But seriously who uses a snail? The question was raised by one of my clients recently as to the content and layout differences that may be needed to a resume based on the method by which it is being delivered. We are going to look at why you should use different methods of delivery and some of the issues associated with each, together with content and format questions. There are 5 typical ways in which a resume can land on the desk of a hiring manager or recruiter, email, traditional post, fax, web site submission or by hand.
By Hand - To get someone to read your resume is the goal of your submission and without a doubt the best way of doing that is to have someone deliver it by hand. The implied endorsement and reference of having someone who works at the organization take your resume in the door and ask the HR or Hiring Manager is the optimum solution. If you have the chance to give a printed copy then do so on good quality paper and printed on a laser.
By Email - Email submitted resumes in a "Word" format can lose their format when printed, to overcome this problem and make sure that the format remains attractive save and submit the resume as a PDF. This also works when you are compelled to send your resume to the person who is delivering your resume by hand. This is the second best option for delivery if you have the direct email of the hiring manager or recruiter.
Traditional Post - Not such a common choice these days but maybe that is a good reason to use it. Again a quality printed document with a great cover letter and addressed to individual in question. This can also be a great option after you have submitted by email to follow up with the hard copy postal delivery.
Fax - Unless this is a necessity it is to be avoided. You don't know the quality of the machine or service you are sending the document to.
Web Site Submission - This can take many forms and may be as simple as attaching a word or a text document or completing a form that may be scanned and recompiled into a different form of resume.
Content Issues - Keywords, keywords and keywords. Read the job description, understand the needs and requirements of the position and then make sure that the resume contains ALL of the keywords. The resumes are often scanned by a machine or software and failure to have sufficient keywords will probably be a cause for failure to be selected.
Good hunting
Barry
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Write a Cover Letter That Delivers
Cover letters accompany your résumé when you can't. They introduce you to your potential employer. Effective cover letters identify the position you are interested in by referencing the job title and the requisition number, when available. They add value to your résumé by highlighting your qualifications. There is no such thing as a good generic cover letter! If it is generic, then it won't be effective.
Your cover letter delivers when it brings you a telephone call or a face-to-face meeting. It should emphasize your skills and accomplishments as they relate to the organization and be easy to read.
Do Your Research
Do you have a contact in the organization? If so, ask if you can use his or her name in the letter to make a connection. If not, can you find a contact in the organization? It's worth checking to see if your best friend's mom has a cousin who works for the company. Whenever possible try to find a contact inside the organization. It usually makes for a warmer reception all around.
Before you begin to write your cover letter, know the job requirements and research the company! Visit the company's Web site. If you know someone who works for the company, talk to him or her to get the inside scoop. The more you know about the company-their products, services, and needs-the better able you will be to craft a cover letter that gets their attention.
Determine What You Can Offer
Now that you know what the company needs, determine how you can help them meet those needs. What can you do to solve the hiring manager's problems? Tie your knowledge, skills, and abilities directly to the job requirements and stress why you are an excellent fit for the position.
Polish Each Part
Every part of your letter has a job to do. Make sure each part works well!
Heading
The heading on your cover letter should match the heading on your résumé-it gives your package a professional appearance.
Salutation
Job seekers frequently make the mistake of addressing their letters "To whom it may concern." My response to that is, does it concern me? Nope! Does it concern the guy at the next desk? Probably not!
Another ineffective salutation is "Dear Sir or Madam." Frankly, I may be a sir or a madam-but I am hardly both! Once again, it pays to do your research and find the name of the person who will be reviewing your résumé. Address the cover letter to that individual.
As a last resort, you can always use these salutations: "Dear Hiring Manager," "Attention Hiring Manager," or "Dear Reader." Because this is a business letter, always follow the salutation with a colon.
Opening Paragraph
Hook the reader with a must-read opening sentence. For example: "Congratulations on the recent article in the San Jose Mercury News, which described Data Delivery's rapid growth in the last six months." Or "Janet Jones of Clearwater Corp. suggested I contact you regarding the administrative specialist position." Note: you may only use Janet's name with her permission!
Your first paragraph must identify your reason for writing-your interest in a specific position. You should highlight the position and its corresponding reference number in bold type. That way, even if the person does not read your letter, he or she can easily identify the job category you best fit.
Body
The second paragraph summarizes your experience and accomplishments. It explains why you are the person for the job. Be clear; don't expect the employer to take time to figure out why you'd be great for the position. Match your skills and qualifications with the requirements of the job. I prefer the two-column approach that puts your qualifications side-by-side with requirements, but you can use a list or simply write a paragraph.
Sample Two-Column Approach
Your requirements: Develop standard operating procedures
My Skills: Developed and implemented a tool calibration system to meet IS09001 requirements.
Sample One-Column Approach
My qualifications for the position include:
o establishing sales offices in France, Great Britain, and Spain
o recruiting and managing international sales representatives
o developing and implementing training programs for the European offices
o briefing staff on our products and those of our competitors
o generating more than $12 million in sales with excellent margins
Sample Paragraph Approach
For the past six years I have been involved with all phases of Human Resources Management with a Fortune 500 company. In my current position, I developed a competitive recruitment program, incorporated a 360° performance appraisal system, and designed a cutting-edge cafeteria-style benefit package that increased employee benefit options while keeping costs to a minimum. As you can see, these accomplishments are directly related to the requirements listed in your job posting.
Wrap-up Paragraph
In the third paragraph always tell them that you are looking forward to meeting with them to discuss your skills and experience. Let them know that you will follow up with them and approximately when. Use whatever words you are most comfortable with, but you must indicate that they can expect to hear from you soon.
Finally, thank them for taking time to review your résumé and/or for considering you for the position. Thank them for something. Most people are not thanked frequently enough, so set yourself apart by thanking the reader for his or her interest.
Closing
End your letter with "Sincerely" or "Best regards." Drop down four lines and type your first and last name. Drop down two lines and type "Enclosure" to indicate that you are enclosing your résumé. Sign your name above your typed name and include your résumé.
Mail It!
In every part of your letter, make it easy for the reader to screen you "in." Follow these guidelines and soon you'll get the jump on your competition!
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Your cover letter delivers when it brings you a telephone call or a face-to-face meeting. It should emphasize your skills and accomplishments as they relate to the organization and be easy to read.
Do Your Research
Do you have a contact in the organization? If so, ask if you can use his or her name in the letter to make a connection. If not, can you find a contact in the organization? It's worth checking to see if your best friend's mom has a cousin who works for the company. Whenever possible try to find a contact inside the organization. It usually makes for a warmer reception all around.
Before you begin to write your cover letter, know the job requirements and research the company! Visit the company's Web site. If you know someone who works for the company, talk to him or her to get the inside scoop. The more you know about the company-their products, services, and needs-the better able you will be to craft a cover letter that gets their attention.
Determine What You Can Offer
Now that you know what the company needs, determine how you can help them meet those needs. What can you do to solve the hiring manager's problems? Tie your knowledge, skills, and abilities directly to the job requirements and stress why you are an excellent fit for the position.
Polish Each Part
Every part of your letter has a job to do. Make sure each part works well!
Heading
The heading on your cover letter should match the heading on your résumé-it gives your package a professional appearance.
Salutation
Job seekers frequently make the mistake of addressing their letters "To whom it may concern." My response to that is, does it concern me? Nope! Does it concern the guy at the next desk? Probably not!
Another ineffective salutation is "Dear Sir or Madam." Frankly, I may be a sir or a madam-but I am hardly both! Once again, it pays to do your research and find the name of the person who will be reviewing your résumé. Address the cover letter to that individual.
As a last resort, you can always use these salutations: "Dear Hiring Manager," "Attention Hiring Manager," or "Dear Reader." Because this is a business letter, always follow the salutation with a colon.
Opening Paragraph
Hook the reader with a must-read opening sentence. For example: "Congratulations on the recent article in the San Jose Mercury News, which described Data Delivery's rapid growth in the last six months." Or "Janet Jones of Clearwater Corp. suggested I contact you regarding the administrative specialist position." Note: you may only use Janet's name with her permission!
Your first paragraph must identify your reason for writing-your interest in a specific position. You should highlight the position and its corresponding reference number in bold type. That way, even if the person does not read your letter, he or she can easily identify the job category you best fit.
Body
The second paragraph summarizes your experience and accomplishments. It explains why you are the person for the job. Be clear; don't expect the employer to take time to figure out why you'd be great for the position. Match your skills and qualifications with the requirements of the job. I prefer the two-column approach that puts your qualifications side-by-side with requirements, but you can use a list or simply write a paragraph.
Sample Two-Column Approach
Your requirements: Develop standard operating procedures
My Skills: Developed and implemented a tool calibration system to meet IS09001 requirements.
Sample One-Column Approach
My qualifications for the position include:
o establishing sales offices in France, Great Britain, and Spain
o recruiting and managing international sales representatives
o developing and implementing training programs for the European offices
o briefing staff on our products and those of our competitors
o generating more than $12 million in sales with excellent margins
Sample Paragraph Approach
For the past six years I have been involved with all phases of Human Resources Management with a Fortune 500 company. In my current position, I developed a competitive recruitment program, incorporated a 360° performance appraisal system, and designed a cutting-edge cafeteria-style benefit package that increased employee benefit options while keeping costs to a minimum. As you can see, these accomplishments are directly related to the requirements listed in your job posting.
Wrap-up Paragraph
In the third paragraph always tell them that you are looking forward to meeting with them to discuss your skills and experience. Let them know that you will follow up with them and approximately when. Use whatever words you are most comfortable with, but you must indicate that they can expect to hear from you soon.
Finally, thank them for taking time to review your résumé and/or for considering you for the position. Thank them for something. Most people are not thanked frequently enough, so set yourself apart by thanking the reader for his or her interest.
Closing
End your letter with "Sincerely" or "Best regards." Drop down four lines and type your first and last name. Drop down two lines and type "Enclosure" to indicate that you are enclosing your résumé. Sign your name above your typed name and include your résumé.
Mail It!
In every part of your letter, make it easy for the reader to screen you "in." Follow these guidelines and soon you'll get the jump on your competition!
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Delivering Your CV to the Hands of That Dream Employer
Are you searching for information on applying for jobs or careers? If so you have come to the right place. Perhaps the most important consideration when applying for a position is to put together a professional and up to date CV. This should contain any information necessary to improve your chances of being called for an interview. But how exactly should your CV be delivered? Today there is the option of postal mail, email, fax, or hand delivery.
First of all it is important to find out whether there is any specific method that the company advertising the opening have requested for the resume to be given. If they have stipulated that all CVs must come by regular mail then you will have the opportunity to also include a cover letter. This is basically a letter that explains concisely why you are interested in the position and a synopsis of your skills and qualifications. Before writing a cover letter, be sure of who it needs to be addressed to.
Today more employers are requesting that resumes are sent by email. If this is the approach you are to take then make sure that you are clear on the format, this may be a PDF file or a Word document. Understand exactly what needs to be included in the subject line; this would usually include the reference number of the job you are applying for.
Fewer firms ask for CVs to be sent via fax machine. This is not such a popular choice as only a small number of us have access to a fax. If this is the method of delivery then make sure to include a brief cover letter as well as your correct contact information.
There are some businesses that expect potential job applicants to deliver their resumes by hand. If you are to do this then you will need to dress appropriately. If a company has requested you to visit their premises in person with your resume then they will want to see exactly how you dress and look.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
First of all it is important to find out whether there is any specific method that the company advertising the opening have requested for the resume to be given. If they have stipulated that all CVs must come by regular mail then you will have the opportunity to also include a cover letter. This is basically a letter that explains concisely why you are interested in the position and a synopsis of your skills and qualifications. Before writing a cover letter, be sure of who it needs to be addressed to.
Today more employers are requesting that resumes are sent by email. If this is the approach you are to take then make sure that you are clear on the format, this may be a PDF file or a Word document. Understand exactly what needs to be included in the subject line; this would usually include the reference number of the job you are applying for.
Fewer firms ask for CVs to be sent via fax machine. This is not such a popular choice as only a small number of us have access to a fax. If this is the method of delivery then make sure to include a brief cover letter as well as your correct contact information.
There are some businesses that expect potential job applicants to deliver their resumes by hand. If you are to do this then you will need to dress appropriately. If a company has requested you to visit their premises in person with your resume then they will want to see exactly how you dress and look.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Formulating Irrefutable Cover Letter Arguments
In many cases your cover letter and job application is set against a back drop of real, foreseen or perceived stretched company resources. Whilst a job advertisement is an opportunity for the applicant, the process that led to the creation of that opportunity is recognition by the organization that there is either insufficient staff or skills in order to complete the tasks at hand.
Against this back drop of solutions management, an opportunity presents itself for smart candidates to offer themselves as part of the solution. With a captive and interested audience, the cover letter is the ideal tool for the job.
Considering we now know that the employer is attempting to fill a void it is important to understand the context in which the position was created. Tailor your response against the background information provided in the advertisement. Is it a project role? Is it an operational role? Are other organizational functions such as change management, documentation, service delivery, architecture and service level agreements relevant?
Carefully select your relevant background. Ask yourself, why is it that I think I can do this job? Dissect your response and improve on it, once you have achieved that, improve on it again! Here is an example of how a good response can be fleshed out to be an outstanding response.
* A good applicant may tell you that power requirements should be considered when installing a server.
* A very good applicant may tell you that power requirements should be considered as well as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies)
* An excellent applicant may mention power considerations, a UPS and the importance of monitoring the status of the UPS.
* While an outstanding applicant may mention power considerations, a UPS, the importance of monitoring the status of the UPS as well as relating the consequences of power failure to the impact of service loss on business continuity and disaster recovery plans to the response.
It is this extended understanding of service delivery and how it affects an organization that sets the outstanding applicants apart from the rest. Fleshing out organizational functions is a process that requires knowledge and clarity of understanding on a higher level than just the offered job. This is where your education, training and experience come to the forefront. In the process, you will also score well on communication skills.
You need not literally mention how good you are to show outstanding characteristics. Giving each cover letters due thought is better than producing a myriad of mediocre template copies. In the case of the cover letter, quality is better than quantity.
And in order to produce that quality you need to carefully consider the forces that compelled the employer to invest in the advertised job. The costs of human resources are high throughout the developed world so it is little wonder that employers spend so much energy ensuring that they employ the right job candidate.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Against this back drop of solutions management, an opportunity presents itself for smart candidates to offer themselves as part of the solution. With a captive and interested audience, the cover letter is the ideal tool for the job.
Considering we now know that the employer is attempting to fill a void it is important to understand the context in which the position was created. Tailor your response against the background information provided in the advertisement. Is it a project role? Is it an operational role? Are other organizational functions such as change management, documentation, service delivery, architecture and service level agreements relevant?
Carefully select your relevant background. Ask yourself, why is it that I think I can do this job? Dissect your response and improve on it, once you have achieved that, improve on it again! Here is an example of how a good response can be fleshed out to be an outstanding response.
* A good applicant may tell you that power requirements should be considered when installing a server.
* A very good applicant may tell you that power requirements should be considered as well as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies)
* An excellent applicant may mention power considerations, a UPS and the importance of monitoring the status of the UPS.
* While an outstanding applicant may mention power considerations, a UPS, the importance of monitoring the status of the UPS as well as relating the consequences of power failure to the impact of service loss on business continuity and disaster recovery plans to the response.
It is this extended understanding of service delivery and how it affects an organization that sets the outstanding applicants apart from the rest. Fleshing out organizational functions is a process that requires knowledge and clarity of understanding on a higher level than just the offered job. This is where your education, training and experience come to the forefront. In the process, you will also score well on communication skills.
You need not literally mention how good you are to show outstanding characteristics. Giving each cover letters due thought is better than producing a myriad of mediocre template copies. In the case of the cover letter, quality is better than quantity.
And in order to produce that quality you need to carefully consider the forces that compelled the employer to invest in the advertised job. The costs of human resources are high throughout the developed world so it is little wonder that employers spend so much energy ensuring that they employ the right job candidate.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Friday, November 5, 2010
Delivery Driver Resume
Most of the time, people are thinking that the job of a delivery drivers are just simple. They just transport goods from one place to another. But to be an effective delivery driver, one must have the physical ability as well as the mental capacity and these must be reflected in a delivery driver's resume. A well organized resume reflects your intellectual capability and these will definitely be noticed by your future employer.
First, you have to identify whether you are a heavy truck or a tractor-trailer driver and you must have the required commercial driver's license to go with it, otherwise, a valid license driver will be enough. Then you have to make a detailed description of every aspect of your work. Primarily, a delivery driver's duty is to drive vehicles to transport goods to and from specified locations ensuring that the goods will arrive on time, safe and complete. Drivers must verify the contents of the inventory loads against the delivery papers. He must also have good communications skills as he deals with clients or its representative in presenting bills and receipts upon collecting payments for the goods delivered or loaded. He must be trustworthy and turn in receipts and money received from deliveries accurately. Drivers should be organized and keep records of delivery as well as inventory of vehicle loads.
For the vehicle side, he must regularly and diligently inspect and maintain vehicle supplies like gas, oil, water, tires, lights and brakes to ensure proper working condition. A driver must be capable of performing emergency vehicle repairs like changing tires, replacing bulbs, fuses, tire chains and spark plug. It would be advantageous for the driver if he have the ability to do mechanical repairs and maintenance. He must also retain a record of the vehicles' maintenance works. Finally, a delivery driver can emphasize in his resume his vast knowledge on geography, reading maps, public safety/security, and traffic laws/ regulations.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
First, you have to identify whether you are a heavy truck or a tractor-trailer driver and you must have the required commercial driver's license to go with it, otherwise, a valid license driver will be enough. Then you have to make a detailed description of every aspect of your work. Primarily, a delivery driver's duty is to drive vehicles to transport goods to and from specified locations ensuring that the goods will arrive on time, safe and complete. Drivers must verify the contents of the inventory loads against the delivery papers. He must also have good communications skills as he deals with clients or its representative in presenting bills and receipts upon collecting payments for the goods delivered or loaded. He must be trustworthy and turn in receipts and money received from deliveries accurately. Drivers should be organized and keep records of delivery as well as inventory of vehicle loads.
For the vehicle side, he must regularly and diligently inspect and maintain vehicle supplies like gas, oil, water, tires, lights and brakes to ensure proper working condition. A driver must be capable of performing emergency vehicle repairs like changing tires, replacing bulbs, fuses, tire chains and spark plug. It would be advantageous for the driver if he have the ability to do mechanical repairs and maintenance. He must also retain a record of the vehicles' maintenance works. Finally, a delivery driver can emphasize in his resume his vast knowledge on geography, reading maps, public safety/security, and traffic laws/ regulations.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
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