About Career Blog

Let Networking WORK for You!

Networking is vital to anyone's success in life, let alone the workforce.  It is especially important to those entering the workforce for the first time, because as Seymour mentioned, it is a clean slate!  By using your four [or more] years in college to build relationships that will advance your career, you can achieve much more than you may have anticipated within your first few years on the job.

There is no greater networking tool than the instant access that a website or personal profile can provide.  Keep in mind that you want one that puts you in a positive light.  As we've all expressed previously, your profile should include things that will make you look like the perfect new hire, not material for water cooler gossip.  By joining groups and networks that focus on your intended career path, you can access information and people that can put you on the right track.

In addition, it is wise to join clubs and organizations throughout your college campus and community.  Paying a nominal fee in dues is miniscule when compared to the thousands more you can earn from having the connections from that club on your resume.  And don't join just to join-- because if you list it on your resume, your employer may ask about it.  Be prepared to describe the experiences and talents you've gained from your time participating within in the club.

The main thing to remember when making these connections is that every person you come into contact with has the potential to help you land a great job.  Try to always be respectful, energetic and willing to learn when encountering these people.

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Posted by Amanda on 11/27/2008 04:50:00 PM
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Blind Firing Resumes: Just a Shot in the Dark?

   Many believe that firing off a volley of unsolicited resumes is a waste of time and effort - and in most cases, it is. However, as a last-ditch strategy, you could do worse. While the success rate of the hit-send-and-pray technique is probably in the single digits, I personally know a few people who've overcome the odds and landed fairly decent positions with nothing more than a strong resume and a heap of good fortune on their sides.

   If the job forecast is looking grim, prepare a generic resume and cover letter. They should be worded in such a way as to appeal to the widest array of potential employers possible. If you have the time, have them reviewed by somebody with a good deal of resume-writing experience (your university's Career Services department will probably be able to do this for free). Once you've dotted the i's and crossed the t's, cross your fingers, say your prayers, and send them off. Again, your chances of success are slim, but who knows - somewhere, someone in HR might be as desperate for a good employee as you are for a job! 

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Posted by Rap_Snacks on 11/23/2008 09:46:00 PM
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Take the Plunge

Looking ahead to my graduation is quite bittersweet. On one hand the thought of donning a cap and gown and receiving my diploma is very exciting, but on the other hand, going out into the scary world of job interviews and paying back student loans is stressful enough to keep me up at night. Although I feel that all college students should enjoy their time living away from their parents but not yet full of responsibilities, they need to also keep in mind that all play and no work can leave you with a less than stellar resume. I feel that building a resume and getting contacts with people who will help you in the job market will take years. Networking with people established in the community is way to get your foot in the door, but you must have a solid resume ready to hand over once you get in that door. So when you are sitting in your seat at graduation waiting for your name to be called, look around you because your fellow students suddenly just became your competition and each .1 on your GPA or extra club you joined in those four years will help you stand out in the sea of graduates.

Posted by Suzanne on 11/23/2008 01:49:00 PM
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Hello, my name is...

Right on, Seymour! During my college-life experience, I quickly realized it's who you know that differentiates you from the sea of other unknown faces! Networking can seem like a daunting task but unfortunately there's just no avoiding it.

College Recruiter's blog lists 3 fail-safe & super easy ways to start networking in a post called, "Networking Can Jump Start Your Career".

1) Talk to your friends & family
2) Join clubs, organizations & advisory boards
3) Try online networking

Still sound scary? Nah... I didn't think so either! So get out there~ slap on a "Hello, my name is..." sticker, throw out a few handshakes and network your way into life!

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Posted by Melissa on 11/21/2008 10:32:00 AM
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I’m Going to Graduate… Now What?

Your college days are quickly coming to an end. You are about to face the real world for the first time. In other words, you’re going to need a real job— pretty scary, huh? If you’re wondering what to do next, you’re not alone. Millions of new grads have been faced with this same exact situation. They survived, and I promise, you will too! Nonetheless, there are things that can be done in preparation to help make your transition into the working world a little less jolting.

Like most grads, I’m sure you’re thinking that a great resume is going to take you places. While that’s true for the most part, it’s the substance (not the fluff) that determines the greatness of a resume. These days the job market is intense, so you’ll need to pull out all of the stops in order to land the job of your dreams, or at least one that’s worth bragging about. But, before you even think about writing your resume, make it your ambition to get as much experience as possible. That way, you’ll have something impressive to put on that fresh new resume of yours.

Internships, temp jobs and volunteer work are all great ways to rack up experience. Plus, you’ll gain an insider perspective in the field that you want to work in—something invaluable to finding career happiness. It also gives you the opportunity to network with other professionals in your prospective field. Networking is critical. It means getting your name out there and making connections with people who can assist or influence your job search. The right contact could be your golden ticket to a sought-after career opportunity that may otherwise not exist.

As you gain experience, you’ll find out what you like to do and what you’d rather do without. This is an important part of determining what career path will suit you best. While your degree will set you in a definite direction, don’t overlook jobs that play to your natural talents, interests and abilities. A 40-hour work week is tough enough, so make sure it’s a job you that you don’t mind doing or better yet, that you actually like.

Once you’ve got some experience and a grip on what jobs appeal to you, it’s time to write your resume. Unlike those lengthy research papers you’ve become so familiar with, a good resume should be short, sweet and to the point. It should provide an employer a brief synopsis of your education, work experience, skills and achievements. Since you are new to the workforce, it should not exceed one page in length, unless your experience merits it.

Next, you’ll want to write a smooth cover letter. Your cover letter functions as a prelude to your resume, offering you a platform to pitch yourself to prospective employers. It should include a personal introduction, indicate the position you’re applying for, express interest in the company, and expand upon (not just repeat) the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the job. Finally, your cover letter should fit nicely on one page with ample margin space.

Once your resume and cover letter are complete, it’s time to make your debut to the job market. There are a number of ways to do that—from uploading your resume to job boards and applying to online job postings, to targeting specific employer Web sites and applying to posted positions or e-mailing your resume to their HR department. While it may be tempting to send out a blanket distribution of your resume, it’s not wise. Instead, research each company and job description. Then, modify your resume and cover letter to appeal to each position.

Now that you are faced with the quickly approaching end to your college career, it’s time to apply what you learned to the workplace. Make it count. Your career is a blank slate. It can be everything you want it to be, it’s all up to you. So, take this information and get experience, network, write your resume, prepare a cover letter, post it to job boards and e-mail it to employers. Go out there and make it happen! Good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 11/21/2008 09:53:00 AM
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Brush Up on the Company and Yourself!

Whether you're seeking employment at a fast food chain or a Fortune 500 company, it is extremely important that you know what it is you hope to gain from working there.  Saying you're excited for "the experience" will only get you so far and it is imperative that you have more clear-cut outcomes defined.

One of the best ways to figuring out what you hope to learn is by doing a little research on the company and position you are going for.  If you are, say applying to be an intern at a television station, it would help to know whether or not they allow interns to do on-air segments.  This can save you the embarrassment of gushing about your dream to be the face of the station within a year.  And although this is a purely hypothetical example, the game stays the same regardless of the situation.

Another way to understand your goals better is honest self-reflection.  If you know that you are not well-versed at spreadsheets, you should not be seeking a job that requires mastery of Excel.  Just because a job may sound good on paper or bring home a fat paycheck does not mean you should be going for it.  Be honest with yourself and recognize your strengths-- certainly you can work on your weaknesses, but don't hurt your chances of being hired by being unrealistic. 

The main thing to remember when answering this tough question is that only YOU know what you really want.  Through some research and meditation, you should be able to realize your dreams!

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Posted by Amanda on 11/19/2008 01:30:00 AM
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Smart Spending, Smart Employee

    One way to gauge your career aptitude (aside from what Seymour said and those ridiculous tests they used to administer in high schools) is to consider your personal spending and savings patterns. When payday (or a parental disbursement) rolls around, how do you allocate your money? Are you a saver or a squanderer? In my personal experience, those who save tend to be those who can adhere to schedules, effectively compromise, multitask, and possess all manner of other business skills that employers value. This isn't to say that a tendency to blow your cash will blow your chances of successfully holding down a career - just look at the entertainment industry if you need proof of this. However, sensible money management is an important skill to learn, as it not only keeps you out of financial hot water (duh) but, once mastered, facilitates the learning of other key life skills. It's often extremely difficult to properly balance spending and savings, so once you develop this ability, everything else is a breeze. If you can't seem to get your act together, stick to a budget for a few weeks and then evaluate your employability as per Seymour's criteria. You should be pleasantly surprised. 

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Posted by Rap_Snacks on 11/19/2008 01:13:00 AM
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What it all boils down to...

Although I agree that ambition, references, job history and interview skills are all important obstacles to tackle before a job seeker is able to land a job, I think that some are harder to accomplish than others. Interview skills can be improved and showing ambition and drive can be conveyed by thinking of an answer before hand, but it may take a lot more work to fix a bad job history or try to make connections with people in order to gain better references.

There is definitely a difference between a bad job history and no job history. Although it seems like everyone I know has had a part-time job sometime or another, there are people who are entering the job market in their early twenties. If I were an employer, I would much rather hire someone who has no actual work experience, but was involved in community service, over an applicant who hopped around from one job to another or was fired.

I think that references go hand in hand with job history. All of my references are past employers, so because I have a solid job history, I have good references to use from my previous jobs. But if you are struggling to find good job references, my suggestion would be to look reevaluate people you know, or try to join clubs or interest groups that could connect you to someone in your industry. So my advice to people entering the job field is that you should always be careful about your job history because although three months in one job felt like forever to you, to your next employer, it looks like you can't stick to your commitments.

Posted by Suzanne on 11/17/2008 05:00:00 PM
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No previous work experience? It's okay, just get creative and work every angle you've got!

First Job? Are you worried that you’re resume is lacking much needed experience? I promise, you will be okay. Don’t get stuck in a mold. A resume is not just for listing work experience; it can be used for listing all types of experience and qualifications.  You can use any and everything to your advantage. Work all of your angles—it’s not necessarily about how much experience you have, but what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown from these particular experiences. You can utilize participation in athletics to highlight your ability to work with a team. You can even utilize past babysitting experience; if a parent trusts you with the responsibility of their child, chances are that you can accomplish other tasks with that same responsibility. There are ways to spin anything into a positive learning experience.

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Posted by Jen on 11/17/2008 08:45:00 AM
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Would You Hire Yourself?

It’s time for a little introspection. What kind of person do you think you are? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What opinions do others hold of you? Is your personality tailored to your aspirations, or are you measuring up a bit short?

If after doing this you find yourself ready to take on the real world, stop reading this and go for it! I’ll be here to back you up. If not, relax… you’re still young and nobody’s perfect. However, there’s no time like the present to enhance your personal resume and to get yourself prepped for success. The following are questions likely to be asked by a prospective employer. More importantly, these are the questions that you should be prepared to ask yourself first.

What are your ambitions?
Speaking clearly about your career aspirations is an important skill to learn. If you can’t articulate what they are and the reasons behind them, set aside some time to formulate an answer. A frivolous response won’t cut it – think long and hard about what you want to do and why. If nothing comes to mind, it might be time re-evaluate your goals.
What have you accomplished? Determination means very little in the absence of evidence. What have you done to prove that you’re willing and able to succeed? A strong, extensive resume or portfolio is a must. Volunteer, enroll in classes, take a part-time job in the your industry of choice; do whatever it takes to build-up a body of work strong enough to support the claims made in your resume.

Who are your references?
Ability does not go unrecognized. Ever hear the metaphor, Birds of a feather flock together? Movers and shakers associate with other movers and shakers. References with legitimate business connections (preferably outside of your immediate family and circle of friends) will score you major points on your resume. Professors and former employers/co-workers are a good place to start – if you’re not sure whether they’ll put in a good word for you, get out there and ask!

How long do you tend to keep jobs?
A checkered job history cannot be explained away easily. Employers look for dedication and stability, because hiring is costly; they’ll want to make sure that you’ll stick around. Unless you work freelance, month-long stints with a company aren’t very meaningful. Make a commitment and stick to it if you want to prove your worth and improve your job prospects.

How well do you think you’d interview?
Do you see yourself coolly breezing through your interviewer’s questions or are you freezing up and biting your tongue? Identify how best to play up your strengths and improve your weaknesses when under pressure. If you’re the nervous type, practice in front of a mirror or an impartial observer (professors and classmates are good for this). Practice makes perfect, and after a few trial runs, your confidence will explode!

Once you’ve fired off a resume or two, try to get inside your prospective employers’ heads. Work out some specific questions that you think that they’d ask and see if you’re ready to tackle them. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Give these suggestions a shot and you’re certain to find an employer willing to give you a shot. Happy hunting!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 11/14/2008 11:21:00 AM
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Keep it fresh.

I feel that I can't stress the competitiveness of the job market enough. There are less jobs for more people and it is becoming ever-more important to utilize all resources available to you in your search. There are a few important skills that need to be learned. A few of them have already been touched upon in this blog-- resume building skills and interview skills. Just as it is essential to have an amazing, show-stopping resume, it is also crucial to wow your potential employer during the interview/ interviewing process. I feel that a lot of the experiences I have had can translate into the work force. Many of the clubs that I have joined have taught me the conversation and interview skills necessary to attain the goals I strive to attain. It's nice to finally have a list of things you shouldn't do during an interview, rather than a list of all the great things. Sometimes learning things from a different angle, gives you more insight on the topic and enables you to think outside the box. Thinking outside the box and innovation are two very important skills that can keep you fresh and make you stand out above all the rest. 

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Posted by Jen on 11/14/2008 06:51:00 AM
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Wow Them With Your Skills, NOT Your Ringtone!

Much like Suzanne mentioned, I myself have been on a number of interviews since I began part-time work at the age of 16.  While I am very proud to say that I have landed every job I have interviewed for, I must admit that I have not always felt confident on the walk back to my car after a particularly tough interview.  Seymour's tips are incredibly useful and I could not agree more.

My biggest issue with interviews, especially when in a group interview setting, is the cell phone rule of thumb.  Although I have always thought it to be common courtesy to turn them off before even walking into the building, many of my fellow job-seekers do not feel the same way.  Remember that just because your phone is on "vibrate" doesn't mean it goes unnoticed as it nearly jumps out of your pocket!  The distraction can disrupt yours or [even worse] your prospective employer's train of thought, and nobody wants to take the blame for that.

I also highly recommend researching company dress code before getting ready for any interview.  When I applied for my first job at a barbecue restaurant, I still wore dress slacks and a button-down top to show that I seriously wanted to serve pork and beans.  On the other hand, when I interviewed for my current job, the manager commented on how lovely I looked in my trendy trapeze dress and leggings.  "However," she said-- "be sure to wear flats or heels next time; sandals are not part of our dress code."  WHOOPS.

So even though blunders may occur try to remain confident.  If you let the interviewer see you get hot under the collar, it may hurt your chances even more.  Be sure to remain calm, cool and collected and the job will be yours!

Posted by Amanda on 11/13/2008 05:50:00 PM
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First Impressions: The Difference Between a Lasting Impression and a Last Impression

I feel like I have done a million interviews since I entered the work force at the young age of 16. Some have been for jobs, some for leadership positions, and some for entry into special programs. Even when I rushed a sorority, that was kind of an interview process. The goal of an interview is to stand out, in a good way. To be calm but excited, to be confident, yet not cocky. I know the basic rules of interviewing, but since I am human, I have made some mistakes, which I have also learned from. I have accidentally been late, started packing up before an interview was over, mistaken an interviewer for a secretary, and also gone out the night before an early interview. The problem with interviews is that I don't get back an instant score card and therefore I never know how big the impact of my slip up is. I could do something wrong and not be aware of it, but I could also not know what I am doing wrong and keep doing it. I have had interviews where I feel like I have done an amazing job and wowed the interviewer, but have not gotten the job, and I have also left an interview nearly in tears and landed the job. Through my experiences, I have learned the most important rule to interviews is that it is not the time to recite my resume, but a time to show a real enthusiasm for the job, convey how personable I can be, or to explain unique traits about myself that are not on my resume. So although an interview is never perfect, and the same rules do not apply to all interviews, I feel the best thing I can do it just be my-professional-self. And it never hurts to mention that I am a "quick learner", even if it took me 3 weeks to learn how to use Excel.

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Posted by Suzanne on 11/11/2008 07:00:00 PM
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Tips for Successful Interviewing

Thanks for the tips, Seymour!

Interviewing can be the absolute worst experience if you're not prepared, and I can speak from first-hand knowledge! Needless to say, I didn't get that awesome summer gig that I had been counting on. Instead, it was another hot summer of babysitting a bunch of snot nosed kids- ugh!

To help combat this and future interviewing nightmares, I came across some pretty helpful (and simple) interviewing tips offered by College Recruiter's Resume Writer's Blog. The post is titled: Job Hunting: 3 Tips for Successful Interviewing.

It's definitely important to know what you should avoid doing in an interview, but the question still remains... What should you be be doing in an interview?

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Posted by Melissa on 11/11/2008 11:32:00 AM
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Yeah, Our People Will Call Your People...

   After a moment's reflection on Seymour's Interview Blunders post, I realized what a miserable interviewer I am. Having made almost every mistake listed in that entry, I've missed my share of opportunities. This summer, I'll be interviewing for a variety of positions at a number of production companies, magazines, and websites. What, other than what's been said elsewhere in this blog, should I do to brace myself and increase my chances of making it through this harrowing process alive and employed? As always, any advice (no matter how seemingly obvious or absurd) would be greatly appreciated. 

Posted by Rap_Snacks on 11/07/2008 05:39:00 PM
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Interview Blunders

You’ve scouted the job landscape, found an employer that interests you, and sent out your resume. Days, weeks, months of anxious waiting follow. Finally, you get the much anticipated call. Elated, you mark the date and time of your interview on your calendar. Congratulations, you’re halfway there!

Don’t crack out the champagne just yet – this is merely the eye of the storm. Interviews are often the toughest leg of the journey to employment, and if you take it lightly, you’re likely to find yourself waiting for that follow-up call indefinitely. Intimidated? That’s understandable. Keep your cool, I’m here to help.

I have plenty of resources available that will provide guidance when you’re in the hot seat. You’re probably familiar with what’s expected of you as a prospective employee (if not, fire up that search engine). It’s what not to do when you’re feeling the pressure that is seldom touched upon in any real depth. This is where I come in! Read on to learn about the five biggest interview blunders and how to best avoid them.

Blunder #1: Dressing to Impress (the Homeless)
Whether you’re interviewing to manage databases for IBM or fold jeans for Abercrombie, you’ll want to come in dressed as sharply as possible. Unless a relaxed interview dress code is explicitly mentioned in company literature or correspondence, sensible business attire is a must. In the vast majority of cases, if you can’t see your reflection in your shoes on the big day, you’re doing something wrong.

Blunder #2: Talking Trash about Former Employers, Co-Workers, and Past Work Environments
If you think that you can score points with your hopeful-to-be employer by providing a compare and contrast of your loathsome ex-boss, think again. This tactic is always ill-advised. At best, you’ll come off as obnoxious and immature. At worst, you’ve just offended your interviewer’s friend/colleague/mother. If called upon to evaluate a previous employer’s performance or explain why you left your old job, keep things simple with a positive perspective. Your fellow employees weren’t “morons,” they were “individuals with whom (you) did not share the same goals.” Your ex-boss wasn’t a “miserable battle axe,” she was “someone whose managerial style was not always suited to (you).” Get the picture?

Blunder #3: Money Talk
There’s a time for salary negotiation, and the interview is not it. If possible, try to avoid discussing money, vacation time, bonuses, and the like altogether. Employers want someone who is interested in the position not just their paycheck. When it comes to numbers, patience is definitely a virtue. Remember, you can always turn down an inadequate offer after the fact.

Blunder #4: Sir, Are Your Pants Vibrating?
During an interview, few things scream indifference more than a ringing cell phone. Make sure your phone is off, not just in silent mode, prior to meeting your interviewer. Should your cell spring to life for any reason, apologize and silence it as quickly as possible. Other electronic distractions, such as PDAs, should not under any circumstances be acknowledged during the interview, unless they’re leaking battery acid or threatening to self-destruct in five seconds.

Blunder #5: Smelling Like a Bowling Alley
Some people smoke to alleviate tension. While it’s normal to be nervous before a big interview, don’t reach for those cowboy killers quite yet! Many people find the smell of tobacco smoke offensive, and your interviewer may just be one of them. Smoking is also a contentious issue that you don’t want to find yourself on the wrong side of when your job is on the line. If you must, indulge with a smoke after you’re out of the office.

Keep in mind that these are just guidelines. Research the position you’ve applied for thoroughly and see which of these tips you need to pay particular attention to. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and keep it classy. Good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 11/07/2008 01:10:00 PM
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The Job Search

When I was looking for a job at the beginning of the school year, I soon realized how necessary it is to have a digital resume. Some of the jobs that I applied to did not even require a traditional resume. All of the information they needed was included in a form that they provide. Many jobs for college students are like that. I did not get called back to many of the jobs and I wonder if I turned in my traditional resume as well, if I would have gotten more call backs. I guess I'll never know. All I can do is do that the next time I'm looking for a job. I hope that my next job search will be more prosperous. 

Posted by Jen on 11/07/2008 09:36:00 AM
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Virtual Resume Reality

I have been working part-time jobs since the day after I turned 16... which is a little over five years [yikes]!  And although I've never considered these jobs as a way to manifest into the career world, the experiences I've gained from the interview process are invaluable.  Building a resume is Interview 101 as I like to call it, because if you don't prove yourself on paper, your prospective employer is unlikely to be impressed with you in person.

Now although I have not previously utilized the option of a digital resume, it sounds like an excellent idea to me.  As I foray into the "real world" after college, I think I will definitely make use of that resource.  Using multimedia is a must-have in this age of technology, so being proficient at making your resume online is likely to show employers that you are capable and competent.

Sites that allow for you to customize your job-seeking profile are extremely helpful in proving your worth.  By demonstrating a working knowledge of the internet and, as always, inserting a little personality into that profile, employers are sure to appreciate your dedication and work ethic.

Be honest about who you are, and remember that exaggerating experience is a surefire way to get caught!  Employers will hire the best candidates for the job and they won't be too happy to find that you aren't an expert at HTML like you said...  So be smart and keep your online resume true-blue.  You're sure to impress :)

Posted by Amanda on 11/06/2008 10:42:00 PM
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I Believe That's Eggshell, With Romalian Type

   With the staggering array of options available to today's resume writer, it's natural to become a little intimidated. How should I format it? What color should my paper be? Where should I post it online? Unfortunately, there's no simple answer to any of these questions, but knowing your prospective employer should give you an edge and guide your resume design and distribution decisions. Research your target audience thoroughly to gain an understanding of how best to pull their strings. Do they value technical knowledge and creativity? If so, focus on showcasing your word-processing savvy and ability to think outside the box in your resume. Do they tend to hire people with certain connections? Polish your contacts and references section, then. Are they an old firm that places emphasis on experience and sophistication? Try to nail the formal aspects of your resume, such as typography, paper thickness and color, and the printing method used (yes, some people actually care about these things - watch the movie American Psycho for one extreme example). As Seymour said, posting digital resumes in as many places as possible can never hurt, so long as they're just as well thought-out as your physical one. Here's an old TV rule to consider - know your demographic and give them what they want. If you deliver the goods in your resume, a job will soon follow - be it in graphic design or murders and executions - er, mergers and acquisitions. 

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Posted by Rap_Snacks on 11/04/2008 03:25:00 AM
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