Essay Guideline

Sometimes you can face a real dilemma regarding what to put on or leave off a resume. Essentially, a resume is simply a marketing tool that features the highlights of your qualifications; not every job must be listed as that is what the job application is for.

Still, there is so much misunderstanding regarding resumes. I have seen people list every job held, classes taken, achievements, etc. Some of these experiences are far from their intended career aspirations, but I generally don’t have a problem with most of them as it can show that you are a well rounded person.

However, listing a job you held for a month or two can raise a red flag. If you list a short term job, be prepared to honestly explain your short stint, but if you leave it out you may be asked why you have a gap on your resume. Personally, I would leave most jobs held for six months off of the resume but include this information on the job application if one is utilized.

What you decide to do is your call and if you visit the various career sites on the internet you’ll find a variety of opinions on the subject, some of which offer conflicting advice.

Copyright 2006 - For additional information regarding Matt Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.

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Want to get hired faster than up to 97% of other job seekers?

Well, you can. By doing two simple things almost nobody else is doing:

1) write down a job search goal and

2) read it out loud 10 times a day.

Do this and you’ll find a job faster as a result. I promise.

Here’s how …

Depending on which self-help book you read or success guru you listen to, only about 3% to 10% of the population has written goals, with deadlines. To prove this, ask yourself — do you have written goals? Probably not. Now go ask 10 friends. Only about one will answer yes, if they’re honest.

The point is this: only a tiny percentage of people take the effort to decide exactly what they want in life and then write it down in the form of clear, specific goals.

This may explain why only a tiny percentage of people rise to the top in any profession. Why a tiny percentage are truly happy in their work. Why a tiny percentage sail from one rewarding job to the next, as if they were following a blueprint for success.

Well, that’s what written goals are — mini-blueprints for success.

Think about it. Would you hire an architect to build you a home who refused to draw a blueprint? You’d think he was nuts, of course, and show him the door.

And yet, I’ll wager that more than 90% of people look for work with no written goals — blueprints — of any kind. Is it any wonder so many folks meet with so much frustration and take so long to get hired?

OK. Let’s get you a job search goal and then burn it into your brain, so you will get focused, get motivated and get hired. Fast.

There are two steps to this goal-setting process.

Step 1) Decide on the job you want and write it down

Complete the following statement and write it on a 3×5 card:

“It’s June 30. I’m an outstanding JOB TITLE who adds value to the company lucky enough to have me. I’m making $XX,XXX in a stimulating environment, doing work I love, surrounded by co-workers I enjoy.”

Now, why is this important?

Writing a goal forces you to get clear on what you want. After all, you’d never write down a goal like this: “Um, well, I’d like a job that pays the bills, maybe working in an office or something.” Yet, that’s typical of the response I get from many people when I ask, “What job are you looking for?”

So, by writing down a specific employment goal with a due date (so your subconscious knows you’re serious), you’ll be ahead of the vast majority of other job seekers.

But that’s not enough …

Step 2) Reinforce your goal

Writing down a goal is great. But if you want breakthrough results, you have to reinforce it until it’s crystal clear in your mind’s eye, like the North Star.

To do this, read your goal out loud 10 times every morning. Then, put your 3×5 “goal card” in your pocket and refer to it during the day — at least three times, if you can.

Soon, your life will organize itself around finding your ideal job, as your subconscious goes to work. You’ll start to see employment leads where before there appeared none.

Example: someone you haven’t heard from in 10 years will call, and the conversation will lead to a job interview. Or your hair dresser will volunteer the name of a hiring manager who’s looking for someone like you. Or your next-door neighbor will bring back a hammer he borrowed last year … along with a job lead.

I’ve seen this sort of thing happen too many times to dismiss it as chance.

Try this two-step process for the next 30 days and see for yourself. The worst that can happen is you’ll have a very clear idea of the job you seek. At best, you’ll be working.

What have you got to lose?

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal’s National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

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We have all been in the position of looking for a job, changing careers, etc. It is time consuming and patience challenging. We apply for job after job and never seem to get what we want even though we see people around us that always seem to get the job they want.

Most companies will accept a resume and you should have one available just in case. If you are not good at writing a resume, use a service or an internet resume template. There are many free services on the internet to help you write a really good resume.

If you are required to fill out an application, type it,if possible or print it neatly. this will be the first impression of your prospective employer. If your application is sloppy, it implies that you are sloppy in your work habits. Do not scratch out or white out mistakes. If possible, have a spare so you can fill out a draft and then the finished application.

When responding to questions on an application, be truthful, even if it is not something you want to share. Truthfulness is of utmost importance!

Should you get an interview, be on time for the appointment. If you are late, it indicates that you will probably be late to work. Early arrival is better than late arrival.

Dress for the job you want, not the job you are applying for! Always dress your best for a first and subsequent interview. Even if you are applying for a job that would require jeans, dress up. It is much easier to interview someone that is eye-pleasing than someone who is sloppy or unkept. Even if you are not the most attractive person, everyone can present themselves appropriately by dressing for the occasion.

Respond to questions in the interview as professionally as possible. Do not elaborate on subjects you know nothing about. Let the interviewer ask the questions and do not volunteer information or opinions unless asked.

Ultimately, if you get the job, be on time! Dress as required for the position. Even if you are in a warehouse situation and are wearing casual clothes, make sure you maintain a professional look. If you have a tattoo, don’t show it off. Some employers find these offensive. Face piercings are also sometimes offensive. Even if you don’t have a lot of money, wear clean, pressed clothes.

Again, dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

By Michele Graham-CEO and Owner of Professional Healthcare Management

http://www.phmnetwork.com

http://www.healthcarenewsonline.com

http://resumetemplate.abies.info

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