend describe you?
Describe the best job you've ever had.
What would your last boss say about your work performance?
Name two things that you would like to accomplish while working here.
What makes you qualified for this position?
What are you looking for?
Would you accept part time or temporary work?
Are you willing to work overtime?
What would you like to know about our firm?
Tell me something about yourself?
What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Why do you want to work for us?
What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?
What kinds of people do you enjoy working with?
What kinds of people frustrate you?
Do you consider yourself a leader?
What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
What are your long range career objectives?
How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
Why did you choose this career?
Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor? How did you resolve the conflict?
What have you learned from your activities?
Were your extracurricular activities worth the time you put into them?
What interests you about our company?
How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?
Are you willing to submit to a background check?
What concerns you about our company?
Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.
If you were hiring a job-seeker for this position, what qualities would you look for?
Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
Are you willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in this job?
In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
How do you work under pressure?
What's one of the hardest decisions you've ever had to make?
How well do you adapt to new situations?
How many hours per week do you expect to work?
What can you do for us that someone else can't?
What do you look for in a job?
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
Why did you decide to apply for this position?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What is more important to you: integrity or success?
What kind of work environment do you prefer?
How would you characterize your work ethic?
What else besides your school and job experience qualifies you for this job?
How do you determine or evaluate success?
What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
How do you work in groups, and what experience have you had working in groups?
Are you easy to get along with?
What does "failure" mean to you?
What questions didn't I ask that you expected?
What do you know about our competitors?
How will you fit in with the corporate culture here?
What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
Are you willing to relocate?
How do you deal with competition?
If a background check were performed on you, what would it show?
What are some things you would like to avoid in a job? Why?
What are some of the things about your last job that you found difficult to do?
Do you have your reference list with you?
How has your present job developed you to take on even greater responsibilities?
What do you have going for you that might make you successful in such a job?
Would you like my job?
What do you do when people disagree with your ideas?
What plan of action do you take when facing a problem?
What is the most boring job you have ever done?
Yes, that is a long list of questions. Of course, you do not need to have an answer for every single one, but the more prepared you are, the better you will do. Also, as you answer some questions, it becomes easier to answer others, so you will gain a lot from going through the list and tackling as many questions as possible.
Interviewing is never going to be easy, but it can be EASIER if you are well prepared. Show your confidence the next time you are in a job interview setting and the employer will definitely take notice.
Good luck.
Here are some links to additional Job Interviewing information:
Developing Anecdotes for the Interview
Suitable Attire
Interview Mistakes
Senin, 02 April 2007
Leaving the Military
If you are in the process of leaving the military for civilian life, expect some big changes. If you have already left the military and are embarking on a new career, you already have a bit of a grasp of how difficult it is to make the transition.
One of the most frustrating aspects of changing careers from military to civilian is transforming your resume from jargon and acronyms to terms that ordinary folks can understand. My husband went through this when he left the Air Force and started looking for work in the corporate world. It's not easy to translate Combat Communications Officer into something that corporate employers are going to understand.
Something that will be of immense help to you is the option of viewing a real resume prepared by a service member which was actually used to find a position with a major international manufacturing corporation.
Take a look at this link to see how one person's resume was updated from a military perspective toward a more civilian perspective. Understand that some things just do not translate well, so it's a challenge no matter what you've done in the past. Just keep revising your resume and ask others to review it for you.
Here's the link: Military to Civilian
One of the most frustrating aspects of changing careers from military to civilian is transforming your resume from jargon and acronyms to terms that ordinary folks can understand. My husband went through this when he left the Air Force and started looking for work in the corporate world. It's not easy to translate Combat Communications Officer into something that corporate employers are going to understand.
Something that will be of immense help to you is the option of viewing a real resume prepared by a service member which was actually used to find a position with a major international manufacturing corporation.
Take a look at this link to see how one person's resume was updated from a military perspective toward a more civilian perspective. Understand that some things just do not translate well, so it's a challenge no matter what you've done in the past. Just keep revising your resume and ask others to review it for you.
Here's the link: Military to Civilian
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