Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Resume

You may have spent hours searching for your dream job and applied for a job in every promising company you came across. In spite of your sincere efforts to find a job, you may not have received an interview call yet. Have you ever stopped to wonder why none of them have ever bothered to call you?

One possibility could be that you did not have the necessary expertise to qualify for the jobs that you applied for. This problem can be solved to some extent by upgrading your skills or enrolling in a course that could make you eligible for the job. On the other hand, it could also be possible that your resume never got noticed. No matter how qualified you are, your resume will not be considered if it is not structured properly. Generally, most companies receive hundreds of resumes on a daily basis. In order to simplify the recruitment process, employers and recruiters generally screen applications on the basis of resumes. All those resumes that are badly written are discarded first - making way for well-written, attention-grabbing resumes.

Is your resume one of the latter? Think hard before answering. And then get your resume evaluated by a professional career coach.

Avoiding Common Resume Mistakes

Most people underestimate the power of a dynamic resume and often overlook their importance during their job search. Your resume speaks volumes about you and can make or break your chance to make that all-important first impression. Avoid writing long and boring resumes, as employers do not have that much time to go through them. Ideally, your resume should be limited to one page. Do not use fancy ink or fancy paper to advertise yourself. Make sure you have what the employer is asking for. If you don’t have the required skills, it doesn’t matter how fancy your resume is. Keep it simple and use normal, legible font.

Resume Content

The content of your resume should be relevant. If you are applying for a job in a law firm, that lemonade stand you ran in the 12th grade has no business on your resume. Think about it – it just makes sense. Outdated information should be strictly avoided when preparing your resume. Make sure that the content is arranged properly and in the right order so that your employers can easily find the details they are interested in. You must have the necessary documents that can support the qualifications and achievements mentioned in your resume. Do not write elaborate explanations to justify why you had to leave your previous job.

Before submitting your resume, ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Do not forget to attach a crisp cover letter with your resume. A cover letter is as important as a resume and you can’t afford to overlook its significance.

If you’re not getting interviews, you need to stop to think of the possible reasons why. Don’t just keep on doing the same thing that isn’t working. The tips above will help you to correct the problems and finally start landing you some interviews.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.JobsCareersEtc.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on March 29, 2007 at 2:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It’s often been said that saying the right words at the right time is the key to success in the business world. If you have a line in your presentation that really captures attention…or if you say something particularly clever in a job interview…you may be able to achieve a career high you never dreamed possible.

It’s also no secret that a resume needs to be worded quite carefully if it is to accomplish the job applicant’s hoped-for results. While you’re drafting the wording for your career highlights, job duties, and other essential information for your resume, you should give some serious attention to keywords.

How the High-Tech Revolution Changed Resume Reading

There was a time when employers took a stack of resumes that had been handed to them by their secretaries and proceeded to read through them, carefully laying aside those resumes that featured applicants that appeared to be suitable to the companies’ needs. Of course, this was a painstaking, time-intensive process, and a manager who was bored or tired might inadvertently misclassify a resume in the process of getting through the stack.

However, with the advent of sophisticated technology, the resume-reading process has changed dramatically. A number of human resource executives note that such changes were inevitable, given the large volume of resumes that are routinely delivered to a manager’s inbox. If hundreds of resumes are submitted for a given job, a corporate headhunter must find some way to scale that paper mountain in order to find the right candidate. As a result, an increasing number of employers are digitizing the resumes that pour into their offices. The documents can then be placed into keyword-searchable databases in order to isolate those resumes that contain “the magic words.”

Getting Noticed

One resume-writing expert now estimates that more than 80 percent of all resumes are searched for job-related keywords. Given the fact that both Fortune 500 companies and smaller firms are now routinely engaging in keyword searches, it only makes sense to make your resume as keyword-attractive as possible.

You will need to craft your resume so that it contains the keywords that a manager is searching for with regard to a particular position. While job titles often serve as keywords, you cannot change the titles you’ve held, so you should consider focusing instead on job skills. If you’re applying for an IT job, for instance, you’ll want to list specific technological skills in your resume. You’ll also want to be sure to include the names of software and hardware that you’ve worked with (This is probably true, even if you are not applying for a job that does not require a BA in computer science).

If you are searching for a position as a business executive, the term “Fortune 500” can be an incredibly helpful keyword to have in your resume. Some large firms recruit exclusively from other large corporations. Therefore, if you do not include “Fortune 500” in the text of your resume, you could be missing out on an incredible opportunity.

Key Things to Consider About Keyword Placement

It’s highly important to recognize the fact that including critical keywords in your resume copy is not enough to secure an interview for the job you desire. You’ll also need to place keywords appropriately within the text. At one time, resume-writing experts recommended placing a simple list of keywords at the beginning of your resume—but that conventional thinking doesn’t seem to hold true anymore. While you should try to place keywords near the beginning of your resume rather than at the tail end, it’s best if you incorporate keywords throughout the body of your document.

By crafting your resume in this way, you will achieve two important goals: 1.) keyword-searching software will pick up all relevant keywords within your text and 2.) you’ll be able to attract and hold the attention of a company manager who might be bored by a long list of keywords headlining your resume.

Also, don’t forget about the often-overlooked synonym. While you can make an educated guess about the types of keywords an employer is looking for, you’re not a mind reader. Therefore, in addition to a generous use of one of your keyword favorites, be sure to include synonyms for the word as well. By following this advice, it’s more likely that your resume will have the keywords the employer is actually searching for.

How Many Keywords Are Enough?

Once you begin the process of selecting keywords, it’s imperative that you make sure that you include a sufficient number of keywords in your resume. One Internet resume expert recommends aiming for 25 to 35 keywords, and also suggests that you include as many variations as possible. In this way, you can work to make your resume as keyword-rich as possible—without making it a dull read.

Once you’ve devised a keyword-intensive resume, think of the document as being subject to change. After all, in your conversations with your colleagues, you may discover that new keywords have come to the fore in your field. It’s also a wise idea to refresh your resume for each position you’re applying to…since different companies—and different jobs—may require a different list of keywords. A highly customized resume is often a successful resume.
Should You Avoid Certain Keywords?

While you may think that you’ve developed a comprehensive list of resume keywords, you might be wondering if there are certain keywords that should never see the light of day in your resume. The quick answer to this is an emphatic “yes!” When posting your resume on the Internet, you’ll want to steer clear of those keywords that might be associated with the type of job you don’t want. For instance, if you don’t want a position selling insurance, it might be wise for you to avoid the word “sales” in your resume if at all possible. Avoiding keywords is not deceptive—it’s simply a good marketing concept.
An Eye-Catching Resume

By selecting the proper keywords, you should be able to create a resume that truly sets you apart from your competitors, garnering the types of job interviews you’re looking for. A resume that has its fair share of winning keywords can usually pass the keyword-searching test, getting you one step closer to the position you deserve.

This article was written by the certified professional resume writers of Resume Writing. The writers at AccuroResumes will help create a perfect professional resume suited to your best needs.

Source: http://www.articlecodex.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 28, 2007 at 7:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I’m a gadget freak so I’m always on the lookout for cool new tech toys. I got a kick out of Ubergizmo’s report of a pillbox charm that you can attach to your cellphone, available in Japan. It got me thinking that the majority of resumes out there should be sent with a bottle of aspirin because they are so boring and headache-inducing. What can you do to avoid this fate and keep the hiring manager’s interest?:

Don’t use resume templates. If you’re using one of MS Word’s default resume templates (such as “Elegant Resume” or “Professional Resume”), be sure to send at least two aspirin with your resume. Boring! Instead, create a distinctive design or hire a professional resume writer who can design a unique resume for you.

Remove tired phrases. If you are “responsible for” anything or say that your “duties included,” you will likely give your reader a headache. Check out this post for more overused and stale phrases.

De-emphasize job duties. If the bulk of your experience section talks about your job duties, you will probably need to send a handful of aspirin and possibly some No-Doze pills. Entertain your reader by emphasizing career accomplishments — they are interesting and will make the hiring manager want to interview you.

Don’t write a book. Your resume should be a snapshot of your qualifications, not an autobiography. Keep the content fresh, interesting, and brief to keep your reader engaged and awake. This article has tips on how to keep your resume concise.

Don’t go back to 1964. Employers care most about your recent career, so if you’re describing jobs from 25 or more years ago, you will need to send a stash of aspirin. To avoid giving your reader a headache by supplying your ancient work history, focus the most attention on the last 10-15 years of your experience. If you want, you can sum up your earlier jobs in a quick “Early Career” section.

End with a bang. If your reader has made it to the end, that’s great news. End with something positive, such as a powerful testimonial. Please don’t say that your references are available upon request, but if you do, be sure to include a couple of aspirin as a courtesy to the hiring manager.

About the Author:
Resume expert Kim Isaacs offers real world, proven advice on resume writing, cover letters, career change, and job search strategies.
http://www.resumepower.com/blog/

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 28, 2007 at 7:03 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

More than 50% of people lie on their resumes. No wonder why hiring managers approach resumes with their antennas up, looking for gaps, holes, inconsistencies, or just outright lies. Hope A. Comisky of law firm Pepper Hamilton LLP reports that employers are conducting more frequent background checks on job applicants, indicating that employers are no longer accepting resume claims at face value.

So that leads me to wonder: What’s wrong with being yourself?

I understand there’s a lot of competition out there. When times are tough, you do what you have to do to put food on the table and take care of your family. But I truly believe that you can go a lot farther if you’re honest on your resume and are just being yourself. Employment gap? Yeah, nobody’s perfect. Two credits shy of a degree? Okay, but you’re almost there. While you might fret about possible red flags and less-than-perfect career histories, employers just want to hire real human beings who are honest about their credentials.

Are you really you on your resume, or a reflection of what you think employers want to see?

Resume expert Kim Isaacs offers real world, proven advice on resume writing, cover letters, career change, and job search strategies.
http://www.resumepower.com/blog/

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 26, 2007 at 1:01 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Maggie writes, “I am having a hard time turning my daily responsibilities into meaningful results. Any advice for a desperate job seeker?”

A: This is a popular question and I answered a similar one in this post: No Accomplishments? Oh Yes You Do!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about including accomplishments on resumes, so I wanted to give you a few more ideas for uncovering the results of your work. Here are eight questions you can ask yourself:

1. How does your employer measure your performance? If you focus on how your employer rates your work quality, you can gauge how well you’ve contributed to organizational goals. Performance reviews can be a great source of information about your accomplishments — if you’ve received reviews, what positive aspects of your work did your supervisor mention?

2. Were you confronted with a particular problem or challenge? How did you tackle the challenge and what were the outcomes or benefits to your employer?

3. What would your colleagues say about your work? If you’re not sure, ask them how you’ve made a difference to the organization. You might be surprised by how highly others regard your work!

4. What would others miss when you’re gone? If you landed a new job and your employer was throwing you a good-bye party, what kinds of nice things would your boss and coworkers say about you? What about your work is so unique that it would be hard to find a replacement to fill your shoes?

5. What did you do at your job that made you feel most proud? Even if you accomplished a task that was outside of your normal job responsibilities, think about achievements that you feel good about and the reasons why you feel proud.

6. How would you “sell” yourself to potential employers? If you were trying to prove to a hiring manager that you are the top candidate for the job opening, what aspects of your work would you point to as proof?

7. How well have you done your job? Look at your daily responsibilities. How well have you performed these tasks? For example, if you trained five employees, how did they benefit from your training? Were there indirect results of the training, such as improvements in customer service, sales increases, improved work performance, or higher employee morale?

8. Ask yourself, “So what?” This trick works every time. Look at your job duties and ask yourself, “So what?” for each of them. By probing into the significance of your duties, you will start to realize the value of your work.

I hope these questions help you realize your accomplishments!

Best wishes,

Kim Isaacs

Resume expert Kim Isaacs offers real world, proven advice on resume writing, cover letters, career change, and job search strategies.
http://www.resumepower.com/blog/

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 26, 2007 at 7:58 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I spent the weekend in NYC and saw the hysterical Broadway musical Avenue Q. The show follows a new graduate named Princeton (a puppet) who doesn’t know how he will get a job and make ends meet with his useless degree in English. Princeton realizes that he’s got to find his purpose:

“I don’t know how I know, But I’m gonna find my purpose. I don’t know where I’m gonna look, But I’m gonna find my purpose.” - Avenue Q, Purpose

I know one thing — when Princeton finds his purpose, he will need a dynamic resume if he wants to move from Avenue Q to Avenue A (the nicer part of town). If you’re like Princeton and just starting out, here are a few tips to help your resume get noticed:

Include a career goal. Many new grads try to keep their resumes “general” so they can apply to a number of different jobs. Show hiring managers that you have focus by incorporating a specific career goal in the resume. You don’t have to create a separate Objective section; you can weave your goal into a Qualifications Summary. If you have more than one objective, create a different resume version for each goal. Yes, it’s more work, but you should see better results if your resume is targeted to one goal.

Reveal your passion. One thing that new grads can offer is passion to succeed in their new careers. You’re not yet burned out like some experienced workers — wide-eyed and enthusiastic, you are willing to do what it takes to get the job done. Express your passion for your new career in your resume’s Qualifications Summary, as well as in your cover letter.

Don’t necessarily limit yourself to one page. That’s right, you may have heard that new grads should always have one-page resumes. But that doesn’t work for everyone, and it’s okay to develop a two-page resume if you need the space to adequately communicate your qualifications. Consider a two-pager if you have lots of relevant information like internships, school projects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, jobs, multiple degrees, publications, technical skills, and public speaking. Just make sure that the most compelling information appears on the top of page one.

Emphasize education. If your related work history is minimal, your Education section should appear before Experience. Expand your Education section to include courses that are related to your goal, special projects, academic honors, and extracurricular activities. As your career progresses, you can move Education to the end of the resume and cut down on some of the activities listed.

De-emphasize unrelated experience. If you spent summers waiting tables and are seeking a chemistry lab technician job, it doesn’t help to go on and on about your food service duties. Include the positions to show that you worked while attending school, and highlight any stand-out accomplishments (like awards won or leadership roles such as training new-hires), but limit the space you use for unrelated jobs.

Incorporate keywords. More experienced professionals have keywords appear naturally throughout the resume. For example, job titles are often used as keywords when employers are searching resume databases, so an experienced pharmaceutical sales representative will have that keyword listed under Experience as a job title. If you’ve never held the job but want to enter the field, you have to find a creative way to incorporate the term or your resume may never be found. One way is to add the keyword to your Qualifications Summary — you can say that you are seeking a position as a pharmaceutical sales representative. This post provides more information on finding the best keywords for your field.

About the Author:
Resume expert Kim Isaacs offers real world, proven advice on resume writing, cover letters, career change, and job search strategies.
http://www.resumepower.com/blog/

Photo courtesy of Michael Schamis via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons. Thanks, Michael!

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 23, 2007 at 7:17 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Do you keep getting rejected at each and every interview that you go on? Is this getting you down? Making you feel dejected? Before you decide that ‘it’s all someone else’s fault’, have you thought of the possibility that you might be going wrong somewhere during the interview process? Well, instead of just sitting there and wondering why you’re not getting any good job offers you should probably try to find out why and make changes. Most job seekers feel that they have been rejected for no reason whatsoever, but this is usually not true.

Reasons Why You Might Be Getting Rejected

Here Are Five Of The Most Common Reasons Why Interviewers Reject Applicants:

• Lack of Confidence and Enthusiasm – When going for an interview, you must always show enthusiasm for the job. You don’t have to be a David Letterman, but a little bit of eagerness can work wonders for you. Enthusiasm, confidence and boldness will indeed do more for you than any college degree can.

• It’s All About Me – Yes, you probably are itching to know all about the benefits, leaves, vacations, insurance, etc. but you shouldn’t lead in with these questions. First, your interviewer will want to know if you can benefit the company. You can’t negotiate about vacation time before you have even been offered the job. You need to put your needs on the back burner for a minute and try to convince the interviewer that you are the perfect person for the job and that you have always wanted to work there - then you can get down to discussing the salary and benefits.

• Poor Appearance – First things first - if you really want the job, dress well. You can’t walk in wearing cut off jeans and a baseball cap! Most people get irritated about being rejected because of their nose rings, unpolished shoes or even bad breath. But these factors really do matter. Remember that companies hire people - not academic qualifications and past experiences. If you don’t look presentable then they won’t like you. And, if they don’t like you, then it won’t matter how impressive your experience is, you’re just not going to get the job. It might not be fair, but that’s the way it is.

• Going Unprepared For The Interview – If you flounder when being asked certain basic questions, you will give the impression of being unprepared and not interested in the company or the job! The time that you spend in preparing for your job interview will be time that is invested wisely.

• Lacking The Wow Factor – Even if you don’t particularly like selling toothbrushes door-to-door, you need to realize that at every interview, you must sell yourself. In today’s competitive market, it is necessary to promote yourself. After the interview, you can send a Thank You note and follow up with a telephone call at least two to three days later. Today’s companies are frantically searching for competent employees. So, it is good to sell yourself and show interest in the job.

Prior to going on an interview, make a note of your strengths and talents. Present yourself with enthusiasm and confidence. Make sure you follow up and once you’ve done all this, be ready to have multiple job offers waiting at your doorstep.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.JobsCareersEtc.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on March 22, 2007 at 1:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I’ve written about common resume blunders, surefire ways to diminish the power of your resume. But what will really send your resume to the “Delete” bin? Here are five unforgivable errors that will likely doom your resume. Check your resume to make sure you’re not guilty of the following

1. Typos. Hiring managers hate them! It’s like showing up for a job interview at a Wall Street office wearing ripped shorts, a Jethro Tull t-shirt, messy hair, and old tennis shoes. Your resume is your introduction, and typos are saying, “I really don’t care.” So, carefully proofread your resume before sending it out.

2. No clear goal. The late, great resume writer Yana Parker said it best. She wrote, “Somebody knocks on your door. You open it and say, ‘Hello, what do you want?’ They say, ‘Duh…’” Honestly, if your resume doesn’t have a clear career focus, a busy hiring manager will not take the time to figure it out for you. You don’t need to use a formal Objective section — you can weave your goal into a tagline at the top of your resume or add it to a Qualifications Summary.

3. Information overload. If your resume is jam-packed with information and reads more like your autobiography, and you’ve used tiny fonts and little white space, it’s unlikely that a hiring manager will be wading through all of your data. Make your resume a quick read - it’s possible to include a lot of juicy information without going overboard.

4. A virus. Yes, a virus! If you send your MS Word document along with a nasty computer virus, you will not endear yourself to the hiring manager. Please, run your file through a virus checker before hitting “Send.”

5. Too much personal info. I recommend letting your personality shine through on your resume, but avoid including highly personal information like political or religious views (unless you are 100% sure the hiring manager shares your viewpoint). For example, if you put hunting down as a hobby and your resume has landed in the hands of an animal rights supporter, guess what? There’s a good chance that your resume will end up in the trash. Also, don’t link to a personal website that reveals a side of you that you wouldn’t want prospective employers to see. Keep your resume ultra-professional and you will avoid the dreaded trash bin.

Resume expert Kim Isaacs offers real world, proven advice on resume writing, cover letters, career change, and job search strategies.
http://www.resumepower.com/blog/

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 22, 2007 at 1:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It is difficult for a resume writer to answer the question, “How much do you charge to do a resume? This article will help you to see things from the perspective of a resume writer.

Let's "listen in" on a call from a job seeker seeking to have his or her resume "typed up."

Resume Writer: "Good morning, XYZ Resume Service. How may we help you?"

Caller: "Yes, I'd like to know how much you charge to type up a resume."

Resume Writer: "Our prices start at $225 and go up from there depending on the complexity of the resume."

Caller: "$225! To type up a one-page resume? Wow, I didn't realize it was that much!"

Resume Writer: "No, the typing is free."

Caller: "What do you mean?"

Resume Writer: "Yes, I know that sounds strange. But, please let me explain. It is important for you to understand that a professional resume service is very different from a typing service. The word processing work that goes into the creation of the resume is to materialize the resume. That aspect of the resume development process involves a lot of creativity to produce a very crisp looking, attractive resume that will stand out in a pile of poorly formatted, disorganized resumes. And honestly, that's the easy part. Before we get to that point, we provide in-depth consultation to ask many gold-mining questions that are specific to what your particular job is about and what your current situation is behind why you need a resume.

For example, are/were you . . .

* A new graduate?

* Recently laid off?

* Returning to the workforce?

* Seeking to acclimate your career from the military to civilian workforce?

* Bored in your current job and need a change?


"More than just typists, we are qualified to answer many questions that go beyond the resume preparation, such as how to answer tough interview questions or how to post your resume online. If you tell us you are not sure what type of position you are seeking, we will not be able to develop your resume because our resumes are very focused. Like you, we want your resume to WORK! We do not write one-size-fits-all resumes."

"Our expertise is sure to make a big difference between your getting a job and making your next career move. We take the necessary time to understand what you do and to obtain important information about your work history and accomplishments. Yes, it is not just about your responsibilities. A strong resume needs to focus on your strengths and achievements. Once we have the right information, we organize it and develop a strategy that often results in a format unlike the simple chronological format. When we are done, we engage in the follow up process to review the resume and make necessary revisions. Considering the work that goes into it and the end result (most important), $225 (or more) is an excellent investment for such a service."

What did you get out of listening in on this conversation? Did you only want to hear the price, or did you find yourself interested in the value behind the price? The answer to this question will measure how seriously you take your career. With the stiff competition out there, your resume is vital -- it is your calling card.

Contact a qualified resume writer who will take the time to speak with you about your needs. Sure, money is important. You don't want to spend it foolishly. But, there is a difference between spending and investing.

So, how much do you think you should pay a resume writer who will partner with you to develop a resume that is going to generate many favorable interviews, prepare you for your interview, and contribute to your increased confidence level?

The next time you call a resume service, try something like this:

"Hi, I was just on your website and am interested in your resume services. I'd like to know what your process is and what you would charge someone like myself with 14 years of experience in capital equipment sales. My background has been in health care, but I'd like to try retail or pharmaceutical sales."

This is a great way to inform the resume writer where you are in your career and to facilitate a positive conversation from the onset that is not solely based on price.

Ann Baehr is a CPRW and President of Best Resumes of New York. Notable credentials include her former role as Second Vice President of NRWA and contribution to 25+ resume and cover letter sample books. To learn more visit http://www.e-bestresumes.com or for more resume ideas view our resume samples at http://www.e-bestresumes.com/resume_samples.htm

Source: http://www.articlecodex.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 22, 2007 at 11:04 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Most cover letters I see are pretty bad. I mean really, really bad. The majority of letters do exactly what they shouldn’t do which is focus on the job seekers’ needs. Remember Ricky Ricardo from I Love Lucy and how he would say, “Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay” when Lucy got herself in another pickle? That’s the problem with cover letters, but “Ay, ay, ay” becomes “I..I…I…” — “I did this,” “I want that,” and I’m so great because…” How do hiring managers read through such — as my grandfather would say — dreck?

So let’s talk cover letters. What is the purpose of a cover letter? To get the hiring manager to read your resume and call you for an interview. It’s a sales letter. You know all of those direct mail (AKA “junk mail”) pieces you get in your mailbox daily? They’re from companies trying to sell you something. You’re trying to sell something when you write a cover letter, only the product is you. The first step in writing a winning cover letter is to change your mindset from writing a cover letter to writing a sales letter.

To do this, you will need to get into the hiring manager’s head. Big companies get inside our heads when creating their sales letters. They’ve set up focus groups, tested and tweaked their materials to make sure they get the best response. We might call it “junk mail,” but advertisers call it “targeted marketing.” Big money is spent getting in your head so that you part with your money.

Let’s create an imaginary hiring manager named Hank and get in his head. Hank is overworked and now has the added responsibility of recruiting a sales manager. In fact, his boss is pressuring him to find the perfect manager to successfully open and build a new territory. Hank arrives at work feeling grumpy, knowing he’ll have to sort through hundreds of resumes. Making his job more difficult, more than half of the resumes will contain lies and exaggerations. He needs a proven performer. Someone with sales experience. Someone who has opened new territories while keeping costs down. A go-getter. A leader. Someone who would fit in with the corporate culture. Hank has painted a picture in his head of the ideal employee. Now paint a picture in your head of what that employee looks like, and give that to him in your cover letter, which may start with something like:

“If you have identified multimillion-dollar growth, new territory startup and expansion, and seven-figure cost reductions among the goals for your organization this year, my credentials will be of interest. I offer a proven track record of delivering these precise results throughout my 10-year sales management career with ABC Company…”

Bingo! Hank will continue reading. You’re in his head. You’re giving him what he wants. The rest of your letter will back up your claims. Give examples of accomplishments that would impress Hank. Write a proposal for how you’re going to lead the territory to unprecedented growth. Give clues on how you will do that and the outcomes you expect. Get Hank excited! Give him every reason to trust you and want to call you this very second to arrange an interview.

Not a sales manager? You can use this sales letter strategy for any position. Figure out what drives the hiring manager and tap into that in your letter. Write about your interest in meeting the employer’s needs, not your needs. Show that you will help solve their problems. Make yourself the solution, and watch your resume will rise to the top of the stack.

Kim Isaacs

Resume expert Kim Isaacs offers real world, proven advice on resume writing, cover letters, career change, and job search strategies.
http://www.resumepower.com/blog/

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 22, 2007 at 7:37 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Pretend for a moment that you are a hiring manager. The receptionist knocks on your office door and announces that Mr. Smith has arrived to interview for the currently advertised pharmaceutical sales representative position. Baffled, the hiring manager states that there must be a misunderstanding because she never scheduled Mr. Smith for an interview. She instructs the receptionist to tell Mr. Smith to forward his resume and cover letter to express his interest in the company and the position.

Some people might think the hiring manager should have interviewed Mr. Smith since he showed an effort to apply for the position. Others would have done exactly what the hiring manager did. Why? Because she didn't know anything about this candidate. She would have been unprepared to address his qualifications without having had the opportunity to review his resume beforehand. What's more, she really didn't understand what his situation was or if he even qualified for the job. For example, does he have a required bachelor's degree? Does he have sales experience? Is his background in bio chemistry, pharmaceuticals or in medical equipment sales? Is he a job-hopper? Was he out of work for many years? Is he changing careers? Did he recently relocate? These are all very important factors to consider when trying to paint a picture of a candidate to get a feel for who they are and how they would be a good fit for the company.

This is why it is so important that a resume is sent first so that the hiring manager can PRE-QUALIFY a jobseeker. This saves a lot of time and hurt feelings. After all, why would the hiring manager want to spend a half hour interviewing a candidate that does not qualify for the position? If every unqualified candidate showed up unannounced and was interviewed, there wouldn't be time to interview the qualified candidates! Believe it or not, there are still occasions when a resume is not needed. But, that is only when a company invites applicants to fill out a job application form or if there is a mutual acquaintance who puts in a good word for the candidate, and the hiring manager schedules and interview without needing to see a resume. Keep in mind, the hiring manager has been introduced already by the mutual acquaintance who has done the job that the combination of a resume and cover letter -- the dynamic duo -- is intended to do: to introduce them to the reader and to provide a professional background and expressed interest in a company and a particular position.

Ann Baehr is a CPRW and President of Best Resumes of New York. Notable credentials include her former role as Second Vice President of NRWA and contribution to 25+ resume and cover letter sample books. To learn more visit http://www.e-bestresumes.com or for more resume ideas view our resume samples at http://www.e-bestresumes.com/resume_samples.htm

Source: http://www.articlecodex.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 22, 2007 at 6:34 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

To many candidates, a resume is simply a document that details their progression from school and university through each different role to date in their career. While it is quite true that this is theultimate purpose of the resume, it is also true to say that it can secure for the successful candidate a new role at a salary thatfarsurpasses your immediate expectations.

The reason that your resume can make this possible is twofold. Firstly, a strong resume will offer you an opportunity to demonstratethe many ways in which your employment will yield results and enhance company success. Secondly, smart candidates understandthat by quantifying the percentage of growth, sales, profitability or cost reductions that they have the ability to make within anorganization will prompt an employer to sit up and take notice. Hiring managers understand that candidates who can transformoperational success and generate more sales or decrease costs are certainly worth an additional $10,000 or $20,000 in salaryexpenditure. An additional salary hike is obviously a far more cost effective method of spending money as it requires considerably less operational spend than losing thousands of dollars in operational inefficiencies or down turned sales and profit margins.

Employers will agree to pay highly competitive salaries to candidates who prove themselves an asset to the company and whodemonstrate an ability to increase overall profitability whatever form that may take. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a mastersales person or a highly successful operations manager with a unique ability to reduce costs. Whatever your occupation andbackground, you simply must demonstrate an ability to enhance company success and effect the bottom dollar whether it is throughcustomer service, administration, marketing etc. Whatever your skills or area of expertise, successful businesses rely on employeeswho have the ability to shape the organization.

With rising costs and increased expenditure, companies and organizations find being in business more challenging than ever before. Investment in new employees needs to generate a return if it is to prove viable, and for this reason employers are prepared to pay topdollar for highly talented candidates. Your resume is the only forum that you have when it comes to making an initial impression. You may be the most personable, charismatic candidate that has ever walked through the doors of an interview, but no one will get theopportunity to find out if you don’t present your candidacy and market your skills and experience effectively.

We cannot stress enough how vital it is to make an employer want to hire you. You have to demonstrate your level of expertise,proven record of success, accomplishments, achievements, experience and the personal qualities and characteristics that are integralto your career success. All of these factors play a part in profiling your candidacy. You cannot be happy to simply sit back and wait for an employer to knock on your door. We all live in the real world and understand that things like this don’t happen. The cold harshreality is that the job market is highly competitive and the business world highly challenging. To ensure that both employers andemployees find a common ground, there has to be a need and a solution. The employer has a need to make money and develop asuccessful business. The employee has a need to make a good salary and find a role that challenges and fulfills them.

Because every single candidate submits their resume with the same mandate, it is critical that you provide an employer with the kindof information that makes them want to meet you personally. Your resume is your ‘Golden Ticket’. It is the only way that you cansecure that all important meeting and give yourself an opportunity to demonstrate on a face to face basis the certain contribution youcan make for a new employer.

Understanding an employer’s requirements is of paramount importance when creating a resume and cover letter. That is not to saythat you develop a resume that only responds to a specific job specification or advertisement. It means that you need to understandthe employer’s requirements and demonstrate where your experience and expertise has met each of these requirements for a previousemployer. It means matching your knowledge and abilities to the position and demonstrating an ability to make an immediate andsignificant contribution.

Employers want to hire employees who can think on their feet and who have a proven ability to hit the ground running. Your resumemust reflect this. It must blend your professional experience with the very characteristics that are inherent to you personally. It isthis mix that will market you as a candidate of choice and generate that all-important interview.

Remember, your resume really does count so you have to take it seriously. Don’t underestimate the power of your resume in your jobsearch or salary negotiations. The salary negotiation is obviously the most unpleasant part of the job searching process. It is difficultto negotiate terms for both salary and benefits as you strive to create a positive impression with a new employer. The hiring manager undoubtedly holds the cards in this situation as they can afford to set terms without losing face. The candidate who argues orstubbornly refuses to move within the negotiation process risks the wrath of the hiring manager before setting foot inside the door.For this reason, it is critically important that your resume determine a solid baseline. If your resume sets your salary at a higher ratethan expected the negotiations can only go one way, as you will have nothing to risk. You will be in a position to start at a higherdollar amount and can therefore secure a higher salary without conflict.You maintain strong professional relations with your potentialemployer and secure a better salary. It makes for a good working relationship and great career propects!

This article was written by one of the professional resume writers at http://www.professional-resumes.com/. The associates at Professional Resumes will help create a winning resume tailored to your best needs.

Source: http://www.articlecodex.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 21, 2007 at 3:30 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

How many times have you heard someone say, "Just put it on your resume. There's no way they're going to find out"?

It is tempting to put little white lies on your resume. These might include overstating your knowledge of required software ("If they call me, I'll teach myself over the weekend"), a certification ("They'll never go through all that trouble to find out") or extending dates at a former employer ("They can't find out. The company went out of business").

So what's the big deal? It's not like you're claiming to be a medical doctor, right? Who are you hurting anyway? You're just stretching the truth a little to get your foot in the door -- or so you tell yourself. If these are familiar thoughts, you might want to re-think them. Why? Because the risk of getting caught is real. The odds of getting away with listing false information on your resume are probably, well . . . who really knows? Do you really want to find out the hard way?

There are many reasons that could prompt a human resources manager to conduct an employment background check. Maybe you are not performing your job as well as expected. Maybe a co-worker has the same credential and became suspicious when your facts did not add up during a conversation. Some companies have never experienced a dishonest employee who lied on his/her resume, and does not routinely verify work histories and the validity of credentials. In short, they have a false sense of security. Just the same, many hiring managers are keenly aware that lying on a resume is becoming a costly problem for many companies, and thoroughly check all facts even after they hire a candidate.

Sadly, it is quite common these days to learn of employee terminations because background checks revealed dishonesty. Depending on the level of the position or the severity of the falsification, this could sometimes lead to legal actions. So, before you decide to make yourself look better on paper, think again. It is not worth getting the job if you are not going to be able to live up to it or hold on to it.

The moral of this story? Don't risk your future by lying about your past! Honesty is always the best policy!

About Ann Baehr

Ann Baehr is a CPRW and President of Best Resumes of New York. Notable credentials include her former role as Second Vice President of NRWA and contribution to 25+ resume and cover letter sample books. To learn more visit http://www.e-bestresumes.com or for more resume ideas view our resume samples at http://www.e-bestresumes.com/resume_samples.htm

Source: http://www.articlecodex.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 21, 2007 at 1:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

1. Choose Your Format Correctly - There are two main resume formats - chronological and functional. If you are seeking a job in a field in which you already have work experience, you will probably want to choose a chronological format where you will be able to showcase your job history. If, however, you want to transition into a different field, you definitely need to use a functional format. This will allow you to focus on your strengths and transferable skills and not box yourself into a certain field.

2. Be Specific - Too often, I see resumes with experience stated this way, "Sold used vehicles" or "Negotiated claim settlements." Use real numbers to improve your resume. "Sold 20 used vehicles in first 3 months of employment" or "Increased overall customer satisfaction by 25% in claim settlement negotiations."

3. Be Accurate - Don't stretch the truth just to impress. Make sure you use completely accurate numbers in your claims. You cannot build a solid career on a shaky foundation.

4. Be Precise - Always proofread your resume. Spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors will disqualify you quicker than anything. A well crafted resume is an essential tool in the job search process. Find someone else to proof it for you as well. Often, other people will catch something you overlooked.

5. Be Brief - Be careful to write a resume that is not "wordy" or "superfluous." It is very obvious to anyone reading one of these resumes that there is not much substance to them. Make each word count.

Ultimately, even a well crafted resume rarely gets you hired by itself. Click here for more info on the 3 Step Job Search Process that always gets results.

To access the links in this article, go to www.careercalling.com/Archives.htm and read the February 25, 2005 edition of The Coach's Career Tips and Resources!

About the Author

Jonathan R Taylor is the author of The Coach's Career Tips and Resources. He helps his clients Love Their Work! You can subscribe at www.careercalling.com/ssubscribe.htm.

Source: http://www.article-wiz.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 21, 2007 at 8:23 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are still stuck on the habit of searching job ads on the newspaper then you are certainly missing the great wonder of technology and Internet that makes job search easy, convenient and successful. Through the idea of postings your resume online, you are into great career opportunities that would come to your way. Here are the 5 essential guides on posting resume online.

1. Resume Posting is a service where job seekers post their resumes to an online job search site for employers and recruiters to find. Employers or recruiters usually find you within the resume database, of an online job search site, using key words will put up the chances for most of the applicants to find easily by the employers and finally call for a job interview. However it depends on how you select appropriate keywords for your resume and remember that this service is usually offered free for job seekers.

2. Use a word processing programs such as MS Word that have basic and advanced tools to create and format your resume. You should also create an electronic friendly version of your resume by making a back up data in MS Word based resume to a Notepad. The former application will convert your resume into ASCII text which allows your resume to be read in email format.

In order to ensure that the employers can find you, your resume should contain key words that is strongly related to the position that you are applying for.

3. The primary advantage of posting your resume online is that your resume will be available to a wide array of employers and recruiters in the shortest period of time. Presumably, you will gain access to a large number of job opportunities compared to the access you will have by viewing employment advertisements, company web sites, employment web sites or the newspapers. And it is easy, fast and rather practical.

4. The biggest advantage of online resume posting is also its biggest disadvantage because it makes your resume along with your personal information available to the public. It can result to numerous phone calls from headhunters, agencies, employment consultants or even telemarketers. Its a reminder for everyone to not give too much personal information in their resume online, be careful and wisely before putting any remarks that might become a problem.

5. You should choose your resume bank wisely. Some offers their service for free while others have a monthly free. Aside from the service cost, you should consider the scope of the service that you choose. Some resume bank offers national exposures while others might be run by professional association or network of businesses. Weigh in the pro’s and con’s before finally submitting your resume online to avoid regrets at the end.

Posting resume online through resume banks or job search sites will certainly help you form a wide network in your career search. The key reminders are: prepare a strong resume, search for the best resume bank based on your needs, post your electronic resume and prepare yourself for the great career opportunities that awaits you. Build a confident before and after meeting with an employer and be sure to take all the charges when it comes to present yourself professionally and elegantly.

About the Author: Mei Galang is an article contributor for Oz Free Online Jobs blog.

Source: http://www.articlecodex.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 20, 2007 at 10:00 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Finding a legit telecommute job can be difficult. Telecommute jobs are in high demand and hundreds if not thousands of other people are competing for the same position.

So how do you stand apart from everyone else? Your résumé.

Your telecommute résumé the first and often the only document a potential employer has to make a hiring decision with. Here are some tips specifically for your telecommute résumé to keep it on the employer’s desk and out of “file number 13”.

I have consulted with telecommute résumé expert Jennifer Anthony of RésuméASAP to get a list of the top five telecommute résumé mistakes. Here they are!

1. Wild designs or frilly fonts.

If you want to be taken seriously for consideration, avoid using cursive fonts or cutesy clip art. Leave this to personal use; it does not belong on business correspondence. Also, check your e-mail signatures. You don’t want to send your résumé out and then sign your name “Mommy to Sean and Sissy” with little angel graphics around their names.

2. Résumé templates.

“I know for a fact that recruiters hate templates and would rather rip their hair out than read templates”, Jennifer Anthony

Recruiters and hiring managers spend their day (often overtime) sorting through hundreds of résumés. Templates are hard to read, and the design elements often don’t show up correctly on a monitor other than that your own. Hiring managers need to be able to scan your document quickly to see if you are qualified before moving on. If they can’t find out in 6-8 seconds, your résumé is trash. It is better to start with a blank document and look at other résumé examples for inspiration.

3. The selfish objective statement.

If you are using the same old objective statement as everyone else, your résumé may be thrown in the trash because you did not put forth the effort to create a personalized résumé.

Here is an example objective you should avoid:

“A telecommute position allowing me to utilize my knowledge and expertise working from home.”

Why? This statement opens up many questions. What kind of telecommute position? What is your knowledge and expertise? Also take note that using the words “me” and “my” sound very selfish. Instead of telling them what you want, you should be showing them what you have to offer them.

Here is an example of what you can use as your headline:

“Talented and experienced virtual assistant, skilled in all aspects of office management within nonprofit environments.”

This is targeted and to the point. The reader knows this person is an experienced virtual assistant who is especially skilled in a nonprofit role. No wasted time.

4. Irrelevant Experience.

Don’t list irrelevant work experience just to fill in space. If you are applying for a transcription position, your customer service experience at the local fast food restaurant does not apply. What matters is how much transcribing experience you have, how fast you type, how good your spelling and grammar skills are, and how accurate your work is. Any work experience that deals with these skills can be listed.

5. Personal Information.

Leave off information like how many children you have, how long you have been married, or that you happen to love scuba diving

Let’s look at children and spouses for instance. Some people may see this as stability, but many others look at it as a liability. They may have questions about how you will work out for them with the responsibilities. How often will this person miss work because his/her kids are sick? Is his/her spouse supportive of the telecommuting role? Can he/she work efficiently if the children are home? Employers are not allowed to ask, so why put this on your résumé. Personal information should be left off.

If you write that you love scuba diving, you may think this makes you look like a well-rounded person. However, it could give someone the idea that you love scuba diving more than work. It is best to just leave this kind of info off.

About the Author

Nell Taliercio is the owner of a leading work at home mom resource website packed full of unique information for the telecommuter, business owner and virtual assistant. Visit http://www.mommysplace.net today!
For more resume resources please visit http://www.mommysplace.net/resumecenter.html

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 20, 2007 at 8:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The ancient Greeks carved a nifty saying on the wall of Apollo's temple at Delphi. It's just two words long, but it could have a profound impact on your career and your life.

The two words are: "Know thyself."

How well do you know yourself, especially when it comes to your job search?

Have you ever sat down and thought -- really thought, long and hard -- about the kind of work that would make you happy and support you for years to come?

If not, let me invite you to get to know yourself better today -- so you can get hired faster for the right job, starting tomorrow.

Here are two ways to do it ...

1) Know Your Most-Marketable Skills
Any resume or cover letter you write must highlight your most-marketable skills in a way that makes employers want to meet you. To find those skills, answer these two questions:

a) What do you do well?
What do you do better and more easily than other people? Is it the work you're doing now? Something you studied in school? A hobby? Write down your answers, no matter how unrelated they are to work. The goal is to get your creative juices flowing.

Let's take a fictitious job seeker, Sally, and write down what she does well:

public speaking, sales, client service, managing projects, solving computer problems, managing people, speaking French

b) What do you enjoy doing?
What skills do you like using most? What would you do even if you weren't paid? Write your answers down.

Here's what Sally enjoys doing:

public speaking, bicycling, client service, solving computer problems, making sushi, managing people, speaking French, serving as a volunteer firefighter, hiking, writing, reading, travel

You'll notice that several of her skills appeared in both lists. That's what we're after! These are Sally's most-marketable skills -- things she does well AND enjoys doing. They are: public speaking, client service, solving computer problems, and speaking French.

Pretty simple, huh? By answering these two questions, Sally has found her most-marketable skills. Try it yourself. You may be surprised!

Next, after you know those skills, you should ...

2) Know Your Target Job
Relax! This involves less thinking. All you have to do is pick two or three of your marketable skills, then search your favorite employment Web site.

Let's say your three marketable skills are writing, training and managing. We'll use Monster.com for this example and look for the "Job Search" box near the top of the page there.

I typed in the first two skills above: writing and training, and did not check on any category or location, because I wanted to generate the most results possible for jobs posted nationwide.

Among the openings I found were the following: Manager of Medical Writing, Training Coordinator, Full-time Tutor, and Communications Specialist.

That's a wide range of jobs. When you do this exercise, it will generate a wide range of ideas for you, too, to help you brainstorm and choose your target job more easily.

When you search based on your marketable skills, you will quickly get a sense of how many openings are available and at what salary level. Example: there were 44 openings nationwide on Monster.com for the phrase baseball player, 130 for baseball marketing, and 1,976 openings for sports marketing.

So, expand your search terms and your thinking until you find target jobs that appeal to you. It's that simple and that powerful -- this exercise will save you weeks of frustration looking for the wrong jobs.

And here's the best part: Once you know your target job, wonderful things start to happen ...

Remember when you bought your car and suddenly it seemed like every third person was driving the same vehicle as you? It had always been out there on the road, but now you saw it more, because you were more receptive to that particular style and color of car.

It's the same with your job search.

Once you know exactly what kind of job you want, you will start to see job openings where you never saw them before. Ideas and employment leads will come to you, almost as if by magic.

It all starts when you know yourself. Try it and see!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes and the creator of GetHiredNow.TV. Since 1996, he has provided job search assistance to nearly 10,000 people. Author of "51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed," Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, CBS Radio and others.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 19, 2007 at 10:04 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Shaping Your Career

You need to have great career skills to climb the corporate ladder successfully. Career skills are also crucial if you want to switch jobs within your field. Your skills play a vital role in differentiating you from many others who probably have the same educational qualifications as you. Marketing and negotiation skills and public speaking and leadership skills are some of the skills that if mastered, can help you excel in virtually any career field.

“Networking” To Advance Your Career

Social networking is one of the most popular ways of connecting to people across the world through the Internet. Networking enables you to stay in touch with the right people and develop good business contacts crucial to your career growth. After all, getting a great job is all about being at the right place at the right time. And networking gives you a phenomenal power to stay connected with the right people to advance your career in the right direction. If you love to talk and make friends, networking wont be difficult at all.

Networking simply requires that you interact with people effectively. You don’t need to be a close friend of someone to get a job or ask for a favor. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” is the overriding principle for getting favors through social networking. There are a number of social networking sites you can choose from. Another way to network is to join a local organization or a social club. Once you get into the habit of socializing and meeting people on a regular basis, you will be able to develop good contacts that can help you progress in your chosen career.

Set Realistic Goals

To be able to enjoy career success, you have to set realistic goals. Impossible, unattainable goals often become the cause of disappointment, dealing a blow to your self-esteem in the bargain.

Work With A Career Coach

A well-rounded career necessitates a good balance of interpersonal relationships, recreation and work. All these ingredients in the right proportion will make your career more meaningful than just a series of jobs. Work with a career coach, partner, or mentor who can motivate you and guide you on your path to success. A career coach can help give you the necessary tools to hone your business skills and encourage you to stick to your plans. You can also be a part of a support group or a group of likeminded people with similar business objectives and career interests.

There are many effective ways to improve your career. Always remember that career improvement is a journey – there isn’t necessarily just one destination.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.JobsCareersEtc.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on March 15, 2007 at 9:14 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

A Job Search Is An Emotional Roller-Coaster Ride

Searching for a job can evoke a range of emotions. If you are searching for a job, then you may often be more open to negative and depressing emotions like anger and shame, instead of positive emotions. These emotions may rise and ebb, only to resurface again later.

Searching for a job is like going on an emotional roller coaster ride - but what you may not know is that there are ways that you can control the twists and turns of your job search. Career consultants say that 90% of job search is an internal process (i.e. managing your emotions). Managing your emotions means that you are able to manipulate your thoughts and emotions in a way that serve you positively.

Tips To Surviving Your Job Search

While it is good to stay away from depressing emotions, it is not a very bright idea to stay away from your emotions altogether. They will invariably become your strengths. Try to look for value in your emotions because doing so will help put the situation in perspective, and you will then be able to think clearly. For instance, the strong emotion of anger can also give you the energy to act in a positive way, just like the emotion of guilt and embarrassment teaches you to reexamine your behavior and act in accordance with your set values and principles.

Often in times of distress, we tend to talk to ourselves. Psychologists term this behavior ‘self talk’ and believe that it is healthy provided you are giving your distressed mind positive messages like ‘I can do it’ or ‘I will remain calm so that I can analyze my situation more optimistically’.

Fear is another emotion that most job seekers face. Fear can often make you feel that the situation is out of control. To get out of this mind-trap, you can make and keep promises to yourself. Set goals that will empower your mind and get you into action mode. For more effective control over fear, start writing a journal and register all your fears and the possible steps that you can take to overcome it. Also write about the barriers that are holding you back from applying those steps.

Another very good way of beating job search stress is to participate in a job search support group. Most regions have at least one, but if your area lacks one then you can form a support group on your own. The Internet also has lots of job search support resources.

The most important thing to remember when facing the stress of looking for a job is to remain positive and active. By not letting your mind become idle, you can stop negative thoughts and fears from taking hold in the first place.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.JobsCareersEtc.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on March 8, 2007 at 9:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

In the not-so-recent-past, job seekers had to spend hours upon hours walking around visiting companies and career consultants hoping to get a good job. They had to pour over newspapers and job listings for hours and then call up every prospective employer to ask for an appointment. But the advent of the Internet has changed all that. Now one of the most effective and efficient ways to look for a job is by using online career services. Unlike days past, the new online job services offer comprehensive advice concerning interviews, resume writing, and even career coaching – all at reasonable prices, and some services are free of charge.

Online Career Sites- Job Searching Made Simple

Online career sites started out small – but with time they have become bigger and better, and offer more value-added services. With online career services, you have a rich repository of career-related information at your fingertips 24/7. Using an online job service is very efficient. Instead of having to go to several different sources for career-related information and help, you can find everything you need in one place.

Is The Online Career Site Reputable?

We’ve all heard of job-related scams, so it pays to be careful. Scammers create false vacancies and post them with the intention of getting personal information about candidates and later misusing it. If you follow certain practices while using an online career service, you will be secure. To verify that an online career service will do what they say they will, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there a ‘help’ function – contact email or otherwise?
• Does the service offer career coaching (it is hard to fake this)?
• Is there sufficient information on the site (a dearth of information suggests a scam)?

You can also verify the reliability of an online career service from sources like the Better Business Bureau.

A reputable online career service offers lots of features and information upfront. A good site will include lots of free articles, resume writing help and career coaching available. In addition, they will offer free tools and assessments for job seekers to use on their own before seeking live help.

Gone are the days when a career site only allowed job seekers to post their resumes and search available vacancies. Today’s career sites are comprehensive tools, offering complete career management, planning and consulting.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.JobsCareersEtc.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Posted by Heather Eagar on March 2, 2007 at 2:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Here's an email I got from a job seeker who knows how important networking
is, yet is reluctant to do it. In other words, fear is wrecking his career.

Could it be wrecking yours, too?

Read on and see if this applies to you ...

Dear Kevin,

As a job search veteran of 3 of the last 6 years, about the only
thing that has worked consistently to get me jobs was somebody knowing me.
When I have been introduced to someone with connections to a job opening,
my success rate has been 100%. Even the interviews were a slam dunk.

The problem? Networking takes a long time, usually 4 to 12 months!
It can be very hard to stay motivated and still have faith to keep looking,
following up, and such. The reason is -- I'm not a salesman, I'm a
technologist. Sales people have a built-in motivator that the rest of us
don't. They're used to getting the stiff arm and handling rejection. Most
of us are not.

What are your thoughts?

Michael B.

------

The good news is, Michael has found a job-search method that works 100% of the time -- networking. But the problem for him, and for most non-sales people, is staying motivated and handling rejection. As a result, his networking efforts are taking 4 to 12 months to produce a new job. That's too long by at least half.

So, let's look at how to do two things:

1) Overcome fears of networking rejection and

2) Find out how to network into a new job in less than 4 months.

First, let's tackle the fear factor ...

Ask yourself this: What's the worst that could happen if you called someone to ask for a job lead?

Well, let's see. They might hang up on you. Or call you names. Or magically jump through the phone and choke you. Is any of this likely to happen? No, no, no. So, really, the worst anyone can do to you during a networking call is ... nothing. You really have nothing to fear.

It may help to keep this quote from Friedrich Nietzsche in mind: "He who has a strong enough why can bear almost any how."

Now. What is the "why" that will motivate you to bear almost any "how" -- and start making more networking calls?

Well, you could post a picture of your children next to your computer, to remind yourself of why you work. Or a picture of the Mustang GT convertible you'll buy with your new salary. Or sit a Boss Hogg action figure ($7.95 on Ebay) next to your computer, to symbolize the county sheriff who might auction off your house if the bank forecloses. Get the idea? Get creative with this!

Once you find the right motivation, you will start making more networking calls. It's that simple.

And once you are properly motivated, you'll want to network as effectively as possible.

How?

First, know that networking is a numbers game. If it takes you 12 months to get hired by making, say, 15 networking calls a week, how soon could you find work by making 150 calls per week? About 1.2 months, by my math -- less than 40 days.

All it takes is six calls an hour for five hours a day -- that's 150 calls per working week. You can do this, especially if you ask the "magic networking question" at the end of every conversation: "Who else do you know that I should be talking to?" This can double or triple the size of your network.

Here are two more ways to network better:

1) Get clear on your value
Start by revamping your resume. Quick tip: It should focus 80% on the specific results you've produced for employers, and only about 20% on your duties and responsibilities.

Once your resume sparkles, you'll have more self-confidence and find you actually look forward to networking. It's like getting a haircut or buying a handsome new suit.

(For more information, Google "kevin donlin focus on results" to find my past articles on how to write a results-based resume.)

2) Get clear on the job you seek
When you know what job you want, it's easier for others to help you get it.
When you don't, it's not.

Example: You could ask your friends, "Know anybody who's hiring?" Or you could ask, "I'm looking for a position as a plant manager at Acme, Ajax or National Widgets. Do you know anyone at any of those companies or know someone who might?"

Now, which question do you think will produce more job leads? Clarity is powerful!

OK. Let's review how we've solved our two networking problems.

First, you can overcome your fear of networking by finding the right motivation, be it a quote or a picture sitting next to your computer, or a daily phone call to a friend to hold yourself accountable. Motivation cancels out fear.

Second, you can network better by recognizing that it's just a numbers game. If you get clear on your value and on the job you seek, you can turn more networking calls into job leads, and put the numbers in your favor.

Now, go out and make your own luck!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes and the creator of GetHiredNow.TV. Since 1996, he has provided job search assistance to nearly 10,000 people. Author of "51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed," Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, CBS Radio and others.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 1, 2007 at 7:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)