Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a resume and curriculum vitae? In college, you may have heard about them both, yet since graduating, you probably have heard less about the CV and more about the resume.

Though the CV may not be as well-known as the resume, it is a very relevant job seeking tool depending on your field. So before you prepare for your first - or next - career, let's take a look at the differences between the resume and CV to help you determine which one is best for you.

The Major Differences

The purpose of both the resume and CV are similar: to provide insight into your qualifications as a potential employee. However, there are some major differences between them. A resume is a brief synopsis (one or two pages) of your professional strengths, typically including standard sections such as your objective (or executive summary), educational background, work history and additional skills. The CV goes into more depth in each section, and even looks at teaching and research you've conducted, works you've published, and major presentations. However, because this information is not relevant in many professions, the CV is usually used by those looking for academic, research, scientific, or medical positions that require a more comprehensive look at the applicant.

Writing Your CV

Your main goal when writing your CV should be to focus on all of your professional involvement from college onward. Luckily, with a CV you have no suggested page limits to worry about, so you can let loose on all of your accomplishments.

Much of your CV will look like a resume (name, address, contact info at the top, employment history, educational background, training and awards); however, you can also include sections that cover detailed professional skills, certifications, professional memberships, and even individuals you've mentored. The more skills and accomplishments you have, the more sections you can create to highlight them. Just make sure to keep them all organized and easy to find. Also, try to tailor your CV to each job you apply for (i.e. highlight more research accomplishments in research-driven positions). Placing your last name and page number at the top of each page is also recommended.

The Successful Resume

Though you may already be familiar with how to create a successful resume, you can always use more great tips to catch the attention of the hiring employer. For example, it is good to use action-oriented statements to describe your skills. So instead of saying, "Duties included assisting manager with documentation and organization of studies," you might say, "Documented and developed electronic filing system for 10 studies on internal company growth conducted by the manager of organizational development, which were made accessible to the public via the company's website." Also, you'll want to include keywords, like "pharma" or "tradeshows" that can showcase your knowledge of your field. And don't forget to research the company you're applying for to help match your skills to their mission.

Whether you're using the resume or CV to fulfill your job seeking goals, it is important to maintain focus on your purpose, which is to market your skills and abilities. By doing so, you can move yourself that much closer to your desired position in the field you love.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.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 July 31, 2008 at 10:22 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you're trying to select the best format for your resume, most likely a functional resume won't work. Not convinced? Check out the following article by guest writer Jessie Richardson, CPRW of MilitaryResumes.com. Best wishes, Kim Isaacs

Many of my transitioning military clients are overwhelmed at the thought of capturing their experience in a resume, just like their civilian counterparts. Getting started with writing a resume can be overwhelming, but choosing the right resume format can be the key to getting your resume read. You may have heard that there are several resume styles from which to choose. Although technically that is true, there is really only one style that you should use. So heed this warning before you put that pen to paper - no matter who has "sold" you on a functional format - do not listen!

The two most popular resume formats are functional and reverse chronological. A reverse chronological resume lists employment with the most recent position first. Each entry includes the company, job title, dates, and a job description with an emphasis on accomplishments, and includes an education or certifications section. Functional resumes begin with a professional summary that lists primary functional skills, such as project management, maintenance, reorganization, etc. This is followed by skills and significant achievements for each of the primary functional skills. Next is a tabular summary of employment, followed by education and certifications.

There are three problems with functional resumes. First, they do not provide hiring managers with enough information. As a hiring authority, how am I to know if you have three months or three years of "project management" experience? Second, they come across as suspicious. Functional resumes are popular among people with something to hide, such as habitual "job hoppers" and those with large gaps in their employment history. Third, they tend to be heavy on empty phrases like, "exceptional leadership skills." To a seasoned resume reviewer, this means nothing. A great resume leads the reader, on his or her own, to come up with the very assertions you would like to make. Aim to show not tell - a hard order to fill with a functional resume.

In summary, readers want the resume in a certain format. List your work experiences in reverse chronological order rather than by function performed. If collateral duties and multiple, simultaneous jobs make your reverse chronological timeline somewhat difficult to follow, add a "collateral duties" or "additional experience" section and keep the focus on experience most relevant to your target. While a functional resume may make you feel better about representing your skills, it will not please the reader and you could suffer the consequences because your resume ended up in the trash.

Article courtesy of Kim Isaacs and courtesy of ResumePower blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on July 28, 2008 at 1:32 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you're in the market for a media sales job in London, get your CV (resume) together and upload it on Media Week Jobs' web site. There you'll find the latest media sales vacancies across the U.K., in addition to valuable advice on how to write a CV that will catch a potential employer's attention immediately.

Media Week Jobs has hundreds of vacancies for job seekers in need of entry-level jobs in advertising or media sales "all the way up to senior management candidates." They have job postings from such employers as Meltwater News, Leicester Mercury, Reed Exhibitions and many others. For those of you who prefer working with a recruiter, agencies like Ascent Solutions, Blossom Careers and Lipton Fleming have postings as well ... just to name a few.

So, if media sales is your passion, visit Media Week Jobs and upload your CV. No matter what your level of experience, chances are you'll find what you seek.

Posted by Candice Arnold on July 27, 2008 at 7:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

This morning I happened upon a blog called JobMob which has a couple of posts about funny resumes. I started reading and within about 15 minutes I was doubled over with laughter. I cut and pasted a few of the ones that I thought were the funniest (I divided them by category) but you should go over to JobMob and check them out. If you are a job seeker please review your resume and make sure that you don't include anything you see in this post in your resume. If you have any funny resume stories please email them to me and if I get enough I will create another post with the ones you send. Enjoy!

Hobbies/Activities:
"Getting drunk everynight down by the water, playing my guitar and smoking pot"

"Drugs and girls".

"Sitting on the levee at night watching alligators".

"Gossiping."

"Playing trivia games. I am a repository of worthless knowledge."

Why Interested in Position:
"To keep my parole officer from putting back me in jail"

Miscellaneous:
"I am great with the pubic."

A candidate listed her e-mail address as pornstardelight@*****.com

One candidate's electronic resume included links to her homepage, where the pictures were of her in the nude.

One applicant for a nursing position noted that she didn't like dealing with blood or needles.

Candidate included family medical history.

"It's best for employers that I not work with people."

"I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely no one and absolutely nothing."

Achievements:
"Nominated for prom queen"

One resume that came across my desk stated that the individual had won a contest for building toothpick bridges in middle school.

Arrests:
Candidate explained an arrest by stating, "We stole a pig, but it was a really small pig."

Personal interests:
Donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far.

Marital status:
Often. Children: various."

Reason for leaving last job:
"I thought the world was coming to an end."

"Bounty hunting was outlawed in my state."

Salary desired:
"Starting over due to recent bankruptcies. Need large bonus when starting job."

Bad traits:
"I am very bad about time and don't mind admitting it. Having to arrive at a certain hour doesn't make sense to me. What does make sense is that I do the job. Any company that insists upon rigid time schedules will find me a nightmare."

References:
"Bill, Tom, Eric. But I don't know their phone numbers."

Objective:
"My dream job would be as a professional baseball player, but since I can't do that, I'll settle on being an accountant."

To obtain a position within an organization in which both my fashion and administrative experience can be of great detriment."

Personal:
"My family is willing to relocate. However not to New England (too cold) and not to Southern California (earthquakes). Indianapolis or Chicago would be fine. My youngest prefers Orlando's proximity to Disney World."

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on July 25, 2008 at 8:08 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are a Baby Boomer, you are a part of a generation that is headed toward retirement. However, due to our slumping economy, there is a chance that even if you are able to retire, you could be making a u-turn right back into the workforce to supplement your retirement savings.

With competition being so stiff, it may seem that the odds are against you for getting hired, especially having to compete with younger talent. In some cases this is true, but there are also employers out there looking for the skills and expertise mature workers can bring to the table. So if you're a Baby Boomer looking for employment, it is not too late to secure a great job. You just need the right resume and cover letter to get you in the door.

Updating Your Resume

If you've been out of the job market for a decade or more, updating your resume may be more challenging than you remember, especially when you factor in the Internet and possibly having to apply online. But that's not all you have to think about. As a mature worker, you also have the challenge of creating a resume that showcases your years of experience without shining a spotlight on your age.

So how can you get this done? One way is by using a functional resume format that highlights specific skills rather than chronological timelines. When writing your skills, try going into detail regarding projects you've completed that have benefited your previous companies. You can also create a section that focuses on the computer technologies you've mastered or any training you've completed. All of these things can help employers focus more on your skills and talents, and less on your age.

Using Your Cover Letter to Reveal Who You Really Are

Being a mature worker, you may have to contend with a few stereotypes during your job search. Some include you being less productive than your younger counterparts, more resistant to newer technologies, and set in your ways. Of course, none of those descriptions define who you really are. But it is up to you to help prospective employers understand this.

One way to do this is by explaining how important it is for you to expand the landscape of your career. You're not in it for the money, you simply want to grow. If you've recently received any advanced degrees or additional education, don't hesitate to mention it. And most importantly, let employers know you have no intentions of leaving the industry any time soon - you're still getting your feet wet.

Confidence is Key

You may be feeling uncertain about your ability to compete in an already competitive job search. But don't let that deter you. You have years of experience under your belt and the skill level to match. So make sure you maintain your confidence throughout your job search process. It will shine through in your resume, cover letter, and face-to-face interview.

Getting back into the workforce as a Baby Boomer isn't an impossible task if you believe in your capabilities and make a strong effort to excel. The more proactive you are about putting yourself out there, the more success you will have in locating opportunities that can take your career to the next level.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.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 July 24, 2008 at 2:31 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

One topic of frequent discussion among career professionals and recruiters is the future of the resume. What will replace the paper resume? Is an online portfolio the answer? Will we all eventually just use LinkedIn profiles (or something similar)? Are video resumes the future?

Sadly, I don't know the answer - if I did I'd be on a beach somewhere sipping something with an umbrella instead of here writing this post.

But I do enjoy seeing examples of successful alternatives to the resume. And they are never to be found on sites that allow you to create your own 'visual resume' or video resume, because how can you look different when you're using the same approach as everyone else? No, the ones that catch my eye are always a direct expression of the individual job seeker's personality. Which is why I like this slideshow resume so much ... Saran posted this in the comments on my own blog - after seeing it, I wanted to interview him even though I don't have a job for him! Nice work, Saran.

Article by, Louise Fletcher and courtesy of 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 July 17, 2008 at 5:27 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

So, you've been working in the same position for several years and now feel the time is right to elevate your level of responsibility along with your title and salary. However, with this being your first time attempting to move into a more prominent role, you have no idea where to start.

Many people are in your position and also wonder what steps they should take to move up the corporate ladder. One thing you can do is stay on top of current trends and educational requirements in your field. But once you've fulfilled these tasks and are ready to apply for a job, you'll need a great resume to get your foot in the door. Let's look at some ways to create the right resume to match your accelerated career goals.

Try a Functional Resume Style

One recommended way to create a resume that appeals to higher-level recruiters and hiring managers is to shine a light on the skills you've acquired. You can get this done by using a functional resume format.

For example, if you were to use a functional format to describe your skills as an IT tech, instead of listing each job you've had year after year, you would focus on specific skills. By creating headings for each skill (ex. Software Development) you would be able to describe in detail all of the software you've developed for each company you've worked for. Using a functional resume in this way can help you expand on each skill you possess and show the employer your versatility as an employee.

Highlight Your Outside Achievements and Awards

Another great way to make your resume appeal to upper-level recruiters and hiring managers is by using a section to highlight anything you've achieved outside of your hired role. This works especially well if you focus on roles that have required you to act as a supervisor or manager of others.

For example, let's say at your current company you have worked as a training coordinator for 5 years. However, in your spare time you founded and led a diversity awareness group that consisted of 10 volunteer employees. With this group, you used presentations and focus groups to demonstrate the need for diversity awareness in a work setting. By noting such a huge accomplishment on your resume, you show the hiring manager that you're able to successfully develop and manage projects outside of your hired role.

Staying at Your Current Employer?

If you want to move up the corporate ladder while remaining at your current employer, it is a good idea to create a resume similar to one you would create for an outside employer. Why? Because it is very likely that the hiring manager won't have any idea what you've accomplished on the job. But don't feel bad about this duty as there are benefits to applying in-house, including being able to use respected employees for recommendations, and noting in-house training programs that are very relevant to the company.

Working your way up the corporate ladder can be an exciting ride - especially when you come equipped with the right tools. By showing up with a great resume and even better attitude, you'll see in no time that your ride to the top will move smoother than you could ever imagine.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.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 July 17, 2008 at 12:39 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The hardest part of getting an entry-level job after graduation from college is getting your foot in the door. A great resume can do just that. Although several resume experts have given their advice, it always bears repeating because every year brings a new group of recent graduates looking for new jobs.

Resume-Help.org is one site that is a fountainhead of information for job seekers, especially recent college graduates looking for entry-level employment and college students looking for internships.

Since many new grads have a limited amount of work experience, Resume-Help.org advises beefing up the education section of their resumes and also making mention of any transferrable skills acquired in college that are relevant to the job being applied for. Skills that can be transferred from college to work are:

• "Leadership
• Time management
• Written and verbal communication
• Problem-solving
• Analytical
• Computer"

The key is to make sure that the skills mentioned are relevant to the job and the company. And any work experience counts, Resume-Help.org says. Any transferrable skills learned during an internship, through volunteer work or as part of a club or organization can be included on the resume.

Choosing a proper format for the resume is also important and, again, Resume-Help.org can be of service. Whether you're a recent college grad in need of a resume template or sample, or a more experienced candidate looking for ways to improve on what you already have, Resume-Help.org can help. And if they can't, they can put you in touch with someone who can.

Posted by Candice Arnold on July 17, 2008 at 8:51 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Howard Nestler over on Blue Steps thinks executives should do away with the resume as a job search tool:

Nestler makes the point that when executives default to using a resume as a means of promoting, they have given up all the advantages that their skill, intellect and experience have provided them. "They become part of the crowd," Nestler asserts. "Imagine a political candidate running for office by merely circulating a resume."

"An executive must begin to see himself or herself as a product with discernable qualities and characteristics that set them apart from the many options a company has in today's job market." Nestler goes on to say that, "Executives must then headline their campaign with these qualities, which is something a resume does not do."

I could not disagree more! Most resumes don't do that, it is true. But the good ones do. To suggest that senior executives can somehow do away with a resume is a complete myth and could only be suggested by someone who fundamentally doesn't understand the hiring process at most organizations.

Try telling the headhunter who calls you about a great CEO opportunity that you don't have a resume because you are above all that. The headhunter's response would likely be "well write one and send it over to me ASAP." And when a company expresses interest in you after your networking efforts paid off, how do you think they'll respond to being told "sorry, I don't use a resume."

Perhaps what Nestler means to say is that the average resume isn't effective.There I would agree with him and I've written extensively on the subject. No matter what level (entry or executive) your resume must communicate your unique story. It must show why you are the perfect person to help your target company to meet its goals. It must help you to stand out, showing why you are uniquely qualified for the role. All this takes time and effort, but its well worth the work.

For more on how to write a game-changing resume, feel free to download my free report: The 3 Inside Secrets that Will Transform your Resume. Or buy a book. Or study samples online. Just don't follow Howard's advice and try to dispense with a resume altogether.

Article by, Louise Fletcher and courtesy of 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 July 16, 2008 at 12:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Finding the right entry-level job after graduation is a monumental task. The lucky ones found great internships that ended with full-time job offers. But those less fortunate have to pound the pavement and surf the Internet in search of the right jobs for them.

Part of that job search process is writing a winning resume and cover letter. In the course of my own Internet trolling, I came upon a Web site called Resume-Help.org. It has everything you need to help you conduct your job search. There are numerous sample resumes, interviewing tips, resume and cover letter templates, and even a forum. You can either ask your own question or browse the responses to questions asked by others. All of this is free.

If all else fails, they also provide a resume writing service, for a fee of course. The resume crtique feature will connect you with expert help in your area. Whether or not they charge a fee, I don't know. Although you'll have to do the interview on your own, Resume-Help.org gives advice on how to prepare and how to follow up afterward. They even have sample thank you notes. There are also job search tools for anyone having trouble getting started.

Your search for a great new job can be facilitated by a visit to Resume-Help.org. See what they have to offer. You just might find exactly what you need to get you started on the path to career success.

Posted by Candice Arnold on July 14, 2008 at 12:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

There is no doubt that our current economy is a little scary to say the least. Companies are laying off in mass numbers while gas, food, and energy costs are reaching record highs. It can be very difficult to maintain sanity in the midst of such uncertainty, let alone think about finding a job. But with responsibilities like bills and family always present, one must learn to keep pushing forward.

If you're trying to find a job in our unsettling job market, you may feel less than excited about your prospects. However, you can find a job...and a good one at that. You just have to develop the right attitude, and an even better resume.

Make Yourself More Marketable

With layoffs on the rise, more people are competing for the same job. So in order to make yourself more marketable, you'll need to perfect your resume. This means, no spelling or grammatical errors. You'll also need to make sure your skills stand out above the rest.

One way you can do this is by conducting thorough research on the company and position to illustrate how you can enhance their goals. When describing your skills, try using action-oriented words like designed, marketed and researched, instead of phrases like "responsibilities included." And also focus on specific achievements, like how much money you made at your previous company, and on which projects, to help employers assess your skill level.

Consider Economic Growths, Declines, and Specific Regions

Before you even apply for a job, it's good to look at which business areas are growing, which are declining, and how your region is fairing economically. For example, a May 2008 Newsweek article reported that finance and accounting, engineering, technology and science are seeing growth, while construction, manufacturing, and automotive seem to be declining. In the same article, it noted that Midwest jobs may be on the decline due to its strong construction focus, while cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Dallas may see a rise due to their professional focus.

After you conduct your research, if you find your field isn't negatively impacted by the economy, you may still want to conduct more research to learn details such as whether managers and administrators, or hourly employees, are keeping or losing jobs. And if things aren't going so well in your industry, you might consider a slight career shift, such as moving from software development to hardware networking, or even switching cities. That is if the prospects for long-term employment seem more promising.

Maintain the Right Attitude

In this economy, it is important to keep a positive attitude about your career prospects. Because the fact of the matter is, if there is a job available, someone must eventually fill the role. So why couldn't it be you? You are just as qualified for the job as you were before the economy worsened. So try not to let the economy's current state negatively affect your job search.

Under stable conditions, getting on track career-wise requires strong determination. But in a weak economy, it takes more. So take time to perfect your resume, conduct extensive research on your field, and keep a positive attitude. You will see that despite the economy, you'll be able to thrive.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.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 July 10, 2008 at 8:50 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I write resumes professionally. About once a month, I take on a client who has paid a lot of money to another resume service only to hate the results. While I obviously like getting new clients, these situations make me both sad and angry on behalf of the clients who were hurt by one bad choice.

So here are my recommendations for selecting a resume writer.

1) Shop around. If you like the first company you find - even if it's mine! - I still recommend contacting a couple of other services just to be sure that you're in the best hands.

2) Look at samples. All good writers should display samples on their site - preferably in 'before' and 'after' format so that you can see what changed. Look for quality, but also look for variation. Does each resume have a different structure? Does each one use different words? Or are they all the same, as though a template was used. And finally, do they impress you personally?

3) Ask about guarantees. Personally, I think all writers should offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. But most are not willing to go quite that far so you may have to settle for less - at the very least, your writer should promise to rework your resume as many times as possible to ensure your satisfaction.

4) Evaluate their qualifications. What makes them qualified to write your resume? Do they understand your industry or function? Have they worked in recruiting or HR? If not, do they have other expertise in those areas that gives you a sense of comfort? (Perhaps they have written books, or have lots of certifications, or come highly recommended by other people in your field).

5) Ask what they DON'T do. We turn away clients who want to work for the federal government or academia because none of our writers have expertise in these areas. Any good writer should be turning away clients - it proves their honesty.

6) Are they web savvy? Is their website modern and well maintained? Have they conveyed their brand well? Do they blog? Do they have a Linked In or Facebook page? You are hiring someone to help market you - make sure they know how to market themselves effectively in today's world.

7) Check LinkedIn testimonials. LinkedIn testimonials can't be fudged because the site allows you to click through as see who wrote the reference. To see them, you must be a member but it's quick and easy to sign up. Don't hire a writer who doesn't have glowing testimonials.

8) Who else refers their services? If you're still unsure, ask who refers clients to them. Do they have affiliations with career counselors, recruiters or other websites? Such relationships - especially with recruiters - are indications that their work is respected by the people who count.

9) Be sure the process works for you. Resume services have different approaches to writing a resume. Some require the completion of worksheets to develop a career history and value proposition. Some utilize phone interviews. Some do a combination of both. I personally prefer worksheets and we've developed a very specific proprietary worksheet that helps us develop a truly compelling resume- but not every client is comfortable with this process and it's important to know that upfront.

10) Finally, don't base your decision on price. I know that price has to be a consideration, but don't make it the be-all and end-all. Those cheap services advertising on the web are cheap for a reason - in most cases they will outsource your work to underpaid writers who have to work quickly just to make a living. In other cases, the fee is low because the person is in no way qualified to do this but saw a chance to make some money from home. If you can't afford to hire a good resume writer, take the time to learn about resume writing from books or articles and do it yourself. You'll get better results, believe me.

You'll notice that I didn't include professional certifications in my list. That's because I don't personally feel they are a reliable indicator of quality. This is a controversial view in my industry and other Career Hub writers probably disagree, so take it as just my opinion. But if you do take professional certifications into account, I think we would all agree that they are only the first step in evaluating a resume writing service. All the points above still apply.

Choosing the right resume writer can make all the difference to your job search so take the time to understand what you're getting. Good luck!

Article by, Louise Fletcher and courtesy of 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 July 7, 2008 at 6:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Are you highly skilled in your profession, yet seeking a job that for which you are probably overqualified? It is never bad to come into a position already encompassing a boatload of skills. However, some employers are intimidated by applicants who they feel are overqualified, which means you may have your work cut out for you.

If you know you have high qualifications, but think this could stand in the way of the job you want, you can use your cover letter to change minds. Let's look at some ways you can get this done ...

Explain Your Motivation

If you've been in a top position for many years, you may feel that it is time to lower your level of stress and get back to the basics of your profession. For example, you may have been the director of a non-profit for many years, working diligently to write grants and develop initiatives to bring money into your organization. However, the strenuous lifestyle has left you ready to step into a smaller role as a non-profit event coordinator, something that will offer time to relax and be with your family.

While this is good motivation, an unknowing organization only seeing your background might question your decision to downgrade. So when writing your cover letter, it's good to focus on how taking this step will offer fulfillment in your career - and life. Many hiring managers will understand your motivation, and appreciate you bringing your advanced knowledge to the table.

Remember that Your Experience is a Plus

By being overqualified, you're coming with an overwhelming amount of experience - something the organization or company can truly benefit from. So when writing your cover letter, try to stay away from any verbiage that makes your level of experience sound like a handicap. Instead, try explaining some of the ways that your experience can enhance their mission. Take some time to research what they are striving for then incorporate your skills and advanced knowledge in a way that can present thought-provoking ideas for making a difference.

For example, you can explain how as coordinator you would like to create events to entertain disadvantaged children, or bring in business professionals to help homeless individuals prepare for the work world. It's no secret that your expansive experience gives you a wide and beneficial perspective. But letting them know that your only agenda is using that experience to enhance their goals could positively affect whether you're considered for the job.

Let Them Know You're Not Going Anywhere

When writing your cover letter, it's good to assure the employer you're not going anywhere. Some hiring managers may fear that with your experience they may fall victim to an employee "hit and run." That is, you may depart prematurely if you get bored. Even worse, you might ask for money outside of their budget, or suffer from a superiority complex. None of these behaviors are desired by employers. But by highlighting your commitment to all previous jobs, you can express that they have nothing to worry about.

Remember, being overqualified for a job is not the end of the world. So by focusing on your passion in your cover letter, you can overshadow any doubts prospective employers may have regarding your sincerity, and possibly secure that position you want.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.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 July 3, 2008 at 1:36 PM | Leave a Comment (0)