Effective Resumes

Gain helpful hints and tips from a career expert on how to improve the effectiveness of your resume.

Simplify Your Resume

by Kevin Donlin

About 150 years ago, Henry David Thoreau had two things to say that can help you write a better resume today. They are: "Simplify! Simplify!"

You've heard many times that you have only 15-30 seconds to impress readers of your resume. So, the simpler and easier-to-read you can make it, the better.

Here are three ways to do just that.

1. Begin with clarity.

I'm always amazed by the number of resumes that begin with no objective or summary statement. As a result, the employer is forced to start reading without knowing what the applicant can do.

Many resumes begin by listing education, for example. But even if your degree is in high demand, such as computer science, you're still leaving room for misinterpretation (Does this person want a job in network administration? Telephone support? Internal help desk?)

Instead, try opening with an objective such as this: "Position in network administration where my computer science degree and technical skills will add value."

If you want to be more flexible about the job you're after, you can say: "Position where my computer science degree, troubleshooting skills and customer service experience will add value."

2. Group information logically.

Hurried readers want to quickly scan through your resume. You can help them by breaking things down into logical groupings. Don't jumble things together, as in this example:

Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows NT 4.0 Server, MS Exchange, DOS, Windows 95/98, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Outlook.

Break longer lists into smaller bits and give them a clear heading, like this:

COMPUTER SKILLS

* Operating Systems - Windows NT 4.0 (Workstation and Server), Windows 95/98 and DOS.

* Applications - Microsoft Exchange, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.

3. Focus on results.

To make it easier for your reader to picture you achieving results on the job for him/her, clearly show how you've done it for others. Be as specific as possible.

Avoid dry language, like this: "Responsible for maintaining accurate inventory, acquisition and delivery of supplies."

Try saying this, instead: "Vastly improved customer service while cutting costs 24% by accurately managing inventory, acquisitions and deliveries."

Simple is good. When you begin your resume with clarity, group your information logically and focus on results, you'll enjoy a simply wonderful job search.

Best of luck to you!

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Business Opportunities Advice

Starting your own home business is not a simple task. However once you’ve made that first move and worked your way through everything the next most important thing is to market your business. That is where most of us go wrong – either because we’re not entirely market savvy people or because we try to do what most of the companies or organizations we know are doing right now.

However for your own unique business and your budget this might not be the best place to look at. A common mistake people who start up a business or even after a successful period of the business do is try as much as possible to advertise the business at different places.

Did you know that studies show that an average person has to see an ad at least 6 times before actually considering buying that product or service? If this is the case, then advertising purely will not be the best of options to take.

Finding your business opportunity in itself is an art. So what you must do is first find out ways and means of how you can promote your business that will bring positive results. One of the easiest ways of doing this is buy telling your friends, family, neighbors, previous work collogues, basically everyone you know about your business and what it does. This way, even if they don’t use your service they will recommend it to people they know and we all know what wonders ‘word of mouth’ can do.

Provide services from your business to charitable causes – Not only does this make your business show upon good light but will gain respect among the community as a decent and genuine business.

Another good way of promoting your business and tapping into new opportunities is by partnering or co-advertising products with another similar or complimenting business. For example, if you’re running a business to do with financial consulting, you can partner with a local bank to display your card and in turn you may direct them to the bank if a loan is required by a client etc. Your local community is a great source that can be tapped in to.

Most importantly, look out for opportunities that can add value to your business as well as the community or customer base you’re looking at as people buy confidence in a business more than the product itself.

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10 reasons for a telecommute job

Telecommuting is essentially working from home full time, or several days out of the workweek. More and more companies are finding that it makes their workers more productive to have this type of a work schedule. The following article gives ten reasons why you should telecommute.

1. Flexible work hours. If you are telecommuting, your schedule is more flexible. This will allow time for running errands or doctors appointments.

2. You’ll save money on buying clothes for work. If you work from home a few days a week, this means less outlay for clothes for work. You can work from home in your bathrobe and slippers if necessary, and no one will know the wiser.

3. You’ll save money on your dry-cleaning bill. If you work from home you won’t have to spend as much money on your dry-cleaning. You will be wearing those types of outfits less often and they will require cleaning on a less frequent basis.

4. You’ll save money on parking. Many places of business, especially in the heart of the city, charge you a monthly fee to park your car. If you are working from home full-time, you won’t have to pay this fee. If you are working from home only part time, you may be able to split the cost with another employee or have the fee reduced by your company.

5. You’ll save commute time. If you are working from home, you won’t have to deal with driving through traffic at peak commute times. No more traffic jams!

6. You’ll avoid office politics. If you work from home you won’t have to deal as much with office politics. You can get down to business and not worry about getting caught at the water cooler by the office gossip.

7. You won’t be micro-managed. If you are telecommuting, you can basically perform your job without someone looking over your shoulder. This can allow for a less stressful work situation.

8. You can spend more time with your family. By telecommuting you will have more time to spend with your family. You will be able to be home when the kids come home from school, or be able to pick them up and take them to their soccer game or karate lessons.

9. You will be more productive. If you work from home there will most likely be fewer distractions around you; therefore, you should be more productive.

10. You will be helping the environment. Working from home a few days a week or full time will reduce the number of cars there are on the road, thereby reducing the amount of pollution in the air.

Now that you have some tips on why your should telecommute, use them to your advantage. If your company is hesitant to implement a telecommuting program, suggest a ‘pilot program’ to start with. Include the tips listed above as part of your campaign for telecommuting. Good luck!

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Home business: when to get a freelance writer

A homegrown business can stay about the same size and still provide lucrative income for the owner-operator. But if you want your business to grow and thrive, one of the strategies you might consider is to hire a freelance writer to help you with internal and external communications.

Freelance writers usually work part-time for one or more companies. They can work locally onsite by visiting an office daily or occasionally to work on assignments. Or they can work from remote locations as telecommuters by using email to send and receive writing assignments. High-speed access, an email account, and a PayPal account (for payment) are usually the main computer-based services that a freelancer needs to work for a company.

A small company can benefit from the services of a freelancer under certain conditions like these:

1. Hire a freelancer to help develop and write policies, procedures, form letters, reports, and charts. A professional writer can help you organize paperwork, a filing system, and documents of all kinds so that you know which forms to use and how to organize them in your office space. He or she can write, revise, edit, or proofread a procedures manual or policy handbook as well as a style guide for organizing written documents in your office.

2. A freelancer can help to promote your business to the community. A series of newspaper articles, a speech at the local library or civic organization, and a billboard ad or a print ad can help to attract new and repeat customers. Signs, advertisements, and even catalogue entries can make your company stand out. Creative copy can put you at the forefront of your industry and give you an edge over the competition.

3. Freelance writers can develop materials to attract customers beyond your client base. They can package advertising of your product or services in such a way that it can fit into a niche that serves other business-types as well. For example, if you operate a printing business, a freelancer might link your service with that of a graphic artist or a copywriter to draw customers for any or all of these services.

4. A freelance writer can publish a subscriber-based newsletter that will keep customers aware of your company. A print newsletter containing helpful information or recommended procedures can be sent to all new customers. Or a freelance writer might be able to design or maintain your business Website that can publish a monthly ezine for regular subscribers that are currently customers or visitors to the site who may become future customers.

A professional writer, depending on qualifications and experience, may be able to help with just about any type of writing task, from letters to reports or speeches. Browse the Web to find freelance writers who post samples of their work for review online. Ask about rates and turnaround time. Finally, explain the type of writing needs that you have to see if a particular writer can handle them. You will be amazed how a careful arrangement of several well-chosen words can bring a powerful attention stream to your home business.

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First day on the job

The first day of a new job can be very stressful on you and even the people around you. The apprehension of the unknown and being a new person can be overwhelming. Following are some tips on how to keep you calm and how to fly through your first day. Also, included are some ideas on how to prepare for your day at the new job and things to remember to get you through it.

The night before your first day is the crucial time to prepare items of necessity. Prepare yourself for the unexpected like your alarm not going off, accidentally sleeping in, or your vehicle not starting. This will ensure that you will be on time and even early. Pick out the clothes that you will wear and have them laid out. Have them cleaned, ironed, and ready to throw on.

Preparing food for your first day is another thing that you should try to prepare the night before. You may be very jittery in the hours before your new job and feel that you will not be hungry, but you have no idea what to expect and you should bring something along. It is better to have left over food then to be hungry and have no nourishment. You may be famished when your lunch hour arrives, or you may only be able to nibble, but either way if you have food there, you are safe.

The morning before your first day should be fairly calm if you have prepared everything above. You should be able to shower and get ready without much fuss. The nervous time before you leave is lessened while you busy yourself with the preparations of yourself. Make time for a cup of juice or coffee and a glance through the paper. This distraction is good for your mind and should set you at ease.

Once everything is ready and you are about to walk out the door is generally when you will become nervous. This is because you know that this is the last step that you have to take before you will be at your new job. Remain calm and think of things that make you happy. Listen to one of your favorites songs on the trip, or listen to something that puts a smile on your face. This can be a great tool in easing your apprehension and making the drive full of cheeriness.

You should try to arrive at least ten minutes early to show that you are reliable and a punctual person. This will give your employer a good feeling about you and usually will make the whole day better. Be cheerful and friendly with people that you meet. Be yourself and be comfortable with who you are, as this is the best route to go to make friendships through work. Most companies will welcome you with open arms and make you feel very welcome.

Overall, just breathe and stay calm. The first day is always an experience and it will get better. You have to have faith in your abilities and believe that you will succeed. This is the only way that you will accomplish all of your goals and see yourself through until the end. Stay calm and be yourself!

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How to budget for a small business

So you are considering a small business. More than hopes and dreams you will need to invest yourself in plans. A successful small business does not spring spontaneously from a wish. It needs the foundation that can only be provided by:

• Market research - Is there a need for the service/product I want to provide, who is my competition? Who is my audience?

• Business plan - What are you planning to do, how are you planning to do it? What expertise/experience do you bring to the task?

• Budget – How much will it cost? What will be the return? Lists all anticipated income and expenses for a specific period (typically your fiscal year).

Each is a valuable tool that can increase your chances of success as a small business owner. This point cannot be overemphasized. Do not allow enthusiasm or even fear to lead you away from completing the basic steps of starting/managing a small business

(There are a number of resources and people to consult for additional information if the prospect of writing a budget still feels overwhelming).

Although each step may require a good deal of thought and energy you will find in the long run that you save time and gain the control you need navigate even the choppiest waters.

Your budget should give a complete accounting of all anticipated revenue, revenue streams and expenditures. The budget is closely related to the business plan in that it details the plan in financial terms. For example, if you plan to hire two employees, your budget should include the money you plan to disburse for their salaries, benefits and taxes. If you plan to purchase or lease equipment the expense should be included in your budget. Planning expenses helps you determine how much revenue you will need to meet expenses and generate a profit.

Revenue

The money you take in for your goods and/or services is called your revenue or income. Your budget should reflect the dollar value of sales and services anticipated for a specific period (consider planning an annual budget then break it down for each month).

To arrive at this number it is a good idea to review profit and loss statements for the previous period, if available. If this information is not available, make your best guess using information from your trade journals and market research. Be specific. How many bicycles will you sell this month? At what price? How many consultations will you provide? At what price? At the end of each month compare budgeted vs. actual income and adjust accordingly. If the amount you take in exceeds your projections give yourself a pat on the back and look for ways to keep this trend going. If you did not earn as much as you planned – look for the why. What can you do to beef up revenue next month? Are you charging the right price? Are you offering something that is needed? Do you need to step up your marketing? The beauty of the budget is that it can accurately highlight what is working and not working as well as what you should continue and what you shouldn’t.

Income should be recorded on a cash basis. For example, billable services should be counted as income in the month of receipt. Have a backup plan for the (hopefully) rare times that you are not paid for services in a timely fashion.

Revenue Stream

If you sell bicycles and sponsor bicycle tours, each represents a different revenue stream. Your budget should include anticipated income from each revenue stream. Again, categorizing each revenue stream allows you to identify which aspects of your business are profitable and which are not.

Expenditures

Your budget should also include all anticipated expenses. Some of these will be fairly constant, or fixed, such as rent, leased equipment and salaries. Others, such as hourly wages and materials, may vary. A comparison of income and expenses will reveal any gaps. The budget can help you plan around these gaps and avoid cash shortfalls.

You need not sit down with pen and paper to write your budget. There are a number of excellent software programs that make short work of budgeting. These programs can serve you well by reducing arithmetic errors, generating customized reports (such as profit and loss statements, reports on specific revenue streams or budgeted vs. actual expenses) and creating importable data. Most are very user friendly, affordable and require no accounting experience.

There are a number of advantages to writing a small business budget. These include:

• The opportunity to reflect on the thoroughness of your business plan.

• Provides an annual and monthly picture of income and expenses.

• Outlines information you will need to complete loan/financing applications.

• Gives you the control you need to head off problems and plan for success.

• Gives the opportunity to plan ahead for shortfalls, slow downs, and busy seasons.

• Gives opportunity to plan finance or purchase of capital expenditures without too much distress.

• Lets you plan for a profit.

• Can pinpoint successful areas as well as those that may need additional marketing or other tweaking.

The budget should be regarded as a dynamic and fluid document. As such, you should refer to it regularly and make adjustments as needed. Your budget also helps you focus on monthly targets in terms of income and expenses. It also provides an objective view of how you are doing. This can be a great motivator for you as well as for your staff. Much more than a burden, the small business budget is a critical tool for planning and success.

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Career advice: starting a job in construction safety

Getting a job in construction safety begins with evaluating your experience and expertise in the field of construction. Make a list of your job experience in the field of construction, and then list the experience you gained at each job. After you make this expanded list, go through it and abstract categories of experience such as: quality control, measurement accuracy, learned about handling hazardous material, learned heat safety, etc. Also include in this list your certification and special training. With this list you will be able to construct a resume and cover letter that you can send out to hiring companies.

There are several avenues you can take to secure employment. First you can go to an employment agency that specializes in construction type positions. Here you will go through an application and testing processes that will evaluate your abilities and experience, and recommend you to companies that are hiring. You can also send out your resume blindly to construction and architectural firms to see if anyone is hiring. Finally you can search the Internet. Try being creative with your search. Try construction safety company sites such as the Construction Safety Council. They may have job bulletin boards, or may even be hiring themselves. Additionally you can try using a search engine using keywords like: construction safety jobs, construction jobs, safety inspection jobs, etc. If you are looking to gain employment in a specific area precede the above keywords with the name of the area you are interested in. Finally you can search web-based employment boards like: thingamajob.com, monster.com, constructionjobs.com, constructionworks.com, and salary.com. Once you are at these sites you can enter the job description or name that you are looking for: construction safety manager, inspector, construction, etc.

If you do not want to take these avenues, you may want to consider working for yourself, and hire out as a contractor. There are several ways you can drum up contract work. First you can create a flyer, or brochure, that lists your training and experience, and also provides an outline of services that you plan to offer and the price for your service. You may want to put a median price for your services and then next to it put “price is negotiable.” Send these flyers or brochures out to local construction and architectural firms. Make sure you read the newspaper everyday, and search the Legal section for “Requests for Proposals” for construction projects. Another area is, of course, the classified ads. You may also consider taking out a newspaper advertisement that introduces your services to your community. If you are still having trouble drumming up business try networking agencies, like the McGraw Hill Construction Network. Here you can make connections with companies with building projects that need a construction safety manager. Check online and in the phone book for local network organizations and small business organizations. These types of associations are valuable resources for mining leads.

In order to provide information about your services you may also want to set up a website that lists the same information you provided in your brochure: experience, training, certification, services that you provide, and a price list. Also include contact information like: phone, email, fax, mobile phone number, pager number, etc, and when you can be reached.

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