Making It Big Monday

The Interview Checklist

The goal of a selection interview is to predict the on-the-job performance of each applicant in order to select the best person for the available position. A handful of "on-paper" qualified candidates are interviewed to clarify their skills and experience and to assist their personal suitability to the position.
An interview should be viewed as an opportunity to show an employer what you have to offer, rather than as a nerve-racking ordeal.

Use this list to help with pre-interview planning.

Be Prepared

• Know where the office is and how you are going to get there on time; getting lost will only add to your anxiety level.
• Take time to choose appropriate attire (preferably the day before) and groom carefully -- appearances are important!
• Learn about the organization; the employer will want to know why you want to work there and how you think you can contribute to the organization's overall goals.
• Identify the relevant skills and experience you can bring to the job.
• Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer; avoid asking about benefits until you have been offered the job.

Demonstrate Good Manners

• Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment time.
• Shake hands firmly with the interviewer when you are introduced and again when the interview concludes.

• Do not smoke, chew gum or drink tea or coffee -- even if you are invited to do so.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer; otherwise, you will give the impression that you are disinterested or untrustworthy.
• Try not to fidget; it will distract the interviewer from what you are saying.
• Allow the interviewer to take the lead; do not interrupt when she/he is talking.
• Answer questions clearly and concisely; do not ramble.
• Pause to construct a thoughtful answer; do not blurt out the first thing that comes into your mind.
• Attend to the interviewer's body language and other cues to sense when the interview is concluding; do not linger.
• Thank the interviewer for her/his time before leaving.

Be Yourself

• Convey your strengths and abilities without appearing boastful or conceited; do not exaggerate your qualifications.
• Answer the questions honestly, rather than telling the interviewer what you think she/he wants to hear; you do not want to succeed in getting hired for a job for which you are not suited!
• Do not hesitate to show your (genuine) enthusiasm and engaging personality and... remember to smile.

In General

• Volunteer information only if it is positive and pertinent.
• Watch for opportunities to sell your skills.
• Avoid using negative terms. Substitute the words "challenge" or "opportunity" for the word problem.
• Never forget that your objective is to get a job offer.

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Tip Tuesday

 20 Ways to Get the Job You Want

20 essential tips to finding that job you want

You can help make the job you want happen. The key is believing in you. Plant your feet firmly on the path to the job you desire. Take the time to free yourself of the shackles of doubt so you can see yourself in the most positive accurate way. Confidence is what allows you to see the asset you are. Dream, plan, try and stretch yourself to get that job you desire.

Read more ways to gain confidence on your job pursuit:

1. Stay Positive - Remind yourself of all the positive qualities and skills you bring to any job by making a list.

 

2. Put Your Best Qualities Forward - Keep in mind that you are a composite of all those wonderful qualities and be prepared to share them at your next possible job opportunity.

3. Inner Confident Shows - Inner confidence shines through on the outside and others are attracted to it.

4. Cheer Yourself On - Be your own cheerleader and make it clear what you have to offer.

5. No One is Perfect - Recognize everyone has short-comings and you don't have to be perfect to be an asset.

 

6. Learning is Always a Possibility - If the job requires a new skill, confidently acknowledge that you can gain that skill.

7. Eliminate Stress - Recognize new situations are likely to create stress but you can handle the stress knowing you are capable and will get through it.

8. Open Your Mind - Be open-minded and try a new path and see where it takes you.

9. It's Not All Or Nothing - Don't over value the job you are applying for.

10. No Job is Perfect - There is no such thing as the one perfect job that got away.

11. New Opportunities Await - If one job does not work out, there will be others along the way.

12. The Job Hunt is Your Job - Treat job hunting like a job and schedule specific hours to work on it.

13. Everyone Needs Personal Time S0 Take A Break - It's important to schedule in time for you to take time out to relieve stress through exercise, hobbies, or planned fun time with family or friends.

14. Look For New Hobbies- Schedule in those pleasant activities which keep you feeling good.

15. Exercise Strengthens The Mind - Schedule in time to exercise as it is good for the body and good for the head.

16. Discover Something New - Take the time to try something new and experience that sense of accomplishment.

17. Ask Friends For Help - Don't isolate from your friends as you are not the first or the last person to look for a job.

18. You Can Handle Anything Life Throws At You - Think back to all the difficult situations and problems you have tackled and believe in the confidence you have earned.

19. Keep Your Confidence - Don't let your confidence get rattled when the path gets bumpy.

20. Celebrate Small Victories - Give yourself credit for every step you take and celebrate each victory no matter how small.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Witty Wednesday

Résumé Quotations

"I am very detail-oreinted."

"I have a bachelorette degree in computers."

"Graduated in the top 66% of my class."

"I worked as a Corporate Lesion."

"Served as assistant sore manager."

"Married, eight children. Prefer frequent travel."

"Objective: To have my skills and ethics challenged on a daily basis."

"Special skills: Thyping."

"Special skills: Experienced with numerous office machines and can make great lattes."

"I can play well with others."

"I have exhaustive experience in manufacturing."

"Special skills: I've got a Ph.D. in human feelings."

"My contributions on product launches were based on dreams that I had."

"I eat computers for lunch."

"I have used lots of software appilcations."

"Objection: To utilize my skills in sales."

"Experience: Watered, groomed, and fed the family dog for years."

"Reason for leaving last job: Pushed aside so the vice president's girlfriend could steal my job."

"Previous experience: Self-employed -- a fiasco."

"I am a pit bull when it comes to analysis."

"I am the king of accounts payable reconciliation."

"Work history: Bum. Abandoned belongings and led nomadic lifestyle."

"I like slipping and sliding around behind the counter and controlling the temperature of the food."

"Reason for leaving last job: The owner gave new meaning to the word 'paranoia.' I prefer to elaborate privately."

"Reason for leaving last job: Bounty hunting was outlaw in my state."

"My ruthlessness terrorized the competition and can sometimes offend."

"I love dancing and throwing parties."

"I am quick at typing, about 25 words per minute."

"I am a rabid typist."

"Skills: Operated Pitney Bones machine."

"Special Skills: Speak English."

"Strengths: Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining composer."

"Education: B.A. in Loberal Arts."

"Work Experience: Dealing with customers' conflicts that arouse."

"Education: College, August 1880 - May 1984."

"Experience with: LBM-compatible computers."

"Fortunately because of stress, worked in the cardiac intensive-care ward."

"Typing Speed: 756 wpm."

"Objectives: 10-year goal: Total obliteration of sales and federal income taxes and tax laws."

"ONCE FOCUSED ON AN OBJECTIVE, I BELIEVE MYSELF TO HAVE AN UNDYING LUST FOR SUCCESS WITH ACCURACY AND EFFECIENCY."

"AT ONE POINT IN TIME DURING [John Doe's] 28 YEARS ON THIS PLANET, HE WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT; WHICH PUT A FEW YEARS THERAPY, SOME 'ROLLERCOASTER' EMOTIONAL SOUL JOURNEYS, AND A WICKED JOB RESUME, WHICH MOST EMPLOYERS WOULD FROWN UPON, AROUND HIS PRESENT IDENTITY... TEN YEARS 'IN THE RUNNING'. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE PRESENT CASH FLOW, VIA. THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, CONSISTENCY, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY, HAVE BEEN REALIZED AND TOUCHED UPON OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. ALL IN ALL, MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS IS GROWING NEAR END IN RESPONSE TO MY ACCUMULATED WORK HISTORY. HENCE, I SEE URGENCY, CLOSURE, SOME FEAR, STRONG DESIRE, AND MATURITY ALL WOVEN INTO THIS EXPRESSION OF ME, THE EMPLOYEE TO YOU, THE EMPLOYER."

"Seek challenges that test my mind and body, since the two are usually inseparable."

"Personal Qualities: Outstanding worker; flexible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."

"My experience in horticulture is well-rooted."

"Work History: Performed brain wave tests, 1879-1981."

"Extensive background in public accounting. I can also stand on my head!"

"I perform my job with effortless efficiency, effectiveness, efficacy, and expertise."

"Personal: Married 20 years; own a home, along with a friendly mortgage company."

"My intensity and focus are at inordinately high levels, and my ability to complete projects on time is unspeakable."

"Exposure to German for two years, but many words are inappropriate for business."

"Frequent Lecturer: Largest Audience: 1,351. Standing Ovations: 5. Number of Audience Questions: 30."

"Interests: I like to workout in my free time. I enjoy listening to music. I love to shopping in new places."

"Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school."

"Excellent memory; strong math aptitude; excellent memory; effective management skills; and very good at math."

"Personal Goal: To hand-build a classic cottage from the ground up using my father-in-law."

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

6 Ways Hiring Managers are Spotting Résumé Lies

Thirty-eight per cent of U.S. employees have embellished their job responsibilities at some point, and 18 per cent have lied about their skills, according to a CareerBuilder survey. Other common lies surrounded information about employment start and end dates, academic degrees, previous employers and job titles.

Here are six ways employers might be evaluating your résumé in today’s digital world. These are not only good reminders that you shouldn’t lie, but they’ll also help you avoid mistakes that might make hiring managers question your honesty.

1. They’re performing a standard background check. Employers check on things such as work history, residences, dates of employment, etc. Managers look for discrepancies between what the candidate submitted and what the reports reveal.

2. They’re checking for red flags. Unexplained gaps in employment, a reluctance to explain the reason for leaving and unusual periods of self-employment can be a tip-off to false employment history. Since even references can be fake, employers might check the websites of previous employers and use the phone numbers found online for employment verification.

3. They’re using social networking sites. Social networking profiles contain public information that may help employers verify certain information such as a candidate’s work history or education credentials. Both job seekers and employers should be aware of the possible legal ramifications of using social media to screen applicants.

4. They’re testing your skills. Knowing that employers use keyword searching to find and qualify their résumés, applicants may include keywords for all skills required for the job — regardless of whether they have them or not. To confirm any embellishment, employers might ask specific technical questions about the candidate’s stated skills or test the candidate’s computer skills.

5. They’re willing to hear an explanation. Mistakes and misunderstandings do happen. If managers find a discrepancy, they might give the candidate an opportunity to explain. If this happens, have a good explanation for the error.

6. They’re following their intuition. When it comes to the difficult task of hiring a new employee, employers have to trust their intuition and experience. If something doesn’t seem right, they’ll probably follow up on it.

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

Simple guidelines for writing a stellar résumé

Your résumé should communicate vital information to a potential employer, but how do you know if yours is up to par and will compete with other résumés?
In their new book, “Expert Résumés for Managers and Executives,” authors Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark explain that strict rules for writing résumés don’t really exist, but job seekers should consider some simple standards that most employers have come to expect. Here are some of Enelow and Kursmark’s tips:
Content standards

• Writing style: Always write in the active, not passive, voice.
• Phrases to avoid: Do not use “responsible for” or “duties included,” which are passive.
• Résumé style: Organize your résumé chronologically, functionally or both.
• Résumé formats: Use paragraphs, bullets or both.
• Email address and URL: Include your email address and URL at the top of your résumé.

Presentation standards

• Font: Use a clean, conservative, easy-to-read font. Some suggestions include Tahoma, Arial, Krone, Soutane, CG Omega, Century Gothic or Gill Sans.
• Type size: Ten- to 12-point fonts are generally easy to read.
• Page length: One to two pages is usually enough.
• Paper color: Use white, ivory or gray paper.
• Graphics: Entry-level or midlevel job seekers may use graphics to enhance their résumés; senior or executive job seekers should avoid them.
• White space: Leave plenty of white space to ensure readability.

Accuracy and perfection

• “Your résumé must be well-written, visually pleasing and free of any errors, typographical mistakes, misspellings and the like,” Enelow and Kursmark say. “Carefully proofread your résumé a minimum of three times, and then have two or three other people also proofread it.”

“Consider your résumé an example of the quality of work you will produce on a company’s behalf,” say Enelow and Kursmark say. “Take the time to make sure that your résumé is perfect in all the details that make a difference to those who read it.”

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Focus résumé on your results, not daily tasks

What seems more interesting: a laundry list of all the menial daily tasks and functions you performed at each and every job or well-written action statements illustrating the impact of your accomplishments?

For example, a receptionist or executive assistant résumé may state ”I answered the phones” or “Monitored and managed more than 1,500 weekly telephone calls from customers, vendors, media, and contractors for 750 staff members for largest architectural firm in New Jersey.”

An example for a sales manager may be: ”Hired, managed and trained sales representatives” or ”Recruited, hired, managed, mentored and motivated more than 120 sales representatives to develop customer service and sales skills resulting in more than $1.5 million in sales revenue.”

An interview-landing résumé doesn’t just tell what you did or know how to do (task-oriented), it illustrates how well you did those things (accomplishment oriented). Recruiters and hiring managers want to know and see hard-core facts, figures and numbers. This type of information should be indicative of your entire career, not just job by job.

From your résumé, the hiring manager already has a general idea of the tasks and responsibilities involved in the jobs you have held. What he or she wants to know is how your skills and experience impacted the bottom line for the company. The recruiting manager wants to know what the job seeker has done to enhance operations, boost revenues, bolster profits, decrease operating costs, improve business processes, save time, increase productivity and/or advance technologies.

An accomplishment-oriented résumé is what sells the reader on your personal and professional value. Rather than a laundry list of daily duties, functions and job responsibilities, this type of résumé demonstrates, in writing, how your expertise in doing those tasks benefited the company.
An easy formula for this is AARQ (“Ark”):

• Action — What was the action you took or initiated to make a difference in results?
• Accomplishments & Results — What did your actions accomplish at the end of the project, year, etc.?
• Quantify — Now incorporate the numbers and statistics into your story by quantifying the resulting impact on the company.

Here’s an example from a recent client:

• What action did you take? Managed revenue budget.
• What was the result of this action? Exceeded revenue goals and increased revenue.
• Can you quantify the action or result? Managed $77 million revenue budget, exceeded revenue goals, increased revenue by 38 per cent.

You then take all of that and put it on your résumé as such:

• Managed $77 million revenue budget for third party marketing products, continually exceeded revenue goals, and steered 38 percent revenue growth.

It can be really easy to bolster your résumé by turning your tasks into bottom-line driven, powerful achievements that will catch the reader’s attention. A company is concerned with their bottom line so speak their language and illustrate your experience as it relates to them. Use your résumé as a tool to convey your value to the prospective employing company and expect more interviews in the future.

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

101 Job Tips To Land Your Dream Job (Part 5 of 5)

Are you looking for a better job? A better Career? Recently laid off? No matter what the reason for your job search there are plenty of traditional—and not so traditional ways to find a new job. Here is part five (five part series) of 101 of the hottest job tips in town. There will be 20 new tips released every Tuesday for the next couple of weeks. Take time each Tuesday and read the twenty tips given. No matter how common they sound, a little tweaking always goes a long way.

81. Be nice to everyone you talk to: Be especially nice to the “gatekeepers”, those people whose job it is to protect the higher ups from unsolicited calls. They have the power to put your call through, or dump you to voice-mail.

82. Be prepared for delays: Don’t schedule an interview just before a doctor’s appointment, jury duty, or school car pool time. You will be too antsy to leave to be able to concentrate on the interview. Interviews before yours can run overtime—or yours could run long.

83. Show up early: Leave your house a bit before you need to and make sure to arrive on time.

84. Have a lunch interview? Brush up on your table manners—and pass on the alcohol, even if your host takes a drink. Order something that is easy to eat is a good idea as well—a job interview is not the best time for a messy burger and chili fries.

85. Have a second interview? If you did a great job on your first go–round, take the time to do some more in–depth research—the questions may be a little harder for this round.

86. Send a thank you note: After you have had an interview, follow up with a brief “thank you” note. Not many applicants do and it will keep you at the front of the pack of applicants.

87. Expect more than one interview: Companies have many applicants to weed through and you may need to interview with more than one person before securing a new position. Don’t be surprised if you need to meet with several people, on several different occasions before the offer comes in.

88. Offer references—and check them in advance! Ask someone if they are willing to be a reference for you before adding them to your resume.

89. Make sure your references will represent you well: A reference that gives you a “so–so” review will hurt your chances of getting that great new job!

90. Research pay rates for the job you want: Search online to get an idea what others in your field make. You should have an idea of what to expect, so you will know if an offer is a good one or not.

91. Read the materials you have been given: If you have been given information about the companies benefits program, or other job details, read through them after the interview.

92. Review benefits packages: A good benefits package can add thousands in value to your compensation package—and a poor one can cost you in the long run.

93. Labor Union: If you are in a skilled trade, look to your local group for job support. You may be able to get advanced notice of job openings and even get some apprenticeship or job training.

94. Waiting for the right offer? Consider freelancing while you wait. You will earn some extra money—and freelance jobs can easily convert to regular, fulltime positions!

95. Teach what you know: Colleges often hire “adjunct professors”, people who are experts in their chosen fields, or who excel in a particular area. You do not need a teaching degree to work as an adjunct and doing so can allow you to earn some extra money while increasing your networking potential.

96. Look in to a “recession proof” job: Certain positions are not affected by a recession—teachers, security people, police officers, IT and legal support teams are in demand even during a recession.

97. Look for “special interest” help: Are you a Veteran, or do you fall into a special interest category? If you do, there may be help available to you via your local employment commission or Veteran’s Affairs office. Be sure to check these avenues if you qualify.

98. Create your own job: Consider starting your own business. With your own business, the next time you use a job search engine you may be looking for employees of your own!

99. Consider a seasonal position: Some seasonal jobs convert to fulltime positions as well, so keep your eyes open for year round openings with your seasonal employer.

100. Don’t give up: It may take a while to find the right job—but the perfect job for you is out there and you will find it.

101. Don’t get discouraged and don’t stop trying to find the right position for you.

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

101 Job Tips To Land Your Dream Job (Part 4 of 5)

Are you looking for a better job? A better Career? Recently laid off? No matter what the reason for your job search there are plenty of traditional—and not so traditional ways to find a new job. Here is part four (five part series) of 101 of the hottest job tips in town. There will be 20 new tips released every Tuesday for the next couple of weeks. Take time each Tuesday and read the twenty tips given. No matter how common they sound, a little tweaking always goes a long way.

61. Go to a job fair: Any time you see a job fair advertised, make sure you show up with resumes in hand, and ready to interview. You may be able to secure a position or a solid lead on the spot.

62. Do some research on the hottest new job fields: Find jobs that are in the highest demand—and see if your skill set is a good match. If they do, apply.

63. Make sure your certifications are up to date: Be sure to list any relevant information on your resume. Potential employers may be looking for particular professional affiliations or achievements.

64. Keep a record: When you send out a resume or an application, make sure you keep a record of where you sent it and to whom it was addressed. When you get a phone call for an interview, you will be able to refer back to your records and see exactly what resume and cover letter version you sent.

65. Follow up on your resume or application: When you send in a resume, make sure you follow up by phone in about a week. Sometimes a phone call can lead to a conversation—which can lead to an interview.

66. Brush up on your interview skills: Take the time to work on your interview skills before you are in front of a prospective employer. Even just thinking about some of the things you want to discuss will help you prepare.

67. Role Play the Interview: Do some role playing with a partner prior to your interview on questions that may be asked.

68. Turn the tables on your interviewer: You can be sure the person interviewing you will research you online—and you should do the same for them. If you know the name of the person you are interviewing with, you can do a quick search to get a sense of what they are about.

69. Be confident: If you have had a string of “no responses” to your resumes—or outright rejections, it is easy to lose confidence. Make sure you approach every application and interview as a new, fresh opportunity. Don’t be afraid to let your confidence and enthusiasm show.

70. Be prepared for common interview questions: Interviewers seem to ask the same sort of questions, so be prepared for the most common ones. Queries like “Where do you see yourself in five years” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses” come up pretty often—so be prepared with answers.

71. Be prepared when you answer the phone: If you have caller i.d., you will be able to tell when a potential employer is on the line. If you don’t, make sure you answer your phone in a professional manner and be prepared to talk. The interview starts the second you pick up the phone.

72. Turn the cell phone off: Never have your cell phone on during an interview.

73. Make a list of questions: Come up with a list of questions you would like to ask about the company.

74. Have a skeleton in your closet? Be prepared to talk about the 6 month gap in your resume, or the reason you left your last position. Being prepared in advance allows you to focus on the new skills you acquired as a result of your time off…and not the reason for your dismissal.

75. Be positive: Even if your last boss was an absolute ogre, say something nice. Even “It was a wonderful learning experience” will work. Prospective employers don’t want to hear how horrible your last job was—save that info for your friends and family to laugh over later.

76. Be truthful: Don’t claim to have degrees or experience you don’t. Getting caught in a fib can cause you to lose out on a great position—or to lose a job once you have been hired. Presenting your experiences in the best light possible is okay—outright lying is not.

77. Dress for success: Make sure you dress for the job you want to have. Presenting well can make the difference in whether or not you are hired—or even the salary you are offered.

78. Use professional language: Even if you feel a connection with your interviewer, don’t slip into slang, or use coarse language. You are still being evaluated by the person doing the interviewing, no matter how casual the environment.

79. Find a mentor: A mentor can not only help you navigate the professional waters with ease, he or she may be able to steer you in the right direction career–wise. Most mentors are established professionals that have great contacts. If you don’t have a mentor now, start searching for one today!

80. Remember your interviewers’ names: Commit your interviewers’ name to memory—forgetting someone’s name is bad…calling them by the wrong name is worse!

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip Tuesday

101 Job Tips To Land Your Dream Job (Part 3 of 5)

Are you looking for a better job? A better Career? Recently laid off? No matter what the reason for your job search there are plenty of traditional—and not so traditional ways to find a new job. Here is part three (five part series) of 101 of the hottest job tips in town. There will be 20 new tips released every Tuesday for the next couple of weeks. Take time each Tuesday and read the twenty tips given. No matter how common they sound, a little tweaking always goes a long way.

41. Be old fashioned: Social media, twitter and related technologies are great—but sometimes simply submitting your application and following up by phone is the best approach. Do your homework and find the job online, then mail in a hard copy resume—you will stand out as someone who took the time to do it right.

42. Apply for jobs that may not exist: Even if you don’t see a want ad or job posting, consider sending your resume to any company that hires workers in your field. You may get lucky and find an opening that simply is not being advertised.

43. Apply at unconventional places: You may think your local hospital doesn’t have any jobs for you if you aren’t a doctor, nurse, or health-care worker. You would be wrong! A large organization, like a hospital, has a full staff of marketing, PR, IT and administrative positions. The same is true for other large employers that may seem like they are not a good match for your skills.

44. Apply for jobs that are beneath your current level: If you are out of work, or desperate to make a change, consider applying for a job that is a small step down from your current position, as long as there is some improvement to your current situation. A new position that is closer to home or has fewer hours or better benefits can make it worth taking a small cut in pay or title.

45. Apply for jobs that are above your current level: Don’t feel limited by the most recent job you have had! If you see a job that would be a bit of a promotion for you, apply for it—you may be more ready than you think!

46. Apply for jobs that are listed as part-time: A part time job can sometimes extend into a full-time position over time. If you secure a part time job, you will also be on hand to apply for any in–house job openings that come up as well.

47. Create an “elevator speech” about yourself: An elevator speech is a quick one or two sentence spiel about who you are and what you do. If you have one prepared in advance, you won’t stumble around the next time someone asks what you do for a living.

48. Use your social contacts to find work: If you are on one of the large social media sites, make sure you let everyone know you are looking for a job.

49. Share your contacts with other job seekers: If you know others who are seeking work, share your resources. You will both expand your horizons if you share.

50. Target organizations you would like to work for: Do some research online. Visit their sites and look for employment information—you may find jobs listed that don’t appear in search engine listings.

51. Think locally: While many large employers utilize the internet to find employees, many small businesses do not. Use your local paper to keep an eye out for jobs with businesses in your hometown.

52. Join your local business association: Join the Chamber of Commerce or any other local business group you can. The contacts you make may be able to point you in the right direction for your next job—and you may hear of openings before they are even advertised in the paper.

53. Don’t overlook the government: The government is a huge employer, encompassing federal, state, local and civilian jobs with the military.

54. Use your local resources: Even if you aren’t a college student, you may be able to use the college library to research jobs or even work on your resume. No college access? Use your local town library instead.

55. Go back to college: Check in with your Alma Mater to see if they offer any type of alumni job placement services—a number of them do.

56. Belong to a church or house of worship? Let your fellow friends know that you are looking. They may know of a job opening, or be able to give you a personal referral.

57. Take some classes: Brush up on your skills, especially if you have been in the same job for a long time. Taking a semester of night classes in the latest computer technologies, or getting a new certification may give you an edge over the competition.

58. Subscribe to your alumni newsletter: Many colleges offer an alumni newsletter or magazine and they often have job listings with local companies looking for specific degrees or skills. If you don’t receive the publication, you won’t get these leads.

59. Join a professional trade organization: If your field has a trade group, make sure you become a member. Check the trade group’s website and newsletter for targeted job leads.

60. Become known as an expert in your field: Contribute to trade journals, speak at conferences and post to relevant websites and blogs. The more people who know you and your work, the more chances you have to make a new contact when you are seeking a job.

To view original article CLICK HERE

Fun Fact Friday

150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers and Blunders Ever

People write the strangest things on their resumes, sometimes downright hysterical. Why should only recruiting managers get to laugh at these? The Top 10 are at the bottom. Enjoy!

1. “Career break in 1999 to renovate my horse”
2. “1990 – 1997: Stewardess – Royal Air Force”
3. Hobbies: “enjoy cooking Chinese and Italians”
4. “Service for old man to check they are still alive or not.”
5. Cleaning skills: “bleaching, pot washing, window cleaning, mopping, e.t.c”
6. “Job involved…counselling clientele on accidental insurance policies available”
7. “2001 summer Voluntary work for taking care of the elderly and vegetable people”
8. “I’m intrested to here more about that. I’m working today in a furniture factory as a drawer”
9. “I am about to enrol on a Business and Finance Degree with the Open University. I feel that this qualification will prove detrimental to me for future success.”
10. “Time is very valuable and it should be always used to achieve optimum results and I believe it should not be played around with”
11. “I belive that weakness is the first level of strength, given the right attitude and driving force. My school advised me to fix my punctuality…”
12. Candidate included a letter from his mother.
13. Candidate stated the ability to persuade people sexually using her words.
14. Candidate wrote résumé as a play – Act 1, Act 2, etc.
15. Candidate included naked picture of himself.
16. “Skills: Strong Work Ethic, Attention to Detail, Team Player, Self Motivated, Attention to Detail”
17. Woman who sent her résumé and cover letter without deleting someone else’s editing, including such comments as “I don’t think you want to say this about yourself here”
18. “an applicant ghosted a headshot as the background to her resume”
19. Other Interests: “Playing with my two dogs (They actually belong to my wife but I love the dogs more than my wife)”.
20. “One applicant used colored paper and drew glitter designs around the border”
21. Hobbies: “getting drunk everynight down by the water, playing my guitar and smoking pot”
22. Why Interested in Position: “to keep my parole officer from putting back me in jail”
23. A woman had attached a picture of herself in a mini mouse costume
24. Hobbies: “Drugs and girls”.
25. Under “job related skills” – for a web designer – “can function without additional oxygen at 24,000 feet”.
26. My sister-in-law misspelled the word “proofreading” in her skill set.
27. The objective on one recent resume I received stated that the applicant wished to pursue a challenging account executive position with our rival firm.
28. Objective: “career on the Information Supper Highway”
29. Experience: “Stalking, shipping & receiving”
30. “I am great with the pubic.”
31. A candidate listed her e-mail address as pornstardelight@*****.com
32. The applicant listed her name as Alice in the resume but wrote Alyce on the onsite application.
33. One candidate’s electronic resume included links to her homepage, where the pictures were of her in the nude.
34. “…sent out my resume on the back side of a draft of a cover letter to another firm…”
35. “My duties included cleaning the restrooms and seating the customers.”
36. One applicant for a nursing position noted that she didn’t like dealing with blood or needles.
37. Achievements: “Nominated for prom queen”
38. I once received a resume with a head and shoulders picture in the top left of the first page. The picture was of a lion’s head, wearing a coat, shirt, and tie.
39. a resume… was printed on the back of the person’s current employer’s letterhead.
40. One resume that came across my desk stated how the individual had won a contest for building toothpick bridges in middle school.
41. A resume… had several grease stains and a smudge of chocolate on it
42. Hobbies: “Having a good time”
43. Candidate explained a gap in employment by saying it was because he was getting over the death of his cat for three months.
44. Candidate’s hobbies included sitting on the levee at night watching alligators.
45. Candidate explained an arrest by stating, “We stole a pig, but it was a really small pig.”
46. Candidate included family medical history.
47. “nine-page cover letter accompanied by a four-page résumé”
48. “One applicant tried to make an impression by using four different fonts, three ink colors and a variety of highlighting options on her résumé”
49. “Revolved customer problems and inquiries.”
50. “Consistently tanked as top sales producer for new accounts.”
51. “Planned new corporate facility at $3 million over budget.”
52. “Seeking a party-time position with potential for advancement.”
53. “I often use a laptap.”
54. “Able to say the ABCs backward in under five seconds.”
55. “I am a wedge with a sponge taped to it. My purpose is to wedge myself into someone’s door to absorb as much as possible.”
56. “Finished eighth in my class of ten.”
57. “Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.”
58. “Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave.”
59. “Failed bar exam with relatively high grades.”
60. “Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details.”
61. “It’s best for employers that I not work with people.”
62. “Let’s meet, so you can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over my experience.”
63. “I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse.”
64. “You will want me to be Head Honcho in no time.”
65. “I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely no one and absolutely nothing.”
66. “Personal interests: donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far.”
67. “Marital status: often. Children: various.”
68. “I am loyal to my employer at all costs..Please feel free to respond to my resume on my office voice mail.”
69. “Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store.”
70. Job Duties: “Answer phones, file papers, respond to customer e-mails, take odors.”
71. Interests: “Gossiping.”
72. Favorite Activities: “Playing trivia games. I am a repository of worthless knowledge.”
73. Skills: “I can type without looking at thekeyboard.”
74. Employer: ” Myself; received pay raise for high sales.”
75. Objective: “I want to play a major part in watching a company advance.”
76. Experience: “Chapter president, 1887-1992.”
77. Experience: “Demonstrated ability in multi-tasting.”
78. Experience: “I’m a hard worker, etc.”
79. Languages: “Speak English and Spinach.”
80. Reason for leaving: “I thought the world was coming to an end.”
81. Additional skills: “I am a Notary Republic.”
82. Objective: “So one of the main things for me is, as the movie ‘Jerry McGuire’ puts it, ‘Show me the money!’”
83. Skills: “I have integrity so I will not steal office supplies and take them home.”
84. Objective: “To hopefully associate with a millionaire one day.”
85. Skills: “I have technical skills that will take your breath away.”
86. Qualifications: “I have guts, drive, ambition and heart, which is probably more than a lot of the drones that you have working for you.”
87. Objective: “I need money because I have bills to pay and I would like to have a life, go out partying, please my young wife with gifts, and have a menu entrée consisting of more than soup.”
88. Qualifications: “Twin sister has accounting degree.”
89. Experience: “Have not yet been abducted by aliens.”
90. Skills: “Written communication = 3 years; verbal communication = 5 years.”
91. Objective: “I would like to work for a company that is very lax when it comes to tardiness.”
92. Education: “I possess a moderate educatin but willing to learn more.”
93. Education: “Have repeated courses repeatedly.”
94. Salary requirements: “The higher the better.”
95. Salary desired: “Starting over due to recent bankruptcies. Need large bonus when starting job.”
96. Bad traits: “I am very bad about time and don’t mind admitting it. Having to arrive at a certain hour doesn’t make sense to me. What does make sense is that I do the job. Any company that insists upon rigid time schedules will find me a nightmare.”
97. References: “Bill, Tom, Eric. But I don’t know their phone numbers.”
98. Work experience: “Two years as a blackjack and baccarat dealer. Strong emphasis on customer relations – a constant challenge considering how much money people lose and how angry they can get.”
99. Personal: “I limit important relationships to people who want to do what I want them to do.”
100. Objective: “Student today. Vice president tomarrow.”
101. Accomplishments: “Brought in a balloon artist to entertain the team.”
102. Application: Why should an employer hire you? “I bring doughnuts on Friday.”
103. Achievements: “First runner-up for Miss Fort Worth, 1982.”
104. Reason for leaving: “Pushed aside so the vice president’s girlfriend could steal my job.”
105. Special skills: “I’ve got a Ph.D. in human feelings.”
106. Reason for leaving last job: “Bounty hunting was outlawed in my state.”
107. Experience: “Any interruption in employment is due to being unemployed.”
108. Objective: “To become Overlord of the Galaxy!”
109. Objective: “What I’m looking for in a job: #1) Money #2) Money #3) Money.”
110. Hobbies: “Mushroom hunting.”
111. Experience: “Child care provider: Organized activities; prepared lunches and snakes.”
112. Objective: “My dream job would be as a professional baseball player, but since I can’t do that, I’ll settle on being an accountant.”
113. Awards: “National record for eating 45 eggs in two minutes.”
114. Heading on stationery: “I’d Break Mom’s Heart to Work For You!”
115. “I am a ‘neat nut’ with a reputation for being hardnosed. I have no patience for sloppywork, carelessmistakes and theft of companytime.”
116. Experience: “Provide Custer Service.”
117. Experience: “I was brought in as a turnaround consultant to help turn the company around.”
118. Strengths: “Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining composer.”
119. Work experience: “Responsibilities included checking customers out.”
120. Work experience: “Maintained files and reports, did data processing, cashed employees’ paychecks.”
121. Educational background: “Highschool was a incredible experience.”
122. Resume: “A great management team that has patents with its workers.”
123. Cover letter: “Experienced in all faucets of accounting.”
124. Objective: “I am anxious to use my exiting skills.”
125. Personal: “I am loyal and know when to keep my big mouth shut.”
126. Job duties: “Filing, billing, printing and coping.”
127. Application: “Q: In what local areas do you prefer to work? A: Smoking.”
128. Reason for leaving: “Terminated after saying, ‘It would be a blessing to be fired.’”
129. Personal: “My family is willing to relocate. However not to New England (too cold) and not to Southern California (earthquakes). Indianapolis or Chicago would be fine. My youngest prefers Orlando’s proximity to Disney World.”
130. Resume: “I have a lifetime’s worth of technical expertise (I wasn’t born – my mother simply chose ‘eject child’ from the special menu.”
131. Resume: “Spent several years in the United States Navel Reserve.”
132. Qualifications: “I have extensive experience with foreign accents.”
133. “I am fully aware of the king of attention this position requires.”
134. References: “Please do not contact my immediate supervisor at the company. My colleagues will give me a better reference.”
135. “Worked in a consulting office where I carried out my own accountant.”
136. Accomplishments: “My contributions on product launches were based on dreams that I had.”
137. Career: “I have worked with restraints for the past two years.”
138. Experience: “My father is a computer programmer, so I have 15 years of computer experience.”
139. Education: “I have a bachelorette degree in computers.”

JobMob Top 10

1. Application: How large was the department you worked in with your last company? “A: 3 stories.”
2. A resume listed a skill as “being bi-lingual in three languages”
3. Background: “28 dog years of experience in sales (four human).”
4. In the section that read “Emergency Contact Number” she wrote “911.”
5. Candidate drew a picture of a car on the outside of the envelope and said it was the hiring manager’s gift.
6. Languages: “Fluent in English. Also I have been heard muttering Gibberish in my sleep.”
7. “Directed $25 million anal shipping and receiving operations.”
8. On one of our applications, a girl wrote ” I’m 16, I’m pregnant and I can do anything.” At the same time she turned in her application, her boyfriend handed in his. On his: “Felony for breaking and entering.”
9. “One candidate included clipart on their resume of two cartoons shaking hands.”
10. Application: “On the line that asked what “sex” he was, he wrote “occassionally”.”

To view original article CLICK HERE (yes there are only 149)

Making it Big Monday

Building a Personal Business Portfolio to Help Market You!

A portfolio is an excellent way to package a product, and you are the product! It will give future or current employers proof of you, your skills and abilities (what you bring to the table). Your portfolio will be made up of a sampling of artifacts which may be included on the list below:

Mandatory Entries

·        Table of Contents/Organization scheme - this will allow you to be organized during an interview. If you need a letter of reference for your interviewer, it's easy to access and will make you look much more organized
·         Résumé and Cover Letter and a Business Card - even if you have sent your résumé and cover letter via email, always bring a spare copy along for your interviewer. You can never be too prepared and you don't know if the interviewer misplaced or couldn't print off your information

Optional Entries

·         Degrees/Diplomas/Awards
·         Letters of Recommendation/References
·         Transcripts
·         Projects
·         Professional memberships
·         Community Service/Volunteer

Showcase Guidelines
·         Include an introduction and table of contents
·        Use a professional binder/ portfolio that is clean and well maintained
·         Be creative
·         Don’t punch holes in your documents
·        Have photocopies of your documents to leave with the employer
·         Use quality paper and captions to enhance the contents
·         Create all text on computer - don’t use too many font styles
·         Tailor your portfolio so it includes only relevant information to the opportunity you are seeking

Choose samples that show you in the best light. A portfolio is always a work in progress so the more you know about how to grow and maintain your portfolio the better off you will be.

Fun Fact Friday

Job Search Blunders, Bloopers and Bungles

A client recently asked me to read over her resume for her and about half way down the page I spotted a typo. She was of course aghast and commented that it must have been there for six months! Whenever you write a resume or cover letter triple check it, then read it backwards from the bottom of the page to the top.
This can help you from making one of the classic mistakes that HR professionals and hiring managers see all the time during the recruiting process. And they love to share their favourites:

Resumes Blunders:
◦ Instrumental in ruining an entire operation for a Midwest chain operation.
(It’s amazing what one letter can do to a word? Spell checking wouldn’t catch this. Ask someone objective to read your documents. Also, this accomplishment is missing the action step, in other words, how did you achieve the result.)
◦ I’m a rabid typist.
(Not only is this a typo, but you don’t need to use ‘I’ in a resume; ‘I’ is assumed.)
◦ Develop and recommend an annual operating expense fudget.
(Kind of a fun play on words actually)
◦ Work experience: Dealing with customers’ conflicts that arouse.
(What about the ones that weren’t so stimulating?)
◦ Education: College, August 1880- May 1984.
(How old are you? Plus, you needn’t mention the months you attended school or the start year, the graduation year is sufficient)
◦ Under personal interests: Donating blood, 14 gallons so far.
(This sounds a little creepy, stick to reading, gardening, travel and volunteer work.)
◦ I was proud to win the Gregg Typting Award.
(I wonder how the losers made out)
◦ Here are my qualifications to overlook.
(Consider it done)
◦ Qualifications: I am a man filled with passion and integrity, and I can act on short notice. I’m a class act and don’t come cheap.
(The qualities in the first sentence are not congruent with one another – passion and acting on short notice should be two separate points ; I won’t dignify the second sentence with a comment.)

Cover Letter Bloopers◦ I am extremely loyal to my present firm, so please don’t let them know of my immediate availability.
(Mention your availability in the interview, not the cover letter. Oh, and look up the word ‘loyal’ in the dictionary.)
◦ I intentionally omitted my salary history. I’ve made money and lost money. I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. I prefer being rich.
(When addressing the salary issue in a cover letter, mention your salary is negotiable or that you expect the industry standard. If you feel you have to mention a figure, give a range and mention if it includes benefits in or not.)
◦ Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping.’ I have never quit a job.
(That’s good news, phew! Getting fired is sooo much better. It is only necessary to list jobs that go back 10-15 years maximum.)
◦ While I am open to the initial nature of an assignment, I am decidedly disposed that it be so oriented as to at least partially incorporate the experience enjoyed therefore and that it be configured so as to ultimately lead to the application of more rarefied facets of financial management as the major sphere of responsibility.
(If you wouldn’t – or couldn’t possibly – say this out loud, don’t write it on paper.)

Interview Bungles: Reasons for leaving the last job
◦ Responsibility makes me nervous.
(You might not want to mention that as a weakness either.)
◦ They insisted that all employees get to work by 8:45 every morning. Couldn’t work under those conditions.
(That’s inhumane! We’ll be happy to support your sleeping in, by not hiring you. If it is flex time that you need or time in lieu, present what you want, not what you don’t want.)
◦ I’ve been working for my mom and she decided to leave the company. (So, you left too? Would we also be obliged to hire your mom to get you to work here?)
◦ They didn’t allow me to surf the web as often as I’d like to. They weren’t very nice about it either.
(A company computer is a tool in which to execute ones’ work, it is not a personal toy. You have to work within the policies of your employer – or go someplace else.)
◦ The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.
(Do not mention anything negative about a previous employer, whether or not you think they were in the wrong. Plus when you’re the ’scapegoat’ for four jobs in a row, it suggests a pattern where you might actually be the problem.)

The job search process puts you out there in front of people with the written word, voice mail or face to face in an interview. You have lots of chances to slip up along the way, so take your time, triple check your work, think before you answer questions and get other peoples’ help reviewing your work as often as you can.

To view original article CLICK HERE

Tip of the Day

Make your resume the best it can be!

1. Join a club - This shows you are well-rounded and socially adept. Having a presence within your school community also important for networking and making long lasting connections.
   
2. Be a leader - Volunteer in leadership rolls because employers seek leadership skills
3. Plan an event - This shows employers your innovation, organizational skills and that your self driven
   
4. Complete an internship - This is one of the best ways to obtain those essential skills for the workplace after graduation
   

A.N

Resume & Interview Tips

Resume Tips:

- Stay away from templates, employers will know plus they are very difficult to change
- Research different resume formats ( Chronological, functional, combination and find out when to use them
- Do use action verbs
- Have others read it
- Do not use the pronoun I’
- Do not use weak words
- Do not provide a job description
- Do not rely on spell check

Interview Tips:

- Know yourself and know what you want
- Know your resume and have examples
- Bring extra copies of your resume
- Research the company
- Have questions prepared
- Dress for success
- Follow up with a thank you (e-mail, thank you card, letter)

For further information on Resume and Interview Tips come in and see one of our Career Advisors. Practice makes perfect!

Electronic Resume?

Has anyone ever forgot to attach their resume to an e-mail or made a mistake in your cover letter but did not notice till later.....after you sent it? If anyone answered yes to either questions check out the links below, or come on in for a mini workshop with one of our great staff members. They can help you effectively send your resume and cover letter by e-mail.

Prepare Your Resume for Email and Online Posting - http://www.rileyguide.com/eresume.html

Resume Tips for New Graduates - http://www.gradresumes.com/blog/2007/email-attachments-when-you-send-your-resume-electronically-dos-and-no-nos.html