Many feel that resume writing for a Software Engineer is a cake walk. It is not a daunting task, provided you put in great effort in formatting your resume and giving the right and precise information to the employer. After all, this is the initial interface between you and the prospective employer. There may be possibilities wherein you wouldn't be given a second chance among hundreds of resume of software engineer, hence make the most of it and hit the bulls eye in the first short.

One of the first rule of thumb when writing a resume is to keep it as simple and precise as possible. Many believe that a resume should not be longer than a single page but that is often debatable. In the case of a software engineer, it might not be possible to maintain a single page resume going by their varied skills, experience and qualifications. However it's an individual's choice. An ideal resume of a software engineer must begin with a summary, giving very brief information about you as a person, along with your skills and a brief information on the domain you have been working in. Continue reading ...

Article by, Arthur Donald and courtesy of Associated Content, Inc.

Posted by Candice Arnold on November 18, 2009 at 6:35 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

A resume is much more than a simple piece of paper; in fact, it is the pivot on which your entire career revolves. In a world that is filled with cutthroat competition, it is your weapon that helps you find your place in the industry of your choice, which is why you must hone it to perfection. It is a missive that employers see even before they set eyes on you, so you must ensure that it hits your target accurately. If employers fail to call you for an interview after reading your resume, you can assume that it has failed to impress them and failed you in the process. A few reasons why this could have happened are:

• Lack of experience: I don't mean your lack of experience in writing a resume, but your lack of anything substantial to put down in the space marked for experience. Employers are not too keen on taking on greenhorns who have to be trained for the job - this costs them time and money. So experience matters. So what do you do if you're a college graduate who's on the lookout for a job? You're going to claim that it's practically impossible for you to have gained any experience. Au contraire, if you know what you want to do with your life early on in college, you could gain experience through internships and volunteer programs in the industry of your choice. You may not get paid, but at least you gain in experience and enhance your prospects of landing a good job.

• Lack of organization: A resume that's all over the place is going to find its way straight to the trash can. If you haven't bothered to put some time and effort into creating your resume and making sure that prospective employers are able to gain a glimpse of your abilities by just looking at it, then your resume is not worth the paper it is written on. You must organize your information in the right order and in the right sequence so that it is easy for people reading it to grasp who you are and what your abilities are in the least possible time. Employers do not have time to waste on complicated resumes that are all frills and no substance.
• Too much information: You may have an achievement list that is a mile long, but that does not mean they should all find their way into your resume. Put down only what is relevant to the job you are applying for and don't exaggerate your skills, talents, abilities or accomplishments. List what you have actually done rather than the positions you've held. And focus on the requirements and qualifications that are needed for the job you're applying for.

When you know why your resume fails to impress and take the necessary action to correct your errors, you can rest assured that you will have better luck at finding a job that you love.

This guest post was contributed by Donna Mitchell , who regularly writes on the topic of paralegal schools online. She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: donna.mitchell@rediffmail.com

Article courtesy of Liz Handlin and Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on November 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Most job seekers are wondering this same question - Am I not receiving calls because of the economy or is it my resume? I've read the articles, blogs, business week stories, monitored the job boards and discussed the issue with recruiters. Everyone has a different opinion and so do I.

I took my daughter to the mall this weekend to buy her a new pair of shoes (hang in here with me for a few minutes and you'll see where I'm going.) Unfortunately for my daughter, she has a wide foot. Which means only select stores carry her size shoe and it only comes in select styles. She's still in children's sized shoes so this even further complicates the issue. We normally go to this same store to buy her shoes every time she needs a pair and it's the only one in my area that carries wide shoes for children. When I went to the store they were out of her size in every single style (over 30) except one. The clerk made the comment 'we don't get much stock here anymore, we're always running out.'

I remembered reading and hearing that stores were reducing inventory and cutting back on shipments to try to save money. Here I was a paying customer and couldn't get what I needed. I thought to myself, hmmmm... maybe there is something to this bad economy thing. I decided I'd have to go home and just purchase new shoes online. To my dismay - no luck there either. Online stores were out... all of them. I thought to myself - WOW, I can't even buy my child shoes. It's not that I didn't have the money or wasn't willing to pay. It's that companies have gotten so cost conscious and are trying so hard to save a buck that now they don't even have the products available when a consumer is ready to buy.

I really started thinking hard about the whole economy issue.. Maybe it was as bad as the media said? Then I walked into Toys R' Us. Let me tell you folks there is NOT A BAD ECONOMY. This past weekend I took my daughter to Toys R' Us and the place was so packed you could barely push a shopping cart through it! It was wall-to-wall people and mimicked black friday. Needless to say - I WAS SHOCKED.

I can't get my daughter shoes but the local Toys R' Us store is having no problems at all. You know what this tells me? If parents have the money to go out to the stores and spend money on toys for their children things aren't really as bad as they seem.

So here's my opinion whether you want it or not, or whether you agree with it or not. And let me preface by saying I am not an economist - I am writing this as a careers industry expert and every day consumer.

The economy is NOT as bad as they say it is. There are jobs out there - you just have to know where to look. If you're not getting calls for interviews, it is not the economy, it is your resume. Before you get offended please allow me to explain.

Toys R' Us is hiring. Just kidding. Well, actually they are hiring - so if you are really hard up for a job, now the cat is out of the bag. Secondly, because of this 'oh no we're in a recession' issue, companies are cutting back trying to save a buck where they can and guess where part of that cost cutting comes from? That's right, advertising on large job boards. I had one employer ask me if I knew a way they could fill the position without posting it so they didn't have to wade through the massive amounts of applicants. Companies are cutting costs and finding ways around the influx of applications which explains why there aren't as many jobs posted on job boards. It doesn't necessarily mean there are fewer jobs, it just means employers are going about how they post them differently.

Yes, I do realize there have been cut backs, layoffs, and the unemployment rate is alarmingly close to double digits (so I do know that the economy has taken a hit) all I am saying is that it isn't as bad as some fear-mongers would like you to think.

So what's a job seeker to do? Discover the shortcuts!

I found out about a Web site called LinkUp a little over a week or so ago.This search engine searches actual company websites, NOT job boards, and posts all the open positions it finds. Think of how many jobs never make their way to job boards because they are filled by applicants who apply online at company websites - now think of how many opportunities you are missing out on!!

Another way is to start networking like crazy. Start making connections. More job seekers are being placed through recommendations, word of mouth, and networking then most other means.

Jessica Holbrook of Great Resumes Fast is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, and presenter. She has written more than 100 articles that are featured on some of the best career advice Web sites today. In addition, her writing has been included in Launch pad, a career search strategy guide featuring exclusive information by the top career advisors.

Posted by Candice Arnold on November 11, 2009 at 12:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

No matter who I am speaking to- large groups or an individual- heads start nodding when I talk about how important networking is, yet how little of it we take the time to actually do. "Guilty as charged" their faces say. Kinda like eating more veggies. We really do know it's good for us- but that rarely translates into those seemingly hundreds of daily servings we're supposed to have.

I think we all picture that guy with a pocketful of business cards who is bound and determined no one will leave the room withou t one. We don't want to be him. Clearly. But believe it or not, there is some middle ground between him and the guy hugging the corner, staring at his shoes. That's where you want to be- in your own comfortable spot in that middle ground. Yep, you have to get out there and talk to people. Shy? An introvert? If so, you have an advantage. THE primary skill to being a good networker is to be a good listener. If you believe the golden rule of networking, "give first, take second", how can you know what your networking partner needs, i.e., what to give- if you aren't listening?

We get so overwrought with the idea that we have to have exactly the right thing to say to everyone we meet. Try these quickie tips the next time you are planning to attend an event where you will have the opportunity to network. (yes, it IS an opportunity- not a death march)

Look for potential "victims" (just kidding) of your networking charms

If you have an opportunity to see a roster of the other attendees, do a little research on who will be there. LinkedIn is great for that. That will help you know who to seek out, who you might have something in common with, who might have info you are seeking, even fellow college alums. This does not qualify as stalking. Trust me. Or survey the room and find someone who also appears to not know anyone or has just arrived.

Pack a few good questions and listen generously to the answers

Be ready to ask a good, open ended question. "Have you been to many of these events? Have you ever heard the speaker? What kinds of exciting things are going on at your company? What's keeping you busy these days?" are a few examples. If your conversation partner mentions that he is new to the area, ask about where he came from and what he misses most, then see if you can offer information on your town that might help him adjust. If she mentions that she is spending her summer taking her oldest on college visits, and you've been through that process before, I bet you can offer at least a tidbit of helpful advice. This is the kind of stuff relationships can sprout from.

Exchange business cards with purpose (and not the purpose of getting rid of all of your biz cards!)

Only offer your card or ask for someone else's when you have a found a mutually beneficial reason to stay in touch. Possible reasons- to continue a conversation you were having, to further explore a mutual interest, because you committed to getting some info to him, etc. Or my favorite, you just found someone that you clicked with and would like to get to know them and hear more about their business. It's not weird- it's flattering. Unless of course, your interest is more than professional.

(Stalker comment above may apply in this case).

Follow Up, for heaven's sake!

Don't spend time networking, then let the ball drop. As you meet people that you would like to develop a business relationship with, and they seem mutually interested in another contact, don't put their business card in the pocket of your wool jacket then forget about it till next year's first snowfall. Follow up within 48 hours, remind them what you spoke about and suggest coffee, lunch, whatever is appropriate.

Really, it doesn't have to be scary. But if none of the above makes you any more comfortable, remember, the guy hugging the corner staring at his shoes needs someone talk to, too.

Guest posting today is Julie Bauke, author of 'Stop Peeing on your Shoes: Avoiding the 7 Mistakes That Screw Up Your Job Search.' You can follow Julie at www.twitter.com/juliebauke.

Article courtesy of Louise Fletcher and CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on November 9, 2009 at 1:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Never so much did the term, "Resume Real Estate" resonate until I was tasked to sell my home.

Not only was the home of high quality, positioned in an established neighborhood with a track record of success (e.g., the neighborhood quiet, the homeowners' association upkeep consistent, the reputation for the city's upscale attitude broad-ranging, the schools high-caliber - the list goes on), but it also was uniquely located off of a key corridor in the community - easy to get everywhere else from here. Its value speaks for itself!

So ... why the continual stream of visitors but no offers?

Hooking the Buyer With First Impressions

Over the next several weeks and months I gained clarity -- through a series of buyer feedback messages and conversations with my professional real estate agent, here's what I discovered: Other homeowners were going an extra few miles to market themselves and "hook" the buyer, and it was making a big difference! Further, the extra miles they pursued were based directly on the target market's needs. Moreover, the marketing strategies included appealing to buyers' emotions - a key component to their ultimate decision to buy.

These competitors were not discounting the value of creating a "wow" first impression, beyond the inherent value that the visitors were able to seek out after initially being hooked in.

These competitors of mine were investing in their marketing - from buying new carpet to painting the entire interior to installing new appliances and more. And first impressions were counting! The seller wasn't expecting the buyer to "envision" or "imagine" the potential of the home - they were underscoring the home's magnificence by placing an up-front investment with the confidence and hope that the investment would pay off - that an ROI was in store. When that would happen was not known or even guaranteed to happen. These home sellers were taking a calculated risk.

Targeting Buyers' Real Needs

Further, the competing home sellers' marketing approach was based on the target buyers' real (rather than perceived) needs. I discovered I hadn't been honing in on my target market's real needs. One of my mantras regarding the value of my home was: "I just invested in a new air conditioning and heating system, so of course the buyer will immediately and intellectually interpret the value of these items just as much as if I had painted the walls or added carpet." However, my target market (single individual/couple/parent and child) seemed to be more transient in nature, and fulfilling long-term needs such as the need for a reliable, long lasting AC/heating system was lower priority.

In short, if the buyers' areas of pain include a need to buy a freshly carpeted/painted home so that they may immediately settle into a comfortable routine (without the burden of installing carpet and painting walls) then that is what I must address. Without this focus, I was being weeded out of the buyers' processes before I had a chance to really engage them beyond first impressions with the subtle qualities and nuances of my special home.

Parallels Between Home Sellers and Job Searchers

This experience struck a cord with me in how my attitude has paralleled that of some my (less-informed) resume prospects! They are ready for a job search, and they want to initiate it NOW - "as-is" with little preparation or respect for the processes or preparation for creating their "curb appeal," as it were in order to really wow "their" buyers - the employers.

Those job seekers who haven't been educated about the importance of communicating value drivers and focus just want a "simple" resume that outlines, without any flash or exaggeration "who I am and what I do / have achieved." No pomp and circumstance and no real up-front investment of time or money should be necessary - "the employer will be able to read between the lines the value I offer them if I simply outline where I worked, my titles and a bulleted listing of responsibilities and accomplishments. They should be 'hooked into' me, though my presentation is plain vanilla and uninspiring."

Their resume marketing, therefore, lacks emotional appeal - how will they, as the employee, influence the employer that they are immediately qualified to solve specific PAIN? To do this, they must identify a target market and then go out on a limb, market to a specific audience and address particular needs (not just overpower the employer with ideas of what is assumed they most wish to hear).

For example, a sales professional may wish to transition their focus to opportunities that are more product development focused than sales focused. However, they may miss the boat by quickly writing a resume that speaks heavily to sales goals, sales teams, territory growth and more because that seems to be the easiest and most natural way to outline their reverse chronological history of experience.

As a result, the experiences listing may deemphasize product development/launch or present it in a low-level way, burying the candidates' value to the target company, and making it too much work for the hiring authority to understand that indeed, the candidate is a perfect match. The hiring authority, therefore, will most likely move on to a candidate that showcases the product development information in a "wow first impression" way, attending to the company's specific needs.

In summary, the components of marketing oneself to sell special value in a job search and marketing one's home to sell in the real estate market are strikingly similar. Although negotiating the final sale/job is about much more than initial curb appeal and marketing enticement, without that initial hook and "wow first impression" to entice the buyer, home sellers and job seekers most likely will stall the attainment of their ultimate goal.

Article by Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, one of only 26 Master Resume Writers (MRW) in the world, who has a B.A. in Writing and is owner of Career Trend, a career strategy and writing firm serving a global market. Jacqui composes career positioning documents that land interviews for forward-thinking executives and professionals, unearthing and translating their 'value into words.' Connect with her on LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquibarrett. Follow her on Twitter - @ValueIntoWords

Posted by Candice Arnold on November 9, 2009 at 9:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Searching for a job? Moving in a new direction? Changing professions? Take this step to win that interview for your dream job. Spend more time and energy writing cover letters that are job-specific.

Go the Extra Mile

Having a degree or work experience in business administration or accounting or nursing is not enough. You must show the hiring manager your specific job-related abilities, leadership strengths, and communication skills across the board. Being able to work with a variety of people, respond to crises, and meet unexpected challenges are now more important than ever. Because if you can't, someone else will. In today's tight job market, hiring managers have the advantage. So you must show them why they need you!

Use Proven Methods

How can you do this? "By using tried and true professional job-search tools," says California-based Karen P. O'Connor, professional writer and career expert.

Take seriously the importance of writing what she calls "a sizzling cover letter--one that captures the hiring manager's imagination with a great headline, [THREE-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD WINNER SEEKING A POSITION AS A CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER] job-specific details, [trained and retained more customer service representatives in my first five years than at any time in the company's history] a clear understanding of the company's objectives, [I am eager to show by my actions your objective that customers come first.] and how you can fill those needs competently and with commitment [I welcome the opportunity to prove myself to you.]"

Be Sure to ASK For What You Want

Close the letter, O'Connor suggests, "by asking for what you want. 'May I come in for an interview?' or 'I'd appreciate meeting you in person to talk further.'"

Searching for a job may be more challenging now than it was even two or three years ago but every day men and women are interviewed and hired to fill the openings that exist. You can be one of them. "Start with a great cover letter, keep an open mind, and focus on gratitude," says O'Connor, "as you anticipate your new job. It will come."

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the 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 Jimmy on the web at Amazing Cover Letters for your 'instant' cover letter today. In just three and a half 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 November 4, 2009 at 7:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

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

You received the call. You've been invited to show up for a job interview--the one you hoped you'd get. So now what?

More Than a Smile and a Warm Handshake

Like most experiences in life, interviewing for a job--especially for one you really want--is a skill. The more you think about it, prepare for it, and actually do it, the more accomplished you'll become. The tendency is to focus on yourself--your voice, your outfit, your resume, your experience. However, it's not really about you. It's really about your potential employer and how you can fit the position he or she wants to fill.

Therefore, consider the following three incredible job interview techniques and then put them to work for you.

1. Come well prepared--meaning know enough about the company and the job you desire, that you can speak intelligently, asking and answering questions related to the topic, and showing the employer how you can contribute to the company's success and growth through your skills, leadership, and talent.

2. Provide specific examples--meaning avoid speaking in generalities when asked about the work you did for your former employer. Be specific. "I hired and trained five new employees and oversaw their performance for the first six months of probation, then evaluated each one before they were employed permanently." OR "I took charge of cutting our yearly budget by 30% and achieved this goal by eliminating office clutter--paper files, outdated equipment, and unnecessary phone calls--as well as folding the duties of two part-time jobs into one full-time position."

3. Focus on the hiring manager--meaning take note of his or her body language, conversation, mood, attitude, and demeanor. You can move the interview in your favor by being more interested in what he or she is communicating than in what you are saying. Of course you need to answer questions clearly and pointedly, but avoid being so caught up in your own words that you overlook what the hiring manager is communicating to you. Keep in mind that people who are interested in others are interesting to others!

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 November 4, 2009 at 7:33 AM | Leave a Comment (0)