Career Management: Executive Resumes

23. June 2008 admin

Executive resumes are used by professionals who are at management level or above in their careers. They are similar to other resumes in that they contain the same basic information: work experience, education, awards and achievements. However, the executive resume expounds on all of this and more. Since employers actually make an investment when they hire upper echelon executives, higher caliber resumes are in order.

Elements of Executive Resumes
After your name and contact information, most executive resumes begin with an executive summary. It comprises a few sentences or bullet points outlining your background as a professional and highlights key achievements. The executive summary is the first thing an employer will look at, and will often determine whether he or she will continue reading.

The work experience section contains a detailed account of not only your responsibilities, but qualitative descriptions of accomplishments on the job. You want to show the hiring manager that you made a significant, positive impact in your previous positions. Although you should never fabricate information on your resume, dont be shy about emphasizing the value you would bring to any potential employer.

The one-page rule does not apply to executive resumes. Individuals at senior levels have more career experience on which to elaborate, and employers want to know in detail what kind of executive this person is. A two-page executive resume is about the norm–three at most. A professional executive resume writer or career coach can help you synthesize your background and present it in a manner that gets you noticed.

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Career Management: Find The Right Job

22. June 2008 admin

Trying to find the right job can be a stressful endeavor. One of the problems is that many people dont know what they want. They may know what theyve done in the past and what they are qualified to do, but not what they actually want for themselves.

We all work to pay the bills and put food on the table. But for most of us, our jobs define who we are to a great extent. If you are unhappy at work–where you spend several hours a day–your personal life will suffer.

Test Yourself to Find the Right Job
Career assessment tests can be instrumental in helping you find the right job. The test will ask you questions not only about work interests but personality traits as well. Perhaps you are not suited to a desk job even though its what youve done the past eight years. Tests like these help determine the ideal job for you in terms of duties, work environment and personal fulfillment.

Some career assessment tests can be found online for a fee, or you can contact a career counselor. Counselors can not only administer the test, but also help you interpret the results and outline next steps to help you find the right job. A little effort and soul-searching will be required on your part–think carefully and realistically about what you want from a career and what you can bring to it.

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Career Management: Help Me Find A Job

21. June 2008 admin

Does the phrase Help me find a job! constantly echo in your head? Congratulations. You are among the millions of people each year who utter these same words to themselves every day.

If you are suffering from the Help me find a job blues, dont despair. Perhaps you havent considered all the avenues you can take. Employment websites and newspaper ads are an extremely convenient way of locating job openings, but they are also accessible to millions of other people just like you. Only a small percentage of the available jobs are actually filled using these sources.

Who Can Help Me Find a Job?
Networking usually yields better results. Most organizations would rather hire someone with a referral than a complete stranger, even if it is a friend of a friend of a friend. Some companies dont even place ads for this very reason.

Make sure all your friends and associates know youre job hunting and what kind of position you are looking for. While you dont have to actually say, Help me find a job, you can ask if they know anyone in your industry who you can contact. Youd be surprised at the leads you can find this way. Although networking requires more effort and motivation, you will likely find it to be a more productive use of your time.

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Career Management: Interview Coaching

20. June 2008 admin

Interview coaching can be helpful to anyone wishing to brush up on essential meeting skills. When you are seeking employment, getting the hiring manager to see you is half the battle. But to close the deal and beat out the other candidates, youd better give one heck of a good interview.

If you are actually securing interviews based on your resume but not landing the position, you may want to examine why. Are you so nervous you cant let your real self shine through? Do you get tongue-tied? Perhaps you dont even know what it is you are doing wrong.

What to Expect from Interview Coaching
Interview coaching can help with everything from quelling the jitters to providing quick, thoughtful answers to tough questions. Your coach can point out mannerisms you werent aware of and help you practice positive body language. Ideally, he or she will give you a mock interview to evaluate your words and behavior. Your sessions should be personalized to work on what you need most.

Job interviews are uncomfortable for most of us. But with proper guidance and practice, they can become less intimidating and maybe even enjoyable. Whether you are competing with two or 20 other candidates, interview coaching can give you that added advantage to push you out ahead of the rest.

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Career Management: Job Hunting

19. June 2008 admin

Job hunting really is no fun, Im not going to lie. I mean, lets face it, you have to update your resume and write a bunch of letters and network and interview and get shot down … I would be surprised to hear if anyone actually enjoyed the process.

Job Hunting Tips
With that said, although we all agree that job hunting is no day at the beach, there are steps you can take to make the experience less taxing. First off, it is essential to have a solid resume and cover letter. Have other people, preferably professionals in your industry, read and critique them. You can also hire a certified resume writer to help you put together a first-class resume. A good resume and cover letter are the most important tools you have in your job search; do not shortchange yourself!

Once your written materials are squared away, prepare yourself for formal and informal interviews. A formal interview is when a potential employer calls you into the office specifically to discuss your qualifications. But an informal interview can be nothing more than chatting about your professional self with someone you run into in an elevator. Put together a one-minute summary of your qualifications, achievements and what you can bring to the job. Additionally, think about any potential questions that may arise and practice your answers.

Although its easy to get discouraged, try your hardest to stay positive and keep busy while job hunting. Remember that almost everyone will go through the same thing at some point in their lives, and that it is only temporary. Get out of the house, exercise, volunteer and engage in activities that make you happy to help you through this trying period.

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