Using the Computer To Help Me Find a Job
by Don GeorgevichUnlike days of yore, job seekers do not have to spend their days walking around the city looking for work. They do not even need to print copies of their resumes or have their official documents photocopied many times. In fact, copying, printing and transportation costs have been greatly reduced, and in some cases, eliminated. All these benefits were brought about by the increasing use of the computer and the Internet in job search. If you are one of millions seeking a job, then the following resources can help you find one faster at little or no cost. Not a day goes by that someone does not ask me: "can you help me find a job?"
General Job Hunting Tips to help you find a job
Before you embark on a mission to find that dream, you must read the following job hunting tips. Learn how to write an engaging application letter or how to ace that interview. Know the dos and don’ts of writing your resume. Observe good job etiquette during and after job interviews.
Help With Your Resume
Job seekers make their first impression on recruiters through their resumes. Before the company's HR personnel see the candidate in person, they already form their impression of the individual's knowledge, skills and personality based on the quality of information they can glean from the job candidate's resume. Thus, taking the time and expending the effort to create an impressive set of qualifications should be a priority for every job seeker. The following resources should provide ideas on the kind of resume that would work to the job seeker's favor.
- Resumes and Cover Letters - A useful page on writing resumes and cover letters from the Career Services Center of Western Kentucky University.
- Resume and Cover Letter Preparation - A clear and concise explanation of the different types of resumes that prove useful in job search. Samples are provided to guide job seekers in writing their own resumes and cover letters.
- A Guide to Resumes And Cover Letters (PDF) - A guide written by Lyn Hood for Cabrillo College. Contains samples of cover letters and resumes.
- Resume Guide - A concise guide into writing an effective resume. It lists the Dos and Don'ts of resume writing. It also includes words to use in describing quality and performance attributes. Samples of resumes and cover letters are found at the end of the document.
- Hot Tips On Resume Writing - A practical no-nonsense guide into resume writing. It includes applicable answers to commonly asked questions by job seekers.
- Resume Workshop - Learn the correct way of writing your resume without grammar mistakes or misspellings. Write descriptions of your previous work or your qualifications with clarity.
- Resume Tips From MIT Career Development Center - More tips on writing a resume. It includes tips for a scanner-friendly resume and a short checklist for creating resumes using a desktop computer.
- Resume resources and samples - Samples from Resume Genius.
- How to write a resume - A simple approach to writing a resume.
Cover Letters that will help you find a job
Cover letters act as cursory greeting to the HR personnel in charge of retaining resumes for job positions. The cover letter reveals a lot about the communications skills and manners of a job candidate. A well-worded cover letter can make a difference between a resume that gets accepted into the list and a resume that is binned into oblivion. Learn how to write your cover letters with effectiveness and clarity through the following resources.
- Writing a Successful Cover Letter (PDF) - This document discusses at length the steps in writing a good cover letter. It includes the basic format for a cover letter and some samples.
- How To Write A Cover Letter - A guide to writing cover letters from the Writer's Handbook of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Interviewing
An invitation to a job interview signals the next big step towards getting that position. A low-level recruitment officer or the HR manager, depending on the kind of interview, may see you. Impressing them with your communication skills and your confidence is important as well as dressing up appropriately for the interview. The following resources provide ideas on interview questions you will likely answer and some tips on non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice.
- General Answering Tips - A short list of useful tips for a seamless job interview.
- Interviewing Tips - A comprehensive article on how to ace that job interview. It includes sample questions, advice on questions to ask the interviewer, a detailed description of the job interview process, and other information useful for job seekers.
- Sharpen Your Job Interview Skills - Good advice on building trust and camaraderie with your interviewer. It also includes specific questions to ask the interviewer.
- The Secret To A Successful Job Interview - An article that shares practical tips in delivering an impressive performance during a job interview.
- Interviewing Skills Guide from Virginia Tech - A comprehensive resource of tips and tricks for a successful job interview. It details steps to undertake before, during and after the interview to get the job you want.
- How to pass a group intervew - Learn how to pass the new style of initerviewing employers are using.
Top Job Search Sites
- CareerBuilder.com
- Indeed.com
- Monster.com
- CollegeGrad.com
- AfterCollege.com
- NicheJobs.com
- JobCentral.com
- LinkedIn.com
Additional Career Resources
- Darthmouth Career Services
- Tools For Career Exploration (PDF)
- Labor Market Info Overview
- How To Ace A Job Interview On Skype
- Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition
- Job Search Skills and Resources
- Questions to Ask on a Job Interview
- Interview Coaching and Job Coaching Programs
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