Many feel that resume writing for a Software Engineer is a cake walk. It is not a daunting task, provided you put in great effort in formatting your resume and giving the right and precise information to the employer. After all, this is the initial interface between you and the prospective employer. There may be possibilities wherein you wouldn't be given a second chance among hundreds of resume of software engineer, hence make the most of it and hit the bulls eye in the first short.
One of the first rule of thumb when writing a resume is to keep it as simple and precise as possible. Many believe that a resume should not be longer than a single page but that is often debatable. In the case of a software engineer, it might not be possible to maintain a single page resume going by their varied skills, experience and qualifications. However it's an individual's choice. An ideal resume of a software engineer must begin with a summary, giving very brief information about you as a person, along with your skills and a brief information on the domain you have been working in. Continue reading ...
Article by, Arthur Donald and courtesy of Associated Content, Inc.
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 18, 2009 at 6:35 AM | Leave a Comment (0)
A resume is much more than a simple piece of paper; in fact, it is the pivot on which your entire career revolves. In a world that is filled with cutthroat competition, it is your weapon that helps you find your place in the industry of your choice, which is why you must hone it to perfection. It is a missive that employers see even before they set eyes on you, so you must ensure that it hits your target accurately. If employers fail to call you for an interview after reading your resume, you can assume that it has failed to impress them and failed you in the process. A few reasons why this could have happened are:
Continue reading "3 Reasons Your Resume Fails to Impress"
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)
Most job seekers are wondering this same question - Am I not receiving calls because of the economy or is it my resume? I've read the articles, blogs, business week stories, monitored the job boards and discussed the issue with recruiters. Everyone has a different opinion and so do I.
I took my daughter to the mall this weekend to buy her a new pair of shoes (hang in here with me for a few minutes and you'll see where I'm going.) Unfortunately for my daughter, she has a wide foot. Which means only select stores carry her size shoe and it only comes in select styles. She's still in children's sized shoes so this even further complicates the issue. We normally go to this same store to buy her shoes every time she needs a pair and it's the only one in my area that carries wide shoes for children. When I went to the store they were out of her size in every single style (over 30) except one. The clerk made the comment 'we don't get much stock here anymore, we're always running out.'
Continue reading "Is It Your Resume or the Economy? "
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 11, 2009 at 12:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)
No matter who I am speaking to- large groups or an individual- heads start nodding when I talk about how important networking is, yet how little of it we take the time to actually do. "Guilty as charged" their faces say. Kinda like eating more veggies. We really do know it's good for us- but that rarely translates into those seemingly hundreds of daily servings we're supposed to have.
I think we all picture that guy with a pocketful of business cards who is bound and determined no one will leave the room withou t one. We don't want to be him. Clearly. But believe it or not, there is some middle ground between him and the guy hugging the corner, staring at his shoes. That's where you want to be- in your own comfortable spot in that middle ground. Yep, you have to get out there and talk to people. Shy? An introvert? If so, you have an advantage. THE primary skill to being a good networker is to be a good listener. If you believe the golden rule of networking, "give first, take second", how can you know what your networking partner needs, i.e., what to give- if you aren't listening?
We get so overwrought with the idea that we have to have exactly the right thing to say to everyone we meet. Try these quickie tips the next time you are planning to attend an event where you will have the opportunity to network. (yes, it IS an opportunity- not a death march)
Look for potential "victims" (just kidding) of your networking charms
If you have an opportunity to see a roster of the other attendees, do a little research on who will be there. LinkedIn is great for that. That will help you know who to seek out, who you might have something in common with, who might have info you are seeking, even fellow college alums. This does not qualify as stalking. Trust me. Or survey the room and find someone who also appears to not know anyone or has just arrived.
Pack a few good questions and listen generously to the answers
Be ready to ask a good, open ended question. "Have you been to many of these events? Have you ever heard the speaker? What kinds of exciting things are going on at your company? What's keeping you busy these days?" are a few examples. If your conversation partner mentions that he is new to the area, ask about where he came from and what he misses most, then see if you can offer information on your town that might help him adjust. If she mentions that she is spending her summer taking her oldest on college visits, and you've been through that process before, I bet you can offer at least a tidbit of helpful advice. This is the kind of stuff relationships can sprout from.
Exchange business cards with purpose (and not the purpose of getting rid of all of your biz cards!)
Only offer your card or ask for someone else's when you have a found a mutually beneficial reason to stay in touch. Possible reasons- to continue a conversation you were having, to further explore a mutual interest, because you committed to getting some info to him, etc. Or my favorite, you just found someone that you clicked with and would like to get to know them and hear more about their business. It's not weird- it's flattering. Unless of course, your interest is more than professional.
(Stalker comment above may apply in this case).
Follow Up, for heaven's sake!
Don't spend time networking, then let the ball drop. As you meet people that you would like to develop a business relationship with, and they seem mutually interested in another contact, don't put their business card in the pocket of your wool jacket then forget about it till next year's first snowfall. Follow up within 48 hours, remind them what you spoke about and suggest coffee, lunch, whatever is appropriate.
Really, it doesn't have to be scary. But if none of the above makes you any more comfortable, remember, the guy hugging the corner staring at his shoes needs someone talk to, too.
Guest posting today is Julie Bauke, author of 'Stop Peeing on your Shoes: Avoiding the 7 Mistakes That Screw Up Your Job Search.' You can follow Julie at www.twitter.com/juliebauke.
Article courtesy of Louise Fletcher and CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 9, 2009 at 1:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)
Never so much did the term, "Resume Real Estate" resonate until I was tasked to sell my home.
"I want to sell my home 'as-is,'" I firmly asserted to my real estate agent. It's a beautiful home in a great neighborhood and is an ideal opportunity for the right buyer. Standing head and shoulders among its peer group, I felt, this home offered a unique opportunity that would be obvious to the right buyer, and they would know to make an offer - and quickly!
Not only was the home of high quality, positioned in an established neighborhood with a track record of success (e.g., the neighborhood quiet, the homeowners' association upkeep consistent, the reputation for the city's upscale attitude broad-ranging, the schools high-caliber - the list goes on), but it also was uniquely located off of a key corridor in the community - easy to get everywhere else from here. Its value speaks for itself!
So ... why the continual stream of visitors but no offers?
Continue reading "Create Curb Appeal to Attract Interviews"
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 9, 2009 at 9:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)
Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Amazing Cover Letter Creator
Searching for a job? Moving in a new direction? Changing professions? Take this step to win that interview for your dream job. Spend more time and energy writing cover letters that are job-specific.
Go the Extra Mile
Having a degree or work experience in business administration or accounting or nursing is not enough. You must show the hiring manager your specific job-related abilities, leadership strengths, and communication skills across the board. Being able to work with a variety of people, respond to crises, and meet unexpected challenges are now more important than ever. Because if you can't, someone else will. In today's tight job market, hiring managers have the advantage. So you must show them why they need you!
Continue reading "Great Cover Letters Lead to Great Job Interviews"
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 4, 2009 at 7:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)
Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Job Interview "Secret"
You received the call. You've been invited to show up for a job interview--the one you hoped you'd get. So now what?
More Than a Smile and a Warm Handshake
Like most experiences in life, interviewing for a job--especially for one you really want--is a skill. The more you think about it, prepare for it, and actually do it, the more accomplished you'll become. The tendency is to focus on yourself--your voice, your outfit, your resume, your experience. However, it's not really about you. It's really about your potential employer and how you can fit the position he or she wants to fill.
Continue reading "Incredible Job Interview Techniques "
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 4, 2009 at 7:33 AM | Leave a Comment (0)
