© Written By Jimmy Sweeney President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator
Think of your cover letter as a knock on the door. When someone opens the door you're standing there ready to introduce yourself and to share your qualifications for the job opening. This is a proactive, direct way to win attention, and also the smart way. Hiring managers are busy. If you want to get noticed you must be clear and direct, positive and professional.
Here's a unique cover letter tip for this tough job market: Tie your cover letter to your resume by mentioning a particular skill or accomplishment the hiring manager can relate to for his company. For example, suppose you are applying for a job as a regional manager of a retail shoe company. You've had excellent experience training sales people and retaining them. Turnover is low and morale is high under your leadership, thus affecting the bottom line in a positive, profitable way.
You could bring this information to the attention of the hiring manager in this clever and effective way:
I would welcome meeting with you to discuss your need for a regional manager in the area where my family and I will be moving on September 1. I've been a shoe store manager for three years and during my time with The Right Fit shoe store I have trained five new salespeople who have remained with me the entire time. One salesman, Mike Johnson, was so enthusiastic about his job he gave me permission to quote him. "I can't imagine a more pleasant place to work. I like the people here, especially Mark Smith, the manager, and I can earn a good living." Now Mike Johnson is ready to assume my position when I leave!
As you can see from this paragraph, the job hunter, Mark Smith, is making clear to the hiring manager, his own qualifications, as well as the benefit to the company he hopes to work for by using a testimonial from an employee he has worked with at his previous job. If you were the hiring manager wouldn't you want to interview this individual? I certainly would. He not only sounds like a nice guy—but one who knows how to train and retain sales people which increases staff morale and revenue for the company.
A well-written cover letter tied to the accompanying resume in this fashion is certain to win an interview for the writer. Try it for yourself and then get ready to answer the phone.
- Jimmy Sweeney
Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."
Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"
From www.net-temps.com
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Interview Questions You Can't Afford to Miss
While you’ll never be able to plan for every question you may be asked by a potential employer, you can anticipate and rehearse answers to common interview questions. Here are three questions you can’t afford to miss—and strategies to help you prepare.
Question 1: What’s Your Second Biggest Weakness?
Note: If you have presented an actual weakness for the first question, you most likely will not be asked this question. This is a question employers may ask as a follow-up to the “Describe one of your weaknesses for me” question.
Employers may ask you this question for one of two reasons:
To probe beyond your first weakness answer (which they anticipate was prepared in advance), and
If the first answer you provided was a strength disguised as a weakness; classic answers to this question include I’m a “perfectionist,” or “I work too hard.” (Note: These can also be actual weaknesses; it is often said that “any strength overextended can transform into a weakness.”)
Answering questions on your biggest weakness is a delicate balance: you want to make sure that you provide candid information on areas that you could—or have improved—but you also don’t want to run the risk of being eliminated from the game altogether. Therefore, make sure you don’t present a weakness that is an integral function of the job to which you are applying.
Question 2: Tell Me What You Know About Our Company.
While this may seem like an easy answer, you want to demonstrate that your understanding of what the company does, and how your position would align with the company’s key mission if hired. If you have only researched the company website and taken press releases at face value, you may be taken out of the running…. in today’s market, you ideally want to demonstrate that you are familiar with the company-as well as how the company and industry sector are affected by economic trends. The more you can participate in the dialogue on the company’s current needs, the stronger your candidacy will be.
A great way to prepare for the what do you know about our company question—monitor Google News (news.google.com) and set up “News Alerts” by company name and industry function—that way, you can take a crash course in recent events. Other sources of information include industry and annual reports. Spend 20 minutes with a reference librarian at your closest library and you’ll have great access to all of the information you need.
Question 3: Do You Have Any Questions For Us?
Conventional wisdom is that this is the time in the interview when you can relax—it isn’t. You need to show the employer that you’ve thought about the position and how you could apply your skills if hired. Do not ask about benefits or compensation; focus on your interest in the position and ask questions that demonstrate your high level of interest and knowledge of the potential opportunity.
A common question is “What are you looking for in a candidate?” Avoid this one. If you were not a potential finalist for the position, you would not be in the game. A better question is: “What are your biggest needs, and how does this position help you address these needs?”
Finally, remember that interviewing is a process of mutual selection—you are also picking an employer. Ask questions which will allow you to assess the work environment and whether it fits with your values. One of my favorite questions for a group interview is, “If I were hired into this position, what would my first priorities be, and how would I work with each of you on that to accomplish our objectives?” This question allows you to assess both the nature of the position and the level of interaction you could expect from others: in many organizations, employees serve on search committees together, but don’t interact as frequently during their regular work.
- E. Chandlee Bryan, M.Ed., CPRW
Social Media Expert – Career Thought Leaders Consortium
Founder & President – Best Fit Forward
Facilitator – NYC Job Seekers MeetUp
Email: chandlee@bestfitforward.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chandlee
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chandleebryan
Phone: 212-662-0025
www.net-temps.com
Question 1: What’s Your Second Biggest Weakness?
Note: If you have presented an actual weakness for the first question, you most likely will not be asked this question. This is a question employers may ask as a follow-up to the “Describe one of your weaknesses for me” question.
Employers may ask you this question for one of two reasons:
To probe beyond your first weakness answer (which they anticipate was prepared in advance), and
If the first answer you provided was a strength disguised as a weakness; classic answers to this question include I’m a “perfectionist,” or “I work too hard.” (Note: These can also be actual weaknesses; it is often said that “any strength overextended can transform into a weakness.”)
Answering questions on your biggest weakness is a delicate balance: you want to make sure that you provide candid information on areas that you could—or have improved—but you also don’t want to run the risk of being eliminated from the game altogether. Therefore, make sure you don’t present a weakness that is an integral function of the job to which you are applying.
Question 2: Tell Me What You Know About Our Company.
While this may seem like an easy answer, you want to demonstrate that your understanding of what the company does, and how your position would align with the company’s key mission if hired. If you have only researched the company website and taken press releases at face value, you may be taken out of the running…. in today’s market, you ideally want to demonstrate that you are familiar with the company-as well as how the company and industry sector are affected by economic trends. The more you can participate in the dialogue on the company’s current needs, the stronger your candidacy will be.
A great way to prepare for the what do you know about our company question—monitor Google News (news.google.com) and set up “News Alerts” by company name and industry function—that way, you can take a crash course in recent events. Other sources of information include industry and annual reports. Spend 20 minutes with a reference librarian at your closest library and you’ll have great access to all of the information you need.
Question 3: Do You Have Any Questions For Us?
Conventional wisdom is that this is the time in the interview when you can relax—it isn’t. You need to show the employer that you’ve thought about the position and how you could apply your skills if hired. Do not ask about benefits or compensation; focus on your interest in the position and ask questions that demonstrate your high level of interest and knowledge of the potential opportunity.
A common question is “What are you looking for in a candidate?” Avoid this one. If you were not a potential finalist for the position, you would not be in the game. A better question is: “What are your biggest needs, and how does this position help you address these needs?”
Finally, remember that interviewing is a process of mutual selection—you are also picking an employer. Ask questions which will allow you to assess the work environment and whether it fits with your values. One of my favorite questions for a group interview is, “If I were hired into this position, what would my first priorities be, and how would I work with each of you on that to accomplish our objectives?” This question allows you to assess both the nature of the position and the level of interaction you could expect from others: in many organizations, employees serve on search committees together, but don’t interact as frequently during their regular work.
- E. Chandlee Bryan, M.Ed., CPRW
Social Media Expert – Career Thought Leaders Consortium
Founder & President – Best Fit Forward
Facilitator – NYC Job Seekers MeetUp
Email: chandlee@bestfitforward.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chandlee
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chandleebryan
Phone: 212-662-0025
www.net-temps.com
Friday, April 16, 2010
Healthcare Billing Specialist
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
• Perform posting of patient information at the set production level, while maintaining a 97% quality rate
• Will work billing exceptions report in an electronic format by utilizing the system tools for resolution or phone calls to the customer for needed billing information and update accordingly
• Will identify trends and ways to help prevent billing exceptions and notify management
LOCATION:
• Central Houston
• Free Covered parking
• Deli within the building
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Learning opportunity – expand on your tenured skills
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Promotes individual professional growth and development
• Team of 10,000+ in the Texas area
• Monday thru Friday hours: 8am – 5pm
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Good oral and written communication skills
• 10-key Data Entry Skills and Microsoft Excel 97
• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, but prefer an Associate’s Degree
• Previous Medical and Billing experience is a plus
Salary is $23,000 - $28,000 depending on experience. For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to alison@executeam.com
• Perform posting of patient information at the set production level, while maintaining a 97% quality rate
• Will work billing exceptions report in an electronic format by utilizing the system tools for resolution or phone calls to the customer for needed billing information and update accordingly
• Will identify trends and ways to help prevent billing exceptions and notify management
LOCATION:
• Central Houston
• Free Covered parking
• Deli within the building
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Learning opportunity – expand on your tenured skills
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Promotes individual professional growth and development
• Team of 10,000+ in the Texas area
• Monday thru Friday hours: 8am – 5pm
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Good oral and written communication skills
• 10-key Data Entry Skills and Microsoft Excel 97
• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, but prefer an Associate’s Degree
• Previous Medical and Billing experience is a plus
Salary is $23,000 - $28,000 depending on experience. For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to alison@executeam.com
Human Resource Assistant Needed in New Orleans
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
Professional Human Resource Assistant is needed for one of New Orlean's most well renowned government entities. The Human Resource Assistant will serve as the right arm to the Director of Human Resources and assist with benefit administration, employee orientation, and employee training while delivering excellent customer service. Advancement of Human Resource skills is available.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Opportunity to work directly with the public and your neighboring community
• Provide a service to improve the quality of life for your neighbors
• Effect positive change in the lives and communities citywide
LOCATION:
• North Central area location
• Shopping & Dinning nearby
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• 3 - 5 years experience in Human Resources
• Professional and mature demeanor
• The ability to handle confidential information a must!
• Strong communication and follow up skills
• The ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Flexible and team oriented attitude
Salary is $34,560 – $40,320
Professional Human Resource Assistant is needed for one of New Orlean's most well renowned government entities. The Human Resource Assistant will serve as the right arm to the Director of Human Resources and assist with benefit administration, employee orientation, and employee training while delivering excellent customer service. Advancement of Human Resource skills is available.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Opportunity to work directly with the public and your neighboring community
• Provide a service to improve the quality of life for your neighbors
• Effect positive change in the lives and communities citywide
LOCATION:
• North Central area location
• Shopping & Dinning nearby
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• 3 - 5 years experience in Human Resources
• Professional and mature demeanor
• The ability to handle confidential information a must!
• Strong communication and follow up skills
• The ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Flexible and team oriented attitude
Salary is $34,560 – $40,320
Monday, April 12, 2010
8 Resume Editing Tips
It's amazing what a well-written and nicely presented resume can do for your job search. Before you send yours out, follow this checklist to ensure you are sending out an excellent quality representation of yourself.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation - Use the grammar and spell check function, then print it out and read the document word for word. Spell checker doesn’t know that you meant "manager" when you actually typed "manger."
Capitalization - Use a manual such as the Gregg Reference Manual if you do not know capitalization rules.
Punctuation - Check for proper use of commas and semi-colons. Again, if you are unsure, refer to the Gregg Reference Manual.
Run-on sentences - Check to make sure you do not have run-ons that are hard to read.
Consistency - You must be consistent with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals, and abbreviations. For example, don’t list one date as 8/2004 and then list another date as 3/15/2004. Also, be aware of listing software consistently (abbreviation use). MS Word and Microsoft Outlook are both correct, but not consistent.
Education section - When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree. When you list your dates, (i.e.: 9/1998 to 1/2002) many resume-scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period of time.
Ampersands - Ampersands (&) do not belong on a resume. There are a few exceptions. One exception is a well-known company name (AT&T). Another exception is well-known industry terms (P&L).
Hyperlinks - All e-mail and web addresses that you list need to be deactivated in your resume. To do this in MS Word, highlight the link, go to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click "Hyperlink", and on the lower left-hand side of this screen there should be a little button that says "Remove link", when you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively, you can highlight the link, right click on it, and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.
- Jennifer Anthony
Jennifer Anthony is the Director of Online Resume Service, offering professional and affordable resume writing services. If you have comments about this article, or if you are interested in learning more about professional resume writing, please contact Jennifer Anthony by e-mail at resumeasap@gmail.com.
From www.net-temps.com
Grammar, spelling, punctuation - Use the grammar and spell check function, then print it out and read the document word for word. Spell checker doesn’t know that you meant "manager" when you actually typed "manger."
Capitalization - Use a manual such as the Gregg Reference Manual if you do not know capitalization rules.
Punctuation - Check for proper use of commas and semi-colons. Again, if you are unsure, refer to the Gregg Reference Manual.
Run-on sentences - Check to make sure you do not have run-ons that are hard to read.
Consistency - You must be consistent with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals, and abbreviations. For example, don’t list one date as 8/2004 and then list another date as 3/15/2004. Also, be aware of listing software consistently (abbreviation use). MS Word and Microsoft Outlook are both correct, but not consistent.
Education section - When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree. When you list your dates, (i.e.: 9/1998 to 1/2002) many resume-scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period of time.
Ampersands - Ampersands (&) do not belong on a resume. There are a few exceptions. One exception is a well-known company name (AT&T). Another exception is well-known industry terms (P&L).
Hyperlinks - All e-mail and web addresses that you list need to be deactivated in your resume. To do this in MS Word, highlight the link, go to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click "Hyperlink", and on the lower left-hand side of this screen there should be a little button that says "Remove link", when you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively, you can highlight the link, right click on it, and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.
- Jennifer Anthony
Jennifer Anthony is the Director of Online Resume Service, offering professional and affordable resume writing services. If you have comments about this article, or if you are interested in learning more about professional resume writing, please contact Jennifer Anthony by e-mail at resumeasap@gmail.com.
From www.net-temps.com
Friday, April 9, 2010
Credit Union Accountant
Assist with AP, AR, general ledger, reconciliations, and cash drawer balancing. Job duties also include setting up loan files, Federal Reserve reports, and monitoring ATM'S for maintenance purposes. Will assist with customer inquiries.
Schedule is Mon-Fri 8-5 or 8:30-5:30 pm.
What the company offers you: professional and friendly working environment, excellent benefits, challenge, and stability!
Requirements: Banking/credit union experience is required. College degree is preferred. Customer service and friendly demeanor. Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
Location: Sugar Land
Salary: $35-$50K depending on experience
For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to lindsey@executeam.com
Schedule is Mon-Fri 8-5 or 8:30-5:30 pm.
What the company offers you: professional and friendly working environment, excellent benefits, challenge, and stability!
Requirements: Banking/credit union experience is required. College degree is preferred. Customer service and friendly demeanor. Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
Location: Sugar Land
Salary: $35-$50K depending on experience
For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to lindsey@executeam.com
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Phlebotomist
ExecuTeam Healthcare is currently representing a Laboratory based in the West area of Houston who is seeking several experienced Phlebotomists. Our client is holding a 3-4 hour orientation session for interested Phlebotomists. To be considered for an assignment, attendance and participation in the orientation session is required. Orientation is unpaid for those who attend but excellent experience to have on your resume! Once you have successfully completed the orientation session, you will be eligible for open positions throughout the Houston area. If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please submit resume to Alison Zeigler (alison@executeam.com) at ExecuTeam or visit www.executeam.com
Logistics Specialist
Seeking a skilled professional Logistics Specialist to process international shipments. Heavy emphasis on SAP. The successful candidate must possess refined interpersonal skills and adept at email, SAP and logistics processes.
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
• Only those who want to be the center of expertise should apply!
• Provide support to key Executives in a collaborative environment
• Provide office support services to logistics staff as necessary
• Prepare basic account reconciliations
• Identify issues and anomalies and identify root causes
• Provide analytical, administrative, clerical and project support to management
• Monitor and manage AP submissions from Service Providers
• Ensure process for assigned responsibilities are documented and kept current
• Invoice auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance
COMPANY PROFILE:
You know who they are! Well recognized and reputable Oil Service company with International holdings. Safety standards are their expertise.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Stable company with a foundation dating back to the early 1900s
• Growth oriented company
• Modern and home like environment
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Excellent compensation
• DIRECT HIRE OPPORTUNITY!!
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
LOCATION:
• West Houston location – away from the freeways, traffic & construction!
• Free Covered parking
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
• Beautiful state of the art building
• Easy access on and off freeways
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills and computer literacy
• To be creative and innovative in providing quality solutions, analytical & solution oriented.
• Must have a 4 year degree from an accredited University in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Engineering discipline
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Oil & Gas or Chemical industry or similar
• Minimum of 1 year experience in shipping Dangerous Goods internationally is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with the PO/SO process in SAP
• Proven experience in Logistics and Supply Chain
• Familiarity with Root Cause analysis
• Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure while producing accurate results
• Exposure to and processes of a Warehouse Management System
• Exposure to lean and continuous improvement background
For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to amy@executeam.com
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
• Only those who want to be the center of expertise should apply!
• Provide support to key Executives in a collaborative environment
• Provide office support services to logistics staff as necessary
• Prepare basic account reconciliations
• Identify issues and anomalies and identify root causes
• Provide analytical, administrative, clerical and project support to management
• Monitor and manage AP submissions from Service Providers
• Ensure process for assigned responsibilities are documented and kept current
• Invoice auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance
COMPANY PROFILE:
You know who they are! Well recognized and reputable Oil Service company with International holdings. Safety standards are their expertise.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Stable company with a foundation dating back to the early 1900s
• Growth oriented company
• Modern and home like environment
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Excellent compensation
• DIRECT HIRE OPPORTUNITY!!
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
LOCATION:
• West Houston location – away from the freeways, traffic & construction!
• Free Covered parking
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
• Beautiful state of the art building
• Easy access on and off freeways
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills and computer literacy
• To be creative and innovative in providing quality solutions, analytical & solution oriented.
• Must have a 4 year degree from an accredited University in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Engineering discipline
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Oil & Gas or Chemical industry or similar
• Minimum of 1 year experience in shipping Dangerous Goods internationally is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with the PO/SO process in SAP
• Proven experience in Logistics and Supply Chain
• Familiarity with Root Cause analysis
• Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure while producing accurate results
• Exposure to and processes of a Warehouse Management System
• Exposure to lean and continuous improvement background
For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to amy@executeam.com
Logistics Analyst
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
• Only those who want to be the center of expertise should apply!
• Provide support to key Executives in a collaborative environment
• Provide office support services to logistics staff as necessary
• Prepare basic account reconciliations
• Identify issues and anomalies and identify root causes
• Provide analytical, administrative, clerical and project support to management
• Monitor and manage AP submissions from Service Providers
• Ensure process for assigned responsibilities are documented and kept current
• Invoice auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance
COMPANY PROFILE:
You know who they are! Well recognized and reputable Oil Service company with International holdings. Safety standards are their expertise.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Stable company with a foundation dating back to the early 1900s
• Growth oriented company
• Modern and home like environment
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Excellent compensation
• DIRECT HIRE OPPORTUNITY!!
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
LOCATION:
• West Houston location – away from the freeways, traffic & construction!
• Free Covered parking
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
• Beautiful state of the art building
• Easy access on and off freeways
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills and computer literacy
• To be creative and innovative in providing quality solutions, analytical & solution oriented.
• Must have a 4 year degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Logistics
• Knowledge of financial and accounting processes, policies, and procedures
• Experience in invoice auditing
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure while producing accurate results
For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to amy@executeam.com
• Only those who want to be the center of expertise should apply!
• Provide support to key Executives in a collaborative environment
• Provide office support services to logistics staff as necessary
• Prepare basic account reconciliations
• Identify issues and anomalies and identify root causes
• Provide analytical, administrative, clerical and project support to management
• Monitor and manage AP submissions from Service Providers
• Ensure process for assigned responsibilities are documented and kept current
• Invoice auditing to ensure accuracy and compliance
COMPANY PROFILE:
You know who they are! Well recognized and reputable Oil Service company with International holdings. Safety standards are their expertise.
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Stable company with a foundation dating back to the early 1900s
• Growth oriented company
• Modern and home like environment
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Excellent compensation
• DIRECT HIRE OPPORTUNITY!!
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
LOCATION:
• West Houston location – away from the freeways, traffic & construction!
• Free Covered parking
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
• Beautiful state of the art building
• Easy access on and off freeways
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills and computer literacy
• To be creative and innovative in providing quality solutions, analytical & solution oriented.
• Must have a 4 year degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Logistics
• Knowledge of financial and accounting processes, policies, and procedures
• Experience in invoice auditing
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure while producing accurate results
For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to amy@executeam.com
Monday, April 5, 2010
One Resume Technique Makes You Stand Out
A Human Resources Manager, working at a Fortune 500 company, asked for my help in writing her resume. She told me: "Thousands of resumes have passed through my hands but when it comes to writing my own I have a difficult time doing it." She isn't alone in her concerns. Most people find resume writing challenging. A resume is nothing more than a slick piece of advertising, but an important piece, especially in today's job market.
Employers report that most resumes get only a 15-20 second glance. If you don't capture the reviewer's attention and interest quickly they will pass you by and call in someone else for the interview.
There is one effective technique that you can use that dramatically improves your resume. In our national survey of 600 hiring managers, the overwhelming majority said the most important part of your resume is the SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS section. Employers reported that this was one of the very first areas they read and when the summary demonstrates solid ability to perform the job it catches their attention and they slow down and give the applicant more careful consideration.
Hiring managers also reported only about 5% of resumes received contained this key section, and I never write a resume without it. It's just too powerful to leave out. This section usually consists of four to six sentences that present an overview of your experience, accomplishments, talents, work habits, and skills. Think of it as a mini-outline of you; a highly influential summation of the specifics you bring to the job.
Here is a good example from one of the resumes I wrote for a client:
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Proven track record serving as corporate counsel with eight years experience dealing with intellectual property and partnerships in a global environment. Responsible for a broad range of legal matters including: copyright and trademark protection, contract negotiations, compliance, and litigation. Led legal team in completing sophisticated joint venture negotiations that delivered millions to the company's bottomline. Recognized for superior problem-solving, project management, relationship building, and strategic planning skills.
It's easy to see by reading this brief summary how this candidate is qualified to perform as a corporate attorney. Indeed, she got several interviews and accepted a Fortune 100 company's offer, which included a very significant salary raise and signing bonus.
The SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS, which speaks volumes by consolidating the best you have to bring to the job, really makes you stand out and pulls the employer in for a closer look. Be sure that your resume has this essential section. It comes right after your name, address and career objective. One caution -- employers complain that many people lie on their resume. Exaggeration! Misrepresentation! LYING is a deadly error. Don't do it! Employers do more background checks now than ever before so when you get caught, and sooner or later you will get exposed, you'll likely be fired. Only solid facts and verifiable experience should highlight your experience and accomplishments.
- Robin Ryan
Career Counselor and Best-Selling Author
America's most popular career counselor, Robin Ryan, is the author of four bestselling books: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!, Winning Resumes, Winning Cover Letters, and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life. She's appeared on over a thousand TV & radio shows including Oprah, Dr. Phil, and has been published in most major newspapers and magazines including USA Today & the Wall Street journal. Contact her at 425.226.0414; email: info@robinryan.com.
Copyright 2010 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.
From www.net-temps.com
Employers report that most resumes get only a 15-20 second glance. If you don't capture the reviewer's attention and interest quickly they will pass you by and call in someone else for the interview.
There is one effective technique that you can use that dramatically improves your resume. In our national survey of 600 hiring managers, the overwhelming majority said the most important part of your resume is the SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS section. Employers reported that this was one of the very first areas they read and when the summary demonstrates solid ability to perform the job it catches their attention and they slow down and give the applicant more careful consideration.
Hiring managers also reported only about 5% of resumes received contained this key section, and I never write a resume without it. It's just too powerful to leave out. This section usually consists of four to six sentences that present an overview of your experience, accomplishments, talents, work habits, and skills. Think of it as a mini-outline of you; a highly influential summation of the specifics you bring to the job.
Here is a good example from one of the resumes I wrote for a client:
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Proven track record serving as corporate counsel with eight years experience dealing with intellectual property and partnerships in a global environment. Responsible for a broad range of legal matters including: copyright and trademark protection, contract negotiations, compliance, and litigation. Led legal team in completing sophisticated joint venture negotiations that delivered millions to the company's bottomline. Recognized for superior problem-solving, project management, relationship building, and strategic planning skills.
It's easy to see by reading this brief summary how this candidate is qualified to perform as a corporate attorney. Indeed, she got several interviews and accepted a Fortune 100 company's offer, which included a very significant salary raise and signing bonus.
The SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS, which speaks volumes by consolidating the best you have to bring to the job, really makes you stand out and pulls the employer in for a closer look. Be sure that your resume has this essential section. It comes right after your name, address and career objective. One caution -- employers complain that many people lie on their resume. Exaggeration! Misrepresentation! LYING is a deadly error. Don't do it! Employers do more background checks now than ever before so when you get caught, and sooner or later you will get exposed, you'll likely be fired. Only solid facts and verifiable experience should highlight your experience and accomplishments.
- Robin Ryan
Career Counselor and Best-Selling Author
America's most popular career counselor, Robin Ryan, is the author of four bestselling books: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!, Winning Resumes, Winning Cover Letters, and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life. She's appeared on over a thousand TV & radio shows including Oprah, Dr. Phil, and has been published in most major newspapers and magazines including USA Today & the Wall Street journal. Contact her at 425.226.0414; email: info@robinryan.com.
Copyright 2010 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.
From www.net-temps.com
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