Are you looking for a new job or a new career? If you are, have you already started using the internet or your local newspapers to find jobs? If you have, you may be at the applying stage. The applying stage of job hunting is perhaps the most important part. Many times, you are only required to send in a job application or submit your resume. Since your face and your personality will not originally be seen, you will need to let your resume to all of the work for you. That is why it is extremely important that your resume is professional looking. A few tips that you may want to keep in mind when making your resume are outlined below.
As a reminder, your resume is the first thing that an employer will see. If you apply for a job that you saw advertised online or in your local newspaper, there is a good chance that you will not be submitting your resume in person. Although it isn’t always fair, many employers categorize their applicants solely on their resumes. That is why it is extremely important that you thoroughly review your resume before turning it into hopeful employers. In most cases, the resume is what makes or breaks an applicant’s chance of getting the job that they were seeking.
Perhaps, the most important tip to remember, when creating a new resume for yourself or reviewing your current resume, is the appearance. Many people mistakenly believe that they stand the best chance if their resume stands out. Yes, you want your resume to stand out, but in a good way; a professional way. At all costs, you will want to try and avoid colored paper and flashy, hard to read print. As stated above, many employers categorize their applicants by their resumes. Having an unattractive, unprofessional resume is the quickest way to get your resume into that “don’t bother,” pile.
It is also advised that you tailor your resume to the job that you are applying to, or at least the industry that you are hoping to get into. For instance, if you are looking for a job in retail, your resume objective may want to mention “looking for a career in a faced paced retail environment,” or such. Tailoring your resume to each specific job will help to keep you one step above the competition. There are many hiring employers who wonder if their applicants even read through the job listing before applying. You do not want to be one of those applicants. Outlining the need for a job in the construction industry, while applying for a job in the retail industry is another quick way to get your resume into that “don’t bother,” pile.
Another tip that you will want to remember, when it comes to making a nice, professional resume, is length. Yes, you want to make sure that your resume includes as much information as it can, but you will want to make sure that it isn’t jam packed with information. If, at all possible, you are advised to keep your resume around one or two pages long. Be sure to include all applicable information, like your work history and your education. When outlining your previous work experience and your education, you want to include the basic information, just that. Anything else can further be discussed in an interview. Many employers hate reading long resumes, especially when the information isn’t always applicable.
The above mentioned tips should be able to help you create a professional resume; one that will be looked at. If you are not dropping your resume off in person, you will want to create a cover letter for yourself. A cover letter should be short and to the point. Outline the job that you are applying for, the experience that you have which makes you a good candidate, and ask the hiring employer to see your attached resume for additional information.
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Are you currently job hunting? If you are, you will likely find a number of job listings that you want to apply for, if you haven’t already done so. No matter what type of job you are applying for, whether you want to be a contractor, a secretary, or a retail store manager, you will want to make a resume for yourself. Resumes are often used to replace or supplement a traditional job application. The only thing is that your resume needs to be professional in nature.
When it comes to resumes that are professional in nature, there are many individuals who wonder why having a professional resume is so important. In all honesty, there are a number of different reasons. Just a few of the many reasons why having a professional resume, at least a professional looking one, is important are touched on below.
Perhaps, the biggest reason as to why you need to submit a resume that is professional in nature is because the resume is often the first thing that a hiring employer will see. With many employers using the internet and newspaper employment sections to find qualified candidates, many are not meeting their prospective employees in person. Most just simply submit their resume as an email attachment or mail it in. Since your face will not be seen and your personality will not be witnessed right away, your resume will essentially end up doing all of the talking for you. That is why you want to make sure that it looks and feels professional.
What you may not realize is that there are many employers who classify all of their applicants based on their resumes. Yes, this may not necessarily be fair, especially when that classification is based solely on appearance, but it is something that does happen. That is why you will want to make sure that your resume gives a good first impression. You don’t want it to be tossed to the side, just for its appearance. For the best chance of success, print your resume out on traditional white computer paper, use standard font, and make sure that it is easy to read.
A professional resume, even just a professionally looking one, is also important because it can help give you an edge above the competition. For many, submitting a resume that is professional in nature, right to the point, and easy to read is common sense, but for others it isn’t so obvious. You may actually be surprised with how many applicants respond to a job listing with a resume that should have never left their house. Depending on the job listing you are responding to, you may end up being one of hundreds of applicants. That is why it is important that you get an edge. However, the way to do this is with a professional resume, not one that will get laughed at all the way to the trash can.
As you can see, from being outlined above, there are a number of different reasons as to why the resumes that you submit to hopeful employers should be professional in nature. The term professional in nature is used because your resume doesn’t actually have to be professionally done. If you do have some writing experience, particularly concerning resumes, you may be able to produce your own professional resume. If not, you are advised to look into using the services of a professional resume writer.
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Are you looking for a new job or a new career? If you are, your first step should be examining job listings. When it comes to finding job listings, you have a number of different options. For instance, you can use your local newspaper, the internet, or career counseling centers. In a way, finding job listings is the easy part. Actually getting the job that you want is the hard part.
When it comes to landing a job that you applied for, your interview will play an important part in whether or not you are hired. If you are able to get a job interview for one of the jobs that you applied for, you are advised to proceed with caution. Your actions or your responses during an interview can either make or break you. To increase your chances of landing your dream job, or at least the one that you applied for, you will want to continue reading on, as some helpful tips are outlined below.
When going to a job interview, it is important that you are properly dressed. You would actually be surprised to learn how many job applicants show up to a job interview in unattractive, unprofessional attire. Even if you are just applying for a job as a cashier at one of your local supermarkets, you are still advised to dress professionally for a job interview. Depending on the job you are applying for, a dress or a business suit may be called for; however, a simple pair of black pants and a white shirt is much better than a pair of jeans.
You are also advised to bring a couple of copies of your resume to your job interview. This is something that many job applicants do not think to do, but it is actually a wise move. Yes, you may have already submitted your resume to the employer giving you the interview, but it is important to remember that they probably received hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes. It is not unheard of for resumes to get lost or misplaced. Bringing along an extra copy of your resume shows that you are responsible and likely to always be prepared. In addition to brining an extra resume for the interviewer, it is also advised that you bring a copy for yourself. This will make reviewing your work history and education easier, as everyone would be on the same page.
During the interview, you will be asked a number of different questions by the interviewer. One of the most common questions asked is about your strengths and your weaknesses. One of the biggest mistakes that a job applicant makes is stating that they don’t have any weaknesses. Everyone has at least one weakness or something that they wish that they could chance about themselves. You will want to be honest and admit this. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard. What you will want to do is try and make your weakness a strength as well.
At the end of most interviews, most interviewers ask the interviewee, which would be you, if you have any questions. You are advised to ask questions. In all honesty, even if you don’t have any questions to ask, you are advised to come up with some. Many interviewers use the “do you have any questions,” as a ploy. Many are turned off by interviewees who do not have any questions. Some even associated it with not be interested in the job or the company. Even if you ask about how the company got started or what the chances are for moving up the company ladder, you are advised to ask questions. Of course, be careful with the questions that you do ask. You don’t want to sound too pushy or overbearing.
At the end of your interview, it is extremely important that you shake the hand of your interviewer and thank them for the opportunity. This is very important. It is hard for some to imagine, but a simple thank you actually goes a long way nowadays, as it is hardly spoken anymore. It is also advised that you send a thank you note the interviewer you met with. This may not necessarily increase your chances of landing the job, but it will make you look professional.
By keeping the above mentioned tips in mind, you should be able to have a successful interview. As a reminder, interviews are the most important part of landing a new job.
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Your resume should be viewed and handled as if it is an airline ticket to your destination of choice. This may just be a piece of paper with words on it, and it may not reveal who you are personally but it is the only means by which you are going to get to the interview (your destination) so in that regard it is just as important as the interview is. Therefore you need to use this document to gain the reader’s trust and not provide any source of hesitation.
As a former employer I can tell you that when I was hiring I often hoped there were mistakes or things that just didn’t strike me right in the massive stacks of resumes that I would have to go through for different positions. These would allow me to toss that applicant out of sight and out of mind, moving through the pile faster, and narrowing down the interview pool. So these should not be view as mainly a way to stand out in a good way, but rather a way to not stand out in a bad way. No grammar errors, missing punctuation, funny words/wordings, contrived language, outlandish claims! Simply put what you are on paper in a concise, correct, logical form that doesn’t sound like a sell job but rather like an “about the author.”
That said it is helpful to not appear robotic. It is really the blend of no mistakes and the subtle yet unmistakable personal flair that people added to their resume that resounded with me and got them an interview. So how is this done? Well be honest! If you are hesitant to put something in because you see the potential for misunderstanding, then don’t put it in! If you can’t answer all the questions that come to your mind concerning an entry then its best to leave it out.
So to help you understand what I am talking about when I say personal flair or touch let me give you an example. Employers value a good work-ethic right? Well most everyone knows that and I can’t tell you how many times that I read the words “I possess a strong work-ethic,” and nothing else! You need to explain yourself—something that proves that statement such as “possess strong work ethic, missed only 5 days in 3 years of work, was voted most valuable employee 3 times, and was counted on to assume more responsibility when bosses were out of town.”
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Job searching not only include resumes and interviews, but also involves other activities to ensure that you get the job you want. An interview should never be considered as the end process of job searching. It is also important to write an interview thank you letter.
You must be wondering why you should write an after-interview thank you letter. Here is a list of reasons why it is vital:
Writing a thank you letter after an interview can leave a positive impression with an employer and will distinguish you from other candidates.
The employer will remember you. It would be best to send the letter within 48 hours following the interview.
Don’t forget to address the thank you letter to a specific individual and not just a general title. Be sure also that you spelled the name correctly and be sure that you use the right title. There is no graver sin than to reduce in rank a person of high position.
Make sure also that your thank you letter is business like in appearance and should never be printed on the same paper stock as your resume. Always have someone proofread your letter before sending it to ensure that it’s flawless.
Write each thank you letter separately even if the form is similar for each letter. Likewise, try to highlight what was discussed in your interview and restate your qualifications as well as other continuing interests.
And if you have received and accepted a job offer, be sure that you send your new employer a thank you letter. This is to show your gratitude and it is also an excellent way of starting a positive relationship with your new employer.
When writing thank you letters in response to telephone conversations and informal interviews you should remember to write clearly and briefly. And again reiterate some of the important or major points of the conversation and then express your gratitude for the assistance extended to you.
In case you would like to withdraw from consideration for a position or to turn down an offer, it is best to send a polite and positive thank you letter. This leaves a good impression on your part and could open doors for future consideration if you change you mind.
In situations where you are rejected, still send a thank you thanking them for the interview which they granted you. Likewise, express your continuing interest in working for their company.
If you resign from your employment it would be nice to send a thank you letter to your previous employer. This type gesture may generate positive references. Sending a thank you letter reflects that you are were a grateful employee.
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