Words Have Power

How To Write An Amazing Cover Letter

2012-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

There are average cover letters, and then there are amazing cover letters. Write yours to make a difference, to inspire, and to land the job interview. You can do this. Turn on your computer and get started now. Follow the suggestions below and double your job search odds immediately.

• Write from your heart. Display the personality behind the words on the
page. Be yourself and be enthusiastic. Keep it short and sweet.

• Let the hiring manager know you are well qualified to fill the job opening. Provide specific examples of what you've done and what you can do now.

• Mention being a team player, your ability to communicate clearly and to take direction, and your willingness to lead when given the opportunity.

• Refer to the company's mission statement and how you will do your part to help the organization achieve its goals.

• Close your letter with a warm thank you and a direct request for the opportunity to be interviewed for the job. This is key.

An amazing job-search cover letter can quickly translate to more quality job interview requests. The moment an employer reads what you've written, he or she will be able to see right away that you are a personal, professional, committed applicant looking to interview for the job.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!

What's in YOUR Job Seeker "Tool Bag"?

2012-01-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

A doctor goes to the office with his medical bag.
A pilot boards an airplane with his flight bag.
A schoolteacher enters the classroom with her book bag.

And a job seeker should face a potential employer with an interview tool bag that is well stocked, in good working order, and ready to use. The following "3 C's" are essential to every job seeker's tool bag... don't leave home without them!

Tool #1: Courtesy

Approach the employer with a warm smile, a sincere handshake, and look him or her in the eye. Consider that man or woman a new friend—someone to respect, appreciate, and listen to. Take a deep breath and be yourself. In other words, be polite, kind, and attentive.

Tool #2: Clarity

Come prepared with clear examples that demonstrate your experience and skills on the job. In other words, if you are hoping to land a position as an administrative assistant, talk about what you've done professionally that equips you for this new job. Do you have a couple of true-life stories about times when you 'saved the day' or took charge in a crisis or helped your superior finish a project in the nick of time or earned a reward for completing a difficult task without assistance? Hiring managers don't want to listen to a laundry list of boring statistics. They are looking for real flesh-and-blood experiences that indicate what you can and will do if you are hired. And they want to hear these stories spoken clearly and concisely.

Tool #3: Commitment

Impress the hiring manager by reciting the company's mission statement! Speak to your dedication and enthusiasm for helping the leadership team attain their goals. Be sure the employer knows you are committed to the organization's philosophy and follow-through and that you'll do your part and more to support these ideals while doing your job and while interacting with other employees. State what you want and need and what you can and will do to advance the company and increase profits.

With the "3 C's" working for you, you'll increase your chances of a new job offer immensely.
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Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Job Interview "Secret"

Cover Letter Tip: How to Avoid the 'Shredder'!

2011-12-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

Each morning hiring managers all over the country open the day's mail. They read a line or two from each cover letter they receive and then make a quick decision—to save it, shred it or file it away in the recycle bin.

What can you do to avoid the shred it pile? Take these six essential steps when you write your cover letter.

1. Greet the hiring manager with a friendly opening sentence.

2. Mention what you know about the company and the job requirements.

3. List facts that qualify you: where you worked, what you did, how you succeeded.

4. State what you can bring to the new position.

5. Ask for an interview and give thanks to the manager for considering your letter and resume.

6. Fit your message on one page and leave plenty of white space for easy reading.

A sharp, focused, and well written cover letter is essential if you hope to capture the attention of an employer—especially during tough economic times when jobs are scarce. Such letters produce results. All the rest end up in the shredder!

Writing a great job-search cover letter does take time and commitment. But it doesn't have to be difficult or mysterious. The most important thing to keep in mind is honesty. Include the ingredients listed above in a style that is uniquely and truly you. Send it off and then trust that the perfect job for you will turn up at just the right time.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Tough Times Job Tips."

How to Speak English Fluently

2011-11-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

1. Get rid of the fear of speaking English in public. Unless you can overcome this fear, you won’t learn. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. So, be confident and speak.

2. Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English well and try to imitate them.

3. Everyday read aloud in English at least for 30 minutes. Read newspapers, magazines, books, poems, short stories, articles, whatever you like. Start with the easy ones and gradually progress towards difficulty.

4. Interact and converse with English speaking friends and colleagues regularly.

5. Watch English movies, television serials, news. Carefully follow the accent. Listening to fluent good English will unknowingly improve the way you speak English.

6. Try singing English songs.

7. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation mistakes. Doing this will help you become conscious of the mistakes you are making.

8. Take your time. Do not expect instant results. You can change the way you sound if you are willing to work really hard. Be patient.

Pack Your Job Interview With a Dose of "DOUBLE-H"…

2011-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Most job seekers over-focus on the job itself. Will the hiring manager like them? Will they answer questions correctly? Will they be hired? Of course these are legitimate concerns worth considering, but two essential elements are often neglected––Humility and Humanity. So if you're serious about landing the perfect job for you, be sure to pack your interview with both of these important characteristics.

HUMILITY

This trait is often misunderstood. Some people think it means scraping and bowing and basically letting people walk all over them. But this is not true. To be humble means to hold a respectful view of yourself and others, to show interest, to be kind and courteous, and to avoid coming across as self-centered and intrusive. Humility is one of the most important attributes you can express in a job interview. Right away the hiring manager will see that you are a person who is reasonable, kind, concerned with others as well as with yourself, willing to compromise when necessary, able to lead without bullying, and true to the company and to yourself when on the job.

During the interview you can exhibit humility by listening attentively to the hiring manager, answering questions honestly, showing interest in the company and its objectives, and paying attention to the cues you notice when the interviewer speaks.

HUMANITY

To be human is to be real, to show your strengths and your weaknesses. In other words, if you failed to achieve a certain goal in your current employment, be willing to share that experience and then talk about how you remedied it. No one expects perfection. And job seekers who present only their victories will not be convincing, because everyone has a down side. The hiring manager knows that. Being authentic is so rare in our culture that it will be refreshing to an interviewer to meet someone who is willing to be true to himself or herself. That does not mean you should play the victim or focus on your failures. Simply acknowledge them, when appropriate, and then talk about what you learned from them. Such a conversation will show the hiring manager that you are an overcomer, instead of an overachiever––who at some point is bound to crash.

Pack your interview with humility and humanity and the job that is just right for you will appear without worry or fear.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

P.S. Join 5,379 job seekers that are using the "sneakiest" job interview secret of all time...a customizable, fill-in-the-blanks, "Secret Career Letter" that will make you stand out from the crowd like never before -- DURING your next job interview. I promise you've never seen anything like this before and it's PROVEN to work job search miracles in this tough economy over and over again, as incredible as that may sound...it's true...

Job Interview Secret

Introducing the "Be Yourself" Cover Letter…

2011-09-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

When you're nervous about speaking to a stranger at a party or reluctant to ask a hiring manager for a job interview, consider the age-old advice, "Be Yourself." We've all heard that phrase over and over and yet few apply it. Why? Because most don't believe they're good enough or smart enough or talented enough just as they are. They seem to think that if they add a bit of pizzazz or comedy they can overshadow their weaknesses. But the opposite is true. The other person can see right through the performance, whether in person at a cocktail party, or on paper in a job search cover letter. When they feel 'snowed' by such verbiage, they will likely move on to the next candidate.

Therefore, the best way to get what you want—an interview for the job you're suited for an excited about—is to be who you are right now.

1.Write in conversational English.

Dear Mr. Hiring Manager:

I saw your listing asking for experienced administrative assistants to contact you about a new position at your company. I got excited when I realized that what you are looking for in the person you hire are the very traits and skills I can bring to this job. If possible, I'd like to meet with you in person to talk over specifics and to show you that I understand and can apply your company's mission statement to the work I perform . . .

2.Mention your unique abilities.

While working at ABC Corporation for the past six years I had many opportunities to contact clients directly, answering their questions and helping them make decisions about which of our products and services to use. I was acknowledged for going the extra mile that resulted in increased sales and revenue for the company. I can do the same for you.

3.Conclude your letter with personal words of thanks.

Thank you very much for reading my cover letter and resume. I appreciate it and look forward to meeting you in person for an interview.

The truer you are to your personality the more likely you are to land an interview for the job you want.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter... without writing a word.

5 Tips on How to Approach Grammar Exercises

2011-09-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

1. Use as many kinds of grammar exercises in textbooks and websites as possible. By doing this, you will get to achieve several grammar skills.

2. Read the instructions carefully, so that you are confident about which language structures or grammar rules you are supposed to use in each exercise.

3. Review and recycle previously learned grammar rules with the new ones you learn. Practice the exercises in a rising level of difficulty as even simple grammar rules can be applied in more difficult and complicated contexts.

4. Identify grammar structures or grammar rules in your reading and try to understand why the author has chosen them over other rules or structures.

5. Give equal importance to grammar and vocabulary. Do not get too obsessed with grammar and neglect vocabulary, reading, and writing activities.
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The content of this post can be forwarded, published,
printed and distributed without the consent of the owner
of Perfect Editing Solutions. However, the URL
(http://www.perfectediting.com) must be mentioned wherever this post is reproduced.

Do THIS Before Your Next Job Interview

2011-08-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

Marathon runners practice with friends before the big race. Speech contestants practice their speech in front of friends before the competition. Musicians practice with friends and colleagues before a concert. Savvy job seekers do the same.

Never walk into an interview cold. Warm up with a friend or fellow job seeker first.

DEVELOP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Before the practice session study the mission statement of the company you're interested in, the job description of the position you're aspiring to, and the responsibilities involved. Then create questions around that information. Your practice partner can help you there. Next, prepare your answers, including real-life examples from your current work experience so that when you're faced with questions, you have specific details you can refer to on the spot.

DRESS THE PART

Treat the practice session with the same respect and professionalism you would the real thing. This includes dressing appropriately – a suit and tie or sport coat and slacks for men, a pants suit or tailored dress for women. Be sure to polish your shoes and avoid heavy-scented perfumes or after-shave lotions. Select conservative jewelry, avoiding dangling earrings and clunky bracelets that distract. You'll want to keep the hiring manager's attention on what counts - you and your qualifications for the job.

ASK FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE

Following your practice interview, ask your friend to critique your appearance, attitude, attention span, answers to questions, and to give you his or her overall impression of how you did. In other words, would your friend hire you? This information will be invaluable to you as you can make changes where necessary and keep in place what worked well.

The popular adage, 'practice makes perfect' may not always be true, but 'practice leads to progress' is true all the time. And progress will soon lead you to the job of your dreams.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Visit our friends at Job Interview "Secret" and discover Jimmy Sweeney's breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.

Win More Interviews with the "Less is More" Cover Letter

2011-08-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

"Less is more", as the old adage says, and it's never truer than when writing a job search cover letter. Many job seekers bombard the hiring manager with a slew of words that runs two or three pages. But you don't have to. You can get to the point quickly and precisely. This may take some practice, but it will be worth it. You'll want the reader to sit up and take notice of how different your cover letter is from those in the stack he's already rejected. How can you do this? It's as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

1. Be CONCISE

Keep your letter to one page and include only what matters. This is not the time to talk about your personal life or your hobbies. State your enthusiasm for the job you hope to land, your skills and experience, and your willingness to come in for a personal interview. End with a polite 'thank you' for reading your cover letter and enclosed resume.

2. Be PRECISE

Speak up in language that clearly spells out your desire to bid for this job. Refer to the company's mission statement and that you believe you are qualified to live by it and you will commit to being a loyal employee, doing your best to perform the required tasks and to working harmoniously with your colleagues.

3. Be NICE

Convey your respect for the hiring manager and for the company by using words that show that you are a polite and considerate individual who has more than self-interest at heart. Clearly and directly ASK for an interview… one of the most overlooked interview-landing secrets of all time. And do so in a manner that shows you are a nice, caring, confident and competent person.

Not all cover letters are the same. In these tough economic times, it is essential to be concise, precise, and nice if you hope to grab a hiring manager's attention and move from just one more person in a long list to one the employer is eager to hire.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter... without writing a word. Click here: http://pes2004.amazingcl.hop.clickbank.net

3 Little-Known Secrets To "WOW" Them On Your Next Job Interview

2011-07-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

Just the thought of a pending job interview can bring on a case of nerves! But if you follow these 3 little-known secrets, you can turn a worrisome experience into a super-successful one.

Secret #1: BE INTENTIONAL

Before the interview starts, ask yourself this important question. "Do I want this job? If so, what am I willing to do to get it?" It takes more than wishful thinking or hoping to land the position you want and feel qualified for. You must be able to convince the interviewer that you are the one for this job—not by being pushy or arrogant but by showing your intention through a warm, friendly, and professional manner. This includes paying attention to what is being said, referring to the company's mission statement and how it matches your own objectives, and by seeing the hiring manager as a person, not just a means to a job. In short, be confident, yet caring too.

Secret #2: BE INFORMATIVE

Enter the room prepared with engaging examples that illustrate your job skills and experience. Have several catalogued in your mind so that when the hiring manager asks you questions, you can refer immediately to a little story that shows rather than merely tells how you handled a situation. For example, mention the result you achieved when leading a sales meeting or establishing a budget for your department or handling a difficult client. A hiring manager will perk up when he or she hears that you are someone who makes things happen for a company in a positive way. And it always impresses when you can show how you made or saved money positively contributing to the company's bottom line…after all, it always comes down to the bottom line.

Secret #3: BE INSPIRING

It really is within your power to move to the top of the hiring manager's list of job candidates. When you are prepared with true-life experiences, show interest in what's going on around you, comment on something you notice in the office, or a detail shared in conversation, you will be inspiring. Few job seekers think about what it means to connect with the interviewer as a person because they are too focused on themselves—and the job they want.

Apply these 3 little-known job interview 'secrets' with passion and you will soon hear these 3 words. "WOW, you're hired!"
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney
Create Your Own 'Secret Career Document' To Land
Any Job You Desire In The Next 27 Days…
Guaranteed. Click here to learn how!

English Grammar Secrets

2011-06-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

May / Might

May:

We can use 'may' to ask for permission. However this is rather formal and not used very often in modern spoken English

• May I borrow your book?
• May I come?

We use 'may' to suggest something is possible

• It may rain in the evening.
• David may come with us.

Might:

We use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. There is a little difference between 'might' and 'may' and 'might' is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.

• Rita might be at home by now but I'm not sure at all.
• It might rain this afternoon.

For the past, we use 'might have'.

• John might have tried to call while I was working.
• Rebecca might have dropped it in the street.
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The content of this post can be forwarded, published,
printed and distributed without the consent of the owner
of Perfect Editing Solutions. However, the URL
(http://www.perfectediting.com) must be mentioned wherever this post is reproduced.

DOUBLE Your Chances With A Cover Letter Follow-Up!

2011-06-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

There are few things worse than being overlooked, neglected, and under-appreciated. Everyone, even the best known among us, needs to hear the words thank you from time to time.

And it is particularly important in the job search market, where job seekers are quick to submit cover letters and resumes requesting interviews for employment. But when the job interview is over, smart job hunters should seize the opportunity to head the list of memorable people, by doing something simple, yet compelling. Write to the interviewer immediately after meeting him or her, expressing your thanks for your time together. Add a brief sentence or two offering to meet again and showing your availability and genuine interest in the job.

A Big Gift in a Small Package

You might also include what is called an 'informational gift' such as an Internet link or an article on a topic of interest to the hiring manager. For example, suppose you and the interviewer talked about marathon running while you were getting acquainted. Later you saw a piece on the topic that attracted your attention. You cut it out and tucked it into your letter. This shows the hiring manager that you took an interest in the conversation.

Easy Does It

A follow-up cover letter is not the place to smother the hiring manager with words or flatter him or her with a gift card or bouquet of flowers! It is really just a simple note that does three things: 1) says thank you; 2) offers to meet again to talk over the job; and 3) includes a small informational gift that indicates your thoughtfulness.

Who wouldn't remember such a person when the time comes to make a decision about filling the job opening?
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter... without writing a word. Click here: http://pes2004.amazingcl.hop.clickbank.net

Make Your Job Interview "Notes" Work For You

2011-05-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

The moment you're invited for a job interview, begin your preparation. Jot down notes related to the following:

• Facts about the company.
• Skills and abilities you can bring to the job.
• Specific experiences that illustrate your value as an employee.
• Hidden talents—such as crisis leadership and effective communication.

You don't have to write out a one-sided presentation, just a few jottings that will help you be clear and concise when you speak to the hiring manager during the job interview.

Some job seekers prefer to 'wing' it. They're certain their sparkling personality and engaging smile will do the work for them. Not so. Even though it's important to be friendly and outgoing, an employer is primarily interested in how you are going to best fit into the job opening. And they usually want to hear about what you've accomplished in your previous employment or how you rose to a challenge and overcame it with success.

Help When Needed!

The notes you prepare and refer to while talking with the interviewer will help you over the rough spots when you feel nervous or forgetful or anxious. You can simply glance at the card or small sheet of paper in your hand or lap, and then pick up from where you left off without missing a beat.

You might wonder if it would be best to memorize the facts rather than putting them in note form. This is a possibility, of course, but it's still a good idea to have the notes in a handy place in case you need them. Job seekers often 'go blank' just when they want to share something important. Rather than risk such embarrassment, be prepared with notes to get you through, if needed.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system

Improve Your English Grammar and Vocabulary by Studying a Foreign Language

2011-05-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

As a native English speaker, I had never realized how complicated the language was until I began studying Spanish and Japanese. Interestingly enough, I have found that learning a foreign language has given me a better grasp of the English language and all of the little grammatical idiosyncrasies that come with it. Here are some of the ways you can improve your English through foreign language study.

"How do I say this in English?"
When you're first learning a new language, you will naturally compare it to your own. While learning the basics of any language, you are taught how to construct simple sentences, verb tenses and vocabulary. The rules you'll be applying to this new language will force you to take a closer look at English. When and why do we put have or had before a verb in the past tense? Where do we place the subject in a sentence? Can you identify the conditional tense and do you know when to use it? You apply these rules everyday when speaking English, but you may not even notice until you start studying the rules of a new language.

A Latin-based language is especially helpful for vocabulary
Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese all share Latin root words, suffixes, prefixes and other common language constructions with English. For example, the Spanish word for have or keep is tener. You can see a derivative of the Latin -ten in words like sustain, maintain and retain, which are all different meanings of the word have. To this end, learning a Latin-based or romance language can help you to improve your vocabulary or recognize the meanings of words in English.

Language Exchange programs
Doing a language exchange can allow you to practice speaking and listening in another language with a native speaker of that language who is trying to practice speaking and listening in your language. Many times, you will have to teach and explain basic grammar principles to your language partner, such as rules of tense, idioms, and tricky stuff like prepositions. With a language exchange program, you have the benefit of improving at another language while teaching English to someone else. Teaching will give you a better understanding of the way your own language is properly spoken.

Foreign languages have similarities and differences to English which can give you a better understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Whether you're a native speaker or not yet fluent in English, you may find that learning another tongue can help you in improving it, understanding it and teaching it to others.
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About the Author: Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com

Writing an Effective Cover Letter in Today's Society

2011-04-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

An effective cover letter is one of the most important components of any job application. While a thorough and diverse resume is essential, an employer decides whether to even review a resume based on an applicant’s cover letter. Cover letter writing can be very difficult, but learning to write an effective and concise cover letter that is tailored to a specific position is key to being a successful candidate in the job market.

The first step to writing an effective cover letter is knowing how to sell the positive attributes that make you a more desirable employee than the other applicants. Of course, this is typically much easier said than done. In your cover letter, you should discuss the aspects your education or professional experience that make you the right choice for that specific position. Be sure to mention any different technologies you may know that would be valuable to that position. In today's tech savvy society, individuals who are versed in the latest technologies and systems are immensely desired in the working world.

In addition to establishing your individual value to the company, it is essential that you research the organization or business you apply to. In your cover letter you should demonstrate knowledge of the industry you wish to enter. Know what the employer's mission is and what their values are. Be sure to analyze the job thoroughly. Read the job description carefully so that you can be sure it is something you are interested in and so that you can better explain why you are the best fit for the position.

It is also immensely important to be professional in a cover letter. You must always communicate in a professional manner. However, because many jobs are applied through email communication, it is very easy to fall into a conversational or unprofessional tone. Treat your cover letter in such a way so that it sounds professional. Thank the hiring manager for his/her time, review your spelling and grammar, and be sure to address the potential employer properly.

Getting started in this job market is difficult enough. Don't set yourself one step behind everyone else just because you have a poorly composed cover letter. Take your time. Be thorough. Be honest. Sell your assets.
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About the Author: This guest contribution was submitted by Jamie Davis, who specializes in writing about masters degree. Questions and comments can be sent to: davis.jamie17@gmail.com

Cover Letter Tip: Get Your 'NET' Working For You

2011-04-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

A Cover Letter That Can NET You a Job!

Job-search cover letters introduce you and your skills to a hiring manager. You know that fact if you've been writing them to potential employers. But do you know there is another cover letter type that can do even more for you? It's called the networking cover letter.

This document goes out to your circle of human resources–family members, friends, neighbors, associates, and professional men and women–for one purpose–to ask for help as you look for work. These people can lend a hand by giving you names and contact information of individuals they know, as well as employment leads, referrals, advice, knowledge, and introductions. Imagine the wealth of assistance you can gather by simply casting your net toward these men and women.

To get started, create a master list of everyone you can think of. Refer to business cards you've collected, association and club rosters, church directories, your e-mail address book, and any other pertinent means of gathering names of people you mingle with. Then send a networking cover letter (based on the tips below) to each person on your master list. Invest some time doing this task—knowing it will pay big dividends over the next several weeks.

Writing the Networking Cover Letter

• Keep it short (one page only) and focus on what you want—help in your job search.
• Put your job skills and employment interests in a list for easy reading.
• Ask for leads and referrals directly and politely.
• Attach a copy of your current resume.
• Send a thank you note to everyone who responds—even if they weren't able to help.

Then get to work on the leads you do receive, sending to each person a cover letter that introduces you and your employment experience. Cast your net and be patient. It will bring in a catch worth waiting for.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator.

Use THIS Job Interview "Gem" For Magical Results!

2011-03-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

An employer calls to set up an interview. Just what you've wanted. You feel your excitement build, but maybe you feel apprehensive too and worried a little about the questions he or she will ask you regarding the prospective job. How can you prepare for such a meeting when you don't know what to expect?

One thing is all you need to know. ALL questions will point back to the essential, but unvoiced, question. "What can you do for our company?"

Answer it to yourself in the most convincing and truthful manner possible and then you'll be on track to having a magical interview experience. Even though the hiring manager may not come right out with those words, they will be in his or her mind.

Your credentials and skills, important as they are, will not matter if you can't honestly express how you will use them to benefit the company. So be prepared to talk about the positive solutions you've come up with in your previous employment, as well as your ability to lead in a crisis, get along with management, and motivate and encourage fellow employees.

You will be assessed not only for your talent but for your ability to relate to people and get along with your team mates, all of which contributes to the basic concern—what you can bring to the company that will improve the morale, raise the bottom line, and produce products and services that build the organization's reputation.

HOW to ANSWER!

Start by being yourself.

• Smile, shake hands, and create good eye contact.
• Listen carefully to the questions asked, so you'll be able to answer accurately.
• Indicate your knowledge of the company by referring to what you know.
• Provide three good examples of what you can do for the company.

The night before your interview, write down a few notes and have them ready to refer to at the right moment. This is your chance to step out, display your ability, and receive a job offer.
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author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.

Cover Letter Tip: Put The "Secret 7" To Work For You!

2011-03-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

What EVERY Cover Letter Needs

Many hiring managers face a pile of cover letters each and every day from job seekers. If you want yours to stand out from the crowd, make it short, succinct, and snappy! In other words, grab the reader's attention and hold it. The last thing you want to do is bog down the employer with a multi-page letter filled with ponderous prose. Instead incorporate the following seven secrets—the ones every cover letter should include:

Secret #1: Write a one-page cover letter. Period.
Secret #2: Leave lots of 'white space' in your letter so it's easy to read.
Secret #3: Create three paragraphs maximum or the cover letter will overwhelm.
Secret #4: Number or 'bullet' your lists when this technique fits. It catches interest.
Secret #5: Bold face the first sentence of each paragraph to highlight your point.
Secret #6: Write only three sentences per paragraph for quick scanning.
Secret #7: Print out your letter and read it yourself. Is it a good example of the secrets on the list above? If not, edit where needed.

Effort = Effectiveness!

The time you spend now will come back to you a hundredfold when the hiring manager selects the most promising job seekers to call for interviews. Your cover letter is the first step. Make it count by using the seven secrets above. Bonus Cover Letter Tip: Don't be afraid to ASK for the opportunity to be interviewed. Ask and you shall receive.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator".

Great Tips that Can Help You to Improve Your Writing Skills

2011-02-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

1.Keep your writing short and simple. Don't use many complicated sentences.

2.Use words that the reader is familiar with. Don't use words that the reader might find difficult to understand.

3.Don't make all the sentences the same length. Make some sentences longer, while keeping the other sentences shorter.

4.Try to write in the active voice. Use the active voice when you want your writing to be simple, direct, clear and easy to read. If you’re not very confident about your writing, using the active voice can be an easy way to improve a boring piece of writing.

5. Avoid excessive punctuation. Only one exclamation mark or question mark should be used at a time.

More Tips for Better English Writing:
http://www.perfectediting.com/tips-for-better-english-writing.htm
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The content of this post can be forwarded, published,
printed and distributed without the consent of the owner
of Perfect Editing Solutions. However, the URL
(http://www.perfectediting.com) must be mentioned wherever this post is reproduced.

Go the 'Extra Mile' With a Post Job Interview Thank You!

2011-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

There are thank you notes that cover basic etiquette, the kind that will get you by. "Thank you for meeting me to discuss the administrative assistant position at your company. I enjoyed speaking with you. Sincerely . . . "

And then there are thank you letters that go the extra mile, the kind that not only express appreciation but also engage the interest of the hiring manager. You'll want to write one of those if you hope to be remembered, called back for a second interview, and considered a person of character and thoughtfulness.

Take Note On The Thank You Note…

Such letters are written in the job candidate's own handwriting, not typed, and not sent as an e-mail attachment. Take the time to sit down and write a professional yet friendly thank you note that expresses your gratitude and also includes a small but timely 'informational gift.'

Such a gift is not a coffee card or clothing store certificate. An informational gift could be an article, a tip, a web site, or a contact name and phone number that relates to something you and the interviewer discussed. That might be golf or jazz or quilting or some other shared interest. One job candidate noticed the interviewer's passion for impressionist art. In his thank you note he provided a link to an article about Cezanne masterpieces.

It takes so little to be above average. You can move to the top of the hiring manager's list of job candidates with a thoughtful post interview thank you letter that goes the extra mile.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Cover Letter Tip: Avoid "Pretentious" Writing

2011-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read a letter, article, or book that annoys you because of its high-falutin' wording and pretentious tone? The writer seems to think he or she is superior to the reader.

This can occur in a cover letter too. Some job seekers, eager to make a good impression, create a buffet of fancy words, hoping it will appeal to the hiring manager. However, just the opposite occurs. Such writing is not only inappropriate, it's ineffective.

Write An Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

Think about a conversation you've had with a good friend over coffee––easy, friendly, and stress-free. You can strike a similar tone in the cover letters you write. Choose familiar words that anyone can recognize and understand. Basically, you're communicating your interest in the company they represent and the job they want to fill. State your qualifications and refer to your attached resume for more information. Then assure them that you are enthusiastic about joining the organization and contributing your knowledge and skills to the company's success. Close with a request for an in-person interview where you can talk further about what the hiring managers are looking for.

Try this: Thank you for posting your need for an assistant administrator. I have five years of experience in this line of work and would really appreciate the chance to speak with you in person about how I can contribute my skills to your new company.

Not this: I would be duly honored to present myself and my award-winning skills to the attention of your senior administrator with the sincere hope that I would be highly considered for the position of assistant administrator to which you refer in your recent job posting . . .

Be Yourself!

Write as you speak, share your personality, and ask for a job interview.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator".

Hot Trends, Strategies, and Selling Ideas

2010-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Internet is constantly evolving - almost daily, it seems - which can make starting a successful Internet business extremely challenging.

How do you become financially independent online when the rules of the road are always changing?

Fortunately, my friends at the Internet Marketing Center have the solution: The Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Online.

http://www.theimcmethod.com/step-by-step-guide/816163

For the past 12 years, IMC has been continuously updating this #1-selling ebusiness start-up guide (formerly known as Insider Secrets), to keep up with the rapid pace of change online, adding new strategies and techniques, while refining and streamlining their simple step-by-step process.

They've packed The Step-by-Step Guide full of the most up-to-the-minute techniques you MUST have to succeed online, like:

how to reach your market through social media
how to win the SEO wars
how to earn more with pay-per-click advertising
and on and on...
But they didn't stop there! They ALSO added a number of improvements that make their guide easier to follow... even for complete newbies:

NEW interactivity, including replies to your questions
NEW 50+ minute webinars on the hottest Internet business topics
NEW how-to-videos that teach you the most critical strategies
NEW easy-to-read charts and graphics to illustrate key points
NEW information to help you quickly advance through the process

I highly recommend you check this out. Thousands of people have already used it to start their own successful ebusinesses, and it will work for you, too!

Right now, IMC is offering 30-Day risk-free trials of the entire guide, so it's the perfect time to give it a try.

To start your 30-Day Trial, just go to: http://www.theimcmethod.com/step-by-step-guide/816163

Good luck with your business!

How To Prepare For An Interview: The Basics

2010-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Preparing for an interview can be extremely stressful. You want to be able to speak intelligently and concisely about your past experiences. You want to impress your interviewer with how you handle unexpected questions. And you want to appear charming and confident. In all the worry about your answers to various practice interview questions, however, it's easy to forget some of the basic preparations you should make before the interview day. If you can take care of the basics, you'll save yourself some unnecessary stress so you can focus on the actual interview without any worry.

Find Out The Logistics

As soon as you set up the interview, you should gather information. Ask for as specific instructions as possible so you don't have to worry about that minutes before the interview starts. For example, some interviewers will tell you to call when you arrive and they'll come down to get you. Ask about parking. Ask about the building, whether or not you'll have to check in with a guard in the lobby. Also, ask for the names and positions of the people who will interview you. Having an idea as to the specific process that morning and whom you'll speak with can help you both prepare and relax a little the night before your big day.

Get Clear Directions

Before you leave the house to go to your interview, you should know exactly how to get to the interview site. Have directions clearly written down and know the way traffic works around the site, especially if you have a morning interview and need to deal with rush hour traffic. If you can, drive to the interview site the day before as a practice run.

Save The Interviewer's Phone Number

You should also save the phone number of the person who contacted you about the interview. This number will be your lifeline should there be an emergency the day of your interview. For example, if you have car trouble, call this person as soon as possible. Making sure you communicate with your prospective employee will show them that you are calm and collected in stressful situations. After you've told them of the trouble, apologize and politely ask to reschedule.

Follow Your Eating And Drinking Routine

Before a big interview, you should also stick as close as possible to your usual eating routine. The night before an interview is not a good time to try out that new Indian restaurant down the street. Save that meal for your celebratory dinner when you land the job. Likewise, try not to drink too much coffee the morning of the interview. The idea here is that you don't do anything that would cause you physical discomfort, like a grumbling stomach, during the interview that could be distracting.
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This guest post is contributed by Kate Willson, who writes about career, education, college life at top online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katewillson2@gmail.com

How to Write a 'Congratulations' E-mail Message

2010-11-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

Example of an email message to send to someone
who has found a new job.

Subject Line: Congratulations On Your New Position

Content of the E-mail:

Hello Richard,

I was thrilled to hear about your new job
with the (Name of the Company). Having
known and worked with you, I believe you
are ready for such a challenge. You have
the required skills and experience,
and undoubtedly you will make a terrific
Team Leader.

Best of luck as you advance in your career,
and please keep me updated as to how
things are going!

Sincerely,

Peter Brown
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Bad Habits to Break Before the Interview

2010-11-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

Nobody wants a job interview to go sour, especially in this economy. A few things that you might not even think of—as well as a few common sense bloopers—can mean the difference between a victory and another bout of job searching.

You talk too much

Job interviews are for selling yourself to your future employer. It’s also a time, however, for you to gauge what your future employer wants in an employee, and you won’t be able to do that if you don’t stop talking to listen. Rather than jibber-jabbering away, try active listening by asking relevant questions to follow up important points the interviewer makes. Pay attention and you’ll show that you’re a good communicator—a vital aspect of almost any job candidate these days.

Moreover, watch what you say during the interview. Avoid clichés like “I work well with others” and “I’m very organized,” even if you think these are relevant points. Use more sincere, original descriptors, since according to a survey of 500 human resource executives by the Human Resource Management, 65% of interviewers completely disregard this kind of talk, anyway.

You text too much

You want your interviewer to believe that you stopped your world just to come see him or her at this hour on this day, that this opportunity is special enough for you to put everything else on hold. Interviewers are looking for this kind of dedication, and they won’t see it when your phone goes off in the middle of a session. Don’t even bother with the vibrate mode; turn it off completely before you enter the office building and don’t turn it back on until you’ve left it.

You Tweet too much

The delight of a winning job interview is almost too hard to keep private—so you Tweet it. Minutes after you’ve left the building, your interviewer Googles you and finds the gloating Tweet, quickly erasing you from the list of candidates.

It’s good practice to keep work and play separate, anyway. Keep your Facebook updates and Tweets to yourself.

You smell too much

You showered in your cologne this morning and now your interviewer smells you before he or she sees you. Your interviewer is looking for someone who can appeal to the greatest number of people as possible, and that means everything in moderation, including your perfume of choice.

You drink coffee

It’s a good idea to keep drinks out of the interviewer’s sight, even if it’s just water or coffee. Seventy-nine percent of recruiters see this as bad manners.

You gossip

Even if your previous boss was a complete disaster, don’t talk about it. Any manner of gossip reflects poorly on you according to 95% of interviewers. Honesty is important in a workplace but so is discretion, and your future employer will want to know that you are a loyal member of your job community.

You think it’s Casual Friday everyday

Dressing in too casual (i.e. denim) or too revealing (i.e. miniskirt) clothing is a turn-off for 95% of recruiters. No matter how casual the work environment, most interviewers expect classy attire—at least a button-up, jacket, and slacks—for the interview.
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Author: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching areas of online degree programs. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.