THE JOB SEARCH

Are you among millions of people who are looking for THE JOB???

So you haven't found it, yet.

Tell me which group of job seekers are you?

1. You just completed your school or college degree, with no work experience.
2. You're an experienced worker looking for a career makeover.

No matter which one you are, just sit down and relax because I will tell you how you're going to
nail it!

How to get THE JOB

Say you already have a targeted job of your interest in mind.

Based on your qualifications- YOU ARE QUALIFIED!, and the salary, healthcare  benefits,

vacation and other offers are just SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE!

Now, how to get THE JOB? I'm sharing with you many valuable information to nail it. All you
need to do is read the posts in this blog:

 The Job Interview: Hit It with Your Best Shot!

 Cover Letter 101: The Crucial Guidelines
 Resume 101: The Important Rules
 Job Interview Questions & Answers: Part I, II, III
 and many more to come

It's that EASY!

Remember...

All the posts listed above are interconnected and they complete each other.

I would highly recommend you to read all of them as they are very helpful for you to get the job you
want and get hired straightaway!

You wouldn't want to miss any valuable tips and strategies, would you?!

Take charge and start reading them NOW!

FOCUS-PRACTISE-
SUCCEED! ..................................................................................................................................................
.................. "The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing a thing
exactly right.”

- Edward Simmons
The Job Interview: Hit It with Your Best Shot!

THE JOB INTERVIEW

1. What is it exactly?

Basically it’s a conversation between the job seeker (interviewee) and a representative

(interviewer) of the employer.

It’s like talking to someone in a formal setting. In other words, it's a business meeting.

This interpersonal communication requires applicable and easy to understand skills which

I will provide later for your reference.

2. Who is the interviewer?

Commonly the interviewer is an employee of the company you want to work for- perhaps the
manager or a person from human resources department. Sometimes the interviewer could
also come from an employment agency or contract house wants to find new employees.

3. Why do I need the interview?

People often ask this question for many reasons. They are...

 too confident, thinking that an interview is a waste of time compared to their high
qualifications.
 very nervous, too many butterflies in the stomach- they might mumble too much than speak
out.
 simply clueless, they just don’t know what to say.

REMEMBER!!!

The main purpose of the interview is…

The interviewer wants to find out whether you are a potential employee for the
job offered by the company.

Meanwhile…

The interviewee- YES, YOU!- can impress the interviewer while you decide if this is the
place you would like to work.

So both people have questions in their minds and make a deal in this session.

TYPES OF JOB INTERVIEWS

Before you nail the job interview,

wonder what type of interview(s) that you will attend soon?

Here are the common ones in practice:

 One-on-One
 Panel
 Group
 Lunch
 Tour
 Informal or Unscheduled
 Situational
 Stress

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE INTERVIEW?

The Interview is everything…

Here the employer makes a firm decision whether to hire you or not.

When is the decision made?

According to studies, interviewers often make up their minds within the first 15 minutes of the
meeting. Some experts say it’s in 5 minutes!

So every second counts. Here are the SURE-HIRE TIPS!

SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

Now you’re here to nail the interview and get hired! Follow these 11 SIMPLE STEPS to achieve
your goal.

Before The Interview:

 1. Research the company (understand it’s goals, service, etc.)

 2. Identify your strengths (apply them!) and weaknesses (avoid them!)
 3. Submit your cover letter (show that you are keen in getting the job!)
 4. Prepare questions and answers (think of appropriate Q&A)
 5. Practice the session (Q&A, appearance, body language, etc.)
 6. Get ready for the meeting (be confident, calm down and think positive)

During The Interview:

 7. Wait for the interviewer (arrive at least 30 minutes earlier, hand in your resume)

 8. Meet the interviewer (short greeting, ice-breaking, have good eye-contact, etc.)
 9. Handle the interview (a crucial session for Q&A, make a good closing)
After The Interview:

 10. Follow up (send thank you note within 24 hours)

 11. Negotiate the offer (salary, training, health care benefits, etc.)

In the steps listed above, please focus on cover letter and resume.

These are 2 essential parts in the job interview. So you should invest your quality time and effort in
writing them.

In the next two posts, I will present...

 Cover Letter 101: The Crucial Guidelines, and

 Resume 101: The Important Rules

...to help you to be a well-prepared candidate for the job interview that you're going to attend soon.
Make yourself the top of the list in that job interview and be a priority in that job offer!
Keep on reading and stay tuned in developing yourself.
FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Self-trust is the first secret of success.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cover Letter 101: The Crucial Guidelines

If you are still finding helpful information on writing your cover letter, this is the kind of information
that will keep you on the right track.

1. What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that introduces you and your resume to potential employers or
organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc).

It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make.

Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating
why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will
contact him or her.

2. Why is cover letter so important?

 Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in
your resume
 Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job
requirements
 Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application
 Provide a sample of your written communication skills

The following resources are a compilation of tips and strategies to guide you throughout the writing of
your cover letter.

Please refer to the sample cover letters for a picture of the finished product.

A cover letter the most important tool in your job search kit along side with a perfect resume.

A persuasive and well-written cover letter can make all the difference in catching a potential
employer's attention or better yet, landing an interview.

3. How to write a cover letter that stands up above the rest?

Follow The Do's and Don'ts list below and ensure your marketing materials are top notch.
REMEMBER...

You will have a much better chance of writing an excellent resume to which employers
immediately relate.

Be a careful communicator and make your resume

 concise
 clear
 focused
 free of typographical errors

Set yourself apart from other applicants.

Tell them about about your track record, and what makes you unique.

A good cover letter demonstrates your ability to summarize your skills and experience and map them
directly to the job for which you're applying.

Okay, let's start writing!

The DO List

Always...

1. Limit it to ONE page and make it brief, but not too brief.

Save the lengthy discussions and life stories for the interviewing process or for when you're seated at
your new desk.  The HR person is looking for succinct, thoughtful language, not a dissertation. Make
the information relevant and applicable to the employer, and don't make the reader search for it.

2. Personalize each letter.

Customize the letter for each job, and double check.  I've lost count on how many wrong addresses,
names and job titles come across my desk because the writer didn't customize the letter, check names
or edit their letter.  It's a VERY poor first impression. Tailor your cover letter for each separate
employer.

3. Check names.

Double check who/where the letter is going including the proper name, title and correct spelling.

4. Craft your cover letter.

Make the first paragraph specific to the job and/or recruiter and be sure to mention the job title and
organization in the first sentence.
5. Make a match.

Make the linkages between the job and your skills for the employer. Don't assume they'll do it on their
own, but make it obvious to the reader that your skills meet the job responsibilities. Remember to
indicate how much you know about the company and why you're a good match for employment.

The DON'T List

Never...

1. Show that you are desperate to get the job.

No matter how bad you want the job, never discuss why you need the job financially or as a resume
builder.  This will only show that you have low self-esteems, dependent and needy. Don't beg for the
job, instead market yourself with your experience and professional qualities.

2. Address the letter to the company.

So WHO should read it? Never generalize and assume that the company already knows to whom it
may concern. Instead, address the letter to the specific personnel in charge such as the hiring
manager, HR professional, or recruiter.

3. Send a letter without proofreading it carefully.

Do not trust and only rely on auto-correct or spelling tools on your software. Spend some times with
someone who can read it again and help you improve your writing to be error-free.

4. Write in informal or casual manner.

Remember, this letter is for business purposes. If you use casual phrases or conventions that might be
acceptable when text-messaging friends, the employer will have the impressions that you are not
serious, unprofessional and have no potentials to get hired. What a kill!

5. Don’t call extra attention to yourself.

Save your money on colorful papers. Forget unusual fonts, photos or links to your websites for a
presentation or request for additional information. Keep everything concise and straight to the point.

REMEMBER...

You can enhance your chances in becoming a priority to get hired by ensuring that your cover letter
represent the work of a careful communicator.

Recruiters for any level jobs are looking for well-structured cover letters that demonstrate your ability
to communicate as well as present your career skills.

Make way for success in your job search by following the guidelines presented above.

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!
Resume 101: The Important Rules

If you are still finding helpful information on resume writing, this is the kind of information that will
keep you on the right track.

1. What is a resume?

A resume is a brief document that summarizes your...

 education,
 employment history, and
 experiences

... that are relevant to your qualifications for a particular job which you are applying for.

REMEMBER...

You will have a much better chance of writing a resume to which employers immediately
relate.

2. What is the purpose of writing a resume?

The purpose is to present yourself to your future employer and get an interview.

Research has shown that it takes an average of 10 interviews to receive 1 job offer.

To get this job offer, your resume must be persuasive and perfect.

REMEMBER...

Your resume can offer the prospective employer a "sneak peek" at you, your qualifications and
experiences.

You're highly recommended to spend quality time to ensure your resume is written professionally
written.

An effective resume is easy to spot and hiring managers are always on the lookout for qualified people.

The rewards are yours to claim when you make a hiring manager's job easy by providing the right
information in a clear and concise format.
3. What are the main sections in a resume?

A resume should have 4 main sections as below:

 Contact
 Education
 Experience
 Honours, activities, and outreach

You need to focus on the contact section of your resume.

This section is definitely the easiest to write, but you do have a few options for design and content.

I would recommend you to refer to the best examples available online that will get you to nail the
interview and get the job!

4. What should be in your contact information section?

You need to list the information below at the top of the page. You should put your...

 full name
 e-mail address
 permanent address
 local address
 phone number(s)
 web address/URL
 fax number, etc.

REMEMBER...

You should make sure that all the information you include is current and accurate.

Avoid mistyping your phone number, address or email because this could easily cost you an
interview!

Check your e-mail regularly to get any important message like an interview invitation.

If you live on campus, you should provide your campus address. Don't forget to include your
home address too.
5. How to write a resume that stands up above the rest?

To understand what makes a resume accomplish this feat, you have to look at what is allowed and
what is not in today's competitive marketplace.

Follow The Do's and Don'ts list below and ensure your marketing materials are top notch.

REMEMBER...

You will have a much better chance of writing an excellent resume to which employers
immediately relate.

Be a careful communicator and make your resume

 concise
 clear
 focused
 free of typographical errors

Okay, let's start writing!

The DO List

ALWAYS...

1. Focus on the employer's needs, not on your own.

Be clear in addressing your accomplishments and skills in a way that an employer will want to find out
more about you.

2. Keep your resume as concise as possible.

Note that an employer is only likely to scan it for a short time. You can use action keywords to bring
your resume to life. You are highly recommended to use the amazing resume creator that will pack
your resume with a great punch right away.

3. Proofread what you have typed.

Proofread your resume again. You can have someone look it over and ensure it's free of typos and
grammatical errors.

4. Use quantifiable accomplishments wherever possible.

Regarding the revenues you increased in the previous company, determine the extent to which you
contributed to the monthly increase and use that number in your resume. People like numbers.
5. Use good quality paper with neutral colour (white or ivory).

You're recommended to use linen paper, paper with watermarks and those with heavier weight (at
least 24lb or higher).

The DON'T List

NEVER...

1. Tell a lie.

Don't ever create any stories about your experience or profession. This will only jeopardize your
potential in getting hired or even if you got the job, it will likely come back to haunt you. So be truthful
in presenting your achievements in the best possible light, but be careful about stretching the truth.

2. Be repetitious.

If you performed a specific task at more than one job, list it in one place only. The employer only
needs to know that you are capable of handling something, not that you have done it more than once.
Find something else that the employer can benefit from knowing about you and include that instead.

3. Rule out volunteer work.

Don't leave out non-paid positions where you made a contribution. For example you probably learned
a lot from volunteering at a local charity in your town. Put the valuable insights from the work into
your character and the employer will be glad to read about them in your resume.

4. Create your own resume format.

Just use resume formats that already exist because they simply work. It is a bad idea if you're
considering  to start your own resume trend. So don't crack your brain in designing one. You
are highly recommended you to use the prescribed formats that will save yourself a lot time and
hassle.

5. Rush through this whole process.

You will have a much more effective resume if you take the time to do it right. Invest some quality
time do something right. Don't delay because you probably don't have the time to do it over. So get
this task completed and reward yourself afterwards!

REMEMBER...

Your resume is unique and it promotes yourself to the employer and the company.

Always bear in mind that your resume represents you as a potential employer who will nail the job
interview and get hired!

Your resume helps you relate your professional history which makes those employers will want to hire
you if you hit the right button.
So make your qualifications sound so irresistible and ensure that the employer will give you the
priority for the job and get hired!

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

Job Interview Questions & Answers: Part I

Hello and welcome back! I want to share with you THE 10 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS in any job
interviews and the ways to get THE BEST ANSWERS.

This is the 1st part of the questions that you must get ready for to NAIL THE INTERVIEW WITH
YOUR EXPERIENCE!

It's about YOUR WORK HISTORY. Refresh your memory and share your experience and expertise.
Deliver them positively.

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

Questions about Work History

1. What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?

 Be specific when responding

 Prepare some examples in advance to share with the interviewer

For example: You can...

 Discuss the specific programs you developed and the responsibilities you were given.
 Mention the trainings and opportunities for professional development that you ventured in to
help you in achieving your goals.

2. What have you learned from your mistakes?

 Be sure to give examples that turn a negative (a mistake) into a positive (a correct action).
 Think positive! Do not lament on the mistakes but take them as opportunities in disguise.

For example: Share with the interviewer that...

 You learnt many good things from your mistakes in your way to professional development.
 You never gave up in helping yourself and co-workers to achieve the goals.

3. What did you dislike about your previous job?

 Don't be too negative talking about it

 Don't let the interviewer think that you'll speak negatively about the new job or the company
when you're ready to move on (if you get this job).
 Talk about yourself and what you're looking for in a new role.
For example: You can...

 Describe things that you disliked politely and how you've learnt to develop yourself from
them.
 Describe yourself in a new role after any situations regarding what you disliked in your
previous job.

REMEMBER...

This part can help you a lot in preparing for the interview that you'll be attending soon.

Wishing you ALL THE BEST in nailing that interviewing and get that job!

So...

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

.......................................................................................................................................................................
"Success doesn't come to you? You go to it!"
- Marva Collins

Job Interview Questions & Answers: Part II

Hello and welcome back! I already revealed 3 questions in the last post on The 10 Most Asked
Questions in any job interview.

Today I'm going to proceed with the next questions. They are...

Questions about You

This is the 2nd part of the questions that YOU MUST PAY FULL ATTENTION TO in preparing
yourself for the interview.

It's all about YOU. Relax, be natural and express yourself confidently.

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

4. How would you describe yourself?

Remember:

 The type of position you are interviewing for

 The company culture
 The work environment
Your answer should help the interviewer to understand why you’re a match for the job.

For example: You can tell the interviewer that…

 You’re a people person- you really enjoy meeting and working with a lot of different
individuals.
 You’re a perfectionist- you focus on all the details to be sure that everything is working right.
 You’re a flexible worker- you can cope yourself with different situations.

5. How do you handle stress and pressure?

 The interviewer wants to get a sense of how you handle on-the-job stress
 You can tell the interviewer how well you can work in stressful situations

For examples: You can say that…

 You react to situations instead of to stress- you take control of the situations and they don’t
become stressful to you and you are not stressed out.

 You manage stress by practising healthy lifestyles like working out to keep yourself fit.

 You prioritize your responsibilities so you have a clear idea of what needs to be done when.
This has helped you to manage pressure on the job effectively.

6. What Are You Passionate About?

 A good opportunity to share what is important in your life that shows your dedication and
what’s important to you.

 Your response doesn’t need to be work focused, but do be sure that what you share isn’t
something that could potential cut in to your working hours.

For examples: You can say that…

 You’re passionate about helping others like helping people find solutions that meet their
specific needs.

 You’re passionate about painting because it is a good way to relax and generate your
creativity.

 You’re passionate about making a difference like getting involved with a project at work where
you do your best to succeed.
REMEMBER...

This part can help you a lot in preparing for the interview that you'll be attending soon.

Wishing you ALL THE BEST in nailing that interviewing and get that job!

So...

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

.......................................................................................................................................................................

“Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win.”                                                                                            

- Bernadette Devlin

Job Interview Questions & Answers: Part III

Hello and welcome back! I already revealed 6 questions in the last 2 posts on The 10 Most Asked
Questions in any job interview.

Today I'm going to proceed with the last part of the questions that you must be prepared for the
interview because it's THE MOST CRUCIAL PART OF THEM ALL.

It's about THE NEW JOB AND THE COMPANY. Connect the new job with your capabilities and
do some studies about the company.

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

Questions about the New Job and the Company

7. What interests you about this job?

 Describe the qualifications listed in the job posting and connect them to your skills and
experience.

 Show the employer that you know about the job you're interviewing for (not everyone does)
and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

 Convey your enthusiasm for the interview and your strong ability to do the job.

For example:

For a Human Resources Manager position:

 You would be responsible for recruiting, orientation, and training.

 Discuss how you were responsible for these functions in your past positions.
 Tell the interviewer why you are interested in continuing to develop your expertise.
For a Programmer or Analyst position:

 Mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies.

 Share your experience in programming both new applications.
 Talk about your interest in and your ability to solve problems.

8. Why are you the best person for the job?

 The interviewer is asking, "Why should we hire you?"

 Give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate
for the job.
 Compare the job description with your abilities and mention what you have accomplished in
your other positions.
 Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position

For example: You can...

 Describe how hiring you would benefit the company as you possess professional qualities.

 Share your contributions for the previous company, what you have accomplished in the past,
and to relate them to what you can achieve in the future.

 Describe specific examples of how effective you have been in your other positions, change you
have implemented, and goals you have achieved. Talk about related experience that you have.

 Relate your abilities to the employer's goals. Talk about your skills necessary to do the job, the
ability effectively meet challenges, and the flexibility and diplomacy to work well as a team
worker.

9. What do you know about this company?

 The employer wants to find out how much company research you have conducted to know
about the company

 Prepare in advance so you can provide relevant and current information about your
prospective employer to the interviewer. You can do some research on the company online.

 Taking the time to research will help you make a good impression with how much you know
about the company.

For example: Based on your research, you can mention about....

 The founder of the company.

 It's main business and achievements.
 Professional advancements and trainings.
10. Is there anything about company that you would like to know?

 It's your turn! The interviewer is saying, "What can I answer for you?"
 Have interview questions of your own ready to ask.
 You are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a
good match for you.

For example: You can post these questions...

 How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

 What is the company's management style?
 What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
 What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
 If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

REMEMBER...

This part can help you a lot in preparing for the interview that you'll be attending soon.

Wishing you ALL THE BEST in nailing that interviewing and get that job!

So...

FOCUS-PRACTISE-SUCCEED!

.......................................................................................................................................................................

"The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows."                                                                    

- Aristotle Onassis