Get help writing your resume

In this marketplace, a great resume can get you anywhere. The problem is, there are not that many great resumes out there. Most resumes contain at least one mistake, and most have more than one. The trick to writing a good one is to carefully craft each section to reflect your particular talents. Use the following steps to create a concise, inspired resume:

1. Heading

This is your name, address and telephone. Place your name in the middle of the page at the top in bold. Make sure it is larger than all of the other text. Give a permanent home address and a temporary one, if necessary, and provide all of the telephone numbers and e-mail addresses that you own. If you have a webpage, add the URL here. Employers will be looking to contact you, and don't make it harder for them.

2. Education

This is where you place your education experience, starting with the most recent. Carefully label your section, and include degree, date of graduation, major and minor. If you've studied abroad, add that here. Always place the name of an institution in bold, and if you've taken part in any special programs or workshops, indicate that here. Your GPA should be clearly noted here.

3. Work Experience

Again, place all work experience in order of the most recent to the least. Carefully label this section so that the employer will be aware that this is your work experience. The most important work experience that you can place here is a steady job held for some years, or for students, an internship at a major firm in your field. Basically, an employer is looking to see if you can handle the work environment that a regular job provides. Summer jobs can also be listed in this area, but be sure to provide only those jobs that are necessary to get across your experience to an employer. Include the number of years you've worked during each job, and a summary of your position and its duties.

4. Additional Interests and Information

Use this area to put down an volunteering work that you've done. List also any special talents and interests that you have. This area is important because it indicates to the employer that you have balanced, active lifestyle. It hints at good people skills, and diligence in certain areas. Therefore, if you are applying for a computer position, but sing opera as well, let them know! Chances are, they will be very impressed. If you are applying in computers, use this area to highlight all of the computer programs that you know, and familiar applications. In any case, make sure you use this area to list any awards and honors that you may have received.

5. References

Place in this area the names of at least two people that an employer can contact for a summary of your performance skills. Pick people that will give you a glowing reference, and include all details, such as e-mail, phone number and cell phone number. Make sure to clear this with the person that you are using as a reference, or you may not receive so glowing a reference as you expect!

6. Use Active Words

Use active words in your resume. Words like "created," "managed" and "achieved" will make you sound like an active, successful person.

7. Be Careful

A resume tells all about you, so be careful to check for mistakes and grammar before sending it out. For a general resume, get beige, card stock resume paper. For a computer resume, get thicker card stock white resume paper. Make sure to use the same paper for envelopes and cover letters.

8. Don't be Shy

When preparing to write, think of your talents. Don't hesitate to express them aloud to yourself and be proud. Employers are not looking for someone that is not interested in impressing. Be assertive about what you can do, and employers will want to use you. Good luck!

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How to Write a Curriculum Vitae

1. Step 1
   Assemble your information: degrees, diplomas, papers published, books and articles authored, patents earned, courses taught, grants and prizes earned.
   
2. Step 2
   Decide on a style. As with résumés, there are formats geared toward every objective.
   
3. Step 3
   Clarify your objectives. Are you looking for a position? Graduate admission? A patent? Are you sending a book query?
   
4. Step 4
   Check out current trends in CVs in books and magazines and on Web sites dedicated to careers and graduate programs. Look at CVs on the Internet, especially within your orbit of interest.
   
5. Step 5
   If you're a job seeker, list courses taught (latest first), including institutions, departments and courses. Also include special classifications such as department head, graduate advisor, committee member, etc.
   
6. Step 6
   If you're a would-be contributor, first list articles, books, papers or columns authored; include publication, issue, year and publishing house.
   
7. Step 7
   If you're a hopeful graduate student, list diplomas, GPA, experience and education first.
   
8. Step 8
   Include thesis topics and areas of interest in detail; this document will be used to gauge experience, applicability and interest.
   
9. Step 9
   Have a literate friend or colleague proofread, edit and generally review your document for clarity and polish.
   
10. Step 10
    Remember to include a bit of personality in your CV through your language and your personal style.
    
11. Step 11
    Update and polish your curriculum vitae every time something changes: a Ph.D. earned, a professorship at MIT, a book accepted for publication, etc.
    

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Thank you note after an interview

If you’ve been on a recent job interview, it’s probably a good idea to follow up with a thank you note to your prospective employer(s). There’s only one problem. What to write? You really don’t know what to include besides the obvious to make your note “stand out”. Here’s what to do:

Think about your last interview with your last prospective employer. Ask yourself what type of a position it was, who were you interviewing with and what kind of company/industry was it. Answering these questions will help you to formulate an appropriate thank you note tailored exactly to the employer and their tastes. Was there a specific topic of discussion that you hit on with this employer? What might “float their boat” or pique their interest? You have to know who your audience is in order to write the perfect thank you note peppered with taste and style.

Also, consider what you are knowledgeable about and interested in. Is your employer interested in the same? For example, you may want to forward some interesting articles to your employer displaying your tastes in reading material. Based on what type of position and company it is, you’ll know what and what not to send. If it’s a marketing company, you can get creative and send all types of clever articles and things pertaining to the job and field along with your thank you note. Don’t go overboard. Just add a little something that will separate the boys from the men.

By no means should you write a standard, cookie-cutter note saying, “I appreciate your taking the time to interview with me on (such and such a date). I’m very interested in the position. Hope to hear from you.” Please avoid this type of response. It is obviously too typical and standard. The employer will probably either fall asleep reading it or toss it in the garbage. You need something specific to grab their attention.

For instance, if you were given a brochure, some type of pamphlet, or literature pertaining to the company and samples of what they’re about, what they’ve worked on, or a publication or newsletter of theirs, by all means include what you have learned in the thank you note. Give back what you have been given. Employers like to hear all about themselves, but make it sound genuine. Do not write verbatim off of their recent newsletter or brochure. Simply reflect on what you’ve taken in and comment on it in a positive way. Add your own insights, suggestions, or support.

As for stationery, make sure you use a business-like or formal looking envelope and letter set. You may have more leeway if you’ve applied to a company which is more creative and honors the arts, advertising, or media. But, for general businesses, it’s best to keep it conservative and neat. Also, make sure your note goes out immediately following the interview. Don’t hesitate. You don’t want to be forgotten.

Thank you notes are not tickets to a good job. They may improve your chance of getting into a position. Thank you notes reflect good manners and reveal your true nature. Thank you notes show reliability and responsibility.

Final tip: Always use good grammar in your thank you notes. Proofread them before they go out.

www.essortment.com

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Job interview hints

One of the most important parts of getting a professional job is giving a good interview. To make sure you are fully prepared while interviewing, follow these tips:

1. Research the company thoroughly to get a good idea of their background. Work this information into the interview to show how serious you are about the position.

2. Practice answering questions. Get a friend or family member to pretend to interview you or practice your answers in front of a mirror.

3. Make a list of strengths and weaknesses in relation to the job you would be performing. If asked for these during the interview, present weaknesses that could appear as strengths. Ex. Working too hard, too involved in the job, always staying late, and taking work home.

4. Update your resume to include all current information. Double-check it for any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Take a clean copy to the interview, even if you have already sent on in advance.

5. Wear suitable clothing related to the job you are applying for. Try to follow the dress code if you know what that is beforehand. No matter what you wear, make sure it is clean, free of holes or tears, missing no buttons, and not wrinkled.

6. Prepare several questions that you can ask during the interview to prove interest in the position.

7. When setting up the interview ask if you are required to bring any additional materials such as a driver’s license or social security card for proof of I.D.

8. If the salary is flexible, have an amount in mind to aim for. Always start higher to allow room for negotiation.

9. Go to bed early the night before the interview and get a good night’s rest. Everything should be ready to go the next day so you are not rushed.

10. On the day of the interview, call the company to confirm your appointment and the correct time. Also, review the address and directions if you need them.

Follow these tips to succeed once you are at the actual interview:

11. Allow extra time in getting to the interview in case of unforeseen circumstances such as heavy traffic or an accident. Arrive early especially if you are required to fill out a separate application before the interview starts. It is expected that you have it finished by your scheduled appointment time.

12. Be especially nice to the receptionist or anyone you meet who can later give positive feedback to your interviewer about your attitude and enthusiasm.

13. When meeting your interviewer, give a firm handshake, polite and enthusiastic greeting, and smile.

14. During the interview, be sure to make eye contact, smile and nod your head. Don’t be afraid to take notes for later reference.

15. Be aware of your body language. Don’t slouch, cross your arms, or look uninterested.

16. Listen to the information and questions carefully. Nothing makes a bad impression that making the interviewer repeat sometime again and again.

17. Think before you speak. Concentrate on what you want to communicate in your answer and speak with confidence.

18. Don’t lie or exaggerate about anything either on your resume, application, or during the interview. It is grounds for immediate dismissal when the falsity is discovered.

19. Ask to tour the office or see the place you would be working. Introduce yourself to others you see working there.

20. If hired, be sure to get all of the important company policy information such as the dress code, sick days, holidays, benefits, work schedule, etc.

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Conducting a successful job interview

One of the most scary tasks every new writer will eventually face is conducting that first interview. However, an interview need not be a frightening event. The following 10 tips will help to ensure that your first interview --and successive ones--will be remembered as an enjoyable experience.

KNOW YOUR SUBJECT: Find out everything you can about the person you are interviewing before making the initial contact. Show the person that you care enough to have done some research beforehand. For example, if you are interviewing an author about his/her latest book, at least read the book, or enough of it to be able to ask intelligent questions or make references to a certain character or scene.

KEEP THE INITIAL CONTACT SHORT AND TO THE POINT: Identify yourself immediately and explain why you want the interview. If the interview is for a certain publication say so. Once the person has agreed to be interviewed, arrange a specific time and place convenient for you and your subject. Clearly state how long you expect the interview to last. Remember to say "Thank you," and let the person know you appreciate the opportunity to interview him/her.

BE PUNCTIAL AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY: Never make a bad impression by being late for an interview. If you know you are going to be delayed, call the person with an explanation and an apology. Dress appropriately. Don't show up wearing blue jeans, wrinkled tee shirts, and scuffed running shoes.

MAKE YOUR SUBJECT FEEL RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE: Try to create a friendly relaxed atmosphere during the interview. Showing that you find the interview topic intriguing will make the person more inclined to open up.

DECIDE IF YOU WILL USE A TAPE RECORDER, TAKE NOTES, OR BOTH: If you plan to use a tape recorder, make sure you ask permission beforehand. Some people will clam up in front of a tape recorder, but may be less intimidated by a note pad and pen. However, if your subject has no objections to a taped interview, make sure the recorder is in perfect working order "before" you start taping. It's a good idea to take notes during the interview even if you use a tape recorder. Notes can be numbered for easy organization, whereas transcribing from tapes can be time consuming.

PREPARE QUESTIONS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: Have approximately ten well-constructed questions written out in advance and arranged in the same order in which you plan to write the article. This will give shape to the story and save time, as well as keeping you focused. Leaving several blank spaces between numbered questions gives you plenty of room to write answers to specific questions in the proper place.

ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS: Instead of asking questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no," such as "Would you advise young people to take up acting as a career?" phrase you question as "What advice would you give young people about to start an acting career?"

DON'T BE TOO STRUCTURED; LET YOUR SUBJECT "CHAT": Sometimes a person will go "off topic" and chat. This is fine to a point, and can oftentimes reward you with extra tidbits of information that you otherwise would have missed. However, if you find your subject wandering too far away from the topic, tactfully bring the conversation back to the specific nature of the discussion.

BE EXACT WHEN USING QUOTES: Let your subject know you will be using quotes when you write the article. If you are taking notes, be sure to quote the exact words your subject has said. Break up long quotes by paraphrasing. Never misquote or misrepresent anyone!

END THE INTERVIEW IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER: Conclude the interview as close to the specified time as possible. Ask permission for a follow-up call to verify proper spellings, dates, or other facts that may not be clear from your notes. Assure the person that, if at all possible, you will notify him/her as to when the article will be published. Remember to thank your subject graciously, and assure him/her that you have enjoyed the interview.

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