Wednesday, January 16, 2008

How to Hiding your weaknesses in a CV

Make sure that you have common weaknesses or, even better, turn your weaknesses into strengths.
Switch something from a weakness to strength.
Highlight other skills that make up for the weakness
For example:
If you never went to university, you need to emphasize your job experience.
If you are new to the field of work, try to show your qualifications and related hobbies
If you have worked for small companies, you could, for example, try to highlight the benefits of having to solve a lot of problems on your own with tight budgets
Have a friend or yourself look at weaknesses in your career through your CV. Which points would potential employers be likely to question you about?
Once you prepare answers to common questions you're able to start tackling the more difficult parts of your interview and tune your CV accordingly.

career overview help you make a dicision

Making informed career decisions can be a daunting and sometime near impossible task. Getwonder.com career_overview is a non-commercial website dedicated to providing aspiring career professionals and students with relevant, reliable and up-to-date career and job information whereby helping them to make better, more informed career choices.

A lof of Free CV Samples

Here we have a lot of free CV templates.Welcome
Welcome to getwonder.com.com, the biggest database for free resume samples. We keep updating our resume database with new and fresh resumes every day. If you are looking for a sample resume for some specific job and you did not find it here, please do let us know. We would be more than happy to add it.
Artilces About Good Resume Writing
Accounting Resume
Administration Resume
Arts Resume
Communication Resume
Computers Resume
Education Resume
Engineering Resume
Executive Resume
Finance Resume
HR Resume
Legal Resume
Manager Resume
Marketing Resume
Medical Resume
Sales Resume
Science Resume
Services Resume
Social Service Resume
Special Resume
Student Resume
Technical Resume
Artilces About Good Resume Writing
Accounting ResumeAccounting Clerk, Accounting Manager, Audit Manager
Finance ResumeFinancial Analyst, Financial Consultant, Loan Administrator
Administration ResumeAdministrative Assistant, File Clerk, Office Manager
Communications ResumeEditor, Author, Copy Editor, Journalist, Proofreader
Computers ResumeProgrammer, Computer Operator, LAN Administrator
Education ResumeCollege Professor, Librarian, Music Teacher, Nanny
Engineering ResumeAirospace Engineer, Civil Engineer, Chemical Engineer
Manager ResumeManager, Branch Manager, Food Service Manager
Executive ResumeCEO, Directory, Hospital Administrator, Op Manager
Medical ResumeCardiologist, Dental Assistant, Dietician
Human Resources ResumeCompensation Manager, Recruiter, Personnel Manager
Legal ResumeAttorney, Contract Manager, Legal Assistant
Marketing ResumeMarket Research Analyst, Marketing Assistant
Sales ResumeSales Manager, Sales Executive, Sales Assistant
Science ResumeAgricultural Scientist, Astronomer, Geologist
Services ResumeChef, Hairstylist, Hotel Clerk, Cosmetologist
Social Service ResumeCase Manager, Counselor, Psychologist, Therapist
Student ResumeRecent MBA, Biology Major, Classics Major
Technical ResumeAircraft Mechanic, Pilot, Architect, Drafter, Surveyor
Arts ResumeActor, Art Director, Comedian, Model, Musician
Special Situations ResumeCareer Changer, Displace Homemaker, Laid Off

Here We Go:Post-Retirement Job Hunting

Does age discrimination exist? Not legally.
The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, passed in 1967 states, "It shall be unlawful for an employer to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, because of such individual's age."
There can be a gap between legality and reality, however.
During 2006, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 16,548 charges of age discrimination. Also, consider that the average job search was 16 weeks for people under 55 years old, but 22 weeks for those older than 55. And Texas A&M economics professor Joanna Lahey found that companies were more than 40% likely to interview a younger job seeker rather than an older job seeker.
Some employers feel that older workers are more set in their ways and not as technologically savvy as younger workers. Others believe that older workers have less energy and more health problems, will require higher salaries, and won't work as hard or as long as younger workers.
Most experts, however, are upbeat about the future of mature workers. With baby boomers (more than 76 million) retiring from primary careers, and fewer younger workers (48 million Gen Xers) to replace them, labor shortages will force companies to retain, retrain (if necessary) and value the older employee.
For many employers, the bottom line will be whether an employee meets their company's needs, but the experience, dedication, confidence, work ethic and maturity of older workers will become valuable commodities in the job market.
Where The Jobs Are
Manpower recently surveyed 2,400 companies in the U.S., asking them if they were having difficulty filling positions, and if so, which job they were having the most difficulty filling. So, if you're thinking about continuing to work after leaving a primary career, here's a specific listing (in order of need) of where the jobs were in 2007 in the U.S.:
Sales representatives Teachers Mechanics Technicians Management Truck drivers Drivers/delivery personnel Accountants Laborers Machine Operators
Other areas of high demand? The outlook for executives, bankruptcy lawyers, the leisure and hospitality industry, and health care are all hot, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Manpower and executive search consultants.
Discovering Your Destiny
Consider what's important to you. Is the amount of money crucial, or is flexibility, novelty, helping others or using your strengths a high priority? Will you need additional formal education? Are you willing to make trade-offs?
Let friends, former colleagues, members of your groups or professional associations and acquaintances know you are looking for work--and what type of work you desire (about 35% of people are hired through networking). Don't forget your local community college when investigating careers that require formal training. Most community colleges offer a number of certifications as well as two-year degrees in booming fields, and work with industry leaders to develop curricula.
Volunteer in an area that interests you or work at a temporary staffing service to "try out" different work paths. (Adecco, www.adecco.com, is one such company.) Not only will you find out if you're interested in the field, but you'll be ready and willing to work if the company decides to hire.
Use newspapers or online search engines such as Monster.com and HotJobs.com. You can also go online to sites geared toward workers 50 and older, such as Seniors4Hire (www.seniors4hire.org) or the Senior Job Bank (www.seniorjobbank.org).
If a "play-check" rather than a paycheck is what you're after, Brian Tracy, author, consultant and motivational speaker, suggests you ask yourself four questions when deciding what type of employment you'd like to pursue. They'll help you clarify what it is you're passionate about:
What do I most enjoy doing? How would I describe my ideal job? If I could have any job at all, anywhere, what would it be? If I won a million dollars in the lottery and I had to pick something to work at indefinitely, what would I choose to do with my time?
R¨¦sum¨¦ Writing And Interviewing
Are you older than 45? By 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about one-third of the labor force will consist of "mature" workers (defined as over 45). If you are planning on returning to work during your retirement years, you may have to update (or dust off) your r¨¦sum¨¦.
Emphasize your accomplishments, results and outstanding qualifications in a succinct paragraph at the top of your r¨¦sum¨¦. Include any computer expertise, course work or professional development to accentuate your openness to learning, as well as your e-mail address. In your cover letter, emphasize that you are a proven entity (don't say you've worked for 30 years), and that you are flexible, adaptable and willing to learn, and that you have transferable skills.
Don't feel obligated to list every job you've ever had; concentrate on those positions that are pertinent to the employment you are seeking. If you're looking to change careers, or if you're re-entering the workforce after a hiatus, concentrate on the transferable skills applicable to the new position, and downplay job titles if necessary.
When e-mailing a r¨¦sum¨¦, don't send it as an attachment in case it can't (or won't) be opened, and e-mail a copy to yourself prior to sending it to a potential employer to make sure it looks like you want it to look.
There is some disagreement as to what type of r¨¦sum¨¦ older workers should use. A functional r¨¦sum¨¦ highlights accomplishments and talents and downplays when the work was done. But many employers and recruiters know this type of r¨¦sum¨¦ can be hiding work gaps and age, and dislike them. Chronological r¨¦sum¨¦s are the preferred choice among most of those in hiring positions, but they can be a disadvantage if your latest experience doesn't match the new position, or if age matters. Combining both types into a "chrono-functional" r¨¦sum¨¦ could be the best bet.
Once your foot is in the door and you have an interview, again emphasize your flexibility, motivation, interpersonal skills and willingness to learn. Let the interviewer(s) know you want to contribute to the company and that you're not looking for a job because you're broke or bored.
Use your age to your advantage. Stress your experience with problem solving, your proven track record and strong work ethic. If you're happy to work part time, let the prospective employer know that you are a bargain. You have tons of experience, but you don't have to be paid what they might pay a younger, full-time employee. Slip in (assuming it's true) how you're playing tennis or love to downhill ski, hike or swim, to convey that you are a vital and energetic person.
Address any questions (insidious or obvious) about your age forthrightly by reassuring the interviewer you can handle the job as well as bring experience, enthusiasm and wisdom to the position.
Dress up, smile, be enthusiastic make eye contact and have a firm handshake. Be sure you're knowledgeable about the company, and follow up with a thank-you note.
Happy job hunting!

Why Structured Networking Works

Networking is a key part of a successful job search. It's also a hard skill to master. So job seekers often wonder "Where do I start?"
Structured networking groups may be the answer. With the help of facilitators, employed peers and career coaches, these organizations offer opportunities for members to connect and share job leads.
Plus, they help members learn to network skillfully and confidently.
A Little Structure Goes a Long Way
Networking requires that you step outside your comfort zone -- and act confidently there.
The appeal of structured networking groups is just that, structure. Meeting new people and building relationships are easier in a formal program.
Structured networking groups teach networking techniques in a safe, non-threatening forum. After you've practiced and honed your skills, you're then able to network without fear or anxiety.
The Elevator Pitch and Other Techniques
The format of structured networking events varies. Usually a structured networking group offers both informal gatherings as well as programs run by career coaches or facilitators.
One common program teaches job seekers to create an "elevator pitch." An elevator pitch is a short summary of your background and skills. It should be concise, confident and brief enough that you could share it with someone during an elevator ride.
As new members develop their pitches, coaches and more seasoned members of the group will give feedback and offer suggestions.
Structured networking groups also usually offer lectures and sessions to provide support. And members are expected to help one another by sharing contacts whenever possible.
1-2-3 Contacts?
The goal of structured networking is to gain useful professional contacts. However, don't expect to attend a few events and go home with an address book full of job leads.
New members must be patient.
Organizations stress that strong relationships form over time. Each individual has to earn the respect and trust of the other members before asking them for contacts or referrals.
The Price You'll Pay
Many structured networking organizations charge membership fees or fees to attend specific events. Some groups offer discounts to individuals depending on their financial situation.
Groups are usually categorized by profession, income or geography. You'll have to do some research to find the group that's right for you.
If you feel uncomfortable about paying for a group's services, trust your instincts. Before you pay to join a group or attend events, check the Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org
If you don't want to pay to join an organization, or can't afford to, consider starting your own networking group.