Advices

Applying for a new job can be a stressful and daunting task for many people, but it doesn't have to be. There are an abundance of job opportunities out there if you know where to look. By following several simple steps, you can find your dream job.

1. Begin by asking yourself what you want from a job. This includes knowing what work hours, duties and salary you expect from the position, as well as what sort of industry and environment you want to work in.
2. Create or update your resume. It's important that you tailor each application for each position you apply for, but to do this, you need a current resume.
3. Register with one or two recruiters. Recruiters are employed to help you find the perfect job, so take advantage of that. Ensure that you are comfortable with the agency/agencies you sign up with and make sure there are no 'exclusive' clauses that limit you from looking for work through other services.
4. Register with online job search sites. Hundreds of jobs are listed daily on these Internet sites. Sign up for daily emails updates and get jobs delivered into your inbox each morning from industries and fields that are relevant to what you're seeking.
5. Look in local newspapers. Many organizations still list their employment opportunities in papers, especially if they are hoping local candidates will apply.
6. Let family and friends know that you are looking for employment. Word of mouth can provide you with opportunities before they are even advertised, and give you an added advantage if someone is able to put in a good word for you.
7. Apply for positions. All the previous resources will provide you with a myriad of job opportunities. Choose positions that meet your criteria from step 1, tailor your resume based on the position description, and send off your application.

Be careful not to fall into the trap of over-applying. Honestly assess each job, and only apply if it meets all of your criteria, and you can fit all the requirements that are stated in the advertisement. Don't apply for a position just because it has a good salary. You'll be wasting your time, and that of the organization, if you don't meet the criteria.

This article is written by Kris Zelunka. Kris Zelunka is a freelance writer and editor with a Professional Writing and Editing degree. The article source is How To Apply for a New Job.

One of the first steps to employment is creating a professional resume. There are services available to assist you in this endeavor, but before spending your money, consider writing your own resume. In this era of computer proliferation, it's not as difficult a task as it once was. A resume is your marketing tool - your sales brochure - and who is better qualified than you to write a brochure about you? There are two basic types of resume, and their designs are a bit different so we will address how to write each type separately.

Chronological Resume

This type of resume is a timeline of your experience listed in order of most recent to older.

1. You can, optionally, begin your resume with an objective. An objective states your area of interest, and may include your goals. An example of an objective is: To obtain a position in food service management for a growing company with room for advancement.
2. If you have an education that is relevant or requisite to employment, include it following the objective under the heading Education. Include high school and college if applicable. Do not include schools prior to high school. List the school name, city and state, and type of degree or certificate. Mention any honors you've received if you feel it will help to sell the employer on you.
3. Now, list your jobs in order of most recent to the oldest. List the dates you were employed (e.g. March 2001-January 2005), the name of the company, your title, and the city and state. Put this under a heading like: Work Experience.
4. Under each job make a bulleted list of the tasks you performed, projects you worked on, and any other achievements, goals, quotas, or awards/recognition you received. Use action words to describe what you did (e.g. supervised, operated, organized, sold, designed, etc.). When possible, phrase these descriptions in the form of measurable results. For example: "Increased revenue by 7% by implementing new sales incentive program." Or: "Improved customer satisfaction rating by providing associates with additional customer service training."
5. Following your job history, detail any relevant licenses or certifications that you have such as CPA, CNA, electrician's license, computer network certification, etc. under the heading, Licenses/Certificates.
6. Conclude the resume with the phrase: "References Available Upon Request".

Functional (Skills-based) Resume

This type or resume focuses on skills and downplays work experiences. It is particularly good for students, homemakers returning to the workforce, ex-offenders, and those with limited experience, but can be used by anyone.

1. As above, start with the (optional) objective.
2. Follow with relevant educational experience.
3. At this point, rather than listing your previous employers, make a bulleted list of your skills and abilities. Do it exactly as you would in step 4 above (i.e. measurable, action-oriented), but don't include the employers, just the skills or tasks performed. This could be listed under a heading such as: Employment Skills .
4. Next, list all the places you have worked, but do not include dates. Just list the employer, city and state, and job title. You can list these under a heading like: Employment Experience .
5. Finish as with the Chronological Resume.

Remember that what we have detailed here is just a guideline. Use your own flair, change the heading names, and add your personal style. In other words: Make it yours.

This article is written by Donald Willard. Donald Willard is co-owner of FasTracKids of Summerville, an educational enrichment center, and he is one of the center's teachers. He has experieince as a career counselor, educator, business trainer, business owner, and freelance writer. The article source is How To Write a Resume.

The words Curriculum Vitae translated literally mean the story of your life. Your CV is a very important document: With it rest your hopes and dreams for the future, that next step up the career ladder, a better position, more money, new challenges, etc. Therefore, if you do not want to miss out on that ‘dream opportunity,’ your CV has to represent the best you can offer. Writing a CV that has the potential to be short-listed and/or make a positive impact is a skill and requires expertise. Many brilliant professionals and top brains haven’t been able to make it to the top or get the desired results in their careers only because they couldn’t position their talents, skills, knowledge and experience positively.

Let’s look at the psychology of selection here. A recruiter or a hiring manager is a human being who, like all other human beings, is driven by emotions. It’s a well-established fact today that human decisions in any walk of life are more emotional than rational. The rule of thumb to help define the ratio explaining emotions vs. rationality in human decision-making is now agreed to be approximately 70:30. Dr. Daniel Kahneman and his team’s seminal Nobel Prize-winning work clearly establish that we play in an “emotional” economy and not a strictly rational one. From consumer behavior to employee attitude to relationship health, everything is driven by human emotions. The science of behavioral economics has clearly upstaged the neoclassical theories of economics in explaining human decision-making processes. The same applies to building a CV. You have to learn to connect to the prospective recruiters/hiring managers. More importantly, you want their mind share in areas where you are sure you shine and possess strengths. The selection process is as much an art as it is a science. The element of human bias will never be completely eliminated. But that’s not always bad news. It, in fact, can be an opportunity if you are smart enough to crack this psychological code.

Let the biases work for you and not against you. This is where a CV built intelligently can help you. Why a powerful CV? Building a powerful CV is akin to building a personal brand. A good CV is like a positioning tool to position and promote your personal brand. It’s the first touch point with your prospective recruiters and needs to be handled smartly and with a great degree of care. A more basic benefit is that a powerful CV helps you get an edge in a highly competitive and crowded selection process. It helps you stand out and can definitely get you the right breaks, right career changes or upward career direction. Also, a good CV helps the recruiters peg you from a value perspective and, psychologically speaking, enhances your odds of getting a better remuneration/reward, even before you go to the negotiation table.

Last but not least, a smart CV will create a favorable mental predisposition with your interview panel and allow the interview discussion to be steered in the direction you want it to go. This can be the big difference between a successful and an unsuccessful interview. This, to me, is very critical for interviewers and interviewees alike, as too much time is wasted in trying to find faults/gaps, interrogate or indulging in a surface level show of one’s knowledge and capabilities. It's vital that the words used in your CV/resume really make the reader want to meet you and invite you to that all-important interview. Your CV/resume is your sales document to a recruiter/employer, and if it fails to sell you, then it will probably end up in the trash bin. A CV is like a brand statement. It does the rounds beyond the audience you expected to target, and thus builds a perception about you. It helps build your constituency, outside of your immediate network. It remains a potent and powerful tool to attract the right audience for the right reasons. If you are senior, and are doing well, your CV should be all the more powerful and should even be exemplary. So, what are the critical steps to build that powerful CV?

1. Please spend quality time to research the organizations and the roles you are applying for. This is the most basic (yet most critical) step and surprisingly, the most ignored aspect of career management. The company web site and other public domain information do offer some important cues. They will help you understand some key themes that should show up in your CV.
2. Build multiple versions of your CV suited to the relevant industry, organization, role, etc. It makes an immediate impact. A good CV should never be one-dimensional and you should never take a “single version fits all” approach.
3. Ensure that you highlight the ‘right’ things and manage around the gaps/non-strengths. The first page of your CV should capture your profile highlights (educational, experiential and personality strengths) and major professional accomplishments (tailored to intersect well with the role/organization requirements). This is not a manipulative process but a subtle attempt to position your best self, authentically, while not concealing any important facts. Trust me, the interviewer will be better off knowing what you can do, rather than what all you can’t do. A key learning from the study of behavioral economics is that brand recall is not just a factor of the best features, price, etc., but the ability to build an emotional connection with the consumer. In this context, your personal brand needs to make that connection with the prospective recruiter
4. Examine the job ad carefully. It usually contains some vital information regarding the role deliverables and the expected skill, knowledge and experience profile. Also, most ads will describe certain personality attributes that the organization feels will help the person succeed in the job environment. There is an entire school of thought which discounts the value of this information provided, especially regarding the personality attributes, and most CVs ignore this. This is an opportunity lost.
5. Leverage this opportunity and differentiate yourself by weaving these themes/attributes into the way you are describing yourself and your experience, skills, etc. It is the least emphasized aspect and needs some skills and effort, but can pay huge dividends in creating strong brand equity.
6. Explain your strengths smartly and clearly. A positive psychology-based approach offers you better chances of success. Understanding your differentiating strengths and being able to clearly articulate the same requires effort and skill, and this is very often the last mile that most people are not able to run, much to their detriment. Let’s not forget what Peter Drucker once said, “Most people feel that they know what their strengths are, and they are mostly wrong.” This is an aspect of self-awareness and introspection that matters a lot. You need to be able to master this piece, and soon. The best way to do this is to put down your thoughts around your key successes and the inherent strengths that enabled those successes.
7. Write down your successes and strengths as an independent, introspective exercise and give it quality time. You can then add this just after the profile highlights. This usually is a tough process and my review of over 5000 CVs clearly tells me that most people do a pretty shoddy job of this. Finally, be conscious and intelligent about what you want to position and how you want to position it. Don’t over-position, don’t under-position--you need to just-right-position.

The best way to do this is to weave your key skills, knowledge, experience and personality strengths while explaining your major achievements/successes. This strategy is a lot more powerful that just churning out reams of paper explaining all the great work that you have done and then somewhere in a remote, nondescript section of your CV, trying to explain your strengths, etc. Most CVs lack connectivity and alignment of perspectives. That’s what a great CV brings to attention, instantaneously.

The most critical success factor is around your CV’s ability to steer attention to your “best self” or, in other words, your key strengths. This is the most important aspect of your CV, and needs the most attention. It’s critical to understand that your CV is your brand, and helps a lot of people understand your “value proposition.” It definitely has a huge psycho-emotive dimension to it and hence needs to be managed well. Building a powerful CV needs effort, skill and some intelligent research. Let’s not oversimplify this process. The CV has to be authentic as it makes a “brand promise” which you will need to fulfill during the interview process and more importantly, when you start performing in your ‘dream’ role. Let’s accept its relevance and impact and consciously take control of the process, so that we can chart the career paths we set out to achieve. It can be the big difference between success and failure…

This article is written by Lalit Khanna. Lalit is a Senior Leadership Consultant with The Gallup Organization and Country Head for Gallup’s Enterprise Consulting and Leadership Development Practice. He is an avid writer, renowned newspaper columnist and speaker in management forums. The article source is How To Build a Winning CV that Positions your Personal Brand Powerfully.

The Cover letter is usually the first thing the hiring manager sees, and is one of the best tools to make a positive first impression.

The following tips can help you make sure you convey the right messages:

Say No to the Cover Letter Cop-Out
The first rule of cover letter etiquette is to send a cover letter -- always. It doesn't matter if the hiring manager didn't ask for it or you're too busy to write one. It's proper business etiquette to accompany a resume with a cover letter, and it gives you the opportunity to help sell yourself for the position.

Be Concise
Busy hiring managers don't have time to wade through letters that could pass for dissertations. Get to the point as expeditiously as possible, and break any paragraphs seven lines or longer into short, easily digestible ones.
When emailing your cover letter, brevity is even more important. The nature of email calls for concise communication, in part because it's harder to read on screen than on paper. However, don't fall prey to the one-line cover letter that some job seekers try to pass off. It goes something like this: "Please see attached resume, and thank you for your time and consideration." You should be able to write a convincing cover letter in a few brief paragraphs.

Keep It Professional but Friendly
While a resume is generally a formal document, cover letters give you a chance to reveal your personality. Not only do you want to show that you're a good fit for the position, but you also want the reader to like you. Appropriate use of humor, combined with a friendly and professional tone, can help endear you to the hiring manager.

Get Personal
Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person. If a job posting doesn't include a person's name, do some research to find out who the correct person is. Try calling the employer (but do respect ads that state "no phone calls"), and ask a receptionist for the hiring manager's name. Keep the salutation professional by using "Dear Mr. Jones," not "Dear Jim."

Focus on the Employer's Needs
If every other sentence of your letter begins with "I" or "my," you need to change the focus. Research the employer and find out what types of problems managers there are facing, qualities they look for in employees and their future goals. Then use your letter to prove that you are the answer to their problems. The most compelling letters demonstrate what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.

Be Original
Your cover letter will stand out if you employ some creativity. For example, you could include a brief summary of your toughest sale or most challenging project. You could incorporate excerpts of performance reviews to highlight your record of success. Or, you could create two columns in your letter to demonstrate precisely how you meet the employer's requirements: Your ad specifies: Five years' experience in IT. And I deliver: Six years of superior-rated performance in network design and administration.

Proofread
Cover letters should be free of errors, so thoroughly proofread them before sending. If proofreading is not your strong suit, get help from someone with meticulous proofreading skills. If you're customizing a cover letter that you use for many positions, remove any placeholders; this will prevent embarrassing errors such as "I would be delighted to be your next ." And one last tip: whatever you do, please spell the hiring manager's name correctly. Following cover letter etiquette can be time intensive, but the reward is worth it: More calls for interviews and a greater chance of securing a new position.

This article is written by Kim Isaacs. Kim Isaacs is director of ResumePower.com and author of "The Career Change Resume" book. Visit ResumePower.com to learn more about resume services to jump-start your career. The article source is Cover Letter Etiquette.

Do you get stuck on how to start or end your cover letter—so much so that you decide to send your resume without it? Well, there is no more need to fret. Below are sample cover-letter starters and endings for you to use when writing your letter.

Sample Cover Letter Starters
- I am a dependable, quality-focused professional with a consistent record of meeting and exceeding employer requirements. As I am currently seeking new employment opportunities, I would like to present my resume for your review and consideration.
- I am writing to express my interest in your current opening for a; therefore, please allow me to submit my resume for your review. Having served in sales and operational leadership roles for the past 10 years, with continued success in meeting business/operational goals, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your organization's future projects and initiatives.
- I noted your advertisement for a [X] with a great deal of interest, as your candidate description appears to be an excellent match for my background and skills. Therefore, I have enclosed my resume for your review and consideration.
- I am a conscientious, organized professional with a 15+-year career and a consistent record of meeting employers' requirements and goals. As I am currently seeking new employment opportunities, I would like to present my resume for your review and consideration.

Sample Cover Letter Enders
- I will contact you within the week to follow up on this letter of inquiry. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I need to furnish you with additional documentation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- My resume is enclosed to provide you with additional details regarding my technical/supervisory skills and achievements. I would welcome the opportunity for an interview with your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- My resume contains additional details regarding my career accomplishments. I would welcome an opportunity for a personal interview to discuss your organization's needs and the results you can expect from me in addressing those needs. And I thank you in advance for your time and review of my qualifications.
- To provide you with details concerning my qualifications and accomplishments, my resume is enclosed. I will contact you next week to follow up on this letter of inquiry; perhaps we could arrange a meeting to discuss our mutual interests. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- Thank you for taking the time to review my credentials. I hope you feel a personal meeting would be beneficial; I am available at your convenience. If you have any questions or when you are ready to schedule an interview, please give me a call.

This article is written by Linda Matias. She is certified in all three areas of job search - Certified Interview Coach (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW). The article source is Cover Letter Starters and Endings.

Be on time!
Practice getting to the venue to see how long it will take. Public transport may be useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable it won't affect the fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Always remember - You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Aim to be early - you can always find a nearby cafe/shop/pub to wait in. And if worst comes to worst and you are going to be late, then definitely ring in and let them know.

Be Prepared!
Look at the employers' website and learn something about the company before you attend your interview.

Write down and practice possible questions!
Writing them down and practicing them with someone will make it easier to remember when you get to the interview. Use the third person when talking about the job. Avoid sounding as though you assume the job is yours.
It is fine to ask about the package on offer and accommodation - living in and living out are particularly relevant. Don't forget to find out if the company will guarantee a resort or chalet - many will only allocate you a country. You could also try a fewer more testing questions such as how they differentiate themselves from their competitors or what they think the toughest/hardest part of the job is.

What are your weaknesses?
Don't be nervous, think before you speak. "None…ah well, ah'm a bit of a perfectionist actually!" Try to find an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking. An interviewer will appreciate your candor - as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
SMILE! Dress professionally in simple business attire. Just because you are going to be working in a ski resort does not mean you should wear Oakley's and a fleece to your interview. And don't forget that firm handshake and to maintain eye contact - without glaring!

Be honest!
There really is no point lying about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, or even manage to get out resorting and then get found out, you can be sure you won't be around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs - if there isn't a good match, then chances are that the job won't work out.

Check your CV for possible gaps!
Make sure you know how you are going to explain time gaps on your CV.

Talk about specific achievements!
Interviewers like to know how you felt about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you've done that you're particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.

Don't talk too much!
Spud again - Communication is a two-way thing so give them a chance.

Take a spare photo & CV with you!
Your interviewer won't be expecting it so you will impress them. It also helps them remember you after the interview.

Be enthusiastic and positive!
Don't criticize previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.

And finally, Don't give up!
The fact is that you will not be offered every job however perfect you think you may be for it. Usually it's because the interviewer was completely blind to the talent that stood before them. However, just on the off chance that it was not, feedback from interviews where you have been turned down can be invaluable for improving future results. Ask politely if they can give you any feedback for the future - there's a job out there for you somewhere.

If you are an employer with a job opening to fill, phone interviews are a good way to screen potential employees without investing too much time or money in the process. At the same time, phone interviews give applicants a chance to set themselves apart from the competition and pique an employer's interest. No matters which side of the phone you are on, here are some tips to make the most of the interview process:

Phone interviews provide a great opportunity for you to sell your skills and experience to a company.

1. Prepare for a phone interview by doing some preliminary research about the company so you can communicate knowledgeably.
2. Don't let an interviewer catch you off guard. Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or out loud to yourself.
3. Have some notes handy with questions you'd like to ask so you can sound organized and interested when the interviewer calls.
4. Try to arrange the call during a time you will be alone and won't have any interruptions.
5. If you are conducting the call from your present job, let the interviewer knows the circumstances up front.
6. Walk around while you talk. This will help your voice convey energy and you are apt to sound more enthusiastic.
7. Avoid eating, drinking (anything other than water) or chewing gum during the call, since this can make you sound muffled and less professional.
8. Have a glass of water handy in case your throat gets dry.
9. Keep your responses brief.
10. Express your sincere interest in the position.
11. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't have an answer to a question. It's better to admit that you don't know something than to fabricate a response. You can always offer to find out the answer.
12. Ask the interviewer what the next step will be and find out how to move forward in the interview process.
13. If all goes well, you should make it to the next stage where you can meet with the employer in person and you'll have another chance to convince the company that you are the perfect candidate for the position.

The article source is CoverConduct Telephone Interviews: Job Interview Advice.

When you interview for a job, you want to put your best foot forward and demonstrate that you are a good fit for the position. But don't forget that at the same time, you also want to find out as much as you can about the company to see if it is a good match for your needs, too. It has to be a win-win situation! Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you need to answer some job interview questions:

1. Do your homework in advance. This will help you to know what the company does and how they operate. This will help you feel comfortable answering questions about how your skills will benefit the employer. If the company has a website, it is always a good idea to visit it before the interview so you will be as prepared as possible.
2. Try to be as relaxed as you can be. If talking a walk or reading a book helps you to feel at ease, do that before the interview so you are at your best when the pressure is on.
3. Remember that the person interviewing you is human, too. She may also be nervous about meeting you. Keeping this in mind can help to keep things in perspective.
4. Be up front if you have a bad case of nerves. If you feel a little nervous about the interview and are afraid it will show, don't be afraid to admit it to the interviewer. Sometimes saying that you are a little nervous right up front can be a good ice breaker. Once you name the feeling, you might find it isn't as strong.
5. Be personable. You don't want to seem so stiff and formal that your personality doesn't show through. Always maintain a pleasant appearance. If you are easygoing and like to joke a little, if you are applying for a sales or customer service position where this would be an asset, let the interviewer catch a glimpse of this. Of course, you'll want to remain professional.
6. Don't forget where you are. While being comfortable with the interviewer is a good thing, getting too casual is a big no. You don't ever want to be too chatty or informal or share too much personal information.
7. Stay focused and keeps your goal in mind. You are meeting with the interviewer because you potentially want the job, so answer questions with this context in mind. For instance, if the interview asks you to describe a situation where you had to problem solve, use an example that would demonstrate your value to the company in some way.
8. Be flexible. Sometimes interviews don't go as planned. If the interviewer keeps you waiting for a long time, or asks you questions that you didn't expect, go with the flow and show you are adaptable in different situations.
9. Avoid simple yes and no answers. When an employer asks you a question, try to be specific and give some examples to supplement your answers in detail.
10. Take care not to sound too canned. Put some thought into your answers and always be honest. Don't just say what someone wants to hear.
11. Turn negatives into positives. Many interviewers ask people to describe their biggest weaknesses. If this is the case, be prepared with something that you can use as a weakness that might actually be beneficial in the job you are applying for. For example, if the job would require cold calling potential customers, you might talk about how your weakness is that you can just never give up, even when things seem hopeless. This would be a good trait in a job that requires determination.
12. Ask your own questions. It helps if you have some in mind before the interview begins, so you can show you are generally interested in the job and want to know more about it. If you are unsure where to start, just go with the basics. You might ask what a typical day in this job would be like, or why the last person left the position or what the timeline is for filling the position.
13. Make eye contact. By looking the other person in the eye, and by smiling when appropriate, you give a good impression and seem confident and appealing. A firm handshake is also a good way to convey that you are confident, feel good about yourself and have a lot to offer the company.

This article is written by HowToDoThings staff writer. HowToDoThings staff writers are experts in a variety of fields. They always strive to provide readers with the best, most relevant way to do just about anything. The article source is Answering Job Interview Questions: Advice for Employee Interview.

Searching for a job can be a full time job in itself. Networking, scouring the help wanted ads and filling out applications can sometimes seem like more effort than it's worth. But don't give up -- you never know when you'll get a call from the human resources department of a wonderful company asking to schedule a face-to-face interview.

When that call does come, you can delight in the idea that you are only one step away from your dream job. So shine your shoes and start giving some thought to the best way to answer the interviewer's questions! Here are a few tips:

1. Be honest. You are giving the interviewer his/her very first impression of you; be sure that you present yourself as trustworthy.
2. Display a positive attitude. Everyone prefers to work with upbeat people; no matter what questions you are asked, remain optimistic and enthusiastic.
3. Be sure to highlight your skills and abilities at every opportunity. If you have previously worked in the same job field, emphasize your advancements and achievements.
4. If you've got applicable education, be sure to point it out. Also, if you have attended seminars or other job related training sessions, mention what you feel you have gained from those experiences.
5. Give credit to others when appropriate. Mention that your last employer was a great motivator or was so bright and funny that he/she made the work environment comfortable and productive. Speaking well of others reflects well on you, too.
6. Never point out the shortcomings of others -- ex bosses or coworkers, in particular. The interviewer will rightly assume that you'll be doing the same thing to his/her company in time.
7. If you have limited job experience, spotlight other events in your life that have given you skills that would apply to this position. For instance, volunteering in the past may have taught you good people and time management skills.
8. Be open and friendly, but not too chatty!
9. Ask questions, too. Let the interviewer know that you are interested in the growth of the company and your possible contribution. Make him/her aware that you've done your homework about the company's history (You have, haven't you?!) and that you hope to play a part in its continued growth.
10. There are some topics to avoid, if possible. Try to keep the focus of the interview on what you can offer the company, and not on any limitations that you may have. If your children's daycare situation means that you'll need to leave the office promptly at 5:00 every day, this is not the time to approach the subject!

This article is written by Ethan Young. The article source is Answering Human Resource (HR) Job Interview Questions.

You should always send a "thank you" letter or note as a follow-up to your interview because it is an integral part of the employment process and because the power of saying "thank you" cannot be overstated. A "thank you" letter sends a message that you are both considerate and professional, thereby hopefully reinforcing the positive impression you left upon the reader's mind. This article was designed to help you to write a "thank you" letter to a potential employer, but you may adapt this format for other "thank you" letter uses as well.

Here is a basic layout format for a formal "thank you" letter:

• Return Address: Tab over and type your address near the right margin, followed by the date.

  Example:

  1234 Right St. Anywhere, PA 15678 June 30, 2005

• Address: Type this information flush with the left margin. The reader's name is typed on the second line.

  Example:

  ABC Corporation Attention: John Doe 777 State Street Anywhere, NY 12345

• Greeting: Always address your "thank you" letter to a specific person. Use the conventional "Dear" plus "Mr." or "Ms." followed by the first name and/or surname followed by a colon.

  Example:

  Dear Mr. Richard Brown:

  Never send a "thank you" letter to a person using his/her job title: "Dear Marketing Manager:" Send the letter to a specific individual, and be sure to spell his/her name correctly!

• Body: Two average-length paragraphs should make up this section. In the first paragraph, thank the reader for meeting with you and convey your enthusiasm about the possibility of working for the company. You might mention the date of your interview and the position for which you applied. Make a single return between paragraphs. In the second paragraph, briefly review your qualifications and special skills, and how you can be an asset to the company. You might want to mention an interesting topic or rewarding moment from your interview.
• Last paragraph: Thank the reader once again for considering you for the position. State your confidence again in your ability to be an asset to the company. Tell the reader that you look forward to hearing from him/her soon, and give a specific date when you plan to follow up with a phone call.
• Close: Make a single return after the last paragraph and type the close, aligning it with your return address. Any of the following words or phrases can be used to close: Sincerely, Very truly yours, Sincerely yours, or Cordially. The close is followed by four returns. On the next line, type your name. Sign your first and last name in the space between the close and your typed name.

  Example:

  Sincerely: Signature James Brown

• Be sure that your phone number and any other contact information such as your email address are clearly stated in the letter.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Timely: Send your "thank you" letter within two days of the interview.
• Hand-written: Hand written "thank you" letters are best but, depending on your personality and penmanship, a typed letter can also be appropriate.
• Appearance: Although personal in tone, your "thank you" letter should be business-like in appearance. Use a standard business format. Put a colon after the reader's name. Single space each paragraph. Make a single return between each paragraph.
• Each person: If multiple people interviewed you, thank each person individually. Don't try to thank a group of people with one letter.
• Proofread: Edit your "thank you" letter carefully. Ask someone you trust to check it over and give you constructive feedback. Look for misspelled, repeated, or misused words and phrases.

This article is written by Alice Feathers, M.A. TESOL, Professional Editor and Writer. The article source is How to Write the Perfect "Thank You" Letter.

Making a positive impression is important when establishing any relationship. Impressing your boss is essential if you wish to be successful in the workplace. There are no shortcuts to making a lasting positive impression. Hard work, respect, and sincerity are key factors. You will be sure to impress a boss in any work setting by following these steps.

1. Meet deadlines. An employee who delivers high quality products or services in a timely manner will always be on the boss's good side.
2. Respect your boss's time. A good supervisor reduces red tape and provides employees with the tools they need to perform their jobs. This respects your time and contribution to the business. Your boss will be impressed if you return the favor and value their time as well. You can do this by asking " is this good time?" before starting a discussion, combining small matters into a single conversation, and choosing email or a note to resolve a matter that isn't time sensitive and requires advance consideration.
3. Bring solutions along with problems. When an unexpected problem arises and you need to consult with your boss, think of one or more solutions to the problem in advance of the meeting. Start the conversation by saying something like "I think I know the answer, but..." Briefly discuss the problem and offer your solutions as possibilities, not ultimatums. The boss will appreciate your ability to think for yourself and your respect for their opinion.
4. Be positive. Employees expect the boss to maintain a positive attitude, even during stressful times. Bosses hope for, and are impressed by, employees who do the same. For every two complaints or suggestions for improvement you make to your boss, be sure to point out eight positive things. Avoid petty gripes entirely.
5. Be sincere. No one enjoys being manipulated, especially your boss. Undeserved flattery, performance or behavior change near evaluation time, and feigned interest in the boss's family or extracurricular activities will not impress. Your boss will be pleased if you are honest and consistent in your performance and only ask a question when you are truly interested in the answer.
6. Say thanks once in a while. All employees, including supervisors, appreciate recognition for a job well done. In many organizations, recognition systems are geared towards front line employees. Middle managers are often in the position of recommending awards, but rarely receive them. If this is the case in your organization, a well-timed thank you or small gesture is sure to be appreciated.

This article is written by Laurent and Benon Management Consultants Ltd. The article source is How To Impress Your Boss.

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