Thursday, March 11th, 2010

How can I know what is the best resume writing service?

November 2, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

I applied for so many jobs, but not even one phone call , and I think its maybe my resume. I want to try resume writing service, but my problem is how do I know which one is good, and is it worth it.
I really need some help because I dont get calls not even from jobs that dont require experience or any special skills.
I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance :)

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Part 1-milroy takes hidden camera to london job interview

October 30, 2009 by  
Filed under Manager Resume Videos

I take my journey to my London job interview for a sales position. Discreetly filming my random conversations along the way with my phone. Funny job interview, funny job interviews, success at job interview, job interview tips, haha…



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What are some typical job interview questions in general and specifically for engineers?

October 30, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

It’s been more then 3 years since I’ve had an interview. I’ll be having another one tomorow for this job in Califonia. I work for Boeing in Texas and looking to stay with Boeing in California.

It’ll be a phone interview to start with. If I do well, I might do a face to face interview.

What are some typical questions that they ask?

All I remember from my last interview was them asking me what was my greatest weakness and greatest strength.

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

October 29, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

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.

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

October 25, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

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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That guy ep8: job interview

October 23, 2009 by  
Filed under Manager Resume Videos

You know That Guy who hits on the secretary while waiting for the interview. That Guy wearing the bad tie and smelling from last night?s party. That Guy who answers his cell phone during the interview. Get more free original videos: crackle.com tags: cspot that guy job interview funny frat boy clueless hilarious sketch comedy party cell phone…



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Fool Me Once, Shame on You; Fool Me Twice, I’m an Idiot

October 13, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

I got a call earlier today from Robert, a candidate I met a few months ago while conducting a search for a Vice President of Marketing in South Florida. “A recruiter out of L.A. called me about a Director of Marketing position and I have a phone interview scheduled this afternoon with their Human Resources Manager,” he said. “The recruiter told me to be prepared to discuss my work history because she’ll want to go over it with a fine tooth comb. How should I address the fact that I’ve changed jobs several times over past few years, because I know it’s going to come up.”

Looking at Robert’s resume, he has worked in 5 different positions (and companies) since 1998, which not be that bad were he averaging 2 years at each position. But, alas, the last 5 years goes something like this: 6 months at his most recent position, preceded by 3 years of independent consulting, and before that a 1 year and 3 year stint. Not exactly a model of stability.

Depending on how this HR Manager views self-employment, the 3 years he spent working for himself could be viewed as a positive or a negative. The fact that he only lasted 6 months at the position he accepted immediately after working for himself is definitely an obstacle he’ll need to explain away. The first thing any good recruiter or hiring manager worth their salt should ask themselves when they see this on his resume is, “Is this a guy that got comfortable making his own hours while answering to no one, and then balked as soon as he was thrown back into a structured environment?”

Having gotten the low down on the situation from Robert, I do not believe that was the case. I think the company’s president, to whom Robert reported, had an unrealistic expectations as to what Robert alone could accomplish. However, Robert definitely shares in the responsibility. He did a poor job of determining whether or not the appropriate resources required to accomplish the goals of the position would be made available to him. He made false assumptions as to the capabilities of the individuals that would be reporting to him as well as the level of flexibility he would have to either outsource specific tasks or hire additional personnel.

“And that’s exactly what I would tell the HR Manager or anyone who asks,” I advised him.

Employers have very specific (and generally high!) expectations of the positions they hire for, and unless you’ve got a work history that jumps up off the resume and kisses them on the mouth they’re going to question some of the career decisions you’ve made. Get used to it.

Let’s say a hiring manager’s expectation is to bring a candidate on board, wind them up and let them perform in a particular role for at least 5 years. If the last 10 years of your work history is comprised of multiple 18 to 24 month tours of duty, then you’re going to have to come up with a helluva good story as to why you think you’ll be with their company for the long haul.

Why do we study history? So we’re not doomed to repeat it!

For those of you that feel your most recent work history might be your Achilles’ heel when it comes to interviewing is, my advice is:

1. Take responsibility for bad career decisions.

I get tired of hearing: “I was misled!” or “The job was misrepresented to me!” Were you lied to? Or did you misrepresent your capabilities? I mean, come on, even if the hiring manager blatantly lied directly to your face regarding every single facet of the position, there would be some signs that you were being conned. If you think a sales manager is exaggerating the amount of money you can make in commissions, ask to speak with a couple of their reps regarding the position, then ask them a couple questions “off the record.” It’s called due diligence and it’s your responsibility.

2. Quit blaming other people for your failures or lack of judgment.

“I just didn’t have the team in place to support our goals,” does not get you off the hook. If you’re applying for a management position, ask to meet some of the employees that will be working under you before accepting the position. Find out what flexibility you’ll have when it comes to hiring, firing, outsourcing, etc. After all, it’s your job to manage the team and make the right personnel decisions in order to meet your responsibilities. And if you plan on discussing how diabolical the office politics were at your last job during the interview, you might also want to plan on bursting into tears for dramatic effect. You might as well–you’re not getting the job anyway.

3. Convince them you have learned your lesson(s).

Hey, we all make mistakes. I guarantee you the same HR manager that’s grilling you on why you left some joe-job 10 years ago has a couple of 6-month jaunts in her closet as well. Sometimes we take a job simply because we need a job. No, it’s not a strategy for long-term career success, but it keeps the lights on and the mortgage man at bay for a while. Employers just want to know that you’re not going to bide your time on their job until you find the one your really want, or that you’re taking the position because you’re desperate for money.

It’s important that you recognize and understand why certain job decisions were mistakes and what you could have done differently, either by qualifying the position further or by not taking it in the first place. Show them that you are going to do your due diligence when it comes to their position and then most importantly, DO IT!

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Career and Employment Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

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Getting A Job Through Cold Calling

October 12, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

It sounds a little like a telephone on ice, but the cold call is actually an important tool of networking. Cold calling is calling a person or business without prior contact in order to inquire about employment opportunities. For many, the idea of cold calling is chilling. Dialing up a complete stranger doesn’t seem like a logical way to carry out a job search. Yet when done correctly, a cold call can showcase some important professional traits, including resilience, determination, and interpersonal skills. In the best-case scenario, it can also lead to an interview.

Cold calling is a salesman’s device. The premise is that the more people you contact, the better your chances of scoring a deal. In a way salesmanship is integrally connected to the job search, only instead of selling a product or service, you’re selling yourself. Specifically, you’re selling the notion that you would be a valuable addition to a company’s team. And therein lies the key to the cold call. When you pick up the phone, you must think of yourself not as a nervous jobseeker eager for a lead, but rather, as a confident professional who has the qualifications that would benefit an employer.

How do you make this leap? It’s not easy, admits one woman in retail who had taken off several years to raise two children and wanted to rejoin the workforce. She admits the cold call took some practice. “I was much smoother on my eighth or ninth attempt than I was on my first…. I called up many businesses, and the majority of them didn’t take more than fifteen seconds to decide they weren’t interested. Finally, I caught one man who asked me where I’d gone to school. As it happened, we’d gone to the same college. He took a liking to me after that. I was asked in for an interview the following week.”

This woman’s example shows that it helps to make a connection with the person you are cold calling. However, this is not always possible. The plain truth about cold calling is that the failure rate is high. Yet the rewards can be great if you encounter even one person who recognizes your potential. Below are some techniques for making the cold call a little warmer.

* Write a script for your cold call, outlining one or two of your most valuable Key Selling Points (see chapter 7). Remember that you are trying to impress the person on the other end of the line. Modify your script so that these selling points are in sync with each company’s specific needs. A customized delivery is crucial.

* Be clear on your goals and what you have to offer. Nothing will turn off an employer faster than a person who is not clear about his objectives.

* Introduce yourself in a way that will spark interest. Saying your name immediately followed by your area of expertise might do the trick.

* Work on your voice-make sure you sound professional, sharp, and cheerful, but never insincere or calculating. It helps to practice both your voice and your script on a trusted friend who can offer you feedback and suggestions.

* Figure out who is on the other end of the line. Receptionists and other gatekeepers will usually pick up the phone before hiring managers will. Be prepared to answer gatekeeper-type questions such as “What is the reason for your call?” and “What company are you with?” A confident answer and an assured tone might allow you to pass through this initial screen. No matter who picks up the phone, be professional. Treat everyone with equal courtesy and respect.

* Use the “rule of three.” If you’ve tried calling three times, or left up to three messages with no response, throw in the towel. Calling any more than that will only irritate the person you are trying to reach. Says a senior human resources consultant with a wellknown mutual insurance company: “Candidates can call me and leave a voicemail message, but it’s hard for me to do callbacks due to the volume of calls I receive.” She goes on to say she does follow up with many people who leave inquiries, but that repeat messages “are more burden than value.”

* Substitute your e-mail account for your phone. These days many businesspeople are more apt to answer e-mails than voicemail messages anyway. E-mailing requires less effort on both ends because people don’t need to think and speak on the fly; they can actually take the time to word their correspondence carefully if you’re better at written communication than you are at oral communication, consider sending “cold e-mails” rather than making cold calls. In this case, though, you’ll need to address your e-mail to a single person. Consider calling the company gatekeeper, who may be more inclined to pass along the e-mail address of the hiring manager than the phone number. Blindly e-mailing a company at a general address can pretty much guarantee a lack of resultsunless the company happens to be very small.

* Keep track of your phone calls. If you leave a message, you’ll want to know the name and title of the person who is returning your call and what information you’ve already provided.

* Be prepared for standard responses from human resources personnel and other hiring managers. You will probably receive some brush-off responses like, “The only thing you can do is send your resume to our HR department,” or even, “We are not currently hiring.” However, some responses will allow you more opportunity to sell yourself Be prepared to sell yourself if you hear a question such as “What kind of experience do you have?” or “What attracts you to our company?”

* Don’t become discouraged. Cold calling isn’t easy, and a few hang-ups can make even the most stalwart person question himself Take breaks and keep in mind that the process isn’t personal.

* Remember that your ultimate goal is to get an interview. To that end, if you do speak with someone who has hiring power and if you establish a rapport with that person, ask outright if you can come in for an interview. The question might seem presumptuous, but it’s been known to work.

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Career and Employment Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

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10 Tips to Job-Winning Interviews

October 4, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

These days, you have to work hard to get a serious job interview. After running just one want ad, recruiters will see thousands of resumes. So getting picked for an interview is a reason to celebrate.

But after celebrating The Call, plan for success. You’ll have limited time to impress an interviewer. Even if you decide you don’t want the job, I recommend using the opportunity to practice. An offer will build your confidence for the job you really want. And who knows? You may get invited to interview for a really desirable option

1. Do your homework: Investigate the company’s culture, finances and markets.

Publications and media reports will help — but you’ll usually get a biased picture. Get on the phone and call anyone who might be able to give you information. See if you can find somebody who knows somebody who had first-hand contact with the organization.

But once you’re in the meeting, resist the temptation to show off what you’ve researched (”I just read that you’re about to embark on a new product line”) unless you have a question directly related to your career. Interviewers can tell when you’re going through the motions.

2. Look like you belong.

Learn the company’s dress code and err on the side of conservatism. Some companies will expect you to show up in a classic suit even when all the incumbents are wearing shorts.

When you’re seeking a senior position based on industry experience, you’ll be expected to know the rules without being told.

3. Take charge of the interview!

The most successful interviews feel like friendly conversations. When your interviewer has an agenda (such as the infamous “stress interview”) stay relaxed. Think of playing a game.

When your interviewer refuses to be deflected from a series of prepared questions, raise a red flag. You may be dealing with an HR person who will disapppear as soon as you’re hired. That’s okay.

But if your boss seems to be reading from a canned program, she may be inexperienced, naive, rigid, overworked or lazy. Wait for the second interview before making a decision.

4. Assume everyone you meet will provide feedback to the decision-maker.

Some companies hand out comment forms to receptionists, security guards and potential peers who take you to lunch. You can bet your future boss will listen to the secretary who marches into his office to say, “If he gets hired, I quit.”

5. Communicate interest and enthusiasm, even if you’re not sure you’re ready to commit.

You’ll rarely have all the facts until you’re looking at an offer. When you make a good impression, you may get redirected to a different job. Your interviewer may move to a new position and remember you. And it’s always an ego-booster to say, “Thanks but no thanks.”

6. Bring extra copies of your correspondence as well as your resume, references, writing samples, portfolio and current business cards.

Interviewers lose documents and conversations move in unexpected directions. A neatly organized folder will help you stand out from the pack.

7. Create a relaxed, positive attitude by devising a realistic game plan.

I encourage my own clients to have a “next step” ready to implement after the interview, before you hear the decision. When your career isn’t riding on a single interview, you’ll have fun and make a confident, relaxed impression.

8. Write a thank you letter within forty-eight hours.

Create a low-key sales letter, emphasizing how your qualifications match the company’s needs. Present yourself as a resource, not a supplicant.

If you find yourself resisting this step, raise a red flag. Maybe on some level you don’t want the job. That’s okay: you can write a 2-line thank you note – even an email – just in case they’ve got another job waiting in the wings.

9. After sending the follow-up, forget about the interview.

Email or phone only if you’ve received a competing offer with a deadline. Silence does not necessarily mean rejection. One manager received an interview a full year after she applied for a job. By coincidence, she was just ready to make a move and her story had a happy ending.

Occasionally you may make points with follow-up mailings. A sports team public relations applicant sent puzzles, games and press releases — and she got the job. Use your intuition.

10. Keep notes of what you learned from the process. What worked? What would you do differently?

Use your notes as you move through the process. Consider spending a single hour with a friend or unbiased career consultant to discuss the process.

Be careful of unsolicited feedback. Clients always surprise me with career legends they’ve picked up from neighbors, in-laws, siblings and even total strangers they meet on a plane.

Finally: Don’t stop until you have a written offer with a start date, salary and terms, signed by a company officer or HR department. No written offers? Keep looking until you show up the first day and find a desk with your name on it.

And as soon as you begin your new job, make a brand-new career plan. Create your next safety net before you need one.

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Career and Employment Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

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Creating a Good Resume is an Art

October 3, 2009 by  
Filed under Resume Tips

Landing a good job will depend a lot on your education and work history. Also important is how well you do during the interview process. But, if you can’t get your foot in the door, you most likely can blame your resume. If you’re going for a job you’re qualified for, the resume is key to opening the door.

Many people believe they need to lie on their resumes to even get an interview. This is not so. Employers, at least many of them, check references and background before they call people in for interviews. So, if a lie is present, you may not even get a call. Or, if checking isn’t done on the front end, it will be done if a problem arises. If you lied to get the job, there could be legal actions taken. So, either way, you lose. Save yourself the hassle and be honest on a resume.

Over and above being honest on a resume, there is an art to creating one for different positions. A resume is an extension of the person applying for a job. It should speak to its readers about the person’s competence, skills and abilities. It should tell them this “is the one I want” before an interview even takes place.

To make sure your resume gets the attention you deserve from potential employers, here are some basic tips:
* Go after jobs you’re qualified for. Don’t apply for a rocket science position with a degree in English and expect to get a phone call. Be realistic about your background, education and skills.
* Tailor a resume for the employer. If you’re going for a sales job, state your objectives in that field clearly. If you want to be an artist, say that and where you’d like to go in the field. Different resume styles should be used for different positions as well. An artist likely would want a more creative piece whereas an engineer a more basic one.
* Provide basic information. This means basics about education, work history, skills and personal information such as telephone number and address.
* Give them enough information to get their interest without boring them. Personnel directors do not have the time to read five-page resumes. Keep yours short, compelling and to the point and you’ll capture their attention. Make it so long they need to take a lunch break to read it, and your resume might end up in the trash.
* Be clear and concise with wording. Don’t embellish. Tell the truth, but do it well.
* If you’re writing a cover letter, keep this short, but explain why you want the job and why you’re the best person for it. Remember, you’re selling yourself here. Your skills and knowledge or ability to learn are your products, play them up!

Once a resume has been crafted, be certain to read it over very carefully. Companies do not want to hire people who cannot fill out basic forms. For almost every supervisory position going, there is at least one resume that comes in from someone who wants to be a “manger” instead of a “manager.” Don’t rely on spell check on a computer either or you’re likely to be looking for that manger’s position and a good “car” instead of “career.”

A resume is the first selling point for a person seeking a job. A well-written resume can open doors. A poorly written one can close them and keep them that way. Be clear, concise and honest.

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Career and Employment Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

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