Interview Master

GSVCCFX16586619

2012-01-03T14:32:00.001-08:00

GSVCCFX16586619

19 tips to a great-looking resume

2010-03-29T18:37:00.001-07:00

Here are some great tips to a great-looking resume

1. Limit your resume to one or two pages. Two-page resumes are quite acceptable, even for first-time job seekers. It's understood that if you've been working for several years, you may need two pages to fully document your experience and accomplishments. Don't cut out vital information just to get your resume down to one page, but never go more than two pages.

2. Emphasize quality over quantity. If your pages look too cluttered, you need to do a little editing and focus on the information that's most relevant to your chosen field. Reducing type size, shrinking margins, and closing up spaces isn't the way to do it. A crowded look is overwhelming and uninviting.

3. If you have a two-page resume, put your name and "page 2" at the top of the second page. If your pages happen to become separated—not an uncommon occurrence—someone will (hopefully) notice and (hopefully) reattach them.

4. Use a serif typeface—the kind with the little "doodads" on all the letters. Tests have proven serif type is easier on the eye...and therefore, easier to read. Serif typefaces include New Century Schoolbook, Palatino, Bookman, Times, Courier, and Souvenir.

This typeface is Helvetica. It's a sans-serif style. Don't use it.

5. Stick to traditional typefaces. Stay away from the fancy or cutesy ones.

6. Select a readable size. Never use anything smaller than 10-point type for the body of your resume. You may go up to 12 points. Your header can be even larger—typically two or more points larger than your body type.

7. Don't mix typefaces. Resist the urge to play with typefaces. Pick one and stick with it. When an amateur tries to do a little "designing," the result is inevitably... amateurish.

8. Highlight with boldface type. Boldface type is the darker, heavier type that leads off each of the entries on this page. Using boldface type can help you emphasize certain elements of your resume and draw attention to them.

For example, you might want to boldface your name, job titles, the names of employers, and your degree. These elements would then stand out as a recruiter glances over your resume. However, don't get too carried away, or you'll lose the effect. (And be careful to eliminate boldface from your electronic resume.)

9. Use ALL CAPS and underlining sparingly, if at all. Don't underline words or phrases in your body copy. Research shows that underlining and capitalizing whole words slows and even stops the eye while reading. Save these treatments for your name header and section heads. (And, again, eliminate them from an electronic resume.)

10. Avoid italic type. Italic type often is used in publications to emphasize a word or phrase, but don't do it in your body copy. First of all, it just adds another type style, which is something you want to avoid. In addition, your goal in writing your resume is to emphasize everything through clear, concise phrases. Italics would only be redundant and could actually detract, as italic type is harder to read. (One exception: I like using italic type for college honors—cum laude, with honors, with distinction, etc.

11. Use generous margins. Leave at least a one-inch margin at the top of the page and, if possible, one-inch borders around the other three sides. Never use less than a half-inch border. Wide margins create a pleasant, uncluttered look.

12. Use "ragged right" layout. Don't worry about "justifying" or "evening up" your right margin, such as the right margins in this book. (Notice how all of the lines end at exactly the same point.) Instead, just let the lines end where they may, as in the following example:

This paragraph uses a ragged right style. Notice how the uneven line breaks create attractive white space around the edges. A justified paragraph looks "boxy" and places needed white space between words instead of at the end of the lines.

13. Avoid hyphens. Hyphens break up words and, consequently, the flow of a hiring manager's eyes as she reads about your qualifications and exploits.

14. Single-space between lines of each listing. And double-space between sections and paragraphs. This approach breaks up body copy and creates an attractive, balanced look.

15. Use bullets to highlight accomplishments. Key points can get lost in a paragraph format. Using bullets helps organize information in digestible pieces and works to emphasize those key points. Look at the following examples—you'll notice the difference immediately:

Military Personnel Management Officer, Arizona Air National Guard, Midway Field, AZ

Administered and managed personnel function for staff of 26. Increased office-support capabilities and decreased required overtime by 50%. Initiated new mail procedures and streamlined and standardized routing forms and procedures, which improved work flow and reduced "lag" time. As central coordinator for Headquarters' enlisted members, designed programs that led to documented increases in performance, production and morale.

Military Personnel Management Officer, Arizona Air National Guard, Midway Field, AZ

Administered and managed personnel function for staff of 26.

• Increased office-support capabilities and decreased required overtime by 50%.

• Initiated new mail procedures and streamlined and standardized routing forms and procedures, which improved work flow and reduced "lag" time.

• As central coordinator for headquarters' enlisted members, designed programs that led to documented increases in performance, production, and morale.

16. Keep bulleted items to two or three lines of copy. The whole idea of using bullets is to provide information in short bursts. When you start getting windy, bullets lose their effect.

17. Keep paragraph length to no more than four or five lines. Otherwise your reader will give up trying to wade through the sea of information.

18. Shorten your line length. Studies have shown the easiest copy to read is that which asks your eyes to travel just a short distance back and forth across the page. To keep your line length short, consider indenting all body copy about two inches from the left margin and put only section heads and accompanying dates to the left. You can find a number of resumes that effectively use this format among the samples that follow.

19. Find the look that fits you. There are 101 sample resumes in a variety of styles starting on page 60. Find one you like, modify it as necessary...and create the resume that reflects you.

Things to forget while writing a resume

2010-03-29T18:29:00.001-07:00

Things to forget

You may have noticed there's been no discussion about photos, personal statistics, or job references. That's because they don't belong on a resume. Here are all of the elements you should omit from your resume:

 The heading "RESUME." Employers know a resume when they see one. Don't waste space by stating the obvious. Allow yourself an extra line for shameless self-promotion.

I Why you left past jobs. Even if there were positive reasons—a promo¬tion, transfer, or being spirited away by the competition—this is the kind of detail to trot out during your interview, not put on your resume. As for the negative possibilities—disciplinary problems, layoffs, out¬right firings—you wouldn't even think of including them, would you? I didn't expect so.

I Job references. Wait until the employer asks for references before you provide them. Of course, you should have them handy on a sepa¬rate sheet. Just don't automatically include them with your resume. And, since most employers will presume that your "references" are "available on request," you needn't include that phrase at the bottom of your resume, either.

However, if one of your references is someone known to or re¬spected by the employer, you could attach a separate sheet with his or her address and phone number.

Make sure every reference on your list is aware he or she may receive a phone call...and is fully prepared to swear you are as close to divinity as any human could be.

I Salary information. Providing salary information—either your "his¬tory" or "requirements"—allows a prospective employer to eliminate you from consideration (you're too expensive) or determine how little he can get away with paying you. Don't include it on your resume.

A better way to address the situation is to mention in your cover letter that you will be happy to discuss your salary requirements when you have a better idea of what the job entails. But avoid discussing salary at all until the prospective employer mentions it! There is abso¬lutely nothing to be gained by bringing it up first.

I Personal statistics. Details of your personal life aren't important to your ability to perform the job, so leave them out. What does the fact that you're 6'4" and married have to do with managing a record store? It's considered unprofessional to include such information.

I Photos. Unless required by your profession (actor, model, broadcast journalist, etc.) don't include a photo. Many employers, to avoid po¬tential discrimination, will remove the picture before circulating the resume, anyway

I Personality profiles. Hiring professionals agree that statements such as "hard working," "team player" and "dedicated" are ignored be¬cause they are biased. So leave out your personal attributes and let your experience prove that you're "hard working," "a team player," and "dedicated."

I Feelings about travel and/or relocation. If they are positive, you may mention them in a cover letter, especially if one or both have been listed as requirements for the job. If you are anti-travel and dead-set against relocating, why are you applying for a job that requires both?

I Testimonials. Testimonials—endorsements from former employers—don't belong on a resume. Let your accomplishments and experiences speak for themselves. If you have a testimonial on the writer's com¬pany letterhead, you can attach it to your resume, if you wish. Just realize it could be construed as biased and, therefore, ignored.

How to make a effective resume

2010-03-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

An effective resume should:

Address the employers' needs. Employers hire people who can fill their specific needs. Communicate that you are that person. At this point, you shouldn't even be thinking about your needs, wants, or desires...I guarantee you the employer isn't!

I Show employers how they will benefit. Stress your accomplishments and show employers you're an excellent prospect with talents to spare. Provide results-oriented data that proves you've handled previous jobs well and have consistently contributed to the success of every company, group, or club with which you've associated.

I Be clear and concise. Employers sort through piles of resumes daily and typically devote 30 seconds or less to each one. Make your presentation clear, concise, and easy to read.

4 Be targeted. Your resume should communicate a well-defined objective tied to a specific career (even if you don't actually include a "Job Objective").

I Support your promises of performance with reasons why you are the best applicant. Clearly present your skills and qualifications.

4 Be realistic. It should describe a person qualified and suited for the particular career it has targeted. Shy introverts should not try to present themselves as killer salespeople; anal-retentive accountants should not be seeking creative jobs at the trendiest ad boutique.

4 Be honest. Many of you may be tempted to make that one short-term job—from which you were fired—effectively "disappear" from your resume by "adjusting" time spent at a previous and/or subsequent job. Or you will shamelessly inflate a low-level position into a fancier sounding title with greater responsibilities. The truth will out. Be careful.

I Organize your job search. A good resume helps you focus on your accomplishments and career goals. It also helps organize your thoughts for potential job interviews. Once you've taken stock of yourself, and realized all you've achieved and what you have to contribute, you will enter the job interview and networking process with much more confidence.

Interview Body Language- 7 Simple Ways to Send the Right Message in Your Job Interview

2010-03-28T22:56:00.001-07:00

Interview Body Language- 7 Simple Ways to Send the Right Message in your Job Interview.
Pay attention to your interview body language - it plays a critical role in determining how you come across in the job interview! Non-verbal communication accounts for over 90% of the message you are sending the interviewer. 58% of that is your actual body language and 38% is the way you speak including voice tone and pitch. There are 7 simple ways to ensure that you are sending the right message with your interview body language.
1. Your Posture
Sit upright but in a relaxed fashion leaning slightly forward at about a 10 to 15 degree angle towards the interviewer. This send the message that you are an interested and involved candidate. Hunching down or leaning off to the side gives an impression of nervousness. A sloppy posture and leaning back appears casual and careless, perching on the edge of the chair comes across as tense and uncertain.
2. What to Do With Your Hands
The best is to rest your hands loosely-clasped in your lap or on the table if there is one. Fiddling with your hair, face or neck sends the message that you are anxious and uncertain.. Body language experts agree that touching the nose, lips or ears can signal that the candidate is lying. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands pushed down into pockets send a message of secretiveness, showing your palms helps to build trust.
3. Avoid Crossing Your Arms
Folding arms across the chest suggests a defensive type of position. It sends the message that the candidate is feeling threatened and ill-at-ease and is shutting the interviewer out. It can also send the message that the candidate does not agree with or buy into what the interviewer is saying. Waving your arms about too much is often interpreted as a lack of maturity and confidence. Try to keep your arms placed, in a relaxed fashion, by your sides, this looks confident and professional.

4. Put Both Feet on the Floor
Crossing your feet at the ankles or placing them both flat on the floor sends a message of confidence and professionalism. Jiggling or moving your legs creates an irritating distraction and shows nervousness. Resting an ankle on the opposite knee looks arrogant and too casual, crossing the legs high up appears defensive.
5. Keep Direct Eye Contact
Maintaining direct eye contact with the interviewer demonstrates active listening and interest. Blink regularly, look away very briefly and move the head slightly every now and them to not appear to be staring aggressively. Eyes that dart around suggest dishonesty. Looking down gives the impression of low self-esteem.
6. Control your Facial Expressions
These can speak louder than the words coming out of the candidate's mouth! Pursing the lips or twisting them sideways shows disapproval of what is being heard. Biting your lips suggests nervousness. Try to relax your mouth. Frowning makes you look confused and uncertain. Practice relaxing your facial muscles beforehand.
7. Position your Head Properly
The position of your head sends a clear message. Keeping your head straight looks self-assured and authoritative, it sends the message that you should be taken seriously. For a more friendly and relaxed look tilt your head slightly to one side. Nod your head every now and then to show you are listening closely.

The Physician Job Interview - Essential Tips for Success

2010-03-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Interviewing for physician jobs can be stressful, as your entire candidacy for what may in fact be the ideal job

is on the line. Knowing that a good or bad interview can directly affect the job outcome, physicians often worry, and stress out about the interview - and understandably so! In my years as a practicing physician, as well as an administrator, I have learned a few tips I have found successful for me and those who either I have interviewed or know of as successful physicians in ideal jobs. Here are a few of my Tips for success:

1. I don't know! - yes, for those perfectionists I am going to say it again - I don't know! Seriously, physicians have much trouble with these words. However, the successful physician job seeker knows the value in being prepared to say them. It's okay, though - really! In fact, comfortableness with these words will foster more strength and self-confidence. Additionally, self-confidence will not only allow you to rest easily before the interview, it will radiate from you during the interview

, and significantly enhance your visit. As an example, for those medicine and surgery folks that have ever put in a subclavian central line, the saying is "the only doctor who has not dropped a lung (caused a pneumothorax) is the one who has not done enough subclavians!" In placing a subclavian central line, there is the chance of creating a pneumo. Knowing and understanding this, and going over what you know about the procedure all help mitigate your anxiety preemptively. This is important when coping in the unfortunate event of actually creating an iatrogenic pneumothorax. Moreover, know that a pneumothorax can and will happen at some point even for the best, will instill confidence before, during, and after the procedure. This will allow you to better prepare and focus on cannulating that vein successfully, rather than anxiously, and cautiously worrying about a complication that is statistically inevitable.

The interview is the same. Know that you are going to get a question that may stump you, or cause you to stumble. Interviewers often have their one favorite tough question meant to stump you to see your response. Most physician interviewers though, greatly appreciate a physician candidate's honesty in an answer . . . the doctor that says "wow, that's a good question . . . I don't know" and then who later follows with "I would probably, etc..." This is a very good response to a tough question. The honest disclaimer is thrown out there and somewhat protects you from whatever answer you then provide. Much like the defensive flag thrown in football after the snap - it is basically a free pass and free down for the offense. This type of upfront openness and honesty will serve you well during the interview. Alternatively, if you force, fake, lie, or develop erratic behavior upon receipt of a tough question, it is likely that your actions will compromise your perceived integrity, and damage your chance of getting the job. Again, be comfortable and confident in what you know; likewise, it is okay to admit that you do not know - it is actually preferred. Let this sink in, believe and understand it. This will drastically reduce your anxiety, enable you to perform better during the interview, and allow you to present yourself as an intelligent, knowing, and honest physician candidate!

2. Presentation - judgment is quickly passed, and the dinner just about ruined when the thanksgiving turkey that is un shaven, smells, has the garnishments mismatched and thrown everywhere, that is rushed to the table late, and sizzling as if it just came out of the oven, while the cook is tucking in the foil! Well, neither do physician interviewers. Unlike responding to ER call let's say at 3:30 am, it is not okay to show up at an interview disheveled. It is imperative that the interviewee is clean, punctual, and sharp. If you have to drive hours to arrive at your interview, bring a change of clothes just to be fresh. Try to avoid the jacket with countless wrinkles, etc., unless you are prepared to wear a sign on your back asking everyone to excuse you, because you had to drive 2 hours! Now there is no need to by the Armani suit with gold cufflinks. Any suit is fine it's just that it has to be conservative, professional, clean, and pressed. Avoid having interviews on vacation with family where you are just passing through, and decided to check out an opportunity. Unless you have your interview suit, I would wait until you can return. First impressions matter, much like the thanksgiving turkey! And oh by the way, just as there is now room for excessive garlic, clove, or cumin on the turkey, it goes without saying, excessive perfumes and colognes are unacceptable, unless you know exactly what cologne or perfume your interviewer likes. In that case, spray away! If not, do not risk completely distracting or turning an interviewer off because of your strong, offensive, perfume! On the other hand, breath mints can save embarrassing post-prandial halitosis. They can even give you a lift during a long boring interview. Carry a few in your pocket.

3. Enthusiastic Engagement - you will never know the number of non-doctor personnel that hold great influence on your successful candidacy for a position. For example, the secretary and administrative assistant to the Program Chairman of 30 years; or the Directors housekeeper nicknamed "Ma"; or the security officer at the parking lot who son had the . . . etc., etc. Bottom line here is treat everyone with enthusiasm, excitement, and engagement. Look everyone in the eye, warmly shake their hand, and don't rush to look away or else risk appearing superficial or dismissive. Talk with them, ask questions to get them to talk about their hospital, or practice which they love.

As for the interviewer, show interest. Be observant to the pictures in the office, awards, objects, and ask questions. Likewise, while walking through the practice setting, do the same. You should have also done the necessary online research to learn about the interviewer and group. You must ask the appropriate questions for these will cause the interviewer to proudly talk about their accomplishments, achievements, or special interests - and everyone loves to themselves in a show and tell manner . . . even interviewers!. In doing so, you will be liked because you will appear to have similar interests, or at least an appreciation and awareness of the interviewers most proud and enjoyable memories - and you will be remembered.

Posture and positioning are both essential, and worth mention here. It is a delicate balance between respect and rigidness. Finesse must be both practiced and exercised here in order to do this properly. As an example, imagine the military officer on base. There is a time to be rigid, formal, and upright, and yet there is time and place to be at ease. On the interview, walk briskly, assertively, firm handshakes, sit upright (and not laid back legs spread) until you know it is time to do otherwise. If you are being 'cross examined' and the interviewer is walking or pacing around the room so to speak, remain upright. If the interview is in the medical staff lounge, and the interviewer takes off his lab coat, leans back on a sofa, it's time for you to do the same. All the while, maintain your enthusiastic engagement, and you will succeed.

4. Mind Your Manners - this tends to tie in with the aforementioned sections, but it deserves separate mention because so many of us doctors feel that we are above reproach. Yes we are good, yes we are the best in what we do, yes we save lives, but also, yes we all have mothers who will slap our hands and wash our mouths our with soap for misbehaving! So mind your manners on the interview - even if you don't in your daily life! Ladies first, opening doors and waiting for the trailing person to pass, not interrupting someone else talking are key. This may seem basic, but trust me, over the years, you would not believe the number of physician candidates I have encountered who didn't understand this. One does not have to be ridiculously excessive, but appropriate is ideal. Although I was never in the military, I must mention it here again. Think of the soldier in uniform . . . everyone just loves their demeanor, manners, courtesy and appropriateness. On your interview, behave like that soldier. Everyone will like you just the same as the solider. Moreover, this too will aid in attaining the best physician job.

5. Stories and Anecdotes - are often entertaining, and allow you to leave lasting impressions. When answering a question about you, your reasons for moving to this city, or joining the practice - tell a story. Importantly of course, is that you must directly answer the question. However, adding a descriptive, brief story allows for your creative, engaging, jovial, side to appear. Note that you should only do this only a few times during the interview. An excessive amount of storytelling or anecdotes will distract from the interview. You don't want to have more stories to tell than the interviewer! The other benefit to stories and anecdotes for the savvy and wise physician interviewee, it allows you to smoothly transition onto an attribute that you are waiting and hoping to discuss. For example, if you have applying for an infectious disease position, and as a child spent years in South America with your family in the military - when asked "what are your strong attributes?" consider this reply: My strong attributes in my work ethic arise from my father's military background. For many years we lived in various countries during my childhood, in South America, Latin America, etc." This should then trigger the next question from the infectious disease chairman to be one that excitedly and curiously delves into the infectious disease experiences in South America. Smoothness, and timing are key, so be on the lookout for the right time.

6. The Minor Details - cumulatively are worthy of their own section. These are important aspects of preparation and execution that help make your interview complete:

a. Bring extra, clean and unblemished copies of your CV or resume

b. NEVER bring up salary or remuneration unless directly asked of you.

c. Do not arrive on time to the interview -ARRIVE EARLY!

d. Obtain business cards at the end - useful for thank you cards later

e. Eat light when dining with interviewer, and avoid alcohol

f. Express gratitude and thanks for the interview

The Secretary Interview - How to Prepare for Success

2010-03-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

Be ready for your secretary interview. Secretarial or administrative professional jobs are still out there but the competition is fierce than ever. Use these expert tips to know how to handle the secretary interview and get the job you want.

Prepare the right interview answers

Secretarial jobs require a broad base of skills and abilities. The questions asked in the secretary interview will differ depending on the employer, the level of the job and the experience of the candidate. However you can prepare for typical secretarial interview questions such as:

* How does your work experience prepare you for this position?

* What are your strengths and weaknesses as a secretary?

* What qualities do you consider to be the most important for a secretarial or Admin Assistant position?

Prepare good answers to these interview questions by using the keywords that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Review the job posting or ad and underline the words used to describe the job and candidate requirements. Examples include planning and organizing ability, oral and written communication skills, initiative, confidentiality, adaptability, integrity, reliability, accuracy and attention to detail. Check the key tasks of the position in the job posting and see which qualities and experience would be necessary for performing these tasks - for example, if "scheduling" is a key activity then the successful candidate would need to be organized and able to plan and prioritize properly using appropriate scheduling tools.

Ask the right questions

Impress the interviewer by asking insightful and thoughtful questions during your secretary interview. Do some background research on the company and the position to help you prepare a list of good questions to ask your interviewer? Here are some examples:

* What are the most important priorities in this job?

* How would you measure success in this position?

* What is the biggest challenge facing this department/organization?

* How would you describe the typical management style in this department/organization?

Use this as an opportunity to find out the information you need to make the right job decision as well as to show your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.

Wear the right clothes

Make the right first impression by wearing business-like interview attire. A suit in a conservative color or a well-tailored jacket with a skirt or tailored pants is a safe option. An unfussy blouse in a light or neutral color always looks smart under a jacket or blazer. Jewelry should be understated and not distract the interviewer from focusing on your face and what you are saying. Your attention to detail will show that you have made the effort to create the best impression. Think about your nails, your hair, your shoes. A pair of scuffed or unpolished shoes completely spoils the image. Carry a small briefcase or portfolio to hold your resume and examples of your work.

Use the right communication style

Good communication skills - the ability to listen actively and respond effectively both orally and in writing - are key to success in a secretarial position. Be aware of how you communicate during the secretary interview and make sure you impress the interviewer with your communication style and skills. Listen closely, don't interrupt and ask appropriate questions to clarify what the interviewer is looking for. Respond in a clear and concise manner. Avoid non-words like "you know" and "like" or using negative words like "sort of" and "perhaps". Talk in complete sentences and avoid rushing through your answers. Count to three beats in your head before answering and at the end of your sentences. Be aware of your body language - leaning slightly forward, about 10 degrees, towards your interviewer gives the message that you are both interested and involved.

Conduct the right follow-up

Timely follow-up is always one of the requirements for successful job performance as a secretary. Make sure you write and send your interview thank you letter within 24 hours of the job interview. Let your references know that they are likely to be contacted. Give them some details about the position so they can think about relevant information to provide to t he employer. Make a follow-up call to the company within a week or so of the interview. During this call you can thank the employer again for the interview and confirm your interest in the position. You can politely and professionally ask for an update on the hiring decision process.

How to Write a Perfect Resume Cover Letter

2010-03-23T19:14:00.002-07:00

What is a resume cover letter? It is a piece of paper that is submitted along with your resume or curriculum vitae. Like its name indicates, a resume cover letter is a letter that is addressed to a person, and serves several important purposes related to your job hunting experience.

Purposes of a Resume Cover Letter

Contrary to common belief, the cover letter is not just an adornment or decoration to liven up your resume. Curiously, people think that because it has all the detailed information in it, resumes eclipse the cover letter in terms of importance, which is very, very wrong.

Resumes serve these purposes in relation to your application:

•    It is the first document that recruitment officers see and read during the recruitment process. Resumes do not play an important role before the interview.
•    It provides recruitment officers a sneak peek into what kind of a person you are prior to the interview.
•    It provides you with a way to outline your qualifications and your interest without having to engage in a personal conversation with the recruitment officer.

To further contradict the misconception of the resume being more important, it is actually the cover letter that decides whether your application goes into the “For Interview” stack, or to the paper shredder and the trash bin. Cover letters that recruitment officers don’t find satisfactory surely ends into the latter.

Things to Consider When Writing a Cover Letter

It is important to give a considerable amount of time to writing a cover letter instead of just typing a letter. A cover letter is not something you give to your parents, friends or boyfriends. It is a letter that ends up in the hands of professionals, and thus should sound professional and not conversational.

First, the cover letter should be brief. A typical cover letter is only a page long. Any longer than that and the recruitment officers lose interest and toss your application to the trash while they move on to the next. In addition to being brief, the cover letter should be descriptive and informative about your intention to work for the company. To accomplish that, cover letters follow a specific structure.

A cover letter, because it is only a page long, covers only three paragraphs. Through those three paragraphs, you are supposed to answer three questions in the reviewer’s mind since the recruitment officer is trained to follow the letter’s structure.

The Structure

First, introduce yourself and your intent to apply for the position. This is done in the first paragraph. Introduce yourself formally, and explain how you landed on the information that the position is vacant and needs to be filled up. Don’t go into broad details, just specifics.

Next, the resume cover letter’s second paragraph explains why they should hire you for the position. Include information like relevant college education as well as past experience that can provide merit to your qualifications.

Finally, the third paragraph will show how interested you are in the company itself and not just the job. Point out facts like company background, and how you can fit into the company’s mission and vision.

When writing a cover letter, keep in mind the common structure. However, you need not sound robotic. Introduce some creativity or personal flair while still sounding professional. As long as you take these considerations into mind, you will soon be landing the job that you have been seeking.

A Great Cover Letter For Nurse Positions

2010-03-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

You finally made it through nursing school and are ready to put what you have learned into practice. The first step in getting the nursing job of your dreams is to compose a viable, nursing cover letter to introduce yourself to the potential employer and let them know exactly what you can do. A good cover letter gives your job search the punch it needs to be fruitful and successful. Nurse your cover letter with tender, loving care and you are sure to be satisfied with the end result.

All cover letters are subject to the same basic guidelines but the nursing cover letter must be created with extra care. Choosing what information to include in the letter is an important step in composing it. Writing your cover letter will be a breeze compared to the rigors of nursing school and the complexities of actually practicing medicine once you obtain the job you want. Pick specific skills and cite personal experiences in a short and sweet manner. Direct the hiring manager to your resume for further information. If your cover letter is Approach the task with the same confidence and skill required to accurately assess. Be organized, observant and keep meticulous records to aid you in the cover letter writing process.

If you adhere to the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure then your cover letter cannot go wrong. Use your cover letter to prevent the reader from getting bored and the prognosis is bound to be favorable. The opening paragraph should let the reader know something about you in a memorable way. It should also allude to your qualifications. Tell the reader how you find out about the position and mention names if you heard about it from a nurse or other health care professional at the facility. Connect yourself to the institution in a way that the hiring manager or nurse is not likely to forget.

Nursing is an occupation that usually requires a continuing education. Many medical professionals are required to take classes in order to keep their licenses current. Nursing is generally no exception to those rules. If your license is current and everything is good to go feel free to mention it. If you are willing to take the necessary classes and further your education in accordance with the position's requirements express your motivation to get it done. These considerations are especially important if you have been out of the job market for a while.

Specializing is also a common practice within the nursing industry. There are many different kinds of nurses and each specialty comes with its own unique criteria. For example, if a hospital is looking for an Emergency Room nurse a recent nursing school graduate with prior experience as an EMT or a paramedic would be given higher consideration than . If a surgical clinic needs a nurse anesthetist, they will be looking for a CRNA license and probably prior surgical experience of some kind. Match your prior experience with the job description in some way. If you are applying for a position as a psychiatric nurse you might want to make note of any experience you have in the field of mental health. A pediatric nurse wants to connect her experience to working with children and their parents.

Whether you want to use your skills at a hospital, a clinic or a doctor's office there are plenty of opportunities out there for nursing professionals. It does not matter if you are fresh out of nursing school or a seasoned floor nurse with years of experience there is ample room to grow in this busy, ever-changing field. The nursing cover letter is a powerful job search tool that promotes your skills and talents for you, before you get the opportunity to do it in person. Make sure you cover letter is outstanding enough to get your package put on the short list of potential employees. Take the time to compose a letter that is able to fully express what a quality nurse you are. Then drop it in the mail-box or click the send button to secure the nursing job you have been looking for all along.

How to Write a Correct Actor’s Resume

2010-03-23T19:13:00.001-07:00

Just as every other profession requires a resume, actors must have a great resume to be considered for acting jobs. The acting resume, just like a resume in corporate America, shows what experience and training you have, and gives an idea of the kinds of skills you possess.

There is a standard format that all acting resumes have. This is not a place to get creative – save that for the set! Professionals expect to see a resume that is structured based upon industry standards. Here are the basics that should be followed:

1. The resume should be printed on 8 x 10 paper, so you can staple it, with one staple in the top middle, on the back of your head shot. Alternatively, you can print your resume on your headshot, as long as you have the right inkjet printer.

2. Your name should be in the center, with your height, weight and measurements, on the left side towards the top.

3. On the right side towards the top would be your agent and/or manager information.

4. Next, you will list your credits. If you are auditioning for parts on the west coast, list your film credits first. On the left you put the name of the project, in the center you put your role, on the right you put the Directors name and/or production company (whichever is the most recognizable.) If you are auditioning for parts on the east coast, theater credits go first. Use the same format as listed above for film.

5. After the film credits (or theater credits, if you are on the East Coast), you put Television Credits, then Theatre as the case may be.

6. Do not list out commercials, unless it’s the only work you have done. Put Commercials – List upon Request.

7. After that you can list voiceover credits, internet projects, etc.

A common question that new actors have is, “Should I lie about work you have done?” The answer is definitely not! There is no reason to lie about work anymore. There are literally thousands of independent films being made every single day. Beginning actors can get roles on these projects in exchange for a copy of the project, a credit (which goes on your resume), and food. So rather than fill your resume with lies, fill it with legitimate credits. At the same time, you can hone your craft and meet others who are working hard to get into this profession, just like you are. You’ll make friends with lots of people, who someday might give you a paying gig!

Your resume should be one page long, easy to read, and reflect your experience. It should also be on your personal website. Having your own website is also an important part of getting your career started!

The Best CV Format

2010-03-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of CV available so you may be confused as to which CV will best present your profile, skills, qualifications and work experience. Before just writing down the information, you should research the types or formats of Curriculum Vitae that will present you and your career information in the best possible way in order to achieve an effective CV - one that gets you chosen for interviews.

There are mainly six different CV formats: the Chronological CV, the Performance CV, the Functional CV, the Targeted CV, the Alternative CV and the Universal CV. There are other names and of similar variations of the same, such as the hybrid CV, the Comprehensive CV and the Brief CV.

The Chronological CV is one that lists your education, work history, experience, etc in reverse order of the events. This is the most used Curriculum Vitae; however, it may not be the best CV to use for your situation. If you have just graduated from college for example, you may not possess a list of job specific specialized training, work history, or professional experience. This may be the ideal type of CV for a person that has performed well in his or her career and has plenty of information to add in a chronological manner.

The Performance CV is similar to the chronological CV, you can however, add achievements with the information provided in chronological order such as awards and information of the school, company, and a person to contact. This format is great for those with job experience of which to display a company in their work history.

The Functional CV the focus is on your career functions - i.e. an expansion on your skills performed. This format is often used for individuals / managers that are seeking a position in a different field. This CV type is also good for those for trades or technical employees employed on various short term contracts.

The Targeted CV focuses on the vacancy that you desire within a company. With this CV type, you only list education and work history that is relevant to the specific job position. This format is used by people that have been employed in various fields, but wish to focus on one job area or specific job vacancy.

The Alternative CV is one that is often used for creative people and positions. An individual can be a more flamboyant and add more personality to their Curriculum Vitae. This type is used by people that want to focus and advertise themselves rather than their achievements.

The Universal CV can be a mix of all of the above. If you are confused about which CV to use this is the safest one to present to prospective employers. Choosing this format is usually the best way to get the attention you deserve if you are writing your own CV. This CV will display the pertinent information you need in order to be chosen for an interview.

Writing an Awesome Restaurant Resume

2010-03-23T19:09:00.001-07:00

As a restaurant management recruiter I am constantly bombarded with resumes all day, every day, on weekends and holidays. It is amazing how many great managers out there can run a profitable restaurant operation inside and out, but they have no idea what to write when it comes time to shop for their next opportunity.

In the restaurant industry it isn’t about where you went to school, what degree you have or what you like to do on your days off. Plain and simple is the best strategy for getting an interview in this field. You have to understand that the hiring managers who review your resume see more resumes than I do any given day. We are talking in the mid hundreds depending on how they have their needs and job hiring goals presented to the public. Many times a resume is passed over because it isn’t user friendly or it is out of order chronologically. The worst thing I ever saw was a resume that stopped over 2 years ago with no explanation. Go ahead and file that one in the round outbox on the floor.

Before we get started let me tell you if you are not using Microsoft Word you will probably never get another job. Compatibility is the key here and whether you like it or not Word is the king of word processing software. Please don’t try to reinvent the wheel using Word Perfect or something else obscure in the marketplace. When someone gets a file that can’t be opened with their existing software they take the path of least resistance and delete it. They don’t try and contact you via email and you just lost a potential career opportunity. So step one is always use Word or you will regret it later.

The first thing a resume should have is your name centered in 14-point bold Arial font. Arial is easy on the eyes and it doesn’t distort like some other fonts. Under that you want to put your address and phone numbers a smaller 10-point Arial. You do not need an email address on there and remember just because you have a cute or clever email address that your friends think is cool doesn’t mean anyone else will. And for your sake please change the messages on your phones to something clear and precise and welcome in the job arena. This is not the time to express yourself!

The second thing you need is an objective statement, which looks great in 12-point Arial. I would suggest keeping the text size and font the same for the rest of the résumé. This objective description should be clear and driven. Don’t ramble on for three sentences and think anyone will care, because they won’t. For example, a nice statement about how you want to contribute to the bottom line profitability of a team using your past experiences often works well. Through in some upward growth potential and you’re on the right track.

Next is the most important part and that is experience. Starting from the present and going back is the only way to go. All you need here is the name of the company, your title and the dates (from past when to present when). Don’t worry about exact dates, but do include months and the years obviously.

After that you will need to briefly bullet statements regarding actions while in that position. These should be one-sentence statements that are clear to the reader. Don’t tell them you are a great manager because that is vague. Instead tell me why I should hire you. For instance, did you increase sales over a two-year period or did you increase sales by 12% over a two-year period using local store marketing and targeting repeat guest counts? Do you see the difference? One statement keeps you reading and one is clouded in vagueness. Take this and run with it on all other details such as labor, food and controllable costs. Any training and development of team members is also a very good example that you are part of a team and you care about their success. Because of this you will also be successful and it will help you delegate lesser jobs onto key hourly team members.

If you follow these guidelines you will probably have about 6 to 8 bulleted statements that should get you noticed. Repeat these steps for all your previous positions as well until you have described your last 5-8 years depending on the timeframe of your career. No one cares about what you did 15 years ago in this field. They want to see the most recent performance and some career progression.

As far as references go I would consider them a waste of space. No one is going to ever list a reference from a bad experience and hiring managers know this. If you have a great looking résumé that flows and is widely acceptable you will be getting far more calls from interested parties than those others who don’t invest their time upfront.

7 Great sites that will help you build a Resume

2010-03-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

With millions of resume flooding the internet and tonnes of applicants for each posting, it is really difficult for the job seekers to differentiate themselves in the crowd. Given below are a list of popular resume building sites that can help you get noticed by the recruiters in no time.
ResumeBucket
ResumeBucket helps you build and access personal resumes from anywhere around the world. Their services provides an ease in editing and sharing your resume with the top industries. They have a resume writing service with professional writers who can help you all through out the entire process. The site provides you with a unique URL for your resume and enables you to promote your resume on your website or blog with embeddable ResumeBucket badges.

GlobalPitch
GlobalPitch is the Internet destination where job seekers have a platform to rise above the millions of other candidates. GlobalPitch not only allows you to post a video profile or a photo online, but also letters of recommendation, awards and other accomplishments, and a list of references and endorsements from business associates. This is also a great platform for exhibiting your soft skills.

PongoResume
With Pongo’s Resume Builder, Cover Letter Builder, Interview Tips, integrated Job Search Tool, and expert guidance, you have what it takes to sell yourself and negotiate your best job offer. They have all the tools, templates to help you cover the process with ease and also a step by step service guidance.

ResumeSocial
Resume Social is a great site where you get to build your resume and then improve it based on the feedbacks from other users. It also helps register yourself as a resume expert by giving valuable advice to others on the site on how they can make their resume more attractive and crisp. There is another important section where you can share cover letters, follow-up letters etc. It is a great site that brings together similar people from around the world for sharing their views on different resumes.
HowToWriteaResume
This site helps you build a professional resume without being an expert in making one. Their predefined templates helps you fill the blanks and the “one click formatting” option helps you reformat your entire resume and helps you choose a background of your choice. Also their phase builder technology helps you write catchy headings.
Gigtide
Gigtide helps you build a resume in minutes with the help of their professional themes and writing tips. This site shares your resume with potential employers online and offline. You can even view the number of times your resume have been viewed. Gigtide also includes easy to use job management tools.
iDlogik
This online resume builder helps you create a powerful and lasting impression and win employers over with embedded images and interactive display. You could also choose the privacy levels and decide how to share your resume. It also enables you to network your resume directly to the employer of your choice and thus be the first one to hear their next job opportunity. You could also broadcast your resume and see job offers pour in no time.

How To Make A Superb Cover Letter

2010-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Writing different types of letters were taught way back in high school and college. And now that you've graduated, it's time that you make your own letter, a cover letter to be exact.

After graduation, most of the students will begin their search for a job. And in applying for a job, you would need to submit a resume together with a cover letter. If you're a serious applicant, you should know the importance of having a cover letter to back up your resume.

Here are helpful tips to help you in making your very own cover letter.

Make sure that you use a paper that is of good quality for your resume and letter, and use the same paper for both. In this manner, it shows the prospective employer how professional you are in applying for the job.

Don't make your letter very long. A lengthy cover letter appears to be a life story. A one-paged cover letter is more than enough.

The addressee's name should be correctly spelled, including his or her title. Bear in mind that no particular person, especially that of authority, want his/her name spelled incorrectly.

You can include a few sentences about company information to show that you've done a bit of research, and that you're really interested in applying to the company.

Old standard is old standard, so don't forget to sign your letter in black or blue ink pen.

Your letter should appear conversational, and make sure that you use concise and clear sentences.

Remember that you're selling yourself, but it doesn't mean that all your sentences start with an 'I'. There are still other ways to state your goals. If you can generate the reader's excitement, then he or she will agree to anything you say.

An original cover letter will create a more favorable impression compared to copied ones. It tells the employer that you took some time to make the letter on your own and that is added point.

The traditional format of business letters is enough, as long as your statements are clear and stands out; your letter can speak for itself.

If you have gaps in your employment history, you can explain it in a light manner, but just make it brief.

It is best if you state the particular job that you're applying for, letting them guess what you have in mind is not a very good idea.

State your request to get an interview and as to how you'll follow up your application.

If you have a positive attitude, it naturally comes out in your letter. If you're enthusiastic, you can easily catch your employer's attention.

Express your desire to work hard and focus your attention to the employer.

If it is possible, quantify all your job experiences. Tell 'how' you helped previous employers rather that stating your duties and/or responsibilities.

If you're mailing your resume, make sure that the cover letter is on top. Fold it in thirds; but it is much better if you can use a larger envelope so you won't need to fold it. A resume and cover letter without creases are better than folded ones.

When applying for a job, everything matters. If you give extra attention to details, your resume will be noticed and who knows, you might be on the way to the job that you've applied for some time.

The Web 2.0 Resume: Why, How, Now!

2010-03-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Internship and job search for students just got way tougher. The depressed global economy, Googling of students by employers, invasion of Facebook by recruiters... what’s a student to do?

In the age of Web 2.0, employers want more than just a paper resume. Getting a professional online identity (a.k.a. your online resume portfolio) is a new avenue for students to market themselves and get hired. Think of it as being carded online and "getting in.” Your professional online identity includes your blog, articles, portfolio, online resume and even testimonials.

According to ExecuNet.com, 83 percent of recruiters used search engines to check out prospective employees last year, and 43 percent eliminated candidates based on the results. So what are recruiters going to find when they Google you?

Here are the top 5 reasons you need an online resume portfolio, followed by the top 5 ways to craft your online identity ASAP!

5 Reasons to Get a Professional Online Identity Now:

   1. Stand Out. Yes, we all know its tough, but we’re not going to take it lying down. Take a virtual stand for yourself and get noticed. Build a professional online page with a portfolio and custom URL in your e-mail signature to boost your credibility when sending out resumes and job apps.

   2. Google. Recruiters scout the Internet every day for an inside look at the next generation of eager grads, and they're influenced by what they see. Let your professional resume be what recruiters see first.

   3. Economy. The scare of a nationwide recession simply means you need to be more aggressive about marketing yourself. As an employer's stack of resumes grows, you need a way to jump off the page in under 6 seconds. A URL on your resume automatically buys you more of a recruiter's attention span.

   4. Networking. Social networking may help you find friends, but it’s professional networking that’ll help you find your next gig. Marketing yourself as an employable, career-minded individual means maintaining professional visibility and transparency online to build those career-friendly relationships.

   5. Recruiters are looking for you. The game of sending out dozens of resumes and watching paint dry as you wait by the phone has hit a new low level. Web 2.0-snazzy recruiters are on the prowl to purge non-professionalism from their applicant pool, and transparency is key. If you’re not listed online you can’t be found. It’s that simple!

So how do you start?
Google yourself. What comes up? An angst-filled LiveJournal entry you posted a few months ago? Don’t be the student getting picked last in the game of “fill this job.” It's time to build your online resume portfolio.

5 Ways to Craft your Professional Online Identity:
   1. Get Your Resume Online. Professional networking sites such as NuResume.com and MyResumeOnline.com offer both students and professionals a career-minded profile and custom URL for your online resume. Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace have a spot for work experience-related information, yes, but these should be supplemental, not primary homes to your online credentials.

   2. Add a Portfolio. Videos/photos/audio of your work, experience or other professional output instantly boosts your employability. Aspiring film director? Upload your projects to YouTube or MySpaceTV. Experienced Web designer? Showcase images of your best work with links to your contact information. Good at public speaking? Post a video that showcases your voice. Check out my video resume here. You get the picture, and so do employers.

   3. Get Testimonials. Let somebody brag to the World Wide Web about you! While it's good to list references on your online resume, testimonials speak immediately. You can plug yourself all you want, but the most competitive online resumes show what other people have said about your work. Take a look at a real testimonial for business student Jesus Huerta on his student resume page.

   4. Post Position Wanted. Post an ad for your ideal job or internship! Companies won't know what you're looking for unless you tell them. NuResume, for example, allows you to post "Internship/Project Wanted" ads directly to your profile, making it easy for recruiters to find you. You can also post custom "looking for" ads on Craigslist.

   5. Write a Blog. Making your voice heard online is one of the fastest ways to catch an employer's attention. Free blogging sites like WordPress offer you a space for a simple, paragraph-per-week entry to write about your career interests and learnings. Read a fellow student's blog on her online resume.

Now's the time!

Go ahead and take the first step on the road to career success with your professional online identity. A new site, NuResume.com, has popped up as a one-stop professional spot for students to house their resume, portfolio, testimonials, position wanted and blog, all under a custom URL.

If you have a handle on basic Web design and blogging, consider building your own site or start logging your daily professional experience on WordPress or other blogging service.

If you're still not convinced, check out what Dan Schawbel's Personal Branding Blog has to say. Because just like the good Lady Justice, the Internet is blind when it comes down to you. So let’s give them something to talk about!

How to Write a resume

2010-03-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

We see and hear the phrase 'CV' all around us. This is because sooner or later, everyone has to write one. Starting out and writing a CV from scratch seems pretty impossible, but it doesn't have to be. Most people find writing their CV a bit daunting. This is because it is an in depth timeline of their job history. It presents details about what jobs they have done, when and where, why they left, what they learned and the other skills they have too.

CV is short for Curriculum Vitae; a Latin phrase meaning 'course of life.' This could be part of the reason why CVs traditionally seem so scary sometimes! In the US a CV is known as a résumé. Now and then that word creeps in and British employers use it too. Whatever you call it, your CV is the single most important tool in your job search.

We will guide you through every stage of how to prepare, write and use your CV. We will work on maximising your chances of getting to the next stage of the job search process - getting invited to an interview. The CV is the first step, and then it's your time to shine. Confused? We understand!

But they told me...
"The Jobcentre made me do it that way", "My teacher told me to do it like this", "My friend said this is how to write a CV", "A recruitment consultant insisted I used their template"...

We have heard countless similar tales from people with CVs that simply don't work - they do not sell them to employers. The single most important thing to remember about your CV is it is YOURS. It showcases YOU to the best of your ability. There is no right or wrong way! You need to do it YOUR way!

The only way to judge if your CV is 'right' is whether it is getting you regular interviews - that is its purpose after all! There are no set rules, no magic bullets; no single phrase is right for every person's CV or for every job. Think about it; if everyone's CV's were the same, nobody would ever get a job!

Of course there are guidelines, hints and tips that can be extremely useful to consider as you are developing and writing your CV (we will go into these later) but at the end of the day the only questions that matter are...
"Does this document do a good job of selling me as a potential employee to a potential employer?" and "Has this document been getting me interviews?"
If the answer to either is no, something is wrong and this set of articles should help you get things back on track.

But I hate writing my CV!
Well of course you do! Most people hate writing their own CV and see it as a chore. With a bit of preparation using our step-by-step guide, it can be fun and exciting - seriously!

How often do you get the chance to just write about yourself and make yourself sound as great as you are! There are no rules, it's true, and so we've come up with these simple steps below to guide you instead.

Getting ready to write your CV
There is no point in sitting at a PC and trying to write your CV in one go - that really is painful! You know that to do a great job and give yourself the CV you deserve, you need to chill out, and have a few drafts at it.

So let's take the pressure off. Sit down somewhere you feel comfortable and just note down everything you can think of that might be relevant to a prospective employer - everything you have done and can do.

Take as long as you need - this brain-dump will become your source material to write your CV from. Without realising it, you're making notes. Seriously it's much easier to just get things written down at first than to think "OK now I'm writing my CV and I'm having a shocking time". Try it!

The First Draft
Now you've done the hard part - the thinking - it's just a matter of putting it on paper in a way that makes sense to an employer. What matters is that they don't know you, and cannot talk to you, so you really are starting from scratch with them. This is where the guidelines of CVs are most relevant - what headings to use, what should go where etc. In most cases it makes sense to group things under standard headings:
• Contact Details
• Personal Statement
• Skills, Employment
• Education & Training
• Interests & Hobbies
• Additional Information.

Don't be put off by the dry sub-headings and the way you have to break up your information. Remember, the reader does not know you and you need to help them.

If you don't fit neatly into these headings it's not a problem; Remember what we said at the start about this being an advert for you? So long as an employer can easily see what you have achieved before and what you are good at, that's the main thing! Plus you can always rewrite this. It isn't set in stone! At this stage, just try and bring things together a bit more sensibly - build on the good stuff and lose things you don't think are relevant.

This is your first draft all done - wasn't so hard was it?

Pulling it all Together
Now for the finishing touches. You have everything on paper and it's sitting there in front of you in a structured, clear manner. Chances are it's too long or too short and probably doesn't look too sharp yet, so let's fix it up!

It's time to expand on any skills/jobs/training that you can make more of. Lose those extra paragraphs that don't really say anything. People have an aversion to cutting bits out - especially after so much work - but you just need to remember that it's all part of the balancing process and perhaps you can use those bits another day.

Spend some time making it look a bit funkier so that you and your CV stand out from the crowd - but make sure you don't go overboard. Keep it professional (so no cutting and sticking or finger painting, however tempting it might be by this point!)

Above all, check for mistakes such as spelling and grammar errors. With computer programs to help, it is just lazy to make these and some employers immediately throw CVs that are not spelt and written properly. Get someone else to take a look through because everyone misses something!

Five Great Tips for an Excellent Phone Interview

2010-03-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

There are several different reasons why a company might choose to run phone interviews. While it does not give them the face to face contact that a conventional interview does, it allows them to get through many applicants relatively quickly.

If you find yourself facing a phone interview, you'll find that you need to distinguish yourself to make sure that you get offered a second, usually traditional, face-to-face interview. Follow the phone interview tips below to make sure that you present yourself well.

5 Phone Interview Tips

1. Double check the day and time.

Simple we know, but you'd be surprised how many people don't remember it. Even if the phone interview is taking place in your own home, you'll find that it is still important to be there in plenty of time and be ready. If the interview is early, you don't want to sound like you are just rolling out of bed. Remember to make sure that you are ready and waiting to pick up whenever they call, so figure out where you are going to be and when.

2. Dress up

It might sound a little silly to put yourself in a suit or other business attire when you are not leaving the house at all, but you will find that if you do this you can remain a good deal more mindful about your situation than if you were simply wearing your sweats or your pajamas. When you dress sharp, there is a good chance that you will feel sharp too, so take the time to make sure you take advantage of this mental trick.

3. Keep things quiet

If you are in a situation where you live with other adults and children, make sure that you have a secure area in which to speak to your prospective new employers. Shut yourself up in a room and make sure that someone is keeping the kids quiet, or request that your roommates keep things quiet on entering and leaving while you are talking on the phone. Remember that the quieter the room is, the better your ability to concentrate is going to be.

4. Gather everything you need

Before the phone interview, get everything ready. You'll want your resume, CV or job application form and any portfolio samples that you think might be relevant. Remember to keep a pencil and some paper nearby in case you need to make notes, and make sure that you leave yourself some reminders about things that you want to bring up. Keep everything organized so you don't have to search frantically when you want to refer to something.

5. Thinking about call quality

Whatever you do, don’t eat or chew gun during your phone interview, although you might want to keep some water nearby to make sure that you can wet your throat. Unless you have excellent reception, you may wish to conduct your phone interview on a landline. Similarly, keep in mind the fact that you need to turn off things like call waiting to make sure that you can speak uninterrupted.

Follow these 5 phone interview tips and your phone interview will run more smoothly

3 Things you Must Do After an Interview

2010-03-17T20:43:00.001-07:00

1. Thank the Interviewer

I cannot stress this enough. Irrespective of how the interview goes, please thank the individual/board for their time and patience.

People always remember this gesture.

If you could go one step forward, and thank everyone by his or her name, it would be really nice.

2. Thank the secretary/coordinator

Always a good idea. This is the person who will screen calls when you call to follow up. she is also the person who will be the first to know who got selected.

Keep her smiling for that immediate response.

3. Keep a Journal

Gone are the days when you would not sit for more than 2 or 3 interviews in your life. Now you are probably going to do this once in every 2-3 years.

Keep a Journal.

Write everything down. What were the questions, what were your answers. What was the reaction of the interviewer.

What could you change

What should you keep doing

Always refer your journal before going for an interview.

Take Charge

Negative Personal Traits Can Sink Your Job Interview

2010-03-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

During an employment interview, you must strive for perfection. After you have left the the interview, it is too late to address any small foible that may have cost you the job offer. Now is the time to privately evaluate your own personal traits and decide if you need to make some improvements. Below are the top five negative traits that may keep you from receiving a second interview or a job offer. Do any of these describe you?

1. Inadequate personality; Often expressed as a poor attitude, lack of poise, or lack of self confidence. These traits are very common in job seekers who have been in the job market for some time. After receiving no response from resumes, no returned calls after an interview, your self esteem, poise, and confidence are all likely to suffer.

2. Lack of goals and objectives; This person appears poorly motivated and indecisive. They lack a clear plan and cannot articulate their goals and interests. They may be hesitant during the interview and their answers may wander from the what was intended by the interviewer's question.

3. Lack of enthusiasm; Generally perceived as a failure to demonstrate drive or initiative. You may not be sufficiently assertive or may have low self esteem. These people often have difficulty "selling" themselves during the interview. They may feel incapable or not sufficiently intelligent to perform in the position that they are interviewing for.

4. Inability to express yourself; This person may have poor communication skills, they are unsure of their speaking skills, speaking voice or vocabulary. These people are often quiet during the interview, providing only short, non-descriptive answers that fail to "sell" the job seeker to an employer.

5. Poor personal appearance; This applicant lacks neatness, may be a careless dresser, or have poor personal hygiene. The job seeker may be unaware of this and walk out of the interview believing they have the position, but never get the call.

Unfortunately, these factors often overlap and each may compound the impact of the others. If you did find yourself anywhere on this list, take heart, recognizing your negative trait is the first step to overcoming it. And you can overcome these negatives with a little effort.

Begin by setting a self improvement goal and committing yourself to reaching that goal. Next, develop an action plan that will work for your life and circumstances and will ultimately reach your goal. Your plan may invovle taking a class, joining a club, or reading the latest self-help best seller. No matter what path you chose, remember to write down your plan. An idea remains in your mind; a plan is written down on paper. Show your plan to a spouse a trusted friend and ask them to hold you accountable for your self-improvement plan.

We have limited our discussion to the 5 most common negative traits, but there are many, many others that will be examined in following articles. Overcoming the 5 negative traits discussed here will produce a positive synergistic effect in your professional and personal life. A healthy sense of confidence will help to improve your poise, attitude, and speaking skills. You can then ask for some help in correcting any fashion faux pas in your wardrobe! Define your goals and enthusiastically pursue them. Your efforts will benefit you in the next job interview as well as your personal life.

How To Succeed At A Job Interview

2010-03-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

The interviewer hopes that YOU are the right person for the job. They are under pressure to fill the position so that they can get back to their own work. Therefore you are in a greater position of strength than you think. Concentrate on what you have to offer in the way of qualifications and experience instead of feeling intimidated.

An interviewer has 3 aims:

1) To learn if you are the right person for the job2) To assess your potential for promotion3) To decide whether you will fit into the company environment

The key to a successful interview is in preparation

Be prepared: For the types of questions you will be askedBe prepared: To ask questions yourselfBe prepared: To research the companyBe prepared: To look the partBe prepared: To turn up on time

Questions you may be askedExample question: How would you describe yourself?Your answer: Should describe attributes that will enhance your suitability for the position. Have some ready in advance.Example question: What are your long-term goals?Your answer: Should be career orientated. Make sure you have goals to discuss.Example question: Why did you leave your last job?Your answer: Could be more responsibility better opportunity increased income. Do not be detrimental to your previous employer. He could be the interviewer's golfing partner.Example question: Why do you want this job?Your answer: Your answer should be: more responsibility or better opportunity or similar. Not: because it is closer to home or the gym.Example question: What are your strengths?Your answer: Should highlight accomplishments and experiences that relate to the position for which you are applying. Also give examples of situations where your strengths have been demonstrated.Example question: What are your weaknesses?Your answer: Should not be a list of deficiencies. Don't mention anything that could make the interviewer question your ability to do the job, for example "I am always late for everything." Instead, discuss a weakness that could also be a strength such as "I am a workaholic!"

More Examples of Interview Questions

Tell me a little bit about yourself.Describe your current / most recent position.What made you want to make this change?What do you most enjoy doing in your current /most recent position?Describe your future ambitions.How would you describe yourself?

Questions for you to ask

Asking questions at interview has a number of positive effects:It helps you find out more about the company and the position.It can be used to divert the interviewer away from a subject you may wish to avoid.It can help build a rapport with the interviewer.It demonstrates an interest in the job and the company.The questions must be about the position and the company.Avoid questions about salary, benefits and facilities until after you have been offered the job. You should already have researched the company and it's products and services. Your questions should demonstrate knowledge of the company's history, successes and problems. If the interviewer is a representative of the personnel department the questions should relate to the company and be general. Specific questions relating to the position should be kept for the line manager who will have a more detailed knowledge.

Example questions relating to the positionWhat are the main responsibilities of the job?What are the most difficult aspects of the job?How did the vacancy arise?What is the career path relating to this position?How will my work be assessed?

Example questions relating to the companyWhat is the company hoping to achieve in the next 12 months?What new products are the company planning to introduce in the future?Are any major changes planned for the department/company?Who are your biggest competitors?

Where to find company informationInformation relating to companies, financial data, industries and business trends is available in business magazines which often publish on the World Wide Web and allow you to orderAnnual Reports relating to specific companies.Companies often have their own web site.Newspapers - search on-line press reports including archived articles.Local library

Presentation Tips

Obviously you should be clean and smart in appearance but you should also dress appropriately for the position, for example: a student placement that is more expensively dressed than the Managing Director may have a negative impact.

Clothes should be on the conservative side, which is more acceptable to people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. After all, you are asking to be accepted into the company. Therefore always avoid extremes in hair, clothes, make-up and jewellery. Taking trouble over your appearance shows the employer that the job is important to you.

Travel tips

Arrive 15 minutes early.Make sure you have the correct address and know how you will get there:Parking? Public transport access?Do a dummy run if you are not sure.Make sure you have a mobile phone and a telephone number so that you can ring ahead if circumstances beyond your control are making you late.Be polite to everyone you speak to, it could be the Managing Director's cousin!Have a copy of your CV with you.

Summary

You should show interest in all aspects of the job and the company especially if shown around the premises. Do your homework on the company and the nature of its business. Take care in how you dress for the interview. First impressions still count!

Some of the main influences on the interviewer are:Your experience in other employment or life situations Your personal presentation.How your personality comes across in the interviewYour background and referencesYour enthusiasm for both the job and the organisation.Relevant qualifications for the position.

Tips on Reaching Your Goals of Being an Accountant

2010-03-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

So you graduated high school, got accepted into college, and decided on your major of accounting. Now what?

Set Goals and Stand Behind Them
There are many things to you need to do to get yourself from freshman to Graduate and having that dream job. Most importantly, you’ll need to have goals for yourself. You’ll need short term and long-term goals. And you need to stand behind whatever they are even if they change over the next few years or not. Set some goals to get through the year, as well as how you plan on getting to graduation day on time; we all know it’s becoming more rare that students graduate in just four years. You’ll also need to plan goals on getting that dream job I mentioned. How? Don’t wait till the last minute! More and more now, recruiters are looking at sophomores and juniors, not seniors!

Implement Those Goals

After planning goals, you’ll need to figure out how to accomplish and start the steps of reaching those goals. First and foremost you’ll want to stay on top of your schoolwork. A GPA of 3.0 or better is often required for jobs, so you will want to make sure you strive for A’s and B’s (but of course the more A’s, the better). Next you’ll want to get involved as much as you can both on campus and off. Join groups and clubs and take leadership positions. Because so many students have good grades you will want to have something that sets you apart from the rest. Show them all why you are the best choice.

Internships

Internships are so important now because firms are looking for younger students to work with them over graduates. Internships can help students out in many ways. While taking an internship you are able to get hands on experience with great firms and learn the job before you graduate. They also give you an opportunity to network with individuals who work at these firms. It’s always a plus to have connections. Get yourself out there to who ever you can. Show that you are an important person and have someone special to offer companies when you talk to their recruiters. Internships also look great on your resume and in a lot of instances students are offered full time jobs for when they graduate at the completion of their internship.

Getting Ready For Interviews

First you have to create a resume. It is a good idea to have the career center at your school, or a professor, guide you and give you pointers. Once you have that finished you can start applying to internships and sending your resume out. Even if your not sending it directly to a firm to apply you should still give it out to people whom in the future might want to take a look at it. Once applying is done and you have your interviews set up, you will need to get ready for each interview. In order to prepare for interviews you should know about the company, who they are, what they do, what they offer, and their core values. This shows that you care and are interested. Make sure to bring a few resumes with you and practice with friends or family members sample interview questions. This will help you not to stall when the interviewer asks questions. Confidence is very important in an interview, because it shows that you take the initiative and by coming prepared; this shows respect. Dress attire is also important, obviously first impressions mean something. Guys will want to wear a conservative suit and tie; make sure it is ironed. You should be clean-shaven, polished shoes, etc. Ladies should wear a conservative suit as well, and have clean nails and hair. Don’t wear a lot of makeup! Now that you have practiced and are dressed, you’ll want to arrive about ten minutes early because this can help decide who gets the job. Walk in confident, shake hands firmly, and tell them why you are there. After answering their questions, tell them what you know and ask some of your own questions. Upon leaving ask for a business card and send a thank you card soon after. In time you will receive calls and be offered internships, and eventually a full time position. Even if some firms you specifically applied to, do not call, keep your head up because chances are your previous networking will land you your dream job!

Job Interview Questions? Beat the Personality Test!

2010-03-17T20:36:00.001-07:00

If you're just getting into the job market, trying to advance your career, or are an executive trying to land that career making position, chances are extremely high you'll be asked to take a corporate employment test, or personality test.

You've spent countless hours preparing your resume, practicing for interview questions, and picking out the right interview clothes to wear. You know what to say, what not to say, and how to communicate your interest through body language.

Why risk questionable results from the pre-employment personality test?

It's not uncommon. The hiring manager will insist that you are "the one." But if negative test results come in, any corporate executive manager will recommend that the hiring manager "...go with the other candidate."

That's because managers want to avoid risk. Nobody wants to have to explain why they were the one that hired the guy that had "skewed" results on the personality profile. So they will choose the candidate that the test results show to be the best choice.

Don't let a quiz take control of your career direction. Here's why personality tests are unreliable:
They only measure different attitudes about things from different people. Your attitude about something in general cannot be used to predict how you'll react to business situations.

They cannot predict behavior because behavior is context sensitive. People act differently in different situations.

They associate success with different personality types. In fact, personality requirements are different for different jobs.

YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW YOUR ANSWERS WILL BE INTERPRETED BY EMPLOYERS!

How would you answer the most common question?

"I have never told a lie."

No one could ever make this claim while being honest. Not Abe Lincoln, not George Washington. So when you come across this question, you'll have five answers to choose from:

1. Strongly Agree
2. Agree
3. Neutral
4. Disagree
5. Strongly Disagree

If you answer #1 or #2, you're going to set off some red flags. In fact, you'll probably set off some fireworks. Your best answer is #4: "Disagree."

Ironically, this will tell the employer that you're actually a very honest person for answering the question truthfully.

What you need to do is prepare, and study, and understand the psychology behind these tests.

So why are so many employers using these tests today? The answer is simple.

Corporate use of the pre-employment screening test has increased 300% in the last five years alone because of complex computer modeling that employs powerful mathematical algorithms, making the results far more accurate than ever before.

Another reason employers love these tests are simply because there is nothing else out there to evaluate you with. Your previous employer will refrain from saying anything negative about you because they may risk litigation. So today, your previous employer(s) will only confirm your dates of employment.

You may be asking yourself "Is it ethical to learn how to take these tests?" Absolutely. People will tell you "just answer the questions honestly." But you're only human. If you're taking a test for a job that can really advance your career, you can't help but be a little apprehensive when you take the test.
So what's the next step? That's easy. Let's take a further look at some example questions, and examine exactly how your answers will be interpreted.

Let's begin by putting our questions into segments. For demonstration purposes, let's assume the segment is "reliability." Here are some questions from this area:

How thorough are you?

Will you complete assignments?

Are you the type of employee who always arrives on time?

These are some questions the employer will have about you.

Don't be surprised to see questions like this:

"Work is the most important thing in my life."

How should you answer? Put yourself in the employer's shoes. They have objectives to meet, and are looking for employees that are dedicated. They want to know that you'll be perfectly willing to go the extra mile. They don't want someone who puts their hobby, kids, housework, or pets at the same priority level.

So absolutely select "agree" or "strongly agree" as the answer to this question.

Here's another question:

"I would be interested in learning how people handle stress at work."

This is a trick question. Agree and you could be saying that you can't handle stress. Disagree, and you might think you could be admitting that you don't like to learn new things. In this case, the best choice is actually "neutral."

This means you're it's not an important issue to you. So while you might glance at an article about stress, you don't seek out therapies, books, alcohol, etc. as a way to relieve stress.

Almost all employee experience tension at work. Employers want to know that you won't have extreme reactions like yelling or screaming and that the tension won't affect your health and make you seek medical or psychological assistance.

Like any other part of the job search process, you need to do your homework. You've already selected a conservative but sharp outfit to wear during your interviews. You've spent hours and hours reading about interview questions. You know what questions to expect, and how to respond.
Your resume is honed and polished, and it highlights all of your accomplishments beautifully.

So why risk losing the job on the personality profile test results?

You don't have to. Do your research on personality test questions, and in no time you'll know exactly how to respond.

For more information go to http://www.personalitytestinc.com

Some Good First Round of Interview Questions With Answers

2010-03-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

Interview Question of the common type are listed below. Answers are included. But perhaps suggestions for tailoring your responses is a better way to put it, since specific answers are impossible to provide. Practice answering these sample interview questions out loud to yourself or ask a friend or relative to help you.

Don't feel that you have to answer right away. Interviewers know that you're nervous and expect you to think a bit, so do think carefully before you answer. But don't hesitate too long or it'll appear that you're stalling. Interviewers will ask open-ended questions to see where you'll go with them, so try not to ramble while you're thinking of a real answer.

Q. Tell me about yourself.A. This is the dreaded, classic, open-ended interview question and likely to be among the first. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Keep it mostly work and career related.

Q.Why do you want to leave your current job? (Why did you leave your last job?)A.Be careful with this. Avoid trashing other employers and making statements like, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move."

Q.What are your strengths?A.Point out your positive attributes related to the job.

Q.What are your weaknesses?A.Everybody has weaknesses, but don't spend too much time on this one and keep it work related. Along with a minor weakness or two, try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. (Avoid saying "I work too hard." It's a predictable, common answer.) For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.

Q.Which adjectives would you use to describe yourself?A.Answer with positive, work-oriented adjectives, such as conscientious, hard-working, honest and courteous, plus a brief description or example of why each fits you well.

Q.What do you know about our company?A.To answer this one, research the company before you interview.

Q.Why do you want to work for us?A.Same as above. Research the company before you interview. Avoid the predictable, such as, "Because it's a great company." Say why you think it's a great company.

Q.Why should I hire you?A.Point out your positive attributes related to the job, and the good job you've done in the past. Include any compliments you've received from management.

Q.What past accomplishments gave you satisfaction?A.Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions, raises, etc. Focus more on achievement than reward.

Q.
What makes you want to work hard?
A.
Naturally, material rewards such as perks, salary and benefits come into play. But again, focus more on achievement and the satisfaction you derive from it.

Q.What type of work environment do you like best?A.Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.

Q.Why do you want this job?A.To help you answer this and related questions, study the job ad in advance. But a job ad alone may not be enough, so it's okay to ask questions about the job while you're answering. Say what attracts you to the job. Avoid the obvious and meaningless, such as, "I need a job."

Q.How do you handle pressure and stress?A. This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.

Q. Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.A.The interviewer is likely looking for a particular example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show for solving it.

Q.Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now?A.Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.

Q.What qualifies you for this job?A.Tout your skills, experience, education and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just regurgitating your resume. Explain why.

Q.Why did you choose your college major?A.The interviewer is likely fishing to see if you are interested in your field of work or just doing a job to get paid. Explain why you like it. Besides your personal interests, include some rock-solid business reasons that show you have vision and business sense.

Hardware and Software Design Questions

2010-03-15T20:08:00.001-07:00

What is Finite Automata
What is a Turing machine?
How many processors are there in a pentium microprocessor? In Sparc?
Difference between RISC and CISC
Is RISC always fast?
What is a real time system?
Name some real time OSs.
Is DOS a real time OS?
What is a kernel,shell?
What is binary search, traversal, hashing?
Write a code to count the no. of 1’s in a binary representation of a number.
Memory taken for char *, int * etc.
```
char *cp;
int *ip;
cp++;
ip++;
```
What is the result?
Compare the no. of bytes in unix and Dos for long, char, short, int.
How do you make programs portable on unix and Dos under such circumstances?
In C++, what is a constructor, destructor?
What is friend?
What is waterfall model, prototype model?
What is testing? What is unit testing, integration testing, etc?
What is indexing when talking about databases?
What is atomicity?
Can recursive programs be written in C++, Write a recursive program to calculate factorial in C++.
What is best data structure to store the processes info in a real time operating system?

Hardware Logic Design Questions

2010-03-15T20:07:00.003-07:00

Design a circuit for A + abs(B) = C, where A and B are 4 bits wide and 2’s complement representation
Design a circuit to detect when 3 and only 3 bits are set out of 8 bits.(eg. o0101100)