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Thursday, July 3, 2008

Career Tips

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Posted at 9:15 AM • Comments (0)

Career Tips

By David Pannen, Education Journalist

Career Tips
Job Hunting Tips
How to Write a Cover Letter
10 Tips to Accomplishing a Successful Interview

No one grows up wishing they could have a job they despise. No child tells their parents they want to be a miserable worker. No sensible person thinks of their dream job only to choose another line of work that they simply hate. But to most, a dream job can turn out to be just that, a dream. With a little help from Onveon’s Career Tips, potential professionals can set their sights on the careers of their dreams.
It has been proven: people who actually like their job do it much better. With this phenomenon in mind, why not pick a profession on the basis of interest, challenge, and benefit? The answer is simple. Most people do not take the right steps in order for their dreams to come true. Lack of education, training, and work experience can diminish an individual’s opportunity to follow their aspirations. With a few of the right steps, a person can turn their dead-end position into the dream they never thought they could follow. The following articles in Onveon’s Career Tips section are aimed at helping those who want to better their careers and eventually achieve their ideal vocational goals.

A few things can be learned from the rare breed of workers who love their jobs:

First, they are all qualified for their positions. Professionals have paid their dues in the sense that they have committed to countless hours of learning in school. Earning a specific degree is the first step to working in a desired field.
Second, it’s all about hard work. Professionals do not just slide into a position they’ve yearned for their whole lives. Individuals must have a well-rounded, 3-demisional plan of action. The 3-D’s; devotion, dedication, and drive, are essential to success in today’s business world which is crawling with capable, equally talented people. What sets people apart is their passion and ambition to make the most of what they have been given.
Third, a worker must be prepared to take risks and calculated career moves. Having a focused career vision is just as important as earning the credentials to get there. With a determined occupational direction, an individual can make the appropriate career decision in order to achieve their ultimate goals.
Fourth, accepting change is vital to moving onto bigger and better positions. The average working American will pursue 5 careers and nearly 12 jobs during the working span of their lifetime. Change is good and when a worker feels they don’t fit or they desire something new, change is mandatory. Finding new professional areas of interest is an ideal way to discover a perfect profession.

Job Hunting Tips

Research the Industry
If you don’t know exactly which industry you want to work in, the benefits from researching your options can significantly assist in your career decision-making moves. The internet is a wonderful tool to help those who are interested in professional careers, but don’t know the framework of specific businesses, find an appropriate field of work that suits them well. Business journals, magazines, interest-groups, and even personal contacts can all help develop the knowledge needed to make educated career decisions in unfamiliar industries.

Research the Company
Once you’ve found an area of interest, researching the companies is the next step. In order to gain solid inside information about a company, visit their website, examine their competitors, and even call departments where you are interested in working. Asking them a few questions can only help you, even if it feels awkward over the phone. Not only focus on the industry-leaders, but examine the smaller companies within the market. Sometimes, working in smaller companies can sharpen skills that wouldn’t otherwise be facilitated within the workings of a large company. When considering where to work, do not count out any one kind of employer.

Finding a Job
In order to maximize occupational opportunities, a combination of networking, pursuing, and contacting possible employers is the driving force to finding a job. Individuals must be persistent with employers, exerting a high level of energy into connecting with companies in their area of expertise. Networking with professionals in a common field can immensely improve a person’s chances at finding a job. Phone calls, e-mails, letters, and walk-ins are also effective methods of establishing relations with potential employers.

Places to look for job openings:

• Internet Job Listings
Local, national, and international job listings for all types of industries can be found on the internet.

• Newspaper’s Classified Sections
Classified job listings present an abundant selection of local jobs around the printed market area. Job descriptions and contact information are easily available.

• Job Fairs
Job Fairs maximize opportunities by bringing together an abundance of employers seeking employees. Potential employees should bring plenty of resumes and dress appropriately because employers will be present.

• Company Websites
Companies generally have hiring information within their websites. Job openings and/or contact information is accessible via the internet.

• Human Resource Departments within Companies
Directly contacting human resources can reveal inside information on position openings, not to mention valuable contacts within the company.

Searching for a job can be discouraging. Desired positions might be filled, some employers might not call back, or some position might be given to another person, but all of these are normal challenges to finding a job. Prospective professionals shouldn’t be disheartened if a job opportunity fails to produce because no contact is useless. More contacts mean more possibilities and in today’s intricate job market, one contact could lead to the opening a person needs to get their foot in the door. The key to finding a job weighs heavily on the ambition of the individual.

How to Write a Resume

A resume is a profile of a person’s work experience formatted in an easy to read document for quick reference. The purpose of a resume is to highlight the educational background, work experiences, accomplishments, and talents of an individual in order to apply for a desired job position. Since this document is the person’s first representation to the employer, a resume can either make or break a potential job opportunity.
Tips for writing a resume:

• A resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter
• A resume is usually one page (although more experienced professionals need two)
• Use bullet points to highlight achievements
• Be as clear as possible, confusion will dramatically lessen an individual’s chances
• Use “action words” (ex: managed, developed, and designed) These words illustrate initiative and certainty in abilities
• Include strengths, exclude weaknesses
• Write to match company’s needs
• Always have an outside opinion, someone to look over the resume
An example resume in Adobe PDF format

How to Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is designed to communicate your interest to a employer you wish to contact about a job opportunity. This short, but concrete, piece should demonstrate clear writing abilities along with your strengths as an employee. Since a cover letter is one of the few things your future employer will see, making sure this document has no mistakes is absolutely crucial. A cover letter should always be accompanied by a resume.

Before Writing the Cover Letter
• Research the company you are interested in. With a certain amount of background knowledge, you can add detailed information about the business that would standout to employers. Being knowledgeable about the company and the industry can really impress an employer.
• Find out whom to send the cover letter and resume to. Make sure to use the person’s name. Try to identify any mutual contacts between you and the company. By knowing someone on the inside, you might have a great advantage in getting the position.

Format:

Your Address (no name)

The Date

Employers Name (if you do not know it, find out somehow!)
Title/Position
Company Name
Address

Dear Mr./Mrs. Employer:
First Paragraph: The first paragraph needs to include why you are contacting them. Immediately explain what position interests you and how you found out about the opportunity. This paragraph should be 3-4 sentences.
Things to remember:
• Be as courteous and polite as possible
• Why you are writing and which job you are applying for.
• If you have a contact, describe how you learned about the position from that source.
• After some research, explain your plan to contribute to the company. The reason for this is to make a connection with the employer and the company.
• Talk about the company in a positive light and what the company can do for you
• Why you are applying for the position

Second Paragraph: This paragraph should include why you are qualified for the position you are seeking. Emphasize your importance as a worker by highlighting specific experiences or achievements related to the position. You should bring up 2-3 points. This should be the longest paragraph (6-8 sentences) within the cover letter. Breaking this paragraph up into two paragraphs can make it easier to be understood.
Things to remember:
• Bring up the most relevant work experiences
• Stress your significant worth to the company by pointing out your qualities
• Do not repeat any phrase directly from your resume. Compliment your resume without repeating yourself.
• Why you are a perfect fit and what you can bring

Third Paragraph: This final paragraph should conclude your letter. It should not be any longer than 4 sentences. Refer to your attached resume and politely thank the employer for their time. If you feel is it important, request an interview.
Things to remember:
• Briefly summarize your importance to the company.
• Thank you, Thank you, Thank you (include your thank you’s)

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Name

Making Your Letter Look Professional
• Always write in active voice. (ex: “During my internship, I developed my skills as a writer.” rather than “During my internship, I was developing my skills as a writer.” By using active voice, it gives the subject (you) clearer empowerment.
• Do not use contractions (don’t, didn’t, couldn’t).
• Make sure you use proper spelling and grammar. If you get this step wrong, employers hiring you is out of the question!
• Keep the letter short and sweet, yet to the point. Rich text and specific work examples add fullness to your letter, but saying too much can be a disadvantage.
• When sending a resume and cover letter via snail mail (traditional mail), make sure you sign the document.
• Get someone to review your letter. An extra set of eyes can always catch the small things you tend to overlook.
• Use the same paper as your resume and envelopes. No stationary.

Example Cover Letter

123 Sunnyside St.
Somewhere, Wa 99927
August 18, 2005

Mr. Anderson
Director of Sales
Chip’s Computers
279 West 85th Street
New York, NY 12345

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Thomas Johnson suggested I contact you concerning the Sales Manager position available at the Chip’s Computers west-coast branch. I am interested in pursuing my career in Sales while substantially contributing to the Chip’s Computers reputation and prestige through hard work and dedication. Chip’s Computers is a leader in the industry and a catalyst in quality computer chip development. I strongly believe in offering consumers high-end products and Chip’s Computers definitely applies this theory to their business.

My assorted work experiences within the Sales industry make me an ideal candidate for Sales Manager. My extensive work with customers sprouted from my position at Sail-Oar. Through improvements in customer relations within the company, I learned how to assess the broad situations in order to enrich business associations. My Sales experience comes from Kim Designs and Patterson’s and Sears’. These Sales positions increased my knowledge of Sales practices, which further expanded my familiarity in the business of sales. My well-rounded work experience exemplifies the vital characteristics required for an effective Sales manager.

I can offer Chip’s Computers a range of skills including effective management and customer relation techniques. I possess many traits that enable me to be a good worker and an efficient business partner. Additionally, I feel my educational background in computer science and business makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

My resume is enclosed for your evaluation. I will contact you during the week of August 12th to schedule a time in which we can further discuss my qualifications for the Sales Manager position. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph Jackson

10 Tips to Accomplishing a Successful Interview

1. Research the company
One impressive thing you can do is gain knowledge of your potential employer by researching the company, industry, and even their competition. With a familiarity of the company, you can contribute sensible comments which will reflect a well-rounded candidate for the position. Your interviewer will most likely be impressed with your background knowledge and impressing them is your main objective.

2. Present a professional image
Another way to impress your future employer is to conduct yourself in a professional manner. This not only includes speaking and acting properly, but dressing appropriately for the occasion as well. A good rule of thumb is to dress according to whatever the interviewer might be wearing, although in most cases, professional attire is always appropriate.

3. Listen and use positive body language
While you sit in front of your potential employer, remain calm but do not relax! You must sit up straight, look the person in the eye, and focus on listening. If you are not paying attention in the interview, your interviewer will immediately notice. They will think to themselves: Well, if this person can’t even listen during this interview, what makes me think they can uphold their attention to detail while on the job. If you come across as a capable and well-mannered individual, you improve your chances for getting the position immensely.

4. Clearly communicate your strengths and weaknesses
Another very important impression you can make is to convey your strengths. Interviewees should do this in a nonchalant manner, like they did not plan on covering them during the interview. If you are asked about your weaknesses, explain them in a positive way. Say something like, “My least favorite weakness is not having patience for people who are lazy or insubordinate. I demand so much from myself and when people do not try, it really bothers me.” This way you not only give a weakness, but you turn it around and use it as a positive characteristic of yourself.

5. Establish solid personal standards
During an interview, you should always set high personal standards so the person conducting the interview has a better perspective of your values. Informally mention your standards during the interview by letting the interviewer know how you feel on certain subjects. For instance, by telling the interviewer you pride yourself on not being late or always completing tasks on time, the interviewer will realize you have good business values and therefore you are a very strong candidate for the position.

6. Explain what you want to achieve
Tell the interviewer what you want to achieve if you had the position. This hypothetical statement will give the interviewer a great chance to assess how you would fit into the company. By clarifying your future successes if hired, the interviewer understands you would be a hard worker because you have such high aspirations for yourself. Cover how you see yourself in the future and repeat the positive steps you would take in order to get there. Always include the company you are interviewing for in your plans.

7. Showcase at least three accomplishment stories
Most likely, your interviewer will ask you a series of real life questions. These will cover certain situations you’ve been in while on the job. Before an interview, think of at least three situations where your character was defined. This could be anything from dealing with customer complaints to problem solving between colleagues. Having stories prepared for reference will make your “perfect working past” actually lifelike. Stories from previous jobs give your work experience some substance. It’s all in the way you tell it so make sure you present the stories well.

8. Question the Questioner
One of the worst things you can do is to not ask the interviewer questions. Remember, the person is interviewing you to see if you are appropriate for the position, but on the other hand, you are also seeing if the job is right for you. Plus, by asking the interviewer questions, it shows them that you are also focus on gaining information to make your decision about entering into the company. Asking questions highlights an assertive person’s curiosity and interest in finding a position and career they want to pursue.

9. Make a grand exit
The ending of an interview can always seem a little awkward. Make sure you prepare an ending statement to finish the interview. Say something like, “Mr. Anderson, I really appreciate the time you’ve taken out of your busy schedule to meet with me. I am impressed by your professionalism and the way your business is conducted. I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Show your sincere appreciation and shake the person’s hand firmly. By making a grand exit, you leave a good last impression, which sometimes is more important than the first.

10. Write a Thank You Letter to whoever you spoke with
Make sure you write a thank you letter to the interviewer you talked with. The letter should not be very long, just enough to cover your gratitude. Towards the end of the letter, mention your repeated interest in the company and excitement about the possibilities in the future. Small things like this usually are the big difference makers between getting the position or not."

Tags: career tips, job hunting tips, cover letters, successful job interview, find a job, resume writing tips, resume tips, cover letter tips, professional resumes, job interview tips

Posted at 9:15 AM • Comments (0)