Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Building a Career


Today, and more than ever, most people are responsible for building their own careers.

Whether you are just starting, or you have several years of experience, these paragraphs might help you advance your career.

The 9 most important career planning tips is listed below:


1. Never Stop Learning

Life-long learning is your keyword.

The world is constantly changing, and everybody is looking for new ways of doing business.

If you have decided that your current skills are good enough, you have also decided that your current job is good enough.

But if you want a career in the future, you should add regular updates to your skills and knowledge.


2. Ask, Listen And Learn

A good listener can learn a lot.

Listen to your co-workers, your boss, and your superiors. You can learn a lot from their experience.

Ask about issues that interest you, and listen to what they say. Let them tell you about how things work, and what you could have done better.

Most people will love to be your free tutor.


3. Fulfill Your Current Job

Your current job might be best place to start your career.

It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes free.

If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career.

Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible - right inside your own organization - especially if you have proved to be a valued employee.


4. Build Your Network

Your next career step might arise from your contact network.

Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contact networks?

If you have a good contact network, it is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new opportunities.

Spend some time building new contacts, and don't forget to maintain the ones you already have.

One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what is new about their careers.


5. Identify Your Current Job

Your current job should be identified, not assumed.

Make sure you don't work with tasks you assume are important. This is waste of time and talent.

When you start in a new job, talk to your superior about your priorities. If you're not sure about what is most important, then ask him. And ask him again. Often you will be surprised about the differences between what you assume, and what is really important.


6. Identify Your Next Job

Your dream job must be identified.

Before you start planning your future career, be sure you have identified your dream job.

In your dream job, you will be doing all the things you enjoy, and none of the things you don't enjoy. What kind of job would that be?

Do you like or dislike having responsibility for other employees. Do you like to work with technology or with people? Do you want to run your own business? Do you want to be an artist, a designer or a skilled engineer? A manager?

Before building your future career your goal must be identified.


7. Prepare Yourself

Your dream might show up tomorrow. Be prepared.

Don't wait a second. Update your CV now, and continue to update it regularly.

Tomorrow your dream job may show up right before your nose. Prepare for it with a professional CV and be ready to describe yourself as a valuable object to anyone that will try to recruit you.

If you don't know how to write a CV, or how to describe yourself, start learning it now.


8. Pick The Right Tools

Pick the tools you can handle.

You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. Studying at W3Schools is easy. Taking a full master degree is more complicated.

You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials (like the one you find at W3Schools). Doing short time courses with certification tests might add valuable weight to your CV. And don't forget: Your current job is often the most valuable source of building new skills.

Don't pick a tool that is too heavy for you to handle!


9. Realize Your Dreams

Put your dreams into action.

Don't let a busy job kill your dreams. If you have higher goals, put them into action now.

If you have plans about taking more education, getting a better job, starting your own company or something else, you should not use your daily job as a "waiting station". Your daily job will get more and more busy, you will be caught up in the rat race, and you will burn up your energy.

If you have this energy, you should use it now, to realize your dreams.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Chronological Resume: Administrative/Management

Roxanne Schroeder
84 Stoneybrook Court
902-459-9663 (w) Halifax, NS
902-459-9663 (H) B3J 3G6 E-mail:
roxy@dal.ca
___________________________________________________________________________

Highlights of Qualifications

* Over 10 years progressively responsible administrative/management experience
* Proven ability to manage effectively in complex environments
* Demonstrated ability to supervise in a team environment
* Completed MBA while working full-time
* Effective communicator, motivated problem-solver

WORK EXPERIENCE

1997-present ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, Department of Medicine
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS

The Department of Medicine at Dalhousie encompasses an administrative office and 13 divisions, is situated in 6 locations and employs over 200 faculty, 65 secretarial/support staff and 50 grant paid/technical employees. This position coordinates the administrative management of the department, including teaching and research programs, and:

  • participates in the development and monitoring of departmental goals and objectives;
    manages and administers all aspects of financial management;
  • coordinates personnel management of 80 employees in two bargaining units; direct supervision of 12 staff;
  • assists in the screening, selection and orientation of residents and undergrad medical students;
  • manages the practice plan for a group of 50 physicians;
  • serves on Department and Faculty Committees;
  • liaises between the Director, Dean's Office, Committee Chairpersons, university and
    government officials;
  • manages a variety of special projects, conducts research, writes reports, implements recommendations.

Recent Accomplishments

  • developed and implemented personnel, financial and management guidelines which were accepted at the Faculty level;
  • computerized and streamlined financial management system, resulting in more effective control and analysis;
  • implemented a comprehensive selection process for students and staff in consultation with faculty and human resource development;

ROXANNE SCHROEDER Page 2
_________________________________________________________________________

  • implemented quality initiatives as a component of regular departmental meetings; developed and monitored project teams within Department;
  • drafted a comprehensive report for government on financial needs of the Department which was approved by the Department Head and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

1992-1997 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Faculty of Medicine
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

  • monitored the finances of 30 departments within the faculty;
  • provided assistance to Departmental administrators;
  • managed accounts receivable/salary recovery data information system;
  • administered Dean's Office accounts payables; monitored finances of restricted/endowment accounts for the Faculty;
  • processed payroll information at the Faculty level;
  • prepared detailed financial reports for government on monthly basis;
  • participated in budget projections and year-end financial operations.

EDUCATION

1996 Masters of Business Administration
Dalhousie University

1990 Bachelor of Business Administration
Mount Saint Vincent University

CURRENT COMMITTEES

Finance Committee, Faculty of Medicine
Employee Relations Committee, Victoria General Hospital
Employment Equity Advisory Committee, Dalhousie University Administrative Group Representative

MEMBERSHIPS

Halifax Board of Trade
Human Resource Association of Nova Scotia

REFERENCES

To be supplied upon request

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Benefits of a Résumé

The Résumé has become an essential part of the work search process. A Résumé is:

  • A systematic assessment of your skills in terms of a specific work objective

  • A marketing device used to gain an interview

The purpose of the Résumé is to get an interview. It is like an advertisement: it should attract attention, create interest, describe accomplishments and invite a person to contact you. The average amount of time an employer takes to initially scan a Résumé is 30 seconds. It is very important that the Résumé be brief, one page if possible and two pages the limit. The Résumé tells a potential employer what you can do and have done, who you are, and what you know. It also states what kind of work you seek. The key is that the Résumé must provide enough information for the employer to evaluate your qualifications and interest the employer enough to invite you for an interview.

The Résumé is a more concise presentation of credential than a curriculum vita (CV), which is prepared for a teaching/research position in a university or for inclusion in an application package for graduate school. If you need help writing a CV, contact Career Services.

Life is a mirror and gives back to us the reflection of our own self.

~ Joseph Batten

The Steps to Writing Your Résumé

  1. Make detailed self-assessment notes and keep them together in a file.

  2. Obtain detailed job description information for the type(s) of work you want to do.

  3. Prepare a draft of a Chronological, Modified Chronological, or Functional Résumé.

  4. Organize major sections in order of importance, with Job Objective or Career Goal first and Summary of Qualifications or Skills Summary second.

  5. Have someone else proofread a draft of your Résumé.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Real Estate broker resume template

Bonnie Riggs

813 Landing St.

Atlanta, GA 30331

(821) 555 - 7254

Objective

A challenging and rewarding position as a real estate sales manager or broker.

Notable Achievements

• Drafted and negotiated sales and purchase contracts.

• Trained and motivated real estate sales teams.

• Strong rapport with customers, resulting in numerous referrals.

Professional Experience

Hoover Reality, Atlanta, GA

Sales Manager, 1998 - Present

Managed operations of an eight-person sales team. Drafted loan documents and negotiated loan terms and conditions. Advised lenders on land use issues. Prepared commercial purchase and sales agreements.

First USA Properties, Atlanta, GA

Salesperson, 1993 - 1997

Examined and evaluated prospective commercial and residential properties. Responsible for making offers, closing deals, and initiating resale activity. Negotiated final sale prices with buyers. Dealt with lawyers to create contracts.

Education and Training

State of Georgia

Real Estate License, 1993

University of Georgia, Athens, GA

B.A., Real Estate Management, 1992

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Superior Resume Writing


It is important to remember that your resume is an advertisement for you! It should be a true picture of you - your skills, achievements and abilities. Most resumes upon first glance are given an average of 10-20 seconds to make an impression. It is important for your resume to be focused, clearly stated and eye appealing.

Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling are crucial. Take time to carefully proofread your resume and have at least two other individuals provide insight and constructive criticism. Resume writing often requires hours and hours of preparation to convey the depth of your personality, skills and abilities, using the most succinct, effective wording.




Resume Appearance
Paper Color Choose traditional, conservative colors such as white, off-white, ivory or cream. This allows for ease of copying and scanning.
Paper Texture Select a nice grade/weight of paper (such as bond, linen or cotton weave) for your resume, cover letters, thank you letters and envelopes.
Paper Size Always use traditional 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
Text Color Always use black print. Avoid multicolor inks which may make your resume appear unprofessional and be detrimental to copying and scanning efforts.
Text Font Use an easy-to-read font (Times New Roman, CG Times, Arial or Tahoma) in a 10-12 point size.
Bolding Bold key words and quantifying elements of your experience to ensure they are identified by the reader.
White Space Make appropriate use of white space to focus the reader's eye on the substance of your resume. You don't want them to be distracted by the number of words per square inch.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Customer service agent resume

Michael Kamen

14 Palmer Terrace

Los Angeles, CA 90051

(319) 555-8210

mkamen@earthlink.net

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Objective

Position as a Customer Service Manager.

Abilities

8 years of customer service

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail

Extremely productive in a high volume, high stress, environment

Proficient in the use of IBM clone and Mac desktops

Highly productive in the use of Office 2000 Professional

Self starter with a can do attitude

Employment History

1998 - Present City Financial, Los Angeles, CA

Customer Service Manager

Collaborated with the Product Development department in developing new Fee

Based products and their sales to the unbanked credit card membership base.

Answered an average of three hundred customer calls in a day through the call

center queue. Worked as a Senior Representative in the Promise to Pay department

to ensure customers where given assistance in bringing their over limit and/or pass

due account current Performed duties in the Retention department retaining customers

who wanted to cancel their accounts.

1994 - 1998 CitiTrust, Santa Monica, CA

Customer Service Representative

Answered inbound calls in support of customer needs. Conveyed in a reassuring

manner step by step instructions to resolve application issues. Reviewed and

issued audits on account information and processes. Performed queries in multiple

databases. Adhered to government monetary regulations. Assisted in the creation

and development of the banks customer relationship management system

Education

Gonzaga Universeity, Spokane, WA

B.A., Business & Economics, 1994

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Architect resume template

Thomas Harwood

81 West Senneca St.

Washington, DC 20020

(213) 555-8590

tharwood01@juno.com

Objective

To attain a position as senior architect with a multi-national architectural design firm.

Notable Accomplishments

· Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture at Hood College, 2000 - 01.

· 1996 Third Place, Western Plaza Redesign Competition.

· Designed 1999 addition to Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

Employment History

Davidson Associates Baltimore, MD

Architect, 1998 - Present

Condominium project, Cambridge, Massachusetts; designed addition for Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore, MD; various office and hotel projects.

Jack Maudlin Inc. Washington, DC

Principal, 1992 - 1998

Projects include residential work, office tenant renovations, embassy projects, and presentation services.

Education

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

M.A., Architecture, 1992

Emphasis: Urban Planning

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

B.A., Architecture, 1989

Portfolio & References

Available upon request.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Marketing Director Resume Template

Tyler Hart
723 South Beston St.
Indianapolis, IN 46021
(521) 555 - 0237
__________________

Objective
A challenging position as a marketing and sales director with an opportunity for challenge and personal growth.

Accomplishments

Directed and coordinated the successful launch of several key product lines in the competitive high-tech industry where quick movement from conceptual stages to market is essential.

Employment

Marketing Sales Director, 1995 - Present Intel, Indianapolis, IN
Coordinated marketing and sales efforts as well as overseeing development of new products. Lead a team of ten associates in developing and marketing several new product lines. Designed a streamlined version of the antiquated customer feedback survey. Spearheaded successful product launches, resulting in added revenue of more than $5M in just twelve months.

Sales Manager, 1990 - 1995 Data Tech, Columbus, OH
Directed sales and marketing operations within the high-tech sector. Responsible for conducting thorough analysis of consumer survey data and devising successful marketing strategies based on survey results.

Education

B.A., Marketing, 1990 Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

References

Available upon request.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Computer engineer resume

Evan Hopkins

731 Easton Ave.

Scranton, PA

(814) 555-2156

ehopkins@earthlink.net

Objective

A challenging position as a Software Engineer and the possibility of career advancement.

Keywords

UNIX, C, C++, Visual Basic, Solaris, M68000 Development, SGI, DEC, VAX, System Servers, Intel 8086 Assembler, VMS, MS/DOS, Pascal, LISP, FORTRAN, Basic, Macro-II. ClearCase, HMS, TeamWare, SCCS, RCS

Employment History

1997 - Present Engineer

Arteck Industries, Scranton, PA

Worked on product planning and

prototyping. Set up firewall and LAN

consisting of Linux and Windows

machines. Set up Linux web server

running Apache, and wrote Perl

code to run on the server.

1993 - 1997 Software Engineer

Java Systems, Harrisburg, PA

Created web sites and documentation,

using HTML, to manage various projects.

Wrote design document, test plan, and

user documentation. Enhanced HP-UX C

library functions, such as setmntent, for

reliable shared access to the mount table.

Developed a new libc function, delmntent,

and fixed defects in other functions. Work

done in C and UNIX using ClearCase.

Education

B.A. Computer Science, 1993

University of Richmond, Richmond, VA

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Banking executive resume

James Finnucaine

614 Newman Rd.

Tulsa, OK 74131

Home: (417) 555-7125

Office: (417) 555-6114

Objective A challenging and rewarding position as a commercial banking

executive that utilizes my expertise.

Employment

Citibank Financial, Tulsa, OK

Senior Vice President of International Affairs, 1998 - Present

Head of Business Development for South America. Managed the implementation of the division relocation to Mexico City, opened the Barbados branch, and supervised the division-wide business development of project financing programs for the South America Division. Designed and implemented successful training program for managers in the South America Division.

First Financial Trust, Oklahoma City, OK

Vice President and Mortgage Banking Department Head, 1992 - 1998

Bank Portfolio of 60 million (increase of 40 million).

Notable Achievements

· While increasing bank's own portfolio, I developed and implemented the Secondary Mortgage Departments for three separate banks.

· Directed a staff of 20, including 6 officers.

· Managed a $40 million bank portfollio

Education

B.S., Finance, 1989

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Accountant Resume Sample




Lenore A. Example

23 ABC Avenue, #1


City ABC, State ABC, 1234


555-555-5555


ABC@email.com

Objective

To obtain a tax position in a local accounting firm


Experience

Accountant 1998–present

University ABC City ABC, State ABC

§ Prepare financial statements and reports for the University system

§ Initiate and maintain the capital lease accounting

§ Assist with the audit of the University system


Staff Accountant 1998

Company ABC City ABC, State ABC

§ Prepared tax returns for corporations, partnerships, trusts, not-for-profits and individuals

§ Participated in multiple reviews, compilations, and audits

§ Prepared financial statements and reports based on results of field work


Tax Preparer 1995–1999

Company XYZ City ABC, State ABC

§ Prepared individual returns after interviewing clients and reviewing their documents

§ Prepared multiple state returns and verified corporate, partnership and foreign country returns for the owner and manager


Education

Certified Public Accountant 1998

§ Successfully completed the examination in May 1998

§ Applied for licensure in WV in March 2000


State ABC University 1997

City ABC, State ABC

§ Master of Professional Accountancy, Summa Cum Laude. 4.0 GPA

§ Beta Gamma Sigma National Business Honorary





Interests

Golf, cycling, and tennis


References

Available upon request.


Monday, March 2, 2009

Academic resume template

Below is a Resume Template for an Academic Job



David Warren

1823 Stackhouse Ln.

Akron, OH 44301

dw36@psu.edu

Home (817) 555-0021

Office (817) 555-9010

__________________



Objective

A tenure track position in a well estabilished sociology department, which will allow for adequate time and funding to be directed toward research.



Summary of Achievements

Rhodes Scholar

1988 - 1990: Awarded two years of post-graduate study at Oxford University. Pursued the M.Phil in Social Sciences.

Gene Landis Award for Outstanding Teaching

1995 & 1997: Selected by the student body of York College.



Experience

1999 - Present

Assistant Professor, Sociology - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Taught such notable courses as "Intro to Sociology", "Sociology of Inequality", and "The McDonaldization of Society".

1995 - 1998

Lecturer, York College, York, PA



Education

Ph.D, Sociology, 1994

Penn State University, State College, PA

Specialization: Global inequality, sociology of marriage

M.Phil, Social Sciences, 1990

Oxford College, Oxford, UK

B.A. Sociology, Literature 1988

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY



Selected Publications

"Building More Prisons: Retribution or Rehabilitation?", American Journal of Sociology. Worthington Press, June 1995

"Big Mac Nation", published in The Globalization Reader. Bretton-Woods Press. August, 1997.





Thursday, February 26, 2009

Keeping Your Executive Resume Current

Many people do not like the idea of keeping their resume up-to-date, and for a number of reasons. It may require that you admit that your job is not as secure as you wish, it may seem like too much of a chore, it may seem too difficult, or it could just be that you don't feel you have the time. However, maintaining a current executive resume, particularly for those in executive careers, is a wise decision for a number of reasons.

Yes, the job market is volatile, and even though no one likes to think about it, your job may not be as secure as you believe. Having a current resume is like having an insurance policy; should the worst happen, you'll be prepared. When unexpected layoffs, mergers, or changes in job functions occur, the stress compounds when it comes to updating that resume. For those who keep a current file, however, that stress can be greatly reduced, allowing you to focus on executive jobs rather than your paperwork.
Another, more positive reason to keep a current resume is that you never know when an opportunity may present itself. When you have reached the executive level, chances are much greater that an executive recruiter or another firm will call. If it's one of those opportunities that is too good to pass up (or at least investigate), having an updated resume is a distinct advantage. The option may be fleeting, and your competition may not be as savvy as you. While they struggle to update their resume, you can hand over an executive package complete with resume, biography, and sample projects summarizing your executive career.

Time can definitely be a problem, so consider keeping a file strictly for your resume and portfolio. Even details from the most impressive accomplishments can fade with time. As you complete projects, make a few notes, copy the numbers, and add the information to your file. As you receive positive feedback from senior management, customers, board members, or shareholders, keep records of this information as well. A quality quote or recommendation from a superior can sometimes spice up a resume or executive biography perfectly.

Hiring a professional for writing or executive coaching can also be a great time saver, particularly if you're one of the many people who feel intimidated by the resume writing process. A professional resume writer and career coach will have a good understanding of your industry and know the best keywords and phrases to include, while still tailoring your resume to your unique situation. When time is a factor, many will be able to provide a fast turnaround.

Regardless of whether or not you enlist the help of a professional, it's a good idea to keep your resume file current. Even the best professional will not be able to pull your accomplishments out of the air--you need to keep track of the important information. A good resume will quantify achievements, so pay particular attention to the numbers and other quantifiers. How much money did you save? Did you considerably shorten a process? Remember that time save equals money saved. Keep track of sales figures as well--if the company realized a significant increase in profit during your executive tenure, you'll want to make note of that as well!

Finally, another good reason to keep your executive resume current is that it keeps your achievements fresh in your mind. As a business professional, you understand the importance of networking, for both yourself and your company. Use your updated resume to create a mini sales pitch that use can use as needed to sell yourself as an executive professional and to sell your company. You never know when an opportunity to promote yourself and your business will present itself. Stay ahead of the competition and be prepared.