Boy, its been awhile since I posted. I have been extremely busy and have really let the blog slide so I need to get back on track!

I just got a new puppy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whom I named Oliver. He is so adorable and sweet. He spends most of his day keeping me company on a pillow that I have placed next to the computer on my desk. When he isn't sleeping he is running around the house, playing with my other dogs, exploring, sitting on laps, and generally spreading joy and fun wherever he goes. As I watch him grow and learn it occurred to me that adult humans can learn a thing or two from puppies.

1. If you fall down, get back up and keep going.

Oliver is very quick and spry; sometimes I don't even hear or see him coming until he has smashed into a door I am opening. The other day he ran head-on into a door just as I was opening it. I don't know how he didn't get a concussion. He didn't cry or whine. He just got up, wagged his tail and followed me out the door. As we get older I think most of us indulge ourselves in some time to complain or be upset about things that go wrong - maybe we should try to bounce right up and keep going instead of wasting precious time feeling sorry for ourselves. Easier said than done of course.

2. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Oliver pops out of bed every morning with an excitement and enthusiasm that makes me smile even though I am in desperate need of caffeine before I can start my day. I can't help it. He is excited about the day so I start my day with a smile. People who walk into a room with a genuine (not fake) smile and who seem happy tend to elicit the same attitude from those with whom they interact. It can be difficult sometimes but happy spreads happy.

3. Forgive and forget.

Oliver and my two other dogs, Rusty and Kodiak, are adjusting to each other. There is a lot of toy and rawhide stealing going on in the house now. Sometimes Kodiak, who weighs about 90 pounds, just walks right up to Oliver and takes a toy out of his mouth. Oliver always looks confused but he doesn't get mad and he continues to try to become friends with Kodiak. And Kodi is warming to him and is spending less time playing with Oliver's toys and more time playing with his own. I am not a believer that anyone should take a lot of crap from anyone else but in certain situations taking the high road is a really good way to go.

4. Every day brings the possibilty of new adventures.

Every time we try a new activity like riding in the car, walking to the park, or meeting a new person, Oliver reacts with all the enthusiasm you would expect from a puppy. It's just good to remember that every day we are alive we have the option to enthusiastically take on new adventures, challenges, and activities with a positive attitude.

5. Openly showing those you love how you feel is a good thing.

What can I say? Puppy hugs and kisses are fantastic and make every day better. Make sure the people you care about realize their importance in your life every day because life is short. Oliver's obvious love for me makes me so happy every day even when I am having a crummy day.

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 26, 2009 at 6:19 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

This post by Michael at Human Race Horses makes an argument that I hear often. In these days of social media and web-based job search, can a resume really do the job? Michael thinks not:

Another personal reason for wanting to kill my resume is that in looking at this little historical snapshot from so long ago - slightly over two years - it is really shocking to realize that it does nothing to communicate anything at all about me that I would want to put out if I were job searching. It doesn't effectively reflect: * extensive skills in social media * knowledge and expertise of Hr and how it applies to today's work environment * research skills, especially deep skills on the net * networking * blogging, writing and thought leadership

He wonders then whether he shouldn't scrap his resume in favor of online profiles where he can better communicate these skills. But this is the part of the 'resume is dead' argument that I don't understand.

People say to me all the time "I can't capture who I am in a resume" and I always ask them the same question: Why not? Is it because words are just not adequate to describe the wonder that is you? Unlikely!

More likely it's because you are being limited by what you imagine a resume should be. If you step outside the box (sorry for the cliche!) a little, you might see lots of ways to convey who you are and what you have to offer a company.

For example, Michael could begin with a summary that outlines the skills he mentioned above, complete with links where appropriate, but then he could go on to provide evidence of these skills through action-oriented achievement stories and even by quoting testimonials from LinkedIn, or thank you letters from blog readers, or by listing training he's completed or e-books he's written, or by numerous other means to show that he is indeed a thought leader in his field.

If his resume were to do all that, it would generate phone calls and interviews.

As for the web profiles, it doesn't have to be either/or. I like to end my client's resumes with a section called 'on the web' or 'learn more' where I list their career-related web profiles and/or blogs. It can also be effective to add the statement 'feel free to google my name for more information' to either your resume or cover letter - nothing conveys more confidence than telling people to go look you up.

I'm not defending the resume because I make my living writing resumes - after all, if resumes go away, I'll probably make my living writing web profiles instead. I'm just not sure that the answer to an outdated style of resume writing is to blow up the entire concept of resumes. At least, not yet.

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 June 9, 2009 at 1:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Written By Jimmy Sweeney
Author of the brand new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Today's hiring managers are being bombarded with job applications, resumes, and cover letters. Some have a mile-high pile of paper on their desks and not nearly enough time to read and respond to it. So what is a dedicated job seeker to do in this tight economy when employers are overworked and overwhelmed?

Make your cover letter stand out from the rest. No, not with pink or blue paper or accompanied with a dozen chocolate chip cookies. But simply by writing a one-page cover letter that features these seven wonders:

1. Three paragraphs on a single page: introduction, your skills and qualifications, and a request for an interview.

2. Three or four well-written sentences in each paragraph. Easy on the eyes.

3. Plenty of 'white space' around your writing so the cover letter is easy to read and comprehend. Create generous margins and double space between paragraphs.

4. Bullets and numbered lists when appropriate. Helps reader scan quickly.

5. Bold-faced type (like this) to emphasize certain points.

6. Correct spelling, usage, and punctuation for a professional appearance.

7. Accurate name, contact info, and signature.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER . . .

Write a cover letter that makes your point about the job you want, states your qualifications concisely, and asks for the opportunity to meet in person. Then double check for the 'seven wonders' listed above before sending it off to the hiring manager.

With all these points in place, the employer will not have to 'wonder' what you're all about. It will be clear from your cover letter that you're a person of integrity and dependability--one he or she will want to contact.

If you incorporate the seven wonders of a world-class cover letter into your writing, your cover letter may be the one that attracts the hiring manager's attention enough to single you out for that important call for an interview--and ultimately for the job itself.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 5, 2009 at 8:15 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret"

Put your best foot forward.
Make a good first impression.
Look your interviewer in the eye.

Pretty standard fare, you might be thinking. You've heard these tips numerous times. But have you considered what they mean and how important they really are? If not, here are some reasons to do so for each one.

Not-So-Secret Secret #1: Put Your Best Foot Forward

The wording here is a bit odd. It implies that we have three or more feet. It would make more sense and be grammatically correct to say: "Put your better foot forward." But knowing what it means is what really matters: To start on a journey or task with purpose and gusto. In other words walk into your interview with a determined step, a smile on your face, a friendly handshake, and expectancy in your mind and heart. Be your best self and trust that your authenticity will compel the interviewer to take a good look at YOU, in person and on paper.

Not-So-Secret Secret #2: Make a Good First Impression

It has been said again and again that the first impression is the last impression. How can that be true? People judge one another by what they see and hear first. It stays with them, regardless of what happens next. So it's worth your time to express your true self rather than to try to impress with affectation and showmanship. Hiring managers are looking for authentic individuals who are honest, open-faced, quick to smile and shake hands firmly, ask intelligent questions, and speak openly about their qualifications for the job in question. Be positive and optimistic. Show your appreciation for the opportunity, get to the point of how you can benefit the company with your skill set, and avoid throwing verbal stones at previous employers or co-workers.

Not-So-Secret Secret #3: Look Your Interviewer in the Eye

You've probably heard the saying, "The eyes are the windows to the soul." And you know it's true when you encounter other people. Our eyes sometimes say more than our words. So when you're in an interview, look the hiring manager in the eye. Listen and focus on what he or she is saying. And when it's your turn to respond, hold your gaze and avoid distracting gestures such as playing with coins in your pocket or flicking your fingernails. One way to lose points fast is to look over the interviewer's shoulder or glance around the room or stare at the floor when you and he or she are engaged in conversation.

The next time you're preparing for a job interview, review these three not-so-secret secrets, put them into practice, and the wait for those three magic words, "WOW...You're Hired!"

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Job Interview "Secret" and discover Jimmy Sweeney's breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair... DURING your next job interview.

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 5, 2009 at 7:09 AM | Leave a Comment (0)