Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about what needs to be in your resume, or what format you should use. Whatever gets the employer to call you for an interview, is great.
1. OBJECTIVE STATEMENT
The best time to use an objective statement is when you're switching job functions and/or industries. Without an objective statement, employers expect that you are applying for the same job as your current job, and that you are looking in the same industry. So for example, if you last worked in the construction industry as an accountant, and you're applying for an accountant position at a college, employers get really confused and throw your resume away.
The same thing can happen if your last job was working as a business analyst in the financial services industry, and you're applying for a project manager position, in financial services. These jobs are often very similar, but again, hiring managers are looking for the easiest decision, and may just throw your resume away.
In either case, the best thing to do is "hook" the manager by letting them know exactly what you're looking for, AND telling them about your best qualification:
Objective: A _________ position in the _________ industry, using my _________ skills
This statements works really, really well because it only takes 1 or 2 seconds for employers to see why they should hire you, and practically forces them to read the rest of your resume.
2. SUMMARY SECTION
A really good, well written, summary section allows you to be considered for the job, based on the strength of your entire career. Without it, employers will base their decision solely on your last position. So, if you have worked at more than one job, and your previous experience is valuable and relevant to your target position, then you need to use a summary section.
A summary section is really valuable when you want a job like the one you had two or three jobs ago. Imagine that you worked in computer support, later as a software tester, and now you're a computer programmer. You decide that you hate being a programmer, and you loved being a software tester. You can use your summary section to "position yourself" as a tester with some development skills, which is always in high demand.
Ready to learn more about how to get more interviews for each resume you send out?
Download my FREE 12-page report, "Anatomy of a Perfect Resume," at http://www.magneticresume.com so you can learn:
The 4 most common deadly mistakes that people make and how to fix them!
How to create the perfect Career Objective & Career Summary sections
How to maximize your resume so you're the candidate your next boss wants to meet!
Scott Shane Holt has seen it all while hiring over 100 people, in good times and bad, and as an executive coach helping managers and other professionals accelerate their careers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Shane_Holt
Sunday, March 29, 2009
What Are Unique Resumes?
Do you think that unique resumes are ones that are written on colorful paper and use wild fonts? If so, you are in for a rude awakening when you go out into the job market. While employers want to seek out someone who will think outside the box, so to speak, they are always looking for someone who presents themselves in a professional manner. You will not be doing this if you send out a resume that is written on pink paper and uses a fanciful font. In fact, this will be detrimental to your quest for employment.
The same concept applies for cover letters. Do you think that you can send a resume out without a letter of inquiry to go along with it in this market? Not hardly. Employers are receiving hundreds of requests for jobs that they advertise in the paper. Those who have the most unique cover letters are more likely to get their resume or application noticed.
The documents that you send to a prospective employer is the first impression that they have of you. What type of impression do you want to make? Do you want to give them the impression that you are a run of the mill, ordinary person? A flamboyant flake? Or do you want to stand out above the rest with by presenting unique resumes that are both creative as well as professional?
Hopefully, you chose the third option. In order to do this, you are better off to hire a service. A professional service will charge you a few bucks to create your documents for you, but this is a mere investment into your future. If you want to land the job of your dreams, you should be willing to brush up on your appearance. Think of unique resumes created by professional companies as comparable to buying a new suit or shoes for the interview. You want to present yourself in the best possible light that you can, and one that stands apart from others. The way to do this is to hire a professional company that will create for you the documents that you need to stand apart.
Unique resumes and cover letters are those that are creatively inspired but are still professionally crafted and give the reader the impression that you are a serious person and one who should be considered for the job. They are the best way to get yourself noticed for an interview in a very competitive job market.
Julia Regan is an author and consultant for http://www.resumeape.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Regan
The same concept applies for cover letters. Do you think that you can send a resume out without a letter of inquiry to go along with it in this market? Not hardly. Employers are receiving hundreds of requests for jobs that they advertise in the paper. Those who have the most unique cover letters are more likely to get their resume or application noticed.
The documents that you send to a prospective employer is the first impression that they have of you. What type of impression do you want to make? Do you want to give them the impression that you are a run of the mill, ordinary person? A flamboyant flake? Or do you want to stand out above the rest with by presenting unique resumes that are both creative as well as professional?
Hopefully, you chose the third option. In order to do this, you are better off to hire a service. A professional service will charge you a few bucks to create your documents for you, but this is a mere investment into your future. If you want to land the job of your dreams, you should be willing to brush up on your appearance. Think of unique resumes created by professional companies as comparable to buying a new suit or shoes for the interview. You want to present yourself in the best possible light that you can, and one that stands apart from others. The way to do this is to hire a professional company that will create for you the documents that you need to stand apart.
Unique resumes and cover letters are those that are creatively inspired but are still professionally crafted and give the reader the impression that you are a serious person and one who should be considered for the job. They are the best way to get yourself noticed for an interview in a very competitive job market.
Julia Regan is an author and consultant for http://www.resumeape.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Regan
10 Tips to an Excellent Cover Letter
We can call a résumé a technical document. A technical document has no scope for errors. What you present in your résumé is correct data. For example let us say that you were born on the 22nd April 1986. That is a fact. That is data verifiable. It is exact. Similarly your education. Only one unique individual such as you has one hundred per cent verifiable data that ties in to you and your records whether they be your parents, your academic grades, sports accomplishments and or any other such.
On the other hand a cover letter while technically speaking may not be a 'technical' document comparable to the résumé that is under reference, it highlights your other skills that may not be finite. That is the reason why we need to be more careful in crafting a cover letter. All errors and mistakes in creating a cover letter straight away contribute to your failure in provoking the HR personnel sending you the call letter.
So let us go through the 10 most common cover letter mistakes and see how you can over come them. These tips come to you from my experience of having poured over thousands of cover letters and résumés.
1. Career Objectives: The first thing you should be doing is to address your cover letter to the job you are applying for. The HR executive is not interested in how that particular position is going to help you progress in your life. S/he is more concerned about what you did, how you are helping the current employer or helped the previous employer. Your cover letter should reflect your genuine interest in the position that you are applying for. Ideally it should also be clear about how long you intend to be with the company should you be invited to join them. Consider the difference between these two real-life examples:
Wrong example: " Though my experience as a Sales Executive is gratifying I am looking at an administrative position in Purchase department to help hone my negotiation skills."
Right example: "This Sales executive position excites me and am sure I would be able to contribute significantly to the turnovers if I am given an opportunity. You may please consider my performance with my current position."
2. Wasted space: Ideally cover letters need not extend beyond four paragraphs. You would be wasting precious white space repeating the obvious - mentioning the position and how you came to know about it and why you are applying,especially when it appeared in the "situations vacant" column. Instead of that it would be better if you just mention the skill sets that you have and how you would be able to add value to the position that you are seeking. A lot of rhetoric would be out of the window and only what matters, in this example is, your people skills and your experience should be highlighted. Mentioning other things that are irrelevant to the current assignment that you are eying only weakens your cover letter.
Wrong example: " This is with reference to the "Situation vacant", advertisement that appeared in today's The Times, pg 4, for the position of a sales executive. I have graduated from the University of Midlands, majoring in Sales Management." The HR executive is aware that you have applied for this position. Besides you have already mentioned it in your résumé. It would be better if you stick to establishing your skill sets as a Sales person and how you helped your current employer reach the set goals.
3. Cover letter templates / forms: There are plenty of sites out there that have a template or a form letter in place. It is like walking into a store and picking up a shirt. A shirt has a collar, two sleeves, a pocket and buttons right across the front to hold it in place. Similar for any letter, you have an address, a subject, an opening paragraph, an introduction and elaborate on it in the next paragraph and then you have a closing. There ends the similarity. The fabric of the shirt is different. The shirt you pick up depends on the occasion you have in mind. So is with the cover letter. The position you seek is different. The employer is unique. So are their expectations from you. You need to tailor your cover letter exactly to the potential employer's needs. You do not pick up a unisex, fit-all shirt. Similarly you do not have a universal cover letter template or a form. Every job is unique. So is every employer . Your cover letter should make it abundantly clear to the HR your commitment and familiarity with the position that you are aspiring to get into. HR can identify a template or a form letter and throw it into the dust bin or move it to the recycle bin.
In a real life situation I had come across a template wherein the applicant had filled in the blanks with a pen. The worst case scenario is that - you are insulting the HR.
4. Do not beg: Never ever pour out your woes into your cover letter and beg for a job. You should always quantify your positive attitude and make a strong pitch about why you think you are more suitable for the position. You should in your cover letter sound more determined and not at all desperate. The HR person should find a lot of optimism and enthusiasm from you towards the position. On the other hand should you pour out your heart about how important this job is to you he or she may be turned off by your desperate plea for employment. However, a fine line often separates the two, so the best advice would be to follow your instincts.
Wrong example: In one of those cover letters there was this plea: " Look I have my mom in the hospital and I need to pay those bills. So please help me with this job." A classic shout from the roof tops," "I AM VERY BADLY IN NEED OF MONEY!"
5. Missing résumé: Check. Once. Check again. Double check. See all the attachments are in place. You have also mentioned in your Post Script that you have enclosed your résumé . But you forgot to staple it. It is very easy to forget to attach file while sending your cover letter through email. This is a fatal mistake. That HR is not going to call you or mail and ask you to send the résumé again. Because there are plenty of others who did it right without committing that grave and fatal oversight.
6. Typing mistakes: You call them typos. It is very easy to make all those typographic errors. But it is also very easy for the HR to discard your cover letter especially when it is full of annoying typing mistakes. You are deliberately playing into his or her hands. You are helping them make a choice that is detrimental to your success.
Here are a few common technical mistakes to watch out for when proofreading your letter:
Checking the spelling of the name of the employer and see that you have it right. Check to get the correct spelling of the hiring individuals name.
Check the address, email, phone numbers again and again and make sure that you got them right.
It is very easy to make the mistake of indicating the name of one organization on the envelope and an other, on the cover letter you are inserting into that envelope, especially when you are applying many at one go. Please proof read and spell check.
7. Corrections: Your cover letter should contain all the relevant information. In case you have forgotten for some reasons to include your contact detail or details like email or your phone number and such things, please do not try to over write or scribble again. My sincere advice to you would be to fill in those details and print it out again. It is considered unprofessional if you try to scribble, fill in with hand or worse still, lazy. Please avoid using a post-it or sticking something to the cover letter. Do not use the correction fluid either. It is always better to retype it and print it again. But before you print it again, proof read it for mistakes and omissions and commissions.
8. Photographs: Until or unless you are specifically asked to send your photograph never volunteer it. They are in the serious business of hiring talent that would complement their own talent pool and not otherwise. So please avoid pinning, stapling or attaching your photographs to either the cover letter or the résumé.
9. Signature: Last but not the least. I have come across any number of cover letters and résumés that do not have the signature of the candidate that is applying for the job. You should append your signature at the close of your cover letter and ideally the résumé too.
10. Stationary: Please avoid stationary that is gaudy and with bright colors. Never use your personal stationary that would send out a signal that you are too casual about your job application. White and ivory color papers are best with black print.
Your signature gives that personal touch to your application. So do it. Sign it before you mail it. Do not use a hand script font and spoil that sense personal touch. Sign it either in black or blue color ink.
Wish you the BEST OF LUCK!
Some more tips:
You could use Arial or Times New Roman font - size 10 pt. Do not use transparent or personal stationary while applying.
Let your cover letter adopt a serious and professional tone.
Research the company you are planning to join. Try to have accurate details. Today there are many avenues that are open to you to find out much about these organizations. However while trying to incorporate such data in your cover letter make sure that it is accurate and authentic.
* 1667 Words
Anil Atluri Web content providerYou can reach me at the DOT achievers AT g DOT mail DOT com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anil_Atluri
On the other hand a cover letter while technically speaking may not be a 'technical' document comparable to the résumé that is under reference, it highlights your other skills that may not be finite. That is the reason why we need to be more careful in crafting a cover letter. All errors and mistakes in creating a cover letter straight away contribute to your failure in provoking the HR personnel sending you the call letter.
So let us go through the 10 most common cover letter mistakes and see how you can over come them. These tips come to you from my experience of having poured over thousands of cover letters and résumés.
1. Career Objectives: The first thing you should be doing is to address your cover letter to the job you are applying for. The HR executive is not interested in how that particular position is going to help you progress in your life. S/he is more concerned about what you did, how you are helping the current employer or helped the previous employer. Your cover letter should reflect your genuine interest in the position that you are applying for. Ideally it should also be clear about how long you intend to be with the company should you be invited to join them. Consider the difference between these two real-life examples:
Wrong example: " Though my experience as a Sales Executive is gratifying I am looking at an administrative position in Purchase department to help hone my negotiation skills."
Right example: "This Sales executive position excites me and am sure I would be able to contribute significantly to the turnovers if I am given an opportunity. You may please consider my performance with my current position."
2. Wasted space: Ideally cover letters need not extend beyond four paragraphs. You would be wasting precious white space repeating the obvious - mentioning the position and how you came to know about it and why you are applying,especially when it appeared in the "situations vacant" column. Instead of that it would be better if you just mention the skill sets that you have and how you would be able to add value to the position that you are seeking. A lot of rhetoric would be out of the window and only what matters, in this example is, your people skills and your experience should be highlighted. Mentioning other things that are irrelevant to the current assignment that you are eying only weakens your cover letter.
Wrong example: " This is with reference to the "Situation vacant", advertisement that appeared in today's The Times, pg 4, for the position of a sales executive. I have graduated from the University of Midlands, majoring in Sales Management." The HR executive is aware that you have applied for this position. Besides you have already mentioned it in your résumé. It would be better if you stick to establishing your skill sets as a Sales person and how you helped your current employer reach the set goals.
3. Cover letter templates / forms: There are plenty of sites out there that have a template or a form letter in place. It is like walking into a store and picking up a shirt. A shirt has a collar, two sleeves, a pocket and buttons right across the front to hold it in place. Similar for any letter, you have an address, a subject, an opening paragraph, an introduction and elaborate on it in the next paragraph and then you have a closing. There ends the similarity. The fabric of the shirt is different. The shirt you pick up depends on the occasion you have in mind. So is with the cover letter. The position you seek is different. The employer is unique. So are their expectations from you. You need to tailor your cover letter exactly to the potential employer's needs. You do not pick up a unisex, fit-all shirt. Similarly you do not have a universal cover letter template or a form. Every job is unique. So is every employer . Your cover letter should make it abundantly clear to the HR your commitment and familiarity with the position that you are aspiring to get into. HR can identify a template or a form letter and throw it into the dust bin or move it to the recycle bin.
In a real life situation I had come across a template wherein the applicant had filled in the blanks with a pen. The worst case scenario is that - you are insulting the HR.
4. Do not beg: Never ever pour out your woes into your cover letter and beg for a job. You should always quantify your positive attitude and make a strong pitch about why you think you are more suitable for the position. You should in your cover letter sound more determined and not at all desperate. The HR person should find a lot of optimism and enthusiasm from you towards the position. On the other hand should you pour out your heart about how important this job is to you he or she may be turned off by your desperate plea for employment. However, a fine line often separates the two, so the best advice would be to follow your instincts.
Wrong example: In one of those cover letters there was this plea: " Look I have my mom in the hospital and I need to pay those bills. So please help me with this job." A classic shout from the roof tops," "I AM VERY BADLY IN NEED OF MONEY!"
5. Missing résumé: Check. Once. Check again. Double check. See all the attachments are in place. You have also mentioned in your Post Script that you have enclosed your résumé . But you forgot to staple it. It is very easy to forget to attach file while sending your cover letter through email. This is a fatal mistake. That HR is not going to call you or mail and ask you to send the résumé again. Because there are plenty of others who did it right without committing that grave and fatal oversight.
6. Typing mistakes: You call them typos. It is very easy to make all those typographic errors. But it is also very easy for the HR to discard your cover letter especially when it is full of annoying typing mistakes. You are deliberately playing into his or her hands. You are helping them make a choice that is detrimental to your success.
Here are a few common technical mistakes to watch out for when proofreading your letter:
Checking the spelling of the name of the employer and see that you have it right. Check to get the correct spelling of the hiring individuals name.
Check the address, email, phone numbers again and again and make sure that you got them right.
It is very easy to make the mistake of indicating the name of one organization on the envelope and an other, on the cover letter you are inserting into that envelope, especially when you are applying many at one go. Please proof read and spell check.
7. Corrections: Your cover letter should contain all the relevant information. In case you have forgotten for some reasons to include your contact detail or details like email or your phone number and such things, please do not try to over write or scribble again. My sincere advice to you would be to fill in those details and print it out again. It is considered unprofessional if you try to scribble, fill in with hand or worse still, lazy. Please avoid using a post-it or sticking something to the cover letter. Do not use the correction fluid either. It is always better to retype it and print it again. But before you print it again, proof read it for mistakes and omissions and commissions.
8. Photographs: Until or unless you are specifically asked to send your photograph never volunteer it. They are in the serious business of hiring talent that would complement their own talent pool and not otherwise. So please avoid pinning, stapling or attaching your photographs to either the cover letter or the résumé.
9. Signature: Last but not the least. I have come across any number of cover letters and résumés that do not have the signature of the candidate that is applying for the job. You should append your signature at the close of your cover letter and ideally the résumé too.
10. Stationary: Please avoid stationary that is gaudy and with bright colors. Never use your personal stationary that would send out a signal that you are too casual about your job application. White and ivory color papers are best with black print.
Your signature gives that personal touch to your application. So do it. Sign it before you mail it. Do not use a hand script font and spoil that sense personal touch. Sign it either in black or blue color ink.
Wish you the BEST OF LUCK!
Some more tips:
You could use Arial or Times New Roman font - size 10 pt. Do not use transparent or personal stationary while applying.
Let your cover letter adopt a serious and professional tone.
Research the company you are planning to join. Try to have accurate details. Today there are many avenues that are open to you to find out much about these organizations. However while trying to incorporate such data in your cover letter make sure that it is accurate and authentic.
* 1667 Words
Anil Atluri Web content providerYou can reach me at the DOT achievers AT g DOT mail DOT com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anil_Atluri
Resume Layout - Write an Impressive Resume to Get Your Dream Job
Resume layout is as important as the content of your resume. It need to be well formatted and well written. While chasing for your dream job, people usually forget to take care of some minute details, which can make a huge. It reflects your personality and also gives you a fair chance to project your identity.
With the economic slowdown, the world isn't creating many jobs now. The job market seems dull and unproductive. There are thousands of aspired candidate for one particular post. The scenario is tough now but you can easily get your dream job with some extra care. Make your resume as impressive as you can and make it conspicuous and beautiful.
Here are some tips to write an impressive resume to get your dream job
· Formatting: It plays a very important role after you write your resume. It enhances the look and feel of your resume. So always remember to leave a comfortable margin on the sides, top and the bottom of the page. It will make your profile look clean and appropriate. Proper spacing is also very important after every section.
· Headlines: Write regular headlines before starting each section. Make it simple and subtle and also choose fonts, which are easy to read, and looks nice.
· Avoid unwanted information: Don't provide unnecessary information, which will make resume long and unorganized. Be specific at the mean time make it little trendy. It shouldn't be a regular one. It should capture the attention of a reader otherwise it's of no use.
· Avoid colours : Unless you are applying for some graphic designing course, it is always advisable to keep the color tone black and white. A laser printer and a
Getting the right job in this economy may be difficult , you need be innovative & work out new income sources. Try the free trial for Google Cash & learn the secret for earning thousands of dollars per month online.
Click Here --> Google Cash Free Trial
President Obama has come up with Stimulus Package that will focus on providing assistance to low- and middle-income Americans, to check if you qualify for Government Grants
Click Here --> Federal Grant Programs
FREE Trials are for a limited time only, so get yours today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sani_Orman
With the economic slowdown, the world isn't creating many jobs now. The job market seems dull and unproductive. There are thousands of aspired candidate for one particular post. The scenario is tough now but you can easily get your dream job with some extra care. Make your resume as impressive as you can and make it conspicuous and beautiful.
Here are some tips to write an impressive resume to get your dream job
· Formatting: It plays a very important role after you write your resume. It enhances the look and feel of your resume. So always remember to leave a comfortable margin on the sides, top and the bottom of the page. It will make your profile look clean and appropriate. Proper spacing is also very important after every section.
· Headlines: Write regular headlines before starting each section. Make it simple and subtle and also choose fonts, which are easy to read, and looks nice.
· Avoid unwanted information: Don't provide unnecessary information, which will make resume long and unorganized. Be specific at the mean time make it little trendy. It shouldn't be a regular one. It should capture the attention of a reader otherwise it's of no use.
· Avoid colours : Unless you are applying for some graphic designing course, it is always advisable to keep the color tone black and white. A laser printer and a
Getting the right job in this economy may be difficult , you need be innovative & work out new income sources. Try the free trial for Google Cash & learn the secret for earning thousands of dollars per month online.
Click Here --> Google Cash Free Trial
President Obama has come up with Stimulus Package that will focus on providing assistance to low- and middle-income Americans, to check if you qualify for Government Grants
Click Here --> Federal Grant Programs
FREE Trials are for a limited time only, so get yours today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sani_Orman
Making a Resume - Tips and Techniques
Your resume is the first think a prospective employer sees when you apply for a job. During the process of making your resume you should always be cognizant of this fact.
We will explain some of the elements you should keep in mind when making a resume.
One of the most important elements to keep in mind as you make your resume is the list of required skills the employer featured in the job advertisement. The prospective employer wrote the job advertisement specifically for the purpose of finding candidates who possess specific skills. Your resume should clearly showcase any of the required skills you possess. However, it should be noted that you should never falsify your resume to include these skills, if you do not truly possess them. By contrast though, your resume should be written to really showcase these skills. You should also think about how easy it is for prospective employers to read your resume.
It is no longer recommended to limit your resume to just one page. Making your resume too long though is a mistake. It is okay to have your resume be two or three pages long if you need this much room to showcase your experience. It is also a good idea to think about how your resume will be formatted. Resumes can be formatted in numerous styles. Resume styles that are preferred though are ones that are simple to read. Resumes may be difficult to read because they are not designed in a clean and simple way.
In conclusion, it is always a good idea to think about including something to make yourself jump out at the prospective employer. Including a piece of positive feedback from a previous employer can really accomplish this goal. This can replace the standard line of, References furnished upon request. Most employers know you can provide references but may be intrigued if they see a sample of what these references will say.
Cynthia Penfold discusses techniques for making a resume at her How To Make A Resume Blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Penfold
We will explain some of the elements you should keep in mind when making a resume.
One of the most important elements to keep in mind as you make your resume is the list of required skills the employer featured in the job advertisement. The prospective employer wrote the job advertisement specifically for the purpose of finding candidates who possess specific skills. Your resume should clearly showcase any of the required skills you possess. However, it should be noted that you should never falsify your resume to include these skills, if you do not truly possess them. By contrast though, your resume should be written to really showcase these skills. You should also think about how easy it is for prospective employers to read your resume.
It is no longer recommended to limit your resume to just one page. Making your resume too long though is a mistake. It is okay to have your resume be two or three pages long if you need this much room to showcase your experience. It is also a good idea to think about how your resume will be formatted. Resumes can be formatted in numerous styles. Resume styles that are preferred though are ones that are simple to read. Resumes may be difficult to read because they are not designed in a clean and simple way.
In conclusion, it is always a good idea to think about including something to make yourself jump out at the prospective employer. Including a piece of positive feedback from a previous employer can really accomplish this goal. This can replace the standard line of, References furnished upon request. Most employers know you can provide references but may be intrigued if they see a sample of what these references will say.
Cynthia Penfold discusses techniques for making a resume at her How To Make A Resume Blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Penfold
How to Write Cover Letters That Impress
While your resume will need to speak for itself to encourage prospective employers in considering your for a post, a cover letter can get you at least one foot in the door. Done well, it will grab their attention, create a positive impression and provide an incentive to review your resume with enthusiastic fervor.
Keep it brief and clear. You're an applicant among a pool of hundreds, if not thousands. No one has the time to listen to your life story. Make sure your cover letter indicates the position your are applying for along with a pitch that presents, in brief, the three main reasons why you're the right person for the job.
First impressions last. The cover letter is your first chance to make an impression. Since your resume is largely an inventory of technical and on-the-job skills, you cover letter will probably be your only chance to highlight the most positive aspects of your personality that make you right for the job. Pick your best assets and use them to put your best foot forward.
Grab attention. If your cover letter is a generic cut-and-paste job from the web, rambles on needlessly or shows a lack of ability to express yourself clearly, will they really continue reading? As such, your cover letter needs to punctuate the very essence of why you're the person they should hire. Make them pay notice and they will stick around to learn more.
Error-free. It goes without saying, your cover letter should be free from overt grammatical errors and half-baked thoughts. Use a software for English writers that can point you in the right direction if you're unsure. Read it several times as well to make sure your presentation flows smoothly.
Watch how innovative Grammar Check Software instantly can improve your CV, cut your writing time in half and make sure you won't fail getting the job because of a lousy cover letter.
Read more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Sumerset
Keep it brief and clear. You're an applicant among a pool of hundreds, if not thousands. No one has the time to listen to your life story. Make sure your cover letter indicates the position your are applying for along with a pitch that presents, in brief, the three main reasons why you're the right person for the job.
First impressions last. The cover letter is your first chance to make an impression. Since your resume is largely an inventory of technical and on-the-job skills, you cover letter will probably be your only chance to highlight the most positive aspects of your personality that make you right for the job. Pick your best assets and use them to put your best foot forward.
Grab attention. If your cover letter is a generic cut-and-paste job from the web, rambles on needlessly or shows a lack of ability to express yourself clearly, will they really continue reading? As such, your cover letter needs to punctuate the very essence of why you're the person they should hire. Make them pay notice and they will stick around to learn more.
Error-free. It goes without saying, your cover letter should be free from overt grammatical errors and half-baked thoughts. Use a software for English writers that can point you in the right direction if you're unsure. Read it several times as well to make sure your presentation flows smoothly.
Watch how innovative Grammar Check Software instantly can improve your CV, cut your writing time in half and make sure you won't fail getting the job because of a lousy cover letter.
Read more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Sumerset
Rework Your Resume For Today's Market
Though the outlook for employment may seem grim with reports of companies executing mass layoffs, it doesn't necessarily mean there are no jobs to be found. A simple search through Internet employment databases may reveal many vacancies, opportunities for you to stand out among others with your expertise. In order to get noticed and get the interview, however, it is important to have an updated, concise resume of your qualifications.
Take a look at your current resume. How long has it been since you last revised it? On average, a person may only update his vitae once a year, if at that. Often, a resume becomes an afterthought while one is employed, and unfortunately is hastily retooled when it is needed. So as not to be caught off-guard, it may be best to pull out your resume every three months or so to see what is relevant in your career path that needs to be recorded. Remember, a resume is not just a list of jobs you have held, but life experiences. A resume is a record of your continuing education through employment, community achievements, and your employable skills.
Have you learned any new skills in your present job that may benefit you during a new search? Work with new computer applications and others skills should be pointed out here. Larger companies emphasizing a sense of community among their employees may search for well-rounded candidates, so if you have done any recent volunteer work be sure to mention it. It is also a good idea to refresh your references, and list somebody who has worked with you in the last six months or so who can vouch for you during a job search.
For years the rule of thumb with resumes has been to keep everything to one page. If you have much information to share, it can be challenge to limit your experiences. Including a URL leading to a more detailed vitae may help an employer see a fuller picture of who you are and what you can bring to the company.
As you work, and as you search for work, remember to keep your resume current and relevant for the jobs you seek. This simple document is your first introduction to a potential employer, so have it ready to make a good impression.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who specializes in articles on jobs in Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach website design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively
Take a look at your current resume. How long has it been since you last revised it? On average, a person may only update his vitae once a year, if at that. Often, a resume becomes an afterthought while one is employed, and unfortunately is hastily retooled when it is needed. So as not to be caught off-guard, it may be best to pull out your resume every three months or so to see what is relevant in your career path that needs to be recorded. Remember, a resume is not just a list of jobs you have held, but life experiences. A resume is a record of your continuing education through employment, community achievements, and your employable skills.
Have you learned any new skills in your present job that may benefit you during a new search? Work with new computer applications and others skills should be pointed out here. Larger companies emphasizing a sense of community among their employees may search for well-rounded candidates, so if you have done any recent volunteer work be sure to mention it. It is also a good idea to refresh your references, and list somebody who has worked with you in the last six months or so who can vouch for you during a job search.
For years the rule of thumb with resumes has been to keep everything to one page. If you have much information to share, it can be challenge to limit your experiences. Including a URL leading to a more detailed vitae may help an employer see a fuller picture of who you are and what you can bring to the company.
As you work, and as you search for work, remember to keep your resume current and relevant for the jobs you seek. This simple document is your first introduction to a potential employer, so have it ready to make a good impression.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who specializes in articles on jobs in Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach website design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively
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