24. May
2009

Resume Update: Highlighting your Accomplishments

Written by: parisalexandra - Posted in: Job Articles

Most employers today look for more than just a bulleted list of the jobs you’ve had in the past. At first glance of your resume, they should be able to answer that question: Can he/she do the work? One way to clearly convey this is by adding a list of achievements you’ve had in the positions you’ve held.

These accomplishments are indicative of your skills and competencies you can bring to the next job. First thing you need to do is assess the requirements of the job you are applying for. Are your accomplishments a good match for their needs?

Next, make a list of your accomplishments by identifying the problem, the action and the result of each accomplishment. You can do this in table form to make it easier for you to formulate you statements. You’ll find that this can also help you during the actual interview. Most employers ask questions relating to your problem-solving ability.

Then, use strong statements that clearly paint a picture of what you’ve done. This can include the following statements:

Reduced costs
Increased sales
Improved profitability
Initiated processes improvement
Devised a plan and carried it through completion
Handled emergency situations
Increased performance
Received awards or commendations
Lead changes that improved quality
Established process
Accelerated production
Built a system
Delivered over expected results

Finally, be detailed in terms of figures but keep your statements short. For instance, you can indicate that you helped reduce costs by 30 percent. Be succinct in communicating your achievements. Keep it at a three-sentence maximum length.

The following is a sample accomplishment statement that indicates the problem, action and results and is still short and sweet:

Low daily productivity was causing declining output in ABC Lending’s loan origination department. I developed the streamlined process that increased the production output by 70%. This resulted in a 200% increase in processed loans, which amounted to an additional $10 million in profit for the fiscal year.

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24. May
2009

Jobless Families Out on the Streets

Written by: parisalexandra - Posted in: Job Articles

Now, more than ever, upgrading your basic employee and job search skills have become of utmost importance. Thousands of families who have lost their jobs in Sydney, and they have nowhere to go.

St Vincent de Paul has recorded a six-fold increase in homeless families looking for help, the biggest increase in 120 years. Sydney’s western suburbs is among the hardest hit areas. Most of these nouveau poor came from the middle-class.

In 2007, St Vincent’s Emerton office extended help to 110 homeless people. This year, it has already assisted 679 people. The Department of Housing, on the other hand, has helped 30,406 people into temporary accommodation in the last 10 months. That figure is 2,000 more than last year’s same-month figures.
The State and Federal Governments are constructing more than 3,000 new homes to accommodate the rising number of homeless families. “It is hard to imagine anything worse than not having a place to call home and having to find a spot to sleep every night,” says Housing Minister David Borger.

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11. May
2009

10 Online Job Search Tips

Written by: parisalexandra - Posted in: Job Articles

New to searching for jobs online? Here are some tips to help you get on your way to finding your dream job.

Organize your search – Start with what you know, then work your way up to other potential positions. For instance, if you are a writer, look for full-time writing jobs first. Then, consider correspondence jobs. You may also look at other facets of your field such as writing for the web or copywriting for an ad agency. If there are well-known companies in your field, then you may also want to organize your search by company.
Highlight your skills and accomplishments – In a competitive job market, it is important to distinguish yourself from the competition. You can start by creating a smashing cover letter and a well-put resume. Early on, assess your strengths and weaknesses. If you find that you’ve tagged some items as weaknesses, find a way to turn them into strengths.
Create an online portfolio – While your resume can communicate a lot about your work history, your actual samples will be better appreciated by your potential employers. This is especially true for those who are more into the multimedia or visual arts fields. Recruiters should be able to see your body of work, your goals and your contact information in your portfolio. This can be a single page website or as comprehensive as you see fit.
Have different versions of your resume ready – Create several resume templates that focus on your top skills. Make sure these are customizable to your application. You can also try a different format, such as online video resumes.
Check your online reputation – Potential employers and recruiters are more web savvy today than they were several years ago. The first thing you need to do is Google your professional name. See what comes up. You might also want to check on what you say in social media sites.
Find out more about the company – Some people have the tendency to mass email their resumes. It is better to take it a step at a time. Each time you apply for a position, try to read up on the company and the qualifications that they require.
Use job search websites – Check out online job search sites that let you look at several options in a single click. This way you conserve time. These sites often have tips to help you in your online job search.
Use your network – Over the years, you’ve probably worked with a lot of people who are in a field related to yours. They usually have access to open positions that are not yet advertised.
Keep track of your applications – Most online job search websites offer a way for you to track the progress of your application. Constantly check if you’ve been shortlisted so you can prepare for the call.
Use job alerts – Most online job search sites also offer alerts that help you keep on top of the available positions. Being among the first apply can be an advantage to you as it shows your assertiveness as an applicant.

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4. May
2009

How to Create a Resume Cover Letter

Written by: parisalexandra - Posted in: Job Articles

A cover letter usually accompanies your resume. A well-written letter can make a world of difference. It does not serve as the summary of your resume. It should, however, complement it. Use it to create a good first impression with your potential employers.

Here are some simple tips for writing your first cover letter:

• Keep it short and simple. A one-pager should be enough to grab the readers attention. You don’t need a long, drawn out explanation of why you are applying
• Indicate the position you are applying for and how you found the job listing. You should also explain why you think you are a good fit for this position.

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Resume Update: Highlighting your Accomplishments

Jobless Families Out on the Streets

10 Online Job Search Tips

How to Create a Resume Cover Letter

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