Archive for September, 2007
10 Tips for Writing a Good Resume
Writing a good resume takes time, patience and a willingness to revise, rework and edit. There are also ten basic tips for writing a good resume that are simple, easy to follow and important in the final product. By following these ten tips for writing a good resume you can be assured that your resume will be noticed and reviewed by employers.
1. Make the resume look appealing to the reader. While this may seem straight forward, most resumes are cramped, difficult to read, overflowing with detail and illogical in their development.
2. Keep to the basics. Don’t add a bunch of information that is not relevant to the position you are apply for. Most resumes are designed for a blanket type application; this often means that you are unable to highlight the specific skills that match this one job. Writing a good resume may mean changing your resume slightly for each application, rather than just changing the covering letter.
3. Have an interesting, factual and informative covering letter. Specify your qualifications, education and experience without just summarizing the whole resume. The covering letter should lead the employer to want to read the whole resume.
4. Use white space as much as text. White space can break up the points, help to highlight information, and make the resume easy to read and stylish without all the additional lines, shading and graphics seen on some contemporary types of resumes.
5. Double check spelling and grammar; then check again. There is nothing worse or worse looking than spelling something wrong on your resume or covering letter. This includes the employers name, business name or any other information.
6. Never use technical jargon or any type of industry or local slang on a resume. You have been a manager, not a boss.
7. Use bullets and phrases to minimize the amount of reading required by the employer. Shorten to the minimum number of words while still giving a clear picture.
8. Writing a good resume includes doing a bit of research on the company. By knowing some of the company mission statements or goals you can incorporate these into your resume if possible.
9. Use a plain, typeface font, never a decorative or whimsical font. This can send the wrong message or decrease the readability of the resume.
10. Avoid making your resume too long. Two pages is considered a good maximum, but for professionals that have extensive experience this may simply not be enough room. Writing a good resume is more focused on the need to provide relevant information rather than a specific page number.
Using the above 10 tips will help with writing a good resume. There is additional information on the internet, in books, or even through resume service to help you develop a resume you can be proud of. Bring your career to the next level.
By: John Moore
About the Author:
1. Make the resume look appealing to the reader. While this may seem straight forward, most resumes are cramped, difficult to read, overflowing with detail and illogical in their development.
2. Keep to the basics. Don’t add a bunch of information that is not relevant to the position you are apply for. Most resumes are designed for a blanket type application; this often means that you are unable to highlight the specific skills that match this one job. Writing a good resume may mean changing your resume slightly for each application, rather than just changing the covering letter.
3. Have an interesting, factual and informative covering letter. Specify your qualifications, education and experience without just summarizing the whole resume. The covering letter should lead the employer to want to read the whole resume.
4. Use white space as much as text. White space can break up the points, help to highlight information, and make the resume easy to read and stylish without all the additional lines, shading and graphics seen on some contemporary types of resumes.
5. Double check spelling and grammar; then check again. There is nothing worse or worse looking than spelling something wrong on your resume or covering letter. This includes the employers name, business name or any other information.
6. Never use technical jargon or any type of industry or local slang on a resume. You have been a manager, not a boss.
7. Use bullets and phrases to minimize the amount of reading required by the employer. Shorten to the minimum number of words while still giving a clear picture.
8. Writing a good resume includes doing a bit of research on the company. By knowing some of the company mission statements or goals you can incorporate these into your resume if possible.
9. Use a plain, typeface font, never a decorative or whimsical font. This can send the wrong message or decrease the readability of the resume.
10. Avoid making your resume too long. Two pages is considered a good maximum, but for professionals that have extensive experience this may simply not be enough room. Writing a good resume is more focused on the need to provide relevant information rather than a specific page number.
Using the above 10 tips will help with writing a good resume. There is additional information on the internet, in books, or even through resume service to help you develop a resume you can be proud of. Bring your career to the next level.
By: John Moore
About the Author:
Get more information about employment and how to write a resume.
Resume Makeover Tips: Some Simply Effective Ideas
Your resume is the key to getting into those great interviews and, ultimately, getting the job. So what types of things do we all need to look out for when preparing or reviewing our resume? Included in this article are some of the most important tips a person can receive according to a few acquaintances in corporate human resources departments.
The first thing an individual should do once they begin the resume review process is to make sure there are no spelling errors! Yes, this seems obvious, but have you really looked it over thoroughly with your naked eye and not just the word processor’s spell check? You would be surprised how many things the spell check option will miss when solely depending on it as your ‘editor’. This is one of the most important things as it says a lot if a person does not spell correctly and/or tends to overlook the typos. Would you like to hire that person if you had 100 prospects for one job?
After the spell check has been completed and any errors have been corrected, start getting rid of the extra words such as “I” or “me” and just give the prospective what they want: a solid resume that is to the point. All the extra stuff does nothing but aggravate as this, too, is a sign that a person is not thinking about the potential employer or reader, but only about themselves. The employers just want the resume to get to the point as they are quite busy and do not have much time to look into each specific detail about your past history.
Speaking of history, one thing that is surprisingly common is for resumes to be in chronological order. The first job the interviewee ever had is, you got it, on the very top of the resume. Why? The only reason I am told is for a more functional resume for when a person is going into a completely different field and wants to show their consolidated experience in blocks. So the most recent employer/job should almost always be at the very top. The next tip I have received is, again, simplifying the resume for the reader. Only this time it is about getting rid of those extra statements that only the interviewee believes makes a difference at all. Rather than putting out a resume that looks a lot like this article with a lot of words jumbled together, shorten sentences and create bullet points in order to get to the point. Bold, italics and underlining should all be used sparingly and mainly for headings as too much can rally create a sense of ‘overdoing’ it and it can also aggravate the employer. Yes, they are aware that you really want this job, so show them what you have done to deserve it.
Finally, read your resume to yourself as if you were reading it to the potential employers themselves. Does all of this sound like something you would love to listen to if you were the employer? Does it keep you on the edge of your seat or just kind of leave you in a slightly lethargic state? If it is going to be simply about your past jobs and you know there are others waiting for the same interview, be the considerate one. Get to the point and let them decide based on your resume and who you are in person. They will already be able to tell a lot about you in the room during the interview just through your actions, so you won’t need to describe any of this in your resume. I hope these tips I have received were a little helpful if not more in giving you some helpful ideas on how to improve your resume today.
By: S. Michael Windsor
About the Author:
The first thing an individual should do once they begin the resume review process is to make sure there are no spelling errors! Yes, this seems obvious, but have you really looked it over thoroughly with your naked eye and not just the word processor’s spell check? You would be surprised how many things the spell check option will miss when solely depending on it as your ‘editor’. This is one of the most important things as it says a lot if a person does not spell correctly and/or tends to overlook the typos. Would you like to hire that person if you had 100 prospects for one job?
After the spell check has been completed and any errors have been corrected, start getting rid of the extra words such as “I” or “me” and just give the prospective what they want: a solid resume that is to the point. All the extra stuff does nothing but aggravate as this, too, is a sign that a person is not thinking about the potential employer or reader, but only about themselves. The employers just want the resume to get to the point as they are quite busy and do not have much time to look into each specific detail about your past history.
Speaking of history, one thing that is surprisingly common is for resumes to be in chronological order. The first job the interviewee ever had is, you got it, on the very top of the resume. Why? The only reason I am told is for a more functional resume for when a person is going into a completely different field and wants to show their consolidated experience in blocks. So the most recent employer/job should almost always be at the very top. The next tip I have received is, again, simplifying the resume for the reader. Only this time it is about getting rid of those extra statements that only the interviewee believes makes a difference at all. Rather than putting out a resume that looks a lot like this article with a lot of words jumbled together, shorten sentences and create bullet points in order to get to the point. Bold, italics and underlining should all be used sparingly and mainly for headings as too much can rally create a sense of ‘overdoing’ it and it can also aggravate the employer. Yes, they are aware that you really want this job, so show them what you have done to deserve it.
Finally, read your resume to yourself as if you were reading it to the potential employers themselves. Does all of this sound like something you would love to listen to if you were the employer? Does it keep you on the edge of your seat or just kind of leave you in a slightly lethargic state? If it is going to be simply about your past jobs and you know there are others waiting for the same interview, be the considerate one. Get to the point and let them decide based on your resume and who you are in person. They will already be able to tell a lot about you in the room during the interview just through your actions, so you won’t need to describe any of this in your resume. I hope these tips I have received were a little helpful if not more in giving you some helpful ideas on how to improve your resume today.
By: S. Michael Windsor
About the Author:
S. Michael Windsor is currently publisher and a writer for The Windsor Express Daily, which features daily exclusive articles based on improving the things which matter most in our daily lives. Visit us today at http://www.TheWindsorExpress.com and subscribe for free!
How to Close a High-Paying Job Deal… 5 Tips!
We all pray for that magic moment when we’re offered a job deal. But having an employer put a deal on the table and accepting a final job offer are two different things.
For example, is it the RIGHT deal? And is it the best you can do?
Here are some alternative job search tips to keep in mind as you approach a bonafide job offer.
1. Although you may think that an employer’s decision about you is based on your resume or your work history–it’s not. Employers could really care less about what you used to do for someone else. They’ll have an interest in you because they see you fitting in as a productive member of the team. This is what you want to probe and understand because this is where you have job deal leverage.
2. So, few job offers look exactly like the job description that may have attracted you to a job opportunity. In fact, as an employer gets to know you, the job deal itself is often tailored to accommodate strengths and capabilities that an employer has discovered in you as he/she has gotten to know you. This gives you the ability to help shape the job description to fit you goals.
3. Remember, if you can’t get past an “interview” relationship, you’ll never get a job deal. The reason for that is that an employer is going to hire you because they feel a connection to you that goes way beyond how well you answer interview questions. In short, the hiring decision-maker has to like you.
4. You accomplish this critical rapport and chemistry that’s absolutely essential to a job deal by taking the time to learn something about the goals of the organization and specifically what are the hot buttons of the decision-maker who could be your next boss. The better prepared you come to the table the more say you’ll have about how the job description can confirm to your own needs and the more leverage you’ll to negotiate the best possible job deal.
5. Everything is negotiable if you’ve built a solid communication base with the hiring decision-maker. This means not relying on your resume to sell you to him/her. It means, instead, coming forward with a proposal (preferably written) that demonstrates how you would deal with specific organizational issues and addressing the passion of the employer.
Now, if these ideas aren’t consistent with what you thought a job deal is all about, that’s because you’re still, thinking inside the box–specifically the old-fashioned 20th Century box. That’s the one where everything is contingent on well you’ve written your resume. Hey! . . . New century . . . new job market . . . new expectations! Better jump aboard the 21st Century alternative job search system and non-traditional career advancement approach!
By: Paul Megan
About the Author:
For example, is it the RIGHT deal? And is it the best you can do?
Here are some alternative job search tips to keep in mind as you approach a bonafide job offer.
1. Although you may think that an employer’s decision about you is based on your resume or your work history–it’s not. Employers could really care less about what you used to do for someone else. They’ll have an interest in you because they see you fitting in as a productive member of the team. This is what you want to probe and understand because this is where you have job deal leverage.
2. So, few job offers look exactly like the job description that may have attracted you to a job opportunity. In fact, as an employer gets to know you, the job deal itself is often tailored to accommodate strengths and capabilities that an employer has discovered in you as he/she has gotten to know you. This gives you the ability to help shape the job description to fit you goals.
3. Remember, if you can’t get past an “interview” relationship, you’ll never get a job deal. The reason for that is that an employer is going to hire you because they feel a connection to you that goes way beyond how well you answer interview questions. In short, the hiring decision-maker has to like you.
4. You accomplish this critical rapport and chemistry that’s absolutely essential to a job deal by taking the time to learn something about the goals of the organization and specifically what are the hot buttons of the decision-maker who could be your next boss. The better prepared you come to the table the more say you’ll have about how the job description can confirm to your own needs and the more leverage you’ll to negotiate the best possible job deal.
5. Everything is negotiable if you’ve built a solid communication base with the hiring decision-maker. This means not relying on your resume to sell you to him/her. It means, instead, coming forward with a proposal (preferably written) that demonstrates how you would deal with specific organizational issues and addressing the passion of the employer.
Now, if these ideas aren’t consistent with what you thought a job deal is all about, that’s because you’re still, thinking inside the box–specifically the old-fashioned 20th Century box. That’s the one where everything is contingent on well you’ve written your resume. Hey! . . . New century . . . new job market . . . new expectations! Better jump aboard the 21st Century alternative job search system and non-traditional career advancement approach!
By: Paul Megan
About the Author:
Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: “How To Find A Job In As Little As 14 Days!” Click on RSS for instant info! http://www.fastest-job-search.com
Interview Tips for Job Seekers in Chichester, West Sussex
Interview Tips to help you get that perfect job in Chichester
This article is designed to help people find jobs in Chichester or to find a new job near Chichester. With the job market now more competitive than ever, you need to give employers every reason to pick you when you get to the important stage of being invited for a job interview. The first 30 seconds of a job interview are very important. Here are a few helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your job interview.
Job Interview checklist
Make sure you double check the time, date and location of your job interview
Plan your route the day before, eg if you are being interviewed for a job in Chichester you could get a route map from google maps so you can pin point the place to be before hand, or even make a trip there the day before to avoid any stress on the day
Research the job and company before the interview, a few minutes spent typing the company’s name into Google will be time very well spent. Read the company’s about us page and any news articles you can find. Your interviewer will be impressed if you have some understanding of the company and its background
Re read through the job advertisement on allChichesterJobs to remind yourself what the job involves and what the recruiter is looking for
Re read through your CV and have a good think about exactly why you think you’d be good for this job
Look Good, Feel Better
Rightly or wrongly, looks can make a difference, be smart and look professional. Think about the company you are applying to – how do your potential future colleagues dress for work? If you already look the part then you’re on the way to fitting in at your desired new job!
Be on time!
Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure you’re prepared. Aim to arrive 20-25 minutes before your interview time, that way if your bus is late or you get stuck in traffic you’ll still arrive on time. If you arrive early, you could wait nearby at a cafe or have a short walk round the area thinking about what you plan to say in your interview. Aim to report to reception exactly 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
Look them in the eyes and smile
Eye contact is one of the most important aspects while on your interview and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you are viewed as lacking confidence or not interested or being dishonest. So always answer the question with eye contact, and without glaring.
Be enthusiastic and positive
During your job interview always be enthusiastic. Do not be negative or mention any bad points about previous employers. Focus on positive achievements and views, always smile and be attentive.
What not to do in your job interview
As well as preparing for what you should do on a job interview, whether it’s a part time job in Chichester or that perfect next step on the career ladder, it is just as important that you know what not to do.
Don’t be late!
Don’t swear or use slang words.
Don’t slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested.
Don’t lie! The interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out.
Don’t let your nerves show too much. It is normal to be nervous, but you can’t let your nerves take over, as this will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it’s not a life and death situation; there are plenty of jobs on allChichesterJobs.com!
Don’t be arrogant and assume you’ve got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident.
Don’t read from notes or your CV. You should be familiar enough with your own history to be able to talk about it unprompted.
Don’t argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!
Top 4 questions asked at job interviews
1. Describe your strengths
It is almost guaranteed that on most job interviews you will be asked what you think your strengths are (and sometimes what you think your weaknesses / ‘development areas’ are too). You want to leave a positive impression in mind, so you will need to show that you are in the process of overcoming your weaknesses. Once thing is for sure, you need to have thought about this common interview question in advance so you know roughly what you will answer when asked it.
2. Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects, that have attracted you to applying for this job.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, logical skills, etc.
3. What can you contribute to this job vacancy?
This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous work that are relevant to the new position you are applying for.
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These may not endear you to a prospective employer. Stress opportunities for personal growth and new challenges.
Finally, don’t give up your job hunt!
The fact is that you may not be offered every job, however perfect you think you may be for it.
If you do not get the job after an interview it is a good idea to run through the interview with someone and try to help them to identify any areas where you could have done better. There will be other opportunities in time and any failed interviews should be looked upon as part of a learning process.
Don’t forget that performing well at an interview is a skill and it can be learnt and improved with help and practice. There are plenty of jobs in and around Chichester – the main thing is to find the right one for you!
We wish you the best of luck with you job hunting!
By: Louisa Anderson
About the Author:
This article is designed to help people find jobs in Chichester or to find a new job near Chichester. With the job market now more competitive than ever, you need to give employers every reason to pick you when you get to the important stage of being invited for a job interview. The first 30 seconds of a job interview are very important. Here are a few helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your job interview.
Job Interview checklist
Make sure you double check the time, date and location of your job interview
Plan your route the day before, eg if you are being interviewed for a job in Chichester you could get a route map from google maps so you can pin point the place to be before hand, or even make a trip there the day before to avoid any stress on the day
Research the job and company before the interview, a few minutes spent typing the company’s name into Google will be time very well spent. Read the company’s about us page and any news articles you can find. Your interviewer will be impressed if you have some understanding of the company and its background
Re read through the job advertisement on allChichesterJobs to remind yourself what the job involves and what the recruiter is looking for
Re read through your CV and have a good think about exactly why you think you’d be good for this job
Look Good, Feel Better
Rightly or wrongly, looks can make a difference, be smart and look professional. Think about the company you are applying to – how do your potential future colleagues dress for work? If you already look the part then you’re on the way to fitting in at your desired new job!
Be on time!
Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure you’re prepared. Aim to arrive 20-25 minutes before your interview time, that way if your bus is late or you get stuck in traffic you’ll still arrive on time. If you arrive early, you could wait nearby at a cafe or have a short walk round the area thinking about what you plan to say in your interview. Aim to report to reception exactly 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
Look them in the eyes and smile
Eye contact is one of the most important aspects while on your interview and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you are viewed as lacking confidence or not interested or being dishonest. So always answer the question with eye contact, and without glaring.
Be enthusiastic and positive
During your job interview always be enthusiastic. Do not be negative or mention any bad points about previous employers. Focus on positive achievements and views, always smile and be attentive.
What not to do in your job interview
As well as preparing for what you should do on a job interview, whether it’s a part time job in Chichester or that perfect next step on the career ladder, it is just as important that you know what not to do.
Don’t be late!
Don’t swear or use slang words.
Don’t slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested.
Don’t lie! The interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out.
Don’t let your nerves show too much. It is normal to be nervous, but you can’t let your nerves take over, as this will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it’s not a life and death situation; there are plenty of jobs on allChichesterJobs.com!
Don’t be arrogant and assume you’ve got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident.
Don’t read from notes or your CV. You should be familiar enough with your own history to be able to talk about it unprompted.
Don’t argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!
Top 4 questions asked at job interviews
1. Describe your strengths
It is almost guaranteed that on most job interviews you will be asked what you think your strengths are (and sometimes what you think your weaknesses / ‘development areas’ are too). You want to leave a positive impression in mind, so you will need to show that you are in the process of overcoming your weaknesses. Once thing is for sure, you need to have thought about this common interview question in advance so you know roughly what you will answer when asked it.
2. Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects, that have attracted you to applying for this job.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, logical skills, etc.
3. What can you contribute to this job vacancy?
This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous work that are relevant to the new position you are applying for.
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These may not endear you to a prospective employer. Stress opportunities for personal growth and new challenges.
Finally, don’t give up your job hunt!
The fact is that you may not be offered every job, however perfect you think you may be for it.
If you do not get the job after an interview it is a good idea to run through the interview with someone and try to help them to identify any areas where you could have done better. There will be other opportunities in time and any failed interviews should be looked upon as part of a learning process.
Don’t forget that performing well at an interview is a skill and it can be learnt and improved with help and practice. There are plenty of jobs in and around Chichester – the main thing is to find the right one for you!
We wish you the best of luck with you job hunting!
By: Louisa Anderson
About the Author:
Louisa Anderson is a recruitment expert having worked as a recruitment consultant for 12 years, she is Content Editor for All Chichester Jobs and Brighton Job Search and All Worthing Jobs
Five Essential Resume Tips
Writing a resume can be a daunting task. It’s such a vital part of your toolkit in moving you up to the next level in your career. Here are five essential resume writing tips.
Resume Tip 1
Your resume and cover letter are the first items that will reach an employer’s desk. Therefore, you want them to best reflect you as an applicant and you want them to best reflect you as an applicant. It’s not just the words on the page, its the presentation of those words too. Always print your resume on good quality paper with an easy to read font of at least size 10 and preferably size 12. Always use blank ink, even for headings. Spelling or grammatical errors show a future employer that you are willing to send in sloppy work so keep it neat.
Resume Tip 2
Include all your accomplishments no matter how small. Include the details of the relevant jobs you have done in the past. You should present your work experience in a chronologically descending order i.e. the last company first. This should include the name of the company, your designation and tenure followed by your job responsibilities and achievements.
Resume Tip 3
Employers want to know what you can do for them in language that they will understand and appreciate. This is what the concept of transferability of skills is all about. Employers often receive more than 100 resumes each day; they skim each of these in 7 to 15 seconds. If they see unrelated job titles or skills the likelihood is very high that they will make an immediate assumption that you are not qualified for the job you want.
Resume Tip 4
Remember to see your resume as a marketing tool. Your resume is your personal testament that you are the right person for the job. Remember that your resume is your way of selling yourself to your potential employer. Thus, your resume should have enough substance about your educational attainment, your work skills, any work experience, and what you hope to achieve in this job you are applying for to impress your employer that you are THE candidate for the job.
Resume Tip 5
Accomplishments are probably the most important things you can list on a resume. This is true regardless of how old you are or how much experience you have. Accomplishments are a critical aspect of your resume. Your accomplishments distinguish you from your competitors in the job-search process.
By: Ed Baker
About the Author:
Resume Tip 1
Your resume and cover letter are the first items that will reach an employer’s desk. Therefore, you want them to best reflect you as an applicant and you want them to best reflect you as an applicant. It’s not just the words on the page, its the presentation of those words too. Always print your resume on good quality paper with an easy to read font of at least size 10 and preferably size 12. Always use blank ink, even for headings. Spelling or grammatical errors show a future employer that you are willing to send in sloppy work so keep it neat.
Resume Tip 2
Include all your accomplishments no matter how small. Include the details of the relevant jobs you have done in the past. You should present your work experience in a chronologically descending order i.e. the last company first. This should include the name of the company, your designation and tenure followed by your job responsibilities and achievements.
Resume Tip 3
Employers want to know what you can do for them in language that they will understand and appreciate. This is what the concept of transferability of skills is all about. Employers often receive more than 100 resumes each day; they skim each of these in 7 to 15 seconds. If they see unrelated job titles or skills the likelihood is very high that they will make an immediate assumption that you are not qualified for the job you want.
Resume Tip 4
Remember to see your resume as a marketing tool. Your resume is your personal testament that you are the right person for the job. Remember that your resume is your way of selling yourself to your potential employer. Thus, your resume should have enough substance about your educational attainment, your work skills, any work experience, and what you hope to achieve in this job you are applying for to impress your employer that you are THE candidate for the job.
Resume Tip 5
Accomplishments are probably the most important things you can list on a resume. This is true regardless of how old you are or how much experience you have. Accomplishments are a critical aspect of your resume. Your accomplishments distinguish you from your competitors in the job-search process.
By: Ed Baker
About the Author:
To discover how to create your own stunning resume visit us at resume tips
Salary Negotiation Power Tips
As a former Manager I can tell you that money is the most sensitive issue in the whole hiring process. It’s sensitive for both prospective employer and job applicants. Handled correctly, both employer and applicant can come to an amicable figure. Here are eight ways I found that make the process of salary negotiation more efficient.
All of these are from the applicant’s point of view but will serve employers as well because the applicant will be well prepared for the process.
1) Do Your Research.
Before the actual interview, contact the professional organization that represents your field or career. They should be able to provide you with salary information based upon averages for particular job functions. With that information you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember to deduct 25% for taxes from your expected salary range. This will give you a realistic idea of net earnings on paydays.
2) Determine what your skills are worth.
You should understand that different segments of the economy do not pay the same rate. You may need a variety of skills depending on the job location that may not be required in another locale. Your career, if practiced in California, may command a higher salary than if you were employed in Ohio. The California position may also require a greater variety of skills than that in Ohio.
Employers also tend to set salaries based upon local economic conditions such as cost-of-living in the particular community. Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.
3) Be realistic with your salary range.
In stating your salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. Always tell the truth when it comes to salary history. It is acceptable to ask for an increase above your current salary but keep it within the range you discovered during your research.
4) Weigh the company’s compensation package.
To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.
Many companies offer tax exempt perks in place of money. These can range from a company car to a company cell phone. Perks run the gamut and they are worth real money to you because you will not have to pay for perks out-of-pocket.
5) Sell yourself.
If you have done your research on the company and the job description, you should know what you could offer the company that requires a larger salary but never say it directly. Sell yourself discreetly. The interviewer should see your value and realize that a better salary offer is in order.
6) Have a positive attitude
In negotiating, never appear confrontational or arrogant. This is not a game to be won. Be professional. Negotiation is basically a process which could benefit both parties. You win more of what you want by understanding the needs of the company and by playing to those needs. Be sure to point out how you can meet those needs. The employer needs to see you as a valuable, not costly, addition to the staff. The employer is not looking at how much they have to pay you as much as how you can contribute to company profitability.
7) The final offer.
Be aware when the negotiation process is done. Pushing further, when a deal has reached its maximum, could leave a negative first impression. You want to leave on a high note.
Show what you are made of.
Getting the job is only the first step toward gaining greater compensation. Once you are hired, offer extra skills to the company and prove you are worth more by doing quality work. This attitude is what promotions are based upon. Promotions mean greater compensation in the long run. At the very least you will be confident enough to ask for a greater raise that the norm when evaluations take place.
Finally, here is an important fact: A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that four out of five employers are willing to negotiate compensation.
I hope you use these tips wisely and prosper!
Jim DeSantis
By: Jim DeSantis
About the Author:
All of these are from the applicant’s point of view but will serve employers as well because the applicant will be well prepared for the process.
1) Do Your Research.
Before the actual interview, contact the professional organization that represents your field or career. They should be able to provide you with salary information based upon averages for particular job functions. With that information you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember to deduct 25% for taxes from your expected salary range. This will give you a realistic idea of net earnings on paydays.
2) Determine what your skills are worth.
You should understand that different segments of the economy do not pay the same rate. You may need a variety of skills depending on the job location that may not be required in another locale. Your career, if practiced in California, may command a higher salary than if you were employed in Ohio. The California position may also require a greater variety of skills than that in Ohio.
Employers also tend to set salaries based upon local economic conditions such as cost-of-living in the particular community. Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.
3) Be realistic with your salary range.
In stating your salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. Always tell the truth when it comes to salary history. It is acceptable to ask for an increase above your current salary but keep it within the range you discovered during your research.
4) Weigh the company’s compensation package.
To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.
Many companies offer tax exempt perks in place of money. These can range from a company car to a company cell phone. Perks run the gamut and they are worth real money to you because you will not have to pay for perks out-of-pocket.
5) Sell yourself.
If you have done your research on the company and the job description, you should know what you could offer the company that requires a larger salary but never say it directly. Sell yourself discreetly. The interviewer should see your value and realize that a better salary offer is in order.
6) Have a positive attitude
In negotiating, never appear confrontational or arrogant. This is not a game to be won. Be professional. Negotiation is basically a process which could benefit both parties. You win more of what you want by understanding the needs of the company and by playing to those needs. Be sure to point out how you can meet those needs. The employer needs to see you as a valuable, not costly, addition to the staff. The employer is not looking at how much they have to pay you as much as how you can contribute to company profitability.
7) The final offer.
Be aware when the negotiation process is done. Pushing further, when a deal has reached its maximum, could leave a negative first impression. You want to leave on a high note.
Show what you are made of.Getting the job is only the first step toward gaining greater compensation. Once you are hired, offer extra skills to the company and prove you are worth more by doing quality work. This attitude is what promotions are based upon. Promotions mean greater compensation in the long run. At the very least you will be confident enough to ask for a greater raise that the norm when evaluations take place.
Finally, here is an important fact: A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that four out of five employers are willing to negotiate compensation.
I hope you use these tips wisely and prosper!
Jim DeSantis
By: Jim DeSantis
About the Author:
For more great tips like this, visit Jim’s Workplace Blog. For eBooks to help in your job search, visit Jim’s eBooks Library.
Attractive Attachments: A Cover Letter Tip Package
Many people do a lot of research on what goes into an effective cover letter. They find the best formats that are not only easy on the eyes, but are easy to type and print as well. They look for the best words that can give the letter the most positive air, without making it appear too overbearing or trite. They advocate using the best paper, the best ink, and signing the letter with the best signature you can make.
A cover letter, however, is nothing without the elements that turn it into a professional package. It has to be brief, with simple, direct language that attracts attention. It has to be personalized: it must address a specific person, and it should be signed personally, by the person making the job application. It has to be neat, and it has to be accompanied by what the employer desires – and more.
What more can you add to an already well-crafted cover letter? First, do not be afraid to add a post-script, or the P.S. Although this may seem unprofessional, research shows that it is actually attention getting: the P.S. can force prospective employers, already busy with other letters, to take a look at the bottom of your letter even if they have not skimmed or read your letter first.
Because the P.S. calls so much attention to itself, you might want to place all the important information there. Tell the prospective employer that you are available for a job interview; indicate where and when you can be contacted, and provide all your contact information, including a valid email address. Do not crowd so much information into the P.S., however, as this can make your letter appear cluttered, and you can appear more desperate than you really are.
You might also want to add attachments to your cover letter and resume, even if the prospective employer did not ask for them. There are only two things that can happen: either your prospective employer will throw them away, or he or she can examine them in greater detail. Force the latter possibility by printing out important documents on high quality paper, or providing high resolution images of your work, depending on what job you are applying for.
If you are applying to be a writer, add writing samples, and, if possible, show your versatility in both fiction and non-fiction. If you have already published your work, give high-resolution photocopies straight from the magazine, journal, newspaper, or book in which your work appeared. Provide contact information of editors or bosses who helped you in your previous writing gigs.
If you are a web designer or graphic designer, you will need to show the most attractive parts of your portfolio. Provide a hard copy of your works printed out on high quality paper, with high quality ink; and give a CD copy of your works. You can also provide URL information for sites that you designed or contributed designs to. As in the advice for writers, provide contact information of your clients who can attest to your qualifications as a designer.
If you are applying to be a nurse or doctor, attach photocopies of certificates of workshops that you have attended. These can show that you are willing to learn new things, and that you are always seeking to improve your craft.
No matter what position you are applying for, make your cover letter great, and follow the tips in this cover letter tip package. Always show how passionate you are about the job, without looking desperate or childish. Show how well you know the job, and how enthusiastic you are for an interview. If you can convey all your emotions in a brief, powerful letter, you may soon write your own cover tip package for people who need your expertise for their own forays into job seeking!
By: Mario Churchill
About the Author:
A cover letter, however, is nothing without the elements that turn it into a professional package. It has to be brief, with simple, direct language that attracts attention. It has to be personalized: it must address a specific person, and it should be signed personally, by the person making the job application. It has to be neat, and it has to be accompanied by what the employer desires – and more.
What more can you add to an already well-crafted cover letter? First, do not be afraid to add a post-script, or the P.S. Although this may seem unprofessional, research shows that it is actually attention getting: the P.S. can force prospective employers, already busy with other letters, to take a look at the bottom of your letter even if they have not skimmed or read your letter first.
Because the P.S. calls so much attention to itself, you might want to place all the important information there. Tell the prospective employer that you are available for a job interview; indicate where and when you can be contacted, and provide all your contact information, including a valid email address. Do not crowd so much information into the P.S., however, as this can make your letter appear cluttered, and you can appear more desperate than you really are.
You might also want to add attachments to your cover letter and resume, even if the prospective employer did not ask for them. There are only two things that can happen: either your prospective employer will throw them away, or he or she can examine them in greater detail. Force the latter possibility by printing out important documents on high quality paper, or providing high resolution images of your work, depending on what job you are applying for.
If you are applying to be a writer, add writing samples, and, if possible, show your versatility in both fiction and non-fiction. If you have already published your work, give high-resolution photocopies straight from the magazine, journal, newspaper, or book in which your work appeared. Provide contact information of editors or bosses who helped you in your previous writing gigs.
If you are a web designer or graphic designer, you will need to show the most attractive parts of your portfolio. Provide a hard copy of your works printed out on high quality paper, with high quality ink; and give a CD copy of your works. You can also provide URL information for sites that you designed or contributed designs to. As in the advice for writers, provide contact information of your clients who can attest to your qualifications as a designer.
If you are applying to be a nurse or doctor, attach photocopies of certificates of workshops that you have attended. These can show that you are willing to learn new things, and that you are always seeking to improve your craft.
No matter what position you are applying for, make your cover letter great, and follow the tips in this cover letter tip package. Always show how passionate you are about the job, without looking desperate or childish. Show how well you know the job, and how enthusiastic you are for an interview. If you can convey all your emotions in a brief, powerful letter, you may soon write your own cover tip package for people who need your expertise for their own forays into job seeking!
By: Mario Churchill
About the Author:
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter tip checkout his recommended websites.
