Does anyone know of a good resume writing site?

Seeking employment. Looking for a professional resume writing company that is affordable and does great work. There seem to be a lot online, just not sure which one is the best for me. Any help will be appreciated.

How can I effectively job search without having to do it via the internet?

I saw a job search advice tips article an one of the things it warned about was that you can’t really effectively search for work online all the time. IT seems however, that all of the job listings are online. How do I go about finding ones available without being stuck behind my computer?

Are resume writing services worth the $$$? How do you know which ones are actually good companies?

I’m trying to reformat my resume in hopes to find a different job. The one I have right now sort of just looks like a laundry list of everything I’ve done. I’m wondering if it’s worth to invest money into a resume writing service, and if so, which one to choose. There’s so many out there on the internet and they talk about how some companies use the same templates over and over while others custom write. They also differ between using online questionaires and actual phone interviews to obtain information about you. In the end, is it just better to write it myself? I’m not confident I could get it to come out as well as a professional.

Ramp Up Your Career Plan . . . Target Your Next Boss!

No. Your career plan doesn’t include putting a hit on the person you may report to. But you can seriously ramp up your job search speed and get significantly better results by avoiding the old-fashioned methods and learning the exciting strategy of “targeting.”

The targeting strategy is done in two phases:

1. Identify organizations that match up with your personal employment interests and preference parameters:

geographical location preferences
company size
product or service preferences
business style or corporate culture
community and lifestyle considerations

2. Single out the appropriate hiring decision-maker within each organization of interest. You do this by

research corporate literature
online information through Google
business journals and directories
Who’s Who listings
company’s website
community, non-profit and specialized websites

The purpose of this important research is to identify the names of specific decision-makers that you could be reporting to. The reason for this is that these are the folks who will be making a hiring decision about you . . . not Human Resources or Personnel managers.

You want to find the best way to approach that person directly. You may do that by making a personal phone call, or writing a letter or email directly to that person. Do not ask for a job, but indicate your interest in the company because of some very specific contributions you can make based on your research. Indicate that a resume will follow and that you would like to follow up to see if a face-to-face meeting (not an interview) would be appropriate.

Perhaps the most powerful way to access the target is through people who might know him/her. For example, there are people in the community who are available to introduce you, e.g. religious leaders, neighbors, service and social club members, bankers, merchants, charitable and non-profit organizations, trade associations, etc. Getting a personal introduction from someone who knows your target is golden.

The best news of all is that there’s a proven job search system which can walk you through the process step-by-step and turn you into a winner is as little as 14 days!

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com

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! www.fastest-job-search.com

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Resume Writing?

Can you give me some useful tips for writing a resume. I am applying for secretarial/clerical positions. There are plenty of resume templates online. However, some of the templates are simply black and white, while others are vivid and colorful. Which one should I choose. The colorful ones are more appealing, but I want the person who is reading my resume to think that I am serious about the job.

Please comment, especially if you are a boss, or have been through a similar dilemma.

How to Apply for a Job Online

In an increasingly online marketplace, applying for jobs often means sending your resume and cover letter electronically. Some companies have online application forms right on their Websites. Here, you can choose the job you wish to apply for, plug your work experience, skills, and education into online fields, then submit this information with a single click of a button.

Online application forms differ from another and will require different information. For example, some companies ask that you “copy-and-paste” your resume and cover letter into two fields. Others ask that applicants fill in multiple fields such as “work experience,” “education,” etc. Still others ask that you do both-submit your resume and cover letter, and fill in fields that require the same employment-related information.

Whatever type of online application form a company might have, be sure that all your information is posted in one field or another. Don’t be afraid to repeat information, especially if the form requests a resume and a separate breakdown of your work history. Your information will be automatically uploaded into an online database, where hiring managers will likely scout for keywords. The more times your keywords come up, the better.

While some companies-especially large ones have online application forms, many others simply ask candidates to e-mail their application materials to the appropriate person or to a general employment address like “hiringmanager@anycompany.com.” Here, caution is warranted. Be sure to send your resume and cover letter exactly as the hiring manager requests. Some employers prefer that the resume and cover letter be attached as separate documents (usually in a Text Only format or as Microsoft Word documents). Other employers want the cover letter to be in the body of an e-mail, but the resume to be attached separately. Still others prefer that both the resume and the cover letter be pasted into the body of an e-mail. For the latter, be sure that your documents are easy to read. Resumes, which have a rather complicated format, often look messy when they are transplanted into the body of an e-mail. Says recruiter Beth Camp: “If you e-mail a resume, it has to look as good as a written resume. I would advise sending a resume both as an attachment and in the body of your e-mail.” This is a good way to sidestep a possible formatting fiasco. Another way is to send your resume and cover letter electronically, then to send hard copies as well.

Some jobseekers opt to purchase domain names and to create their own Websites for the purpose of putting their resumes (and other application materials) online. The advantage of formatting your resume using HTML and making it a static Web page is that anyone can see your resume in its proper format simply by visiting your Website. Thus, instead of mailing or e-mailing your resume every time you want someone to see it, you can simply give the interested parties the right web address and they can find it for themselves. An added bonus of having your resume on a Web page is that you may attract the interest of recruiters and employers whom you hadn’t even considered. To make downloading your resume easier, you may want to include on your Website copies of your resume in PDF (portable document format) and Microsoft Word files.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to putting your resume on a Website. One downside is that your information becomes accessible to everyone, even unwanted visitors. For this reason, you should never disclose your home address, social security number, or any other personal information. Another downside is that not all hiring managers will go out of their way to visit your Website. Even if your resume is only a click away, many hiring managers would nevertheless prefer that you mail or e-mail it.

In terms of how you send your application materials, it would be unwise to go against the explicit wishes of an employer. For example, don’t send an attachment when copy-and-pasting is requested. Some companies shun attachments because they fear getting a virus, or because they don’t have compatible software, or because they simply don’t want to be bothered with the extra step of opening a document.

When assembling your application materials and putting them into an e-mail, don’t fill in the “to” field until you are finished. It’s all too easy to accidentally send a half-finished e-mail to a company, thus eliminating your chances of making a decent first impression, and most likely, of getting an interview. If you were asked to copy-and-paste your resume and cover letter, be sure to scan the final outcome at least once for formatting problems, then to use a spell checker a final time.

If you are attaching your documents, be absolutely sure you are attaching the right versions (i.e., the company-tailored and updated versions) to the employer. Also, be sure that they are labeled in a professional way. One jobseeker laments his decision to save different versions of his resume under headings like “Resume for Strategic Sourcing Jobs.” Says the jobseeker: “I was applying for three different types of positions. But I didn’t want every prospective employer to know that. By labeling my outgoing resumes the way I did, I pretty much broadcasted the fact that I didn’t have a clear career direction.” Probably the best strategy for saving your resume is to do so under your name only (example: Simone Piette resume) or under your name and the name of the company (example: Greenfield resume from Simone Piette). Be sure to say in your e-mail what you have attached, and also, what software you’ve used. For example, you might say in the body of your e-mail: “Please see my attached resume in Microsoft Word version 2002.”

Before a hiring manager even opens your e-mail, she should know exactly who you are and which job you are applying for. In the “Subject” line, write your name, the position name (and job number, if listed), and the contents of your application (example, “Simone Piette resume and cover letter for Executive Assistant Position”).

If you’ve been referred to a position by another person, be sure to “cc” (carbon copy) or “bcc” (blind carbon copy) your reference when you apply. That is, add that person’s e-mail to the “cc” or “bcc” field, which will enable that person to receive an exact copy of the e-mail you’re sending to the hiring manager. The reason you want to “cc” or “bcc” your referrer is because you want to keep him in the loop. After all, if someone has offered to help you, he should know what stage you’re at in the application process. (Note: Some e-mail programs don’t offer “cc” or “bcc” fields, in which case you’ll want to e-mail your reference separately.)

Finally, be sure to save a copy of your outgoing e-mail in your “Sent Mail” folder, just in case the e-mail doesn’t go through and you need to send it again.

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Is there a professional resume writing service in the Nashville area?

I need to consult a service that specializes in writing top notch resumes. I have searched using Google and have not found anything. I need a resume written for an executive, professional, or C-level position. If there are online services (or even a free service) that do this, let me know that as well.

Resume Writing?

Can you give me some useful tips for writing a resume. I am applying for secretarial/clerical positions. There are plenty of resume templates online. However, some of the templates are simply black and white, while others are vivid and colorful. Which one should I choose. The colorful ones are more appealing, but I want the person who is reading my resume to think that I am serious about the job.

Please comment, especially if you are a boss, or have been through a similar dilemma.

How to Shorten Your Job Search

Searching for the right position requires focus and a great deal of targeted job searching. If you would like to find the right job for you in a highly targeted manner, then you need to follow certain steps that may take you out of your typical comfort zone.

The typical job seeker will usually decide that they have to find the jobs that are available- – the ones listed on on job boards, in the newspaper, etc. This is a comfortable path to follow; it’s one that we have tried over and over again. It has probably led us to the current position we occupy, or to the previous ones that were held.

If you’re searching for a position, or considering the possibility, wouldn’t you be interested in following a shorter path that will help you uncover the jobs that are available, and the ones that have yet to posted? Of course you would. If we can find ways to make the job search successful – - and shorter – - then all of us would be willing to follow a different path.

In this article, I will provide 3 important steps to follow to help you succeed within your job search, and help to make it a shorter process.

Step 1: Target the company
Make a decision which company aligns with your career interests, path, advancement, goals. Create a list that includes 5 or more companies that you believe match with your goals and background. How do you find these companies? Some may be drawn from your familiarity of the types of businesses and industries in your area (whether local or regional depending on your relocation desires). Some may be currently seeking resumes and have posted available positions. Do the necessary research to review your targeted companies’ background, objectives, position needs.

Step 2: Identify the business need
Using your list of targeted companies, use your research skills to identify the current and prevailing business need. For example, after researching a specific organization, I uncovered that the company had an extensive growth plan to be implemented over the course of five years. Through this company’s website, I was able to uncover a pdf. file that tracked the anticipated staffing needs to ensure the company reached it’s growth goals across the country. From this type of data, you can make general assumptions regarding how someone with your qualifications may fit in with a targeted company’s mission or goals. Through use of the internet, track down company press releases, events, financial information to get as much information as possible.

Step 2: Market yourself BEFORE sending your resume
How do you get into your targeted companies? In cases where the position you’re seeking has been advertised, you may be required to go through a screening-out process with the HR department. In this case, before you send your resume, contact the HR Manager, introduce yourself and your qualifications, and ask if it’s possible to review the company hiring process with you. Ask if the position is still available for interviews. Ask for an email address to send your resume (especially if they requested online applications in the job posting). Additionally, be sure to courteously speak with any administrative staff who handle or forward your calls – - introduce yourself, explain your interest in submitting your resume. Develop the relationship and increase your name recognition prior to submitting your resume. Even if there has not been an advertised position, you can follow the above steps.

These are three key steps which can provide much needed help to get you in front of the right person at your targeted company.

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Job Seekers Only Have One Chance to Make a Good First Impression

There’s little doubt that, if you want to get a great job, you need a great resume. You need to be able, in the matter of a page or two, show prospective employers that you’ve got what it takes to fill a position: the experience, the education, the talent and the drive.

As a result, many recent college graduates, many who are looking for a better position or who are looking to change careers, seek out resume help. For some, this means sitting down at the computer and searching for resume help online. For others, it means reading books. For others still, resume help involves going to a local career center or sitting down with someone who writes resumes for a living.

In a competitive job market, a great resume is essential. Your resume, after all, is the thing that will get you in the door for an interview; your resume will be the thing that makes an employer look and say, “You know, we ought to talk this person.”

Your resume gets prospective employers to look at you.

But, What Gets Employers To Look At Your Resume?

No matter how much work you put into creating a great resume, no matter how much resume help you receive, without a great resume cover letter, your resume may not be noticed. Your resume cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression with a prospective employer.

Within your resume cover letter, you will be able to introduce yourself. You’ll be able to use your cover letter to show your enthusiasm for the position. With your resume cover letter, you will be able to put a spark in the reader’s mind; you will be able to draw his or her interest and encourage him or her to take a closer look at your resume.

Packaging Yourself Effectively

In effect, you will use the first paragraph of your resume cover letter to catch the attention of the reader; you might want to think about your resume cover letter’s opening paragraph like a movie promo poster that makes it to the cover of the DVD packaging. That first paragraph will be the thing that draws the employer’s attention.

Once you’ve started to reel in the person who is reading your resume cover, you’ll want to give them a bit more information. To continue the DVD packaging metaphor, the body of your resume cover letter should be similar to the plot highlights that you would find on the back of the DVD.

While you won’t want to go over the top and suggest that you’re the hero who will save the world from imminent disaster – or the worker who will save the company from going belly up – you will want to use the body of your resume cover letter to highlight your accomplishments, your achievements and your qualifications for the position.

Just as the back cover of a DVD package is meant to get the person reading it excited and eager to see the film, your cover letter is a chance to get the prospective employer interested in reading your resume and learning more about you.

Intrigue Your Reader And Deliver Results

With your resume cover letter, your goal is to get the person reading it intrigued. The goal of your resume cover letter is to entice the person who is reading it to look at your resume and to want to talk with you. Therefore, it essential to market yourself with your cover letter; by marketing yourself effectively, you’ll be able to motivate a prospective employer to glance over your resume and ask you to come in for an interview.

Again using the DVD metaphor – your introductory paragraph is like the front photo, the body of your cover letter is like the teaser copy on the back of the DVD case – the conclusion of your resume cover letter and your resume is like the intro sequence of the film. The way that you capture an interviewer’s interest involves creating an interest with the cover letter, drawing him or her into your resume, and then following through and living up to his or her expectations in the interview.

If, as you’ll read on many resume help sites, your resume is your doorway to the interview, it is important to keep in mind that your resume cover letter is your chance to knock on that door. A human resources manager might have a stack of resumes on his or her desk, and may only be willing to interview a few candidates: to get your resume read, it must stand out. Your resume cover letter is what will get you noticed.

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