Three Ways to Boost the Education Part of Your Resume (Without Spending a Fortune)

Free Resume Examples Articles : Three Ways to Boost the Education Part of Your Resume (Without Spending a Fortune) by Allen Voivod

In the past, I've suggested people pursue full degrees. I've also suggested going to school part-time, in the nighttime, online, in executive-focused programs, and so forth.
The point is to make sure you keep on top of things in your line of work, and while that's important in general, it becomes even more important when it comes to changing jobs. And still more important if your job change isn't a lateral thing. You may, when you distribute your resume, be thinking about a whole new set of responsibilities, a new target market, a new industry.

So, what are you going to do about it, if you're not going to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for a new degree? before you start your job search, do a little planning in advance, and scope out these three education ideas:

1. Use your company's continuing education job benefits, if any.

I'm often surprised by the number of people who smack their heads and say, "Oh, yeah! I forgot I could do that!" The company benefits manual isn't usually a page-turner, but it's well worth digging into for nuggets of gold like continuing education reimbursement.

That may require you to stay on a while after you finish, or else you'll have to pay for it out of your own pocket. But if your next executive position could more than make up for the difference - through salary and/or benefits - then go for it.

2. Create learning blocks in your day.

Not blocks as in "roadblocks," but block as in time. Heck, you can always use a break from what you're up to in the course of a day, just to keep up your effectiveness and productivity. Why not do something useful with your breaks? A walk around the block is good for your body, and a bit of reading and research is good for your mind.

3. Ask your boss about industry-specific or job-specific training.

Whether on not your company has a continuing education benefit, they may also pay for training as part of the departmental budget. Workshops and seminars may not have to focus on specific job tasks, either - leadership and team-building training may fall into the approved spending parameters.

Just one step today - put it on your calendar - and then follow through. That's all! And soon, you'll have learned a few new and useful tricks to share when you start your next resume-to-new-job process.

About the Author
Allen Voivod is the Chief Blogger for ResumeMachine.com, the leading resume distribution resource for managers, executives, and professionals looking to accelerate their job search results. Get the attention of thousands of hiring agents with the largest and most frequently updated recruiter database on the web, and dive into a wealth of immediately useful career articles and blog posts - all at http://www.ResumeMachine.com !

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=764543

Better Resume Writing

Free Resume Examples Articles : Better Resume Writing by Kenneth Anczerewicz

Copyright (c) 2008 Kenneth Anczerewicz

Job seekers often fear the thought of having to sum their life up on one or two sheets of paper. The following 10 strategies should allay your fears.

1) Be sure your contact information is up to date. In this fast-paced era, we often change phone numbers, email addresses, and so on. Make sure that you change your resume to reflect the latest, most current information and to ensure that the employer is always easily able to contact you.

2) State your intentions clearly. You should always start off by stating your career objective—what is your goal in terms of your desired position and industry? Explaining this under the heading "Objective" gives the employer a shorthand indication of exactly what you want.

3) Write in your own voice. It's tempting to use complicated vocabulary to make your resume and application more impressive, but more often than not this ends badly. You may misuse words or give the employer the impression that you are posturing and overreaching, and that's never good. Stick to a tone and style that you are comfortable with.

4) Don't be too modest. The resume is a place for you to shine. List your accomplishments and explain them proudly. Let the prospective employer know what you have to offer, and don't be afraid to blow your own horn.

5) Keep it to one page. Unless you have a very long or very extensive professional history, you should never let your resume go beyond one page. Keep your background short and specific to what matter most to the employer.

6) Be specific about your qualifications. Even though it may be tempting, you should never just send out the same Xeroxed resume to every company you're applying to. This may save you some time in the short-term, but it's not going to win you very many job offers. It's far better to customize your resume to fit each individual prospective employer, because this shows the employer just how well suited to the position you are.

Salary requirements should not be listed. Employers often ask for your desired salary, but the resume is not the place to put it. Salary discussions should be left until later, after the interview, when you have more leverage.

8) Proofread. No matter how careful you are when you're typing out your resume, there's bound to be at least a few errors—punctuation errors, spelling errors, grammar errors, or just careless mistakes that make the entire resume look sloppy. Don't let a handful of casual mistakes (or even a single flaw!) undermine all your hard work. Proofread carefully so that the resume is perfect when you send it off to prospective employers.

9) Get someone else to proof it, too. Two pairs of eyes are always better than one. You are often too familiar with your own resume to be able to view it objective and catch errors; give it to someone else who can look at it afresh and proof it more thoroughly.

10) Your resume should maintain a high-quality presentation. Thin paper with streaky ink is not a good way to present yourself to the employer. Use thick resume paper with clear ink, preferably printed with a laser printer. Keep in mind, appearances mean a lot!

Remember the 6 P's: Proper, Preparation, Prevents, Particularly, Poor, Performance.

About the Author
Ken Anczerewicz is an author and publisher devoted to helping students of all ages achieve their financial goals. Learn how to create your own income stream by clicking here now: http://www.resourceriver.com

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=762412

How to do a Resume

Free Resume Example Articles : How to do a Resume by Michael Harrison

As a young ambitious engineer who wanted to break into management trying to do my first resume was something of a trial. Numerate rather than literate with no idea of format or content it was a challenge.

What do we mostly do when faced with such a task? Buy a book. Armed with this new friend the resume took the whole of one weekend to complete. On completion the application was sent off.

Out of 64 applicants I was one of ten to be called for interview. This went well and the final short list of three included me. At this point my application failed. Trying to move to a more commercial role there were other candidates better suited.

That first resume could be thought of as a success and over many years it was used in refined and updated form to apply for progressively more senior posts. Going from shop floor apprentice to CEO seems to validate that it was a reasonable resume.

However at age 50 and 'let go' for the second time in my career a new challenge had to be overcome because of ageism. As part of the termination settlement my company were persuaded to pay for an out placement course. This was revealing.

The main thrust of the service was guidance and help in producing a powerful resume with cover letter and mail out services to target businesses using a variety of marketing techniques. This did produce a powerful resume that was used successfully for number of years.

Many people do not consider producing a resume until forced to by circumstances outside their control. This means a first resume may have to compiled under pressure, which is not the ideal. Visit any forum relating to employment and jobs and you will find there are a lot of people who need help with their resumes and cover letters. In recognition of these difficulties it seemed that some action to help would be appropriate.

How to do a Resume is now available. With guidance on planning, self appraisal, resume formats and writing the resume plus many other features this easy to read manual will be great help to those struggling like I did to create their first resume or update an existing resume.
Resource Box:

Article by Michael Harrison, Author, Publisher and Business Consultant. If you have found these tips helpful you can find more at http://www.how-to-do-a-resume.com/

**Attn: Ezine Editors / Site Owners / Webmasters / everyone** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include this resource box.

Find similar articles at http://www.be-your-own-business-expert.com/Article.html

About the Author
Michael Harrison is an author, publisher and business consultant specialising in helping business owners and individuals to realise and release the full potential of their situation. He has helped many people to improve their business situations and advised and supported individuals to embark on new directions in their careers.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=759774

Utilizing A Resume Maker

Free Resume Example Articles : Utilizing A Resume Maker by Mario Churchill

When you are in the market for a top-notch resume, it may behoove you to search out a resume maker. These can be found simply by doing a search on the Internet for, you guessed it, "resume maker." These sites can provide you with everything from a template resume to build your own or a resume that you need to do very little work with other than supply your information.

An abundance of websites will pop up, many offering hundreds of resume templates that you can download for free. Resume makers really try to make it as easy for you as possible to create the perfect resume. They usually have several resume templates for all kinds of jobs and degrees. These will be tailored to your specific educational accomplishments and/or the kind of job you are searching for.

The downloadable templates are very manageable as well, as you can download them, tailor them to include the information and the visual look that you want, and then upload them wherever you choose.

This is a very intelligent option for today's job-hunter. Create your resume using a resume maker, then save it so that it can be modified and updated as the need arises. No need to start from scratch each time, what is the point of that?

Not only that, but the competition in today's job market is fierce, taking advantage of a resume maker can give you the edge over other applicants. Employers are looking for sharp wording, power verbs, and strong examples of what you have accomplished in the past.

Most job seekers, especially those who are not experienced in the resume-writing arena, can really use some assistance from professionals in this field; people who know how to display your achievements, skills, and most marketable traits in the best light possible. Your resume may only be glanced at for one quick second, and it is the first, and possibly only impression an employer will have of you.

That is why it is so important that your resume be formatted in the most impressive way possible, to highlight your strengths, not hide them, and to show why amid all of the other candidates, you are one who deserves an interview.

If you still need convincing, compare the same, basic resume that you have been or are thinking of using, to the professional resume created by a resume maker. The choice should be clear. It will definitely be worth going the extra mile to get the interview, and possibly land the job of your dreams, right?

Resume makes offer so many advantages. I would urge you to visit some resume maker sites on the Internet, study all that they have to offer. Certainly, some will be superior to others, isn't it that way with most businesses?

It will be your job to decide which company is worth it's weight in gold, and then use it to customize a resume that is bound to get you interviewed, and possibly aid in your getting the perfect job for you.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=759114

Writing A Cover Letter That Has Everything You Need To Rise Above The Rest

Resume Cover Letter Articles : Writing A Cover Letter That Has Everything You Need To Rise Above The Rest by Mario C Churchill

Your cover letter should not just be seen as an introduction to your resume. You mustn't rely too much on the content of your resume to get you the job you need. Sure you have all the qualifications that the job requires, but so does tens or maybe hundreds of others.

What you need is a good cover letter that attracts the attention of the reader right away and guides his or her attention properly to your resume. Before even having the chance to read your resume, your cover letter should already create a mindset. The reader or the hiring manager should already be thinking about you as a good candidate.

But basically a cover letter should accomplish a lot of things, here are some of them:

* Your cover letter should explain the reason why you are sending them your resume. It should specify the position that you are applying for. Sending a resume without a cover letter is a big no-no. Your cover letter will specify what it is that you indeed want, what you look forward to and what your intentions are. And also, it will show why you are the best person for the position.

* Your cover letter should be able to communicate well with the reader. It should be well organized, well written and error free. This will show that you are a professional and you have the goods that they need and want.

* Your cover letter should inform them where you learned about the vacant position or where you have learned about them. If someone recommended the job to you, then it is appropriate that you mention the name. Companies spend money on marketing and advertising, they want to know which reached you.

* Your cover letter should entice its reader to move on to your resume after reading your cover letter. Since your cover letter will come first, it will shape the impression of the reader about you. If you seem interesting and you have what they need, they would be more serious in looking and reading at your resume.

* Your cover letter should showcase your personality. It should show what kind of a person you are. Of course you will want to put your best foot forward. So tell them about your strengths and your weaknesses, and how they will be able to help the company.

* Your cover letter should highlight your abilities and skills. This will give the reader the chance to weigh you. If you indeed is the right person that the position needs. Be specific, showcase your background that fits the bill of the position.

* Most importantly, your cover letter should indicate how serious you are about the job. It should show that you want the job and you are willing to take it.

Making a cover letter that connotes professionalism and the ability to do what is needed is your edge among the others. You may all be qualified but writing a cover letter that will make you shine will make you rise above the rest.

Take the time to write and rewrite your cover letter until perfection. Evaluate yourself and see what needs to be included. Remember to keep your cover letter short and specific, your resume should just be able to explain the rest.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=474409

The Teacher Cover Letter, Your One True Way Of Getting The Teaching Job Of Your Dreams

Resume Cover Letter Articles : The Teacher Cover Letter, Your One True Way Of Getting The Teaching Job Of Your Dreams by Mario Churchill

Teachers have always made a significant contribution in the development of a nation. They don't build buildings but they have taught the people who do. They don't cure people, but they have taught the people who do. They don't score 100 points on a ball game, don't defend clients in court nor do they draw architectural designs, but they are the people who have helped shaped the minds and lives of people and teachers play a considerable contribution in making sure that the people who do lead our nation have the proper education.

Being a teacher is a revered occupation. A lot of people dedicate their success and achievements, aside from their parents, to their teachers. This is because teachers are like our second parents; they are there in our formative years and have filled it with the proper knowledge which can help all of us become productive members of the society.

That's why a lot of people have dreamt of becoming teachers. They want to become a part of this honorable profession. That is also why getting a teaching job can also be very difficult. There is a lot of competition and getting an edge may be difficult.

With the vast number of applicants each year, many hiring managers don't have the time to actually meet each applicant face to face. That's why they just read the resume's of each applicant and from there on decide which ones to actually invite for an interview and then decide which one to hire.

But aside from the resume, there is one thing that must be greatly considered to get the job you want. It's the cover letter. The cover letter will be your tool to get the reader to know who you are, your personality, your dedication and your qualifications for the job. This may be asking too much from a one page letter, but if done right, a cover letter will be able to accomplish this and maybe much more.

A teacher cover letter is done when a person is applying for a teaching job. There are so much expectations from a teacher so ensuring that you have an efficient and well-written cover letter can give you a proper edge over the other applicants.

You may have a charming and pleasant personality, you may have the proper attitude or you may have the sweetest face, but all this are for naught if you don't get to personally have a chat or interview with the hiring manager. So your teacher cover letter should get you this chance,

What a teacher cover letter needs is to express your personality, your dedication and your eagerness to get the job and do the job well. It should also be able to showcase your capabilities, skills and qualifications. So it is necessary to outline your various experiences, your tasks and specialization which pertain to the job at hand.

Be formal with your letter but not so much. It should show that you love children and you love teaching them. Include what you expect to impart on your students and what you hope to accomplish. With this included you will be able to show your love and dedication for your profession.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=471906

Finding Sample Cover Letter In The Internet

Resume Cover Letter Articles : Finding Sample Cover Letter In The Internet by Mario Churchill

Not having a job can be nerve-wracking. You don't have the mean s to support yourself and it takes a lot from the self esteem of a person. The process alone of looking for a job can be equally if not much more nerve-wracking. A lot of people fear rejection and the thought alone of not being considered for a certain job or position makes them tremble or probably break down.

One of the things some people haven't considered is that they probably don't have the confidence to get a job because they don't know how. It's not just simply going inside a building and asking for one. Nor is it about just making a resume and sending it through mail.

With so many young adults looking for jobs each year, the competition can be very stiff. It is essential that you know not only how to construct a good resume, but also a striking and interesting cover letter. The problem is, not many people know how to write an effective cover letter. If you are among those people, then you can greatly consider a sample cover letter.

A sample cover letter can act as a guide when writing your own cover letter. This would allow you to have a cover letter that is well constructed and contains all the necessary information that the company you are applying to needs to know. This way, you will be able to write a cover letter that will be able to sell you as the perfect person for the job.

But are sample cover letters really that beneficial? Yes and no. They are very beneficial when used just as a guide. They can provide the person insights and can teach a person how to properly write a cover letter. In fact, by using a sample cover letter as a guide, you can most probably strengthen your chances of being hired.

The dark side of cover letters is that there are people who would just cut and paste them. They would just erase some details and exchange them with their own. This is a great no-no. Remember, your cover letter needs to showcase your personality; it needs to introduce who you are. This is your method in giving the hiring manager a glimpse of who you are, some kind of a first impression if you will.

If you just simply cut and paste a sample cover letter, you wouldn't be able to highlight your capabilities and skills. Attributes that may most likely get you the position you want. You need to personalize your cover letter and show the reader what you are capable of.

So it is essential that you leave an imprint of who you are even though you made use of a sample cover letter. To make sure that this happens, address your letter to the person who is in charge of reading the applications. Mention how you found out about the vacant position. And mention a certain thing about the company that you like, this will make it more personal.

Finding sample cover letters is very easy, there are numerous websites in the Internet that could easily provide you with one. Just make sure that they remain as samples and as a guide to your own cover letter.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=470084

The Facts On Resume Writing Services

Free Resume Examples Articles : The Facts On Resume Writing Services by Mario Churchill

Resume writing services can be a valuable asset in your quest to create the perfect resume, and get you on the road to landing the job of your dreams. You already know that in order to be a contender for the position you want, your resume needs to be flawless and professional. Prospective employers potentially have to review dozens of resumes. Each one vying for the same position you may be applying for. Your resume needs to stand out from all these others enough to make a potential employer want to meet you in an interview.

A strong and well-worded career objective is extremely important if your resume is even going to catch your prospective employer's eye long enough for him or her to finish looking it over.

A resume writing service might be just what you need, and there are plenty out there to choose from. Go online and after searching for "resume writing services," choose the one that sounds best to you.

They will want to know if you have a current resume and if you do not, they will want you to fill out a questionnaire to give them some insight into your education, skills and accomplishments.

Those that do have a current resume will need to send it to the resume writing service, either via fax or email, at which point they can see what they have to work with and tell you what additional information you will need to provide them with. As soon as you have done this, they can begin to customize a resume specifically for you.

All reputable resume- writing services are going to be adept at showcasing your best traits in the most positive light possible. After all, they want to see you succeed almost as much as you want to succeed!

So, even though it will cost you a fee, (how much of course will vary on which writing service you use as well as exactly what they have to do for you), it should be worth it in the long run.

Resume writing services also offer additional services as well, usually at no cost, such as interview and job search coaching, storage of your custom resume for any future revising that you may need or wish to do, as well as detailed analysis of your resume.

However, it is only prudent to bear in mind that resume- writing services are not your only option when you are trying to create a top-notch resume. You can find several different resume templates on line, and download them for free.

You can utilize the Placement Office or Student Services Center at your school and get the professionals there to help you at no charge.

But if you do choose to utilize the services of a resume writing company, you certainly won't be disappointed.

Getting assistance from resume writing services has been the catalyst that has helped many a job seeker become an employee. With the right approach, the same can happen for you.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=758589

How to Get Great Results by Emailing Your Resume, in 6 Simple Steps

Free Resume Example Articles : How to Get Great Results by Emailing Your Resume, in 6 Simple Steps by Allen Voivod

It's cheaper and faster than snail mail, saves you paper and ink, and works just as well, all things being equal. It's the emailed resume, and though it's easy, it's also easy to commit a few errors if you're not careful - errors that may well sink your pursuit of a position.

Here are six simple steps to follow to keep your resume emailing on the right track.

1. Don't send to the "jobs@company.com" email address, if possible.

Make a couple of calls and ask to whom you could send your resume directly. It's a bit of a double-edged sword: On the one hand, you're applying for a management position, which means you shouldn't have to be dug out of the entry level resumes coming in ten times more often. On the other hand, hiring managers delegate the screening of resumes to administrators, junior folks, and HR staff, so you might hit a brick wall there. Try it, and if it's no dice, just follow their procedure.

2. Send from a regularly-named (not a funnily-named) email address.

Home email addresses are just fine, but don't send from an address like "FancyPantsLineDancer@aol.com." Use a variation on your name, like allen.butler@aol.com, abutler@aol.com, etc. And make sure it includes your full last name, for ease of the receiver's reference.

3. Be crystal clear in your subject line.

Between spam filters and overloaded resume screeners, you want to make things as easy as possible. Reference the position, your name, and the fact that you're sending a resume - i.e., "Allen Butler's resume for the VP, Consumer Packaged Goods opening."

4. Paste your resume straight into the body of the email.

Virus scanners are just as aggressive as spam filters, so just don't send an attachment unless you're asked to. And if you've got some special formatting in the MS Word version of your resume, do a Google search on re-formatting for resumes to help you present your resume professionally via text-based email, regardless of formatting.

5. Don't write your resume email as fast as you would a regular email.

No need to be stiltedly formal with your language. Just take as much care with the writing of your email as you would with your resume and cover letter. Re-read, out loud, and check for spelling errors before sending.

6. Don't let it end when you click "Send."

Whoever your contact was from step 1, give them a call in a few days to confirm their receipt, and make it easy for them to take the next step with you - giving you the interview.

Of course, using a resume distribution service takes a lot of the wrinkles out of the process. But if you find a job opportunity on your own that you want to approach, this guide should help you get off on the right foot.

About the Author
Allen Voivod is the Chief Blogger for ResumeMachine.com, the leading resume distribution resource for managers, executives, and professionals looking to accelerate their job search results. Get the attention of thousands of hiring agents with the largest and most frequently updated recruiter database on the web, and dive into a wealth of immediately useful career articles and blog posts - all at http://www.ResumeMachine.com !

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=755682

Sample Resume

Free Resume Example Articles : Sample Resume by Mario Churchill

Sometimes when you are trying to make the best impression you can with your resume, (and who isn't?) you may want to take a look at a sample resume. Doing this can be a valuable guide and give you a good idea of whether you are heading in the right direction with your resume.

Going to Google and typing in "sample resume" will search out a plethora of websites where you can look at a sample resume. These sites will also offer a lot of other information to help you in your quest for the perfect resume. They may list some common mistakes to avoid, some may seem very obvious and some will be more helpful than others.

Everyone knows, or should know, that spelling and/or grammatical errors can be the kiss of death to your resume. This will say to the employer that you are careless; he or she may feel you are not a good writer, and if you don't care enough to make sure your resume is perfect, how conscientious would you be as an employee? You will never see any errors like this on a sample resume.

A high-quality sample resume will also highlight accomplishments as opposed to duties. The employer wants to know what you have done, and done well, not only the things you were assigned to do. Did you implement a new billing or filing system that saved the company some money? These types of undertakings speak to your innovative and ambitious nature and emphasize the fact that you are willing to go the extra mile and think outside the box.

A sample resume worth it's salt will also be specific to the position and company to which you are applying. Generalizing on your resume will make the employer feel like maybe this is just an attempt to get any job at all, and not that you really care about working for this particular company. Don't make this mistake. Do some research on the company, and be specific.

Another thing you will notice on a quality sample resume is the use of plenty action words, or verbs. Employers are impressed with words and descriptions that show what you have accomplished, some examples, or "power verbs," as I like to call them, are "utilized," "created," "resolved," and "implemented." Don't be afraid to blow your own horn, humbly, of course, because no one else is going to!

This would also go hand in hand with leaving out important information, don't do that! Although there may be some jobs you held in the past that you feel may not be impressive to the employer, any skills that you picked up at these jobs, whether it be time-management, a word processing application, or even just some experience in office politics, might make more of an impression than you know. Don't sell yourself short.

So, look at a sample resume, but don't stop there, look at another, and another. One sample resume may be completely different than the next, but all will help guide you in the creation of a resume which will hopefully get you the job you want.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=755117

Resume Template

Resume Template by Mario Churchill

When you are searching for the perfect job, you will of course want to put your best foot forward with an impressive and well- formatted resume. One way of assuring that you have such a resume is to download a resume template. These templates can provide you with the exact resume you are looking for or simply use them as a guide to create your own.

A resume template can assist you with making sure that all of the information that a prospective employer expects to see will be there, and will be placed where it should be. Obviously your work history is a cornerstone of any well-written resume. Include ten to fifteen years' worth of employment history, if you have it, and do so in reverse chronological order. Then, list your educational degrees.

However, if you are a new graduate, you will want to list your educational achievements at the top of the page, and then list your employment history and accomplishments.

You can get several different ideas and examples of how to format your resume with the help of a resume template, and if you choose to utilize this method, there are also many ways to go about doing so.

There will be many career books and guides that you can search out at the library or bookstore, which will have at least one resume template for you to study, oftentimes more.

You could also download a resume template from the Internet; there are an abundance of websites where you will be able to find a resume template, either to simply peruse or to download and use.

And for every website you come across that has a resume template, you will find that there are specialized templates for just about any type of resume you wish to create. You can find a resume template for an entry-level position, and you can find a resume template for just about any type of job or career you are looking for.

However, these are not your only options for locating a resume template. Your college or university will most assuredly have more than one resume template that you can use, and will be happy to assist you. Simply head over to their Placement Office and you will have a resume template in no time. After all, it is their job to help you find employment, and when you are successful and a satisfied and gainfully employed former student, it is also a feather in their cap.

Do you have a friend or relative who has a job you admire and a good grasp of how to format and create a resume? Why not ask them to see the resume that they used, and use that for your resume template?

There are so many options for you as you search for the perfect resume template, and with some hard work and perseverance on your part, you will find yourself with a first-class resume in no time, and hopefully, a first-class employer, as well!

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=744614

Resume Service

Resume Service by Mario Churchill

If you need to create a resume and aren't sure how to go about it, one option you have is to contact a resume service. You can accomplish this by looking in your phone book under "resume service," or by locating a resume service online. These services can help you find the help you may need to land the job you seek.

There are many companies who will be willing to assist you with all aspects of writing your resume. Some companies will create questionnaires for you to fill out, and work with you after going over your answers to discern exactly how much help you need. Depending on how this goes, a fee will be set.

You will then work closely with a professional who is certified to assist you with writing your resume. With the expert who is chosen by the resume service to guide you, you will go over all of your weaknesses and strengths. He or she will determine your qualifications and find out from you exactly what you are looking for in an employer.

Your skill sets, previous experiences, and education will all be looked at and used to determine which jobs you are best suited for at this time, taking your own interests into account, of course.

Once your basic background information is established, the resume service will work in assisting you to format a resume highlighting your accomplishments in their most positive light. This will most likely be a most positive experience for you and well worth the fee involved.

Other resume services may simply offer to critique the resume that you have crafted yourself, either solely or with the assistance of resume templates or resume samples. Once your resume is ready to be reviewed, simply choose the resume service you believe will best suit your needs, and ask them for an honest review and assessment of your resume.

At this point, the resume service will thoroughly examine your resume and offer advice on any changes or additions they think should be implemented.

Now, if neither of these options are what you are looking for, a resume service can offer you resume templates which you can use to format the design of your resume. There are also resume samples and different resume examples, which can be studied by you to help you create your own resume.

You will just want to keep in mind some basic facts if you do decided to go it alone in formatting your resume. Your resume must absolutely be error-free, no typos, no spelling errors and no grammatical errors.

Don't use fancy fonts or try to cram too much information on one page, your resume should not be hard to look at or difficult to read, this will be an instant turn-off to any employer.

So, whether or not you choose to engage the help of a resume service, make sure you proof-read the final draft of your resume yourself, as ultimately, the end result is really only going to affect you.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=742732

Resume Outline

Resume Template : Resume Outline by Mario Churchill

When creating a resume, whether you are doing it with resume software or on a word processing template, the first thing you need to create is a resume outline. A resume outline is simply all of the items which you wish to highlight in your resume. A resume outline includes personal information, employment experience, education, and accomplishments.

Creating a resume outline is no different than creating an outline for any other document. You will have headings and then fill in the information under the headings. The first heading in a resume outline is the personal information, although you do not usually put this as a heading. The name of the person applying for the job, their contact information including their phone number and e-mail address, is usually put at the top of the page. It can be at the left, right or center of the page, but should be at the top. The font should be easy to read so that the perspective employer will have no problem contacting the person for a job interview.

The next headline is objective. This can be underlined or simply stated. This is one of the most important aspects of the resume outline as it clearly states what position the person who is writing the resume is applying. What do they hope to accomplish by sending this resume? This should be clearly stated at the top of the resume outline, under the name and address of the individual.

Depending upon experience, the next part of the resume outline should be employment experience. This can change in the case of someone seeking an entry level job who has just graduated from school. Strengths want to come first in a resume outline and if the strength of the person who is applying for the job is their education, than that should be listed first. In most cases, however, employment experience is the strength. Employment Experience should be highlighted in bold and underlined.

Under the employment experience in the resume outline a list of all of the places where the employee worked that pertain to the job for which they are seeking must be listed. The name of the company and how long they worked at the company are crucial, as are the tasks and duties they performed. Any promotions that they received should also be listed here. In most cases, it is helpful to bullet point all tasks and knowledge gained in employment experience as it is easier for the prospective employer to read.

Other employment experience should also be listed in the resume outline. While it is not necessary to go back to high school years of employment, all relevant employment should be listed in the resume outline. It is usually not necessary, however, to go back more than 10 years. It is also no necessary to list the part time jobs you held in high school unless they pertain to the position being sought.

After the Employment Experience part of the resume outline comes the education headline. This can also be bolded and underlined as it is very relevant. Make sure that you put the most recent educational experiences first. If you have a post graduate degree, it is not necessary to put down your high school education.

Other important aspects of the resume outline include any major accomplishments, awards or clubs to which you belong that are relevant to the position to which you are seeking. You should also put down any military service as well as your discharge information.

It is not necessary to put down on a resume why you left a certain job. This is something that will be discussed during an interview. It is also considered taboo to put down any salary qualifications or past salary in your resume. Some employers will ask that you state your salary requirements in your cover letter. While this is fine to do, it is never to be put on a resume outline.

When creating a resume outline, remember to make certain that you include personal information, career objective, employment experience, education, accomplishments and awards, certifications and, if applicable, military service. While the old rule of thumb is to make a resume one page and as short as possible, make sure that you include each of the above in your resume outline so that all of your experience, education and accomplishments can be properly highlighted.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=742442

How to Write Your Resume Objective

Resume Writing : How to Write Your Resume Objective by Carlie Evie

Objective: To write a useful article that will help resume writers grab the attention of interviewers by using a compelling resume objective.

The first thing people will notice when reading your resume is the objective. It needs to be concise, positive, and it needs to capture the attention of the reader.

It must be tailored to the position for which you're applying... show the reader that you want to work for them. To write that perfect objective, here are some tips:

Keep the objective neutral, and state what the job is that you are seeking. Don't talk about your own desires, but instead state what you can do for the company.

For instance, instead of writing, "A position in which I can grow and use my skills, etc." be specific about the job, as in, "A position as an administrative assistant in a fast-paced office environment." When it comes to your objective, focus on the job and the company. What would the manager want from his or her new employee? Keep this question in mind.

One title per resume! Don't write a laundry list of all the things you're willing to do. Use the resume objective to answer specifically the question, "What job do you want?"

Keep it short. The objective should be no more than one sentence. You may use two sentences as long as both are short and get straight to the point. However, a long objective will not be getting a lot of attention.

This is not the place to angle for a promotion before you've already gotten this job! Everyone wants opportunities to advance, and everyone knows it. Don't state the obvious here. Telling them in your objective that you're hard-working and responsible in those words should be redundant. Hopefully this will show up in your skill and experience!

Now if you can keep all these tips in mind and write a good resume objective from the point of view of an employee, you will have a greater chance of landing the perfect job!

About the Author
Trying to Write the Perfect Resume? Visit Make a Resume. We cover everything from Resume Objectives to writing a Customer Service Resume and every other position you can think of.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=741652

How To Write A Cover Letter And Get The Job You Want

Resume Cover Letters - How To Write A Cover Letter And Get The Job You Want by Mario Churchill

When you apply for the job, you have to make sure that you can market yourself properly; doing this alone tells a lot about yourself. Most businesses deal with some kind of marketing.

Even though the position you may be applying for doesn't require marketing skills, a hiring manager would be able to see a lot of potential in you when you manage to sell yourself to them.
This is because a company or a business is a shared environment. Ideas can come anywhere, as their potential employee, you should be able to provide good ideas that can help develop the company and push it further to success. This can be seen in your cover letter, believe it or not.

Numerous applicants fail to get a job not because they are not qualified, but because they fail to get the attention of the hiring manager. You can do this without even having to face them; this is done through a very creative and well-written cover letter.

So how is an effective cover letter done?

First before even writing your cover letter, do a little research about the company you are applying for. This little effort will go a long way in your application. You can learn some details which you can use in your letter. Details such as what you like about the company. Is it their growth in the past year? Is it the many benefits they provide their employees? This little details shows that you are really interested.

Also, you should know who to address your letter to. Doing this would depict professionalism as well as diligence. This also pictures you as a go-getter and you know what you want and are willing to do just about anything to get it.

Secondly, make sure to keep your cover letter short; don't even try to fully fill up a whole page. Leave some white and blank spaces between paragraphs and at the beginning and end of the letter.

To the letter writing proper, make sure to construct a professional looking cover letter. One example is to match your letterhead of your cover letter with the resume you will be submitting. Details likes this highlights your professionalism.

From the start of your first paragraph, grab the attention of your reader right away. This will ensure that he or she will be enticed to read the whole cover letter and move on to your resume. If he or she likes what he or she has read, then you may be considered for an interview.

In the first paragraph, you should be able to mention where you found out about the job, the position you are applying for, and why you are interested in it.

In the succeeding paragraphs, this is where you will be highlighting your qualifications and skills. This should contain all your abilities which pertains to the position you are applying for. Try to use bullets to really pinpoint what you have done and what you can do for the company.

Before ending the letter, hint that what he or she has read is only the tip of the iceberg. If they read your resume and have you come in for an interview, you will be able to tell them more.

Be sure to check and recheck your resume for any grammatical and spelling errors.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=466583

The Number One Mistake When Writing a Teacher Cover Letter

The Number One Mistake When Writing a Teacher Cover Letter by Adam Waxler

How do I make my potential employer understand my desire for the teaching position without coming across as desperate? How do I explain to him all my teaching skills and teaching experience in one cover letter? How do I convince him that I am the teacher for their school?
These are just some of the likely questions you will have when starting to draft your first teacher cover letter.

It is natural to want to try to squeeze the answers to those questions into a well-written teacher cover letter, but it is also wrong.

You see, the fact is, your cover letter is not supposed to get you the job.

That's right...I'll say it again...your cover letter is NOT supposed to get you a teaching job!

Your teacher cover letter has one sole purpose...the purpose of the teacher cover letter is to get your potential employer to look at your resume and call you in for an interview.

It is the interview, not the cover letter, that gets you the teaching position. Therefore, you must first focus on getting the interview...then you can focus on getting the job.

I have sat on countless teacher interview committees and have read thousands of cover letters and can tell you the biggest mistake teachers make when writing their cover letters is not starting out with a bang.

While teachers teach their students all the time how important it is to think about their audience when writing, teachers seem to forget this when writing their own cover letters.

Teachers should think about who is going to read the cover letter, when are they going to read it, and why are they going to keep reading.

A teacher cover letter will most likely be read by an administrator and/or a teacher interview committee that has been put in place.

These people are very busy!

They will most likely be reading stacks of cover letters at a time...possibly as many as a hundred at a time.

Now, if you were ever to sit down and read 100 cover letters in one sitting you would notice something very quickly...cover letter after cover letter would simply start to blend into each other.

Why?

Simple...most of teacher cover letters start off with a typical boring opening line such as, "I am writing in response to the ad in the New York Times about a teaching position...blah blah blah"

What you need to do if you want to move on to the next step in the hiring process is make your teacher cover letter stand out.

Remember, the cover letter is not about getting the job...the cover letter is about getting you noticed and one step closer to the interview. Therefore, you must make it stand out from the pack.

A great way to achieve this goal is by actually putting an attention grabbing headline at the top of the cover letter such as "Three reasons why I believe I am the best candidate for the teaching position at..." Then, following this headline, you start your cover letter with, Dear Mr. Jones. Believe me, this will get you noticed and will have much better effect than those dull teacher cover letters that never get a second glance.

However, if this is too drastic an approach for you then you may be able to achieve this goal in a more subtle way by simply starting your cover letter with something other than other than "I am writing in response to blah blah blah."

Whichever approach you choose, subtle or drastic, you need to make sure your teacher cover letter stands out form the pack and starting out with a bang by grabbing the reader's attention is the best approach. However, in my experience most do not do this and that is the number one mistake made when writing a teacher cover letter.

About the Author
Grab the "Top 10 Secrets to the Worlds Greatest Cover Letter" for free when you order "Your Basic Guide to Acing Any Teacher Interview" @ http://www.TeacherInterviewTips.com

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=458672

How to Write a 20-Second Resume Cover Letter

How to Write a 20-Second Resume Cover Letter by Anna Maria D'Souza

Why 20 seconds? As a headhunter, I seldom spend more than 20 seconds reading a resume cover letter. I deal with a lot of hiring managers and understand that they have a similar practice.

My clients are investment bankers, and these are the busiest people under the sun. Actually all hiring managers are busy and have to read numerous resume cover letters daily. Therefore the longer you write, the less effective your letter is. A 20-second resume cover letter is sure to capture the most attention from any hiring manager.

Summarizing the most outstanding resume cover letters that I've read, I have come up with a formula that works for any industry and anybody.

A 20-second resume cover letter must answer all these questions precisely:

1. What are you doing?
2. What do you want to do?
3. What are you able to do?
4. What do you want the reader to do?


Here is a classic example of a 20-second resume cover letter. It attracts three replies in five minutes even without attaching a resume.

Trader Positions

Hello, my name is Anna Maria D'Souza and am currently trading live Asian markets for a $1 billion hedge fund in London. I am willing to relocate given the right fit and opportunity. In a nutshell, I have my own book as well as do some facilitation whenever I am needed. I have experience in a variety of products ranging from cash, options/derivatives, CB's, etc.

Please let me know who I should talk to in order to pursue opportunities.

Well if you have valuable experience like this candidate, you are sure that all hedge fund mangers want to see you. What if we are a beginner or have less experience? Can we do something similar? Yes. Just copy my formula and answer the four questions I have set.

Here is a draft, assuming I am a fresh graduate. As nowadays almost all cover letters and resumes come through email, I have therefore omitted the traditional letter format.

Entry Level Analyst Position

Hello, my name is Anna Maria D'Souza. I have just obtained my master's degree from the Yale University. My focus was on financial engineering and economics. I am looking for an entry level analyst position. I have been a quantitative analyst intern at Goldman Sachs and have a good understanding of the US and Asian markets.

I have attached my resume and would welcome an opportunity to meet you. Please contact me on 12345678 or email amd@email.com

Remember, in a 20-second resume cover letter, every word counts. Every word should add value. Never write long sentences, such as 'I take the liberty to submit my resume' or 'I would most appreciate it if you would call me for an interview'.

What if I am replying to an ad? Well, easy, use the same formula and modify the headline like this.

Entry Level Analyst Position - Reply to Your Advertised Vacancy

Consider the busy level of hiring managers, your 20-second resume cover letter will certainly attract the most attention and is a guarantee that the hiring manager read

Vist author's blog for more tips on Investment Banking Resumes

About the Author
Anna Maria D'Souza is a headhunter. In the past eight years, she has been recruiting senior investment bankers for bulge brackets. Read her blog of Investment Banking Resumes which she aims to help college graduates to build an investment banking career.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=458086

How To Write A Cover Letter

How To Write A Cover Letter by Mario Churchill

It's true that cover letters are the best tools to get you a job interview. A good cover letter can pique the interest of a potential employer, even before they have browsed through your resume. It can really give you an edge over other applicants. Even if you have the best qualifications, another applicant with a well written cover letter may be interviewed first, and thus has a greater chance of landing the job.

Writing a cover letter is not as difficult as it seems. You don't have to be great writer to write a good cover letter. Your cover letter should be compact and direct to the point, as employers may not have the time to read through long letters considering the number of applicants they have. It is in fact easier to write a cover letter now because of the several useful cover letter templates that you can download online.

If you don't know how to get started with writing a cover letter, these cover letter templates will be able to assist you. They would serve as guides so you know how to format your letter, and where to write specific information. If you'll just follow a cover letter template, you'll be able to organize your ideas well, and within minutes, you'll have a well written cover letter.

You have to remember that these templates are just guides. Every cover letter you send out should be personalized for the company and position you are applying for. The most common mistakes that applicants make in writing their cover letters is that they make very general statements, or worse, they sometimes forget to change the position title and company name.

In writing your cover letter, you should make it as compact as possible, but catchy and appealing. Who wouldn't get tired of reading stereotyped or canned cover letters? Just imagine how many applications these companies receive in a day. If you're cover letter is the same as hundreds of others, then most likely, it would just go through the shredding machine together with your resume.

Cover letters show your sincerity in getting the job and being a part of the company. If you just copied your cover letter, then it gives the employers an impression that you don't take the job application seriously.

Basically, you have two options on how to write your cover letter. You may write it using the paragraph form or the executive outline. Cover letters written in paragraph gives out a smart and professional look, but maybe too lengthy to read. On the other hand, an outline or bulleted form is less formal but easier to read. In paragraph form, there's a chance that the employer might overlook important information on your resume.

The primary sections of a cover letter are the heading, body and the closing. The heading includes the date and the salutation. It is necessary that you close your cover letter with your signature.

The most important part of the letter is the body, which is about three spaces below the heading. Don't forget to mention the specific position you are applying for your sincere intentions of joining the company. Of course, you need to include a summary of your qualifications and other personal information that may be relevant to the position. In the last part of your body, don't forget to include a request for an interview and thank the employer for his time. Also mention that you have your resume and other credentials attached.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=437039

Resume Layout

Resume Layout by Mario Churchill

When you are building your resume, you will probably be overwhelmed with the different resume layout samples that are available both online and on different types of resume building software. A resume layout can be simple or elaborate and the one that you choose should reflect both your personality as well as the job you are striving for.

Despite the different designs available, a resume layout should contain the same basic information. First off, you should put your name and contact information at the top of the resume in easy to read font. Do not rely on your cover letter to provide the company with your name and telephone number. In many cases, employers who are bogged down with papers never even bother to read the cover letters and toss them away. They re often separated from the resume. So make sure that you have all of your contact information on your resume at the top.

You should also have, in your resume layout, your job objective. This is pretty much a description of the job you hope to get. If you are applying for a job as a receptionist, for example, the job objective would be that of a receptionist. If you have career aspirations further than a receptionist that will fit with this employer, such as a dental hygienist, you should put your job objective down as a receptionist and your career objective as a dental hygienist after you have met the proper qualifications. Many people forget to put down the job objective on their resume and this is a very important part of the resume format. Because employers get so many different resumes, and many have various different openings, you resume may get lost in the shuffle if you do not include a job objective.

Another important part of the resume layout is the prior employment experience. You should start from the last job that you had and work backwards. List the name of the employer, the address and your position with the company. If you received a promotion, make sure you put that on your resume as this is a true feather in your cap and something that an employer definitely wants to see. List all of your skills, knowledge and accomplishments that you know how to perform. Make sure that they conform to the job for which you are seeking. It is a good idea to use bullet points to highlight your skills and knowledge. This will make your resume layout easier to read and draw attention to your skills.

Make sure you list all relevant employment that pertains to the job in which you are seeking. You do not have to go back past 10 years, generally. If you took some time off for a family or other reason, but did something 15 years ago that will greatly help you with this new job, you can list it in a separate part of the resume layout called accomplishments or additional information.

You will need to list your education as well. If you have a post graduate degree, you should list the type of degree you earned as well as the college or university where you studied. You should also list your undergraduate degree as well as that college or university.

Many people are under the impression that resumes should only be one page long. While this has been true in the past and employers do not like to normally look through pages and pages of material, it is more important to list all of your accomplishments that relate to the job which you are seeking than to try to conserve paper. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to either cram all of the information into one page using a small font, which makes it very difficult to read, or shortchanging themselves when it comes to listing their knowledge and skills. It is better to have a resume layout that is easy to read and contains all of the vital information, even if it is two pages long.

When choosing the proper resume layout, make sure that you choose one that offers you the best opportunity to acknowledge your skills and knowledge and is clear and easy to read. The type of resume layout that you choose can be modern or classic, but the information should be accurate and highlight all of the best of your abilities.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=740007

What does your resume say about you?

What does your resume say about you? by Mike Anderson

I have read thousands of resumes in my career as a C-level executive. To be honest, I usually read the first couple of lines and scan the job titles of the candidate in an effort to glean what I am able to as quickly as possible. Do you know why? Not because I am too busy or too lazy to read them. No, it is because they are often so boring and poorly formatted that I can hardly get past the first few lines.

To get hiring authorities to read your resume, candidates must find ways to create an eye appealing format. Whether you are an entry level candidate, or a senior executive, the first two people that read your resume are generally completely unqualified to make a determination as to whether or not you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. Executive Recruiters or internal HR staff only know on a superficial level whether your qualifications match up with the requirements of the job. Normally, knowing that is that is the job of the hiring authority, but only if your resume has passed on to them through the hands of the first level gate keepers.

I have always maintained that a resume is not a chronological listing of your employment history. No, it is a sales brochure, and the product your are promoting is no other than you. Imagine you are a door to door salesman. You cannot bring samples of each product you sell with you, but you can bring a healthy stack of three color, high gloss sales brochures that contain all of the highlights of the product. The sales brochure contains every technical spec, the colors, any competitive advantages that you can imagine. And, you are going to stuff the mailboxes of prospective customers to let them read it over and over in the hope that they like what they read and call you back!! Oh joy!

Now imagine the same scenario, but this time all you have a is a white piece of paper, with no color, not much of a product description, but only a plain, boring list of the attributes of the product. Imagine what that customer might think about the product. My guess is that they will not think too highly of it. They might be a little skeptical that if the sales pitch is so weak, so might be the engineering behind it. I am thinking it goes right in the round file.

You too may suffer the same exact result. The sole intent of a resume is to get an interview. Nothing else matters. You need someone to read those pages and be caught up in the formatting, the structure, the use of color and bold print. If you have a particular skill you need to be able to highlight that, and call major attention to it. If on the other hand you have a problem with your resume, you need to low light it to draw attention away from it.

So many times I have read resumes with all of the common problems like misspellings, grammar, poor sentence structure, or glaring mistakes. I will normally just toss those into the DNC pile, as in “Do Not Call”. Why? Because if you can't give me a perfect resume with all the time in the world to prepare and check it, how the heck are you going to react to a pressure deadline I give you with no time whatsoever? Do I need to answer that?

Also, you must take credit for your major accomplishments and call out tangible results in an active voice. Executives especially need to take credit for financial results - increases in sales, reductions in spending, or any other metric that will demonstrate the business acumen of the candidate. I love resumes that say things like “reduced operating expenses by $3.5 million”, “increased sales by 12.5% in six months”, “surpassed sales targets 6 out of the last 8 months”. Get it?

I hate resumes that say “affected change through strong leadership” or “eliminated staff turnover”. What? What the heck are you telling me? I have no clue what you did, how you did it, or why you did it! By the way, eliminating staff turnover is normally a bad thing. We need to occasionally thin out dead wood and that comes in the form of turnover. Higher than average turnover might indicate you are a hatchet man, but unless that is the job for which you are applying, leave that out too. For gaps in employment, do not try to explain that in the resume. Ignore it. Don't lie, but ignore it. Make the interviewer ask, but be prepared with a solid, proactive answer. I have seen resumes that try to explain terminations and layoffs in the resume when I hadn't even noticed it yet. When I was in the Navy, we used to joking say that Navy stood for Never Again Volunteer Yourself. Well, never volunteer negative information in a resume or interview. Never, ever lie. Let me say that again....never, ever lie, but resumes and interviews are not Catholic confessionals. Once the company wants you, they will often overlook small problems, but if you offer it up, everyone now goes into CYA mode which means you are out on your A.

For my Gen X and Gen Y readers �" you need to use correct English and no slang. Make sure your email addresses are not inappropriate like “bigswinger@aol.com” or “beerstud@yahoo.com”. You see, as cool as they are, they say something not so great about you. You may be just a great guy who I would love to hang out with, but I am not so sure I want you interacting with my customers, or creating a financial analysis on Monday after a great beer bust weekend. No, I you need to use your name as well as you can for your email address. Something like JohnSmith@aol.com is perfect, but I realize there are a lot of John Smith's, so just try very hard to get an address that is not offensive, sexual, too funny, or just plain dumb. And lastly, get rid of all voice mail greetings that suggest you are anything less than serious. For example no rap tunes, country tunes, celebrity voice overs, or profanity. They are really funny with the right audience, but when the HR Department calls to schedule an interview and hears something offensive, she might just hang-up before leaving a message. So, delete them and simply change your greeting to say “Hi, this is John. I can't take your call right now, but please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible.” I know that is boring, but it will save you a lot of explaining later.

Well that is about all the room I have for this little story. I would be happy to help you more if you have any questions. This article was not intended as primer, but more of a thought provoking introspective on how you should present yourself. If you would like more information, or a free resume review, you can contact me at mike@directyourcareer.com or read my blog at www.directyourcareer.com/blog .

About the Author
Mike Anderson is a C-level executive, author and internet entrepreneur with more than twenty five years of experience. You can read his blog at www.directyourcareer.com/blog and email him at mike@directyourcareer.com.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=739329

Resume Format

Resume Format by Mario Churchill

Some people might say that there are several different ways to format your resume, and this may be true. But if you are going into a classic, business profession, you will want to stick with a classic, businesslike resume format, that is, if you want to be taken seriously.

Let me give you an example of a traditional resume format:

First, your contact information, which of course includes your name, full address, phone numbers both cell and home, and an email address.

Next will be your career objective, although this is optional. If you do choose to make this part of your resume format, it should only be a couple of sentences describing your employment goals. In order to be a worthwhile part of your resume, your objective will need to be customized to you and your skills. Let the employer know why you will be a valuable asset to the company.

Then you will move on to your career highlights and your qualifications. Again, you will want to tailor this to list the achievements, skills, traits and experiences that will relate directly to the job you are applying for. This will illustrate to the employer what an asset you can be to the company, and he or she will also be impressed that you took the time to outline these accomplishments for his or her benefit.

Okay, we all know that experience is going to play a key factor, and this is where this information should be in your resume format. As the title "experience" suggests, this is where you will include your work history. You will want to catalog the companies you worked for, the dates of employment, the positions you held, as well as a list of your responsibilities and achievements. If you choose to make a bulleted list of this information, it makes it much easier to read, and adds a nice touch to your resume format.

In this resume format, what would come next is your education. You'll list the colleges or universities you have attended, the degrees you attained, and of course any special honors or awards you earned. If you made the Dean's List or President's List, make sure to add that in here, too. Were you approached to be a Student Advisor? If so, list that here as well.

Don't feel that this section can only list traditional colleges and universities, if you have attended a career college or trade or technical school, they count too! Make sure that all of your successes and accomplishments are part of your resume format.

Now is the space where you will enter your special skills relating directly to the position you are applying for. Are you applying for a technical position? Make sure to highlight your computer skills. If this is a company with locations around the world and you are at least bilingual, you'll definitely want to mention that! Trilingual? Even better! Well, you get the gist!

So, there is a nice basic resume format for you. You do not need to mention that you have references available upon request, instead make that mention in your cover letter, or have a list of references ready to give the prospective employer if they ask.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=739204

Teachers Also Need A Good Cover Letter

Teachers Also Need A Good Cover Letter by Mario C Churchill

Writing a good cover letter is the best way to sell yourself to an employer. It is written very differently from a resume. A lot of qualified job applicants haven't even got themselves a job interview because their cover letters were not interesting enough for the employer. Cover letters give an employer a chance to get to know the applicant even before he meets them.

Every applicant needs to write a good cover letter, even the teachers. Statistics show that there's a growth in the demand of teachers, but nevertheless, there's still a million of teachers out there who would want to get the best teaching jobs. Face it, no matter how good a teacher you are, you'll always find somebody who could be better than you in a way.

That's why you need to write a good cover letter. If your cover letter is better than the rest, then you've got a big edge over other applicants. Your cover letter can get you interviewed soon. The sooner you get to be interviewed, the better your chances of getting that teaching job.

Besides, employers expect a lot on teachers. Teachers are supposed to be good at almost everything since they'll be educating the future people of the country. If you can't even write a good cover letter, then your employer will have doubts on your potentials, no matter how impressive your resume is.

The technique to getting a good teaching job is to be able to effectively sell yourself on your cover letter. Once your employer has developed an interest on you because of the cover letter, it'd be easy for you to get the job.

Your teacher cover letter should only contain important facts or teaching experiences that are related to the position you are applying for. Employers wouldn't want to read about you life story. You could just save your stories for your students and colleagues, once you get accepted on the job. Your cover letter should show how professional and bright teacher you are.

If you don't know how to write a teacher cover letter, you can check out the internet for some templates. However, keep in mind that a cover letter should be personalized. A canned cover letter would only disappoint your employer, and you probably won't end up with an interview. Employers are looking for interesting and catchy cover letters, not stereotyped or general ones.

Take time to write a good cover letter. You wouldn't want to waste your chances of landing on a prestigious teaching career, right? Write your cover letter in such a way that the one reading it would look forward to meeting you. Getting a job interview is the hardest part.

Employers are probably screening hundreds of teacher applications everyday, and they would only want to meet the best of the applicants. Surely, they wouldn't want to waste their time on someone who doesn't even interest him.

Aside from including interesting but relevant facts about your teaching career on your cover letter, you should also mention your sincerity to be part of their institution. Employers value loyalty and sincerity as much as qualifications.

Once you received a confirmation of your interview schedule, then getting the job should be easy. Cover letters are there to help you get the chance to be interviewed. A good cover letter would also work to your advantage since employers already like you even before you are interviewed.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=434780

A Good Sample Cover Letter

A Good Sample Cover Letter by Mario R. Churchill

First things first, remember that a cover letter is similar to a tool marketers use to be able to get customers to buy something. Remember that a lot of customers are not into features but actually only consider to buy because of the benefits. It is important therefore for you to make your customer buy into you.

Also, a cover letter is one way for employers to see just how good or bad your communication skills are. Take note that though resumes are proof read and written by other people, the cover letter is seldom not. Make sure that prior to sending out a cover letter, you have been able to check its spelling, grammar, etc.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of sample cover letters available on the internet. Though there are those who take the time out to write their own cover letters, a lot of people still lift a sample cover letter from the internet and use it as their own, word per word. If you are lucky and the prospective employer you sent your resume to do not know the plagiarism you have done then hooray for you.

However, it is always highly advisable to take the serious time and effort to do something right. The fact of the matter is that a cover letter must answer the question of why it is you are applying in the first place and what are the benefits a company would have if they do hire you.

Also, write down the job position you are aiming for. Also, try to briefly explain just why it is you are distinctly interested in such a position. A cover letter must also be able to discuss how well you know the company you are applying for. As much as possible, always keep it brief and succinct.

A cover letter must also be able to cite the reasons of your qualifications for the job you are aiming for. Always highlight job experiences which you think will be relevant to the prospective job you are trying to apply for.

Always cite specific situations as well as examples which showcase your good job-related qualities. Be reminded that no cover letter is ever the same especially if you are planning to send them out to various companies and employers.

It is therefore unnecessary to write a generic, uniform cover letter, much less copy a sample cover letter from the web, and use it with the hopes of getting a positive response. A good cover letter needs to be taken seriously in order that employers will take you seriously.

Basically, a cover letter's purpose is to offer valid evidence that would be able to back up any claims you may have on your skills and abilities.

As a further tip, avoid as much as possible sentences that begin with you or more specifically "I." Always write in the active voice and to avoid telling your credentials using passive voice.

It is a must that you make you as the subject of every sentence. Using active descriptions is necessary as it helps you draw in the attention of your readers, or in this case your prospective employers.

All in all, a good cover letter is one that is made and written by you. It should not be something copied or lifted from a sample cover letter that litters the internet. Though it is not bad to use sample cover letters as an inspiration, it should never be an exact copy of it. It keeps your cover letter from being original and unique. Good luck!

About the Author
Mario Churchill is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Visit him at: http://www.amazing-cover-letters.com for your "instant" cover letters today.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=433054

Writing A Good Cover Letter

Writing A Good Cover Letter by Fei Lim

A cover letter is generally a prerequisite to a resume. This is the first thing any potential employer or hiring manager will look at before even looking at your resume in most cases. A cover letter is essentially your formal introduction to the person who controls your fate in that company. There are several things an employer is looking at when reading a cover letter.

1. Your personality 2. Your Written Skills 3. How well they think you click with the company

Remember, this cover letter is before they even get to the resume, which will explain why you are qualified; therefore, it is important to make sure you are offering an excellent, well-written cover letter right from the start.

With that being said, you understand just how important it is that your resume include a cover letter. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important keys of cover letter writing, as well as some Do's and Don'ts.

The DO'S of Cover Letter Writing

When writing a cover letter you want to make sure you DO:

Addressing - You want to make sure you always address your cover letter to a person. This person should be the one in charge of hiring. If a resume and cover letter is requested, with no knowledge of a named person, you should address the letter to "human resources" or the "hiring manager".

Be Original - You want to make sure your cover letter is original with each different employer. You never know who talks to who and who can be comparing. Furthermore, when each cover letter is original, you are personalizing yourself specifically for that company.

Make it an easy read - Focus on the task at hand, write your cover letters as simple and forthright as you possibly can. Unnecessary words are just that, unnecessary, you do not need them.

Include Job Requirements - It is important to touch on the job requirements placed in any ad or job descriptions. For the most part, companies have several positions. Therefore, you must identify which position you are seeking.

Brief is the key - Never write a cover letter that is longer than one page. As a guide, paragraphs between one and three sentences are a good idea.

Sell Yourself - Give the employer reasons as to why you are an asset to his or her company. Provide examples that will prove any claims you have made, give them a reason to consider your cover letter and resume further.

Contact - Make sure contact information is provided in a clear and viable place within the cover letter.

The DON'TS of Cover Letter Writing

When writing a cover letter you want to make sure you DO NOT:

Forget - Do not forget to include a resume with your cover letter

Salutations - Do not be pointed within the salutation, you never know in what hands your cover letter will fall, male or female. Therefore never use salutations such as "Ladies" or "Gentlemen".

Writing - Do not be boring in your cover letter. Be attentive, catchy, and bold.

Cliches - Avoid the use of any cliches that are extremely common within cover letters. Your potential employers do not want you telling them that a resume is enclosed or like example, they are perfectly aware that your resume has accompanied your cover letter.

Follow Up - Do not forget to follow up with potential employers. You cannot rely on the potential employer to take any type of action; you must ask them to, ask them for an interview.

Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation - Do not forget to run a spell check or similar check on your cover letter before you send it. If you fail to find and correct spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors you will definitely have a hard time convincing any potential employer that you are the person for the job.

Clean and Crisp - Avoid sending any cover letters that have any grease, smudges, or unnecessary wrinkles within the paper.

Signature - You must not forget to personally sign your cover letter, in ink. By signing your cover letter you are adding a very personalized and real touch to the entire cover letter.

There you have it, the Do's and Don'ts of cover letter writing. With these tips, you will have no problems in producing a solid and well-written introduction to any company.

About the Author
Seek4Jobs.net is a Ma href="http://www.seek4jobs.net/blog/">job search for employees and employers. Post your jobs and find the right employees for your company. Post your resume for free and find the right jobs to work for.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=431770

How To Make A Resume

How To Make A Resume by Mario Churchill

There are many ways that you can go about learning how to make a resume, and a really impressive resume, at that. With some research on formatting, and the knowledge that only you can bring to the table regarding your skills, education, past employment history, and a strong career objective, you'll have everything you need.

If you are a recent college graduate, make an appointment with your school's placement office and tell them you would like to learn how to make a resume. They will be more than happy to assist you, but this will probably require at least a few appointments requiring that you travel back and forth to the campus to complete everything that needs to be done. If that is what works for you, more power to you. However, there are many other avenues you can pursue to get the same results.

The World Wide Web has more websites than you would believe all aimed at teaching you how to make a resume. If you have doubts, simply type "how to make a resume" into any search engine and be astounded at the number of hits you get! If you can root through and find the ones that you are most comfortable with, you are good to go!

There are templates laying out for you quite specifically how to make a resume. There are examples and sample resumes for you to look at.

There are even resume writing services that will work with you, for a fee, and hold your hand every step along the way of the resume-creating process. It may cost a bit of cash, but you should get a top-notch resume out of the deal.

"Wait! you cry, I am just out of school and have no extra money to spend on learning how to make a resume!"

Hey, that is only one option, remember? One option out of several.

Research the different avenues you have already been advised of and you will certainly be able to come up with an option, a free option, that will be very satisfying to you.

Just remember that your resume is seen as an extension of who you are, to your prospective employer, at least. So, there will always be some basic rules for you to follow when learning how to make a resume.

Your resume must be absolutely error-free! You must be certain that it is free of typos, as well as grammatical errors. This is where an adequate amount of time proofreading will be mandatory. It should be proofread several times by you, out loud and silently, and by at least one other person.

An honest portrayal of your skills and achievements is also essential; lying on a resume or even exaggerating is a huge mistake and will usually always come back to haunt you, most likely in the form of losing your job. Is it really worth it?

A clean look to your resume, nothing too "busy," is a good rule of thumb, and make sure to leave enough white space; you want your resume to be easy and pleasurable to look at and read, or it just may not be looked at, at all!

If you are worried about fitting in all of the information that you need, instead of stuffing it all onto one page, go to two pages. That is preferable to a resume that is a visual mess. I hope this has helped somewhat on your quest to learn how to make a resume.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter or cover letters checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=739010

Sample Resume Objective

Sample Resume Objective by Mario Churchill

When creating a resume, one of the most important aspects is the resume objective. Employers get hundreds of resumes whenever they place an add for a job and unless you put down your employment objective in your resume, the document that you worked so hard to produce may end up by the wayside.

There are many different sample resume objective forms that you can use,. The resume objective is simply what you wish to accomplish by sending the company your resume. In most cases, the objective is to get a certain job. This should be clearly stated on your resume.

A sample resume objective for someone who wishes to become a paralegal, for example, can include a heading stating Employment Objective and under this heading should be the type of paralegal position which you are seeking. If you are seeking to be a commercial real estate paralegal, for example, this should be stated at this point.

Another sample resume objective would be for someone who is seeking a position as receptionist. Again, the Employment Objective would be listed as receptionist.

Suppose, however, that the person who seeks to be a receptionist is also going to school for a paralegal degree. He or she may be qualified now to be a receptionist, but upon completion of their studies, will want to seek employment as a paralegal. If this person is applying for a job at a law office, in addition to the sample resume objective there should also be a career objective stated. This could read something like this:

Although I am seeking the position of receptionist, I am currently enrolled in xxx college and expect to complete my paralegal studies in xxx. My career objective is to become a paralegal.

This will let the prospective employer know that in addition to getting a receptionist, he or she may also be able to get a qualified paralegal who will have knowledge of the law firm and can remain in the employ of the law firm for years to come. This may make the candidate a bit more desirable as it costs employers thousands of dollars to train new employees.

A good sample resume objective can be found within many different software programs that assist someone in creating a resume. The wording is all there, you just need to fill in the proper information. It is essential, however, that you put down an objective in your resume. It not only denotes professionalism, but lessens the confusion on the behalf of the employer.

Employment objectives and career objectives are two different headings on most resumes. An employment objective refers to the job for which one is immediately applying., A person just out of law school may apply for a job as an associate in a law firm. This is an employment objective. A career objective for the same person, however, would probably be partner in the law firm.

Many people are hesitant about putting down career objectives on their resumes. It makes them feel foolish as if they are shooting for the stars. Nothing can be further from the truth. Most employees want to hire people with some sort of ambition. It is not foolish to say that you want to be partner of a law firm when you are an attorney, it is more foolish to say that you are content with staying an associate and never moving up the ladder.

It is important, therefore, to put employment objectives as well as career objectives, where appropriate, on your resume. If you are going to school to become a nurse and have applied for a job as a secretary, it is not necessary to put your nursing career objective on your resume as this may cost you the job. A career objective should only be included on a resume if it adds to the employment opportunity which you are seeking.

To find a good sample resume objective, take a look at some of the resume building tools online or in some resume building software. All of the information that you need to find a good sample resume objective can be right at your fingertips. Remember to be honest in what you are hoping to achieve. You do not have to get too wordy, either. A good sample resume objective can be as simple as saying that you want to be a receptionist.

About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resume distribution or a job finder service checkout his recommended websites.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=739000