January 27, 2010

JobsByFax...Does it Really Work the Way they Say it Does?

We have had a few readers ask about a relatively new company in the job-hunting field called JobsByFax.com, so we decided to check it out.

First, lets start with the facts. JobsByFax is what we would classify as a "resume distribution" company. For a fee, they will allow job hunters to fax their resume to companies within a database that they maintain. JobsByFax is a small company based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is owned and operated by Matthew Saunders. When we visited JobsByFax, we found that much of the company's story was written for all to see on the home page. We are always a little skeptical when we read about a company "from the horse's mouth", but there does not seem to be any blatantly false or misleading information that we can find. The company started as a fax advertising firm more than 10 years ago and due to changes in fax law was forced to discontinue their operations. Our research has found that the TCPA did implement new regulations around the time they claim, so this would further support this story.

Now lets get down to the knitty-gritty. Does it work? The short answer is yes, but you have to use it to your advantage. As we mention above, JobsByFax comes from an advertising background. That being so, they use an "advertising like" approach to job hunting. The idea is pretty simple when you get down to it. If you send your resume and cover letter to enough places, you are bound to get some calls. Just like advertising though, the more you send, the more response you are going to get.

So how many should you send? That is a very good question. We called their customer service number to ask them and the response we got was pretty much what we would expect. Like advertising, you should see a 1 to 5% response rate. So, if you sent to 1,000 companies, you should receive a little more than 10. This is assuming of course that your marketing piece, aka resume and cover letter, is up to par. Does it clearly state your objective in the first line of your cover letter? Is it short and to the point? Is it mistake free? If not, you better take a look at our resume tips before you even bother sending to a large number of employers. Or better yet, you can take a look at theirs at http://www.jobsbyfax.com/resumesandmore.asp. They even have some samples that have been successfully used with their service. From what we saw, they seemed to be fairly well written for the purpose.

Something else you may want to consider is the availability of the job market. For instance, if you are looking for an admin job and you send to 1,000 companies, you will most likely receive far more calls than someone looking to be a CEO. Think about it, every one of those 1,000 companies has some kind of administrative personnel. Most of them will have multiple jobs that you qualify for. Add to that the fact that lower level positions have a higher turnover rate. This means that at any given time, many of the 1,000 companies are going to have not only jobs that you qualify for, but available jobs that you qualify for. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the CEO. For any given company, there is only one. CEOs typically stick around for a while, so openings rarely come up. Even then, companies usually hire from within for this job, so it will be slim pickens. Out of 1,000, there may be zero openings for you. If you broaden that to 10,000 and your odds are much better. The more you send, the better your chances with this service. Of course the more you send, the higher the cost as well, so it is a delicate balance that you must weigh for yourself. JobsByFax has an option to send to up to 200 companies for only $30.00. While it is possible to find a job by sending to 200 companies, just remember that 1% of 200 is 2. The odds of both calls being good leads are slim, so you are probably going to send to more companies to give JobsByFax a fair chance. There is probably a reason why they do not offer any guarantees for orders under 1,000 companies.

The benefit of a service like JobsByFax is that you are not waiting for an employer to find you on a job board and you can not delete a fax as easily as an email. Once the fax arrives at a company, they will have to read it to decide what to do with it. At that point, your foot is in the door. If they need you, they will call.

We are also impressed that JobsByFax is willing to back up their service with a refax guarantee. If you use the service and you send to over 1,000 companies, you can resend again every 30 days to a new group until you find a job. Obviously, JobsByFax knows that by putting your information in front of more than 1,000 companies, you are probably not going to need to send again. And if you do, you can double the number of companies that see your resume after a month at no charge.

To sum up, yes, JobsByFax is a real service that will really help you distribute your resume to many employers very quickly. Will it work for you? There is no reason why it shouldn't as long as you send to a large enough group and you have a well-written resume and cover letter. If you are having a hard time with traditional job-hunting methods, this might just be a way to change it up and get some activity.

January 22, 2009

Part-Time Jobs

If you've been out of work for awhile, you may be reaching a point where you need a little extra income to get by until a job in your industry and at your required pay comes through. Although it may seem more logical to skip the part-time gig and put all your efforts into your job search, you may find that a low-stress job may ease your financial woes a bit and take your mind off the anxiety of job hunting for a few hours a week.

The temptation will likely be to look for part-time work in the field that you are hoping to find a full-time career, however it may be in your best interest psychologically to just focus on personal interests and find something that just sounds like fun. Any golf advocate with a high-stress job has at one time or another walked into a golf shop and thought; "If only I could skip my day job and work at a golf course... maybe when I retire." Well, that time is now. If your day job has been put on hold for awhile, swallow your ego, be willing to work for significantly less than what you're worth, and have some fun.

Exploring your interests and hobbies is a good place to start. Or just get in the car and drive around your community and see what catches your eye.

Local Coffee Shop- You may be one of those neighbors that has worked so hard for so many years that you just wave to your neighbors as you are pulling in and out of your driveway. Neighborhood coffee shops are a fun place to work because they are a great hang-out and, before long, you will know all your neighbors by first name.

Sporting Goods Store- You've never worked in retail, but you are a sports fanatic. Stop by the local sporting good stores and ask if they are hiring part-time clerks. Much of retail just involves connecting with customers. So, if you can talk sports all day, you are qualified.

Sporting Events - Depending on the season, if you live in a city with professional sports, someone has to work the games, take tickets, direct parking, etc. There are many different jobs available and some will even allow you to watch the game while you are working.

Book Store - You love to read, but haven't had time for years. Reintroduce yourself to your love of books and see if your local bookstores are hiring.

Retail Clothing Stores - Want to keep your wardrobe updated? Go to the stores where you typically shop. Most clothing stores offer a discount to employees, so you can build your wardrobe for your next job while making a little extra income.

Nursery/Garden Center- If gardening is your hobby, check with neighborhood nurseries. Depending on your local weather, most nurseries are seasonal and increase their staff during spring and summer months, but some stock Christmas trees and decorations in November and December, so they may be hiring this month as well.

Holiday Seasonal Work- Retails Stores, UPS, local PostNet stores, grocery stores, etc. They all get busy in December and staff up for the holidays. While hiring with many companies slows down until the first of the year, hiring part-time seasonal work increases. Take advantage of this time of year to earn a little extra cash.

If you are willing and able to work nights and weekends, retail offers many opportunities and you will still have your weekdays to job search. Don't be shocked at the pay. Retail is often less than $10 per hour, but as an added perk, many stores offer discounts on their products to employees. Part-time jobs can also be a great networking opportunity, so get to know as many new people as you can and make an impression wherever you go.

November 22, 2009

Great Cover Letters Lead to Great Job Interviews

Searching for a job? Moving in a new direction? Changing professions? Take this step to win that interview for your dream job. Spend more time and energy writing cover letters that are job-specific.

Go the Extra Mile - Having a degree or work experience in business administration or accounting or nursing is not enough. You must show the hiring manager your specific job-related abilities, leadership strengths, and communication skills across the board. Being able to work with a variety of people, respond to crises, and meet unexpected challenges are now more important than ever. Because if you can't, someone else will. In today's tight job market, hiring managers have the advantage. So you must show them why they need you!

Use Proven Methods - How can you do this? "By using tried and true professional job-search tools," says California-based Karen P. O'Connor, professional writer and career expert.

Take seriously the importance of writing what she calls "a sizzling cover letter--one that captures the hiring manager's imagination with a great headline, [THREE-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD WINNER SEEKING A POSITION AS A CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER] job-specific details, [trained and retained more customer service representatives in my first five years than at any time in the company's history] a clear understanding of the company's objectives, [I am eager to show by my actions your objective that customers come first.] and how you can fill those needs competently and with commitment [I welcome the opportunity to prove myself to you.]"

Be Sure to ASK For What You Want - Close the letter, O'Connor suggests, "by asking for what you want. 'May I come in for an interview?' or 'I'd appreciate meeting you in person to talk further.'"

Searching for a job may be more challenging now than it was even two or three years ago but every day men and women are interviewed and hired to fill the openings that exist. You can be one of them. "Start with a great cover letter, keep an open mind, and focus on gratitude," says O'Connor, "as you anticipate your new job. It will come."

For more great tips, visit http://www.JobInterviewSecret.com today!

November 20, 2009

Holiday Job Hunting

Sledding on snowy days, decorating the tree, baking cookies, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas... the holidays bring so many opportunities for family fun and reminiscing. If you've set a goal of finding a job by the end of the year, don't spoil the holidays by dwelling on the job that you don't yet have and burying yourself in cover letters and resumes, while frantically trying to get a job in the next few weeks.

That perfect job for you is still out there, within reach, you just haven't discovered the best way to find it. While you enjoy the holidays, let someone else take on the stress of your job search. With JobsByFax, you can bake cookies, hang the lights, go to your kids Christmas programs, and most importantly, relax! The trick to finding a job in a tough market is volume. The more resumes you send, the more chance you have for success. And, more importantly, with JobsByFax.com, you will get a jump on the competition by getting your resume into the hands of hiring managers that haven't even posted the available jobs. Many hiring managers wait until after the first of the year to fill positions, so getting your resume into their hands in December gives you the advantage. JobsByFax.com will fax your resume to thousands of potential employers and can guarantee your phone will be ringing for interviews. It's been a tough year, but there is still a chance to end it with a new career.

Visit http://www.JobsByFax.com today!

November 16, 2009

Staying Positive

Today's headlines claim that unemployment has reached over 10% for the first time since 1983, we are in the midst of the worst economy since The Great Depression and, according to many, the world is predicted to end in 2012. With so much negative information being fed to us each and every day, how can anyone expect us to keep our spirits up?

If you are struggling to keep a positive attitude while in the midst of job hunting, it's tough, and certainly a lot easier said than done. But the alternative of sulking, getting frustrated and feeling sorry for yourself, are really just a waste of time. You may not realize it, but the negative energy you carry is passed on to others. Hiring managers look for employees with enthusiasm and positive thinking, and if you're not focused on the positive, your negative mindset will show through. So give them what they want and practice some of the following tips to maintaining an upbeat and confident attitude.

• Turn off the 24-hour news channels and stop reading the paper. If the news is bringing you down, let it go. We are caught up in a society of information overload and most of it doesn't effect your day-to-day life anyway, so don't worry about it.
• Volunteer for a local charity, help a neighbor in need or get involved in kid's sports. Thinking about someone besides yourself is often good medicine for forgetting your own problems.
• Focus on those things that you can control and let go of those that you cannot. If you didn't get that one interview that you believed was the perfect job for you, let it go and move on to the next.
• Take a break from the job search. For those who have been out of work for months and job hunting has become a full-time job, take a day off each week and get something accomplished that you have been meaning to do for years; re-tile a bathroom, plant a garden, refinish a basement, etc. Completing projects around your home will give you a sense of achievement and, when you finally do land a job, you will have the satisfaction of not having those uncompleted projects hanging over your head anymore.
• Write down the worst case scenario and reflect on it for awhile. While thoughts of financial stress and being out of work for years haunt you, more often than not, your fears are far worse than the reality. If you realistically face and think about what could actually happen, often the reality is not nearly as bad as your imagination.

Allow yourself to get excited about each and every job you pursue. Your enthusiasm will be seen, felt and reflected in your cover letter and in interviews. Pursue each position as if it's the perfect job for you and, if it doesn't come through, know that you did your best and feel good about that. Don't be so hard on yourself, don't give up and, when a door closes, always look for the open window.

November 11, 2009

Feeling buried in the frustration of job hunting?

Tired of the daily rejection and lack of response? Ready to give up and move back home with mom and dad?

The feeling of hopelessness is all around us these days. You're doing everything you've been taught about job hunting; checking the paper and websites daily, sending cover letters and resumes, and networking at all local chamber and industry events. But despite all your hard work, you are still jobless. Isn't it time to get creative, adventurous and a bit risky with your job search? Take the risk and visit JobsByFax.com today. There are jobs available, but to find these jobs what you need is direct access to the hidden job market. JobsByFax.com will give you access to this hidden job market by putting your cover letter and resume into the hands of thousands of hiring managers. While everyone else waits around for an available job to be posted, you already have your foot in the door and you're heading off to interview for jobs that no one else even knows about. JobsByFax works! They are so confident you will get calls for interviews, they can guarantee that you will receive 10 or more calls within the first 72 hours. Today is a great day to get started on your new career, so visit JobsByFax.com now.

http://www.jobsbyfax.com

November 7, 2009

Incredible Job Interview Techniques

You received the call. You've been invited to show up for a job interview-the one you hoped you'd get. So now what?

More Than a Smile and a Warm Handshake

Like most experiences in life, interviewing for a job-especially for one you really want--is a skill. The more you think about it, prepare for it, and actually do it, the more accomplished you'll become. The tendency is to focus on yourself-your voice, your outfit, your resume, your experience. However, it's not really about you. It's really about your potential employer and how you can fit the position he or she wants to fill.

Therefore, consider the following three incredible job interview techniques and then put them to work for you.

1. Come well prepared--meaning know enough about the company and the job you desire, that you can speak intelligently, asking and answering questions related to the topic, and showing the employer how you can contribute to the company's success and growth through your skills, leadership, and talent.
2. Provide specific examples--meaning avoid speaking in generalities when asked about the work you did for your former employer. Be specific. "I hired and trained five new employees and oversaw their performance for the first six months of probation, then evaluated each one before they were employed permanently." OR "I took charge of cutting our yearly budget by 30% and achieved this goal by eliminating office clutter-paper files, outdated equipment, and unnecessary phone calls--as well as folding the duties of two part-time jobs into one full-time position."
3. Focus on the hiring manager--meaning take note of his or her body language, conversation, mood, attitude, and demeanor. You can move the interview in your favor by being more interested in what he or she is communicating than in what you are saying. Of course you need to answer questions clearly and pointedly, but avoid being so caught up in your own words that you overlook what the hiring manager is communicating to you. Keep in mind that people who are interested in others are interesting to others!

Visit Job Interview "Secret" and discover the breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair…DURING your next job interview.

November 1, 2009

Jobs in the Green Industry

Green has certainly become the new black; never has it been more stylish to care about our carbon footprint and the lasting impact we leave on the environment. And the great news is that we are instilling environmental responsibility in kids as early as preschool. We are now teaching kids about recycling at a very young age. Colleges and universities are establishing "green" degrees through programs in sustainability, while many community colleges are offering classes on how to install solar panels.

Jobs in the green industry are opening up for everyone, but the misconception still exists that you must be an environmental engineer to find success in this industry. The truth is, "green collar jobs" is the new buzzword and opportunities abound in many areas.

President Obama has committed billions of dollars of stimulus money to create green job training programs and fund research in renewable technology. More billions have been committed to state and local governments to promote energy efficiency, and just as much in loans are available for renewable energy projects. The expectation is that the bulk of these newly created jobs will benefit middle-class America.

A recent study released by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) suggests that tackling climate change will be a major job creator for the U.S. over the next decade. According to the report, "aggressive deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency can net up to 4.5 million new U.S. jobs by 2030 and provide the greenhouse gas emission reductions necessary to tackle climate change". Furthermore, the US Department of Energy believes the push for renewable energy is a great investment due to the fact that it is a labor-intensive industry which consequently produces more jobs, and local resources are used with renewable energy, keeping the dollars at home. That leaves the door wide open for growth and, in turn, many new jobs just waiting for the right person to fill them.

The top 5 green jobs expected to boom over the next few years, according to the ASES are:

• Mechanical Engineers
• Electricians
• Construction Managers
• Accountants
• Environmental Scientists

Although many of these positions can be found in almost any industry, those that work these jobs in the green industry are expected to earn 20% or more than their counterparts in other industries.

In addition to the jobs listed above, many companies now want their customers to know about their commitment to the environment, providing growth opportunities in marketing. Green marketing campaigns are great for public good will and now are being used by many businesses around the world in their advertising campaigns. And don't forget the sales staff. Almost all companies will need an enthusiastic and aggressive staff of salespeople to find customers for their green products.

Adding a "touch of green" to your resume will give you an edge over the competition when applying for jobs. Taking classes in sustainable energy is the best way to get the attention of hiring managers. But if you do not have the time or extra dollars to take classes, look for 1-2 days workshops on solar or wind energy, take the time to research companies that are leading the charge in the green industry and stay informed about what's happening in the industry. Volunteering for a green non-profit is a great addition to a resume and is a fantastic learning experience, not to mention, volunteering just makes you feel good. For those involved in social networking, Linkedin has a variety of groups in the green industry that you can join, make contacts, and get educated.

Finally, those in the green industry are typically very passionate about the cause and will expect the same from those they hire. If you are not living a green life yourself, you will want to take the steps to change your habits. You will have a lot more to talk about during the interview if you are also passionate about preserving the environment and will come off much more enthusiastic and sincere if you can share your own personal experiences.

October 15, 2009

Interview Etiquette

"There is such a thing... as manners. A way of treating people. These fish have manners. These fish have manners." This memorable quote from the movie "Jerry Maguire" reminds us that good manners are often a forgotten in our hectic and competitive lives. Over the years, our society has become much more direct and casual and, as a result, manners and proper etiquette have fallen by the wayside. Although it's OK to stay casual in your personal lives, in the world of business, professional courtesy should still define your behavior.

For those in the midst of job hunting, your level of professional etiquette should be pushed into high gear. Your goal it to leave a positive impression with whoever you meet with in professional settings, and it's always better to error on the side of overly formal.

So if you've misplaced your Miss Manners handbook and need a refresher course, following are some business etiquette rules that should become second nature to you as you go through your job search and interview process.

• Always send a cover letter with a resume, and personalize it to the appropriate hiring manager, whenever possible.
• Regardless of the dress code of the company, wear a suit or proper business attire. If the company is very casual and jeans are permissible, opt for dress pants and a collared shirt. Don't let yourself get caught being more casual than the person who is interviewing you.
• Stand when someone enters the room, regardless of gender.
• Firm handshake and smile when you are introduced and maintain eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview. Eye contact will show that you are confident in yourself, as well as letting them know you are attentive and interested in what they have to say.
• When handed a business card, show respect to the individual by taking a few moments to look it over before putting it away.
• Always, always, always... turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices when in an interview. This should also continue after you have the job. During a meeting with a client, it's rude and inconsiderate to answer your cell phone or check e-mails on your Blackberry. Always give clients your undivided attention, even if they don't return the favor.
• Handwrite a thank you note after all interviews. Although many of us have grown up in a world of electronic mail and consider stamped mail a bit archaic, e-mailed thank you's are not an appropriate way to express your thanks. You will come off as being too busy to take the time to actually handwrite a letter.

Good manners speak volumes about the type of person you are and how you will treat clients and co-workers. Good business etiquette in an interview will likely reflect your conduct while at work and can determine your long-term success or failure in the business world. So while you implement these good practices during your job search, take it a step further and make them good habits for daily living.

September 30, 2009

Finding a Company That's a Good Fit

Preparing for an interview stirs up a mixed bag of emotions; anxiety, excitement, nervousness. However, most of the emotions center around whether or not you believe that you'll can make a knock-out impression when you get face-to-face with the decision makers. You focus so hard on selling yourself that, amidst all of the self-doubt and desire to impress, you forget that you are not just being interviewed, but you are doing the interviewing, as well. The hiring manager should also be trying to impress you and give you every reason to want to come and work for them.

The current job market leaves us all feeling a lot less picky about job hunting, and with good reason. However, jumping into a job with a company that doesn't fit your personality or career growth needs can lead to frequent job changes. Over time, jumping from job to job will not reflect well on your resume. And starting over is stressful, and often leads to taking a pay cut to get out of a bad situation.

While preparing for your interview, set aside some time to also research the company where you will be interviewing. And not just so you can impress them with your knowledge of their new product launch or company mission statement, but so you know what they have to offer you. Forty-hours or more of your week, every week, could be spent with this company. It's worth several hours of your time to find out as much as you can about their history, the company philosophy, how their compensation and benefits compare to the marketplace, and if possible, their employee retention. The web is full of information if you take the time to dig.

But what you don't discover through research on your own, be prepared to ask. At the end of most interviews, the hiring manager will give you a chance to ask questions. Following is a sample of questions that can be asked which will help paint a clearer picture of what the company can do for you.

How would you describe the management style of the person I will report directly to? Whether you know it or not, you likely have a management style that you work best under. For example, if the manager is described as "very involved in all day-to-day activities", you may be dealing with a "micro-manager". If you are a self-starter and prefer to work independently, you may butt heads with a manager that wants to have a say in everything you do, every day. Look for personality traits in management styles that complement your own work style.

How is internal communication most frequently handled? Listen for answers that will give you clues to whether or not the company is heavily into meetings or if they communicate less formally within departments. Informal communication often fosters more create input and sharing of ideas. Whereas, frequent formal meetings could imply that there is a lot of top-down management within the company.

Would you consider this company "employee-centered"? Some companies just shout their commitment to their employees; if flex-time, tele-commuting, and gym memberships are offered as benefits, you can bet this is a company that knows employee retention is a key to company success. But if it's not so obvious, look for ways that employees are recognized and rewarded.

What opportunities are available for on-going education and career development? Is it company policy to advertise jobs internally first and attempt to promote from within? Many people get anxious, even bored, when they are not learning and growing professionally. Look for companies that encourage new ideas, education, and growth.

What is a typical workday at the company, and within the department you will be working for? If work-life balance is important to you, ask about overtime and whether it is frequent and/or expected. Are there opportunities to work from home if extra work is expected? It's important to know in advance whether you are getting yourself into a 40 hour work week, or if 50+ hours per week, and working weekends, is the norm within the company.

Of course, specific benefits such as health care, vacation, 401K, and salary compensation should be left for the 2nd interview However, the answers given to the above questions will tell you whether or not the company is the right fit for you and whether or not you are interested in moving to the next step.

Interviews should be a two-way street, so take the time to find out if the company you are interviewing with is best suited for you and your personality.

September 19, 2009

7 Steps to Writing Amazing Cover Letters

You know the expression; you only have one chance to make a first impression. When it comes to job hunting, that first impression is your cover letter. Are your cover letters getting your phone ringing?

If you're not getting interviews, chances are, your cover letter is just like every other in the pile; dull and uninspiring. All it takes is a knock-out cover letter to land the interview. So how do you go from boring and predictable to attention-grabbing and exceptional? Ask Jimmy Sweeney, president of CareerJimmy and the expert in creating amazing cover letters that will have you blowing the competition away. In 7 Steps to Writing an Amazing Cover Letter, Jimmy will guide you through his no-fail recipe for getting you noticed. It's easy to write a great cover letter once you know the tricks to make yourself stand out. Visit Jimmy on the web at interviewsecrets.com now and get in on the secret!

September 15, 2009

Top-Notch Cover Letters

Proper business protocol often forces us to submit a resume that is a cookie-cutter design to all the rest. Kind of like when you attend a school or work in a job where everyone has to wear a uniform; how do you stand out from the crowd when the "resume dress code" leaves us all looking alike? The answer is the all-important cover letter. The cover letter is a vital ingredient in the job hunting process and it allows you to get personal with the hiring manager and show your true colors.

Cover Letter Layout:
The purpose of the cover letter is to actively sell yourself by capturing the attention of the hiring manager and to pique their interest so they want to get to know more about you. Although you want to stand out, a good cover letter should follow certain guidelines. It is best to begin with a comment on what job you are applying for and how that relates to your career objective. Be specific about your career objective and take the hiring manager into your future with the company. If your goal is to start at a sales manager position, with the goal of reaching sales director within five years, say so. Whenever possible, include a brief sentence about your knowledge of the company and why your want to work for them.

The meat of the cover letter comes next. This is where your personality and notable skills should jump out and grab the hiring manager. Refer to the cover letter tips below and incorporate these ideas into the body of your cover letter to give you an early advantage over the competition.

End your letter with a specific call to action sentence stating that you want to schedule a personal meeting to further discuss why you are the best candidate for the job. Provide the phone number where you can most readily be reached, and even reference a range of time if it's difficult to answer your phone during certain hours. It's better to be clear, rather than forcing the hiring manager to leave messages that may take you until the end of the day to return. Better yet, if you have their contact information, state that you will call them on a specific date and time, then make certain that you make that call.

Organize your thoughts by beginning with an outline. What skills and experience do you have to offer this organization? List your strengths and several key accomplishments that you feel match the job description. Then use the following tips to bring it all together.

Cover Letter Tips:
Sell yourself! Write your letter with the right attitude. Believe you are the best candidate for the job as you are writing your cover letter and convey that attitude into the examples that you use.

Expand on a particular skill that relates to the job you are seeking. Do not repeat verbatim what is on your resume. Instead, use this opportunity to expand on credentials that were touched on in your resume and present them in a new way. Be specific on your accomplishments. For example, "exceeded annual sales goals in the past 3 out of 4 years by over 20%" This gives the hiring manager something tangible to tie to you, instead of just general comments that leave them with a vague impression.

Use action verbs to give life to your cover letter. Action verbs engage the reader and provide a visual image of your accomplishments.

Keep it brief and direct. Hiring managers are busy and have stacks of resumes and cover letters to review, not to mention all their other duties. Get your message across in one page.

Personalize cover letters whenever possible. Use the name and title of the person who has hiring authority over the job you are seeking.

Use appropriate business writing skills. Include a return address in top right corner with your full name and address. Following the return address, include the person's name & title that the letter is directed to, if you have this information, then use a salutation. Always proofread for misspelled words and proper grammar.

Don't mention salary. Just as salary discussions should be left for the 2nd or 3rd interview, mention of your salary requirements should not be included in your cover letter.

Remember that getting hired for a great job is a process. Resumes should always include a cover letter and the purpose of the cover letter is to get the phone ringing for interviews. A flawless cover letter and resume will not get you hired. You need to sell yourself both on paper and in person, and fine-tuning each step along the way will lead you down the road to success.

September 12, 2009

Start Making 5 to 6 Figures Per Month

Making money is all about having the right attitude. You could be like so many others and throw in the towel during tough times, or you could view your current situation as a great opportunity to explore a new career and achieve the success that's always seemed out of reach.

When the economy has everyone else is running scared from real estate investment, the door is left wide open for those with the foresight to see the unbelievable profits left untapped. You may not know how to make a fortune in this crazy economy, but you can fly on the shirt-tails of those that do. Chris McLaughlin and Nathan Jurewicz know the secret of making 5 to 6 figures per month in this current unique real estate market. And they are willing to share how they are making more than they ever imagined with short sales and foreclosures; without 60 hour work weeks, without meeting with client after client, and without spending hours on the phone with banks. In fact, with the shortsalesriches.com method, you will be working from your kitchen table, or a warm, sunny beach, or anywhere else where there's a phone and an internet connection. It's easy, just go to their website, http://www.shortsalesriches.com/cmd.php?Clk=3084530 and get started today on your road to riches.

September 9, 2009

Deliver Your Resume to Thousands of Employers in Less than 72 Hours

If you're like many job seekers that shine when face-to-face with hiring managers, but just can't seem to get past the first step of sending resumes, you need the help of those that know how to get you in front of decision-makers. You need JobsByFax.com.

In this tough job market, it's an uphill battle just to get someone to take a second glance at your resume. You feel a sense of accomplishment when you get 10-15 resumes out each week. That is, until the next week goes by, and the next, and still no calls for interviews.

With so much work and nothing to show for it, it's easy to get frustrated. So why not let someone else do the work that knows how to get results? With JobsByFax.com, your 10-15 resumes sent per week will turn into thousands of your resumes being distributed to the right person who is making the hiring decisions. And not by e-mail, which can be easily deleted without a glance. But rather faxed and hand-carried, open and ready to review by those that have the authority to hire you. You know you are a great candidate and you know how to sell yourself, you just need a chance and a boost in the right direction. If you're ready for your chance to shine, visit their website today at http://www.JobsByFax.com. They will get your phone ringing... guaranteed!

September 1, 2009

Making Your Resume Shine

Introduction
You only have one chance to make a first impression and in the cold, hard world of job hunting, that first impression is your resume. Regardless of whether are an expert in your industry with years of experience, or if you are looking for your first real job, recruiting managers will expect your resume to be presented in a way that will assist them in making good candidate choices. Your resume should not be something you throw together with little thought, but rather should be carefully outlined and structured to show that you care enough about the position you are pursuing to present yourself as the best candidate for the job. Certain resume guidelines should be followed or yours will likely end up in the shredder.

Personal Information:
This is the one section that you do not need to categorize with a heading. Whatever resume template you choose, your full name, address, phone number or cell number should all be listed at the top of the resume. With so many hiring managers now communicating by e-mail, you should also include an e-mail address. Make sure the address is professional and, if not, create a new address just for professional use.

Objective or Summary:
You may have heard mixed messages on whether or not to include an objective or summary. But, as a rule of thumb, you should include a concise, one sentence statement of your objective if you are a new graduate or returning to the workplace after some time off, or if you are changing careers. And, likewise, a one sentence summary should be included if you have been in your industry for many years and have very specific qualifications that match the requirements of the job you are seeking. This gives you one more opportunity to highlight those qualifications and, with hiring managers inundated with so many resumes, the quicker and more times you can get your message across, the better chance you have of standing out amongst the crowd.

Professional Qualifications:
This is your opportunity to stand out and shine, so don't just make a list of previous jobs with bullet points of your duties after each position. Instead, pull out your old grammar textbooks and review a list of action verbs; arranged, developed, collected, executed, increased, supervised, introduced..., etc. These are all great action verbs that should be used to describe your accomplishments. List 2-3 accomplishments or responsibilities with each previous job you held and begin each phrase with a positive action verb that will draw the reader (hiring manager) in and grab their attention.

Personalize this section based on the qualifications of the job you are applying for and show how your past experience can benefit their company. Be specific about your successes and use dollar amounts, percentages, and other quantifiable statements that summarize your accomplishments.

Stay away from personal pronouns, such as I, and general statements such as "proven track record". For example, "I met my goals every year", should be changed to "Exceeded annual goal of $500,000 in sales for each of the past five years".

Education:
The education section should only come before professional qualifications if you are a new graduate and do not yet have relevant work experience that relates to the job you are seeking. Start with your highest level of education first and skip high school information if you have a post high school degree. Keep your education information brief, with the full name of the school and the year your graduated, the city and state of the school, and what degree you achieved. Exceptional accomplishments should be mentioned; ie, class valedictorian or Rhodes Scholar. But in most cases, extracurricular activities and grade point averages should be left for the interview process, and only if they are relevant to the job and you are a recent graduate.

Skills:
Many templates include a category for "skills". Although this seems like an ideal section for listing technical knowledge that may be relevant to specific jobs, the best place to highlight your specific skills that will help you land the job you are seeking is in your cover letter. If hiring managers are reviewing stacks of resumes, their eyes may go as far as the professional qualifications section, but after that they are often on to the next resume. Your cover letter is a vital piece of the resume package and is the perfect place to expand on skills that may not be clearly addressed in a resume.

References:
Have a reference page ready and waiting for the interview call, but don't send it with a initial resume and cover letter. That should be reserved for candidates that are being seriously considered for the job. Notify those business associates that you are listing as references and ask them if you can include their name and contact information. You will save them the embarrassment of stumbling through an unexpected call from a hiring manager, and possibly saving yourself from selecting someone that would give you a less than glowing reference.

Should you pay someone else to design your resume? Microsoft word and other word processing software typically contain a variety of resume templates for you to "do-it-yourself". Much of your resume needs to be personalized and should be changed with each job you are seeking, so these templates can be very helpful in achieving a professional layout without the cost of paying a professional. However, if you stumble through word processing software, don't have the time, or are unhappy with the resume you created, having someone else format it will give your resume "good bones" and you can then make changes as needed from their template. Some of the larger office supply stores will format your resume for less than $50 and the turnaround is often 24 hours.

Incorrect grammar, misspelled words, and other errors will get your resume tossed no matter how qualified you are for the position. So before sending any resume, have 2 to 3 friends or business associates proofread your resume for any mistakes. Finally, although it should go without saying, do not lie about anything on your resume, keep your resume to one page, and always send it with a cover letter.

June 9, 2009

Have a great resume? Make sure it gets seen.

Why spend days writing the perfect resume, just to have it seen by a few people? After all that hard work, wouldn't you rather it been seen by thousands?

You followed all the advice on designing the ideal resume to highlight your greatest accomplishments and you spent days writing and rewriting a knock-out cover letter. You picked 3 positions from ads in the newspaper that you know would be a perfect fit. You wait and wait, and wait some more, for the call that never comes. If you're doing everything right, then what's wrong?

What you're not doing is using volume to your advantage. Job hunting is a numbers game; the more contacts you make, the more chance you have to open doors. And many of the best jobs available, the job that is the perfect fit for you, is not advertised to the general public. Writing a killer resume and cover letter is only the first step. The next step is seeking the assistance of ResumesByFax.com to get your resume into the hands of thousands of hiring managers. ResumesByFax.com will guarantee at least 10 calls for interviews within 72 hours. Stop wasting countless hours pursuing only a few companies a day. Put your resume in good hands and visit http://www.resumesbyfax.com today.

May 31, 2009

Using Networking in Your Job Search

Most of us, if given the choice, would prefer to work with someone we know and trust, rather than a stranger. This often begins during the hiring process. Managers know that they can take a bit of the risk out of bringing someone new on board if they have interacted with them at professional or personal functions, rather than someone who they just met during an interview. Networking is an invaluable tool that is used extensively, consciously and unconsciously, in the corporate world.

What is Networking?
Networking, in it's simplest form, is just meeting people and making new friends. However, the purpose behind networking is to make business contacts that will help you uncover new customers, find mentors in your industry that can advise you, and, most importantly, networking can be used as a way to find a new job or get a better one. Unconsciously, many of us are networking all the time. Making conversation with other parents at your kid's soccer game, chatting with the regulars you see at your neighborhood coffee shop, and getting involved in local church or charitable organizations, if used in the right way, are all a form of networking.

Does Networking Really Work?
The majority of positions that are available are filled without posting the job in the newspaper or on web job searches. Quite often, a qualified candidate is found before the hiring manager needs to post the position to the public. For those that are job hunting, finding these unadvertised jobs, known as the "hidden job market", can open the door for countless other opportunities that are unknown to the general public. And from the company perspective, networking works because the more you know about the job candidate, the more likely turnover will be reduced.

Social Networking Websites
For those of us in the Baby Boomer and the early Y Generation, internet social networking can be intimidating and confusing. We are inclined to think that Facebook is for our teenagers and we just don't get Twitter at all. But communication is changing rapidly and, to keep pace, you will be doing yourself a favor by getting Linkedin, knowing what it means to "write on walls", and even Tweet now and then.

Hiring managers are using internet social networking to find qualified candidates. These various sites allow you to post information about yourself, your interests, and your job qualifications, and they then connect you to others in your industry. The idea is that your connections will lead you to other connections, and those connections to still more connections,

and so on. With all of these connections, you are likely to find common interests with many and develop an online business relationship where you can share project ideas, be introduced to potential clients, and meet potential employers.

To get the most use out of these internet social networking sites, do a little research. Set up an account on Linkedin and Facebook and see how it works, first hand. If you are still not sure how to get started, visit your local bookstore or Amazon.com. There are so many informative and easy-to-follow books now available that will guide you through social networking websites, how they work, and how to use them.

Keep in mind, if your true purpose for using these sites is finding a job, then don't use social networking websites for socializing,. Posting pictures on your Facebook from a recent Saturday night tequila bash is not a very professional way to present yourself to a potential employer. If you are in the midst of job hunting (and even after getting hired), keep your Facebook and other sites you utilize professional and tasteful. Also, as with all contacts you make over the internet, use them safely and cautiously.

Face-to-Face Networking
Just the thought of local chamber meetings conjure up images of pushy insurance salesmen who could spend hours talking about themselves and won't let you leave until you commit to an in-home presentation of their product line. Face-to-face networking is an "acquired taste" for many, and can take some practice, but has an advantage over the internet social networking sites in that it is much more personal. When attending networking functions, learn to "work the room"; meaning your goal should be to have brief conversations with as many people as possible. Out of all of the individuals you meet, find one or two that you bond with and share common industries and similar interests. These are the people you will want to spend a little extra time with and seek out at future meetings.

Alumni associations are a great source for networking. You already have something in common coming from the same school or university, so the conversations flow more fluidly. In addition, in many universities, there is a strong bond between fellow alumni and, as a result, those you meet are often more likely to go out of their way to assist you.

In order to get the most out of your networking experience, keep track of who you meet and what networking opportunity works best for you. Approach networking as something that should become a continuous part of your professional life, and not just when you are job hunting. And finally, networking works both ways; don't be afraid to ask for help, but also be willing to give it.

May 17, 2009

What Should You BRING To Your Next Job Interview?

You know the importance of dressing professionally for an interview and showing up on time ready to discuss the job you're eager to fill. However, it's equally important to come prepared with items that many employers will ask to see. And even if they don't request them ahead of time, have them with you-just in case. You don't want the hiring manager to view you as unprepared.

1. Your social security card, necessary to secure employment and payment once you're hired.
2. Your current state-issued driver's license or a government-issued identification card to show that you are who you say you are.
3. Your resume of past work experience, typed and printed out on standard white paper. Some job seekers believe they will make an 'impression' if they choose colored paper or sheets with decorative imprints. You will stand out--but for all the wrong reasons. Furnish the interviewer with information about your education, training, and former employment. Include only those details that apply to the work you wish to do. This is not the place to mention your teenage job as a baby-sitter or newspaper carrier.
4. References. Don't wait for the hiring manager to ask for them. Have them ready. These should include former employers, long-time personal friends, or other individuals (excluding relatives) you know well who can speak for your character and work ethics. Ask for their permission ahead of time.
5. Transcripts. Some employers may want to look at a copy of an official transcript of your educational credits, course work, degrees awarded or any professional license or job certification that pertains to the position you're interviewing for.

Step up to the opportunity of a lifetime-the interview you've worked so hard to land. Then cinch the deal by arriving on time, dressed appropriately, and equipped with these five items. You will be received and welcomed as the professional candidate you are. In these current times, when the competition is keen, you can keep the edge by being prepared.

Then wait for those three words you're eager to hear. "WOW, you're hired!"

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Job Interview "Secret" and discover Jimmy Sweeney's breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.

For more information you can visit: http://www.JobInterviewSecret.com

April 29, 2009

46 year-old California marketing expert creates "job interview secret" that gives HUGE advantage to job seekers using it...

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Did you know that when the job market was booming it took an average of 3 interviews to get 1 job offer? Now it takes 17! There's a little known "secret career document" you can quickly and easily customize for your next important job interview that literally forces the interviewer to picture you filling the position. This powerful technique was created by one of California's top marketing professionals. His method guarantees you'll automatically stand out from the crowd and shoot straight to the top of the "must hire" list for any position you seek.

For more information you can visit: http://www.interviewsecrets.org

April 10, 2009

Time to brush up on your interviewing skills, because we know how to get hiring managers calling you!

What if you could get 10 or more calls for interviews in the next 72 hours? Wouldn't it be great to have different options and be able to get your foot in the door with a variety of companies? If you have spent months sending resumes and you are exhausted from the lack of responses, now is the time to turn your job hunt over to the professionals who know how to open doors.

JobsByFax.com can inexpensively and easily fax thousands of resumes in the time that it would take you to send just a few. Faxing resumes has proven to be the most efficient means of getting a resume to the correct hiring manager; faxes are almost always placed on the person's desk and faxes are delivered open so it can be easily reviewed. And, most importantly, using JobsByFax.com allows you to reach companies that are not advertising an open job, but are hiring. More than 75% of jobs are filled without ever posting the open job and, with JobsByFax.com, you gain access to these jobs that few others even know about. Visit http://www.jobsbyfax.com today and get your phone ringing by week's end!

March 17, 2009

Getting Comfortable with the Interview Process

In this job market, just getting an interview feels like a victory. After weeks and weeks of job searching with no response, it's a great feeling to finally get the call to personally meet with a hiring manager. There was something in your resume that they liked. Now the next step is to get them to like you. So how do you put your best foot forward in an interview?

Be Prepared
Don't ever go into an interview cold turkey. Asking questions about the company that could easily be answered by a quick look at their website will send the message that you are not interested enough to do your homework. Take the time to research the company so you are clear about what they do, who are the key players within the company, how profitable they are and what direction they seem to be heading in the near future. Coming into an interview with this knowledge will allow you to respond more intelligently and ask pertinent questions.

Take the time to practice answering commonly asked questions. There are several questions that are used by most hiring managers in almost any industry. Preparing an answer for the common questions will keep you from stumbling for an answer during the interview. Following are some questions you will want to review in advance:

What were your responsibilities in your current or most recent job?
Look for connections between your old job and the one you are interviewing for and focus on those responsibilities. Highlight the positive, even if you did not like your most recent position.

What were your biggest challenges and how did you handle them?
Be prepared to answer this question with specific situations. We all face difficult days and frustrations in our job, so it should be easy to come up with a few examples. Think about tough situations with a positive outcome and relay the story in your interview.

What management style do you work best under?
Again, it is always best to focus on the positive and avoid the negative, even if you really didn't like your previous boss. Answer this question carefully, as they are tying to determine how you will get along with your new boss. It is best to convey that you appreciate that everyone manages differently and you can readily adapt to various styles of management.

What have you been doing since your previous job?
This is a common question now with the state of unemployment. It is not unusual for hiring

managers to be interviewing prospects that have been out of a job for weeks or months. If you were laid-off, explain briefly that your company downsized and talk about the positive effects of the lay-off. For example, you spent the time volunteering for a local charity that you support, or you did some consulting work in your field or you took classes that will benefit your career. Once again, focus on the positive and show that you kept busy and did not waste your time off.

Dress for Success
The workplace dress code has changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. Accepted standards of dress vary greatly between major cities and even more between industries and individual companies. Slacks and a polo shirt are acceptable in hot climates such as Phoenix, but are too casual for many downtown Chicago or east coast businesses. A suit and tie are still the norm in banking, while many software companies promote a "come as you are" dress code. Research in advance what the dress code is for the company you are interviewing with and step it up a notch. You do not ever want to go to an interview dressed more casually than the person who is interviewing you.

Day of Interview
Plan to be at the interview site at least 15 minutes early, no excuses! Arriving late will always start the interview off with a poor impression. Determine exactly where you will be meeting in advance and take into account any possible traffic delays getting there. Better yet, plan to arrive about an hour early, then find a nearby coffee shop and review notes while you wait.

During the Interview
Set the tone of the interview by creating an interactive dialogue. Ask open ended questions to increase the flow of conversation between you and the hiring manager and don't give close ended replies. If it is a yes or no question, then be prepared to expand on your answer. Interviews can quickly become very awkward when the conversation between the parties is reduced to very short questions and answers on both sides.

Stay positive and professional throughout the interview and, if they do not bring up salary, don't ask! Money talk is usually a topic for round 2 of the interview process.

Finally, keep in mind that you are also interviewing the company. If they like you, the interview often turns to the hiring manager trying to sell you on the company. The best companies to work for are those that recognize that having great employees like you is key to their success.

January 31, 2009

In a job market where many don’t even know where to begin to find a job, we know how to get employers calling you...Guaranteed!

Job hunting is often a numbers game; send dozens of resumes, after hours and hours spent searching help wanted ads and online job websites, cross your fingers, and hope you get 1 or 2 calls from all your effort. What if you could quickly and easily send thousands of resumes to the right hiring managers, targeted to industries and cities of your choice, and receive a minimum of 10 calls from potential employers? Why job hunt any other way!

Getting your foot in the door is half the battle, and it's a battle that JobsByFax.com knows how to win. E-mailed resumes often get deleted before they are even opened. With JobsByFax.com, your cover letter and resume are placed on the desk of those making the hiring decisions. And with so many jobs now filled without ever being posted online or in a newspaper, JobsByFax.com gives you the upper hand by giving you access to jobs that your competition won't even know about. Want to know how you can get your phone ringing? Visit JobsByFax.com today! http://www.jobsbyfax.com

January 19, 2009

When everyone else is making less, you can be making more!

Make more than you ever dreamed, and without leaving your home! Are you tired of working for someone else, watching them make all the money while you do all of the work? Is the long commute in rush hour traffic after a 10 hour day at the office wearing you down? Would making thousands of dollars more each month give you and your family the financial boost you need?

Don't be mislead by the media and others that are trying to convince everyone that you have to cut back in these tough times. You have the opportunity to make more than you ever have, be your own boss, and make your own hours. The changing real estate market is creating amazing opportunities for those willing to learn. With ShortSalesRiches, you will be given all the tools needed to be a short sale expert. ShortSaleRiches simplifies the short sale process, teaches you how to sale a pre-foreclosure property, shows you how to make the sale without dealing with the bank, and gives you tips on how to get buyers banging on your door. Go to their website now to see how you can get rich in real estate. http://www.shortsalesriches.com/cmd.php?Clk=3084530

January 5, 2009

Reinventing yourself

Change, for many people, can be a bit frightening. We so easily fall into a comfortable routine of going to the same job, performing the same tasks, and working in the same city, year after year. We lose our sense of adventure while trying so hard to be responsible. And often in the midst of all the "sameness", we feel bored, unchallenged and anxious. For those in the midst of a job search due to lay-offs, fear of cut-backs or simply needing a change, the silver lining in this dark cloud is the opportunity to get out of the rut and explore new and challenging careers.

Reasons to change:
There are many reasons to explore a career change. Sometimes it is due to "Sunday night dread". You know the feeling; it’s that uneasiness you get at the end of every weekend in dreaded anticipation of Monday and another work week. Another reason to explore a new career is because you have been a victim of a lay-off. Furthermore, if you have been laid-off several times in the same field, that should be your clue that it’s time for a career change. Finally, you may just be feeling bored with your current job and have always had that nagging feeling that there is something else you were meant to do.

Knowing you need to make a change is easy, but actually taking the necessary steps to change careers can be intimidating and daunting. You question your abilities and wonder, "if all of my work experience is in one field, why would anyone hire me in another?"

Finding your passion:
First and most importantly, get rid of the label that you have put upon yourself. We tend to identify ourselves based on what we do for a living. Look beyond this label and focus on what you have always wanted to do, or what sparks your curiosity. Are you a bored accountant that can strike up a conversation with anyone? Maybe sales is your true passion. Do you work in retail sales, while spending hours at home on your computer? A career in technology might be a better fit. Do you work with people all day, but really prefer hanging out with animals? Maybe working in a vet’s office is where you will find your passion.

Take an objective look at your true skills and what you love to do. You may even have to ask a spouse or close friend what they see as your strengths, then make a list of jobs that would fit those characteristics. Don’t let yourself get stuck on what you have always done in the past, but instead look ahead and get excited about what you could be doing in the future. Excitement is contagious and being truly excited about what you are doing often goes much further than years of experience.

Education, retooling, or relocating:
Sometimes career transitions are simple. For example, you will have a head start if you stay in the same field, but want to work in a different department. You already have knowledge of the industry, but will be working in the area that best suits your interest. Other career transitions may not be so easy and will take additional school and retraining. It may require you to take night classes while you work another job or you may consider online courses. There are so many online courses available now in many different areas of study that you will likely find courses that fit your needs.

If you are out of work, you have a lot of extra time that you may have never had before. Make the most of this time by testing the waters in areas of interest. If you have an acquaintance that works in your field of interest, ask them if you can shadow them for a day. In some industries, you may be able to volunteer for a few days or weeks to see what to expect and to get your foot in the door. Many industries have associations with monthly meetings. Check to see what is available in your area of interest and call to see if you can attend their next few meetings. Be willing to take risks and a possible pay cut to get started, then establish goals to move towards your ideal career choice and income level.

The world is changing and you can best position yourself by researching jobs and industries that are projected to be on the rise over the next five to ten years. If you are open to relocating, take it a step further and research which cities are expected to have the most growth in the next five years. You can then target jobs in those cities. Keeping many different options open will expand your job opportunities.

Changing your resume to reflect new job search:
Now that you know what you want to do, you will need to market your skills to fit your new career. Tailoring your resume is vital to opening doors and getting interviews. Consider what you have done in past jobs that would qualify you for the new job you are seeking. Then adapt your resume to focus on these tasks. For example, if most of your career has been in accounting departments of large companies, but you have always wanted to be in human resources, tailor your resume to show how you interacted with other departments and highlight your excellent communications skills. There are easy ways to angle our resume to a new career and still be truthful about what you have accomplished.

If you are taking courses to prepare you for a career change, add these courses of study on your resume to show you are making a concerted effort to learn a new trade. Showing that you have recently taken courses can work to your advantage in rapidly changing fields, such as computer software.

Change takes courage! So have the courage to pursue your passions and you may just find this tough economic time lead you to your ideal career.