In today’s job market it is more important than ever to know the types of things that will annoy hiring managers so that you can avoid them at all costs. It’s hard enough to get your foot in the door at a company that you may be interested in let alone to give the kind of interview that sweeps the hiring manager off of their feet and the last thing you want to do is express a certain body language or mannerism that will annoy the heck out a hiring manager and have them counting the seconds down until you leave.
As far as what you need to say and how you need to say it, that is something you will have to perfect on your own, but if you want to annoy a hiring manager and almost ensure that you will not get the job here is what to do:
• Show up late: If you can’t be on time to an interview do you really think that the hiring manager is going to believe that you are going to show up on time for work? Always show up a few minutes early for an interview unless you want to get off on the immediate wrong foot with the hiring manager.
• Chew gum: If you really want to get on someone’s nerves march right into the interview and chew your gum like a cow chews on its cud. Gum can be a great idea on the way to the interview to keep your breath fresh, but get rid of it out before you even walk in the door to the place you are applying. No one wants to hear the sound of gum smacking while they are trying to conduct an interview.
• Check your watch frequently: If you have a habit of checking your watch frequently and you do so in an interview you will give the impression that you have some other place you would rather be. Even if you do have some place better to be, you certainly don’t want to convey that in the interview. If you are a watch checker then it is best to leave that watch at home.
• Rest your chin on your hands: This says to the hiring manager, ‘Hey this is really boring and I’d rather be anywhere else other than here listening to you.’ If this is what you want to convey then go for it but if you do the hiring manager is likely to grant your wish and send you packing very early.
• Slouch in your chair: A sure way to tick off a hiring manager is to slouch down on your chair and get all cozy. Remember, you are there trying to get a job not to take a nap. Sit up straight and be attentive.
The bottom line is to get a leg up on all the applicants that will be interviewed you have to come off as special. Avoid annoying the hiring manager and act your best and success is sure to follow. Of course if annoying a hiring manager is your ultimate goal you can always just light up a cigarette; that’ll have them seeing red.
Get more career advice on the JobGoRound.com job search blog.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
When to Break Resume Writing Rules
Everything that you traditionally learn about writing resumes has you following a certain set of rules, but as with many rules of the world, resume rules were made to be broken; sometimes. Though it is not suggested that you go off on a tangent and totally retro-fit your resume in some new cosmic way there are certain times when it is okay to bend the rules just a bit.
Bending resume rules is done all the time though most of the time not on purpose. There are some hard and fast resume rules that simply should not be broken such as having typos and bad grammar, but here are a few examples of resume rules and when it is acceptable to bend them:
• RULE; Don’t apply for a position that you are not qualified for: Even if you don’t have the experience that may be required for a job, you may have something even better in the eyes of an employer; personality and charisma. Employers know that there are certain things that can and cannot be taught in the workplace. If you possess all the skills that can’t be taught such as being a team player, showing leadership, having a great attitude, and so on you may get the position over someone who has the experience but lacks the social skills. When translating this on your resume, don’t focus on writing about your lack of skill, but rather hone in on all the reasons you would be a perfect fit for the company.
• RULE; Avoid fancy formatting on your resume: While it is a standard rule that you should not write a resume that is cluttered or confusing and instead stay plain and simple, sometimes that just won’t cut the mustard. If you are applying for a creative position such as in design you may need to get a little creative in order to stand out from the rest of the crowd. This can be as simple as a sprinkling of font here and there on your resume that is inspired by the company’s website in which you are applying for.
• RULE; Keep your resume to one page: This is another general rule that can indeed be broken. If you are just starting out in your work life then you will not have much to put down on your resume and so it is not necessary to fill two or three pages full of fluff that is not relevant or interesting. But if you have a lot of experience and accomplishments that have been gathered in your 20 plus years in the workforce then you may have to give more than one page for your resume. Just be sure that your resume content is relevant to the job in which you are applying for or the industry that the job is in and avoid being too boastful. Never leave out a relevant accomplishment that may set your resume on the top of the pile –even if it is a bit longer than the rest.-
Play within the guidelines of resume writing rules for your best shot at getting the interviews you desire, but don’t be afraid to play in those grey areas from time to time. Remember, your resume is your foot in the door so to speak, so you have to be sure it will sizzle and pop; even if a rule or two must be broken.
Read reviews of the top resume services.
Bending resume rules is done all the time though most of the time not on purpose. There are some hard and fast resume rules that simply should not be broken such as having typos and bad grammar, but here are a few examples of resume rules and when it is acceptable to bend them:
• RULE; Don’t apply for a position that you are not qualified for: Even if you don’t have the experience that may be required for a job, you may have something even better in the eyes of an employer; personality and charisma. Employers know that there are certain things that can and cannot be taught in the workplace. If you possess all the skills that can’t be taught such as being a team player, showing leadership, having a great attitude, and so on you may get the position over someone who has the experience but lacks the social skills. When translating this on your resume, don’t focus on writing about your lack of skill, but rather hone in on all the reasons you would be a perfect fit for the company.
• RULE; Avoid fancy formatting on your resume: While it is a standard rule that you should not write a resume that is cluttered or confusing and instead stay plain and simple, sometimes that just won’t cut the mustard. If you are applying for a creative position such as in design you may need to get a little creative in order to stand out from the rest of the crowd. This can be as simple as a sprinkling of font here and there on your resume that is inspired by the company’s website in which you are applying for.
• RULE; Keep your resume to one page: This is another general rule that can indeed be broken. If you are just starting out in your work life then you will not have much to put down on your resume and so it is not necessary to fill two or three pages full of fluff that is not relevant or interesting. But if you have a lot of experience and accomplishments that have been gathered in your 20 plus years in the workforce then you may have to give more than one page for your resume. Just be sure that your resume content is relevant to the job in which you are applying for or the industry that the job is in and avoid being too boastful. Never leave out a relevant accomplishment that may set your resume on the top of the pile –even if it is a bit longer than the rest.-
Play within the guidelines of resume writing rules for your best shot at getting the interviews you desire, but don’t be afraid to play in those grey areas from time to time. Remember, your resume is your foot in the door so to speak, so you have to be sure it will sizzle and pop; even if a rule or two must be broken.
Read reviews of the top resume services.
What Kinds of Design Jobs are There?
If you are a graphic design student or have just graduated with a fresh degree and are wondering what kind of jobs are available in the world of design you may be in for a surprise. There are a number of different design jobs that can be acquired by people with the right set of skills and proper motivation but finding them can be a whole different ball game. However it does help to know what you are looking for before you begin your search.
Asking what kind of design jobs is available is sort of like asking someone to say how many colors exist. There are a number of different job opportunities in the design industry and many jobs are simply ‘shades’ of another. Here are some of the more common jobs that can be found in the design industry:
• Graphic Designers: As the name would imply a graphic designer will of course design stuff, but there are a number of different jobs within the sector that can be found. These include junior designers, middleweight designers, senior designers, art directors, creative directors, and web designers. Each position represents a different level of designer and you can gather from the names which designers will carry more weight –and salary- over the others.
• Artworkers: This is the job that started out years ago as what was known as graphic artists and these people are the ones who do a lot of the less creative work in a design studio. Nowadays these types of people may be referred to as ‘Mac Operators’ as with the advent of the computer, these jobs are usually accomplished easier and more efficiently with a Mac laptop at the ready.
• Design Management: These types of design jobs can range anywhere from creative hands on to hands off managing of accounts and everything in between. Job titles in this category usually are found in the way of production managers, project managers, studio managers, producers, and design managers. Again, each title will carry a different responsibility and a different rate of pay.
Of course there a ton of other jobs that are available in the design industry but many of them simply carry a different title but the work is the same as one of the jobs listed above.
Not sure what area to go into? Do some research online about what each of these jobs entails and more importantly, what they pay, and how much room for advancement there is. A great way to get your feet wet with all that the design industry has to offer is to intern at a studio if you are still in school. If you are already out of school then maybe make a visit to a few studios and check things out for yourself and above all else ask questions.
The world of design is certainly one that is filled with a multitude of opportunities. All you have to do is figure out which opportunities you want to peruse and then go for it.
Find engineering, design, CAD, and other Solidworks jobs.
Asking what kind of design jobs is available is sort of like asking someone to say how many colors exist. There are a number of different job opportunities in the design industry and many jobs are simply ‘shades’ of another. Here are some of the more common jobs that can be found in the design industry:
• Graphic Designers: As the name would imply a graphic designer will of course design stuff, but there are a number of different jobs within the sector that can be found. These include junior designers, middleweight designers, senior designers, art directors, creative directors, and web designers. Each position represents a different level of designer and you can gather from the names which designers will carry more weight –and salary- over the others.
• Artworkers: This is the job that started out years ago as what was known as graphic artists and these people are the ones who do a lot of the less creative work in a design studio. Nowadays these types of people may be referred to as ‘Mac Operators’ as with the advent of the computer, these jobs are usually accomplished easier and more efficiently with a Mac laptop at the ready.
• Design Management: These types of design jobs can range anywhere from creative hands on to hands off managing of accounts and everything in between. Job titles in this category usually are found in the way of production managers, project managers, studio managers, producers, and design managers. Again, each title will carry a different responsibility and a different rate of pay.
Of course there a ton of other jobs that are available in the design industry but many of them simply carry a different title but the work is the same as one of the jobs listed above.
Not sure what area to go into? Do some research online about what each of these jobs entails and more importantly, what they pay, and how much room for advancement there is. A great way to get your feet wet with all that the design industry has to offer is to intern at a studio if you are still in school. If you are already out of school then maybe make a visit to a few studios and check things out for yourself and above all else ask questions.
The world of design is certainly one that is filled with a multitude of opportunities. All you have to do is figure out which opportunities you want to peruse and then go for it.
Find engineering, design, CAD, and other Solidworks jobs.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Social Media and Job Search
Everywhere you look online there is some sort of social media. From FaceBook to LinkedIn to YouTube, everywhere you search you see examples of the latest online craze that is social media. While utilizing social media and social networking sites are a great way to connect with people and that have like interests, it can also be a great way to go about finding yourself a new job.
Social media offers a variety of ways that have never before been available to help people just like you who are looking for a job; you simply have to use your imagination to do so. Here are some ways to use social media to find a job:
• Create a video resume: You can create a video resume of yourself and upload it to social media sites such as YouTube. This can be a great way to have hundreds of people view it and really it only takes the one right person to see it in order to have you finding yourself with a job offer.
• Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is really gaining momentum and recruiters love the site because it is free to use and seems to be filled with all the best and brightest that the job market has to offer. To fully take advantage of LinkedIn be sure that you complete the profile section 100 percent.
• Twitter your way to a new job: If you have a Twitter account you can follow job recruiters and by utilizing the ‘@’ symbol you can directly communicate with them. This will allow you to stay up to date with all possible job openings that may be coming about. In order to follow anyone on Twitter you have to have a completed profile, so be sure that you take the time to do so.
• Network with FaceBook: FaceBook is not any a great place to recommend with past friends and school mates, it is also a great way to network yourself. Post a resume on your wall inside of FaceBook and then send a message to everyone in your friend’s list letting them know that you are looking for a job. You never know who knows who and if the right person sees your resume you could be hooked up with the job of your dreams in no time at all.
• Find job opening blogs: Just as there are a number of blogs that you can subscribe to that will keep you up to date with your favorite NFL team, there are also job blogs that will keep you up to date on job openings in your area. Use these blogs to their fullest potential and always be on the lookout for more job opening blogs to subscribe too.
While finding a job is not easy these days, you can increase your odds by using different avenues of social media. With the advent of the Internet, the job hunting game has changed and there are now, more than ever, many ways to utilize cyberspace in order to find the job of your dreams.
Visit JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
Social media offers a variety of ways that have never before been available to help people just like you who are looking for a job; you simply have to use your imagination to do so. Here are some ways to use social media to find a job:
• Create a video resume: You can create a video resume of yourself and upload it to social media sites such as YouTube. This can be a great way to have hundreds of people view it and really it only takes the one right person to see it in order to have you finding yourself with a job offer.
• Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is really gaining momentum and recruiters love the site because it is free to use and seems to be filled with all the best and brightest that the job market has to offer. To fully take advantage of LinkedIn be sure that you complete the profile section 100 percent.
• Twitter your way to a new job: If you have a Twitter account you can follow job recruiters and by utilizing the ‘@’ symbol you can directly communicate with them. This will allow you to stay up to date with all possible job openings that may be coming about. In order to follow anyone on Twitter you have to have a completed profile, so be sure that you take the time to do so.
• Network with FaceBook: FaceBook is not any a great place to recommend with past friends and school mates, it is also a great way to network yourself. Post a resume on your wall inside of FaceBook and then send a message to everyone in your friend’s list letting them know that you are looking for a job. You never know who knows who and if the right person sees your resume you could be hooked up with the job of your dreams in no time at all.
• Find job opening blogs: Just as there are a number of blogs that you can subscribe to that will keep you up to date with your favorite NFL team, there are also job blogs that will keep you up to date on job openings in your area. Use these blogs to their fullest potential and always be on the lookout for more job opening blogs to subscribe too.
While finding a job is not easy these days, you can increase your odds by using different avenues of social media. With the advent of the Internet, the job hunting game has changed and there are now, more than ever, many ways to utilize cyberspace in order to find the job of your dreams.
Visit JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
5 Phases of the Job Search Cycle
When searching for a job it helps to think of the process as a cycle rather than a series of steps. This will allow you to constantly evolve the actions you take while performing the job search cycle as you need to due to going after different opportunities. Approaching your job hunt in the job search cycle way will make the sometimes daunting task of finding a job just a bit easier on you.
Basically there are five phases of the job search cycle. These five phases are broken down further below:
1. Get prepared: In this first phase you will need to first asses yourself and your goals. You need to figure out exactly what your skills are and what you want to do for a living. Once you have decided on what type of career you would like to peruse then you need to find out what employers in that field are looking for and what the current job market for that career filed is.
2. Get job leads: Phase two in the job search cycle is finding qualified job leads to go after. This phase requires you pulling out all the stops. You will need to network, look online at sites such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com, and you will also need to look in the newspaper. The more job leads you drum up the higher your chances of landing a job.
3. Apply for jobs: Phase three is the one that requires a good amount of time an effort on your part. Here is where you will be applying for all of the job leads you found. This phase requires you to create great looking cover letters, revamp your resume, and take the time to fill out any applications or online forms that may need to be completed.
4. Prepare for interviews: The fourth phase of the job search cycle is getting ready for all of the interviews that you will hopefully have coming your way. To do this you will need to practice what you will say and how you will say it. Interviewing yourself in front of a mirror is always a great exercise. You also need to prepare your reference list and your thank you letter ahead of any and all interviews.
5. Follow up and decide: Once you have gone through the first four phases of the job search cycle you will need to finish with the fifth phase, which is following up and deciding. Never wait too long after you have been interviewed to follow up as you may be forgotten. On the other hand, don’t call every ten minutes as you may come off as a bit annoying or pushy. Once you get a job offer it will then be up to you to either accept the job that a potential employer wants to give to you, or begin at the first phase of the job search cycle and keep going until you find what you are after.
Following the five phases of the job search cycle will not only make your job quest easier, it will also keep you better prepared no matter what comes your way.
Basically there are five phases of the job search cycle. These five phases are broken down further below:
1. Get prepared: In this first phase you will need to first asses yourself and your goals. You need to figure out exactly what your skills are and what you want to do for a living. Once you have decided on what type of career you would like to peruse then you need to find out what employers in that field are looking for and what the current job market for that career filed is.
2. Get job leads: Phase two in the job search cycle is finding qualified job leads to go after. This phase requires you pulling out all the stops. You will need to network, look online at sites such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com, and you will also need to look in the newspaper. The more job leads you drum up the higher your chances of landing a job.
3. Apply for jobs: Phase three is the one that requires a good amount of time an effort on your part. Here is where you will be applying for all of the job leads you found. This phase requires you to create great looking cover letters, revamp your resume, and take the time to fill out any applications or online forms that may need to be completed.
4. Prepare for interviews: The fourth phase of the job search cycle is getting ready for all of the interviews that you will hopefully have coming your way. To do this you will need to practice what you will say and how you will say it. Interviewing yourself in front of a mirror is always a great exercise. You also need to prepare your reference list and your thank you letter ahead of any and all interviews.
5. Follow up and decide: Once you have gone through the first four phases of the job search cycle you will need to finish with the fifth phase, which is following up and deciding. Never wait too long after you have been interviewed to follow up as you may be forgotten. On the other hand, don’t call every ten minutes as you may come off as a bit annoying or pushy. Once you get a job offer it will then be up to you to either accept the job that a potential employer wants to give to you, or begin at the first phase of the job search cycle and keep going until you find what you are after.
Following the five phases of the job search cycle will not only make your job quest easier, it will also keep you better prepared no matter what comes your way.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Cover Letter Writing Guide – Where to Start and What to Say
When you turn in your resume to a potential employer the first thing that they will see is your cover letter. Because your cover letter will be the first words read by the person deciding the fate of your dream job, you have to make sure that it sounds just as good as your resume. But where do you start and what do you say?
Your cover letter should be written in the typical business letter format and should address three general issues. The issues you will touch on are why you are writing via the first paragraph, what you have to offer via the second paragraph, and finally how you will follow up via the third and closing paragraph. These are broken down as follows:
• Why you are writing: In this first paragraph you need to convey to the reader why you are writing this cover letter and do it in such a way that you grab their attention. There are three different ways to go about writing this paragraph and they are:
1. Response to a posting: If you are responding to a posting that the company made be sure to indicate this in the first paragraph. You will also want to convey to them how you feel that you will be the perfect match for their position.
2. Prospecting Letter: This is an unsolicited response so you have to be even clearer as to why you are writing. Be sure to state your specific job objective in this section.
3. Networking letter: This type of cover letter will be written if you plan on approaching people for a job opportunity, so be sure your objective is clearly stated.
While it may be tempting to write a blanket cover letter and use it for all of the resumes you pass out, this is a big mistake. Be sure that the cover letter is tailored to a specific type of job and situation in which you are trying to get that job.
• What you have to offer: In the second paragraph of the cover letter you will want to convey to the potential employer exactly what it is you have to offer them. Key in on your accomplishments and abilities to solve potential problems and also be sure to show how your past work skills and education are transferable to the job in which you are applying.
• How you will follow up: Finish off the letter by telling the potential employer once more how enthusiastic you are about the job. You can either give them an e-mail address and phone number to reach you with or you can go bold and simply declare that you will call them at a specific time and date to set up an interview at a mutually convenient time. If you do that however, be sure you call when you say you will.
You can also put on the cover letter that references are available upon request, just be sure that you have your reference list ready if it is asked for. While the cover letter isn’t all that long, it needs to be written in a strong manner in order to get the potential employer to first look at your resume and then call you for an interview.
Tip: Start by using a sample cover letter. Your writing will be faster, easier, and more professional as a result.
Your cover letter should be written in the typical business letter format and should address three general issues. The issues you will touch on are why you are writing via the first paragraph, what you have to offer via the second paragraph, and finally how you will follow up via the third and closing paragraph. These are broken down as follows:
• Why you are writing: In this first paragraph you need to convey to the reader why you are writing this cover letter and do it in such a way that you grab their attention. There are three different ways to go about writing this paragraph and they are:
1. Response to a posting: If you are responding to a posting that the company made be sure to indicate this in the first paragraph. You will also want to convey to them how you feel that you will be the perfect match for their position.
2. Prospecting Letter: This is an unsolicited response so you have to be even clearer as to why you are writing. Be sure to state your specific job objective in this section.
3. Networking letter: This type of cover letter will be written if you plan on approaching people for a job opportunity, so be sure your objective is clearly stated.
While it may be tempting to write a blanket cover letter and use it for all of the resumes you pass out, this is a big mistake. Be sure that the cover letter is tailored to a specific type of job and situation in which you are trying to get that job.
• What you have to offer: In the second paragraph of the cover letter you will want to convey to the potential employer exactly what it is you have to offer them. Key in on your accomplishments and abilities to solve potential problems and also be sure to show how your past work skills and education are transferable to the job in which you are applying.
• How you will follow up: Finish off the letter by telling the potential employer once more how enthusiastic you are about the job. You can either give them an e-mail address and phone number to reach you with or you can go bold and simply declare that you will call them at a specific time and date to set up an interview at a mutually convenient time. If you do that however, be sure you call when you say you will.
You can also put on the cover letter that references are available upon request, just be sure that you have your reference list ready if it is asked for. While the cover letter isn’t all that long, it needs to be written in a strong manner in order to get the potential employer to first look at your resume and then call you for an interview.
Tip: Start by using a sample cover letter. Your writing will be faster, easier, and more professional as a result.
Translating Your Military Skills into a Civilian Resume
For many service men and women once they leave the military and head off to the private sector they have trouble translating military skills into civilian skills on their resumes. This can be especially troubling if you have served many long years in the military and are used to the acronyms and terms that are associated with military life. In some instances, you may not even know the civilian equivalent. But filling your resume with a lot of military jargon will be as complicated for a potential employer to understand as a resume handed in that is written in another language. So what do you do?
First of all, don’t panic. For every position and job in the military there are ways to translate those into civilian life, you just have to know how to speak the language. Here are some ways to go from a military mindset to a civilian tone:
• Don’t use acronyms: When including your military skills in your resume, don’t use acronyms. You may know that an E-5 means that you have direct command over five others, but to the laymen it is just a letter and a number. Instead of writing an acronym, say what it means and describe how you accomplished the feat.
• Translate terms: There are many terms that are simply military terms and the general public, including the person reading your resume, will have no idea what those terms mean. If you were in charge of the mess hall on a submarine and you put that down you may have someone thinking you were in charge of keeping a messy place in order. Instead write that you where the head chief in the dining hall as this will translate better in civilian terms. Another example would be translating battalion into 250 personnel.
• Translate rank: Rank can be very confusing when it comes to the military. A captain in one branch is going to be higher that another. Instead of stating your rank in military terms, try translating it into civilian terms. For example, instead of Commander use Supervisor, or instead of Lt. Colonel, use Executive Vice President.
• Match up your skills: Many times the job title that you were handed in the military will need to be translated and matched to civilian skills in order for the reviewer of your resume to understand what it is you did. For example if you were to say on your resume that you were a tank and weapons operator that dug ditches, you probably won’t get too far. However, if you dig deeper and list all those that you may have been in charge of training and how many people –troops- you supported in various countries and how your personal skills include logistics and operations, you are now not only sounding a lot better on the resume, but you are accurately describing your skills to the potential employer in civilian terms.
While you may never quite get used to civilian terms it is very important that you use them on your resume to help you be sure that you get the best possible job that you deserve once it is time for you to live a civilian life.
Learn more about how to write a military transition resume.
First of all, don’t panic. For every position and job in the military there are ways to translate those into civilian life, you just have to know how to speak the language. Here are some ways to go from a military mindset to a civilian tone:
• Don’t use acronyms: When including your military skills in your resume, don’t use acronyms. You may know that an E-5 means that you have direct command over five others, but to the laymen it is just a letter and a number. Instead of writing an acronym, say what it means and describe how you accomplished the feat.
• Translate terms: There are many terms that are simply military terms and the general public, including the person reading your resume, will have no idea what those terms mean. If you were in charge of the mess hall on a submarine and you put that down you may have someone thinking you were in charge of keeping a messy place in order. Instead write that you where the head chief in the dining hall as this will translate better in civilian terms. Another example would be translating battalion into 250 personnel.
• Translate rank: Rank can be very confusing when it comes to the military. A captain in one branch is going to be higher that another. Instead of stating your rank in military terms, try translating it into civilian terms. For example, instead of Commander use Supervisor, or instead of Lt. Colonel, use Executive Vice President.
• Match up your skills: Many times the job title that you were handed in the military will need to be translated and matched to civilian skills in order for the reviewer of your resume to understand what it is you did. For example if you were to say on your resume that you were a tank and weapons operator that dug ditches, you probably won’t get too far. However, if you dig deeper and list all those that you may have been in charge of training and how many people –troops- you supported in various countries and how your personal skills include logistics and operations, you are now not only sounding a lot better on the resume, but you are accurately describing your skills to the potential employer in civilian terms.
While you may never quite get used to civilian terms it is very important that you use them on your resume to help you be sure that you get the best possible job that you deserve once it is time for you to live a civilian life.
Learn more about how to write a military transition resume.
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