Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Portfolio Career

A new meaning for "career"?

Crystal ball or not, one thing is for sure – the definition of career is taking on a whole new meaning. Although there are many differences between our generations there is one common thread that brings us together. When it comes to employment, we all compete at the same watering hole called the job market. We all know that most employers are now less interested in "long-term employees" who show up everyday from 9 to 5 and want to hang around for ten for fifteen years, taking the lateral climb. In fact, these days if you're in the same job for too long you can be viewed as a slacker.

Wondering what's so different about the world of working today?

Over the past few years employer needs have changed. In order to compete and succeed in today's global economy employers are now putting a higher value on your ability to be more creative, imaginative and "think differently", as well as your ability to adapt as needed and/or morph to market conditions, much like Proteus, the Greek Sea Goddess who could change at will, we are now seeing the protean model career.

Sure, employers are still using words like "loyalty", "generosity", and "stability", as a draw, but the forward thinking individual will know that these are merely words and in the end, the company's bottom line dictates their employment actions. Employers are using globalization to their advantage, as well they should be, and its time for employees to use a form of this in their own career – a "portfolio" career approach.

Why should you take advantage of a "portfolio" career approach?

Well, there are plenty of reasons. For one thing nothing is carved in stone any longer with regard to your future employment with any one particular employer. The forces of supply and demand are strong when it comes to whether you have a job… or not. Sure, the employer "feels" terrible when they need to implement job eliminations, restructuring, layoffs, etc., etc. But, that doesn't stop them from taking necessary survival steps. Where does that leave you? Knocking on doors – that's where.

Many of you are ready to get off "auto-pilot" when it comes to your life, as well as your career, and start doing the necessary planning that will afford you to live with security – the security you can provide for yourself through your knowledge and skills. Giving you the ability to differentiate yourself from the pack. To live with joy – the joy you can provide for yourself by knowing where you are strong and what you have to offer in the career market. To find happiness – the happiness you know you deserve and can give yourself through careful career planning and support.

How do you grab onto to a fresh new approach while maintaining an alignment between your needs and the employer's needs?

Change is constant and rapid. The portfolio approach to your career is the future. You must keep updating and adding to your skills and knowledge and matching your portfolio to the particular employer and their needs at any give time. Establishing and selling yourself in a portfolio manner will enable you to begin to lead the pack and keep you in the forefront of managing your career.

Auto-pilot careers are over, its time to get the controls into your hands and start steering. The ball is moving into your court now – the employment picture is rapidly changing in your favor. You may be able to obtain multiple offers easily. But, even if getting a job is "easy", getting the right job should be your goal. Finding the right match is much more than throwing your resume out and seeing where it sticks. It's about knowing you and what you have to offer and uncovering your true match.

Robin Ogden has contributed her expertise in HR management, recruiting and coaching in Silicon Valley for over 20 years. She is co-founder of FiredUP Careers, a career counseling company for professionals who want to stay aligned with their careers, achieve success without compromising their life and truly dig what they do! Learn more here => and

Fax Resume Distribution Services

You can make your cover letter and resume stand out amongst the rest by opting for various fax resume distribution services out there. There are 2000 resumes reviewed for any position available. Only 100 are granted for a personal or telephone interview. If you want to make the cut, then your cover letter must be something that is visually appealing to any reader.

Fax Resume Distribution services deliver your cover letter and resume to recruiters that specialize in the career of your expertise. With the cost-effective medium that gets a distinct handling upon receipt, your resume and cover letter maximizes your career opportunity with these firms. You will get the exposure that you deserve.

Fax Resume Distribution services are the solution to any job hunter's problem, considering the amount of competition he or she finds himself in nowadays. By resorting to these services, an applicant's resume and covered letter will fall to the desk of those executive recruiters who need their services as soon as possible.

The processes used by fax resume distribution services are the following:

1. The cover letter and resume of the applicant are reviewed in order to determine how effective the attached documents are. Of course, the applicant must have the very best because it will guarantee him years of wonderful experience in the working world.

2. By clearly indicating your objectives, experiences and geographical preferences, fax resume distribution services cross-matched the industries and firms that are perfect for you. The selection is quite efficient, therefore saving your time as well as that of the recruiters. You have control of the number of executive firms that have access to your resume and cover letter.

3. Once your resume and cover letter have been approved then these are available through fax transmission. This is addressed individually to prospective recruiters and potential employers in manner that is distinctive and most personal.

The key to getting the attention of the employer and to be granted an interview is to be different amongst the other applicants. Your resume and cover letter clearly goes to the hiring firms and executive recruiters who are looking for an applicant like you so that already gives you an edge. Of course, what they can read on your documents is the next crucial part.

1. You have to review the contents of your cover letter and your resume. This is to determine how effective your documents are in getting their attention.

2. Because these are delivered to the hands of recruiters who are looking for applicants who can offer what you can offer, your cover letter and resume will be more effective if you indicate your interest in working for them, as well as what you know about their company.

The staff behind this business critiques the spelling, grammar and diction of your cover letter first and foremost. They help you in strategizing the cover letter and resume that will get the attention of the reader.

Preparing for these documents take a lot of time and if you want to get the interview in the industry that you really want to work for, you have to make sure that the fax resume distribution services are able to get that point across on your cover letter and highlighted on your resume.

Fax resume distribution services have so many tactics in improving the dialogue between the applicant and potential recruiters that all you have to do is wait for the scheduled interview.

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 we

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

How to Get a Job in IT

New to the IT Industry?

Here's how to get yourself in!

The need for technology and computer jobs has never been greater than it is right now, and these jobs are only going to be in higher demand as technology advances.

Technology is the most important issue driving the global economy, therefore the time has never been more perfect to look for an IT job.

And, computer-related careers account for five of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.

Among the most popular areas of IT:

Network Administration

Database Development/Administration

Software Engineering

Testing

IT Management

Tech Support.

You will have to find out which area you want to be employed in, and what sort of work you want to get into.

Now, there's really no one single path that you should follow to break into this business , but there are some qualities you will need.

First and foremost are people skills. You must have them!

Next, you must passionately want it, and you should be willing and capable of learning rapidly.

Alright, now let's start the ball rolling.

You will need more Education, and probably not more schooling, (unless you want to go back to school.)

A mistaken belief of getting into the IT industry, is that you must go to school for it.

This is not necessarily true!

To gain more knowledge in this exciting field, all you will need is to study the most relevant books (with the best reviews possible) in the area of IT that you will go into. Barnes and Noble, Chapters, and Amazon are great resources for these books.

The majority of IT books will be full of practical sections that will assist you in trying out what you have learned. You must make certain that you study these books extremely well This is not a free pass just because you don't necessarily have to go to a school "building" -don't deceive or short change yourself by just flipping through them.

The more you learn, the more educated you will be - only then can you truly feel confident with your brand new knowledge.

After you've learned and applied what you've studied, then you should get certified.

Certification exams are a remarkable way to verify to your potential employer that you have the right stuff. They will not only give you a competitive edge but also justify your lack of experience. Again, make certain you find the ones important to your direction of your career.

Look for certification study retailer websites, like www.GetCertify4L and buy their test packs.

Also, you can get a practice test from certain websites like www.T or www.SelfTestS these practice tests will help you immensely.

Once you can pass your practice test with flying colors, then you can look for a testing center and arrange a time for your exam.

As soon as you have completed all your education and certification, then you can finally go out and get yourself some on the job experience!

You will have to dust off your resume, and strive to obtain that first interview to get yourself hired.

Network and search for any job openings anywhere you can.

Newspapers, job fairs, job sites on the internet like and of course word of mouth can all be useful resources.

Also, be confident with your newfound knowledge.

Good Luck, Believe and you will achieve!

Dan Clancy is the author of the "5 Step Formula for Getting Your Dream IT Job" eCourse. You can get your FREE copy at

New Grads – Welcome!

5 Tips to Ensure You are Well Received by Your New Employer.

Although you're throwing off the cap and gown and heading off to a corporate environment it doesn't mean you will no longer have to impress the 'instructor' – so to speak. Now it's your boss you'll need to impress…wait a minute, not just the boss, but also a whole plethora of people in your new company.

Pretty soon you'll be dreaming about the days you used to crawl out of the sack, throw on a sack and slip in to class just as things were starting to roll. As long as you did the reading, tossed in some good essays and passed the exams you were fine.

So, now that you're not a student anymore, what's next?

1st – show up! Yes, I mean show up for your job search. Maybe you were lucky enough to land a job while still in college, but if not this is the time that you need to put your research skills to the road. Get involved, highly involved in all things job related. Make sure you've got a well-written, up to date (fast reading layout) resume. If you're not sure about your resume have it reviewed by a professional resume writer. It is worth it. Pick several organizations to join and begin networking. Go to their meetings, volunteer to contribute your time and energy – meet people. These connections are valuable and may be the inroad to your new job.

2nd – make a positive impression! I know you won't go to your interview dressed like you would for a college class, or even show up for your job that way (I can count on that, right?). My point here is, be sure that you always keep your appearance one level above the current level you are in. Dress for success. Whether you're interviewing or ready to start your new job, always give the impression that you are ready to be promoted to the next level.

3rd – bone up on your writing skills! School is one thing; corporate America is another when it comes to whom you communicate with through writing. Be professional in all your job-related email correspondence. Do not use short 'text' type messaging phrases or spelling (such as 'R' for are, or 'biz' for business, or 'U' for you). And always think about your audience before you write. Are you sending something to a coworker you know well and have lunch with everyday? Or, are you sending something to the Vice President of Engineering who you've only had a few business interactions with, if any. In either case, your writing style will be much different. Remember that your email (or memo) may be forwarded to other individuals higher than you or even outside the organization. The best practice, when it comes to your career, is to always take a professional approach with all business correspondence. Written correspondence is another area that will give people an 'impression' of Y-O-U. Just as you speak differently to different audiences, equally you must write differently too. Take time to research best practices and tips for business writing and you will be glad you did.

4th – get with the organization's culture! This means that you need to pay attention to how things are happening in the work environment. Is it a casual, friendly environment where people come and go as needed/desired? Or, are people working through lunch and staying late and not socializing much? Is it more 'nose to the grindstone' oriented, or a 'let's decide as a team' type atmosphere? How do people present themselves? How does the company view personal calls, or use of the Internet? What do they think about eating in the work area? What are their safety policies and job performance policies? In other words, how does the company operate and what are the tastes and preferences of the organization? Know these and make an effort to adapt and blend with the cultural norms of the organization.

5th – Dig What You Do! This is a key element to keep in mind throughout your career. It is one of the most important phrases to keep in the forefront of your mind regarding how you think and feel about your career. Since your career can pollute your personal life (and vice versa!), it is important to work in an environment you love and perform a job that makes you feel proud and happy to get out of bed every day. Not to say you won't have bad days. You will. But, if the majority of them are bad, or you do not fit the culture, or you loathe showing up for your job, then you need to reassess and possibly make a change. Don't stay in a bad job simply because the discomfort of it is familiar. Everyone deserves to Dig What They Do! And that includes Y-O-U.

Robin Ogden has contributed her expertise in HR management, recruiting and coaching in Silicon Valley for over 20 years. She is co-founder of FiredUP Careers, a career counseling company for professionals who want to stay aligned with their careers, achieve success without compromising their life and truly dig what they do! Learn more here => and

Monday, December 29, 2008

What to Know Before Giving an Interview

Interview, the word itself sounds very scary for most of the people. But for some it is merely a conversation between two people. And it's always easy for them to join a new job without any inquisition and hesitation. But, did they really know what to follow before giving an interview. If not, then, I am sure, their career gets shattered after a certain points. Because, it is the company's structure and strategy that bring ones career to the point of success. And if the company is not well planned then it is only the employees who are the sufferers.

Hence, in this piece of article I am going to deal with some of the important points that should need to be followed before giving an interview and obviously that is going to enhance your career profile too.

Company Profile Review

This is the first and foremost step that every candidate should follow before going for an interview. It is only the company's profile that helps in the career development. Hence, it is always advisable to review the company's plans and strategies perfectly. See how is its annual growth, and infrastructure is. Also review how far the company stands in its sector. These factors somehow affect your career growth to a certain level.

Analyze Company Management

Company management is other most important point that should be considered before giving an interview. Because, it is the company's management, which provide comfort and reassurance of job to its employees. It is always advisable to look after the company's strategies including annual growth, increment, appraisal, and timings etc before giving an interview.

Is the company debt free or not?

Always try to find out that the company is under debt or not. If you find so and the answer is yes then it is always advisable for you to quit from the interview because this will not be a right place for you as your career get shattered here. Even though the company is offering good salary, you will not receive a job security.

Salary Structure

Money is the most important factor for doing a job. Hence, it is always necessary to take a perfect review of company's salary structure. Put perfect eye on the basics and house rents structure of your salary. Also, view cast on medical and other perks under your salary structure. Be frank in asking annual increment and appraisal structure on the salary.

Know other employees view

Employees working in the office are the main source for getting full information about the company. Try to know the views of other employees of the company about the company structure and management. This will also help you a lot in finding the right company for you and your growing career.

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Sonia Suri is associated with Vjobs. If you are looking for a Job Search, read these tips seriously and then post resume here for free, so that you can get the interview call.

New Grads Don't Have to Settle for Bad Jobs!

There is still time for those who will graduate this spring to prepare themselves to find and get a good job.

New College graduates face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to getting that first job. Many employers, however, want fresh new ideas and employees with lots of future potential. With 20% of all workers with college degrees either unemployed or employed in jobs requiring only high school skills, there is help for the college grad who doesn't want to settle for a job in which they are undervalued and under-challenged.

Our experience in working with new graduates has consistently reinforced our belief that the most important skills needed are in interviewing. Knowing how to approach an interview, how to anticipate and respond to difficult questions, and knowing how to project confidence in the interview are the skills most often lacking in new grads.

In the last 10 years we have worked with thousands of job seekers who face various challenges. Our philosophy is that life is too short to be stuck in a boring, unfulfilling, dead-end job. One of the major challenges for new graduates is to believe it is possible to get an exciting, fulfilling job that offers opportunity for growth and advancement. We work with far too many people who are depressed, bored, and entirely too focused on their jobs. When we love what we do, work becomes energizing. Just as boredom and depression on the job will spill over into one's personal life, so do happiness, energy, and fulfillment.

People who feel stuck in inappropriate jobs tend to spend more hours working than people who are happy in their jobs. One reason for this increase in work hours is low productivity. A vicious circle results from job misery. Unhappiness makes us less productive; lower productivity requires us to work more; working more in a job we hate makes us unhappy.

Our advice to every graduating senior this year is that your preparation for your job search and your knowledge of what you want can help you find the job of your dreams. You will be successful in landing the perfect job if you can learn and accept certain critical job-seeking principles:

·You don't have to settle for a job in which you will be miserable

·Fresh ideas and new insights are valuable assets

·You can go after the job of your dreams

·You can learn to ace the interview

·You can get a job that allows you to maintain balance in your life

With a positive attitude and preparation around the following questions, you can find the job of your dreams and ace the hiring process:

·How do you answer a question about experience when you have none?

·How do you explain that you want a job you can be passionate about?

·How do you respond to the statement "everyone begins with an unsatisfying job"?

·How do you successfully handle the first phone call from an employer?

·How do you prepare a powerful professional pitch?

·How do you present the best image?

·How do you deliver a solid interview, leaving a positive, lasting impression?

·How do you stand out from the pack?

Preparation around these and other critical questions can make the difference between landing your dream job and getting stuck in a boring job with no future. Why not plan to land the job of your dreams?

FiredUP Careers is a career counseling company for professionals who seek greater fulfillment from their work. Based upon the belief that "life's too short" to be stuck in the wrong job, they help people understand who they are, what they want from their work, and how to balance work with the rest of their lives. Receive our FREE 'career death traps' report here => and visit our blog

Resume Distribution Services: Providing Bigger Chances For Finding A Job

It is a fact that finding a job nowadays is very hard. With hundreds or even thousands of other people looking for a decent job, you will definitely have difficulty getting a job. This is why many people recommend using resume distribution services.

First off, a resume distribution services will require you to pay a fee to send your resume to hundreds or even thousands of potential employers. The idea of resume distribution is that they put your resume in front of many people who are seeking the same job as you. This means no more waiting in a long line just to get an interview for a particular job. This is because the resume distribution services will ensure that you will be one of the first people to be interviewed by a company.

So, now you ask the question on whether it is worth your time and money to use resume distribution services. If you are looking for a job and you need to get a job as soon as possible, then the answer is yes.

Not only will resume distribution services get you on the first line for a job interview but research have found that there are more chances of getting hired if you are one of the first people interviewed by a company.

Plus, since resume distribution services will submit your resume to hundreds or even thousands of companies, there is a great chance that at least one company will want to hire you. Therefore, you don't have to waste a lot of time making resumes and submitting it yourself to a company that will never hire you at all.

With resume distribution services, all you need to do is submit your resume to them, pay the fee and wait for a call for an interview with the company.

Today, thanks to the internet, resume distribution services are now providing their services online. There are job finder websites available that will look for the perfect job for you in no time at all.

However, it is advisable that you only use the resume distribution services in a limited basis. You have to limit your job searches and tell the resume distribution company to only send your resume to ten or fifteen companies at a time. Besides, if you get your resume submitted to hundreds of companies, the company where the resume was submitted will simply delete your resume from their email. Place yourself in the shoes of the employer. If you see that the resume was submitted to hundreds of other companies, then you will ask yourself why you should waste your time interviewing this person as there will be at least one company who will be interested in hiring the person.

You should also remember that it is also advantageous if you submit your resume yourself. This will provide a personal touch and also tell the company that you are serious about the job being offered.

These are the things you should remember when using a resume distribution services. Just remember that you should also personally submit your resume to other companies in order to look professional and not just someone who is desperate to find a job that they will try using resume distribution services just to get hired.

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.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Show Me The Green

There was a time that one could assume that the phrase 'show me the green' was interchangeable with 'show me the money' (and in some respects it still is), but today it's really taking on a whole new meaning – it's a phrase with a movement behind it.

We, the people, are changing our view of green as fast as the kaleidoscope will turn. And the color is vivid. We are thinking green in our lifestyles, our products, the food we eat, the homes we live in and the world we inhabit. And if we're thinking and living green in all of those areas it stands to reason that this green-way of thinking will spill over into being green in our careers.

But what does 'being' green in your career mean? Well, it is different for different people – some say it means working for a company that is producing environmentally safe products, or clean technology. Others say it is working for a company who is giving back to the community, some say it's about recycling and others say 'hey, it's just a place I go to from 9a – 5p and it pays the bills' (ouch…)!

But, one of the insightful things about all this green way of thinking is what it is creating inside of us - our own internal environment. We are really all eventually drawn to 'service', to a way to give back to the greater good. And that brings up the question; Who are y-o-u, from the inside out? What is going on within your own internal environment and how is your internal ecosystem? Where do you want to make your mark, and what impact do you want to have in the world. Of course, we can't all be Gandhi, but we can all make a difference – in his beautiful quote "be the change you want to see", Gandhi knew the richness of green from the deepest level of his being. He knew where he lived inside.

Living your life in a green-way and contributing to life through the makeup of your own internal environment means reaching in and really deciding who you are, what you want, and how you can make a difference; and then bringing YOU into all aspects of your life, including your career.

Once you make this shift it stands to reason that you will seek out and align yourself with a company that is stepping up to the 'green-way' from the inside out too. That means more than just writing some fancy language about it in the company's annual report. It means more than just sharing an internal eco-vision (internal harmony, diversity, etc.). It means a call to action, accountability and answers to who, what, when, where, and why. In other words, companies need to step up and show us what they stand for and how they are committed to contributing to the greater good.

Companies expect us to show up with more knowledge, better information, fresh creativity and vast energy. To show up in those ways we have begun to look deeper and deeper inside our being to come up with our best. And the by-product of all that inner searching is a new expectation about what we want and expect from the companies we work for.

Today companies need to pay attention because 'we the people' are blossoming in a big way – big buds, big sprouts, big roots of all kinds. We're achieving new internal clarity, setting new expectations and aligning with new goals; one of the strongest is all about "green" – inside & out.

About the Author

Robin Ogden is a co-founder of FiredUP Careers, a career coaching company focusing on career products and services for professionals who wish to stay aligned with their careers, achieve success and truly dig what they do. Find out more about FiredUP Careers and receive our FREE 'career death traps' report here =>

7 Steps to a New Career

If your job is leaving you feeling bored, frustrated, uninspired, or burned out, you're probably wondering what else is out there. Where can you find a career that makes you excited to get to work each day? Does your dream job really exist? It may seem overwhelming to try to find that perfect career, especially if you're feeling stuck in your current one, but if you start small and do some hard thinking, you'll find that a satisfying career is not so far out of reach.

1. Start positive. If you're dissatisfied with your current job, it may be hard to identify the elements you like about it. Most people, though, enjoy at least a few aspects of even the dreariest job. You may hate your boss but love your colleagues. Or maybe you believe in the cause you're working for, despite the dismal pay. Make a list of the things you like about your current job—these are your first clues about what to look for in a new one.

2. Think big. Now's the time to make a wish list. What characteristics would make a job perfect for you? Would it be flexible hours, a cooperative team, more responsibility? Maybe you'd like a chance to work in a creative or artistic setting, or the opportunity to show your leadership potential. Don't worry about whether these things are realistic or whether there's a job out there that fits the bill (not just yet!). Make a list of all the factors that you're looking for in a dream career.

3. Brainstorm. Compile a list of every job, no matter how farfetched, that you've ever thought you might like or be good at. Don't censor yourself; once you've got a good list going, you'll start to see patterns. Look for common factors in the jobs you've listed. Maybe your fantasy careers are all active, fast-paced physical jobs (like firefighter, forest ranger, and FBI agent), or they might involve caring for and helping others (nurse, teacher, counselor).

4. Test yourself. There are dozens of career tests on the market designed to help you discover your ideal career. While these tests range in quality, from novelty tests on free sites to scientifically validated tests provided only by psychologists, there are many excellent resources online. Look for a website that provides well-researched career assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory, which will provide you with comprehensive information on appropriate careers for your personality type and interests.

5. Do some research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a great resource for career searchers. Visit their website at bls.gov and click on the Occupational Outlook Handbook to view salary ranges, educational requirements, job descriptions, and growth projections for hundreds of careers.

6. Check with an expert. A career coach can help you further identify the elements of a career that will bring you lasting satisfaction. A knowledgeable coach can also suggest careers similar to ones you've come up with yourself, and help you decide which careers best fit your goals.

7. Start where you are. If it's not practical for you to completely retrain for a new career right now, think again about what's missing from your current job. Is there a different position within your current company that provides more of what you need? Could you keep your job title, but find a new company with a better work environment? You might even ask your boss about making changes in your regular responsibilities that would allow you to do more of what you enjoy. Changing careers is a major goal, and if you can start by taking gradual steps towards doing what you really want, you'll find that your efforts pay off quickly in greater satisfaction with your work.

Molly Owens holds a B.A in Psychology and has completed graduate work in counseling and psychological assessment. She has a background in counseling, education, and the corporate workplace, and provides career assessment and coaching at

Online Job Finder Services: Should You Use Them?

Thanks to the internet, people are now able to shop, communicate and even find jobs right at the comforts of their own home. You have to face the fact that with hundreds or even thousands of people looking for a decent job, you too will find it hard to find a job. You have to wait in a long line of equally qualified people competing to get the job and you have to work hard in order to impress the employer in order to get the position you want.

However, if you want an easier way to find the best job for you, then you have to use the internet to find it. With numerous online job finder services, you will be able to find the right job, set up an interview and get employed in no time at all.

Even large companies are using the services of online job finders to advertise their needs for personnel. There is a great chance that you will be able to find the job in your field of expertise.

So, just what is an online job finder? First of all, an online job finder is like a resume distribution services. Through the website, you will submit your resume and the website will be the one who will match your skills, and your qualification to different kinds of jobs. The job results will be emailed to you on almost a daily basis. All you need to do is choose the kind of job that you like.

Usually, the different kinds of jobs submitted to your email will contain a brief description of the company, and also a description of the job being offered. It will also include why you were matched for this job.

The next question you will ask is if it is worth your time to use online job finders. The answer to this question is yes. If you can't seem to find the right job in your area, then you may want to try online job finders. Through the services of this website, you will be able to find the job you have always wanted and one that will complement your skills and your qualifications.

For example, if you took IT related courses in college, then you will want to apply for an IT related job. With online job finders, it will definitely be easier for you to find the right kind of job in the field you studied when you were in college. You can also include your special skills to aid in your search.

The great thing about online job finder services is that there will be a great chance of finding the right kind of job for you in no time at all. You will also do it right at the comforts of your own home. All you need is obviously a desktop computer with an active internet connection, an email account and you also need to register with a reputable online job finder website.

Once you register, you need to fill out an online resume or you can also submit your own resume. After you are registered and after you submitted your resume, you will now receive emails on a daily basis with job searches that is compatible with your qualifications and skills.

Just remember that online job finders will not necessarily land you the job. They will merely help you find a job and from there, it is up to you to clinch the job by doing well in the interview that the company you chose will set up.

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.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Career Momentum after Graduation

Congratulations! You've worked hard earning your degree, and you deserve a huge hurrah and slap on the back. But wait! You're work has just begun, as the real world awaits your entry as a productive human being into the workforce. And you've got about 90,000 hours of work ahead of you in your lifetime. Ugh you say? Drudgery? It doesn't have to be that way. Plenty of people actually LIKE their work. Wouldn't it be great to be in that crowd, waking up each morning looking forward to the day? If this sounds like you, then listen up. It's all about finding a great match. Here is what NOT to do:

1. Take a job that someone else found for you.

How easy could that be? Uncle Jim knows someone at that Bigco, Inc. Your parents tell you its just wonderful, what a great way to start your career, aren't you lucky. Well, maybe you are. Maybe this IS the perfect first job for you. Maybe this IS an organization that will fit who are and what you want out of work. Or is it just the easiest path to take, and will it turn out to be a life defining moment, a moment that sets your career in the direction of someone else's choosing? Is that what you want? NO! Take the time to learn about yourself and your options. Do a little research and come up with a list of companies or industries that are of interest to you and would seem to be good places to start your career. This first job is really important in setting the tone of your career. If Uncle Jim's company is a good match, then great. But don't make the mistake of jumping into a job or career that you haven't researched.

2. Send out thousands of resumes. Period.

You'll most likely be getting pressure to get a job from 'others' in your life. Parents, partner, and friends mean well in their prodding, but their constant "so, how's the job hunt going?' can become extremely annoying. And an easy way to placate them, and to feel very productive yourself, is to blast your resume out to every online job posting you can find. Then you can report 'I sent out about 50 resumes last week, haven't heard anything yet." Picture this. Thousands of other college grads have sent their resumes out to those 25 companies as well. Now picture the recruiter at the company looking at thousands of resumes. What are the odds of your resume standing out and you getting the coveted interview call? Small. And when someone does call you for an interview, you'll go into it without knowing if this is something you'll like, or if it's a place you'll fit in. This brings me to the next point.

3. Go into an interview knowing nothing about the company.

Over and over we hear managers and recruiters complain about new college grads coming into an interview with absolutely no knowledge of the company. "So, what interests you about working here" is a common early interview question. What kind of impression do you think you'll make when you stare blankly and say "I don't know too much about what you do yet". A bad one. And without doing some research before the interview, you are missing the chance to ask intelligent questions to determine a great match between you and the company. And what if they offer you the job? You're thinking you should say yes, of course, but how do you know if you'll really be happy and successful here? This interview could mean a great deal towards you loving your career. Take the time to research and investigate BEFORE the interview.

4. Be unclear on your personality, preferred working style, value, and abilities.

Success and 'digging what you do' will come with finding a job where you can contribute to the organization's success while getting your own needs met. It's all about finding a great match. And it's about you finding a career where you can be yourself and rely on your natural strengths. So how do you know if a job is right for you? You can never be 100% sure, but you can get close. Determining a great match between you and an employer takes a solid understanding of who you are, what you need, and what you have to offer. If you've taken the time to do your research on the company and to get clear on what you need, you will make better decisions on whether or not this is a great match. And you'll deliver a better interview.

5. Take a job in a company you don't believe in, or settling for just 'okay'.

People who love their work feel engaged and connected to what they do. Before you accept a position, ask yourself if you'll be fired up working there over the next year. Are you truly interested in what the organization does? In the kind of customers it serves? In the products or services it delivers? In how the people in the organization work together? If you don't have a deeper connection to some aspect of your work, you'll be a prime candidate for career drudge. Don't let this be you. Find the connection.

Getting fired up about your career is all about finding a great match. Work that let's you be you, working with people you like, where you're successful and having a good time. It's a career that allows for your success in both work and life. Take time today to proactively begin your job search by taking advantage of your college career center resources, or hire a private career coach. Take control of your career and you'll find the work you love.

Chris Fogarty is co-founder of FiredUP Careers. With a Masters Degree in Counseling and Career Management she has the innate ability to find opportunity at every turn. Chris has achieved success at the senior level in the computer and software industry. She is a sought-after outside consultant to senior level management in a variety of industries throughout the Silicon Valley. Visit Chris at

BullsEye Resume

One size fits all resumes are a thing of the past. The marketplace requires new resume techniques and the sooner you recognize this and act on it the more your resume will help Y-O-U. The best way to build your resume is to use the bullseye technique. This means your resume will need to target the specific needs of the employer you are approaching.

Statistics tell us that a resume gets only a few seconds of time during the review process. With this in mind it is important for the top-half of your resume to be right on target with regard to the employers requirements. Think of the top-half of your resume as your billboard or advertising section. This is the section where you will want to point out your specific strengths and use bullet statements to highlight results that you have delivered during your previous employment. This is 'not' where you put a boring objective statement of what you want to achieve. That is passé. If you list an objective you must build it around what you will bring/deliver to the employer. Always keep in mind that when the employer is reviewing your resume they will be thinking "what's in it for me" and not how they can make you a happy camper. So, if your objective focuses on what you want it will be a turn-off right from the start.

The top-half of your resume should also include your 'professional highlights' or 'key achievements'. Again, when writing these make sure to highlight how you have done something the employer needs as part of the job requirement.

Using action words/phrases to begin your sentences is also critical. Just imagine how many resumes the employer gets – literally hundreds, if not thousands. How will yours stand out from the pack and keep the 'reviewer' from falling asleep? Action words, that's how. Here are a couple of examples of how to start your sentences with action words that convey energy and entice the reader to continue:

· Achieved…

· Created…

· Reduced costs by …

· Delivered…

· Generated…

· Spearheaded…

· Improved…

Use this technique throughout your entire resume. Get rid of any wording that is 'job responsibility' or 'job description' sounding. Employers want to know about your accomplishments – they do not want a copy of your job description! Make sure to write about your achievements with descriptive words that help the reader visualize you in the position. And take a look online for 'sample' resumes to get a good feel for a fresh new layout. There are plenty of resume service providers that have samples listed on their websites.

Stay in sync with the marketplace – a resume should be no more that 2 pages (unless you have patents or publications to list). Be sure to stick with communicating key information and use language that makes the reviewer want to read more about you and most of all – get you in for the interview!

About the Author

Robin Ogden is a co-founder of FiredUP Careers, a career coaching company focusing on career products and services for professionals who wish to stay aligned with their careers, achieve success and truly dig what they do. For more information about FiredUP Careers and to receive our FREE 'career death traps' report, visit and check out Robin's blog at

Friday, December 26, 2008

Top 10 Tips for New Grads Seeking Their First Job

Making the transition from college student to full-time member of the workforce can be a difficult time for many graduates. Many graduates will accept responsibilities for their own lives and their own financial support for the very first time. A surprising number of graduates are advised of the challenges of finding a good job in the current job market. Many graduates are advised to simply apply for and accept any job that comes to their attention. Unfortunately, far too many new graduates are guided by this advice and settle for jobs in which they are undervalued and under-challenged.

But, you don't have to settle. You can find a challenging job in which you will be valued and in which you can thrive. We offer the following top tips to new grads as they enter the job market.

1. Know your skills, abilities and strengths. This applies to both "hard" skills, and to those "soft" skills that make people good with other people.

2. Know what you want to do and focus on jobs that will allow you to do what you love. Remember that smart organizations hire for passion and train for skill.

3. Know the kind of environment in which you can thrive. If you know that tight, regimented routines with someone looking over your shoulder every minute don't work for you, look for environments that value and reward innovation and creativity.

4. Create a powerful professional pitch. Develop your own brief statement of who you are, what you can do, what you are passionate about, and why someone should hire you.

5. Dress for success. Whenever you are interacting with a potential employer, dress for the role you are seeking. "Be" the part, help the employer 'see' you in the position.

6. Be yourself. Pretending to be someone you are not will lead to problems in time. Of course you should put your best foot forward, but be real.

7. Learn how to interview. Learn the etiquette and the expectations of interviews. Anticipate difficult questions and prepare appropriate answers.

8. Never give false or misleading information. Lying on an application or in an interview or otherwise giving false or misleading information about your education, skills, or experience will set you on a road to disaster.

9. Learn to stand out from the pack. You may be applying for a job with hundreds of other applicants. You need to be memorable in the right ways.

10. Believe there are great jobs out there and that you can get one. Attitude is everything. Confidence is important. Plan to get the job of your dreams.

FiredUP Careers is a career counseling company for professionals who seek greater fulfillment from their work. Based upon the belief that "life's too short" to be stuck in the wrong job, they help people understand who they are, what they want from their work, and how to balance work with the rest of their lives. Visit us at or read our blog for ongoing career tips at

Identifying Genuine Data Entry Jobs among Thousands of Scams

There are thousands of data entry jobs and various kinds of data entry jobs available in the internet. Any person who wishes to work from home can join these data entry jobs and earn money by just keying in the computer having an internet. These data entry jobs are not of the same nature but differ depending on the client requirements. But it is important to choose the right kind of legitimate job in the internet.

In traditional data entry jobs, you have to key the data given and save it in the specific format requested and send it to the customer. You will be paid based on the number of keys or words you have typed. You are required to have a good typing skill with speed and accuracy. The customer will give instructions on formatting the text, alignment and insertion of tags if any is required. There are various types of inputs available like PDF, Tiff, Rtf, SGML, HTML, .doc etc. You will be given data in any of the formats and asked to key the same and save it in the format required by the client. This is not a very tough job. You have to key what you see.

In these data entry job, quality of keyed data is the deciding factor for earning more revenue. If you have typed without any spelling mistakes and followed the instructions perfectly and produced the output within the turnaround time specified, you will be paid well.

For a genuine traditional data entry job, look for the input type, instructions to follow, quality procedure, turn around time etc and make sure you join the right program. Here, the more the keyed in data with quality output, the more the revenue.

There are various resources to find out genuine data entry jobs in the internet. You can identify the resources for data entry jobs using search engines around the internet, using various web forums, renowned company web sites etc. Also some companies do outsourcing their jobs to home based working people.

But there are lots of scammers spread across the internet. Their main motto is to grab your money or get your financial information and abscond as soon as they collect huge money. By outlook, we cannot differentiate scammers and others, but meticulously we have to look for selecting the right opportunity. Do not jump into conclusions just by fancy advertisements or jazzy words and hi-fi promises given in the web site. Before signing up any formality or joining any programs, always do a consultation with Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Small Business Administration (SBA). And also you can post your queries in various web forums and get public opinions. This will also give a better idea to carry out the respective data entry job.

Filling survey forms is also a kind of data entry job.

Surveys are very important for companies to develop the products or services according to the need of the market. There are so many Market Research firms available in the e-market who take care of such surveys and give report to these companies for better designing of the product or services. The market research firms hire people for doing online market research as the public opinions are worth a lot. When you do such surveys, you have to key in information about the questionnaire or the opinions asked about the product or service rendered by various companies. The payment will be based on the number of surveys you have completed online

There are so many data entry jobs available in the e-market. It is very important to select a genuine data entry job because most of the data entry jobs available in the internet show a different path. The indication for choosing the legitimate data entry job is that the company will pay you and not the other way around.

Vijaya Kumar runs the premium classified portal India Business Classifieds. He currently administrates several successful websites including Online Jobs and Part Time Jobs.

Conducting A Successful Employment Search: Ways To Get Employed As Soon As Possible

Because of the increasing cost of living, it is very essential to get a decent job with a decent salary. However, finding employment nowadays is very hard. With thousands of equally qualified individuals trying to find employment, you too may find that employment search can be a very daunting task. So, here are a few tips in order to conduct a successful employment search.

First off, there are many ways to search for employment. By conducting your search with these following methods, you will see that you will have a greater chance of gaining employment.

• TV Ads – Companies today communicate to people through TV ads. Not only do they use television for promoting their products, but they are now using it to inform people about job openings in their companies. Take note of this advertising and list down the requirements for employment, such as qualifications and resume distribution deadlines.

• Newspaper – The classified section in the newspaper is considered to be one of the most popular employment search method for people. Take the time in looking at the classified section and you will find different kinds of available job that you may be qualified for.

• Internet – This is considered to be the newest way to conduct an employment search. Because the internet is now being used by millions of people everyday, many companies are taking advantage of the internet to find potential employees. In fact, there are search engines and websites dedicated for employment search. Try using some of the services of this kind of website and you will be able to find the job you are qualified for.

These are three of the best methods in conducting an employment search. However, you may ask what method is the best way to conduct an employment search. For most people today, using the internet for employment search is the best method available. Not only will it enable you to access hundreds or even thousands of job opportunities, but it will also provide information regarding the company you plan on working for and also a job description of the position you plan on applying for.

Internet employment search is also easier to do. This is because you can do everything here in terms of getting employed. In fact, you can even use some of the job search services websites for submitting your resume. After an hour, you will be emailed different kinds of employment opportunities that your qualifications are compatible with.

The great thing about an online employment search is that it's easy and fast. With just a click of the mouse, you will be able to submit your resume to hundreds of companies that is offering a great job with a decent salary.

However, you have to remember that employment search services only help you to find a great job. It doesn't necessarily get you hired instantly but it will just make sure that you get a chance of getting a good job that is compatible with your qualifications and you know how difficult this is.

Make sure that you write a typo and grammatical error-free resume in order to get noticed by the employer. It is also up to you to handle the interview.

Remember the mentioned tips and you will be able to land a great job with a decent salary.

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.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Everything You Need To Know About Resume Distribution

Resume distribution is one of the latest options offered by the Internet today to facilitate a person's search for employment. If you haven't availed of this service yet, here's what you should know about it.

What is Resume Distribution?

Resume distribution is a service that you can usually avail from a website company, and with just one click for a certain fee, your resume will be automatically sent to hundreds to thousands of companies that are within the industries you're interested in.

Benefits of Resume Distribution

There are a number of advantages you can enjoy if you choose to avail of the resume distribution services of a company.

Cost-Efficient Solution – Instead of sending your resume by mail or fax and shouldering its respective costs, you can be assured of having your resume read by all the important companies with just one flat fee.

Worry Free and Time-Efficient Solution – After paying the necessary charges and submitting your resume, there's nothing else to worry about. It's the resume distribution company's sole responsibility to see that your resume will get to the necessary inboxes and they'll usually be able to do so in a short period of time. It's written in your contract so do be sure to read it!

Broader Network – Sure, you've done your research about all the possible companies you can send your resume to but could you really know all of them? Resume distribution companies have better chances of having the complete list of companies to contact because that's where their bread and butter come from. If you want to increase your chances of getting hired, you need a bigger network of companies to rely on, and of course, that's when resume distribution comes in.

A Step-by-Step Process of Working with a Resume Distribution Company

Start by improving your resume. If possible, have a professional editor review your resume and make the necessary changes. List down all your qualifications, skills, and achievements as well as any special expertise or knowledge you have. Make a list of your hobbies as well because you never know when this could be important. Afterwards, submit these to the editor and give him the liberty to incorporate the pertinent details in your resume.

As e-resumes are virtually free of charge to send, the breadth or thickness of a resume doesn't matter as strongly as it would in normal circumstances. Thus, don't be afraid to elaborate more than you usually do on your positive traits.

Be careful when choosing the resume distribution company you're going to work with. Know how much they're charging and compare it with the rates offered by other companies. Secondly, know exactly what their services entail. Don't forget the important rule in selecting the right company: compare, compare, compare! Lastly, know just how many companies they have in their database.

Once you've chosen the right company to work with, contact them then arrange for an appointment if possible. Make a list of questions you wish to ask. The more you ask the better because it will allow you to know whether you're truly working with the most suitable resume distribution company.

Lastly, read carefully the terms and conditions of the contract. There might be a hidden loophole that could reveal the company as the wolf in sheep's clothing that it really is. Better yet, verify its reputation with agencies like the Better Business Bureau.

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.

Job Finding Made Easier

Thanks to the internet, the chances of you finding a job has increased. The morning paper is not your sole source for job openings. You can turn your computer on and click away. Just be on the proper attitude – that is, open to any opportunity that will present itself to you.

Because of the need to find a stable income, hosting sites invest on job search pages. There are so many job finder home pages out there. To make it easier for you (and more organized), try registering to a couple of these sites.

There are so many advantages and benefits the minute you register. You will be updated on the job openings. You will receive mailing updates on what is out there fore you. You can post your resume online all for the hiring managers to see.

Basically, most job finder web pages have the same procedures. Here's a run through.

1. After you have successfully registered and uploaded your resume, you are given access to check out what the available positions out there. There is a tiny box on the home page that says "Job Category." Now this option allows you to scroll down because there are many topics under it.

Example:

- Architecture and Engineering

- Arts, Design, Entertainment and Media

- Building, Ground, Maintenance and Cleaning

- Business and Financial Operations

- Community and Social Services

- Computer and Mathematical

- Construction and Extraction

- Education, Training and Library

- Farming, Fishing and Forestry

- Food and Lodging

- Healthcare

- Installation, Maintenance and Repair

- Legal

- Life, Physical and Social Science

- Management

- Nursing

- Office and Administrative Support

- Personal Care

- Production

- Protective Services

- Sales

- Service and Gaming

- Transportation

With so many options out there, it's impossible not to have a job. After selecting which category your skills are most likely in tune with, you wait for the available results.

Or to make it easier, you are given the next option to narrow down the search engine results by selecting a particular US zip code. Because America is so big, you wouldn't want to spend precious time flipping page after page of openings for a job you are interested in but located in another state.

Try applying to as many opening as possible. Take the task seriously though. Do not be trigger-happy when it comes to sending your resume. Chances are these companies will be interested in you, therefore scheduling an appointment with you. When they do, make sure that you keep it.

If you fail to keep an appointment, there is a possibility that the job finder home page you are a member of will blacklist you in their community. One of the terms and agreements that you claim to be alright with upon registering is that you will always stick to the appointments that have been presented to you. Stay true to your word then.

Another option that can present you with more opportunities, aside from putting your resume online, is by creating your cover letter. Normally, a cover letter is submitted alongside the resume so it only makes perfect sense if hiring managers, agencies or potential employers prefer to take a peek at it as well.

At least with the cover letter, you will be able to convey to potential employers your traits and qualities that make you suitable for the position you are applying for. It also lets you elaborate further on your achievements and on what you can offer to the company.

Now, aren't you glad all these can be done online?

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.

10 Steps to Finding Your Dream Career

Some people have always known what their dream career is but some haven't quite worked it out. Dissatisfaction with your career cannot always be fixed with a promotion or a pay rise. Sometimes we actually don't 'fit' our chosen occupation. Perhaps you've always wanted to be a landscaper but have wound up as an accountant. Perhaps you would love to be a nanny, but found yourself working as a receptionist. There's that saying about the square peg and the round hole. No matter how nice you make the round hole appear, it's still round and you're still square…not literally.

By taking some time to answer the following questions, you may start to see a picture form around a particular theme that may turn out to be your dream career.

1. What aspects of your current job or day-to-day activities do you thoroughly enjoy?

2. What do you naturally do very well?

3. What do you love to do when you have spare time?

4. What do you daydream about?

5. Is there a charity, cause or value that you feel strongly about?

6. When you think back over your life, are there problems or issues that have persisted over and over again?

7. Name 4 important lessons you have learned?

8. List 4 of your greatest successes in life and what made it a success for you.

9. What things would you like said about you if you weren't around? What would you like to be remembered for?

10. If you wanted to do something and it was impossible to fail, what would it be?

It's not always possible to see the direction of our career choices. Sometimes we stumble from one position to another without any clear direction. Other times, we have a small inkling of what it is we'd love to do, but are held back by fear. Answering these questions may help you form a plan. Sometimes we just need some encouragement to take that leap!

By Kelly Honeybrook | Director | Home Buddies | Find local services for parents & homeowners. Find a Nanny, Landscaper, Handyman, Cleaner, Plumber, Electrician and more | Authorised background checking service.

Feel free to reprint this article, provided that:

* you credit the author (including the link to our website)

* you don't change the article.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Truth About Fax Resume Distribution

If you are thinking of a personal marketing tool that is deemed valuable amidst the competition out there in the employment field, one thing is certain to get a possible employer's attention – your resume. Therefore, it must be distributed or delivered to your targeted reader.

Before you apply for any job, make sure that you are qualified for the position. Each job has unique needs. If you are wondering if there is a right way on how to deliver or distribute your resume to companies, there is none. In order for you to get the best results possible, what you can do is to give the potential employer your resume in the format he requires.

The following are ways on how you can distribute your resume:

1. By email

Clearly the most popular method in this technologically-advanced era, an applicant sends his resume to the employer via email. Once the employer finds something interesting on the applicant's resume, he also responds via email.

It is interesting to note that resume blasting is also a way of distributing applicant resumes to companies in need of a new batch of employees. The most usual resume blasting method is done with the ASCII wherein paperwork of potential employees are distributed to hundreds and even thousands of recruiters.

As long as the agents are hiring or the employers are in need of new people, the system responsible for resume blasting distributes the paperwork of the applicants, depending on the industries they are most comfortable working for, as well as their locations.

2. Faxing

A hard copy of the resume is faxed to the recruiter upon request or solicitation of the hiring managers. When the resume is faxed, make sure that the paperwork is scanned properly and clearly, making it easier for the reader (recruiter, hiring manager) to comprehend what is written on it better.

Sometimes there are also scanning errors that the applicant must be concerned with. There are resumes that are received and read by people but there are others that are merely scanned and then later on downloaded to a database. Lately, more and more companies are veering toward the latter. When you send in your resume by fax, all you can do really is cross your fingers that a human being is at the end of the fax machine.

Resume blasting concentrates on the targeted distribution of paperwork particularly via fax. Let's say that the companies based their criteria on the resume they request on factors such as position specialty, salary, industry and location. Therefore, not all resumes can be forwarded to a particular company.

Search engine is narrowed down, in terms of fax resume distribution, by opting to specialize on the kind of company recruiting for employees, the city, state or region the company is established, the industry the company specializes in, the job specialty that is required for the applicant to have experience on and the salary ranges.

Therefore, if you think about it resume blasting is a special feature of forwarding the resumes of the potential applicants be it via email or fax depending on the preference of the company looking for employees.

By wishing to find laborers easier, resume blasting is a procedure most hiring managers and agencies resort to. Resume blasting can distribute the applicant's paperwork to more than 10,000 hiring companies, employers and recruiters in less than a minute.

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.

5 Employment Search Secrets You Need To Know

Practically everybody – maybe even Paris Hilton – will experience the often frustrating search for employment even if it's only once in their lives. If you're a fresh graduate and it's your first time to enter the job market, here's what you should know to get a job as soon as possible.

5 Employment Search Secrets You Need to Know

Know Thyself – It will be extremely difficult to find the most suitable job for you if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. And to know what you're looking for, you need to know who and what you really are first.

Know your interests. What kind of job are you most happy with? Is your college degree directly or even indirectly related to the type of job you desire most?

Make an Impressive Resume – Portfolios speak for models, paintings speak for works, songs represent singers, and resumes are what make or break job applicants like you. Making an impressive resume, however, is more difficult than it seems. Yes, it's short – usually not more than a page or two. And yes, it's just a list of your KSA – knowledge, skills, and attitudes – as well as your work experience (that's just like copying the information you have in an autograph book). But it's how you say things and not what you say that matters.

If, in the end, you realize that resume is just not your forte then by all means hire a professional editor to create one for you. It's money well-spent so don't feel bad about the costs.

Send, Send, Send – Now that you have an impressive resume, it's time to send your resume to as many possible employers. First, look at the classified ads section and send it to the appropriate employers or companies.

Secondly, browse the Internet for other possible employers or companies within the fields or industries you're interested in. Send them your resume as well even if they're not hiring people now. If they see something like in your resume, they'll likely read it all the way through. And if that strengthens their impression of you then they'll probably give you an interview even if they're not looking for anyone at the moment. All you need is a chance!

Thirdly, consider availing the services of a resume distribution company. If you choose to work with a resume distribution company, you'll be able to have your resume sent to scores of firms – some of it you aren't even aware of being a possible candidate maybe – for one flat fee and in a short period of time.

Passing the Interview – If you're lucky enough to have your resume chosen then you'll usually be called for an interview. Take the time to prepare fully for the interview. First impressions last so it's important to attend an interview with the thought that it's always a do-or-die situation. Use this to motivate you to do your best!

For interview success, you should first dress appropriately. Wear business attire as much possible. Secondly, develop a confident attitude. If you know that you have all the necessary requirements for the job then answer their questions confidently – but be sure not to end up sounding cocky or condescending, of course. Thirdly, establish rapport with your interviewer. Be honest but discreet about your opinions.

Follow-Up the Matter - Sometimes, delayed results of a job interview is only the result of a hectic schedule. The company may have overlooked your application because of certain circumstances. As such, don't hesitate to give them a follow-up letter or call. Don't be pushy!

If things don't work out with your first few attempts to land a job – it's okay. There are plenty other fishes in the job market. Don't give up!

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.

How to find the good employees

In the modern age that we live in there really isn't a good grasp of what the employee and employer relation is. Of course there does still seem to be a sort of animosity, but there will probably always be that. But what about what the employee and the employer really want from each other? Communication is the key to obtaining the top employees and explaining right from the start what the real expectations are of them.

Quite often employers have a tried method of hiring employees and they don't really think about what they are doing. It is such an old hat process that the employer just goes through the motions.

More times than not, they are the standard questions such as, "so where do you see yourself in five years." What does that really tell the employer about how well this person can get along with co-workers or if this person is quite capable of handling the tasks of the open position? Not much, yet you will find this questions asked at interviews all over the world. So what does an employer do to find good employees?

First of all, as the employer, think about the needs of the position. Don't just go along with the standard hum drum job description the human resources passes along. Most of the time the HR department has a very limited idea of what is really needed for a person to excel in the needed position. As the hiring manager, you know what it really needs to be done. Fire from the hip, take charge and ask the questions that you need to.

One excellent way of finding the top employees is by going through an employment agency. If you are contacting a great firm, they will have the pulse of the job market out there today and they will know who the big players are, the ones who are really making a difference in the line of work that you need filled.

Aside from this, the employment firm has already done much of the prescreening for you. They've already asked the, "where do you see yourself in five years," type of questions and they can relay that to you before you ever waste a moment of your precious time talking to people who aren't really going to fit into the desired position.

In addition, the employment firms don't charge you, normally, until you've hired an individual from them. Therefore this is no out of pocket expense up front, aside from your time.

Take the advice above and don't be a slave to human resources protocol, and ask the questions you know need to be answered. Look to place job postings on boards for a lot of feedback.

Think about making a change in your staff. Quite often there is someone who is not pulling there weight, you know who they are. Take charge of this situation and place a confidential add for the position that you need with Matt Ide lives and writes in northern Michigan. The most common mistake employers make is paying to post jobs on job boards. There are plenty of ways to post jobs without paying for low quality resumes. Go to to post your positions for FREE and attain high level resumes.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Working On A Sample Resume Cover Letter

There are two people in the world who are looking for work in the job market. The first is the idealist who is still fresh out of college. The second is the executive who is sick and tired with a dead end job.

One of the hardest things to work on before applying for a job is the resume. This may not be a problem for a fresh grad but this will be challenging for someone who has worked in various positions and then squeezing this into just 2 pages.

The applicant has probably sent out hundreds of resumes left and right. A great way to add a personal touch is by working on a sample resume cover letter stating the things the individual has done and can do if hired by the employer.

Those who have never written a cover letter before can check out the templates offered online or in word. The person does not have to follow everything but look at the flow and then see what details can be added to make it look good in the eyes of the recruiter.

Working on a sample resume cover letter is like writing an essay. The applicant should follow the rules of writing such as avoiding lengthy paragraphs and colorful adjectives because this is a major turn off. This should be simple and concise so that the reader will be able to understand where the person is coming from.

It should also be catchy because this will entice the reader to go on further. The executive is trying to sell a package here that is namely the one applying for the job.

The applicant probably saw a vacancy in the newspaper and decides to respond to it. One of the things that must never be placed in the cover letter is the specifics indicated in the ad. This belongs in the career objective of the resume and nowhere else.

It is also not a good idea to boast of certain things that are hard to quantify. The recruiter will not be able to see the sales figures or the charts, which can verify such claims. The executive has to focus on other things such as the strengths that one possesses that will surely go a long way.

A sample resume cover letter must be personal. It pays to know who is the head of recruitment since this is the person who will screen all the applications. One way to get the foot in the door will be to start with a "Dear" rather than "To Whom It May Concern." Those who exert a little effort will surely be called for the interview.

This also means that the applicant should avoid using fanciful fonts or cliché languages because this doesn't really do much. won't do that much to help sell the applicant.

The cover letter should not include personal information involving race, gender or marital status. These things are already mentioned in the resume. Those who do this are in direct violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. The applicant must remember that someone is hired based on one's qualifications.

The last thing to remember while working on a sample resume cover letter is never to use the same document twice when this is sent to someone else. The document has to fit the desired position so the executive must learn to adapt to these conditions so that mistakes can be avoided.

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.

The Thrill of a Home Business

Having your own business does not mean that you will spend your time being idle. On the contrary, you'll have more responsibility to get your business off the ground and running than you would have working for a boss. There is a difference in spending your energy working for yourself rather than for an employer. You will find it more rewarding when you start to reap the rewards rather than your boss. Therefore you will find you have more energy, desire and determination to put into your business.

There are numerous, legitimate opportunities in the market that can be filled by an enthusiastic entrepreneur. Network marketing, for one, can be very lucrative and can become a great way of making your living. There are so many opportunities offered online for starting a business. Once you have made the decision to start working on your own and start a home based business you are on the road to freedom. The hardest part in starting a home business is taking the plunge. Once you do, you will experience freedom from the office routine and peak hour traffic and will ultimately have financial freedom as well.

There are many options you can choose from to make money from home, but choose wisely. Make sure that you will enjoy doing what ever you choose and then you will not lose your focus. Studies show that if you enjoy what you are doing, you will devout more time to it and do a better job than if you are doing something that you don't enjoy. So many people are making an online business their new venture and are making a lot of money. Like any conventional business you will have to put a lot of work into it and stay focused. If you do not fully understand how things work, look for a site where they offer free training and support. Having a sponsor, mentor or "go to" person is also very helpful.

It is so rewarding to plan a venture and get it off the ground and eventually see it making a profit. Many a small venture has become a big enterprise with perseverance and tenacity. You must start something that will fill a gap in the market and this will ensure your success. There are many people making large sums of money on the internet selling products and services. You can get the information you need and start up your own online business. A huge advantage in such a business is that you do not have to pay for premises to conduct your business from.

A home based business is a wonderful alternative to working for an employer. You will find that even burning the midnight oil to achieve your goals will be pleasurable as compared to working long hours for an employer. Many large existing companies started as home based businesses. Draw up a business plan (very important) so that you will know exactly what you will need and what the cost to start up the business will be.

Dream big, the sky is the limit.

Lori Gorman is the owner/webmaster of as well as a successful work at home mom. Visit her site for all the latest, guaranteed legitimate work at home opportunities.

Working On A Sample Resume

There are many ways to write a resume. Many put a career objective before stating one's accomplishments but experts believe that this practice is no longer necessary. This is because recruiters are more interested in what the applicant can do for the company rather than the other way around.

This makes the distinction between a resume objective that could work for a fresh grad and not for someone who has been in the industry for quite some time. Veterans are better off using an executive summary to get the message across and hopefully get the job.

Simply put, the executive summary tells the recruiter, " These are things that I did for my previous employer." This is an indication that if the applicant succeeding in doing this task, there is a very good chance the person can do more for the company.

The trick with working with a sample resume is that this should be polished and perfected before giving it to a potential recruiter. It must use the correct grammar and spelling. The document should be simple yet focused so that it will be easy for the interviewer to understand.

It is best to specify in detail the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that one did in the previous position. The executive may have to expound this further in the interview but at least this will get the recruiter interested to learn more about the person.

One thing that recruiters will be looking at is a balance between what is written in the resume and the statements said during the interview. It has to be fit together just like a jigsaw puzzle.

Those who fail to do this will most likely not get the job. In some cases, the recruiter will not even bother calling on the person for an interview. An interesting point is that a recent study revealed that more than 72% of applicants who apply for work get it only if this is done right.

People who decide to leave a job in the hopes of greener pastures make it a point to get a higher compared to the current one. It may always boil down to that but when writing a resume, this should never be stated unless requested. After all, this is one of the things that will be discussed during the interview.

When the resume is finished, it is time to let the world know that there is an executive out there who is looking for a job. The best medium is the Internet. The individual can sign up with a few sites that allow members to post this document online in the hopes of getting a phone call in the next few days.

After a few weeks, someone will probably call and schedule an interview. It will be a good idea to come on time and dress smart for the occasion because first impressions last.

Working in a sample resume may take a few days. Basically, this document represents who the individual is and what has been accomplished since college. It will be a good idea to write a few drafts before finalizing it.

Using the wizard function in the computer can do wonders but a trained eye from a friend or family member could really help spot errors that have to be omitted before this lands on a table of a recruiter.

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.

Monday, December 22, 2008

You Aren't What You Do

It's a typical business networking event, an after hours meet-and-greet. "Susan" introduces herself to a friendly-faced woman who then says, "So, what do you do?" These are the words that almost always come out after you introduce yourself to someone new. In the modern world, we have a tendency to identify ourselves with how we make our living. Take Susan, who says she is an accountant, for example. Right away, we may decide that she likes the black and white of numbers, is not particularly socially adept or emotional, saves her money and is not spontaneous.

The truth is, though, is usually much more complex. Susan may be an accountant, but she could also be a daughter, a wife, a parent, a sister, a friend, a chocoholic, a tennis player, an animal lover, and a member of the Sierra Club. She could drive an ancient but functioning Volvo, love to buy expensive shoes on sale, dream of skydiving one day and may be terrified of technology. Perhaps, Susan secretly reads romance novels and sneaks cigarettes while publicly despising both, and adores her husband beyond reason.

As you can see, placing yourself in a box by identifying so closely with your career choices or to judge others by the same can be limiting and misleading. It can foreclose possible business opportunities as well as social ones as well, especially if someone has already closed their ears after hearing what you do having made their own quick judgment of you and your worth to them.

Then there is the additional danger of losing your sense of self should the job disappear. Anyone who has been fired or downsized or has retired can relate to the feelings of loss and confusion about who they are when they can no longer say "I am a blank" or "I work at blank." This is especially true if the person oriented their whole lives to supporting their business life.

Immersion in the people and corollaries of their career choice such as getting an education in the field, joining a specific church, becoming a member of certain organizations (social, business and charitable) and socializing primarily with co-workers are all great when you share the same work environment. When you retire, resign or are downsized, though, such single-mindedness is the equivalent of putting all of your eggs in the same basket. It can be difficult to continue in these relationships when the common thread, the job, is gone.

When I work with clients who are struggling to define themselves or reinvent themselves, we often encounter the idea of choice. For many people, saying "I am a blank" feels limiting so I usually start with sharing with them the distinction between "I am an accountant" to "I am a person who works as an accountant." I typically ask them to brainstorm an idea map stemming from the phrase "I am a person who…" and showing all of the different roles they choose to play, so they can visually see what a complex and interesting individual they are.

Once people are anchored in their own identity, it becomes much easier to weed through their needs, wants and desires so that they can re-orient their lives in a way that is fulfilling and purposeful. Of course, it's even easier to do this when people have not wholly invested their identities with their career choices.

So what would it take to get you out of your box today? How much of yourself, including how you define yourself and what you do are enmeshed in your career and supporting your career? What steps would you have to take to "diversify" what your sense of self is so that you can spread your risk so that it is more acceptable to you? Are you ready to become "a person who…"?

Vivian Banta (MBA/Coach U CTP Grad) is a life and transition coach who works with people who want to fully engage in their lives or who are experiencing changes such as relocation, career shifts, and personal relationship changes. To find out more, visit her website or contact her at coach@ to schedule a free, 30-minute personal coaching session.

Working On A Sample Job Resume For Nurses

After two years of hard work of studying, the only thing the nurse needs to do is to pass the board exam. Some take classes while others review without any help and how effective the individual studied will depend on the final score.

Those who pass the exam can now work on the resume given that recruiters from various hospitals and clinics will look at it before deciding whether to accept the applicant or not. Those who have no idea where to begin can ask help by looking for a sample resume and then work from there.

The common denominator among all types of resumes is it is never more than 2 pages long. Fresh graduates don't have that much to say unless that person has worked in a previous job so this can even be cut down to just one page.

Those who have never worked before can focus on certain highlights while in school. The graduate can boast about the praise received during the internship. It will also be a good idea to mention if the student graduated with honors since this will surely impress the recruiter.

Not everyone may have graduated with honors. The good news is that everyone is on equal footing when applying for the same job.

The only thing the recruiter will look for is if the individual has what it takes to do the job. The main body of the resume should focus on the training and skills that one possesses.

The interviewer will surely ask the applicant to expound further on certain things. This is the reason that the resume must be simple to read because the use of colorful words will be misinterpreted for something else.

After reading a few, this is the time to start making one. This should be proofread carefully because nobody likes to see typos and wrong spellings. A trusted friend should do a final check since people sometimes forget a few things after looking at it for a long time.

The final draft should be saved then sent via email or courier to the potential workplace. The task of looking for employment will not be that hard given that the country has a shortage so such ads will always be found in the newspaper or online.

It will take some time before the hospital or the clinic will respond so the nurse should continue sending this out to other places until the person has a job.

When the nurse is called for an interview, it pays to dress smart and come on time. It will also be a good idea to bring a printed copy since a lot of things could have transpired which should be added to the resume.

Some people will land a job a few months after graduation. Others will not be that lucky and will just have to patient until an opportunity comes along.

The nurse may transfer to another clinic or hospital after only a few months. At least now, the person can add a little bit of work experience to the resume which will surely be some plus points when there is a vacancy.

Those who want to create a good impression should probably review some samples again and proofread it before sending an attachment to potential employers.

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.

Why Timing is Critical To Getting That Job

Now, it's logical to think that the best time to start job hunting is when you've decided to quit your current job... and definitely after you've ALREADY quit, or been given your marching orders. But in terms of getting the best possible job for YOU, the best time to start looking is in neither circumstance.

Indeed, the best time for you to look for a job is when the organization you want to work for has decided it needs to employ someone for the job you want.

Let me also that we're not talking about the time period during which the organization you want to work for is actively looking for potential employees. The time we're talking about happens before that - it's at the instant that the relevant decision makers have agreed to hire someone.

And just why is this the best time for YOU to start looking for a job? Because if you're "there" when the company has decided it needs to hire... and you have all the experience, qualifications and skills its looking for, then (except for any regulatory or political requirements to advertise the job) you're the one its likely to hire! The only reasons why the organization wouldn't hire you would probably relate to the remuneration you ask for or for corporate political reasons outside your control.

But, of course, if you've researched the organization and prepared yourself for the role... presumably you would only present yourself for the job if you understood the lay of the political land and knew what salary range would likely be accepted.

Having said all this, you still need to be "in the right place at the right time", don't you? So how do you accomplish that... when the organization isn't advertising the job? (And how do you know whether or not you want to work for that organization anyway?

Well, I'll be honest, this is where you will have to roll up your sleeves and do a little work. Nothing hard - but some decision making, research and a little networking. And the first step is to identify which companies you'd like employment with.

As an example, if you wanted to learn all about the software industry and to develop your project management skills, you'd locate all the software makers that you could see yourself working for.

Next, you would do as much research as you can on each of the firms you've identified, taking into account both their internal and external environments. You would also place yourself in situations where you could meet people who worked at those companies - perhaps by attending industry events or being introduced by someone you know who knows someone who knows someone... you get the idea! The idea is to get to know the people within the company, so that they get to know YOU... and will keep you in mind when a position comes up.

Now that you're as "in the know" as you can possibly be, your job is to (1) keep your ears to the ground, (2) think, and (3) act! In other words, if you learn that the company is thinking of bringing out a major new product - think about the implications of that. Does that mean that they'll need more project managers to help with the launch? If so, get on the phone to your contact and ask for the chance to present some ideas about how you could help.

You'll need to take the most appropriate action given the circumstances, but the point is - once you've done your research and started some relationships, all you need to do now is keep in touch and be responsive to potential job opportunities.

Although looking for a job when a given organization has decided to hire gives you the best chance of getting the job, it won't always be suitable. It's an approach that may yield a job in a few weeks, months, years or never at all. That's why I suggest you always target more than one company, and in fact, add new targets as your career develops. However, if you need a job ASAP, then it would be risky to rely wholly on this approach... you'd be well advised to take a look at the positions that are being advertised too. Nevertheless, this approach is undoubtedly the most effective in terms of yielding the right job for you.

Get the job you want! Watch Anna's funny and inspiring movie, Career Choices, then download a free chapter of her shocking and controversial ebook, Insider Job Secrets Revealed.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Blasting Away With The Resume

The resume is the applicant's life on paper. This is the first step anyone has to take when looking for a job regardless if the person is fresh from college or has been in the industry for quite awhile.

Writing a resume is not that hard. The applicant should just make it clear and concise so that a potential recruiter will be able to get to know the person. There are many ways to get the resume into the hands of various companies looking for new employees.

The conventional way of doing it will be for the applicant to send this out using snail mail, by fax or the internet.

The best way to get a lot of coverage is called a blast resume, which is like firing a shotgun, and making the pellets hit different targets all at once.

The applicant can open an account in one website and then have the resume sent to thousands of inboxes of various companies and recruitment firms.

The service will not edit the document but simply transmit it. This means the applicant will have to do the dirty work of reviewing it carefully. It will be a good idea to attach a cover letter to the resume.

A general one that basically introduces the person is best given that it will be hard to write more than a thousands personal ones.

Some of these sites require applicants to follow a standard font. The person should follow these rules so that the recruiter will not have hard time opening the attachment.

The person has to choose a reputable blast service. This is because the recruiter will be hesitant in opening the email given that there are a lot of spams and viruses that hit the web.

It is a good thing that most of these recruiters have made such arrangements with certain sites. The individual should just check these out in the web to find out which ones are legitimate.

Some even advertise the names of some companies who are affiliated with the service, which really helps a lot in getting more people to avail of this kind of service.

One way to get better results is to send this out to a targeted audience. It won't do any good sending this to the pharmaceutical industry given that the person has worked in engineering for many years.

Will blast resumes guarantee the applicant a job? The answer is no. The best thing it can do is make people more aware that there is someone with certain qualifications up for grabs in the job market.

While waiting for that phone call, the applicant must use all the resources available be it that these focus on something or are more general because any one of these methods can help the person land a job.

The applicant will probably have to wait a few weeks or even months before a call for an interview will come in. This is because there are also other people out there looking for a job and possible vying for the same position.

The blast resume service is simply a means to an end. When that call comes, the applicant should come on time for an interview then hope that everything works out with a handshake sealing the deal.

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.