Need a Sample interview question? 8 great sample interview questions and answers!

Interviews can be nerve racking and tortuous if you are not prepared. While the interviewer can ask anything there are always a few questions out there that are difficult to answer or can trap you into saying something you do not really mean. With a great sample interview question and answer you can prepare yourself for these tough points in an interview and come out looking like a star! So let’s look at these 8 great sample interview questions and answer them with style!

1. Tell me about yourself.

Often used as an opening to an interview and is scary because it is so open ended. You could keep the answer short, or long. You could be brief or detailed. You have so much choice of what you can put into this answer it can be confusing and flustering ... which is exactly how it is designed. This is usually just the first question however, they have many more to come so putting everything in would be foolish. What the interviewer wants if a quick summary of why you are the best person for this position. Use it as an opportunity to sell yourself and humanize yourself to the interviewer at the same time. Keep it short and to the point and let the interviewer get the other information out of you by other questions.

2. What is your greatest weakness?

Don't you hate this one! What do you do? Do you say you have none? Surely a sign of an out of control ego. Do you say you are a workaholic? Surely a sign of a liar or someone who considers working hard a weakness!? Fumbling with this question really shows a lack of understanding of what an employer is looking for. No person is without weaknesses and interviewers understand that, what they are looking for is some honesty and introspection. You can do this and still look like a great candidate for the job by presenting them with something that actually is a weakness of yours but also explain how you plan to fix this shortcoming. This shows honesty and a drive to better yourself and will make you look much better than any glib answer you can make up to avoid letting a weakness out!

3. What are your long term plans?

This can be easier for some than others, if you have a good long term plan for your career you can probably let fly with your prepared objectives. For some though the future can be less clear. However in either case what the interviewer wants to know is how is your long term goals going to help his business, not your own. If you’re long term plan is to own your own business that is not what he wants to learn, he wants a good employee with plans to improve his company. Always focus on a long term plan that is beneficial to your interviewer’s long term plans too.

4. Do you work well in a team?

No one in their right mind answers 'no' to this question but the interviewer is actually looking for proof of you being a team player more than a straight yes or no answer. Give the employer some examples where you have worked well in a team, especially focus on those times where working well as a team has given some success. Team sports, other workplaces working in teams, interest groups you may be involved in. If you name more than one or two it truly shows your ability and enthusiasm for working with others and being a sociable person which will be easily integrated into the workplace.

5. Have you ever had a conflict with other co-workers or your boss? How have you resolved this?

Conflict is always a part of life and is no different in a workplace. The interviewer wants to know your social problem solving skills but also wants to know if you are a combative person. Answering no to this usually encourage the interviewer to dig deeper looking for any conflict you may have had even if minor. It is best to pick a single example and show how you skillfully solved the problem to everyone’s advantage. It is best not to give too many examples lest the interviewer thinks you are a trouble maker however.

6. How would you describe yourself?

This is an interesting question and the tone of how you answer it often has more to do with the content of the answer. You want to appear friendly and confident without being too egotistical not too shy. Be honest with yourself and tell them your personality strengths not your weaknesses and present them clearly and quickly, you do not need examples unless they ask for them.

7. How has your education and previous work prepared you for this job?

This is a question where they want concrete examples of how you would fit the role they are offering. It is also important to show behavioral examples on how your general attitude would be good for their business not just your job specific skills. Give them a few examples that showcase your skills, attitude and work ethic. If you do not have much experience concentrate on your attitude and examples from life or study that could be modified to show applicable skills.

8. Why should I hire you?

This one can surprise many people with its directness. There is no room for doubt here you have to be confident that you ARE the best person for the job and don't be afraid to show it. The interviewer is also looking for confidence, passion and commitment so you should give them a short powerful speech that shows these qualities without being over the top and obviously out of your depth.

While there are thousands of other sample interview questions and variants on each sample interview question as well these are some of the most asked and toughest questions you will encounter. Remember confidence without ego with good preparation is the key to success, no gimmicks or tricks can be used against a good interviewer.

Good luck!




Did you find these tips useful?Do you want to be ultra prepared for that interview?Do you want a proven advantage over all the other candidates?Do you want to get your career the greatest boost it can get?If so, click here for all the interview techniques you will ever need!Just check out the free samples for proof!

Need help writing your resume? - Making a resume a winner with these 7 tips

In todays crowded job market and the ease of submitting to many jobs via the internet your resume must stand out from the crowd to even get you considered for a position. Even those who consider themselves experienced at looking for jobs and at making a resume may find they are lackign many key elements and if you are new to the search you definatly need help writing your resume!

First lets just quickly look at some statistics:

1. One study showed that 82% of job hunters can't prove their top ten skills for the jobs for which they are interviewing.
2. Recruitment firms sort the 1,000's of resumes daily by computer and only 1% of those get a thorough read through.
3. On the average, employers grant one interview per 245 resumes.
4. Research revealed that for every 1,400 resumes sent out, there is only ONE job offer!
5. According to HR professionals survey, nearly 94% of resumes in circulation (either on paper or in cyberspace) are bad.

Now imagine your resume as just one of those number in that statistic ... you need some help.

1. Use headings to match the job you want! When you are applying for a job and they start looking at your skill set and you put down just a mundane title like "computer skills" this is so broad and boring that it does not catch the eye. If you have these skills tie them into a more interesting title like "Electronic Administration" or "Electronic Recordkeeping". Make sure you make these major headins for your skills stand out and more importantly be targetted towards the type of job you want. If you are applying for a managerial position from an assistant position make your skills SOUND managerial.

2. Attention grabbing You resume must grab the attention of the person who is reviewing it. This does not mean it has to be colorful, great design or anything like that. To grab the attention of the person reading the resume you must understand what they are looking for, they are looking at a very quick glance if you are going to be suited to the job at all! If they cannot see that at a quick glance at your resume it will be canned. To do this all the relevent information that pertains to the job at hand must be clearly visible to the eye. When this happns a snap decision can be made to look at that resume further.

3. Sell yourself Once your resume is read in depth you must not just be catchy, you must sell your credentials to that particular job. This does not mean exagerating or lying about your abilities, skills and history but it does mean changing how you word what you say. So instead of saying "Word, Excel and Powerpoint skills" you could write "Electronic recordkeeping, letter writing, spreadsheet analysis and presentation experience with Word, Excel and Powerpoint" While this may amount to the same thing is is more descriptive and creates a much more full sounding set of skills. The more skilled and well promoted you seem the more chance you will not only get a job but amybe even higher salaries.

4. Use power words What is a power word? These are words or phrases that have a high level of interest within the industry you work in and in the workplace in general. Saying "Gave" say "Directed" or instead of saying "Completed" say "Acheieved". It is a mix of industry jargon and positive words that make impact on readers minds.

5. Quantify If you can use numbers in your resume this can be good too. To boast of how many accounts you services or to showcase increased workload or profits shows you understand just how much you helped your previous employers and can be comfortable in showing success. Without using these numbers any boasting of success can seem a little flat or made up.

6. Sell to all the employers needs With a bit of research into the job you are applying for and the employers company you can sometimes add content that shows your skills can pply to other areas of thier business. Or if you can find information of past failings of previous employees try to promote how you can handle the job better than they did. Stray outside the exact jobs description to show how much more you can bring to thier business.

7. Show how you will benifit them In the end you need to bring profit to the company you are applying for and as such you need to explain how you can benifit the company with your skills. Do not show that you can just do the job though you need to cover that fully. Create an image of yourself that shows how you can be a great benifit to their company and bring success and wealth because of your skills and abilities far into the future. You must sell beyond the minimum requirements of the job!

Using these 7 tips making a resume that will get noticed will be much easier and may increase your chances of landing that job by enormous amounts!



Still need help writing your resume?Want to get heaps more tips and tricks for a killer CV?How about knowing all the big mistakes you can make so you can avoid them?Then there is the cover letter and interviews of course.If you want to know in depth how to master all of these aspects of job seeking click here!

Looking For Cover Letter Sales Job Sample

The sales job of your dreams may seem to be in a galaxy far, far away. In reality, it is just a matter of having the gumption to explore new spaces and apply universal concepts. The combination of these two spectacular techniques can come together at the speed of light to create one Big Bang - in the form of a sales cover letter. The sales cover letter is the first important aspect of your mission - to find a stellar position with potential for growth. Don't let your submission get sucked into the black hole known as the trash can. Design a sales cover letter powerful enough to rocket you straight to the sales position of your dreams.

Sales professionals, in particular, should not be intimidated by the thought of writing a cover letter. A cover letter is basically a sales letter. The main difference is that where a typical sales letter advertises a job or service, the marketable subject of the cover letter is the applicant. You know yourself better than you know any product or service. Apply the techniques used by sales professionals everyday and you can increase the success of your submission by astronomical proportions.

Let's consider the mechanics of the cover letter - the basic rules that govern the appearance and visual appeal of the letter itself. Fonts are significant. Choosing familiar fonts lends a professional slant to the letter. Size of font has an impact on the format of your correspondence. A too-large font can come off as an attempt to get out of writing a thorough cover letter. A font that is too small looks busy and tedious. Twelve point type is the standard and generally a good size of choice. Use the same font throughout the letter, the resume and even on the envelopes. It gives the impression of a put-together, organized candidate who produces quality work.

Use the force when you introduce yourself and you are sure to stay far away from the hiring manager's dark side. Grabbing the reader's attention at lift-off is crucial. Sales is all about convincing - convincing the customer they need a certain project or convincing a company they need the service you provide. Convince the hiring manager that you are the one for the job by citing interesting personal experiences in the field. Be personal and affable. Salespeople must use their wit and charm to seal the deal on a daily basis. Transfer that skill to the keyboard and apply it to the sales cover letter. Before you know it, you will be counting down the days until your job interview.

Build a rapport with the hiring manager. Share your education and experience

Openly but leave some details for the resume. Direct the hiring manager to this enclosure a few times in the cover letter. Take the time to find out the name and title of the hiring manager. They will be flattered that you took the time to address more than just a "Dear Sir or Madame". Mention a couple of achievements that are not covered in the resume. Make sure they are interesting enough to exert some gravitational pull. Keep a copy of your letter and resume handy for reference purposes. If the hiring manager calls you, you need to remember exactly what you wrote. Not remembering what you said in regards to the position will make you seem scatter-brained and careless.

Close the cover letter with sincere thanks and then set out to explore the final frontier. Use the "Take me to your leader," approach to job hunting. Come out and ask the hiring manager for the interview that you seek. The worst that he or she can say is no. This confident proactive approach shows the hiring manager that you are not afraid to go after what you want. Express your intentions to contact the hiring manager after a specified period of time. Allow a reasonable period to pass before contacting the company to inquire about the status of your submission. Your follow through skills will be evident in your actions. A good sales cover letter is one that reaches for the stars. Take theses small steps to prevent your sales cover letter from burning out before it ever has a chance to take-off.



Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter sales sample checkout his recommended websites.

Considering Loss Mitigation As A Career?

In the past couple of years foreclosures have become a hot issue within the real estate market and are definitely a business opportunity worth considering. Even with the growing numbers of foreclosures on the market today, there are really only two areas where a business opportunity exists. One is helping people who find themselves in severe financial difficulty due to their mortgage being worth more than the actual value of their home. This type of market is called the "Short Sale Market" and is hard to break into especially if you lack previous mortgage or real estate experience. The other is helping people who need to save their homes from foreclosure and stay. This is called Loss Mitigation and is an ideal entry business level opportunity.

So what exactly is Loss Mitigation? To put it in simple terms it's where an impartial third party negotiates with the lender on behalf of the homeowner to stop the foreclosure process. The Loss mitigation expert will bring together the two parties and arrange a viable repayment solution that is acceptable to both the homeowner and lender. This process is very successful because neither party wants to lose possibly thousands of dollars. The Loss Mitigation expert has no emotional involvement in the deal and works only on facts and figures and because of this they will achieve more than a homeowner. Another point to consider is the negotiator will know in detail all the programs offered by lenders and the criteria they work to.

When looking at Loss Mitigation as a business enterprise, there are some points to consider. Initially you should try and forge an association with your business and a reputable company that can provide this type of service for your clients. This type of company would be similar to an outsourcing company. Using a company that already has connections in the business and provides an effective service will be beneficial to yourself and your clients.

Firstly this company will have a good knowledge of the ever changing rules within the industry. Lenders are constantly changing their rules and the solutions they offer due to the increasing number of foreclosures. A company that already has a network of lenders in place and knows exactly what each one can offer will provide a better service to your clients than you can when your business is still in its initial stages. You should remember you are working with clients whose homes are at risk of foreclosure. It is prudent at this early stage of your business not to put yourself directly at risk. You don't yet have the knowledge and experience, so using an already established company is an ideal solution.

Credibility is also another reason for using an outsourcing company. Using a company that has been in the marketplace for a number of years and has a good reputation makes good business sense. Since the number of foreclosures increased dramatically a couple of years ago, many new companies sprung up to cash in on the surge in the market. You should carefully research the background of any company you intend to become involved with and choose one that's been around prior to the upturn in the market in 2005. This should give you and your client's piece of mind that you are dealing with a credible company.

You should also look for a company that has a history of getting the deals done in the best interest of the clients. Look for a company that has recorded testimonials from satisfied clients. It costs a lot more money to produce an audio testimonial than just a few written words on a website. While this is still no guarantee that the testimonials are indeed real, it does give more credibility to the testimonials as even false ones are very costly to produce.

You should also take into consideration the matter of liability. Not all companies work in the same way, so research this aspect thoroughly before committing to any association. Some companies may ask you to set up escrow or trust accounts, some may even ask you to set up an LCC. The reason for this is they will want you to collect client's fees. If you wan to avoid having any liability then you want to find a company that will collect the fees directly from the client. You will also have to make sure the clients are signing contracts with the company as the main service provider. If you ensure these two points are being followed, then you will only be an independent contractor for that company and they will be liable as the contracted service provider if anything were to go wrong.

There are still several things to consider like the support structure of the company, the personability of the staff, the web presence, training provided, marketing and ultimate tools they will give you to help get you going. Any company that is evenly remotely legitimate will charge between $1,500 and $3,500 to get you started. This is expected and is very reasonable if you are selecting the right company for you and your clients.

Let's go over once more all the points we've covered so far if you're thinking about a career in Loss Mitigation. You will need to find an outsourcing company that will provide a quality service at an affordable price for your clients. The company should provide you with training, and support and services for both you and your clients. They should take care of all the contracts, handle the appropriate paperwork and collect all fees. They should also have a proven track record in the business. These are all important features to look out for as they will be beneficial in helping you in your new business as well as helping your clients.

Loss Mitigation can be a rewarding business both in personal and monetary terms, but a good amount of research must be undertaken before deciding to set up such a venture, not only for your own benefit but also for the families you will be helping.

I have researched many of the companies that are out there offering Loss Mitigation services and the only one I have so far found that meets all the requirements outlined in this article is Freedom Foreclosure Prevention Services. You can learn more about this vibrant, expanding company at their corporate website.



Freedom Foreclosure Prevention Service's Loss Mitigation Consultant, Bill Cobb, is the author of this article. Be sure to visit Bill's Blog at Loss Mitigation Without Lender Mediation Career

5 Steps Towards A Career In Teaching

People choose a career in teaching for many different reasons, and if you are thinking of getting into teaching, you will have reasons of your Own. You might be a pushover for kids; you might think that a mind is a terrible thing to waste; you might love the academic life; or you just might not have a burning desire to do anything in particular and teaching seems like the easiest way to go.

Every reason for becoming a teacher--with the exception of the last, because you will be in for a rude awakening if you really think teaching is easy--is as worthy as every other, but all of them should be rooted in an unbridled enthusiasm for being allowed to participate in the emotional and intellectual maturing of others.

If you know you have that unbridled enthusiasm, there are some suggestions which will get you started on your way:

1. Just in case your unbridled enthusiasm is more a product of you imagination than your real-world experience, start taking every opportunity you can to work with children. Hire on at a summer camp; be the neighborhood babysitter; be a public pool lifeguard; help with the local Brownie or Campfire Girl troop. Try to spend time with kids of different ages, so you'll find the group for which you have the best affinity.

2. After you know the age group with which your style is most effective, you'll have a better idea of whether you should concentrate on elementary or secondary education. To teach any age group through middle school, you would get a degree in elementary education; for high school you should get a degree in the subject which you would most enjoy teaching.

3. Do some research on the teacher certification requirements for the state in which you'll be teaching. While all states now require that their public school teachers have bachelor's degrees, not all states have the same teacher certification standards, and some of them will even let you qualify for a teaching credential after you have begun your teaching career.

4. While you are an undergraduate studying for your bachelor's degree, work as a teacher's assistant or, if you can swing it, a substitute teacher. There is nothing like classroom experience to give you a very clear understanding of what teaching entails and whether or not it is the career you've been imagining it to be. And the experience will look great on your resume. For more info see http://www.teachingjobshelp.com/Teaching_Abroad on Teaching Abroad.

5. Teaching jobs can, in spite of what you may have heard, be hard to come by, especially in some well-funded school districts. You will find your college's campus career counseling service invaluable in helping you do job searches for teaching positions and hooking you up with school districts conducting interviews.

So if you desire to begin teaching abroad, these are the two programs that you have to undergo. Today, you can get the respective certifications of these programs from accredited university sites holding accredited home study program.


You can also find more info on Teaching Certificate and Teaching Courses. Teachingjobshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known more about teaching jobs.

The Basics Of Temporary Job Openings

Traversing your way through the employment market is harder than it has ever been at the moment. There is far more demand on every position available these days, especially if you are aiming to get a good, well paying job straight out of college. Getting an education is only the first step to working your way up the corporate ladder. Following graduation, you have to work your way up through the company before finally achieving the role that you always dreamed of. In most cases, it is actually getting into a company to start with that poses a problem. That is where temporary job openings actually come in.

A lot of people actually end up moving from job to job every few months because they do not actually feel as challenged by their job as they should. Boredom and a lack of prospects actually encourage people to leave one job without another to go to. Individuals may therefore find themselves in need of an income whilst they are in between permanent jobs. Again, temporary job openings can come in handy in this situation.

Whether you are looking to get your foot on the career ladder or just for something to provide a stopgap, temporary job openings may just be for you. There are some agencies out there that will assess the needs of any given individuals and then offer them temporary job openings according to the answers to their questions. Artists and designers can use these agencies to tap into freelance work opportunities as well as temporary job openings. This all point to the fact that these agencies provide an excellent resource for any individual looking for work.

The great thing about temporary job openings is that you can choose to work as little or as much as you like. You can request just four hours a day, three days a week if you like. Alternatively, you can make yourself available every day of the week for as many hours as you are offered. The choice is entirely yours, but this may help if you have unpaid bills or wish to save for a coming event because you can control the amount of income your get from temporary job openings. There is actually nothing to stop you taking on two jobs at the same time if you wish. The options associated with temporary job openings are indeed endless! For more info see http://www.temporaryjobshelp.com/Temporary_Job_Opportunities on Temporary Job Opportunities.

As far as figures go, 90% of all companies in the United States have taken on employees that capitalized on temporary job openings. This just goes to show that your destiny is in your own hands. You can actually choose to vet a place via a temporary job opening and then decide whether or not you wish to stay. This will not appear on your permanent job record if you decide you do not like it because you were only on a temporary contract. The opportunities are there, you just have to seek them out.



You can also find more info on Temporary Jobs and Temporary Data Entry Job.Temporaryjobshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to get help in Temporary Jobs.

5 Sure-Fire Steps to a New Job

The new year is here - budgets are fresh, positions are open and every statistic points to aggressive hiring. Here are 5 sure-fire steps that will get you a competitive edge and land you that job.

1). Get a professional resume done. Don't even think about doing it yourself as the state of the art of resume writing has changed rather dramatically, and what used to work does not get noticed in today's market. Gain the competitive advantage right up front by spending the few hundred dollars on the most important career document you need in your search. But be careful, as anyone can claim to be a resume writer and there are a lot of mediocre services out there. (Readers can request my free guide, 10 Things to look for in a Resume Service, by emailing me at dgoodman@GotTheJob.com).

2). Put yourself on the job boards. Not that they are not the most effective way to find a job, but get it out of your system and post your resume. There are over 4,000 job boards in the U.S. and the bigger ones are some of the least effective. So make sure you put yourself on the niche job boards specific to your industry.

Setup search agents that send you an email whenever a new position is posted that meets your criteria. That way you'll be one of the first to respond. There are some good posting tools to get on the job boards.

Also when responding to an ad, try to avoid the HR pile by going directly to the decision maker (this is critical for career changers). I have some tips on how to do this on my blog (www.GotTheJob.com/blog) but essentially you will call the manager, get into a conversation and then send them the resume.

Also, if you are at the appropriate level, use recruiters as every statistic shows that recruiters are struggling to find good talent. There are some good services that will email your resume to selected search firms in your field.

3). Tune up your elevator pitch. This is the 20-second statement that you'll use when people want to know more about you. It is your value proposition designed to get someone to want to know more about you.

Example: "I have over 10 years experience leading highly visible projects where I have combined my PMP certification with industry best practices and tools to consistently deliver results on time. I've been told that my greatest strength is working with the various user communities to ensure that their needs and expectations are met".

4). Network. Networking is still the most effective way to find a position. Networking is NOT telling everyone you know that you are looking and then giving them your resume. Do this and you lose control. Networking is expanding your contacts and asking for career advice and other people they know. Use Linkedin.com to expand your contacts and join organizations and chat groups. Identify and research your targeted companies and find people who work there. Use your elevator pitch to describe yourself and how you can be of value to the organization.

5). Ace the Interview. The purpose of the resume is to get an interview. The purpose of the interview is to get them TO LIKE YOU and want to work with you. So turn the interview from a question/answer session to a lively conversation. This way you will build rapport with the interviewer and get them to want you on their team. If necessary, find a career coach who can teach you how to interview well.

It's not that hard to get noticed. Follow these few power-tips and you will definitely shorten your job search.


Don Goodman, President of About Jobs (www.GotTheJob.com) is a nationally recognized Career Coach and Resume Writer. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University's Executive Program, Don has helped thousands of people secure their next job. Contact him at 800-909-0109.

Cover Letter Samples

When you are hoping to write that attention-grabbing cover letter that really stands out, the first place you should head is to the World Wide Web. Utilize a search engine, type in "cover letter samples," and you are on your way. The only problem you'll have is deciding which website to start looking through first.

There are sites that actually offer tutorials where you can click on a question and it will give you the answer to some common questions regarding cover letters. If you pay attention, maybe even jot down some notes, these can really be helpful. Visit several of the different sites that popped up when you searched "cover letter samples" and take notes at each site you visit. When you are through looking at cover letter samples, simply compile your notes together and start working on the outline for your cover letter.

You will see while browsing through the cover letter samples a wide variety, probably much more than you imagined; they can be quite specific to many jobs or job types, such as part-time, full-time, summer jobs, and freelance work, to name a few. A targeted cover letter sample would be directed towards only one person, one company, and one specific, or at least one type of, job.

You will find sites that offer, for a fee, to make you a magnificent cover letter that is guaranteed to grab the attention of any prospective employer lucky enough to happen upon it. As tempting as this may seem, do not do it. You need to do the work yourself. And have faith! After looking over several different cover letter examples you should have no problem putting together and truly winning look on your own. No one knows you better than you, right? So, make a list of your best qualities, maybe have a spouse, family member or friend help you if have a hard time coming up with ways to compliment yourself, so to speak. Many people do. The people who love you will most certainly see what is best about you.

Add to your list the words your friends and family have given you; if they need a little more pizzazz, dust off your thesaurus (you probably don't really have to "dust one off," most word processing programs have them!) and see if you can use some synonyms that have a bit more flair. After all, you really want this cover letter to shine!

Now, for a bit more of the basics, every cover letter sample you see will probably have a few things in common. They will be as short as they can be while still including everything that would be intriguing to the potential employer. They will avoid fluff as filler, making sure every word counts.

Always remember, that even though to many people a cover letter does not seem very important, it really is, because without an outstanding cover letter, nicely formatted, free of errors, NO TYPOS PLEASE! it is very likely that the prospective employer won't even turn to the next page to see what you really want him to see, your resume. So, review all the cover letter samples that you can, it can only help you!


Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter or cover letters checkout his recommended websites.

Employers Of Choice Have To Give Before They Get

When an employee takes a new job, he or she forges an invisible psychological contract with the new employer. Though not a formal contract, it is a powerful one, consisting of two sets of mutual expectations - what the employee and employer each expect to give to and get from each other. When these expectations are not met, as when a manager expects the employee to work longer hours than the employee is willing to work, or when the employee expects to be promoted quickly and that does not happen, this give-get contract can break apart.

The employment contract can be affected by larger economic or social changes. Thirty years ago, most workers still expected to spend their entire careers with the same company. Then came the downsizings of the 1980s and 1990s, which radically changed the give-get contract to the point that many of today's employees expect little loyalty from their employers and give little in return. Unlike their parents, many Generation Xers are not willing to give up the satisfaction of having a life outside work as the price for advancing their careers in an organization.

A tipping point occurred in 1995, when the number of available jobs began to exceed the number of workers available to fill them. For the next five years, employers began fighting the 'war for talent' by offering more attractive benefits, pay and perks than the next company. The most famous example was SAS Institute, the North Carolina software company featured on '60 Minutes' that became the employer of choice in its industry by providing its employees with work-place amenities such as:

* An on-campus gym. * An on-site child care and health clinic. * No limit on sick days. * Free M &Ms. * Company gates that don't open until 7a.m. and close promptly at 6p.m. daily.

Interestingly enough, while other companies started cutting back on employee perks and benefits when the economy turned sour in 2001, SAS stuck with its philosophy of generous giving. SAS Institute CEO Jim Goodnight's belief is that workers will always give back to the organization in direct proportion to what they see themselves receiving from it. The company's continuing business success and stability rest largely on its ability to maintain a turnover rate 16 percent less than its competitors.

By contrast, many employers in 2003 have a very different mindset. Instead of 'give and get back,' they ascribe to the philosophy 'you give first, then we'll think about giving back,' an attitude that is somewhat understandable in a time when many employees do indeed have an overblown sense of entitlement.

Still, if you withhold giving what employees need to be happy and engaged, they will withhold their best efforts in return. And the reverse is true - if you give the right stuff, they will give back. This does not always mean you have to raise pay levels or offer an array of expensive benefits. You only need to discover what's most important to your work force, one employee at a time, then manage the give-get contract so you're giving them what they need to feel good about giving back.


Leigh Branham is the author of "Keeping the People Who Keep You on Business" and "The 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave". Leigh is widely recognized as an authority on employee engagement and the best practices of organizations.

Job Search Help: The 5 Most Important Gifts Parents Can Give Their New College Graduate

As winter sets in and graduation dates draw ever closer, most parents' minds inevitably begin to fix upon the ultimate reward for the education they've supported; in other words, on that first real job.

Unless your son or daughter has a degree (or destiny) that leads them directly into a specific role - such as doctor, accountant, lawyer, etc - helping them determine what that first position should be can be far more daunting than helping them determine which college to attend. For one thing, there will be never be another time in their career that offers them more opportunity. The new class of college graduates is the single greatest source of management-capable workforce and the largest entrance pool in the nation. Nearly every major corporation in the world provides an clear, accessible entry point to their workforce for this inexperienced yet high-potential recruit. So how do they decide?

The good news is that, as a parent, you can provide far greater support and encouragement in this effort than simply asking "Have you found a job yet?" In fact, you may actually be able to contribute significantly without being seen as meddling or domineering. The five "gifts" below can go a long way in helping your child begin their new career - and could even be the first steps toward building a new, adult relationship.

1. Listening. Your son or daughter has just spent at least four years attending a school to learn an array of material. They have not been groomed to take on a career. In fact, many of their favorite college professors make a point of persuading students to stay in school for more degrees, not leave for a career. So the idea of what they'll do with their degree has not been top-of-mind. Even if they graduate with a degree in business, let's face it: They really have absolutely no idea what's really "out there." If they've spent time in an internship, they've most likely experienced a carefully crafted regimen of "responsibility" and socialization exercises designed to evaluate their aptitude for a position within that company - and bring back good PR to the college campus for future candidate recruitment efforts. Who has your students' best interests at heart? This is where your knowledge of their strengths, passions, character and ideals can be of great assistance. Spend time listening to help them identify and understand their interests, disinterests, tendencies, habits and vulnerabilities. In what environment do they best perform? Do they find value in being a "big fish in a small pond" with a vague job description or would they rather receive specific direction and a precise career path? Do they care more about the product manufactured by the company or the corporate responsibility and community service efforts? Do they crave communication or would they rather be left to their own devices? These questions can help them begin to formulate their own checklist within their own framework of the most desired attributes of a company and a position.

2. Networking. If there's a "most important life skill" to learn in the business world, networking would be at the top. This is not your Facebook networking; this is the way that people who intend to establish, groom, maintain and grow relationships in a professional world act, treat others and develop a reputation. The best way to begin this process is to introduce your student to professionals you know in many different fields. Your son or daughter has had such limited opportunity to understand what happens in a company, how a company is run, what type of positions are available within most companies, that they have no frame of reference upon which to draw when searching for a job. Encourage them to ask for informational interviews so they can query various professionals regarding their backgrounds and the attributes of their companies. This will give them an opportunity to begin to establish their own relationships. Don't believe the hype. The number one source of a job is not on the Internet. The greatest odds of landing a job are still determined by who you know and who knows you.

3. Encouragement. Remind your student to utilize the career services at his/her college or university. This office can provide a wide-range of helpful and valuable tools for resume-writing, aptitude testing, interviewing tips and practice, alumni-networking, on-campus interviewing experiences with companies and career exploration events. You have paid for this service with your tuition. In most cases, your son/daughter will be eligible to take advantage of these services forever, not just upon graduation.

4. Perspective. Remind yourself that this is their job search. The perfect job for you is not necessarily the perfect job for them. The fastest-growing trend in entry-level position compensation is establishing healthcare and retirement benefits. This is not due to an increase in twenty-something retirement issues but, rather, the result of the experiences parents often face having an influence on the decisions and biases of their children. Please refrain from encouraging your student to become enamored with a company because you eat their cereal or recognize their name from a television advertisement. There are many, many exceptional companies who's success is greater than those you might recognize and who could provide a valuable, fulfilling career path in prominent, lucrative fields.

5. Respect. The grueling, repetitive and exhausting lessons in manners and respect that you've taught your child are finally going to play a significant part in your child's job search and success. Everything you've taught them - from not interrupting and looking them in the eye to writing thank you notes and not talking with your mouth full - is going to count for something during this experience. Show them the respect that you have taught them to give. Trust me: They'll respect you for your advice, encouragement and counsel.

Laurie Byrne / Honor Roll Online


A twenty-year veteran of college recruiting, Honor Roll Onlines Laurie Byrne, has seen it all. As the employment landscape continues to shift, she sees things differently. That perspective has proven to be invaluable to prospective candidates & employers alike. http://www.collegegraduatejobsearch.com

Hints for Job Interviews

Many people do all the things necessary to be attractive to potential employers, gaining experience, getting education or training, and working hard on creating a top-notch resume. But once they reach the final hurdle the interview, many find themselves melting into a puddle of nerves. Feelings of doubt are normal, but the truth is, an interview is just a meeting where you and another person come face to face for a chat, and being nervous isn't necessary.

Self-confidence can be a particularly thorny problem, and lacking self-confidence can be a major mistake in a job interview. You see, nearly all would-be employers are looking for a healthy level of self-confidence in the people they're interviewing. To overcome this problem you will need to gain a healthy level of self-confidence for the meeting. This can be done by doing practice interviews, either with a friend or with other employers of jobs you're not really interested in. If practicing for the interview is not a viable option, then you have to resort to faking self-confidence. Putting on an act can be difficult, as you need to project an image of total confidence, using a mirror and interviewing yourself, will help you pick up on small details you need to correct. Begin by giving us your interviewer a firm handshake, don't avert your gaze and above all else, don't twitch with nervousness.

Honesty is the only policy during a job interview. If you're caught out lying, you've guaranteed that you'll definitely be out of the race for the job. If you have any blemishes on your work, education, or personal history, prepare answers for any questions you are likely to get on those issues. Don't think you can gloss over past mistakes; this only leaves the interviewer with the wrong impression. It is possible though, to word your answers in a way so as to soften the blow of any errors you've made at previous employments.

All job applicants have rights and it is important that you know what they are. There are some questions in an interview that you don't have to legally answer and you cannot be penalized by your refusal to answer. There are also questions that your interviewer can't legally ask. Unless you have a good reason not to answer refusal won't help your case, it's always a good thing to know your rights. Whatever answers you give your potential employer, say them with confidence, even if it's explaining why you had a massive gap in your work history or confessing that you don't currently have any career goals beyond the job you're applying for.

There are abundant sources of information on preparing your appearance for the interview. Most of it is simple common sense. Clothing, be it a business suit or a tasteful blouse and pants, should be appropriate for the position you are seeking. Presenting yourself and your clothing with a clean and neat appearance are all you really need to know about how to look for an interview. As with your responses, an appearance of professionalism goes a long way towards getting you the job you want.

Once the interview is almost complete, you will help your case by asking your prospective employer questions about the position you're applying for and their organization. Asking questions is important as it shows that you have a serious interest in position and that you have potential dedication to your employer.

For more of his helpful advice and tips on interviews visit YourEmploymentGuide.net. While additional help is also available from CareersandRecruitment.com.Visit these sites now and secure your dream job.

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Gary has had many years experience interviewing job candidates. For more of his helpful advice and tips on interviews visit YourEmploymentGuide.net. While additional help is also available from CareersandRecruitment.com.Visit these sites now and secure your dream job.

Professional Resume

So, you are looking for a job and want to create a professional resume. You have many different options when it comes to creating a professional resume. There are many different places that offer this service to individuals.

It is important when creating any resume to realize that this is the first impression your prospective employer will have of you. A professional resume is a must if you are seeking a high level position, but all resumes should have a professional quality. Why do something half way when you can do it the right way? Creating a resume is not difficult. You are not operating on the brain of a close relative, you are simply writing a list of your accomplishments that will distinguish you for the position of which you are seeking.

The first thing you need to do when creating a professional resume is to put the objective of the position which you are seeking on the heading of the page. There are many different templates if you decide to create your professional resume on the computer. Choose one that is simple and elegant. Avoid anything with colored paper or flowers. Choose a classic template.

You should include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address on the heading of your professional resume. Make it simple and use a regular font. To not make it extra large or use a fanciful font. Remember, you are creating a professional resume and want to maintain a look of decorum throughout the document.

State the position for which you are applying under the heading. This is a matter of style. It can be off to the left of the page or in the center, it really does not matter. It does matter, however, that your prospective employer knows which position you seek. They may have many different positions available within the company and this way they will know exactly which one for which you are applying.

You will next want to describe your experience. You should start with the last place of your employment and list all of your duties and accomplishments performed in that position. You should list the name of the company, your title, any promotions you received, and the ending date. If you are still working for the company, you can state that you are still presently working for this company.

For your experience, it is recommended that you use bullet points to outline all of the knowledge that you have regarding the position for which you are applying. Only put down the information that pertains to the position for which you are applying and do no hesitate to elaborate. Bullet points make it easier for the person reading your professional resume to read about your experience. It does take up more space on the paper, but is better than a long, drawn out paragraph.

You can also list other places where you have worked, the name of the company, the starting and ending dates as well as the experience derived from those positions. You do not need to list any more than three positions on your professional resume and they should only pertain to the job for which you are applying. Your prospective employer does not need to know that you worked at Diary Queen when you were 16.

At the end of the professional resume, you will want to list your education, starting with your last school. If you have a PHD or an MBA, they come first. Name the school and your grade point average as well as what degree you received. Next, you will name your undergraduate school as well as the degree or degrees which you earned. Those who have an extensive education do not have to put down their high school on their resume. If you earned an MBA, it is pretty much assumed that you graduated high school. The only exception would be if the person with whom you are interviewing is an alma mater of your old high school. In that case, put down the high school you attended.

You should also put down any professional accomplishments or clubs to which you belong. This should come at the end of the resume. Professional accomplishments and clubs should relate to the job at hand. It is not necessary to put down that you belong to a knitting club. It is also not necessary to put down any hobbies or interests.

There is a popular misconception that a resume should only be one page long. A professional resume, however, is usually more than one page. While you do not want to send your prospective employer a mini novel, you do not want to leave out any skills or knowledge that you have that will help you to attain the job.

A professional resume is not difficult to create. Remember to keep it simple, straight forward, and bullet all of your accomplishments. This is the time to highlight all of the wonderful things that you did throughout your career, so make it shine. Stay away from fancy fonts and colored paper and keep the document classic and neat. Creating a professional resume is not difficult, just be sure to stick to the accomplishments and information that pertain to the position which you seek.


Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Difficult If Not Illegal Job Interview Questions

Both actual job employment interviews and the whole interview process can be both an intimidating and frustrating affair. First the initial interview, then a second interview, if you are lucky enough to be called back. The second interview can be an group of people from within the organization, the same interviewer as the first time , or another trusted senior member or the firm either from that location or : "head office". Lastly is the third and more senior interview. If you get to the third interview step - that is a good sign that the firm is seriously interested in you or your talents.

The dilemma with the job interview process is always the same. You want the job - that is why you are there. It's not for your health as they say. If you do not answer questions in either the way the answer is wished or required you may not get the job. The question always is "Do you play the game" or "Do you tell the truth". It is a tough call.

On top of that there are a number of questions that employers may ask that if not none of their business are certainly not in good taste and indeed may be illegal. Again it is your choice on how to these questions if indeed to answer them as well. If you are prepared yourself, ahead of the interview session, have thought of your personal boundaries and potential answers or non answers you be in a terribly preferable situation than otherwise.

You may be asked such personal questions such as - Are you married or single? , Do you have any children? , Have you ever been divorced? You can choose to answer or not.

However be aware that according general legislation concerning employment and hiring status, it is not allowed to discriminate on hiring and employment on the basis of marital status or non marital status. Indeed some employers have even asked such personal questions to a woman as "Do you plan to get pregnant?" Again the same rules apply.

Similarly it is against hiring and employment legislation to discriminate against an employee on the basis of race, religion and country of origin. This may include such innocuous side questions to reveal this information as "Where were you born" or "What is your native language?" Remember that first and foremost you are there to get the job, not be interrogated. If you are an American citizen you are first a foremost an American. It does not matter where you were born. If you are a temporary resident or in the process of applying for American citizenship all that matters in the end is if you have documentation that authorizes you to work I the United Sates. Interestingly some interviewers may make personal comments on religious holidays and observances to watch your reaction.

Your reaction to such a test may well be that this is not a wise place or environment to work in. Better to look for a job elsewhere down the road or internet connection.

In the same manner similar questions may be asked about alcohol and tobacco use. It must be remembered that both of these products are legal products and are not illegal.

True there may be concerns about the use of these products on the premises or on the job. However off the job or the firm's premises is an entirely different matter. In general no employer can discriminate on hiring on the use of such legal products offsite and off the job.

In the end it all comes down to pre-call planning. Plan your responses to such questions and queries. Know your personal boundaries. Anticipate in your mind how far you will go or not go get that job. In the end all the employer needs to know is that you will do the job well, in an efficient and profitable manner and will be an asset to the firm or organization


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Wrap Up The Employment Interview To Get That Job

Some applicants for job interviews lose the race - that is they do not get the job because they do not clear the final hurdle. You have to close and ask for the job. Without the sale nothing happens.

What can you do as a job applicant to help move along and close the interview process successfully? First of all watch for signs from the interviewer that is time to "wrap up". Remember the interviewer want to get the show on the road, hire a candidate and get home to his family as much as you do. Signs to watch for include asking whether or not you have any further questions, tidying up papers on the desk, pushing the chair back, or even as simple as pushing the chair back or simply sitting back in the chair. Heed the cues. Do not make the interviewer impatient by droning on at this point.

If the interviewer is not skilled at interviewing, help wrap up the interview by simply asking "Is there anything additional that you wish to discuss with me? I know that you are busy and I appreciate the time that you have given me in order to conduct this interview in such a thorough and professional manner." You may choose to request a commitment from the interviewer to notify you when a job applicant has been selected. Further you may indicate or imply that this position being offered by the firm or organization is not the only one that you are considering. Some examples of these requests for commitment include "By what date will you make your decision on this position? I would appreciate knowing within the next few weeks so I can finalize my plans."

It can be a good idea to determine follow up activities that the interviewer would like, before you leave the interview and the interview room. If a second interview is arranged write down the date, time, place and names of all the people involved in the next step of the interview process. Alternatively you could put this data in your Blackberry. If you are expected to provide additional information, credentials, references or work samples, note that as well and ensure that you verify what you are supposed to do before you leave.

If you are seriously interested in the job, say so. There is nothing wrong with that. As long as the praise and compliments of the firm, the organization and their missions are sincere there is nothing wrong with this. Most people and firms seldom get the recognition that they deserve and appreciate hearing it. Just as in effective sales techniques the person who asks is the most likely to receive. Interviewers are impressed by applicant's expressions of interest; candidates who directly express their interest strengthen their position in the interview process and ultimately in being offered the position at hand, or even more.

In the end it's a process. You have to finish the final steps. It's as simple as that. Those that ask, get. Those that do not ask seldom get.


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Sample Resume Cover Letter

Whenever you send a resume to a company in the hopes of attaining a job, you should always include a cover letter. Many people have more of a difficult time writing the cover letter than the actual resume. A cover letter is not difficult to write and if you would like to see a sample resume cover letter, go online and take a look at some of the letters exhibited on some of the employment websites. They are pretty much form letters.

A sample of a resume cover letter should look something like this:

Dear,

My name is xxxxx and I am a file clerk. I am enclosing my resume in response to your ad in the Chicago Sun Times for a file clerk. I have been working as a file clerk for the previous three years at the XYZ Law Firm and feel I have all of the qualifications you seek.

I can be reached during the day at xxxxx or by e-mail at xxxxxx. I would very much like an opportunity to sit down with you and discuss the opportunity offered in the Chicago Sun Times.

Thank you for your time and attention. I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Name

This is a typical sample resume cover letter. Short and to the point. The first thing you want to do is introduce yourself and your profession. After you do this, you should mention the fact that you have enclosed your resume in response to their ad. You should be certain to mention where you read their ad, whether it was online or in the newspaper. Make sure that you also reference the job that was advertised.

You will want to tell a little bit about yourself in your resume cover letter, but you do not have to elaborate too much. Remember that you are enclosing a resume that will tell your perspective employer all about you. The cover letter is a mere formality. A polite touch to the resume. Many employers do not even read them and they often get tossed away. There is no need to write the great American Novel in your cover letter. But the letter is still necessary.

As you may have noticed in the sample resume cover letter, there is information where the person applying for the job can be reached. And telling the employer that you want to discuss the opportunity is a nice touch in a cover letter. It indicates that you want to learn more about the company. It is just as important for an employee to want to work for the company as it is for the employer to want the employee. An employee should never sound desperate in a cover letter.

Another point in the sample resume cover letter is the prerequisite thank you for your time and a hope to hear from them. This is a very simple sample resume cover letter. It is very to the point and is ideal for someone seeking a mid level job.

If you are seeking a professional level job, such as an attorney, you may want to elaborate a bit more in your over cover letter. Short and sweet is nice for most jobs, but for a professional position, you may want to talk about some of your accomplishments and how you heard about the opening. You can also talk about what you wish to accomplish in your career goals.

One thing you should never put in a cover letter is anything about salary, although more and more employers, particularly those online, are asking for salary requirements to be mentioned in the cover letter. This is usually done to weed out the people who will want too much money as the employers who ask for this information up front normally do not offer high pay. If you are interested in applying for such a position, be sure to add this information as directed.

To find a good sample resume cover letter, you can seek some of the information online at the employment websites. There are also various books on this subject. However, it is not really a difficult task to write a cover letter to accompany a resume.

Prior to writing your cover letter, check out a sample resume cover letter online and study the wording. Be certain to follow the rules as indicated above and make sure you check your spelling and grammar prior to sending the letter to the employer along with your resume.



Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resume distribution or a job finder service checkout his recommended websites.

Cover Letter Format

When applying for any new position, you will want to have a polished and attention-getting cover letter. In order to assure that it is laid out correctly, you will need to have a first-rate cover letter format.

A cover letter should follow the same format as would a classic business letter, and should speak to three common issues: The first paragraph should explain to the employer why you are writing. Let him or her know the position you are interested in, and if you are replying to a job posting, also add the information of where you saw the posting.

The middle paragraph, or paragraphs, should explain what you bring to the table. Your skills, any special achievements, projects/committees/special assignments; whatever will cast you in the best light possible. Stay on point and give examples, the prospective employer is going to want to have your accomplishments and successes verifiable. However, don't be afraid to break this paragraph into two paragraphs if it runs on too long; you'll want your cover letter to have a consistent flow and format.

Your third paragraph, also referred to as the "concluding paragraph," should tell the employer how you will follow- up with him or her. Give a specific time when you will get back in touch with them, either by phone or letter, and then make sure you do it. Not following through on your promised follow-up will not be impressive to any prospective employer!

There are many places that you can go to see for yourself a top-notch cover letter format. Probably the easiest and most widely used tool is the Internet. With a plethora of websites devoted to just about any topic you desire, this is a wonderful resource for you. Utilizing a high-quality search engine such as Google, you can simply enter the words "cover letter format," and instantly be flooded with different websites eager to help you, and to show you what they consider to be a superior cover letter format.

Or, if you prefer the more traditional way of doing things, you can always go to the local library or bookstore. There are large sections focused solely on business and career issues, including job-hunting. It should be no problem finding several books with at least one example of a cover letter format.

Last but not least, don't forget about the Student Services office at your college or University. It is there job to help you find employment and they will be happy to assist in your job search. Undoubtedly they will also be able to show you an excellent cover letter format, or two.

Always keep in mind that no matter which cover letter format you choose, that is only part of creating a winning cover letter. You must make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors. Use your spellchecker, but remember that although this is a helpful tool it cannot catch every error. Proofread your cover letter yourself, silently and then out loud, and have one or two other people proofread it as well. By doing all that you can to assure that your cover letter is error-free, you are one step closer to the job of your dreams!



Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter or cover letters checkout his recommended websites.

Preparations For Career Employment

Most colleges and universities take an active role in preparing graduates for career employment opportunities. During the senior year, college students are often required to attend several classes that will prove most beneficial for the career they have chosen. Specialized careers in professions in the medical arena or engineering might require on-the-job training for one or two semesters before the student is considered ready to pursue a career after graduation.

Most college students are prepared for entrance into the world of business because they attained good grades in classes such as accounting, finance, and mathematics. Preparing for employment in the real world is self-paced at times because some classes required hands-on training through the completion of workbooks and other work experience was gained by part-time employment.

While attending schools, students had other opportunities to prepare for career employment. Completing class projects on time taught students to meet deadlines and work as a member of a team. The team player concept is very popular in the business world and prospective employers look for this trait in all applicants. While employers are conducting interviews, they are looking for individuals who are top performers and capable of independent thought.

Graduates will be better prepared to enter the business world when they are exposed to hiring professionals when they visit the schools on career day. The students will have the opportunity to speak to each employer individually about the type of benefit plans their company offers. They can brush up on inter-personal skills while conversing with the employers and use these skills when they go on the first interview. Some college students will note how the employers dress and emulate that look when they dress for the interview.

The professional development class at school will prepare the student for working in the business world by educating them about the importance of preparing a professional resume. Students will also learn how to dress in the workplace and they will often have to undergo a mock interview during the final weeks before graduation. Faculty members will advise each student on what changes to appearance should be made before the actual interview and some will be provided guidance on how to improve their interview skills.

The career fairs will have a very positive impact on students who are preparing for long-term careers. At the conclusion of the career day, a college student will have a good idea about the current hiring trends in the employment marketplace. Some students gain insight on what it will take to land a position with a specific company and since they have met the executive face to face, they have a very good reference to place on the resume.

Other college graduates will attend the college fairs with a different purpose in mind. They will go to the fair to find out which employers participated, collect business cards with full contact information on them, and use that information later when they conduct a job search campaign. Most college students feel that they have more bargaining power when they have a hard copy of a college degree, rather than interviewing for a position in a company while they are still in a student status.

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Resume Cover Letter

So, you've finally found your dream job and are ready to create your resume cover letter. If you are hopeful of even getting an interview, and of course you are, then it would behoove you to create as flawless a resume cover letter as you are able. Why? you ask. The answer is simple. This is the first impression that your prospective employer is going to have of you. And as everyone knows, first impressions make a big impression.

You'll want your resume cover letter to be as brief and to the point as possible, while still getting in all of the information that is pertinent. First and foremost, introduce yourself, and inform the employer of the position that you seek. Follow that up with the reasons you feel you are qualified to take on this position. Did you major in something relating to that field in college? Have you held other jobs in the same position as this one, or a similar rank? Have you had other sorts of experience with it? Have you gone above and beyond and achieved special accolades or awards related to this line of work? You can "toot your own horn," so to speak, as long as it is done in a humble manner and, in this case you certainly have a valid reason: to show without a doubt that you are the best person for the job!

But, what if you do not have a college degree in that area, or one at all? What if you have no experience in this field, just a burning desire to work in this industry? Don't despair! Instead of listing all of your education and qualifications, you list the education that you do have, stress what you did especially well in, and then express your fervent aspirations to work in this field, and learn as much as you can, as quickly as you can. It may be difficult for the prospective employer to turn away someone who is as passionate and ambitious about the same career that he is!

Now, while it is very important to inform them of your education, skills, achievements, etc., it's just as important to let them know that you can fit in with their company. No one wants to go through all of the time and money it takes to train a new employee, only to have that new employee turn out to be someone who doesn't fit in with the other employees and disrupts the flow of the office teamwork.

So, in your resume cover letter you should also bring up your personality traits. Mentioning that you have excellent interpersonal skills, enjoy speaking to clients on the phone, enjoy greeting/working with/meeting new people, depending on what exactly your position will entail, all of these demonstrate your intent to be pleasant around others, and indicate that you will be a kind and considerate employee and team player.

So, the prospective employer now knows the job you seek, he knows what degrees and/or experience you have, and he or she is aware that you are quite a pleasant person, to hear you tell it, anyway!

You, my friend, are almost finished and ready to wow them with your resume cover letter. Near the end you will assure them that you feel you are the right person for the job, and that you can and will be an asset to them.

Thank them for their consideration, and let them know that you will be anxious to hear from them to set up an interview at their convenience. Make sure that they have all means of contacting you that you normally use: home phone, cell phone, email address, they seem to be the most common ones.

Last but certainly not least your resume cover letter should be very professional looking. Nothing fancy, cutesy, or decorative. This rule may waver some in certain artistic arenas but in the mainstream business world you would be wise to follow these guidelines.

Of course, it goes without saying that you proofread, proofread, and then proofread again. Have at least one friend read it as well. Use spell check. Read it out loud to yourself and see if it sounds okay to you. Have some else read it to you. You read it to them. It may sound crazy and like too much work but believe me; certain prospective employers might be very impressed by a flawless resume cover letter. The flipside of that would be a resume cover letter with too many errors. Other prospective employers might be quite judgmental, assuming that if you can't go to enough trouble to make your resume cover letter perfect while you are still trying to get the job, what kind of work would you do should you actually get the position. It's always better to err on the side of safety, I think.

So, off you go to write your resume cover letter, good luck, and I hope you get the job!



Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resumes or for a samples resume checkout his recommended websites.

Cover Letter Mistakes: Don't let this happen to You!

Here are some ideas on how not to write a cover letter. Don't let these blunders keep you from the job you want.

The right cover letter will make you stand out from the crowd. You've just come across a job opening that exactly fits your skills and experience. Don't rush drafting the cover letter, pay attention to detail and you'll likely make the first cut and get the interview. But what can you do, or not do that will severely hurt your chances in getting the interview?

1) You fail to address the letter to the hiring manager: Finding the name of the hiring manager is a simple as a phone call or a few minutes on the internet. If you call, get their extension number, as you will probably be calling again. This small item will get you off to a good start.

2) You fail to indicate the job you are applying for: Many employers have a number of ongoing job openings. If you fail to put a reference line between the employers address and the salutation, or indicate the job you are applying for in the first paragraph, the hiring manager will not guess and your submission will likely get thrown out.

3) You fail to address none of the job requirements: The employer lists specific needs and skills in the job announcement. If you fail to focus on these needs your cover letter will impress no one.

Personalize your cover letter by speaking to the employers need and the skills required in the job. Use the words in the job announcement and tie them in to your achievements and skills. In this way, the personalized cover letter will show that you understand their needs and you've spent some time tying their requirements to your experience.

4) You fail to include contact information: Many times the applicant will put their contact information on their resume and not put duplicate contact information on the cover letter. If the two documents get separated and the resume gets misplaced your chance of an interview goes down to zero.

5) You fail to add a call action: You want to make the hiring manager do the least amount of work as possible in order for you to get an interview. One of the ways you can ease their burden is by calling them to follow-up. State that you will call them in a certain amount of time - say one week or on a specific date - and be sure to do it.

Don't worry about coming across as too aggressive. Its acting proactively which employers think highly of and you can expect them to take notice. Of course they may call you even before you get a chance to give them a ring, but that's a good thing.

Cover letters that show you have paid attention to the details will get your cover letter and resume in the "to interview" category. Take your time with the details, craft the best cover letter that you can and you'll find more employers wanting to interview you.


John Groth is a career coach. Find valuable Career Development Ideas, in-depth articles and a free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date recruitment and Job Hunting strategies; all to assist you in developing and advancing your career.

Posted by bizz at 12:33 AM 0 comments

Women In Those High-Paying Positions Have Something I Don't Have - Are You Sure?

Women in Those High-Paying Positions Have Something I Don't Have - Are You Sure?

I believe there are three reasons why most women do not pursue positions which they know to be higher-paying.

* They believe they lack sufficient ambition * They see the sacrifices as too great * They view themselves as unqualified

Let's look at these, one at a time.

Ambition

Think about how you define the work "ambition." Many people believe that people either have it or they don't, and there is no middle ground. Of course, ambition is not an either/or concept. The majority of working men do not aspire to be president of the company for which they work, yet they expect to earn enough to support themselves. They do not worry about unbridled ambition ruining their lives. They know that business is not a conveyor belt that they get on and cannot control. People are not promoted against their wills.

The issue of ambition may cloud your view of a specific job opportunity. You may decide that a particular level of ambition is necessary for a specific job, when other things are actually much more important. You may be wrong about your own ambition level, or unsure of it. This uncertainty may seem to be an important obstacle to overcome. You may not want to be ambitious. You might think it is unfeminine or unattractive to have ambition. You may feel it is selfish and greedy to want a lot of money. You may feel it is more noble to work hard for little pay than to work hard for a lot of pay.

Some people would have you analyze your feelings about ambition until they are completely resolved. You will probably retire before you can accomplish it. Try to simply put these bad feelings and all thoughts of ambition out of your mind. Ambition is a vague concept, defined by different people in various ways. You work for many reasons, and one of them is money. If you had enough ambition to get out of bed this morning, you have enough to pursue a new career.

Sacrifice

You see women anchoring the news, selling cars, and developing new software products. If you're like many of us, you may see these positions as requiring more sacrifice than your current job. You may believe that these women will pay any price to climb further and earn more.

The fact is, different jobs require different kinds of sacrifices. Yes, there are high-stress jobs which require long hours and travel. But many, many jobs which pay more than yours require far less sacrifice than you imagine. I am constantly amazed at the sacrifices women are willing to make in long hours, extra work, harassment and belittling treatment, when their paychecks hardly warrant any sacrifice. Many working men and women who go home to their families every evening earn much more than you do. Be realistic, but don't count yourself out of a new career just because you have other priorities in your life. Everyone does.

Qualifications

The issue of whether or not you are qualified for a different career path is probably more simple, and at the same time, more complex, than you thought. The word "qualify" has been overused and abused in the workplace. In fact, it remains undefined and means different things to different people, even when they are talking about the same position. Women are much more likely to consider "qualified" to mean technically competent. We believe direct prior experience in that exact kind of position is necessary. We believe some kind of unique technical training is required. In fact, the position may require someone who is politically savvy, and is able to bring a new prospective to the job. Generally speaking, men with the same level of skill are more likely to consider themselves as "qualified" for a job while the women next to them see themselves as unqualified.

In 1977, Betty Harragan (Games mother Never Taught You, Warner Books, Inc.) quoted from a study in which men and women were asked how many of the appropriate job skills they would need to have in order to "qualify" for a job. Women responded that they would need 100% of the skills. Men, on the other hand, believed they needed an average of 40% of those skills. Personally, I think this study would have the same results if done today. Consider the difference between 40% and 100%! Yes, this is an over generalization, but you can probably think of several examples of this in your own experience. This alone can account for the difference in confidence levels we often see in business. If one person considers himself qualified with far fewer skills than another, he will automatically feel more confident and appear more confident. In fact, he will be better able to execute the job, since self-doubt is a barrier to success. Well-paid women have learned to live with this. They have recognized that if they wait to be 100% qualified, they'll miss their chance entirely. So will we.

What we consider to be good performance on the job may be impossible for any human. Until we can adjust our view of competency, we will never see ourselves as qualified for the jobs we so deserve. Until we can see ourselves as qualified, we will not be. Change your view of competency from perfection at all times to excellence in the context of the job. Make your demands on yourself more realistic, and you will be able to do more. More women must learn to "fake it until they make it." We must assume authority, instead of waiting for it to be handed to us. We must see self-doubt as a faulty mis perception that we must rise above, instead of an indication of our unworthiness. We are able to do this in other areas of our lives, we must learn to do it in the workplace. For most people (men and women alike) self-confidence is learned rather than earned. We simply do not have enough time in this life to overcome all traces of self-doubt before we act. When we act in spite of our own self-doubts, and succeed, or at least survive, we gain confidence.

In other ways, women often differ from the men around them in how they approach work. We are more likely to feel powerless and doubt ourselves. We are more likely to be paralyzed by that self-doubt, unable to act until we are certain of the outcome. We often have a different, and unhealthy view of risk. We are sometimes more task-oriented than is advisable in decision-making positions, and we may lack negotiating skills. What we can do about this is the subject of Each of Us: How Every Woman Can Earn More Money in Corporate America. It is important to remember that all the highly-paid men and women you know have learned these skills, they weren't born with them. They are only people doing their jobs, they aren't perfect at the business game. With a few minor adjustments, we can make an enormous difference in our incomes.

Patricia Smith is a businesswoman, speaker, and the Author of Each of Us: How Every Woman Can Earn More Money in Corporate America. http://www.eachofus.com

Posted by bizz at 12:32 AM 0 comments

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Career College

The road to a career can be a long and winding highway with lots of dead ends and wrong turns. Perhaps you've hit some of these occupational detours--unnecessary coursework, scattered employment opportunities, and wandering around the Internet, looking for just the right profession. But with a career college, you can be on the fast track to rewarding vocation in a respected field. "I received training in exactly what employers are looking for," said one vocational school student. "I didn't waste time taking classes that you don't really need for the job market."

If you're thinking about earning a certificate from a career college that trains you for a specific niche, such as health care support staff positions--pharmacy technician, medical assistant, or health claims examiner/medical biller, and other challenging positions--it's important to ask questions before enrolling. You'll want to feel confident about your decision before embarking on your studies. According to educational experts, here are some criteria to guide you as you evaluate the pros and cons of a career college:

1. INTERESTS AND GOALS:

*What kind of career and technical training do you want to receive? If you're interested in medical support careers, you'll want to consider a career college that specializes in that type of preparation. Look for an established college with a good reputation.

*Will the education you receive be adequate training for your job? If you're interested in being a pharmacy technician, for example, you will want to gain technical knowledge and practical skills such as dosage calculations, drug distribution systems, and product recognition.

2. CHOOSING A SCHOOL:

* Is the school fully accredited and will you receive a certificate of completion? An accredited school means that the institution's programs and policies have been reviewed and meet the criteria set by an outside agency. This ensures that you'll receive a quality education with high standards. Your certificate of completion will be recognized and valued by potential employers.

* Does the school have convenient locations? Look for a career college that has campuses in different counties and is accessible by public transportation as well as freeways. Check to make sure parking is available.

* Are the facilities clean and up-to-date? Modern classrooms and labs with advanced equipment mean that you'll have the tools you'll need to learn up-to-date technology and clinical skills.

* What are the requirements for admission? Typically, applicants are required to complete an application form and participate in a personal interview with admissions representatives, as well as visit the campus. If you need a GED, some schools will pay for you to take this high-school equivalency test if you have been approved for testing by the school administration. If you don't have a high school diploma or GED, some programs only require that you pass a nationally recognized ability-to-benefit test.

3. FINANCIAL AID:

* How will you pay for your training or program? Career colleges are very affordable, and the financial aid office can help qualifying students find the funds they need. You'll also have several options for tuition payment. Grants and low-interest loans can help those with financial needs.

4. OTHER SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

* Does the career college offer job placement assistance? You'll want to rely on the help of a career services department to help you find employment after you graduate. For both students and alumni, this can include interviewing techniques and resume preparation; job leads and networking workshops; and time management planning. You'll be well on your way to a rewarding and successful career in the health support professions.

To request free information about healthcare career training programs offered in south California, visit our website.

Cindy Atoji is a freelance writer who specializes in career education articles and healthcare opportunities.

The first month in a new job

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! The first few weeks of a new job are crucial in determining how your new employer perceives you. During this time your manager, colleagues and subordinates will all be making judgements about you, so you cannot afford to give the wrong impression. The ways in which you present yourself and communicate are going to lead people to form long lasting opinions of you, so it is essential to perform to high standards, ensuring the right people notice your efforts.

Preparation

Your first day is likely to be exhausting, as anxiety will increase your stress levels. The first journey to work, introductions to new people and the effort invested to create the best impression can make you feel tired. Aim to get lots of sleep and be organised. Prepare your clothes, paperwork and travel and leave time for discrepancies.

Before you begin the job, immerse yourself in all the company literature you can find. Conduct further research: go on the corporate website and request copies of brochures and press packs. The latest newsletter, company press releases or recently published articles can also be useful. By absorbing as much information as you can about the company's culture, values and market positioning you will ensure that you are one step ahead.

Dos and Don'ts

There are some basic dos and don'ts to follow in order to ensure that you create the right first impression:

Do...

Arrive early and make the effort to show enthusiasm and motivation. Introduce yourself to people you meet and try and remember names and faces plus their roles within the company. Ask for a run down of the management infrastructure, this way you can understand who controls what. Try to demonstrate your strengths/specialist skills as soon as possible. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to say if you don't understand something, an employer will assist you rather than let you struggle. Think about your appearance and ensure you look businesslike, clean and groomed. Remember to think before you speak. Be organised and write down reminders.

Don't...

Be too quiet or reserved, or conversely too loud or over-the-top. Sit around doing nothing - if you finish a task, take the initiative to let the boss know and find something else useful to do. Ask if you can go home early on day one or try to book holiday time, this shouldn't be seen as your priority in the first few weeks.

Induction success

Many company HR departments design an induction plan as an opportunity to learn about the culture of the business. Take this opportunity to ask questions, remaining open-minded about your new employer. This is the time to find out even more about the company and ask any questions regarding personnel issues. You may be given policies to read, health and safety information and some brief training on using office equipment. Don't worry if it all seems too much to take in at the time, take notes and re-read the information at a later date.

Work on developing a good relationship with your manager. In your first month try to understand the type of person they are, assessing their working style, priorities and communication techniques. How do they like to receive information - face to face or by email? Do they prefer to schedule meetings? Don't assume they always know what you are working on - make it a rule to check in with them regularly and let them know of any successful undertakings.

The bigger picture?

Your initial tasks and routines have probably been outlined. Clarifying exactly what is expected of you is important - if you're unsure of what your objectives and goals are you should ask your manager to make these clear. Find out how the work of your team fits into the purpose of the wider department and how the support of this department contributes to the overall activities of the business. Take a professional attitude and treat all jobs (even those you may feel menial) as important.

Did I make the right decision?

Feelings of doubt are normal during your first few months in a job. You may find yourself questioning your job or the company but insecurity at this early stage is not unusual. Towards the end of the first month it can be useful to review your new job and assess your satisfaction with the direction you are moving in. The best way to prevent potentially negative issues getting out of hand is to identify them early on and change them before they become unmanageable.

Above all else your first month in a new job should be challenging and exciting. It will bring with it challenges you may not have faced or anticipated before. With a little bit of thought and insight you can get off to a flying start with your new employer.


www.nes.co.uk

NES is a leading global technical recruitment business providing professionally qualified contract staff to blue chip clients across the world in the oil and gas, infrastructure, rail, power and IT sectors. Founded in 1978, a committed workforce has facilitated the company's success and continues to ensure that NES experiences ongoing growth in terms of customers, geography and sector.

Attracting An Enjoyable Work Day

I work as a technical support representative for a major cable company in San Diego, CA. It's an inbound call center that receives calls from our customer's that are experiencing difficulties in using their television, internet or digital telephone services. If you have ever had problems with these services in your area, then you know what the customers we work with experience.

Customer Service is a stressful job. Do a Google search for "most stressful jobs" and you'll find several articles that cite Customer Service as being in the top ten most stressful jobs. It's because the representatives are working with upset and irate customers most of the day. Think about it, would you like to be yelled at most of your working day? Call center turnover is very high. I'm not going to defend this industry, rude callers, nor the rude representatives themselves. I'm writing this to show how the power of intention for having a good day at work, really is effective.

Not all customers are mad, mean or rude. Not all telephone reps are rude and ignorant of how to do their job. There are a few bad apples, just like every industry.

I've been doing inbound customer service / technical support for about 7 years. I've also worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years and owned my own window cleaning service. I've been providing service to the public most of my working life. I love what I do. Well, more specifically, I love helping people, fixing their problems, educating them about our services, etc. I didn't always enjoy my job. Earlier in my call center career, I allowed myself to become depressed. I got drawn into other people's drama, problems and frustrations. I was going through a divorce, separation from my kids and other personal problems.

Over the years, with some therapy, personal growth and learning about the power of intention and Law of Attraction principles, my relationships, my career and overall, my life got better. It is getting better all the time.

I do the same work today that I've been doing for most of the past seven years. I take calls, resolve problems and make people happy. I also work with the same type of co-workers. People who, for the most part see customers as stupid, ignorant, demanding and unreasonable. They seem to dwell upon the negative. Oh, sure they might be pleasant when talking on the phone, but you can see it in their eyes, hear it in their voice. When on breaks and lunch, they talk about the trouble and problems they have working with some customers.

I see many representatives talk about their "stupid customer", "that rude customer", "that dumb customer". And they talk about getting them one after another after another. Or they'll say "I got nothing but rude/stupid customers all day."

I also hear from customers their complaints about the last tech they spoke with. Each time I hear of someone complaining about their day, the last customer the last rep, I hear how they live their life. How they interact with other people. Part of me, the helpful, nurturing, optimistic, intentionally living a positive life person, wants to educate them about the Law of Attraction and the power of intention. Several times a day, before I leave home, on the way to work, walking in the door at work, and other times, I'm saying "I am having a great day." "I have good, easy calls and customers." Most of my day is dealing with good customers, and easy troubleshooting problems. When I do get those challenging customers or difficult problems, it is usually when the phone calls are backed up and customers have to wait in queue before being assisted. Now sometimes the long queue escalates their irritability, usually I get the more difficult one because I believe they need my skills, what I have to offer to calm them down or expertise in resolving their particular problem. That I accept since I have so much experience in this industry.

The main point I want to emphasize here is "think about the day you want to have and you'll have it." It might not go the way you thought it should, but it is the best day that is available to you based on your thoughts, attitudes and beliefs.

I've also learned that I've missed out on some experiences in troubleshooting some equipment we provide because my intentions were to have the easy days, the easy troubleshooting process. When I realized those opportunities I've missed, I asked for one or two of those in the morning on my way to work and within the first hour or two, I've gotten those specific problems so I could experience them.

It's amazing what kind of days I have at work.

I enjoy what I do. Do you?


Dean Lacono is the author and creator of Law of Attraction for Beginners. Sharing his experiences with Law of Attraction and Power of Intention principles brings these concepts to life as we see practical and real life experiences unfold before us.