10 Classic Resume-Writing Mistakes to Avoid

By Michelle Dumas

Is your resume generating disappointing results? Have you been sending your resume for positions that you know you are qualified for, but the phone remains silent? If so, you might want to check it and revise it against these ten common errors.

1. Including an objective statement that tells the reader what you want.

If there is one major rule to keep in mind as you write your resume, it is that all of the content should be written to be employer-centered. Objective statements that tell the reader what you want are inherently self-centered. The more modern way of providing focus for your resume is to include a summary or profile section. A profile is fundamentally different from an objective in that it is employer-centered, conveying to the reader what you offer them, rather than what you want from them.

2. Writing your resume to be intentionally broad in scope.

Many people will write a broad resume out of fear that focusing too precisely will exclude them from certain opportunities. Unfortunately, this strategy almost always backfires. Resume readers are notoriously lazy and give your resume only a few seconds at most before making the decision to screen it out or screen it in. If you are lucky you have 15 seconds to clearly convey your focus (level and type of position you are seeking) and how you would add value within their organization. If your focus is ambiguous and you haven't made it crystal clear how you will "fit" in the company, you certainly expect the reader to make the effort to figure it out.

3. Including a generic profile/summary statement.

While it has become common and even expected that your resume will include a profile/summary statement, far too often they are just generic statements that do nothing to differentiate the individual from their competition in the job market. What is it that differentiates you and make your contributions to the companies you have worked for better and unique than your peers? What is the value proposition that you are making to the reader of your resume? What sets you apart from the competition and what uniquely qualifies you to meet the needs and solves the problems of the employer? Additionally, it isn't enough to tell a reader that you have certain abilities or traits; you must show them through examples of past achievements. Prove impact! Forget about cliches and jargon. Soft skills are often important, but even those should be backed up by specific accomplishments that illustrate them.

4. Describing your job scope and responsibilities in detail.

Think about it: Being "responsible for" doing something certainly doesn't mean a person does it. What a person is supposed to do and what they actually do are two different things. Many people make the mistake of selling features (responsibilities) rather than benefits (achievements/results) in their resume. It is very important to place the emphasis on achievements, quantifying results whenever possible. Document the ways in which your work have benefited your employers and quantify whenever possible. By including past achievements and results, you demonstrate your future potential. Always remember, you won't get hired for what you know how to do, you will get hired for what you do with what you know how to do.

5. Focusing solely on the achievement and forgetting about the results.

Just telling the reader that you have achievements isn't very effective unless you present them in terms of the results and benefits they have produced for past employers. You should always try to think in terms of the "so what" of your achievement. What did you improve, save, increase, enhance, etc? What impact did the work you do have on the companies? At the root, every single job is designed to solve a problem, save money, make money, or improve efficiency. It is crucial that you understand and be able to communicate the impact of your performance. Whenever you can do so, you should use numbers to illustrate your results, but even if you are unable to quantify achievements, the emphasis should still be on the results/benefits of your work.

6. Writing an autobiographical style resume.

Your resume is a marketing document. It is not an autobiography. While the decision about how far back to date your resume really depends on the individual circumstances, generally it is standard to go back 10-20 years. If experience earlier than that is still relevant, you can always summarize it in a couple of sentences without the use of dates. Always think in terms of relevance and impact. Does a particular piece of data or achievement support your personal brand and value proposition? Does it help promote your qualifications in relation to your current career goals? If not, you probably should not include it. In fact, by including irrelevant data, you dilute your focus and make the recipient wonder if you truly understand the position you are targeting. If you feel really strongly that particular data may be relevant to at least SOME recipients, you can always create an addendum that you choose to use selectively.

7. Including personal information.

If your resume is meant for the U.S. market, it should not include a photo, your birth date, mention of unrelated hobbies or interests, info about your family, info that reveals your religion, or any other similarly personal data. Including such data in a resume meant for the U.S. market may actually eliminate you from consideration, as hiring decision-makers may be concerned about discrimination suits.

8. Using a template design for your resume.

You should never use a template to create a resume. Your resume should be uniquely designed to highlight your unique qualifications and selling point and to set you apart from other candidates. If you use a template (or a format that looks like a template), you ensure that your resume will simply blend in with all the rest. To really compel action, your resume MUST attract immediate attention and present an unquestionably professional appearance. Create an eye-catching design, but forego the templates!

9. Using the same structure and resume writing techniques that you were taught in college ten years ago.

A common error made by experienced professionals is overemphasis of education. As an experienced professional your history of accomplishments and proven ability to produce and deliver results is far more important than your degrees. Only new graduates with very little or no experience should list education at the beginning of the resume. The most important thing is that you prioritize and organize your selling points, listing categories of primary importance first. The best structure in almost all circumstances is a combination reverse chronological order. This includes a profile/summary section, a reverse chronology of your work history and achievements, education, and other qualifications such as professional affiliations.

10. Listing all your achievements in a section separate from your career history.

It is critical to show progression and a consistent, repeated ability to produce results. By listing your achievements separately from your career history, you lose this. Go ahead and use specific achievements to illustrate the value proposition and personal branding that you convey in your profile. In fact, it is crucial that you do so. But, for the most part, the majority of your achievements are best presented within the chronological and situational context in which they happened. In other words, go ahead and include a SUMMARY of achievements that are selected to illustrate your value proposition and brand, but the body of your resume should also include achievements and results that illustrate your impact in each company or each position.

Do you still feel at a loss about how to improve your resume, even after reading these tips? If so, consider hiring a professional resume writer. Hiring a resume writer is an investment, but it is an investment that will often pay you back many times over by dramatically shortening your job search, positioning you to win coveted positions, and preparing you with the pitch you need to negotiate top compensation.


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Nationally certified resume writer, career marketing expert, and personal branding strategist, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents http://www.distinctiveweb.com/ and her Executive VIP Services delivered through http://www.100kcareermarketing.com/ Michelle has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide with all the tools and resources necessary to conduct a fast, effective job search. Michelle is also the author of the popular e-book 101 Before-and-After Resume Examples found at http://www.before-and-after-resumes.com/

To learn more about her job search products, resume writing services, and career marketing programs, and to sign up for many other free resources, visit her websites.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

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A Niche Resume Will Increase The Chance Of Getting An Interview Call

By Clancy Blumberg

You might have applied for many job opening but you are not able to get an interview call then this is something which you should consider seriously. You will come across lot of people who are not called for an interview, even if they are skillful.

You should be aware about the fact that number of vacancies is less in comparison with number of job seekers. There are many people who are hunting for the job. If you are the one who is looking for the job then you should know the ways to get noticed for an interview call.


Yes, a niche resume will be the best options that will help you to get noticed in front of the recruiters. Most of the people would not consider making a good and niche resume. You should know that resume will play an important role in getting a job for you. If you are willing to apply for a job opening then you should have a niche resume, which should be used for your application.


There are many people who would prefer to use only one resume for different job openings. This is one of the easiest practices to apply quickly and easily. It is better for you to know that this practice is not the right way to apply for a job opening. It is better to create a niche resume for each and every job opening in which you apply. It is advisable for you to make a resume on the basis of the recruiter's requirements.


Majority of the advertisement of job openings will include some information that will help you to create a niche resume. It is better to mention your professional achievements in the resume that your prepare. At the same time, you should not forget to mention the educational qualification and the work experience in the resume. You will come across lot of people who would prefer to create a cover letter as well. Now, this is a good move. It is better to provide a cover letter along with your resume.


You should know that a niche resume should also have a cover letter. It is true that a cover letter is one of the best options that will help you to represent yourself in front of the recruiter. Make sure that the cover letter and the resume is free from grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Clancy has websites containing free resume samples and resume writing tips with information on resume cover letter.


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Physical Therapy Careers - Educational Programs and Occupational Outlook

By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Physical Therapy Careers in the United States and Canada. Whether you pursue a career as a physical therapist, rehabilitation counselor or occupational therapist, you will definitely need to attain a certain level of education and training in order to fulfill your career aspirations. In addition, it is important that prospective candidates possess good communication skills, compassion and like the idea of working with people.

Today, physical therapy careers are on the rise and the field is expected to grow much faster than average of other occupations; and if individuals are interested in achieving these occupations, they must pass a licensure exam before they can even begin the practice. In addition, candidates must complete an accredited physical therapy program from one of several schools or colleges.

Common studies involved in training programs geared toward physical therapy careers are clinical conferencing, training and education; clinical sciences, orthotics and prosthetics, cardiac management and testing, pathokinesiology, pulmonary management and testing, psychosocial patient care, and professional aspects with regard to physical therapy.

Some physical therapy careers require a degree like Associates, Bachelors or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Additional physical therapy careers that one can pursue are occupations as a physical therapist assistant, occupational therapistassistant or physical therapy aide. Typically, entry-level positions as physical therapist assistants or aides can be earned with an Associate Degree.

Depending on experience and education, professionals who have earned one of several physical therapy careers can anticipate rewarding earnings up to $88,000 annually and can expect to work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, schools or other healthcare facilities.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in attaining physical therapy careers, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Salary source: Bls.gov (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Physical Therapy Careers: Educational Programs and Occupational Outlook
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Physical Therapy Careers, Occupational Therapy Schools, and other studies.

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Hospitality Management Careers Are on the Rise

By Andy West

The travel and tourism industry is the largest single industry in the world, making more money than any other for many countries around the globe. It's not surprising, as vacations are a universal family activity across nearly all cultures. With a hospitality management degree, you can have a successful career in the travel and tourism industry.

"The Big Three" are Travel, Tourism and Hospitality. There are really three branches to the industry, with each focusing on particular areas of the tourism industry as a whole. A hospitality management degree will give you an excellent overview of what you need for each of these, or you can choose to focus on one in particular by choosing elective courses that concentrate on one area.

The Travel Industry includes airlines, railways, cruise lines and motor coach lines. Flight attendants, cruise directors, booking agents and others who assist passengers are all part of the travel industry. Some of these individuals pursue specialized training through particular training programs offered by employers, although promotions are generally offered first to those who also have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or tourism.

Those working in the Tourism industry are most often working for a travel agency or tour booking company. They will be expected to be familiar with the geography, weather, history, customs and culture of locations around the world. They will also need to be aware of customs procedures, regulations, required paperwork and other necessities for anyone traveling to foreign countries. Some individuals will also work privately for large corporations to coordinate travel plans for company executives, or work for Human Resources departments to make travel arrangements for employees and their families during relocations.

The largest by far is the Hospitality industry itself, which includes hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, golf clubs and convention centers. You could manage any of these facilities, coordinate events such as golf outings or fundraisers, or be the food and beverage director for fashion shows and special events such as political campaigns.

Becoming a bridal consultant is another option that is rapidly gaining popularity. Today's couples are planning larger, more elaborate weddings that require intensive planning down to the last detail. Destination weddings also require the specialized talents of an event planner with travel experience.

Event planners are also in high demand for conferences and conventions for professional associations and lobbying groups. These types of positions are ideal if you prefer a fast-paced environment and a change in your routine rather than a 9-to-5 job behind a desk, since you will be expected to be on-site at each venue to oversee the set-up and organization of every event.

Positions in the travel industry require business, finance and customer service skills. You will need to provide excellent customer service, enjoy working closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and be able to cope with a variety of unexpected emergencies with grace and calm. You will also be working on a daily basis with complex schedules, rates and financial data in most travel careers. The coursework for a Hospitality Management degree should prepare you for all of these scenarios.

Typical coursework might include hotel management, food & beverage management, conference & seminar management, tourism management, and human resource management. Staff training & development in the hospitality industry is a popular program, as are programs in guest services oversight & analysis, hospitality accounting & oversight, marketing & merchandising, food service design & staffing, and purchase and cost control. Each school will offer variations on these courses and may offer concentrations on particular areas, so compare them to find the one that offers the courses that are best suited the type of career you are looking for.

Andy West is a writer for Ultimate School Guide and Who Likes School.

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Salary Negotiations

Negotiating Your Salary During the Job Interview
By Tony Jacowski

Ideally, the mutually-accepted final salary structure will be the outcome of a successful interview process. However, your expectations must be realistic. A little research on deciding upon the expected salary will be helpful.

A realistic assessment should be done to calculate your worth as an employee, which should be tested against the present market or industry standards. Several factors such as type of industry, kind of work, geographic location, supply and demand, or simply the growing need for a professional workforce in a specific industry play an important part in salary considerations.

After preparing yourself in these areas, it will be helpful to follow a three-point formula for the actual salary negotiations during the interview.

Never Be the First to Bring Up the Topic of Salary

Do not rush to bring up the matter of salary in your interview. First, let the employer decide whether you are suitable for the position. Eventually, the topic will come up in the interview - but avoid starting it if possible.

You will blow your credibility if you start the discussion by asking for a particular figure. This gives the impression that salary is your major consideration in applying for the job.

Just as in a card game, it is always best to hold your trump card until it's time to play it. Announcing your anticipated salary early in an interview may very well eliminate your chances of getting the job, especially if the figure turns out to be too high. If you have set your limit low, it eliminates the opportunity of getting a higher figure if the employer is already thinking of one.

Therefore, it is best not to include salary expectations in your resume unless salary has been specified in the job-opening announcement.

Do Your Homework

Some research is needed before you go on the interview. Explore details such as average salary for that position in the job market, and evaluate your experience, expertise and educational qualifications. Other factors to take into account are the reputation of the company, the hierarchical status of the position offered, and the geographic location.

The perks that come with the salary, if any, should also be considered. Feedback from friends working in that company or colleagues working in the same industry is helpful in getting such details.

Don't overlook websites that deal with employment and job opportunities.

Do Not Jump At the First Salary Offered

Don't grab the first offer instantly. Take time, a couple of days perhaps, to consider the offer. Consider some hitches that might go unnoticed. Review the offer; consider all the possible aspects as well as your chances of getting ahead in the position before accepting it.

If you find it doesn't meet your expectations, let the employer know the salary you anticipate and justify it by pointing out the requirements of the position and your experience and expertise for earning it.

This may not always result in getting you your asking salary; it's entirely likely that you may need to negotiate and come down a bit. Even if that happens, you will come into the position with your own self-worth established.

Like marketing, successful closing is important in an interview. If you are marketing your worth in an interview, make sure to successfully close the deal and negotiate your salary.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

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Nursing Career Information - Three Things You Should Know Before Getting Started

By John Purfield

Are you thinking about becoming a nurse but not sure where to get nursing career information? This article will cover a few things about nursing and hopefully will help you get started with a very rewarding career. We'll start with what nursing is about. Then we'll cover the schooling needed to become a nurse and mention a couple of different areas of nursing you can work in. Also, this article will tell you how to get more information.

In my opinion, the best thing about nursing is you are directly working to save lives. Now I know this sounds crazy. However, keep in mind the nurse is always in direct contact with the patient. Plus you are in contact with many people. Also, they are the ones who carry out the doctors orders and provide comfort and consultation to the ailing patient. The most important thing you need to know so far is that you have to have good people skills and know proper bedside manor.

Nursing is also a rewarding career financially. They have a great starting salary, much higher than other entry level jobs. So the money is there. You need to go to school first. As of this writing, there are three types of nursing degrees available. If you want to get started right away, the good news is that some of these programs are as short as 2 years and you'll have your nursing degree. However, the longer you go to school, the more opportunity you have to make more money. You only need a high school diploma to apply for these nursing degree programs and participate.

When you complete your nursing degree program, then you can start applying for nursing jobs. There are many career nursing choices available. For example, you can work in a hospital or become a private nurse. It appears that hospitals offer better benefits than working as a private nurse. However, being a private nurse may be less stressful. It depends on what you want to do.

If you decide to work in a hospital, you can assist the doctor in delivering babies and helping new mothers get started. Also, you can work in the fast paced emergency room. Basically, working in a hospital can provide a nurse many opportunities. On the other hand if you work as a private nurse, you are usually sent to watch over a patient for the evening or during the day. So hopefully you can see the extremes of each nursing career choice.

So as you can see, getting starting in a nursing career, while challenging, is simple. The main things you need to know are the schooling you need and then what area you like to specialize in. Read the resource box below for more nursing career information. You'll also find that there are many opportunities for a motivated nurse.

For further nursing career information visit http://www.aboutnursingcareers.com/, a web site dedicated to helping aspiring nurses get started in their careers.

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GED - A Needed Edge in the Soft Economy

By Michael W. Ormsby

All over the country, people are worried about the economy. The word "recession" is all over the news. And the people at the highest risk of suffering from a poor economy are the 39 million Americans who don't have a high school diploma. As jobs get scarcer, more highly qualified workers are on the job market, looking for employment. In an economy where, in some job markets, 75% or more of jobs require a high school degree, the prospects for someone without one are already slim. As jobs become more competitive, people without a GED or high school diploma are the most likely to find themselves without employment.

When the economy begins to look shaky, people tend not to want to make changes in their lives. They put off buying new things, and that includes investing in their education. But the truth is that, when the economy is soft, it's the worst time to put off pursuing better education. If you've been thinking about getting that GED, there has never been a better time. A small investment in studying for and taking the GED exam can lead to a much more secure future and put you in a better position if you need to search for a job.

The GED can be fast and easy. By taking a practice test, many people find that they can already pass one or more of the five tests on the GED exam: social studies, science, reading, writing, and math. One caution: the GED cannot be taken online. It can only be taken at an official testing center. However, it is possible to study for the GED test online. The test is inexpensive, and the test-taker receives a credential from their state government.

Passing the GED shows that you've mastered the most important skills from high school: communication, basic math, and most importantly, critical thinking skills. It also shows that you have the perseverance and commitment to prepare for and complete the exam. These are the qualities employers look for: commitment, perseverance, and critical thinking. Although the GED is challenging, it's also achievable. With focused study and personal dedication, the millions of Americans who missed out on high school can get a second chance. Many GED study programs are available to help.

In dollars and cents, a GED means earning up to $350,000 more over your lifetime-and possibly much more, even as much as a million dollars more, if you go on to trade school, community college, or a university. More urgently, a GED can mean job security and a better resume, greater respect and more possibilities for the future.

Michael W. Ormsby is the president of The GED Academy and oversees software and curriculum for adult learners and people with educational challenges. For more information, visit http://www.passged.com/

Michael can be contacted by email at: information@passGED.com or by telephone at 888-880-2164.

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Tips to a Smooth Start at a New Job

By Tony Jacowski

You need to put your best foot forward your new place of employment. Let's take a look at how you can do this.

Learning a New Job

You have to learn a new job and new procedures. Some of it may be explained to you, but the rest is for you to tackle or attempt to learn from the colleagues around you. Take care how you ask, respond and also handle the job.

It is better to ask lots of questions than to make a mistake.

Short Notes

Do not hesitate to make notes. You may need to operate a machine or a particular program, and you may not be able to remember everything the first time. It is better to take down details than to keep asking and disturbing your colleagues when they are working.

Make notes on whatever else you may be told or are learning about the organization.

Be True To Your Work

Don't be tempted to check your mail or surf the 'net when the work at hand has not been completed. If you find yourself with time on your hands, look into material that will educate you about your organization and job.

Keep Your Cell Phone in Silence Mode

Respect your colleagues by keeping your cell phone on silent mode and keep your voice down when answering it. Some organizations do not allow employees to answer their mobiles during working hours. Be sure to find out what the company's policies are regarding personal messaging devices.

Respond to calls on your own time. Nothing gets an employee an unfavorable reputation faster than spending a lot of company time on personal tasks like phone calls.

Complete the Work Given

Every attempt should be made to complete the work assigned to you. Always having to apologize for not completing jobs is damaging to your reputation as an employee - both with fellow employees and your supervisor.

If you feel you are being given more than you can complete, then you should discuss it with your superiors.

Be Attentive

Listening and observing helps you learn more than talking or interrupting the person who is speaking. You will learn more about company matters and policies and the work culture and flow by listening to your colleagues.

Be Positive

Being positive and enthusiastic will showcase your attitude toward your work and workplace. Show your eagerness about the work being explained to you and your confidence that you can handle it.

Gain Respect

It is important for you to earn the respect of your colleagues by speaking to them courteously. If you show respect for them, they are more likely to reciprocate.

Be a Part of the Team

Most work is carried out by teams, not individually. Make sure that you show you are part of the team and support it. You will need that support from them at some point. Always be humble and polite.

Taking on a new job is not easy. You need to work hard at two things simultaneously: you need to learn a new job and you need to make a good impression. Be friendly and you'll settle in well with your new employer.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

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Tips For Identifying Your Strengths and Landing the Job You Want

Tips For Identifying Your Strengths and Landing the Job You Want
By Tony Jacowski

During an interview, you are often asked about your strengths and weaknesses. If you know your strengths and can speak about your weaknesses and the ways you can improve upon them, you gain an upper hand over other candidates.

Identifying Your Strengths

There are ways to identify your strengths in order to get the job you desire. You can evaluate your experience and education, for example, or you can ask your friends, family, colleagues, or even your boss.

Strengths That Are Based On Knowledge

Knowledge-based strengths are those that you have gained through education and experience. These can be technical knowledge, computer skills, mastery of languages, and other similar skills. If you have excelled in a certain subject in school then you can project it as a strength.

Computer skills are an additional advantage for the job applicant whose field is not computers. Similarly, fluency in a foreign language can be a special advantage. If you have received certificates for courses you have completed then you can also add them as a strength.

Skills Developed In the Workplace

These can be analytical, communication, or planning skills or something similar. Different work scenarios teach us different skills and there might be some arenas in which you might have come out with flying colors.

You might have received accolades for a certain project or your colleagues might find you to be a great co-worker. It is these skills that you need to capitalize upon when you're preparing your resume.

Know Your Personal Traits

Every person has at least one unique quality or a unique combination of qualities that sets him apart from others. You need to figure out your special qualities. You might be expressive, hard-working, punctual, formal, congenial, dependable, flexible, or a combination of these.

You need to know them and mention them as your strengths in your resume, cover letter or during an interview.

Ask For Help

If you are still facing difficulties in figuring out your strengths, ask you friends or colleagues. You might have certain skills that you have not been aware of. For example, you might be detail-oriented but you have never realized it.

You might be a congenial person to work with or you might have innovative ideas. To find out your weaknesses, you can ask your boss. He is sure to have some listed under your name. Work upon those areas to make yourself as free of these as possible.

A little self-assessment or help from people around you can go far in helping you identify your strengths and ameliorate your weaknesses and land you the job you want.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org/ ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

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How to Earn Respect From Your Colleagues

How to Earn Respect From Your Colleagues
By Tony Jacowski

Attitude Matters

No matter how bad your mood might be when you leave home for work, when you reach your workplace, you should put on a happy face and greet everybody with a smile. A smile goes a long way in creating healthy relationships among co-workers. A great attitude that exudes optimism helps you earn their respect.

You should be ready to accept the fact that there are people who know more than you do. If you need their help, accept it with gratitude; and if you need to help them, be humble about it.

Being humble does not mean that you let them take advantage of you; it simply means that you avoid being offensively arrogant about what you know.

Develop a Good Work Ethic

Maintain a work ethic that speaks for itself, one that lets everyone know that you will always put your best foot forward. If you have spare time, you should make yourself available to help others. This way, others will have confidence in you, knowing they will be able to depend on you and knowing that you are a member of the team.

Be passionate about the work you are doing. You will become an example for others and will earn respect. Have you ever noticed that serious workers rarely complain about their organizations, even if their situations are not ideal? Ever wonder why?

This is because they seek for solutions and are not whiners. No wonder they are the most respected employees in the organization!

Show Integrity of Character

Integrity of character is the major reason co-workers respect each other. The relationship that you build with your co-workers should be based on trust. You should never act in a way so as to raise doubt in their minds about your integrity.

You should not discuss your personal life in the workplace. This is best left for after-hours; even so, it's best to guard how much you share and whom you share it with. Gossip has been known to destroy careers.

Be a Professional

Your organization will have rules and regulations that you must follow. Make certain you know what they are and that you are scrupulous about abiding by them. Pay attention to the dress code if there is one and dress appropriately to project a professional demeanor.

The way you speak and behave in the organization also makes a big difference. Always behave in a professional manner, don't carry on time-consuming conversations that are not about the business at hand, and project professionalism by your appearance and your behavior.

Give Respect Get Respect

A very simple yet oft-forgotten rule is that you need to give respect in order to get respect. Respect your co-workers, their views, their privacy, their knowledge, and every thing that is worth being respected.

You should be courteous and polite to your colleagues. A little "thank you" or "sorry" or "please" can help you earn respect. You should pay attention to the person in from of you during a conversation. You might think of it as multi-tasking, but typing messages during a conversation is outright rude.

These are a few simple points to help you earn respect from your co-workers. A very simple yet very good way is just to be yourself.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org/ ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

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The New Power Jobs

by Heather Boerner, for Yahoo! HotJobs

White-hot jobs are opening up in the power sector.

"These aren't just hot jobs, they're sizzling jobs," said Christine Real de Azua, spokeswoman for the American Wind Energy Association. Wind energy grew by 45 percent last year. "We need every type of job candidate."

Indeed, with oil topping $100 per barrel, expect power industry jobs to explode in the next 10 years -- and not just in petroleum or the electric company. Want to repair wind turbines, manage a nuclear reactor or install solar panels? The jobs await.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and energy leaders reveal what fields are expected to grow, and they are listed below with projected growth levels through 2016, salary data, and what you need to get a related job.

Engineers11 percent projected growth$44,790-$145,600 annually, depending on specialty
"We're experiencing a comeback in 'dirty jobs,'" said Chris McCormick, partner and head of the energy division of venture capital firm Landmark Ventures. "While a few years ago, what we wanted were the 'clean' jobs in computer engineering, now we're back to the types of engineers who get their hands dirty with chemistry and broad-application engineering."

Chemical engineers who work with biofuels, electrical engineers who design power plants, mechanical engineers who find better ways to capture air and wind energy, and nuclear engineers who make plants run more efficiently will all be in high demand -- with salaries to match. While some engineers, like chemical engineers, may need a PhD to do their jobs, most others, like environmental engineers, only require a bachelor's degree in physics or engineering, according to the BLS.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators11 percent projected growth$35,590-$75,240 annually
"When I got out of college, people told me, 'Go do other things.' The conventional wisdom was that nuclear power was going to go away," said Carol Berrigan, senior director for industry infrastructure at the Nuclear Energy Institute. "But now, with some regulatory changes, we have something like nine applications out there for 16 new nuclear power plants in the next few years."

Which jobs will grow fastest? Think Homer Simpson, but with more computer knowledge and less buffoonery. On top of the billions of dollars the industry is spending on new construction, the field's employees are aging: In the next 10 years, half of all nuclear reactor operators are expected to retire. You don't need to have an engineering degree for these jobs, but you should expect extensive on-the-job training and classroom instruction as well as licensing exams, according to the BLS.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic9 percent projected growth$42,350 median annual income
Someone's got to install the solar panels and repair wind turbines, and industrial machinery mechanics are often the ones who get the jobs. In solar, Tioga Energy's Executive Vice President Preston Roper said the biggest demand is for solar installers.

Both Roper and Real de Azua said local community colleges are the places to go to get the training necessary for the jobs. Many are offering specialized training in solar or wind repair work.

Skilled Trade WorkersElectricians:
7 percent projected growth
$44,780 median annual income

Line Workers:
7 percent projected growth
$52,570 median annual income

Welders:

5 percent projected growth
$32,270 median annual income
These workers repair the lines that bring power to your home and build and repair power plant structures. Want one of these jobs? Usually you don't need post-high school education, but you will need an apprenticeship through a union or other skilled trade group. The programs usually take about four years.

Job Interview Tips to Help You Wow Your Interviewers and Land the Job

By Catherine Z Jones

Did you know that there are many different job interview tips to help wow your interviewer and land the job that you desire? Yes, that's right! There is a secret formula of success that every potential job interview candidate should know and understand prior to the first interview.

Now, I am about to share these secret job interview tips with you! Remember, the job market is slim these days. In order to make the mark and land the position that you want and need, you have to have a competitive edge. The following is a list of what I consider to be the top five job interview tips to help you put the "WOW!" into your interview!

1. Now, we have all heard the whole spill about "presentation" and "first impressions". While I would love to say "hey, take all that and throw it out the door", I can't. The truth is presentation IS everything! First impressions DO count! Keep this in mind as you're preparing for your interview. This is a process where you get to urge an interviewer to "buy-in". It is much like a sales presentation. In this case, however, YOU are the product.

   You should ensure that you carry a copy of a professionally written resume, as well as any other valuable paperwork that can display how you can be an asset to the company in which you are applying. Practice the sales pitch, work on the objections, and above all - push for the final purchase!

2. You've got your eye on a particular company. You want a certain position. If you want to WOW! your interviewer, learn that company and the description of the position that you are seeking inside AND out! This is an essential job interview tip! Not only does this tell the interviewer that you are quite serious when it comes to the position that you seek, this company will develop the same respect for you that you have for them! Be in the "know" - now!

3. The next step to ensuring the overall WOW! factor of your interview is to ensure that you practice questions that may be asked of you and consider good interview questions to ask the interviewer. This will BLOW the interviewer AWAY! The "average" interviewee comes in with their nerves tied in a knot, fear blatantly etched in their faces. This is common. Most of these individuals do not have the nerves to ask questions.

   Then, here you come with all this confidence and start asking away! This is impressive! By the time you get done with the interview, you will find that the person interviewing you is actually SELLING YOU the job! Pretty amazing how this works, but I have personally experienced it more than once - successfully!

4. Now, we all know looks are not everything - and, truly, they aren't! However, a professional image IS everything if you are looking to WOW! your interviewer. Make sure that your interview clothes are appropriate, that you are well kept and that you display a visible level of confidence! By taking the time to focus on these areas, you are sure to be pleased - in the end - when it comes to the overall results of your interview!

5. Last, but not least, WOW! your interviewer by ensuring that you remain confident, act truly interested in every word that they say and interact with them! They will gain a comfort level with you, and you will do the same with them. This, above all, is sure to convince them that they absolutely MUST hire you!

That's IT! Everything you need to know to WOW! your interviewer and land the job of your dreams in here in these job interview tips! Apply these measures, and you will quickly and comfortably travel down the road to success!

Read more about preparing for interview as well as advice on interview clothes

Catherine Jones is a leading authority on recruitment and, with 3 colleagues, has written a how to snag a job website in which she shares her secrets on getting hired.

Catherine works as a senior manager for a large financial services organisation and recruits new employees on a regular basis. Learn from the experts and snag the job you want - your dream job!

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Writing Tips For a Chronological Resume

By David Hults

Resume writing tips for the chronological resume should take aim at a particular position/skill set. A chronological resume is the type of resume that you probably use now or have used in the past. It is used when applying for a job where your job history matches the target and shows a sensible progression of career steps.

Although employers never hire resumes - they hire people - a good resume, if constructed and used properly, can be a great tool to showcase your relevant experience to the target market. And that is the goal of the chronological resume. The resume is meant to grab the attention of the employer regarding your qualifications so they will call you for an interview. Employers want to know what you did that yields results. Employers are always looking for what sets you apart from the stack of 40 other resumes sitting on their desk. Don't try to be all to all or you will find yourself editing your resume every two days!

Resume writing tips that grab the attention of the employer in a chronological resume include:

Resume Writing Tip #1 - Like the functional resume, a chronological resume uses an objective. It should clearly state your purpose and target. The objective should be about the value you can bring to the company not your expectations about opportunities the company may be able to offer your career!

Resume Writing Tip #2 - Show qualifications that you can bring to the organization. Communicate the knowledge, skills and abilities you can provide to perform the duties of the job. Show how you can benefit the employer and be successful in this position. Let the resume highlight your uniqueness. Your combined assets, abilities, talents, experience and education are not like anyone else's.

Resume Writing Tip #3 - A resume should not be an exaggeration of skills or an unorganized clump of job descriptions all printed on quality paper. With new and improved ways to check background information, it is important that only the facts are stated and no exaggerations. A discovered exaggeration could mean loosing the opportunity to move further in the recruiting process.

Resume Writing Tip #4 - In the overall look of the chronological resume, here are several general tips:

* The resume should not show or state height, weight, whether you're married or single, a smoker or non-smoker or wiling to relocate.
* Clean up any typing errors or grammatical errors. Find someone to proof read the resume.
* The resume should be neat, clearly written and inviting to read.
* The resume should be no more than two pages in length with the most important information on page one.
* The resume should show the length of employment for each position. Break it down to the actual month and year you started and left each position.

So to summarize resumes, they have two goals - to be a statement of purpose and proof that you are capable of accomplishing that position. Networking will almost always outperform mass mailing so take aim! Network to make the right connections and stay focused on what you can do for the employer - not what they can do for you.

Visit http://www.activ8careers.com for other free career articles.

David Hults author of the book "From Cornered To Corner Office" Overcoming the most unexpected obstacles that stand between you and your career dreams http://www.fromcorneredtocorneroffice.com

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