Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Los Angeles Self Storage
I needed to find a self storage unit in Los Angeles. It was very easy using a new site I found. I could easily find Los Angeles self storage units on this interactive map of all self storage units in Los Angeles.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Denver Self Storage Units
EasyStorageSearch.com provides a simple solution to quickly finding Denver self storage units. There’s no need to search dozens of websites find self storage in Denver that fits your needs. There’s also no need to create logins or requests for quotes. EasyStorageSearch.com displays all self storage units in your city. Simply pan and zoom the map to find one nearest you. Then click the icons to learn more about each facility. Easily compare Denver self storage units in this way. Shown here are the results for Denver self storage facilities. Choose the one that’s right for you and give them a call or visit their website.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Photo Slideshows
I found a great site that allows you to create custom DVD photo slideshows
of your pictures including music, titles, and dynamic transition effects. Easily share memories of special occasions such as weddings, vacations, and birthdays. Watch slideshows with friends and family on your TV.
of your pictures including music, titles, and dynamic transition effects. Easily share memories of special occasions such as weddings, vacations, and birthdays. Watch slideshows with friends and family on your TV.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
You Need an 800 Number for Your Business
In today’s world of cell phones and digital media, many business owners – particularly small business owners – no longer consider an 800 number a necessity to running a successful business. After all, many cell phone plans offer free long distance; and in any case, many customers choose to get in touch for free via email.
Having an 800 number can still benefit a business immensely, however. Although a toll-free number is no longer a necessity for allowing customers to get in touch with you, it definitely makes your business appear more credible. A small business without a toll-free number gives an impression of being run out of someone’s garage – whereas when customers see an 800 number, they imagine a brick-and-mortar business with a storefront, dedicated phone lines, and phone book ads.
Whether or not your business fits the latter example, it is obviously in your best interests to give your customers the impression that it does. Getting an 800 number can be a little intimidating, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here is what you need to know in order to get a toll-free number for your business.
How Does an 800 Number Work?
Years ago, the expense of setting up a toll-free number prevented many small and mid-size businesses from getting their own 800 numbers. Even today, most people think of a toll-free number as unattainable for most small businesses – which is probably why it impresses customers so much. On the contrary, though, an 800 number is relatively easy to acquire – in most cases, all you need is an existing phone, even a cell phone.
Toll-Free Forwarding Versus a Dedicated Line
For the typical small or mid-sized business, the toll-free service provider simply forwards calls to the designated number. Depending on your business setup, that could be your office phone, your home line, or even a cell phone. Some providers will even forward the call to multiple lines at once, allowing you to answer the call wherever you are at the time.
Businesses with higher volumes of incoming calls might want to consider a designated line instead. Basically, you will need to have a new phone line installed, which will be used solely for incoming toll-free calls. Although you will need to pay for the installation and setup, you will get a better per-minute rate on incoming calls, which will more than make up for the initial expense.
The Toll-Free Prefix
It used to be that an 800 number was the only kind of toll-free number. However, as these numbers became more popular for businesses, other prefixes were added in order to increase availability. The benefit is that if an 800 number you want – such as one that is similar to your local number, or one that spells something out – is already taken, you can get it using another toll-free prefix.
The prefixes for toll-free numbers are:
• 800
• 888
• 877
• 866
Finding a Toll-Free Service Provider
There are many toll-free service providers to choose from: the big, well-known providers such as AT&T and MCI, as well as many smaller providers. Contrary to common belief, large providers cannot offer you a greater choice of numbers. Although each provider typically has a pool of available numbers under their name, you can choose any toll-free number that is not already in use. Since the availability of numbers is the same for every provider, you are free to choose your provider according to the rates and features they can offer.
Finding the Best Rates
Rates can vary widely between toll-free service providers. Although many people believe that large service providers will be able to offer the best rates, in fact the opposite is often true. Your best bet is to shop around, comparing the rates and features offered by different providers.
There are two basic types of rates you will need to compare:
• Monthly rates – Most toll-free service providers will charge you a base fee every month, regardless of whether you receive any incoming calls. Monthly fees may be as much as $20, or you may not need to pay any at all.
• Per-minute rates – On top of the monthly fees, you will need to consider how much you are charged per minute for incoming calls. In general, these rates range from 7 cents to 30 cents per minute, although smaller businesses will pay more per minute than those that receive a higher volume of calls. You should also compare billing increments between plans – the smaller the increment, the better – and avoid plans that require you to meet a minimum number of minutes every month.
Deciding What Features You Want
There are a number of features available for toll-free numbers. You will need to decide which features you would like to have, and then compare the availability and price of these features between different providers.
Some of the features offered on 800 numbers include:
• Call blocking – Block callers who fall outside your coverage (and would therefore cost you more than other callers), such as calls originating from pay phones.
• Account codes – By requiring employees and/or customers to enter an access code, you can ensure that only authorized callers get through.
• ANI – Just like caller ID on your home line, ANI tells you who is calling. This feature can also be set up to display the caller’s information on a computer.
• Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) – If you have more than one 800 number, DNIS lets you know which number was called. This is particularly useful if you are running multiple marketing campaigns, and would like to know which is the most successful.
Choosing a Toll-Free Number
As already noted, your choice of a toll-free service provider will not limit the variety of 800 numbers available to you. You can either choose a number from the provider’s pool, or a “vanity number.”
Choosing from the Provider’s Pool
Service providers generally have a pool of toll-free numbers that have been set aside for them. Because these numbers are already in the provider’s system, your 800 number can be set up much more quickly than if you choose a number from outside the provider’s pool.
Selecting a Vanity Number
A toll-free number that you choose yourself, either because it is similar to your office number or because the corresponding letters spell out something memorable, is known as a vanity number. As long as the number is not being used by another business, you will be able to claim it. However, if it is not already in your provider’s pool of numbers, you will need to wait about a week for the number to be transferred and your account to be activated. The good news is that once you have claimed an 800 number, it is yours: Even if you decide to change providers, you can take your number with you.
Using Your Toll-Free Number
Once you have selected an 800 number and a provider, you need only to wait for your account to be set up. Before you start giving your toll-free number out to customers, you should test it with the help of family and friends in various locations. After you have ensured that the number works and the sound quality is acceptable, you are ready to benefit from the added credibility an 800 number gives to your business!
Interested in starting a home internet business? Learn how in this easy to follow guide.
Having an 800 number can still benefit a business immensely, however. Although a toll-free number is no longer a necessity for allowing customers to get in touch with you, it definitely makes your business appear more credible. A small business without a toll-free number gives an impression of being run out of someone’s garage – whereas when customers see an 800 number, they imagine a brick-and-mortar business with a storefront, dedicated phone lines, and phone book ads.
Whether or not your business fits the latter example, it is obviously in your best interests to give your customers the impression that it does. Getting an 800 number can be a little intimidating, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here is what you need to know in order to get a toll-free number for your business.
How Does an 800 Number Work?
Years ago, the expense of setting up a toll-free number prevented many small and mid-size businesses from getting their own 800 numbers. Even today, most people think of a toll-free number as unattainable for most small businesses – which is probably why it impresses customers so much. On the contrary, though, an 800 number is relatively easy to acquire – in most cases, all you need is an existing phone, even a cell phone.
Toll-Free Forwarding Versus a Dedicated Line
For the typical small or mid-sized business, the toll-free service provider simply forwards calls to the designated number. Depending on your business setup, that could be your office phone, your home line, or even a cell phone. Some providers will even forward the call to multiple lines at once, allowing you to answer the call wherever you are at the time.
Businesses with higher volumes of incoming calls might want to consider a designated line instead. Basically, you will need to have a new phone line installed, which will be used solely for incoming toll-free calls. Although you will need to pay for the installation and setup, you will get a better per-minute rate on incoming calls, which will more than make up for the initial expense.
The Toll-Free Prefix
It used to be that an 800 number was the only kind of toll-free number. However, as these numbers became more popular for businesses, other prefixes were added in order to increase availability. The benefit is that if an 800 number you want – such as one that is similar to your local number, or one that spells something out – is already taken, you can get it using another toll-free prefix.
The prefixes for toll-free numbers are:
• 800
• 888
• 877
• 866
Finding a Toll-Free Service Provider
There are many toll-free service providers to choose from: the big, well-known providers such as AT&T and MCI, as well as many smaller providers. Contrary to common belief, large providers cannot offer you a greater choice of numbers. Although each provider typically has a pool of available numbers under their name, you can choose any toll-free number that is not already in use. Since the availability of numbers is the same for every provider, you are free to choose your provider according to the rates and features they can offer.
Finding the Best Rates
Rates can vary widely between toll-free service providers. Although many people believe that large service providers will be able to offer the best rates, in fact the opposite is often true. Your best bet is to shop around, comparing the rates and features offered by different providers.
There are two basic types of rates you will need to compare:
• Monthly rates – Most toll-free service providers will charge you a base fee every month, regardless of whether you receive any incoming calls. Monthly fees may be as much as $20, or you may not need to pay any at all.
• Per-minute rates – On top of the monthly fees, you will need to consider how much you are charged per minute for incoming calls. In general, these rates range from 7 cents to 30 cents per minute, although smaller businesses will pay more per minute than those that receive a higher volume of calls. You should also compare billing increments between plans – the smaller the increment, the better – and avoid plans that require you to meet a minimum number of minutes every month.
Deciding What Features You Want
There are a number of features available for toll-free numbers. You will need to decide which features you would like to have, and then compare the availability and price of these features between different providers.
Some of the features offered on 800 numbers include:
• Call blocking – Block callers who fall outside your coverage (and would therefore cost you more than other callers), such as calls originating from pay phones.
• Account codes – By requiring employees and/or customers to enter an access code, you can ensure that only authorized callers get through.
• ANI – Just like caller ID on your home line, ANI tells you who is calling. This feature can also be set up to display the caller’s information on a computer.
• Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) – If you have more than one 800 number, DNIS lets you know which number was called. This is particularly useful if you are running multiple marketing campaigns, and would like to know which is the most successful.
Choosing a Toll-Free Number
As already noted, your choice of a toll-free service provider will not limit the variety of 800 numbers available to you. You can either choose a number from the provider’s pool, or a “vanity number.”
Choosing from the Provider’s Pool
Service providers generally have a pool of toll-free numbers that have been set aside for them. Because these numbers are already in the provider’s system, your 800 number can be set up much more quickly than if you choose a number from outside the provider’s pool.
Selecting a Vanity Number
A toll-free number that you choose yourself, either because it is similar to your office number or because the corresponding letters spell out something memorable, is known as a vanity number. As long as the number is not being used by another business, you will be able to claim it. However, if it is not already in your provider’s pool of numbers, you will need to wait about a week for the number to be transferred and your account to be activated. The good news is that once you have claimed an 800 number, it is yours: Even if you decide to change providers, you can take your number with you.
Using Your Toll-Free Number
Once you have selected an 800 number and a provider, you need only to wait for your account to be set up. Before you start giving your toll-free number out to customers, you should test it with the help of family and friends in various locations. After you have ensured that the number works and the sound quality is acceptable, you are ready to benefit from the added credibility an 800 number gives to your business!
Interested in starting a home internet business? Learn how in this easy to follow guide.
Online Backup is the Best
Online Backup
Online backup services are relatively new but they are gaining popularity at the speed of light. This is hardly surprising because the advantages they offer are really a lot and it does not require any technical skills in order to use online backup services.
What is Online Backup?
Online backup services are a variety of web hosting services where you register with a provider and then you are given space on their server where you can store your data. This is the most basic form of an online backup service but almost always you have additional functionalities you can use, such as the ability to schedule when backups are to be performed and 1-click backup restoration. Many online backup providers offer real-time backup and/or backup of locked files or files in use as well. Generally you pay a small fee (could be in the single digits) per month and it gives you the right to use a couple of gygabytes on their server. Since prices are dropping all the time, it is possible to find offers for 20 or more GB for less than $10. In any case, the monthly fee you pay for online backup is just a small toll for the peace of mind you get in return because as you will see next, online backup services do have many advantages.
Why Should I Use Online Backup?
Online backup has many advantages and if you haven't tried yet, you should do it. Online backup requires a fast Internet connection but since nowadays broadband access is becoming the norm, chances are that your connection is fast enough to accommodate all the traffic between the online backup server and your computer. In any case, if your broadband connection is still your bottleneck, you can resort to backing up only the most important 1-2GB of files (rather than your whole 500GB+ hard drive) and still enjoy the numerous benefits of online backups. Here are some good reasons why you should use online backup:
• With online backup your files are always accessible. File accessibility is one of the unbeatable advantages of online backup. When you store your backups locally (on your hard drive or in a drawer next to your desk), you can't access them remotely. Online backup is another story – you can access your files remotely from any place, where an Internet connection is available.
• Online backup provides protection against hardware/software failures, theft and natural disasters. The second most important advantage of online backups is that your backups are physically safe. When you make a backup and you keep it on the same hard drive, this does not provide any protection because if your hardware and/or software becomes defunct, your backup dies together with your original data.
A step ahead is to keep your backups on CDs, DVDs or tapes instead on your hard drive but in case of theft or natural disasters, this provides no protection at all. There are many stories (for instance the disaster that happened to Mr. Coppola) when thieves or natural disasters deprive you of your backup and you lose the last copy of important documents.
While there is never a 100% guarantee that this will not happen with your online backup, the fact that online backup service providers employ rigorous practices to physically guard your backup (including a backup of the backup), the chance that your backup will be physically destroyed is one in a million.
• Online backup is more reliable than CDs, DVDs, tapes and other traditional backup media. Keeping your backup on CDs, DVDs and tapes is still more than nothing but compared to online backup it is a poor man's choice. Even if you don't get robbed, or hit by a fire, earthquake, hurricane and other natural disasters, CDs and DVDs are very easily destroyed. It is enough to scratch the surface or to drop it on the floor, and a CD/DVD is gone forever, together with your important data.
• Best Practices recommend data vaulting. Online backups are important for individuals but for businesses they can be vital. There are many Best Practices, which strongly recommend to make periodic backups and to store them in a physically protected space. In some cases you might not even have to decide whether your company should use data vaulting (this is the technical term for online or remote backups) because company regulations dictate you to do it.
• Online backup can provide real-time protection. Maybe you are not a bank or another institution for which real-time data protection is a must but in any case, the more recent your latest backup, the better. Many online backup providers offer real-time backup protection at no additional charge, so you should seriously consider using it.
• Online backup is secure. Probably one of the fears many people have in regards to online backup is that their data is exposed to risks when not under their control. Usually such fears have no grounds (unless you choose a really amateurish online backup service provider). On the contrary, online backups are very secure because they include traffic encryption and password protection of the stored file and in many cases secure file sharing (i.e. you can choose whom to share your backups with).
• Online backup is easy to use. Last but not least, comes ease of use. Most online backup services require just basic computer literacy in order to use them. Additionally, compared to onsite backups, there is less hassle when you have to restore the contents of the backup.
What to Look For When Choosing an Online Backup Provider?
As you see, online backup does have many advantages. But all these advantages can easily turn into disadvantages, if you choose the wrong provider. While many online backup service providers are professional, still it is possible to choose a bad one if you are not careful enough. Here are some things to consider while choosing an online backup provider:
• Reliability. Reliability is the single most important feature you should look for. If the online backup provider you choose is unreliable, this makes all other fancy features obsolete. All providers claim they are secure but you mustn't believe it. Ask for recommendations from experts or ask your friends, acquaintances or business partners if they can recommend you a reliable provider.
• Security. In addition to reliability, security is also of paramount importance. Check at least if your would-be provider uses encryption and password protection.
• Price. As already mentioned, the prices of online backup services are constantly decreasing, so price becomes less of an issue, especially for corporate users. Choosing the most expensive package is hardly a guarantee for incredible service, so, all equal, choose a cheaper package, unless it is ridiculously cheap and you suspect this service is not reliable.
• Storage space. If you want to backup only some of your files, then you don't need many gygabytes of storage space. Still, the more GBs of space your online backup provider offers, the better.
• Backup frequency. For corporate users it is a must that backups are performed real-time, or at least once a day but even for personal users it does matter how often backups are performed. Again, the smaller the interval, the better. You can also ask if incremental backups are possible because if incremental backups are possible, you must backup only the files that have been changed since the last backup instead of all the files. This saves time and effort, though sometimes it is riskier than a full backup.
• Free trials. Check if your would-be provider offers free trials. A free trial can give you a real-life impression of what the service is like and if it is easy to use.
Online backup services are relatively new but they are gaining popularity at the speed of light. This is hardly surprising because the advantages they offer are really a lot and it does not require any technical skills in order to use online backup services.
What is Online Backup?
Online backup services are a variety of web hosting services where you register with a provider and then you are given space on their server where you can store your data. This is the most basic form of an online backup service but almost always you have additional functionalities you can use, such as the ability to schedule when backups are to be performed and 1-click backup restoration. Many online backup providers offer real-time backup and/or backup of locked files or files in use as well. Generally you pay a small fee (could be in the single digits) per month and it gives you the right to use a couple of gygabytes on their server. Since prices are dropping all the time, it is possible to find offers for 20 or more GB for less than $10. In any case, the monthly fee you pay for online backup is just a small toll for the peace of mind you get in return because as you will see next, online backup services do have many advantages.
Why Should I Use Online Backup?
Online backup has many advantages and if you haven't tried yet, you should do it. Online backup requires a fast Internet connection but since nowadays broadband access is becoming the norm, chances are that your connection is fast enough to accommodate all the traffic between the online backup server and your computer. In any case, if your broadband connection is still your bottleneck, you can resort to backing up only the most important 1-2GB of files (rather than your whole 500GB+ hard drive) and still enjoy the numerous benefits of online backups. Here are some good reasons why you should use online backup:
• With online backup your files are always accessible. File accessibility is one of the unbeatable advantages of online backup. When you store your backups locally (on your hard drive or in a drawer next to your desk), you can't access them remotely. Online backup is another story – you can access your files remotely from any place, where an Internet connection is available.
• Online backup provides protection against hardware/software failures, theft and natural disasters. The second most important advantage of online backups is that your backups are physically safe. When you make a backup and you keep it on the same hard drive, this does not provide any protection because if your hardware and/or software becomes defunct, your backup dies together with your original data.
A step ahead is to keep your backups on CDs, DVDs or tapes instead on your hard drive but in case of theft or natural disasters, this provides no protection at all. There are many stories (for instance the disaster that happened to Mr. Coppola) when thieves or natural disasters deprive you of your backup and you lose the last copy of important documents.
While there is never a 100% guarantee that this will not happen with your online backup, the fact that online backup service providers employ rigorous practices to physically guard your backup (including a backup of the backup), the chance that your backup will be physically destroyed is one in a million.
• Online backup is more reliable than CDs, DVDs, tapes and other traditional backup media. Keeping your backup on CDs, DVDs and tapes is still more than nothing but compared to online backup it is a poor man's choice. Even if you don't get robbed, or hit by a fire, earthquake, hurricane and other natural disasters, CDs and DVDs are very easily destroyed. It is enough to scratch the surface or to drop it on the floor, and a CD/DVD is gone forever, together with your important data.
• Best Practices recommend data vaulting. Online backups are important for individuals but for businesses they can be vital. There are many Best Practices, which strongly recommend to make periodic backups and to store them in a physically protected space. In some cases you might not even have to decide whether your company should use data vaulting (this is the technical term for online or remote backups) because company regulations dictate you to do it.
• Online backup can provide real-time protection. Maybe you are not a bank or another institution for which real-time data protection is a must but in any case, the more recent your latest backup, the better. Many online backup providers offer real-time backup protection at no additional charge, so you should seriously consider using it.
• Online backup is secure. Probably one of the fears many people have in regards to online backup is that their data is exposed to risks when not under their control. Usually such fears have no grounds (unless you choose a really amateurish online backup service provider). On the contrary, online backups are very secure because they include traffic encryption and password protection of the stored file and in many cases secure file sharing (i.e. you can choose whom to share your backups with).
• Online backup is easy to use. Last but not least, comes ease of use. Most online backup services require just basic computer literacy in order to use them. Additionally, compared to onsite backups, there is less hassle when you have to restore the contents of the backup.
What to Look For When Choosing an Online Backup Provider?
As you see, online backup does have many advantages. But all these advantages can easily turn into disadvantages, if you choose the wrong provider. While many online backup service providers are professional, still it is possible to choose a bad one if you are not careful enough. Here are some things to consider while choosing an online backup provider:
• Reliability. Reliability is the single most important feature you should look for. If the online backup provider you choose is unreliable, this makes all other fancy features obsolete. All providers claim they are secure but you mustn't believe it. Ask for recommendations from experts or ask your friends, acquaintances or business partners if they can recommend you a reliable provider.
• Security. In addition to reliability, security is also of paramount importance. Check at least if your would-be provider uses encryption and password protection.
• Price. As already mentioned, the prices of online backup services are constantly decreasing, so price becomes less of an issue, especially for corporate users. Choosing the most expensive package is hardly a guarantee for incredible service, so, all equal, choose a cheaper package, unless it is ridiculously cheap and you suspect this service is not reliable.
• Storage space. If you want to backup only some of your files, then you don't need many gygabytes of storage space. Still, the more GBs of space your online backup provider offers, the better.
• Backup frequency. For corporate users it is a must that backups are performed real-time, or at least once a day but even for personal users it does matter how often backups are performed. Again, the smaller the interval, the better. You can also ask if incremental backups are possible because if incremental backups are possible, you must backup only the files that have been changed since the last backup instead of all the files. This saves time and effort, though sometimes it is riskier than a full backup.
• Free trials. Check if your would-be provider offers free trials. A free trial can give you a real-life impression of what the service is like and if it is easy to use.
Resume Distribution Tips
You might have written your resume yourself, or maybe you hired a resume writing service. Most likely it took you lots of time, or at least cost you some cash. Regardless, you have made a considerable investment in your resume, and as a result you will want to make sure you distribute it effectively.
There are many methods of resume distribution. Some are free, while others will cost you; some take a lot of time, while others take barely any time at all. In order to decide which resume distribution method is the best one for you, take the time to consider the pros and cons of each.
Manually Searching for Jobs
Although the Internet has largely replaced more archaic ways of searching for jobs, this approach is not completely dead yet. Many people distribute their resumes the old-fashioned way – by finding and responding to job ads that interest them. Although the newspaper is still sometimes used, these days online classifieds and job boards are the primary resource for both employers and job seekers.
Pros:
• You can pick and choose which job ads you respond to.
• You can personalize your response to each employer.
Cons:
• Searching for jobs can be extremely time consuming!
Using a Recruiter
Recruiters are individuals who are paid to fill an open position at a company. Many recruiters specialize in a specific industry, which enables them to constantly be on the lookout for both candidates and new positions. If you give your resume to a recruiter, they might have a position for you right away, or they might call you several months later. However, in order for recruiters to know you are out there, you need to find them.
Pros:
• Recruiters typically get wind of open positions in your industry before you would on your own.
• Letting recruiters manage some of your job search for you frees up a little of your time.
Cons:
• For the best results, you will need to get your resume out to as many recruiters in your industry as possible.
• Finding and contacting recruiters is almost as time-consuming as looking for the jobs yourself.
Attending Job Fairs
Job fairs and career fairs are scheduled gatherings of both employers and potential employees. Basically, you (and hundreds of other job seekers) will walk into a room or a convention center full of various employers and make the rounds – getting information, handing out resumes, and filling out applications.
Pros:
• You can reach dozens or even hundreds of employers in a relatively short amount of time.
• The face-to-face approach allows for more personal interactions between employers and candidates.
Cons:
• You are limited to the employers that attend the job fair.
• Job fairs can be busy, stressful, and intimidating events.
Posting Your Resume
Some job seekers like to boost their chances by enabling employers to find them. There are a number of job boards and other sites that allow you to post your resume online. Some are general job sites, such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. The well-known community site Craigslist.org also provides a place for visitors to post their resumes. In addition, some specialized career sites allow job seekers to post resumes geared toward a specific industry.
Pros:
• Many job boards and community websites offer this service for free.
• You can encourage employers to approach you with job offers.
Cons:
• General job boards usually contain hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of job seekers’ resumes.
• Posted resumes usually have a low success rate for job seekers.
Using Resume Blasting Services
“Resume blasting” is when resume distribution services send a resume out to hundreds or thousands of recruiters and employers at once, usually without using any discretion as to who gets the resumes. Resume distribution services usually charge upfront for this service (unlike a recruiter, who only gets paid when they successfully fill a position).
Pros:
• Reach hundreds or thousands of employers and recruiters simultaneously.
• Spend less time than you would with a conventional job search.
• If you are a recent graduate or are looking for any job you can get, resume blasting will cover all of your bases.
Cons:
• You, the job seeker, have to pay for this service.
• You will likely have little or no choice in who gets your resume.
• You may not be a good match for many of the recruiters and employers who receive your resume.
Using Targeted Distribution Services
Many distribution services also offer targeted distribution of your resume. Unlike resume blasting services, you control who gets your resume. For instance, you can limit distribution to a specific location or industry; you can also choose to send your resume only to recruiters and employers who hire for a certain type of position or level of salary. Of course, just like the resume blasting service, targeted resume distribution is a service you will have to pay for.
Pros:
• Narrow your search to just those employers and recruiters you are interested in reaching.
• Spend less time than you would with a conventional job search.
• Increase your chances of landing a specific type of position and pay range.
Cons:
• Targeted resume distribution generally costs more than a general resume blasting service.
• Most services don’t allow you a way to follow up with the employer after your resume is received.
The Right Resume Distribution Method for You
The resume distribution method you decide upon will ultimately depend on what suits your needs the best. If you prefer doing your own legwork, obviously you will prefer searching for jobs and posting your resume yourself. If, on the other hand, you don’t have (or don’t want to spend) the time, a resume distribution service can do it for you.
There are other preferences to consider. Some people like the convenience of email and the Internet, especially when searching for a job. Others prefer to use more traditional methods, such as the newspaper, recruiters, snail mail, and telephones.
Whether you stay traditional or go virtual, and whether you prefer to search for your own jobs or pay a resume distribution service to do the grunt work for you, just make sure that the resume distribution method you choose is the right one for you.
There are many methods of resume distribution. Some are free, while others will cost you; some take a lot of time, while others take barely any time at all. In order to decide which resume distribution method is the best one for you, take the time to consider the pros and cons of each.
Manually Searching for Jobs
Although the Internet has largely replaced more archaic ways of searching for jobs, this approach is not completely dead yet. Many people distribute their resumes the old-fashioned way – by finding and responding to job ads that interest them. Although the newspaper is still sometimes used, these days online classifieds and job boards are the primary resource for both employers and job seekers.
Pros:
• You can pick and choose which job ads you respond to.
• You can personalize your response to each employer.
Cons:
• Searching for jobs can be extremely time consuming!
Using a Recruiter
Recruiters are individuals who are paid to fill an open position at a company. Many recruiters specialize in a specific industry, which enables them to constantly be on the lookout for both candidates and new positions. If you give your resume to a recruiter, they might have a position for you right away, or they might call you several months later. However, in order for recruiters to know you are out there, you need to find them.
Pros:
• Recruiters typically get wind of open positions in your industry before you would on your own.
• Letting recruiters manage some of your job search for you frees up a little of your time.
Cons:
• For the best results, you will need to get your resume out to as many recruiters in your industry as possible.
• Finding and contacting recruiters is almost as time-consuming as looking for the jobs yourself.
Attending Job Fairs
Job fairs and career fairs are scheduled gatherings of both employers and potential employees. Basically, you (and hundreds of other job seekers) will walk into a room or a convention center full of various employers and make the rounds – getting information, handing out resumes, and filling out applications.
Pros:
• You can reach dozens or even hundreds of employers in a relatively short amount of time.
• The face-to-face approach allows for more personal interactions between employers and candidates.
Cons:
• You are limited to the employers that attend the job fair.
• Job fairs can be busy, stressful, and intimidating events.
Posting Your Resume
Some job seekers like to boost their chances by enabling employers to find them. There are a number of job boards and other sites that allow you to post your resume online. Some are general job sites, such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. The well-known community site Craigslist.org also provides a place for visitors to post their resumes. In addition, some specialized career sites allow job seekers to post resumes geared toward a specific industry.
Pros:
• Many job boards and community websites offer this service for free.
• You can encourage employers to approach you with job offers.
Cons:
• General job boards usually contain hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of job seekers’ resumes.
• Posted resumes usually have a low success rate for job seekers.
Using Resume Blasting Services
“Resume blasting” is when resume distribution services send a resume out to hundreds or thousands of recruiters and employers at once, usually without using any discretion as to who gets the resumes. Resume distribution services usually charge upfront for this service (unlike a recruiter, who only gets paid when they successfully fill a position).
Pros:
• Reach hundreds or thousands of employers and recruiters simultaneously.
• Spend less time than you would with a conventional job search.
• If you are a recent graduate or are looking for any job you can get, resume blasting will cover all of your bases.
Cons:
• You, the job seeker, have to pay for this service.
• You will likely have little or no choice in who gets your resume.
• You may not be a good match for many of the recruiters and employers who receive your resume.
Using Targeted Distribution Services
Many distribution services also offer targeted distribution of your resume. Unlike resume blasting services, you control who gets your resume. For instance, you can limit distribution to a specific location or industry; you can also choose to send your resume only to recruiters and employers who hire for a certain type of position or level of salary. Of course, just like the resume blasting service, targeted resume distribution is a service you will have to pay for.
Pros:
• Narrow your search to just those employers and recruiters you are interested in reaching.
• Spend less time than you would with a conventional job search.
• Increase your chances of landing a specific type of position and pay range.
Cons:
• Targeted resume distribution generally costs more than a general resume blasting service.
• Most services don’t allow you a way to follow up with the employer after your resume is received.
The Right Resume Distribution Method for You
The resume distribution method you decide upon will ultimately depend on what suits your needs the best. If you prefer doing your own legwork, obviously you will prefer searching for jobs and posting your resume yourself. If, on the other hand, you don’t have (or don’t want to spend) the time, a resume distribution service can do it for you.
There are other preferences to consider. Some people like the convenience of email and the Internet, especially when searching for a job. Others prefer to use more traditional methods, such as the newspaper, recruiters, snail mail, and telephones.
Whether you stay traditional or go virtual, and whether you prefer to search for your own jobs or pay a resume distribution service to do the grunt work for you, just make sure that the resume distribution method you choose is the right one for you.
How to Choose the Best Resume Writing Service
Having an attention-grabbing resume is one of the most important parts of the job search. Your resume and cover letter are your introduction to a potential employer; and without a strong introduction, you may never get another chance to make a good impression. As a result, the success of your job hunt can hang on how well your resume is written.
Maybe you are entering the work force after graduating from college. Or maybe you just need to find a new job. Regardless of why you are looking for work, a skilled resume writer has the power to help you get your foot in the door.
Why Should I Use a Resume Writer?
Resume writing services are more than just a word processing or proofreading service. A resume writer takes your work experience, education, your strengths and weakness, and ties it all up into one little package. Although people usually think of their resume as a simplistic listing of their education and experience, it is actually more like a sales document. In order for your resume to effectively sell you, it not only has to be well written and visually appealing, but also has to present the goods – you – in the best possible light.
Sound easy? Of course not. Why is it, then, that so many people attempt to write their resumes on their own? You wouldn’t try to write a legal contract when the outcome could impact the rest of your life – you would hire a lawyer. By the same token, you should entrust your resume to a professional resume writer.
What Does a Resume Writer Do?
A resume writer’s goal is to convince potential employers that you are perfect for the job. In order to sell your strengths, a resume writer will:
• Discuss your career focus and gear your resume to your unique goals
• Choose the best format to highlight your strengths
• Write an attention-getting summary or list of objectives
• Use convincing language to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses
• Personalize your resume in a way that shows you off to your best advantage
• Make your resume available in different file formats if needed
• Make changes as necessary
Of course, a resume doesn’t really stand by itself. Your career decisions, where and how you search for jobs, and the quality of your cover letter all impact how your resume is received. In other words, if you are looking for work in the wrong places, or don’t introduce your resume properly in the cover letter, it won’t matter how dazzling your resume is.
Resume writing services often offer a whole package approach to resume writing. To ensure that you land your dream job, your resume writer may offer additional services, such as:
• Career consultation
• Job search consultation
• Cover letter writing
• Resume distribution
• Interview preparation
What Should I Look for in a Resume Writing Service?
A good resume writing service is one that offers you everything necessary to get the attention of potential employers. When shopping for a resume writer, you should look for:
• Convincing literature on their services – Whether you are browsing a website or looking at an informational pamphlet, pay close attention to how convincing the literature is. If they can’t sell themselves, they likely won’t be able to do a good job of selling you.
• A good reputation – Don’t forget to Google! If a resume writing service is worth its salt, you should be able to find good reports from happy customers. Even more importantly, if they aren’t any good you are almost certain to find complaints.
• Experience – Your career is in your resume writer’s hands, so make sure you choose someone with experience. If your career is in a specialized field, you might even want to look for a resume writer who specializes in the field – a writing service that knows the industry will also know what its employers look for in a resume.
• Education – Submitting a resume with errors is embarrassing enough, but when you’ve paid to have it done right it’s downright tragic. Make sure your resume writer is educated and/or certified, so that you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
• Personal attention – You don’t want someone who is going to simply plug your information into a resume writing program – you could do that yourself. In order for your resume to stand out, it needs a unique touch that can only be achieved if your resume writer has taken the time to discuss it with you.
Of course, when you are shopping for a resume writing service, don’t forget to listen to your gut. You will have to work closely with the writer during the creation of your resume, so it is important to feel comfortable with him or her.
Putting Your Career First
Hiring a resume writer ensures that your resume looks professional and gets attention. Although the expense may seem unnecessary, consider that you have already invested thousands of dollars into your education so that you could simply get to this point. When your entire career is at stake, don’t throw it away over a typo or a passive verb! A resume writing services can help you make your dream job a reality.
Maybe you are entering the work force after graduating from college. Or maybe you just need to find a new job. Regardless of why you are looking for work, a skilled resume writer has the power to help you get your foot in the door.
Why Should I Use a Resume Writer?
Resume writing services are more than just a word processing or proofreading service. A resume writer takes your work experience, education, your strengths and weakness, and ties it all up into one little package. Although people usually think of their resume as a simplistic listing of their education and experience, it is actually more like a sales document. In order for your resume to effectively sell you, it not only has to be well written and visually appealing, but also has to present the goods – you – in the best possible light.
Sound easy? Of course not. Why is it, then, that so many people attempt to write their resumes on their own? You wouldn’t try to write a legal contract when the outcome could impact the rest of your life – you would hire a lawyer. By the same token, you should entrust your resume to a professional resume writer.
What Does a Resume Writer Do?
A resume writer’s goal is to convince potential employers that you are perfect for the job. In order to sell your strengths, a resume writer will:
• Discuss your career focus and gear your resume to your unique goals
• Choose the best format to highlight your strengths
• Write an attention-getting summary or list of objectives
• Use convincing language to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses
• Personalize your resume in a way that shows you off to your best advantage
• Make your resume available in different file formats if needed
• Make changes as necessary
Of course, a resume doesn’t really stand by itself. Your career decisions, where and how you search for jobs, and the quality of your cover letter all impact how your resume is received. In other words, if you are looking for work in the wrong places, or don’t introduce your resume properly in the cover letter, it won’t matter how dazzling your resume is.
Resume writing services often offer a whole package approach to resume writing. To ensure that you land your dream job, your resume writer may offer additional services, such as:
• Career consultation
• Job search consultation
• Cover letter writing
• Resume distribution
• Interview preparation
What Should I Look for in a Resume Writing Service?
A good resume writing service is one that offers you everything necessary to get the attention of potential employers. When shopping for a resume writer, you should look for:
• Convincing literature on their services – Whether you are browsing a website or looking at an informational pamphlet, pay close attention to how convincing the literature is. If they can’t sell themselves, they likely won’t be able to do a good job of selling you.
• A good reputation – Don’t forget to Google! If a resume writing service is worth its salt, you should be able to find good reports from happy customers. Even more importantly, if they aren’t any good you are almost certain to find complaints.
• Experience – Your career is in your resume writer’s hands, so make sure you choose someone with experience. If your career is in a specialized field, you might even want to look for a resume writer who specializes in the field – a writing service that knows the industry will also know what its employers look for in a resume.
• Education – Submitting a resume with errors is embarrassing enough, but when you’ve paid to have it done right it’s downright tragic. Make sure your resume writer is educated and/or certified, so that you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
• Personal attention – You don’t want someone who is going to simply plug your information into a resume writing program – you could do that yourself. In order for your resume to stand out, it needs a unique touch that can only be achieved if your resume writer has taken the time to discuss it with you.
Of course, when you are shopping for a resume writing service, don’t forget to listen to your gut. You will have to work closely with the writer during the creation of your resume, so it is important to feel comfortable with him or her.
Putting Your Career First
Hiring a resume writer ensures that your resume looks professional and gets attention. Although the expense may seem unnecessary, consider that you have already invested thousands of dollars into your education so that you could simply get to this point. When your entire career is at stake, don’t throw it away over a typo or a passive verb! A resume writing services can help you make your dream job a reality.
Write a Successful Entry Level Resume
Whether you are just entering the workforce after graduation or you have decided to change careers, you need an entry-level resume that will help you get a job in a new field. Without industry experience, however, many applicants worry that their resume won’t pass muster.
Not to worry – when you are applying for an entry-level job, employers will expect you to have entry-level experience. However, a professional resume is still required, regardless of your level of experience. Here are the elements that every entry-level resume needs to have, as well as several tips for writing a winning resume.
Elements of an Entry-Level Resume
When browsing resumes, the majority of hiring managers simply scan the objectives and summary of each one before moving on to the next. This means that the information at the top is the first – and possibly the only – part of your resume that gets noticed. A resume is basically a sales pitch – a one- or two-page description of what an employer will get if they hire you. And because hiring managers have very short attention spans, you need to hit them with your selling points as quickly as possible.
Contact Information
Nothing will hurt your chances faster than making a prospective employer hunt for your contact information. This information should be listed clearly at the very top of your resume.
Objectives
Believe it or not, this is the most important part of an entry-level resume. First, this is the first thing a hiring manager sees. Second, since your work history cannot demonstrate your chosen career path, it’s up to your objectives to tell employers where you are headed.
A bulleted list of focused objectives is a necessity. Instead of “Position where I can exercise my creative skills,” use, “Assistant art direct position in the independent film industry in the New York City metropolitan area.” Likewise, if you want a management job with good upward mobility, write something like, “Management position with opportunities for advancement. Open to travel and/or relocation.”
Of course, your objectives should be tailored to fit the specific job you are applying for – if you really want it, that is. Telling the retail hiring manager that you would prefer a job in engineering is a sure way to get passed over!
Summary
Your resume summary is also extremely important – if the hiring manager doesn’t see what he is looking for there, he is not likely to look any further. Your summary section should contain a bulleted list of your most important qualifications. When you have more experience, this is the section where you will list the number of years you have worked in the field. For now, you will simply list other noteworthy qualifications you have.
Avoid summary statements that have become cliché, such as saying you are “detail-oriented.” Too many other applicants will make the exact same claim. Instead, pick out the qualifications that make you valuable and unique. Remember, this is not only your sales pitch – it is also your last chance to get the hiring manager’s attention before he moves on to the next resume.
Education
Typically, a resume lists work experience before education. However, the point of a resume is to highlight your strengths, not expose your weaknesses. If you have a good education but not a lot of experience, you can shift the focus by listing your education first.
Your education section should list your degrees with the most recent first. List the degree, followed by the name of the school. Your graduation date should also be included; if you haven’t graduated yet, simply put your scheduled graduation date. You should also include your GPA only if it is worth writing home about – that is, if it is above 3.0. Otherwise, don’t include it in your resume, but practice your answer for when you are asked about it!
Work Experience
Many entry-level applicants worry about their lack of detail in this area. Don’t forget, though, that you are applying for entry-level positions, so hiring managers expect that applicants won’t have a lot of work experience in the field. You can make your work history look better by describing each set of job responsibilities in a way that plays up the work experience. For example, if an after-school job included lower-level management responsibilities, make sure you note them on your resume.
Alternatively, you can use a functional resume format, which works well for entry-level applicants. The functional format allows you to arrange work experience according to skills that employers will be looking for. For example, if you are trying to break into journalism, but have no experience in the field, you might be able to highlight the desired skills elsewhere: under the skill heading “Communication” you could list your letter-writing duties as an office secretary, the research write-ups you had to do as a work-study student, and the reporting you did for the school paper.
The downside to the function format is that it is not always well received – some employers and most recruiters prefer to see a listing of the jobs you have actually held. The combination format typically satisfies this requirement. This format still combines work experience into a “Professional Skills” section; however, it is followed by a bare bones listing of your work history, with only the job title, employer, and dates listed.
Other Elements
There are other sections that you can add to your resume to showcase your other qualifications. A section entitled “Community Service” demonstrates additional work experience, even if it wasn’t paid. The “Achievements” section allows you to list awards you have received at school and work. “Training and Certifications” lists other qualifications you have, such as certificates or on-the-job training, which cannot be listed under the education section. The placement of these sections depends on the context of the rest of your resume, with the most important (or impressive) qualifications always going nearer to the top.
Last-Minute Advice for Writing Your Entry-Level Resume
Now that you know what goes into an entry-level resume, you’re ready to start writing! As you work on your resume, however, remember these rules of thumb:
• Be honest – Whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to inflate your qualifications! The littlest white lie can cause you not only to lose the job, but also to burn that bridge before you even get a chance to cross it.
• Cut to the chase – Above all, hiring managers are short on time. This means that the fewer words you use, the shorter your resume, and the better its chances of being read. Don’t use unnecessary words – make each point as succinctly as possible.
• Sell your strengths – It is important to remember that the point of a resume is to “sell” your qualifications to the hiring manager. Your resume should display your qualifications prominently. Don’t hide your lack of experience or make up qualifications you don’t have – just be sure employers can readily see what you’ll be bringing to the table.
As long as you follow these tips and include the basic elements listed above, your resume is sure to get attention. Remember, while a great resume alone won’t land you a job, a sloppy or incomplete resume could cost you a great opportunity!
Read customer reviews and ratings of the topresume writing services.
Not to worry – when you are applying for an entry-level job, employers will expect you to have entry-level experience. However, a professional resume is still required, regardless of your level of experience. Here are the elements that every entry-level resume needs to have, as well as several tips for writing a winning resume.
Elements of an Entry-Level Resume
When browsing resumes, the majority of hiring managers simply scan the objectives and summary of each one before moving on to the next. This means that the information at the top is the first – and possibly the only – part of your resume that gets noticed. A resume is basically a sales pitch – a one- or two-page description of what an employer will get if they hire you. And because hiring managers have very short attention spans, you need to hit them with your selling points as quickly as possible.
Contact Information
Nothing will hurt your chances faster than making a prospective employer hunt for your contact information. This information should be listed clearly at the very top of your resume.
Objectives
Believe it or not, this is the most important part of an entry-level resume. First, this is the first thing a hiring manager sees. Second, since your work history cannot demonstrate your chosen career path, it’s up to your objectives to tell employers where you are headed.
A bulleted list of focused objectives is a necessity. Instead of “Position where I can exercise my creative skills,” use, “Assistant art direct position in the independent film industry in the New York City metropolitan area.” Likewise, if you want a management job with good upward mobility, write something like, “Management position with opportunities for advancement. Open to travel and/or relocation.”
Of course, your objectives should be tailored to fit the specific job you are applying for – if you really want it, that is. Telling the retail hiring manager that you would prefer a job in engineering is a sure way to get passed over!
Summary
Your resume summary is also extremely important – if the hiring manager doesn’t see what he is looking for there, he is not likely to look any further. Your summary section should contain a bulleted list of your most important qualifications. When you have more experience, this is the section where you will list the number of years you have worked in the field. For now, you will simply list other noteworthy qualifications you have.
Avoid summary statements that have become cliché, such as saying you are “detail-oriented.” Too many other applicants will make the exact same claim. Instead, pick out the qualifications that make you valuable and unique. Remember, this is not only your sales pitch – it is also your last chance to get the hiring manager’s attention before he moves on to the next resume.
Education
Typically, a resume lists work experience before education. However, the point of a resume is to highlight your strengths, not expose your weaknesses. If you have a good education but not a lot of experience, you can shift the focus by listing your education first.
Your education section should list your degrees with the most recent first. List the degree, followed by the name of the school. Your graduation date should also be included; if you haven’t graduated yet, simply put your scheduled graduation date. You should also include your GPA only if it is worth writing home about – that is, if it is above 3.0. Otherwise, don’t include it in your resume, but practice your answer for when you are asked about it!
Work Experience
Many entry-level applicants worry about their lack of detail in this area. Don’t forget, though, that you are applying for entry-level positions, so hiring managers expect that applicants won’t have a lot of work experience in the field. You can make your work history look better by describing each set of job responsibilities in a way that plays up the work experience. For example, if an after-school job included lower-level management responsibilities, make sure you note them on your resume.
Alternatively, you can use a functional resume format, which works well for entry-level applicants. The functional format allows you to arrange work experience according to skills that employers will be looking for. For example, if you are trying to break into journalism, but have no experience in the field, you might be able to highlight the desired skills elsewhere: under the skill heading “Communication” you could list your letter-writing duties as an office secretary, the research write-ups you had to do as a work-study student, and the reporting you did for the school paper.
The downside to the function format is that it is not always well received – some employers and most recruiters prefer to see a listing of the jobs you have actually held. The combination format typically satisfies this requirement. This format still combines work experience into a “Professional Skills” section; however, it is followed by a bare bones listing of your work history, with only the job title, employer, and dates listed.
Other Elements
There are other sections that you can add to your resume to showcase your other qualifications. A section entitled “Community Service” demonstrates additional work experience, even if it wasn’t paid. The “Achievements” section allows you to list awards you have received at school and work. “Training and Certifications” lists other qualifications you have, such as certificates or on-the-job training, which cannot be listed under the education section. The placement of these sections depends on the context of the rest of your resume, with the most important (or impressive) qualifications always going nearer to the top.
Last-Minute Advice for Writing Your Entry-Level Resume
Now that you know what goes into an entry-level resume, you’re ready to start writing! As you work on your resume, however, remember these rules of thumb:
• Be honest – Whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to inflate your qualifications! The littlest white lie can cause you not only to lose the job, but also to burn that bridge before you even get a chance to cross it.
• Cut to the chase – Above all, hiring managers are short on time. This means that the fewer words you use, the shorter your resume, and the better its chances of being read. Don’t use unnecessary words – make each point as succinctly as possible.
• Sell your strengths – It is important to remember that the point of a resume is to “sell” your qualifications to the hiring manager. Your resume should display your qualifications prominently. Don’t hide your lack of experience or make up qualifications you don’t have – just be sure employers can readily see what you’ll be bringing to the table.
As long as you follow these tips and include the basic elements listed above, your resume is sure to get attention. Remember, while a great resume alone won’t land you a job, a sloppy or incomplete resume could cost you a great opportunity!
Read customer reviews and ratings of the topresume writing services.
How to Write a Successful CV
If you are looking for a job, you may have noticed that some employers request a CV instead of a resume. Many jobseekers assume that a CV and a resume are different terms for the same thing, but this is not necessarily true. CVs and resumes are similar, true, but the differences are important. If you submit a resume instead of a CV, you will risk appearing inexperienced and naïve – definitely not qualities that will scream, “Hire me!” to prospective employers.
What is a CV?
“CV” is an abbreviation for “Curriculum Vitae,” which roughly translates to “This is my life.” In other words, your curriculum vitae or CV is meant to draw a picture of your life for prospective employers. A CV is more than just a listing of past employers: It is a resource that describes everything you have done in life pertaining to your career.
The main difference in the content of a CV as opposed to a resume is that the CV is usually expected to include more detail, and therefore be a little longer. In general, a CV is expected to be one or two pages for a professional just entering the workforce, two to four pages for a professional with some experience, and as many as seven pages for an experienced professional. No matter how experienced you are, however, your CV should not exceed ten pages.
When is a CV Usually Required?
You will probably have noticed that some job ads request a curriculum vitae, while others simply ask for a resume. Usually, academic positions are the ones that require CVs. You should expect to be asked to provide a CV anytime you are applying for a(n):
• Teaching position
• Professorship
• Science position
• Research position
• International job
• Fellowship
• Grant
What Should a CV Include?
Your CV should always start with your personal information and end with your references, if you have any. However, the order of the sections in between is entirely up to you. Remember, your curriculum vitae is meant to represent your life as a whole, so it is probably best to list your strongest sections before your weaker ones. For example, if you are a recent graduate or only have a few years of experience yet, or if your academic record is quite impressive, you can list the education section first.
In addition, every CV you send out should be tailored for the specific position you are applying for. This means that you should only list experience that is related to the position. You can also change the order of the sections in your resume, so that experience that is more closely related to the job is listed earlier in your CV.
Personal Information
Like a resume, your CV should start with your name and contact information. Also like a resume, you do not need a subject heading for this section.
Some jobseekers and employers feel that since a curriculum vitae is supposed to be a representation of your life as a whole, this section should include personal details, such as your date and place of birth, your marriage status, and the number of kids you have. However, others feel this is unprofessional, not to mention damaging to your chances of getting the job. Whether you decide to put these personal details in your CV is up to you, but you should definitely never do so if you feel it could prejudice the employer against you.
Statement of Purpose
If you include a statement of purpose, also known as a personal mission statement, in your CV, it should immediately follow your personal information. This section should only be a sentence or two long, and should do two things: state where you are in your career, and what you are looking for in your next job. (Note: Because you are tailoring your CV to the specific job, your goals in your personal mission statement should match the position you are applying for.)
Summary of Qualifications
Just like in a resume, your summary of qualifications should provide an employer with a bulleted list of your most important qualifications. This section should include a handful of bullet points at most, but each one should quantify your achievements with numbers, as this will make a bigger impression on a potential employer.
Education
Like a resume, a CV features an education section that lists your degrees in reverse chronological order. Each listing should include the school, city and state where it is located, your degree and focus of study, and the date you graduated. Most professionals in academic fields have impressive educations, which is why this section often comes next in a curriculum vitae. However, if you feel another section is stronger or more relevant to the position you are applying for, you can rearrange your CV accordingly.
Awards
Although some resumes include sections for awards and honors, these sections are short and may be lumped in with achievements. In the academic world, however, experienced professionals often have a long list of awards to their name. For this reason, a CV can be laid out with a separate awards section.
Grants
If you have applied for and received important grants, these can be considered “bragging rights” as well. However, not all academic professionals have done so, making this section optional.
Employment History
Another section the resume and the CV have in common is the employment section. As in a resume, your employment history should be listed in reverse chronological order.
Publications
Most jobseekers who use resumes would never have use for a publications section, but many researchers, professors, and scientists have published their work in academic publications. This section provides an opportunity to list all of the publishing credits you have achieved.
Research
Many academic professionals have dedicated some part of their education and/or career to research. The format of the curriculum vitae allows these professionals the option of giving these efforts special attention.
Professional Memberships
Another notable difference between a CV and a resume is the need for a “Professional Memberships” section. Most non-academic professionals do not belong to any professional organizations. Academic professionals, on the other hand, often belong to several. Because professional memberships are regarded highly in traditional academia, this section can be used to include them in the curriculum vitae.
Volunteer Work
Having donated your work for the good of the community is an advantage and should always be included on your CV. Volunteer work can also be used to demonstrate experience and skills, even if you have not acquired them through paid work. In addition, you may want to include any relevant experience you have gained while pursuing your hobbies or personal interests.
References
Just like in any other industry, ads for academic positions may ask for references. This should always be the last section in your CV, and should include three to five professional references. Your references should be able to speak knowledgeably and positively about your work, so if possible you should choose colleagues who have known you for at least several years.
Writing a Superb CV
As you can see, one of the main benefits of a CV is its flexibility. If you have never written a curriculum vitae before, you may find the many optional sections to be rather overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that a CV is designed to allow you to represent yourself to your best advantage. Your CV should be always written and organized in a way that you feel best reflects your unique personality and your qualifications for the specific job.
Read customer reviews and ratings of CV and resume writing services.
What is a CV?
“CV” is an abbreviation for “Curriculum Vitae,” which roughly translates to “This is my life.” In other words, your curriculum vitae or CV is meant to draw a picture of your life for prospective employers. A CV is more than just a listing of past employers: It is a resource that describes everything you have done in life pertaining to your career.
The main difference in the content of a CV as opposed to a resume is that the CV is usually expected to include more detail, and therefore be a little longer. In general, a CV is expected to be one or two pages for a professional just entering the workforce, two to four pages for a professional with some experience, and as many as seven pages for an experienced professional. No matter how experienced you are, however, your CV should not exceed ten pages.
When is a CV Usually Required?
You will probably have noticed that some job ads request a curriculum vitae, while others simply ask for a resume. Usually, academic positions are the ones that require CVs. You should expect to be asked to provide a CV anytime you are applying for a(n):
• Teaching position
• Professorship
• Science position
• Research position
• International job
• Fellowship
• Grant
What Should a CV Include?
Your CV should always start with your personal information and end with your references, if you have any. However, the order of the sections in between is entirely up to you. Remember, your curriculum vitae is meant to represent your life as a whole, so it is probably best to list your strongest sections before your weaker ones. For example, if you are a recent graduate or only have a few years of experience yet, or if your academic record is quite impressive, you can list the education section first.
In addition, every CV you send out should be tailored for the specific position you are applying for. This means that you should only list experience that is related to the position. You can also change the order of the sections in your resume, so that experience that is more closely related to the job is listed earlier in your CV.
Personal Information
Like a resume, your CV should start with your name and contact information. Also like a resume, you do not need a subject heading for this section.
Some jobseekers and employers feel that since a curriculum vitae is supposed to be a representation of your life as a whole, this section should include personal details, such as your date and place of birth, your marriage status, and the number of kids you have. However, others feel this is unprofessional, not to mention damaging to your chances of getting the job. Whether you decide to put these personal details in your CV is up to you, but you should definitely never do so if you feel it could prejudice the employer against you.
Statement of Purpose
If you include a statement of purpose, also known as a personal mission statement, in your CV, it should immediately follow your personal information. This section should only be a sentence or two long, and should do two things: state where you are in your career, and what you are looking for in your next job. (Note: Because you are tailoring your CV to the specific job, your goals in your personal mission statement should match the position you are applying for.)
Summary of Qualifications
Just like in a resume, your summary of qualifications should provide an employer with a bulleted list of your most important qualifications. This section should include a handful of bullet points at most, but each one should quantify your achievements with numbers, as this will make a bigger impression on a potential employer.
Education
Like a resume, a CV features an education section that lists your degrees in reverse chronological order. Each listing should include the school, city and state where it is located, your degree and focus of study, and the date you graduated. Most professionals in academic fields have impressive educations, which is why this section often comes next in a curriculum vitae. However, if you feel another section is stronger or more relevant to the position you are applying for, you can rearrange your CV accordingly.
Awards
Although some resumes include sections for awards and honors, these sections are short and may be lumped in with achievements. In the academic world, however, experienced professionals often have a long list of awards to their name. For this reason, a CV can be laid out with a separate awards section.
Grants
If you have applied for and received important grants, these can be considered “bragging rights” as well. However, not all academic professionals have done so, making this section optional.
Employment History
Another section the resume and the CV have in common is the employment section. As in a resume, your employment history should be listed in reverse chronological order.
Publications
Most jobseekers who use resumes would never have use for a publications section, but many researchers, professors, and scientists have published their work in academic publications. This section provides an opportunity to list all of the publishing credits you have achieved.
Research
Many academic professionals have dedicated some part of their education and/or career to research. The format of the curriculum vitae allows these professionals the option of giving these efforts special attention.
Professional Memberships
Another notable difference between a CV and a resume is the need for a “Professional Memberships” section. Most non-academic professionals do not belong to any professional organizations. Academic professionals, on the other hand, often belong to several. Because professional memberships are regarded highly in traditional academia, this section can be used to include them in the curriculum vitae.
Volunteer Work
Having donated your work for the good of the community is an advantage and should always be included on your CV. Volunteer work can also be used to demonstrate experience and skills, even if you have not acquired them through paid work. In addition, you may want to include any relevant experience you have gained while pursuing your hobbies or personal interests.
References
Just like in any other industry, ads for academic positions may ask for references. This should always be the last section in your CV, and should include three to five professional references. Your references should be able to speak knowledgeably and positively about your work, so if possible you should choose colleagues who have known you for at least several years.
Writing a Superb CV
As you can see, one of the main benefits of a CV is its flexibility. If you have never written a curriculum vitae before, you may find the many optional sections to be rather overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that a CV is designed to allow you to represent yourself to your best advantage. Your CV should be always written and organized in a way that you feel best reflects your unique personality and your qualifications for the specific job.
Read customer reviews and ratings of CV and resume writing services.
Answering KSAs for TSA Positions
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) position applications commonly require you to answer four or more knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) questions. A KSA statement is a statement about the unique qualities needed to fill a particular position. Knowing how to write an effective answer to these TSA KSAs can make the difference between getting the job and getting left out.
The TSA uses KSAs to help determine the applicant’s eligibility for the job. In other words, your answer to each KSA tells the TSA whether you would be an appropriate candidate for the job. Well-written answers to KSA statements can land you an interview, whereas poorly written or incomplete answers can disqualify you right off the bat.
Common TSA KSAs
1. Technical Competency: Knowledge of the steps and associated procedures involved in acquiring, deploying, and maintaining security screening systems and technologies.
2. Decisiveness: Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; is proactive and achievement oriented.
3. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups (including briefings to industry executives and high level government officials, etc.), listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.
4. Planning and Evaluating: Determines objectives and strategies; organizes work, set priorities, determines resource requirements; coordinates with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors and evaluates the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
5. Human Resources: Assesses current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals and budget realities. Using merit principles, ensures staff is appropriately selected, developed, utilized, appraised and rewarded; takes corrective action.
6. Leadership: Inspires, motivates and guides others toward goal accomplishment; coaches, mentors, and challenges subordinates; adapts leadership style to a variety of situations models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individuals by applying these to daily behaviors.
How to Write Successful TSA KSA Responses
Writing TSA KSA answers makes many people nervous – mainly because they don’t know how to respond to these questions. But with the right knowledge you’ll find that writing a winning answer to any KSA is a breeze.
1. Be complete. It is important to answer each KSA completely. Simply saying, “Yes, I have that skill,” will get you nowhere. Treat each KSA like a news article: who, what, why, where, when, and how are all integral parts of the story. Tell the TSA what knowledge or skill you have that satisfies their requirements; where, when, how, and why you got it; and who you got it from. And don’t forget the other how: how your skill relates to what the employer is looking for.
2. Provide concrete examples. A vague assertion that you have the necessary skills for the job is not going to convince a prospective employer. One of the most important aspects to successful KSA responses is providing specific examples of where and when you gained the experience. Be sure to tie your answer back to the KSA statement by stating how your examples give you the skills needed for the job.
3. Be concise. The TSA is not interested in your creative writing abilities, so keep the fluff to a minimum. Answer each KSA in plain language, so that your answers are simple and easy to follow. There is a fine line between answering a KSA completely and sounding like a pompous windbag. Although your KSA answers should be as long as it needs to be to fully answer the question, most answers should be ½ to one page in length.
4. Think outside the box. Even if you think you don’t have any experience to satisfy a certain KSA, don’t leave it blank. Instead, consider other areas of your life that may have given you the necessary skills. Not every KSA must be answered purely with job experience. Training, volunteer work, internships, and academic projects and awards may also demonstrate that you satisfy the requirements of the position.
5. Sell yourself! KSAs give you an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Use these documents to sell your best qualities – and paint your worst in a more pleasing light. If your answers demonstrate confidence in your abilities, an employer will be much more likely to believe that you can do the job.
6. Edit! Most professional documents require editing and proofreading to verify that they are free of errors. However, unlike other professional documents, your answers to the KSA statements have a lot riding on them: they are your only chance at a good first impression. Therefore, you need to take pains to make sure every word is in its place – no typos, misspellings, or discrepancies between your resume and your KSA answers.
P.S. Consider using a KSA sample to start writing your KSA responses. It's much easier than starting from scratch.
The TSA uses KSAs to help determine the applicant’s eligibility for the job. In other words, your answer to each KSA tells the TSA whether you would be an appropriate candidate for the job. Well-written answers to KSA statements can land you an interview, whereas poorly written or incomplete answers can disqualify you right off the bat.
Common TSA KSAs
1. Technical Competency: Knowledge of the steps and associated procedures involved in acquiring, deploying, and maintaining security screening systems and technologies.
2. Decisiveness: Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; is proactive and achievement oriented.
3. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups (including briefings to industry executives and high level government officials, etc.), listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.
4. Planning and Evaluating: Determines objectives and strategies; organizes work, set priorities, determines resource requirements; coordinates with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors and evaluates the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
5. Human Resources: Assesses current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals and budget realities. Using merit principles, ensures staff is appropriately selected, developed, utilized, appraised and rewarded; takes corrective action.
6. Leadership: Inspires, motivates and guides others toward goal accomplishment; coaches, mentors, and challenges subordinates; adapts leadership style to a variety of situations models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individuals by applying these to daily behaviors.
How to Write Successful TSA KSA Responses
Writing TSA KSA answers makes many people nervous – mainly because they don’t know how to respond to these questions. But with the right knowledge you’ll find that writing a winning answer to any KSA is a breeze.
1. Be complete. It is important to answer each KSA completely. Simply saying, “Yes, I have that skill,” will get you nowhere. Treat each KSA like a news article: who, what, why, where, when, and how are all integral parts of the story. Tell the TSA what knowledge or skill you have that satisfies their requirements; where, when, how, and why you got it; and who you got it from. And don’t forget the other how: how your skill relates to what the employer is looking for.
2. Provide concrete examples. A vague assertion that you have the necessary skills for the job is not going to convince a prospective employer. One of the most important aspects to successful KSA responses is providing specific examples of where and when you gained the experience. Be sure to tie your answer back to the KSA statement by stating how your examples give you the skills needed for the job.
3. Be concise. The TSA is not interested in your creative writing abilities, so keep the fluff to a minimum. Answer each KSA in plain language, so that your answers are simple and easy to follow. There is a fine line between answering a KSA completely and sounding like a pompous windbag. Although your KSA answers should be as long as it needs to be to fully answer the question, most answers should be ½ to one page in length.
4. Think outside the box. Even if you think you don’t have any experience to satisfy a certain KSA, don’t leave it blank. Instead, consider other areas of your life that may have given you the necessary skills. Not every KSA must be answered purely with job experience. Training, volunteer work, internships, and academic projects and awards may also demonstrate that you satisfy the requirements of the position.
5. Sell yourself! KSAs give you an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Use these documents to sell your best qualities – and paint your worst in a more pleasing light. If your answers demonstrate confidence in your abilities, an employer will be much more likely to believe that you can do the job.
6. Edit! Most professional documents require editing and proofreading to verify that they are free of errors. However, unlike other professional documents, your answers to the KSA statements have a lot riding on them: they are your only chance at a good first impression. Therefore, you need to take pains to make sure every word is in its place – no typos, misspellings, or discrepancies between your resume and your KSA answers.
P.S. Consider using a KSA sample to start writing your KSA responses. It's much easier than starting from scratch.
How to Get a Government Job
Government jobs are very sought after because they offer better job stability and benefits than many comparable jobs in the private sector. However, many people are intimidated by the fact that they don’t know how to navigate the process of getting a government job. Don’t let fear of the unknown eliminate a fantastic opportunity! With an understanding of how the process works, getting a government job will seem like a walk in the park.
Finding Government Jobs
The first hurdle you have to cross is locating government jobs for which you are qualified. Because government jobs are not always posted in the same formats – or in the same places – as jobs in the private sector, most job seekers overlook them entirely.
Vacancy Announcements
An ad for a government job is known as a “vacancy announcement.” These announcements list more than just the basic information that you would expect to find in a normal job ad. For instance, a vacancy announcement usually includes:
• Basic information
• Who can apply
• When they will start accepting applications
• When they will stop accepting applications
• Pay range
• Series and grade
• The highest grade level (promotion) available in the position
• Job duties
• Basic qualifications
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
• How to apply
• Conditions for employment
• Standard legal information
Where to Search
Vacancy announcements for government jobs can be found in a number of places:
• USAJOBS – The official website, which is maintained by the United States Office of Personnel Management, lists all government jobs open to the public. Access the site at www.usajobs.gov.
• Individual government agencies – To make sure you don’t miss out on the jobs that aren’t announced to the public, you can contact the agencies directly. A complete list is available at http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.
• Newspapers and job fairs – Don’t overlook the normal avenues available to job seekers! Job fairs are a particularly good resource, as many agencies attend the fairs intending to fill a position.
Applying for Government Jobs
Applying for a government job is a little more complicated than for a job in the private sector. Your resume will need to follow a special format, and you may have additional forms to submit with your application. In addition, most vacancy announcements include KSAs that applicants need to address.
Federal Resumes and Forms
You usually have two choices when applying for a government job: Submit a form application, or submit a resume. The form OF-612 is the one you should use in lieu of a federal resume. However, read the vacancy announcement carefully, because sometimes a vacancy may require the submission of specific forms – whether or not you submit a resume.
If you use a federal resume, it must include the following subjects:
• Personal Information – The normal contact information, plus your SSN, veterans’ preference, and federal status
• Job Information – The title, series, grade, and job announcement number of the job you are applying for
• Summary of Experience – An easy-to-scan summary for the convenience of hiring managers
• Professional Accomplishments – Similar to the “Work Experience” section of a regular resume, but with salary information, average weekly hours, and supervisor’s name and number
• Education – Similar to the “Education” Section of a regular resume
• Training – Training and/or certificate programs you have completed that pertain to your career
• Other Qualifications – Separate sections for any awards, certifications, publications, and presentations that pertain to your career
KSAs
“KSAs” refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities a position requires. Many vacancy announcements list KSAs that must be answered in writing along with your resume or OF-612. When writing answers to a set of KSAs, be sure to:
• Be complete and concise. Hiring managers expect you to fully answer the KSA, but they don’t want to wade through a lot of fluff.
• Echo the wording used in the vacancy announcement. Using the same terminology for specific skill sets draws an instant comparison between the position requirements and your qualifications.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Make an impact by reporting a specific dollar amount, number of hours, or percentage.
• Make your KSA easy-to-scan. The main points of your answer should be easily found at the top of the page, with more specific details listed below.
What Happens to Your Application?
The process of applying for a government job is easier when you know what to expect. Unlike a regular job, a government job requires that your application be sent through several stages of review: A human resources team will check to see that you are qualified for the position, after which a panel of experts ranks all the qualified resumes. Only the top-ranking resumes are then forwarded to the hiring manager.
Most government jobs offer an automated system for checking up on the status of your application. If not, you can call the agency, but make sure you wait three weeks from the closing date listed on the vacancy announcement.
Interviewing for Government Jobs
Interviewing for a government job is much like interviewing in the private sector. However, because the stakes are often higher and the competition more stringent, you may feel there is more pressure on you to perform well in the interview.
Preparation
Nothing improves your chances of interviewing well like a little preparation. Although you can’t anticipate all of the questions you will be asked in an interview, there are a few that you will almost surely be asked.
For instance, most interviewers will start out an interview by asking you to tell them a little about yourself. This is not meant to be answered on the fly. Since you know you will be asked, prepare a short synopsis about your education, your career, and your goals. The more you practice this ahead of time, the more smoothly you can answer in the interview, and the more your confidence will show.
Follow-Up
One fatal error many job seekers make is failing to follow up after an interview. Hiring managers want interviewees to follow up afterward, as it gives them an idea of who is truly interested in the job. Sending a short thank-you note via snail mail or email is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In addition, a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to add information about your qualifications that you feel did not get adequate coverage in the interview. You can also ask the hiring manager when you should expect to hear from them regarding the position.
Negotiating Job Offers
With any luck, you will soon get a call with a job offer. While the laws regulating government jobs do not leave much room for negotiation, you will have a little leeway to negotiate the salary and benefits offered.
The important thing to remember, though, is that you did it. You impressed Human Resources, the panel of experts, and the interviewers and/or hiring manager well enough to garner a job offer. At this point, you can look back on your job search, remember how much you dreaded it, and smile – because you now know that getting a government job is not as difficult as you had imagined.
P.S. Consider using a KSA sample to start writing your KSA responses. It's much easier than starting from scratch.
Finding Government Jobs
The first hurdle you have to cross is locating government jobs for which you are qualified. Because government jobs are not always posted in the same formats – or in the same places – as jobs in the private sector, most job seekers overlook them entirely.
Vacancy Announcements
An ad for a government job is known as a “vacancy announcement.” These announcements list more than just the basic information that you would expect to find in a normal job ad. For instance, a vacancy announcement usually includes:
• Basic information
• Who can apply
• When they will start accepting applications
• When they will stop accepting applications
• Pay range
• Series and grade
• The highest grade level (promotion) available in the position
• Job duties
• Basic qualifications
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
• How to apply
• Conditions for employment
• Standard legal information
Where to Search
Vacancy announcements for government jobs can be found in a number of places:
• USAJOBS – The official website, which is maintained by the United States Office of Personnel Management, lists all government jobs open to the public. Access the site at www.usajobs.gov.
• Individual government agencies – To make sure you don’t miss out on the jobs that aren’t announced to the public, you can contact the agencies directly. A complete list is available at http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.
• Newspapers and job fairs – Don’t overlook the normal avenues available to job seekers! Job fairs are a particularly good resource, as many agencies attend the fairs intending to fill a position.
Applying for Government Jobs
Applying for a government job is a little more complicated than for a job in the private sector. Your resume will need to follow a special format, and you may have additional forms to submit with your application. In addition, most vacancy announcements include KSAs that applicants need to address.
Federal Resumes and Forms
You usually have two choices when applying for a government job: Submit a form application, or submit a resume. The form OF-612 is the one you should use in lieu of a federal resume. However, read the vacancy announcement carefully, because sometimes a vacancy may require the submission of specific forms – whether or not you submit a resume.
If you use a federal resume, it must include the following subjects:
• Personal Information – The normal contact information, plus your SSN, veterans’ preference, and federal status
• Job Information – The title, series, grade, and job announcement number of the job you are applying for
• Summary of Experience – An easy-to-scan summary for the convenience of hiring managers
• Professional Accomplishments – Similar to the “Work Experience” section of a regular resume, but with salary information, average weekly hours, and supervisor’s name and number
• Education – Similar to the “Education” Section of a regular resume
• Training – Training and/or certificate programs you have completed that pertain to your career
• Other Qualifications – Separate sections for any awards, certifications, publications, and presentations that pertain to your career
KSAs
“KSAs” refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities a position requires. Many vacancy announcements list KSAs that must be answered in writing along with your resume or OF-612. When writing answers to a set of KSAs, be sure to:
• Be complete and concise. Hiring managers expect you to fully answer the KSA, but they don’t want to wade through a lot of fluff.
• Echo the wording used in the vacancy announcement. Using the same terminology for specific skill sets draws an instant comparison between the position requirements and your qualifications.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Make an impact by reporting a specific dollar amount, number of hours, or percentage.
• Make your KSA easy-to-scan. The main points of your answer should be easily found at the top of the page, with more specific details listed below.
What Happens to Your Application?
The process of applying for a government job is easier when you know what to expect. Unlike a regular job, a government job requires that your application be sent through several stages of review: A human resources team will check to see that you are qualified for the position, after which a panel of experts ranks all the qualified resumes. Only the top-ranking resumes are then forwarded to the hiring manager.
Most government jobs offer an automated system for checking up on the status of your application. If not, you can call the agency, but make sure you wait three weeks from the closing date listed on the vacancy announcement.
Interviewing for Government Jobs
Interviewing for a government job is much like interviewing in the private sector. However, because the stakes are often higher and the competition more stringent, you may feel there is more pressure on you to perform well in the interview.
Preparation
Nothing improves your chances of interviewing well like a little preparation. Although you can’t anticipate all of the questions you will be asked in an interview, there are a few that you will almost surely be asked.
For instance, most interviewers will start out an interview by asking you to tell them a little about yourself. This is not meant to be answered on the fly. Since you know you will be asked, prepare a short synopsis about your education, your career, and your goals. The more you practice this ahead of time, the more smoothly you can answer in the interview, and the more your confidence will show.
Follow-Up
One fatal error many job seekers make is failing to follow up after an interview. Hiring managers want interviewees to follow up afterward, as it gives them an idea of who is truly interested in the job. Sending a short thank-you note via snail mail or email is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In addition, a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to add information about your qualifications that you feel did not get adequate coverage in the interview. You can also ask the hiring manager when you should expect to hear from them regarding the position.
Negotiating Job Offers
With any luck, you will soon get a call with a job offer. While the laws regulating government jobs do not leave much room for negotiation, you will have a little leeway to negotiate the salary and benefits offered.
The important thing to remember, though, is that you did it. You impressed Human Resources, the panel of experts, and the interviewers and/or hiring manager well enough to garner a job offer. At this point, you can look back on your job search, remember how much you dreaded it, and smile – because you now know that getting a government job is not as difficult as you had imagined.
P.S. Consider using a KSA sample to start writing your KSA responses. It's much easier than starting from scratch.
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