Your Accomplishments Matter

In today's world of electronic wizardry, scannable resumes are becoming used increasingly. Many employers are scanning resumes and entering them into a database for further review. In some cases, the resumes are searched for certain keywords to ascertain whether or not a person should be considered for possible employment.

To ensure you have a scannable resume, pay close attention to the following tips and techniques. Your next job may depend upon the knowledge you gain from reading this article.
Scannable Resumes: Tips and Techniques scannable resumes, resumes that can be scanned

* To maximize the computer's ability to read your resume, submit the cleanest possible original and use a standard resume format
* Use standard, easy-to-read fonts - Arial, Times New Roman or Helvetica
* The font should be between 10-14 points
* Left justify text and do not use bullets or lines
* Save your resume in a rich text file (RTF) format
* Omit borders, graphics and unusual text formatting (underlining, bolding, italics)
* Spell out words instead of using symbols (#, @, %, and such)
* Use keywords and/or buzzwords associated with the position you are seeking as it will increase the likelihood of an employer matching your resume with the requirements of the position
* Spell check the document before sending it to anyone
* Always preface your resume with a cover letter

Scannable resumes include the same information as a traditional paper resume. The formatting is simply different since all word processors do not handle certain aspects of writing (such as symbols and lines) the same way.

In general, a resume that can be scanned has the same major headings as a traditional resume. These include: a header that includes your name, address, and phone number; job objective; work experience; education, honors, activities and any certifications or publications.

The format that is most likely to find favor with employers is the Chronological Resume Format. It is the easiest to read and an applicant's qualifications are straightforward and quick to ascertain.

Be sure to determine an employer's specific needs with regard to the specific style or format for submitting your resume, though. Some companies define the guidelines on their websites for sending in resumes. With something like this, doing your research can really pay off.

Enhancing scannable resumes is even better when you follow this link to Resume Do's and Don'ts
How would you define "accomplishments"?
Here are some synonyms.

* Achievement
* Success
* Expertise
* Realization
* Attainment
* Goal Fulfillment

The easiest definition: when you do something successfully. From an employer's standpoint, it is even better if you can state your achievements in a measurable or quantifiable way. What does that mean? Use numbers whenever you can to state HOW you achieved the results you are affirming.
For instance, if you increased production of the best selling product at your company, HOW MUCH did you increase it by? Quantify your statements whenever possible.

Your accomplishments distinguish you from your competitors in the job-search process. All things being equal, if a hiring manager were looking at two identical prospective employees who could handle the tasks of the job perfectly well, but one had accomplished more than the other, who do you think is going to get a phone call?
State what you can offer in terms that the employer will find exciting.
As mentioned above, use numbers to quantify your success. Also, use words that show action. Some of those words are listed here:

Action/Keywords

When you write your resume and cover letter – and even in an interview – expressing your achievements is extremely important. The employer needs to know that you did more than simply complete a variety of tasks. Don't be shy here. Be bold (not arrogant) in asserting your ability to realize goals, gain expertise in certain areas and succeed at what you do.

Why do employers place such an emphasis on accomplishments?

Think of it this way: Many people can perform tasks. How many of them look for improve their own work environment? How many attempt to help their boss succeed? The person who goes above and beyond the "call of duty" is the one that employers are especially looking for.

Communicating your accomplishments to an employer goes beyond simply stating the skills you have. It describes HOW WELL you utilize the skills and abilities you have. For instance, let's say you are an automotive mechanic. You diagnose and repair engines using computer diagnostics. But let's say you also focus extra time and energy on mastering the ability to repair ignition problems. You may have even won an award at your last job for doing just that. The employer wants to know what you have done that goes above and beyond what is normally expected of you. Blow your own horn! (Please forgive the pun.)

Think about everything you accomplish each day at your job and how you demonstrate your proficiency at various tasks. What makes you so good at what you do? How are you able to exhibit your determination to succeed? Dig a bit into the whys and hows of your job and how you do so well and you will start to understand the essence of true achievement.

As you create a list of your accomplishments, you will get an extra benefit from going through this process.

You will feel more confident about yourself.
Keep all of these good vibes with you while you are writing your resume, your cover letter AND as you interview. The positive flow of energy that will emanate from you will be so contagious that the hiring manager will take notice of you immediately. Everyone likes to be around someone who is self-assured and energetic.

What is the best part of all of this? No blue smoke and mirrors were needed to create this scene. It's all you.

It is the real you.

So enjoy who you are and relate it in the best possible way to employers. All that you have attained in times past will propel you into the future with an assurance of continued success.

Resume Action Keywords

GET NOTICED!

Resume Action Keywords are power packed verbs that draw the attention of a prospective employer immediately. They enhance resumes and cover letters and transform mundane writing to energetic marketing masterpieces.

All you need to do is substitute the Resume Action Keywords for the less-than-exciting words in your resume.

For instance:

Katherine's cover letter lacked excitement and zeal. She stated the tasks she performed on her past jobs, but didn't make her contributions truly stand out.

Her first draft: "Watched over front office staff, handled phone calls from upset customers, worked on a new billing procedure, entered information in customer accounts on the computer, made work schedule and sent out mailers."

Revised with ACTION VERBS from the Resume Action Keywords list: "Supervised front office staff, facilitated the resolution of customer inquires and concerns, created a streamlined billing procedure that reduced workflow by 20%, maintained customer accounts database in MS Excel, prepared word schedule for a 10 member employee team and distributed direct mail campaign materials."

It should be obvious that the second version is much more powerful and well-defined. Katherine's job responsibilities appear to be (and really are) more significant when explained with words that inject enthusiasm, confidence and vitality.

How can your resume and cover letter
be enhanced with these powerful Action Keywords?

Go through your personal marketing materials, one section at a time, and substitute words from the Keyword list for words in your cover letter and resume. Transforming any piece of writing from mediocre to phenomenal takes time, but the benefits are beyond value.

If you want to get an excellent job, you must ensure your resume and cover letter are of the highest quality. Inject enthusiasm whenever you can. Boost your materials with those powerful action verbs so that your next employer will see just how excited you are about what you do.
By using these awesome keywords, you can take a boring resume and turn in into a power-packed marketing piece that cannot be ignored.

Take the time to do it right

The rewards are all yours

The Three C's of Resume Creation

When you start writing your resume, you need to pay attention to a lot of different things. It's a little like golf. Keep your knees slightly bent. Follow the ball with your eyes. Swing all the way through the stroke. It just goes on and on. How is one person supposed to remember all of those things at once?

It's the same way with resume writing. Keep all of your verbs in the same tense (usually past tense). Inject enthusiasm into the resume wherever possible. Show your accomplishments rather than relate the tasks you have handled in the past. Leave enough white space on the resume so that it doesn't look cluttered. It just never seems to stop.
One way to make the whole process a little easier is to plan your resume out before actually drafting it on a computer. Focus on one thing at a time and move ahead when you feel like you have one step conquered.

Writing a resume isn't much fun. When you do it yourself, though, you have a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, which in turn helps you answer those tough interview questions later on. Think of the resume writing process as a self-improvement project. You will have a chance to reflect on your career, your personal and professional skills, your accomplishments and your future career goals as well as be better prepared for the future.

To make the most of the opportunity, take a look at the Three C's of Resume Creation shown below. Each "C" word will help you focus on a different aspect of the resume and will help you ensure that it accomplishes what it is supposed to accomplish.
Here are the Three C's of Resume Creation
The first "C" – Content

There are two basic elements of a resume. The first is design and the second is content. The design is the format (chronological, functional, combination). The second is the tough part as it entails the aspects of your personal and professional background that make up the "content" of the resume. The content is what determines if you are called for an interview or not. First and foremost, make sure your resume is free of flaws. If you have typos and grammar errors, you do not stand much of a chance of being seriously considered.

The second "C" – Character

This is a subcategory of the first "C". An employer wants to know what kind of person you are. Show the employer that you are a problem solver, results-oriented, loyal and determined to succeed and you will do much better at making a good impression than someone who simply states their employment history.

The third "C" – Competency

This is also a subcategory of the first "C". You have to prove that you can do the job. Are you adequately trained, educated and accomplished? Use active language to clearly SHOW just what you have achieved and how your qualifications match the exact needs of the organization.

You can create a resume that looks fantastic and impresses the employer, but it takes effort and thought. Do it right. There is no point in crafting a resume if it doesn't accomplish what you want it to accomplish. Put the time in to make it a professional document and you will find that the job of your dreams is very likely just around the corner. Just remember "The Three C's of Resume Creation".

Change Your Job Without Impacting Your Career

In most career paths there comes a point where the role is great, you're positioned where you should be at this stage of your development, but you just hate your job. There can be many reasons, and often it is the company culture of particular human elements that are the cause of your unhappiness, but in all cases it's an issue of the job making you miserable even though your career is on track.

We need to take 'change' in its broadest sense here: we can either work to change the current situation for the better, or else make a bigger change and leave the job behind altogether. The big change sounds cleaner and simpler (and less work) but can represent a major loss in terms of accumulated career credibility and success within the company. Sometimes if you ride out the bad patches, there can be good things right around the corner.

Identifying the cause of your discomfort

Otherwise known as, 'what's the problem?', the first step toward a better job situation is to work out exactly where the problems lie. Is it a company or cultural issue, something related to your job specification or perhaps a particular person or group of people making your life miserable?

The problem supervisor

This is a common cause of employee dissatisfaction, the boss from hell. Often it isn't even the 'big boss' at the top of the org chart who is causing the problems but rather lesser supervisors with limited authority who have within their powers the chance to cause you significant grief on a daily basis. Spending some time researching the 'type' of person you are dealing with and gathering hints as to best managing their quirks will be time well spent.

Just like in the playground, grown up bullies and problematic personalities (those who don't play nicely with the other children) usually have insecurities at work which can be negotiated without incident if you can identify what they are. It is sometimes the case that a recently appointed manager feels vulnerable and overcompensates for their lack of knowledge by being hard on others; equally, an experienced older manager might be concerned about the young go-getter who might be out to take their job.

The lesson here is to know thy enemy, and to remember also that thy enemy may leave the company next week, in a month or in six months: decide whether it's really such a problem that you can't manage it instead of moving on. If necessary, you might choose to involve a more senior party (though this can result in reprisals from the problem person and may not engender the kind of open communication we are aiming for).

The problem organization

When it's the company that presents a problem, the choices are more limited. Where sexist or discriminatory behaviors are getting you down; that's illegal and can be reported. Where the culture just doesn't quite fit... like last year's jeans that looked great on the dummy but didn't suit you in practice, well then you are the one who doesn't belong and the best course of action is to find another similar role at another organization.

Organizational cultures don't change quickly, so if you love your career and hate working where you are; seek out the help of a career professional to source new employment opportunities where the 'fit' is better. As long as the continuity of your career development is unimpeded - it will all be fine in the end.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Copper

Career Advice - Interrogate Yourself and Become an Expert in Your Industry

In this rapidly changing world, there is a growing demand for career advice among many college students as well as people working in companies. It is no wonder that many people seek a career change either due to the same old work they do or because they may wish for a new level of experience.

The very question of "which career is ideal for my growth" continues to exist over several decades. Due to rapidly changing global economy, current employment status shows that many people are experiencing career changes.

Change is not always constant, but we do require some sort of change in our career in order to experience more knowledge and enjoyment. While many people have lost their jobs recently, this is the ideal time for new job seekers to perform some soul searching and find out what kind of job will suite their career.

You need to interrogate yourself as you look at this possibility:

1. How interesting was my old job?
2. What were the most problematic issues of my old job that made to seek a new job?
3. Did I use my talents to perform well at my old job?
4. What is my passion?
5. Why do I require a change in my job nature?
6. What sort of career is ideal for me?
7. What do I look in for in my dream job?

Asking these entire questions to yourself will let you to know more about upcoming career changes and growth in your life. If you wish to get professional career advice, browse the net. Experts out there will guide you in all aspects and provide good career advice.

In this rapidly changing global economy, one has the desire to seek for a career change. Why is this change necessary? How to shine in your Industry? Well, to get solutions for all these questions, read my article on career advice and get to know about career advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janani_Jaan

Ingredients of a Successful Interview

Job interviews are a very stressful part of life; it is extremely challenging to answer appropriately on the spot without any preparation and yet it may seem almost impossible to properly prepare for an interview. It might be a little stressful and even scary but with these preparation and interview tips, you will do much better, increasing your chances of getting the job you love and maybe even finding a lasting career.

Before interview

Tip 1: Plan Ahead. Really get to know the company you wish to work for. This will allow you some valuable insight into what kind of questions may be asked. (If you wish to work at a job that requires teamwork, you can expect questions will be brought up regarding past teamwork experiences). Be ready to bring up past examples of jobs that you have worked that show necessary skills for the job you are applying for.

Tip 2: Role Play. Once you finished studying, pretend you are in the room with the interviewer and describe your past experiences and achievements. Try to make it clear and straight-forward. Be sure not to get off topic or ramble on. Also make sure you don't repeat what you have already said.

During interview

Tip 1: Maintain Eye Contact. Don't stare but make sure you don't seem intimidated by the interview. This does not mean to act arrogant in any way, rather, confident. Employers will be more likely to hire someone they deem to be confident and ready for the job.

Tip 2: Stay Positive. Smile; show that you are very excited to have an opportunity to work for their company. Don't comment on any negative employers you've had in the past. Keep the interview positive.

Tip 3: Encourage/Adapt. Encourage the interviewer to share some information on the company. When shared, demonstrate your interest on the possibility of a job there. Once you know a little more about the company, you might have to change your answers to the qualities a job at the company might require.

Tip 4: Be Natural. Don't seem like you're reading off a script when answering the questions. Make your answers seem spontaneous. You might have to add a few "umm's" and "ohh's" to make it seem more natural. Change your tone of a voice when warranted. Make sure you don't keep a flat, droning tone.

These tips are merely guidelines, they are not written in stone but hopefully after reading them you have gained a new insight into how to approach an unknown interview.

David has been writing articles for many years now, check out his new website about Collage Picture Frames and Large Picture Frames

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Z

How to Refresh Your Job Skills

If you haven't been in the working world for a while, for whatever reason, you probably need to refresh your skills or add some new ones in order to make yourself attractive to potential employers. What skills do you need to get back into the workforce? What skills do you already have that may just need to be polished a bit?

Let's look at first things first. Take stock of what you already know and skills you already have. Some of these skills may be as seemingly obscure as being organized. But organization takes skill and not everyone is organized or even has a clue how to be organized. What other skills fit into this category? How about excellent spelling and grammar, planning and organizing events from small meetings to large gatherings? What about the skill of being able to effectively interact with many different types of people at different levels? You might be asking yourself how you would even come by these skills without "working". Well, you come by them by participating in community clubs and organizations, what about your place of worship or places where you volunteer like the local elementary school or the nearby hospital? All these activities lead to developing and maintaining skills that are desirable to employers. Can you write an excellent business letter? Did you recruit volunteers for the community food drive? These things are all very valuable. Maybe in a previous job you worked on a computer and you are familiar with certain programs, even if you aren't well versed in the updated versions of those programs. Maybe you are a fast and accurate typist. Maybe you spent a lot of time of the phone dealing with customers and you've developed a very polite and diplomatic manner. What about writing the company newsletter, or even the family newsletter. These are marketable skills. Take time to really think through what you know.

Once you've taken stock of what you already have, you can look at where you may need to fill in the blanks and brush up. Do you need to update your knowledge of certain versions of software? How about new software? There are online tutorials that can be found on virtually all programs. You need only to look for them. You can also find tutorials and articles on how to write and format a top-notch letter, or any number of other topics. Or you can take a class or seminar. These are usually fairly inexpensive, quite comprehensive and are offered through community education, nearby colleges and online. You should make every effort to research what employers are looking for in the types of jobs you're interested in. Make a list of what you need and start working on accomplishing that. In the meantime, see about taking a part-time or freelance position that will utilize existing skills while adding experience and knowledge. You'll be on the road to rewarding employment in no time.

Laura Spawn-Owner of VirtualVocations.com
http://www.virtualvocations.com

8 Job-Winning Interview Tips!

You have that professional resume, a polished cover letter, and that stylish suit for the your job interview. Now wait, interview? You’re not prepared, are you? You don’t really want to ruin that opportunity with a nervous state of mind. No need to worry, we’ll help you prepare for that much awaited discussion with your future employer. Here are 8 job-winning interview tips that you should know by now.

1. Research About the Company – Don’t go into the war without ammunition. Do your homework and research about the company especially if it’s for an international job opportunity, their profile, products/services, history, etc. Having familiarized the company profile gives you an idea what exactly they are looking for in a candidate. Besides, doing your research will give you that jumpstart point in the interview

1. Research About the Company – Don’t go into the war without ammunition. Do your homework and research about the company especially if it’s for an international job opportunity, their profile, products/services, history, etc. Having familiarized the company profile gives you an idea what exactly they are looking for in a candidate. Besides, doing your research will give you that jumpstart point in the interview.

2. Be Truthful – Do not ever underestimate the power of background check. You can’t get away with lying on your resume or on your interview. Do not embarrass yourself with false information. Be honest. Lay down your limitations and weaknesses in the job profile. Employers will appreciate you for it and they’ll know what (and not) to expect from you on the job.

3. Be Presentable – This must be the oldest trick in the books. Just as presentation is a vital part in your resume, your physical appearance is as important in landing that job. If you don’t know what to wear for an interview, a decent shirt with tie and trousers would be a good start, but having a suit would definitely give you an edge.

4. Study the Job Description – You’ve probably heard of this line: “I’m sorry, what position am I applying for again?” Trust me, those candidates who have asked that gained the much needed negative points enough for the interviewer to drop their resumes. Look through the job posting and study the position. Remember the details and be sure your skills and experience match the requirements of the employer.

5. Practice Your Questions – The internet has a vast amount of interview resources like common interview questions. Use these resources to your advantage. The more you practice your answers the more you’ll be confident in coming in for the interview. But don’t rely on these questions alone, have them as a supplement. The best tools you have are your resume, skills, knowledge, experience, and your better judgment.

6. Be Confident – Sure we understand that anxiety you have whenever you have interviews. It’s 100% normal. But if you want that impressive impression from the employer, be confident or at least act like it. Think positive and you’ll have better way of answering questions and conversing with the interviewer.

7. You Can Ask Questions – Yes you can ask questions provided they don’t go beyond interview ethics. You can imply your deep interest in the company by asking details about them that are not provided in the job posting or on their website. Or you can ask the interviewers if you have said something that would make them believe that you are not the right person for the job. If there are any confusions on their part, clear your statements and create that chance to redeem yourself.

8. Send a Follow-Up Note – When you have successfully completed with your interview, be sure to send them a note or an email thanking them for the time given for the discussion. If you have been given a time frame by the interviewers for their reply, wait for it. Don’t be that annoying candidate that keeps calling recruiters asking for that untimely feedback. If after that stated period, the interviewer/recruiter has not called you for the feedback, you can drop them a note asking whether or not you have passed the interview or whether you are qualified for the position and what would be the next step.

Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/


SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW TIPS

Common Resume Blunders

Let’s relax a bit and entertain ourselves for a while. Now we know it’s a bad idea to laugh at other people’s mistakes but what we’re going to show you are common resume blunders you might want to avoid (and they are funny!)

Now let’s see why these errors spread the laughter:

The classics from HumorMatters:

“I demand a salary commiserate with my extensive experience.”

“I have lurnt Word Perfect 6.0 computor and spreasheet progroms.”

“Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.”

There’s a reason why typographical errors are the top resume errors, now you see why

The dumb stuff from Resume Hell:

“My hobbies include regular attendance at my local gym and swimming poo”

“Hobbies/Interests: drawing, singing, art, music, surfing the net, collecting Happy Meal toys”

“6/2007 – Present – Supermarket Sales Assistant

i as a online shopper .our dept,its called grossory online.i m a shopper,n do all the work in absence of supervisour n manager.managing the dept well.i.e doing paper work,making sure tht we have enough shoppers n drivers 2 make sure the deliverys is on time,allocating vans to drivers n work to shoppers accordingly.”

“Wendys – Cashier

Successfully handled money. Received money from customers.

And successfully issued the correct amount of change back to the customers”

I think those are self explanatory already… Let’s move on with the others.

The resume gaffe from Linked Intelligence:

“I prefer lunch to be gin at Noon everyday.”

“I want to work in a fast paste environment.”

“Experienced Writter Available”

I’m sure they wrote their resumes in a fast paste way. Looks like it.

Here’s an archive from Resumania:

“EXPERIENCE: More than seven (8) years of general experience, of which more than four (5) years is in analyzing, designing and testing client/server applications.”

“TECHNICAL SKILLS: Phone tap.”

“EQUIPMENT: Human brain 1.0.”

“POSITION DESIRED: Profreader.”

That’s prof enough for you to take a second look at your resume.

Funny mistakes on That Was Funny:

“I am extremely loyal to my present firm, so please don’t let them know of my immediate availability.”

“Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping’. I have never quit a job.”

“Here are my qualifications for you to overlook.”

“Please call me after 5:30 because I am self-employed and my employer does not know I am looking for another job.”

Now we’re hoping their jobs were not at all imaginary.

JobMob has the whole shebang of the 150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers, and Blunders Ever just to brighten up your day while you sort out your resumes if you are a recruiter or thinking of that next resume to write if you are a job seeker
Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Resume Blog: Personal Branding

Writing the cover letter is fairly straightforward, but important to get right. Here’s a few cover letter tips from to get you going:
1) The Job Advertisement itself is your number one starting point. Take key words, requirements and responsibilities from the employers list of expectations and craft your copy around this. Without following them to the letter, these words will resonate with the reader and match you, in their minds eye at least, with the person they have in mind.

1. Insight of your Skills – While your resume only states a summary of what you previous work and acquired skills, your blog further explains your experience and will have concrete details of what you have achieved through.
2. Preview of your Experience – No matter how frequent you publish your posts, your viewers (and future employers) will see how you progress in your working as well as your learning experiences. They will see your growth in both your professional and personal life.
3. Continuing Profession – Your growth and transition in your profession is often manifested in the posts you write. Potential recruiters will have a good review of how you were doing in transition between jobs, what may be the reasons why you left the previous company, etc.
4. Unadulterated Thoughts – Blogs are often products of personal thoughts from authors (except if you’re writing to promote a company’s business or writing for paid reviews). It’s a reflection of your thoughts, how you think and react in certain situations, it’s “you” in your own words.

Do remember that a blog is only a supplemental part for your resume. It’s your magic wand towards better and efficient personal branding. You still have to ensure that your resume rides above the rest.
Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Dont’ have a cover letter crisis!

So, the resume is all rosy, you’ve got the elevator pitch off pat and your interview technique rivals Barbara Walters.Cover Letter

But wait, what’s missing?

You know we always say that the resume is a first impression that needs to last?.

We sorta lied.

Because , really and truly, even though the resume is job worthy perfect, if that covering letter aint up to scratch, then you’re really letting down Team You.

You see, the covering letter is the ‘amuse bouche’ to the resumes main course. You need to impress, but this isn’t your resume, you need to whet their appetite and leave them wanting more.

Writing the cover letter is fairly straightforward, but important to get right. Here’s a few cover letter tips from to get you going

Writing the cover letter is fairly straightforward, but important to get right. Here’s a few cover letter tips from to get you going:
1) The Job Advertisement itself is your number one starting point. Take key words, requirements and responsibilities from the employers list of expectations and craft your copy around this. Without following them to the letter, these words will resonate with the reader and match you, in their minds eye at least, with the person they have in mind.
Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Make your Resume ride above the rest.

It’s said that an potential employer will give your professional resume the once over for a matter of six or seven seconds only before it’s regarded as a ‘maybe’ or simply kept in the ‘round file’ (or if your really unlucky, into the ‘shreds things up in * A GOOD START – Open with a punchy statement that highlights the very best of your key strengths and achievements. RELATING DIRECTLY TO THE JOB IN HAND. This of course will be backed up further on, but serves to get the facts in first.

* NO TO NOVELTY – no wacky colored paper, photographs or ‘original’ methods of delivery please. People haven’t got time to be impressed.

* Hit ‘EM – Don’t use convoluted or flowery language. Attempts to be unnecessarily technical won’t go down well either. Short and to the point language gets the message home every time.

* TAILOR MADE – Make sure your resume is targeted exclusively to that particular job or company. Be aware of the specific company needs and promote your skills and experience accordingly each time. Identikit DOES not attract attention.

* CLARITY IS KING – your resume needs a clear and concise structure. Nobody wants to be flipping back and forth for information.

* PANTS ON FIRE – It sounds obvious, but make sure your resume tells the truth. Embellishment would be fine, if there is evidence to prove it. Don’t forget, a quick google by HR could find you out easier than you thought.

* MIND THE GAP – To avoid any embarrassing silences during an interview, make sure there are no glaring spaces in your career history. Maybe you had to take a 6 month break to look after your poorly parrot. Just tell ‘em.

* CHECK THIS! – If you show sloppiness with spelling and grammar on your first impression, it says a whole lot more about you than your lack of English skills.

* AND CHECK IT AGAIN – Get it proofread, again, again, and again.

* MAIL RETURNED – Make sure your precious spanking new resume goes directly to the right person. Don’t waste your time assuming it’s been received either. Send it the right way, to the right person.
to hamster bedding’ file.)

Your resume represents you. It is your first impression and the only way for you to let prospective employers know just how good you are. Added to this, it will usually be competing against many other resumes and cover letters. You might be the perfect person for the job, but if your resume is not up to scratch, you’ll be passed by. There is a fine line between submitting a stand alone resume and a gimmick that screams ‘I’m crazy’.

Make it count – remember it’s your first impression.

Here are ten points you should consider to make sure your resume is a keeper.
Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Creating a creative resume

we’ve written a lot about making impressions with your resume and not forgetting the cover letter. In times like theses where there are more candidates than ever for the roles available, it’s increasingly important to make your message stand out.

But I’m not talking about using coloured paper or having it delivered by through the window attached to a brick. These are gimmicks, and whilst you might find them ‘crazy’, the person on the receiving end just needs the right person for the job hunt, not the wackiest resume adviser.

This blog post displaying tips on writing a remarkable resume was quite great. It really sums up my message to you with regards to your resume. It’s geared really towards those in the creative industries, but there is a lot to be learned by us all, whatever the profession. Lots of inspiration and great links included.

This blog post displaying tips on writing a remarkable resume was quite great. It really sums up my message to you with regards to your resume. It’s geared really towards those in the creative industries, but there is a lot to be learned by us all, whatever the profession. Lots of inspiration and great links included. The facts still stack though guys – as great a graphic and imaginative resume is, if it aint at least readable and skimmable , It’s on it’s way out of the inbox

So, how then, do we create a ‘remarkable resume’ without resorting to purple cows and day glo print?
I’d pay heed to the part about ‘brand YOU’ – engage the reader and inspire them to want to know more about you.

When we write press release or copy for advertising, we work on the premise that a reader or viewer will be looking at our work for a matter of seconds – if we are lucky. So we gotta grab their attention right?

This is where you need to get creative – in the text, in making your resume skimmable and leaving them wanting more.

After all, it is a press release. It’s an advertisement for YOU, they need to pick YOU off the shelf rather than the next product along.
Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Your Resume Ready ?

A study by a career management company has revealed that most Resumes are not good enough to be considered further for advertised positions.

Typical mistakes were spelling and grammatical errors or poorly laid out design, or clumsy language.

Personal Career Management: CVs not good enough displays some of the common errors in a poorly written resume.

We cannot re-iterate enough how important it is to make sure your resume sells you as well as you would sell yourself. It’s the first image of you to land on a recruiters’ desk, or inbox or be passed to potential employers or enablers.

Resumes are a source of confusion and headaches for the potential employee. Every job is different, and every person is an individual. Does it have to be as specific as a resume tailored for every opportunity?

Maybe – but the key word is personal.

But write a resume that appears too personal and you may be missing the point. A great article entitled “Is Your Resume a Time Capsule” explains why you should not to get too attached to your career history.

It rightly states the following with regards to the contents of your resume.

* How old is it? If the information is older than 15 years, scrutinize it carefully for relevance. It may have played a large role in building your career but is it relative now?
* Is it in a different industry? People change entire career fields during their lifetimes. Is past experience in a different industry going to help you with your career target of today?
* Is it fairly common or something that is “understood”? There is no need to list basic information like “attended biweekly meetings.” Including such information is just a waste of space.
* Is the technology in use today? Most people at advanced career levels worked with earlier versions of software, but is it really necessary to include that you have background in Windows 3.0?

There are hundreds of “what-if” scenarios for deciding to include or exclude information, and often you will find conflicting opinions.

That’s why personal may be good, but an alternate eye is even better. As I discussed in my last post, friends and relative3s are not the answer.

Try a resume coach that‘s professional experienced and delighted to work on your resume with you, until you are a happy bunny. It goes without saying that I’d direct you to ResumesStartHere.Com but there’s a reason, and a very good one. No where else will you find the same expert, personalised, real live service.

Whatever you do though, take heed of the articles above. All the advice can be a bit overwhelming, but the basics will remain. Get back to basics or your resume will make it no further than the round file.
Article Source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Freinds Are Not Enough

Where would we be without them?

There for a shoulder to cry on? Sure thing.

‘Does my butt look big in this?’ Of course not…

‘Is my resume good enough?’….. Erm…

You see, however much they love and support you, there are certain things that friends and family should NOT be advising you on.

In a competitive market it’s easy to get confused with the amount of conflicting advice out there. Loved ones mean well, but what benefit do their opinions hold for you in the workplace?

Sometimes we need an objective view on the way we are heading. Somebody whose insights and opinions are not clouded by familiarity, but guided by a clear working knowledge of the jobs market and an expertise in crafting the resume that suits the person it belongs to.

It’s all about YOU.

The internet is awash with websites and information seeking to help you on your jobs search. Whatever the level you are aiming to enter into, there is a wealth of resources available to guide and help you plan your next (or first) career move.

But whilst regular resume writing services (paid or free) are a great way to focus and list your skills and achievements, it only by knowing you as a person that you can truly enjoy the advantages of having a resume expert working on your behalf.

The thing about this blog, is that we want to give you the advice that your friends never would. We ‘re buddies, sure, but that shouldn’t get in the way of offering you clear, professional resume advice , personal to you and targeted to YOUR personal quest for that perfect job.

www.resumesstarthere.com provides the personal service that you won’t find anywhere else. Try the resume builder and see what you think. Need to make a few tweaks? Change a few lines? – Not a problem, personal help is at the end of the ‘phone. That’s right. A real live person, expert in all things resume, is available to speak to you when you need them.

We won’t just take your money and run. Consider us your resume friend, with benefits!
Article source : http://resumesstarthere.wordpress.com/

Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter is a letter of introduction to an employer, which is used to formally submit a resume for employer review. The purposely of the cover letter is to identify your intent to "apply for" or "seek out" a specific position within a company. it also formally presents yourself as available for a job position or range of positions within a company.

Most importantly, the cover letter is an opportunity to quickly introduce yourself and grab the employers attention. Like the resume, it is another chance to market yourself to the hiring manager, promoting them to read your resume and ultimately grant a job interview.

A cover letter is a critical part of the job search process. It allows you the first opportunity to gain some interest from the employer. In our research, we have yet to find one career or resume writing professional that doesn't recommend sending a cover letter with every resume that you submit.

Resume Writing

Resume writing - 10 tips to generate more interviews and higher salary offers.
Tip 1 - Use Titles or Headings That Match The Jobs You Want
With employers receiving hundreds of resumes you must make sure that your resume hooks an employer's attention within a 5-second glance. A great way to do this is to use job titles and skill headings that relate to and match the jobs you want. For example, compare the headings Roger used in his before resume to the headings used in his after resume.
Before Resume:
Accounting / Recordkeeping
Administrative
Computer Skills After Resume:
Management of A/R and A/P Accounts
Computerized Accounting Applications
Departmental Administration / Recordkeeping

Which set of headings are the strongest for an Accounts Payable / Receivable Manager position?

Even though Roger's title was Accounting Assistant, he actually managed over 1,000 A/R and A/P accounts. Using skill headings that market the true nature of Roger's job duties will generate him more interviews and higher salary offers. For more examples, like this one and the ones discussed below, click on 60 Free Online Resume and Job Search Workshops at ProvenResumes.com.

Tip 2 - Use Design That Grabs Attention

Employers make snap judgments when glancing at your resume. If they see unrelated job titles or skills the likelihood is very high that they will make an immediate assumption that you are not qualified for the job you want. Adding to this problem is the fact that employers don't have the time to read through each of your job descriptions to determine if you have the skills they need.

You Must Do That For Them! The design of your resume must highlight the most important information about your work experience, skills and education. At first glance this information forms the image that employers have of your skills and abilities.

Tip 3 - Create Content That Sells

Resume design should get attention but it's really the content of your resume, the descriptions you include of your skills and abilities, that determine how many interviews you generate--as well as the level of salary offers you receive. Compare the before and after statements from Roger's resume shown below:Before Resume:
Maintained records for accounts receivable and accounts payable accounts. After Resume:
Managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and payable accounts working directly with the Chief Financial Officer.
Which of these examples presents Roger as being more qualified, having higher skills and worth a higher salary? As this example illustrates, our image of Roger is changed and elevated when we read the after example. For more examples of how to create powerful content click on 60 Free Online Resume and Job Search Workshops.
Tip 4 - Quantify and Use Power Words

As Roger's after statement demonstrates, using numbers to describe your achievements and responsibilities can greatly expand and elevate your image. Using numbers and quantifying creates vivid images in our mind when we read them, whereas general statements like the before examples are easy to skip over or forget. Typically the more specific you can be in describing your duties the better.

Another strategy that is extremely important in controlling the image that employers develop about you--is to use Power Words or verbs that match the level of position you want. For example, Roger wants to use the experience he's gained to move into a management position. To strengthen his image he should use as many "management oriented" words as possible. Which example below do you think is the strongest? Typical Verbs:
Gave work assignments to staff of entry level accounting clerks. Power Words:
Directed workflow, supervised and trained accounting staff performing posting to general ledger, accounts receivable and payable accounts.


Tip 5 - Analyze Ads and Job Descriptions to Identify Key Words

Learning how to analyze the key words that employers provide in help wanted ads and job descriptions is a key element in creating powerful resumes. For example, read the ad Roger found for an Accounts Receivable Manager below and see how many key words, phrases, or skill descriptions that it includes. Accounts Receivable Manager
Seeking experienced A/R Manager to oversee accounts, manage billing and collections, train accounting and clerical staff, develop status reports for management and prepare monthly balance sheets. B.A. Degree or A.A. Degree with minimum of 2 years experience required.


Even though this ad is small it contains 12-13 key words or phrases that should be addressed in Roger's resume. Roger can also key words from an ad like this to create headings for his resume such as: Key Word Skill Headings
Management of A/R Accounts
Billing and Collections
Supervision of Accounting and Administrative Staff
Balance Sheet and Management Status Reports


Tip 6 - Identify and Solve Employer's Hidden Needs

In addition to the skills or needs listed in the ad shown above, the employer will have many more needs that Roger should identify and address in his resume and cover letter. For example, this employer will need someone who can deal effectively with other departments, research accounting issues and records to solve problems. To beat today's heavy competition for jobs, it's important that you identify and anticipate the full range of needs each employer faces and show how you can solve those needs.

Tip 7 - Sell the Benefits of Your Skills

Most resumes provide a list of duties that each applicant has been responsible for--without explaining the benefit of those skills to employers. For example, a secretary's resume might state she can type 80 wpm and is extremely accurate. This statement lacks an explanation of how her typing speed and accuracy benefit an employer's bottom line. The real benefit is that the employee can produce more work and ultimately save the employer money. A better statement for this person's resume would be: Selling The Benefits of Skills
· Achieved top production volume by maintaining high degree of accuracy with typing speed at 80 wpm.
· Cut labor expense over $6,000 annually by eliminating the need for part-time wordprocessing staff.

Tip 8 - Create An Image That Matches The Salary You Want

As you write your resume, keep in mind the level of job and salary you want. Be sure to create an image that presents you at the appropriate level. For example, language used in a resume for an $8 an hour position is much different than the language used for a $16 an hour position. I recently met Lynn, who had held a Health Insurance Claims Management position making $42,000 per year. She had retrained for the accounting field and hadn't yet gained any "direct accounting experience" although she had prepared monthly accounting reports as a Department Manager.

I was appalled when she shared the resume she had been counseled to create. It began with this statement:
Seeking an entry level position in the accounting field.


Now what pay rate do you think this statement would motivate employers to offer Lynn? A much better statement would be:
Seek an Accounting position utilizing my experience:


· Managing a department and accounting for up to $250,000 in monthly claims.
My goal is to help people either stay at their current salary level or move up--not go backwards. As you can see, the last statement greatly elevates Lynn's image and will be much more likely to generate salary offers comparable to her last pay rate.

Tip 9 - Prioritize the Content of Your Resume

Another big mistake that job seekers make is to list very important data in the lower sections of their job descriptions. As you compile statements for your resume, prioritize them by importance, impressiveness and relevance to the job you want. Remember that a strong statement which uses power words and quantifies will affect every statement under it. Read the two examples below. Which one has the most impact? Unprioritized
Maintained records control, filing, office supply purchasing and equipment maintenance.
Managed front office functions to support the President, Vice President and staff of 20 Sales Representatives.

Prioritized
Managed front office functions to support the President, Vice President and staff of 20 Sales Representatives. Maintained records control, filing, office supply purchasing and equipment maintenance.


Tip 10 - Tweak and Target Your Resumes and Cover Letters

You will generate many more interviews by tweaking your resume and cover letter so that they address the specific skills each employer requests. For example, Sally originally wanted a customer service position, then found an ad for a Retail Management opening. How well qualified do the headings in the left hand column present her for the Retail Management position? Do you think the headings in the right hand column will generate more and better interviews for Retail Management positions? Customer Service
Cash Accountability
Computer Skills Retail Management / Customer Service
Cash Accountability / Supervision of Retail Stations
Retail Accounting Applications


Sally's actual title had been Lead Cashier, even though she managed her own retail cashiering station in addition to 6 other cashiers and stations. Once Sally had created her original resume, it only took about 5 minutes to tweak and relabel her skill descriptions to fit Retail Management positions. This "relabeling" is entirely truthful and is extremely important in landing more interviews because it allows job seekers to apply for, and look qualified for, a wider range of jobs.

source : www.free-resume-tips.com/10tips.html


Welcome to eResumes.com! On this site you'll find all you need to know about writing and distributing resumes and cover letters that will knock the socks off the recruiters, HR people and computers (yes, computers!) that read your resume. We'll tell you something about job searches and job interviews, a lot about tools and resources for resume-writing, and we'll give you criteria for selecting someone to help you write a great resume.

You'll read about free sample resumes and professional resume examples, resume cover letters, templates and formats; resume posting and resume blasting -- all the resume help and tips you will need to design, write, post and distribute professional or professional-quality resumes and cover letters. All of this is designed for one purpose -- to help you develop a resume that will make you stand out from that crowd of other job seekers.

What's This About eResumes?
So why are we called eResumes.com? ("e," by the way, stands for "electronic" in Internet lingo). Because (almost) all resumes are now e-resumes. Employers expect to get your resume via email, or from an electronic bulletin board, or through use of an electronic form (where you paste your resume after answering endless questions and hope that the resume's formatting will still be there). Or they might even go to your web page to see your e-portfolio that contains video clips and photos of your most recent work-related project.
The growth of online resume services has brought a dramatic change in the way resumes are constructed. Electronic and software scanning have now become widely used methods of screening resumes, eliminating the need for humans to do the job in many cases. Resumes must now emphasize keywords and industry-specific terms and acronyms. So no matter how you write your resume or for what job niche, chances are it will be e-scanned and e-distributed!

There are some tricks to the "e" part. And you will read here about those tricks, including how to format your e-resume for electronic transfer, how to make the most of keywords, what e-writing should look like, and how to create your own e-portfolio. But most of the time you will just read about resumes without the "e" -- researching, designing, formatting, writing, and distributing them. You can always add the "e,"and you'll be correct.

So, let's get started. On this page you'll find a general discussion of writing a resume. But look around and click on the links to get just what you need, whether it's a resume for a specific job, sample cover letters, professional resume-writing companies, or a tutorial on resume writing. It's all here!

Writing a Great Resume
Argh! It's time to write or (rewrite) your resume. What may feel like the world's most tedious task--puffing yourself up and bragging about your accomplishments on paper--doesn't have to be so painful. Just remember one thing: Your resume should stand out from the crowd. Employers, especially those who have posted openings on large Web sites, receive hundreds of resumes for a single position. You must show how qualified you are by describing your qualifications for the desired job in a concise, clear, and attention-getting manner. Here are a few ways to get your resume to the top of the stack.

Organization
It's all about function versus chronology. In functional resumes, you group your skills into categories and then briefly list your past job titles at the bottom. This format is usually reserved for career changers who want to de-emphasize huge gaps of unemployment or a lack of direct experience. Recent college grads and others on a consistent career path usually opt for the chronological format. These resumes list your jobs (and duties for each) in reverse chronological order. If you're a regular college grad, we suggest the chronological format. Most employers expect to see that format, and it best highlights your education and relevant work experience.

Emphasize Accomplishments
When organizing a chronological resume, you should still include sections on your accomplishments, education, and skills to communicate what you have accomplished. Functional resumes should focus on accomplishments as well. HR representatives and employers take less than a minute to scan your resume, so showcase and organize items into several concise and relevant segments. If you just graduated from college and have not yet been employed, place your "Education" section first, directly below the letterhead. In addition to the basics--school name, degree, major, and graduation date--you can include relevant coursework that applies to a desired position, academic honors or awards, and your GPA. If you skated through college with anything over a 3.0, feel free to put it on your resume. Other categories might include "Relevant Work Experience," "Volunteer Experience," "Computer Skills," "Publications," "Activities and Honors," "Language Skills," and so on.

Appearance
Along with effective organization, appearance can make or break your resume. When creating a super resume, keep these points in mind:

Fonts. Whether you e-mail, fax, or mail your resume to prospective employers, you should try to keep your font plain and easy to read. And select a reasonable size--anywhere between 9 and 12 points should be acceptable. We suggest using a sans serif font like Arial or Verdana, not Times New Roman. These will come out much clearer in faxes.
Formatting. Just because you have Microsoft Word and all of its formatting capabilities, your resume doesn't have to look like a Caribbean vacation brochure. Myriad fonts, colors, and graphic embellishments don't really help, so use minimal and purposeful formatting. Simple bullets will best separate your duties and skills; use bolding and italics sparingly. Formatting should highlight your accomplishments, not draw attention away from them. Less, in this case, is definitely more.
Paper. Even if you don't snail-mail your resume to employers, you should have hard copies on hand to bring to interviews. These copies should be on tasteful resume-quality paper. White, off-white, cream, and gray are the easiest to read. Just like your socks, your cover letters, mailing envelopes, and resumes should all match.
Content
Now that you know how to organize your resume and what it should look like, you need to know what to put in it. Click on action verbs to see a list.

Action words. When describing your prior job experience and duties, use active language. Instead of starting your sentence with a noun, start with an active, descriptive, impressive verb. For example: "Customer Service Representative. Assisted customers with product selection, trained and supervised 15 new employees, organized special promotional events." Don't think of this as a term paper--action verbs and flowery language required.
Numbers. That's right, we said numbers. Always include numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts in your job descriptions to back up your achievements. How many people did you supervise? How much money did you raise? How many wild bears did you feed during your stint at the zoo? How much did party favor sales increase under your direction? This approach immediately highlights the kind of impact you've made
Length. Keep it to one page. No one wants to scan through two or more pages of your long-winded accomplishments and experience. If it doesn't all fit--which it won't, unless you're a recent college grad with no experience--cut it down to the most relevant and impressive items. You should tailor your resume to match the job description, so be sure to cut and paste accordingly.
And if your skills match what an employer is looking for, you'll be snatched up for an interview. From there, it's up to you: Show them you're as good as that pretty piece of paper says you are
source : http://www.eresumes.com/