tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80696557720261567342024-02-19T02:38:20.974-08:00SkillSetBlogSkillSetBlog
Everything you'll ever need to land a grad job.
Access it anywhere, anyway you like.J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-76712012704905816382011-08-10T09:30:00.000-07:002011-08-12T04:20:11.827-07:00SkillSet 2.0As promised, here is the link to our new smooth looking blog! - <a href="http://skillsetg.wordpress.com/">http://skillsetg.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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Thanks very much to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JeffreyJKingman">Jeffrey Kingman</a> and the Chalkboarder team for their hard work and contributions to our new site!<br />
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Head over now and check out our latest article on <a href="http://skillsetg.wordpress.com/2011/08/10/freelancing-an-introduction/">Freelancing!</a><br />
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As always, thanks for reading!J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-63266438561430889442011-08-10T03:12:00.000-07:002011-08-10T03:13:25.993-07:00We're Movin!As the title suggests, we are in fact moving location later this very day!<br />
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To a cool new blog with a lot more functionality, so we can offer a lot more in terms of content and design in the future for you guys!<br />
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So we apologize for a bit of a lull content-wise, but don't worry - there'll be a brand new article released later today, both here and on the new blog!<br />
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Exciting times...<br />
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Stay connected for details later today and a look at the new super-blog!J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-52175160849658077342011-08-05T20:06:00.000-07:002011-08-06T03:11:05.641-07:00The Job-Seekers Guide to Twitter - Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a weeks wait, here it is, part 2 of the Twitter Guide!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week we talked briefly about signing up for Twitter, the importance of filling out of your profile in detail and some basic functionality.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This article will explore the @ and # keys in a little more detail, as well as provide some basic examples of Twitter Job Seeking in action.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlt1FNbTihvqyEyppWVPhgLheCedp7HFk7hr3pMxeEDIs48C3ZYGnghe-xkPiCs1h9I6R317Umo6tocKj62oHOw664SXFIM3So0cOduaYw80rIcYl7ATTARJM18Qd6ZFCuJWbEPoR4cho/s1600/twitter-comic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlt1FNbTihvqyEyppWVPhgLheCedp7HFk7hr3pMxeEDIs48C3ZYGnghe-xkPiCs1h9I6R317Umo6tocKj62oHOw664SXFIM3So0cOduaYw80rIcYl7ATTARJM18Qd6ZFCuJWbEPoR4cho/s320/twitter-comic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Search Search..Search</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O.k, last time we briefly discussed using the search bar. Now it's time for an in-depth example.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this scenario, I will be playing the role of a Job Seeker looking for marketing work, either in my home location (Norwich) or some sort of remote position.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Sign up for Twitter, fill out my profile in detail and upload a presentable picture.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Add all of my friends and anyone that I know, even remotely, to create the largest possible network of contacts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Time to use the search bar.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Lets try - marketing work, Norwich</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) This returns no 'Tweets' so we proceed to search through the 'people results' on the right side of the screen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Click 'view all', the small blue text at the top of page, underneath the first line of text.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) This brings up a large list of everybody who has been indexed with either the terms 'marketing work' or 'Norwich' on their profile. The list will be ordered by relevancy, so all the people with 'marketing work' and 'Norwich' included in their profile description will be at the top of the list.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Now, time to build your network.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Right click each name as you move through the list, and open them all in new tabs. Go through a few at a time so you don't get confused.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Best practice here is to now 'Follow' any person or agency you believe could be helpful to in your job hunt. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11) So to demonstrate, in my search the second people result comes up as <b><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/furthersearch"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">furthersearch</span></a>, </b>a SEO and marketing agency.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12) You'll want to 'Follow' furthersearch, then move onto the next relevant profile in the search results.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13) It's best to spend anything from 10-30 minutes doing this, 'Follow' any Twitter profile that is of interest to you and make note of those that you really liked the look of.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14) I'd advise to make sure you 'Follow' at least 10-20 Job Aggregation Sites as well as relevant marketing companies. By Job Aggregation Site I mean something like this - <b><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MarketingPR"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Marketing PR Jobs</span></a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15) This way you've got the best of both worlds and you should receive a steady stream of jobs pop up in your Twitter feed - worst comes to worst you can apply for a job you're not that keen on to keep your funds up while you continue your search.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bear in mind that the 'Search bar' a lot of the time won't return a list of 'Tweets', so just browse the people results to the right - straight to the organ grinder so to speak.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right, so now you know how to use the 'Search' bar to suit your purpose.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Search, Follow, Hello?</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now you're following a bunch of new agencies and people, what now?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well here comes the easy part. Talking to people and spending a week or two building a presence.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better yet - you may not even have to. If you spent a decent amount of time 'Following' relevant Twitter profiles, it's now as simple as playing the waiting game.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) The Twitter profiles you chose to 'Follow' through the search function should now periodically post 'Tweets' that pop up in your Twitter feed (your Twitter home page)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) All you have to do - is wait. Monitor your feed every hour and apply, apply and apply.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Many of the Job Aggregation Sites post new jobs every few hours, a lot of these jobs will not require a lot of relevant experience and if anything can serve as stepping stones to building your employability profile if you can't see yourself there long-term.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) For the company profiles or individuals you chose to follow - you may have noticed you can't directly message them, as they aren't 'Following' you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) How can I fix this? In some instances this can be difficult - if you chose to follow very large Twitter profiles with thousands of followers, however, most Twitter profiles will generally respond to your messages if they are polite and well thought out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) For example - you've just started following a local marketing agency, how do you get them to notice you?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Pay attention to what they are saying, or what they are Tweeting! If they post a question and you feel you have an informed answer (try not to be too opinionated) let them know.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Retweet some of their content - if they post useful or informative content, hit the little re-tweet content beneath the link.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) @ mention them. In your Twitter status post something nice and complimentary about the company.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Reply to their Tweets. Another option you have is 'Replying' to 'Tweets' posted by the profile. For example, they post an article relating to current events and you decide to reply with your two cents, perhaps agreeing with their point of view. Once you have 'Replied' to their Tweet - your now on their radar. They may not immediately 'Follow' you out of courtesy, but give it time and show a genuine interest - these things can take time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, that should be enough for the time being! If you follow the easy steps in this guide then it should be only a matter of time before you're able to land a job - and from the comfort of your home, with little to no effort on your part. You can't ask for much more then that!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may be pleased to know that as the Job Seekers Guide to Twitter has been such a success and due to the large number of requests for more content we've received - we've decided to begin production of a Job Seekers Guide to Twitter Ebook! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What will the EBook cover?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Everything mentioned in Part 1 and 2 in heaps more detail, broken down to the basics.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Tons more detailed examples as well as step by step guides to forging the relationships you need to land the top jobs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Insights from several marketing experts on how to sell yourself correctly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) A list of the top Twitter profiles to follow for each major trade and industry</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Everything you could possibly need to land a job via Twitter!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay connected for details coming soon - expected sometime early September!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-45082986022565512882011-08-04T12:20:00.000-07:002011-08-04T14:51:13.705-07:00SkillSetG On AllTop?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, tis indeed the truth. Our humble blog has managed to land a place in amongst the greats on the mighty <a href="http://alltop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">AllTop</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find our blog listed here - <a href="http://career.alltop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://career.alltop.com/</span></a> - at the bottom right of the page, as the newest blog to grace the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u>AllTop</u></span> careers page!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember to put the word out so we can keep on upping our game and producing original, high quality content!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, we'd like to say thank-you to some awesome people we've met along the way and recommend you check them out too! A big thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/jobhopjulie" style="color: blue;">JobHopJulie</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/prasoongupta"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Prasoon Gupta</span></a> for being so welcoming and a great source of advice and motivation!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But most of all, thanks to you, our readers, for...well... reading :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beginning of many more exciting things to come!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay connected for the Job Seekers Guide to Twitter, Part 2! coming in the next day or so!</span>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-58536405029971320242011-07-31T09:59:00.000-07:002011-07-31T09:59:37.563-07:00The Top 10 Places To Find Summer Work<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the Job Seekers Guide to Twitter still in production, we thought we'd lighten things up a little with a practical list of places you may or may not have thought of for work!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may start simple, but so should you. If simple isn't enough, well, I've broken it down pretty thoroughly towards the end!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">10) Your parents & immediate family</span></b> - wait what? Yes indeed. Your parents. They aren't just cash cows who live to wait on and serve you. There may have been times in the past when you went to work with your mom or dad for a day, for a bit of resume experience or just a fun day out. I'm not talking about this type of work. I'm talking about approaching your parents or family maturely with a reasoned proposal as to why they should consider paying you to work with them. You may well be surprised with the outcome. Approach them maturely, explain to them your situation and tell them you are willing to work as hard, if not harder, than any of their other work colleagues. If necessary, offer to work the first day or so <b>free</b> so they can see you are serious about it.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">9) Your neighbors </span></b>- again you're immediate reaction may be "Come on, get real". But I am being real, very real. You'd be very surprised the response you may receive if you approach the people from your neighborhood as a mature adult and present yourself correctly. I'm not talking about offering to mow their lawn or wash their car for cash in the summer, I'm suggesting you ask them if there's any way you can help them with out their job whilst explaining to them you are prepared to work your butt off at the same time.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>8) </b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Your friends</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> - </span></b>the same principle applies here as with your neighbors and family. Though you know what they say - never mix business and friendship. This may well turn out a very good response, but bear in mind the ramifications if you turn out to be unreliable or slack off - if you pursue this course of action, make sure you're prepared to work hard, or deal with the consequences it may yield for your friendship!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">7) Your school/college/university </span></b>- for college and university especially, you'd be surprised how many of the workforce comprises current or past students. Your college has a bar? Great ask behind the bar and hand in a resume, or if you're friends with a member of the bar staff? Even better - get them to recommend you. Fast food place on campus? Ask them. Library? Ask them. Shops, every academic-school on campus, sports facilities, campus accommodation, admin positions? Ask them. You get the gist - ask everywhere that is manned by people, you'll be surprised believe me. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>6) </b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Your local area</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> - </span></b>a lot of people from experience will generally only ask at their local corner store, then decide there's no work. <b style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Again, you don't ask - you don't get. </b>Ask at the corner store, the pharmacy, any paper routes, any fast food vans, any fast food restaurants, any local businessmen in the area. Everywhere.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">5) Fast-food in general </span></b>- A little cliche? Maybe. But it's a fact. Fast-food restaurants generally employ a high volume of staff and tend to have a high turnover - they are constantly losing and gaining staff. You've probably thought about a ton of places in the back of your mind you know you could probably find work, but didn't want to as you were holding out for something better. Everybody does it. You're not the only one. However, if you wan't a job and you want money - get over to every fast food joint and restaurant/cafe in town with a resume tailored to the fast-food industry and a can-do attitude.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>4) </b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Retail stores </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">- </span></b>Very similar to fast-food chains, large retail stores employ a large number of staff, generally students in College city's/towns. They also have a high turn-over. This includes everything from Hollister & Urban Outfitters to Primark and Macys. Ask everywhere. I mean everywhere. Go up and down your local high-street and here's what you do. Approach the store counter and you say: "Hiya, I was just wondering if you guys were hiring at all at the moment?" It's as easy as that. You'll receive one of several responses, generally something like this. "Hey! Umm I'm not sure, let me just check with the manager" or "Hey, Umm I'm not sure, you could hand over a C.V/resume though just in case?". If possible, make sure you talk to the manager or a member of the management team. Just say "Oh o.k, would it be possible to have a quick word with the manager?" - a lot of the time if you hand in a resume to the shop-floor staff it won't reach anybody and nothing will come of it. Asking to speak to the manager shows initiative and forward thinking.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>3) Bars & nightclubs</b></span> - the staple employment of students everywhere. The places you love to go and spend your money, then wake up in their side alley with no memory of the night before. The best time to ask them for work? Mid-day.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of these places will be open during the day, doubling up as cafe's or chilled out spots to hang out and grab a bite. However, if not, make an effort to go on a hunt and catch the other ones that aren't before they start getting busy - they generally open around 4-6pm and don't get busy until 7 or 8 at the earliest. Now bear in mind you're applying to bars and nightclubs here, don't walk in wearing a suit and tie - go smart casual, jeans and a cool t-shirt is your best bet.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>2) Job aggregation sites</b></span> - these have taken off massively in the last 5 years and dependent on where you live, they will differ - though they are easy to locate and use.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the U.K - you're talking about sites such as <a href="http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/homepage.aspx?sessionid=71469ecd-ea01-4732-b871-c3e3d9f89131&pid=3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">JobCentrePlus.gov.uk</span></a>,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.monster.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Monster.co.uk</span></a></span>, <a href="http://www.reed.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Reed</span></a>, <a href="http://www.milkround.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Milkround</span></a> and by far the most important for students - your University Employability portal if you have one.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the USA there are heaps -</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">USAJobs</span></a>, <a href="http://www.jobsboom.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Jobsboom</span></a>, <a href="http://www.topusajobs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">TopUSAJobs</span></a>,</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://monster.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Monster.com</span></a> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for starters.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of these sites require you to register, which you should do in full. Think of it as an investment. Put a whole day aside if necessary and create a detailed profile across all the top job sites for your location.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to stay ahead of the curve - <a href="http://www.tweetmyjobs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">TweetMyJobs</span></a> - is a must. More and more employers are finding quality employees through social media today. Take the time to register with TMJ and spend a few hours searching through and experimenting with it - there'll be more on this in the Job Seekers Guide to Twitter Part 2!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1) Google</span></b><b style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> - </b>by far your best resource is still good ol Google, combined with some initiative of course. But I'll break it down for you anyway.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's say for example you're looking for part time retail work, here's what you do.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Step 1*</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Head over to Google</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Search for part-time work in (your location)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Voila, the first 5-10 pages at least will be full of heaps of stuff.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Step 2* </span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Nothing good popped up? O.k</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Take a pen and paper. Now, write down every single shop you've ever seen/heard of. Take 10 minutes, really think about it, ask your parents, friends, family as-well.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Go through the list, typing each into Google like so</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 'Work at Mcdonalds (your location). If this doesn't work, simply: 'McDonalds *your location*'.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- This will provide you with the stores location, address, telephone number and in most cases email.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Now, send your retail based c.v to their email with a cover letter, or ring them inquiring as to whether they have work at the moment.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Step 3*</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Still not enough?</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Apply the methodology from above to Twitter using the tips from the Job Seekers Guide to Twitter Part One.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anything I missed you'd like to add? Let me know!</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Follow us at - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Check out the website! - www.skillsetg.com</span></b></span> </span></div>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-58107298956321559382011-07-29T11:33:00.000-07:002011-07-29T11:45:19.972-07:00How Not To Be Late For Work<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Landing a job is one thing. Keeping it, well, that's another...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*7 AM* Alarm goes off. Ahhh man. *SNOOZE*</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*7.15 AM* Shut-up already!! *SNOOZE*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*8.30 AM* Oh sh.... not again....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sound familiar? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you find getting up for work a daily struggle, then read on.</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do some exercise in the evening.</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is especially useful for office/white collar workers. Think about it for a minute. How many of you guys struggle to get up in the morning? And what's the first thing you do once you get to work in the morning? A big strong cup of Joe, right? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I'm not gonna tell you to lay off the coffee, as I know what a nightmare it is struggling through a days work without it. However, I will recommend that you do some exercise in the evening after work to burn off all the caffeine in your system. Why? Did you know that caffeine can reside in your system from anywhere between 6 to12 hours? No, I didn't either until a few months ago when I sorted out my sleep pattern! So if you're drinking coffee all day and have your last cup around 3pm - you do the math!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But back to the exercise; make sure you finish exercising an hour or so before you plan on going to bed if possible. Ideally, do it as soon as you get off work. Even going for a swim or jogging for 30-40 minutes will make a difference. Aim for aerobic (not too intense, but long lasting) exercise as oppose to lifting weights - it should help a lot.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why will that help? Because your tired from the exercise - your body will be able to fall into a natural, restorative sleep a lot easier. Meaning as time progresses, you'll fall into a good routine and 8 hours will be more than enough sleep, allowing you to wake up easily. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depending on how well you sleep however, don't expect results overnight. For problem sleepers this can take up to a month sometimes - don't give up though, it's worth it in the long run!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better yet - fancy kicking the coffee? Take a lot at how - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px;"><b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/353d73g">http://tinyurl.com/353d73g</a></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eat something sugary before going to bed</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll spare you too much of the science behind it, but eating, or drinking, a small sugary snack before going to sleep can help prevent you waking up prematurely - thus disrupting your sleep pattern and making it harder for you to wake up when you need to. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically, the sugar will delay your blood sugar dropping too much throughout the night - this is what can often wake you up prematurely or leave you feeling horrible and groggy in the morning.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again be smart with this, don't eat a ton of junk food or drink a litre of milk as you won't sleep, something easy like a tablespoon of peanut butter should do the trick.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you wake up, get up. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may sound even worse than getting up for work - but if you wake up naturally an hour or so before you have to, <b>get up. </b>If you go back to sleep and are then woken an hour later - your waking up in the middle of a sleep cycle and your body is going to be in a world of WTF is going on. Aim for 3 hour sleep cycles. So if you can't get 8 hours, get 6 as the next best thing. Don't ask me why 8 hours is recommended as the optimum amount of sleep, given that a sleep cycle consists of 3 hours. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will benefit you in the long run as you'll be able to fall asleep easier in the evening due to your sleep debt and will help achieve deep restorative sleep, rather than erratic, interrupted sleep.</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't be a snoozer</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm guessing the majority of us have an iPod by now. So here's what you do. If you don't have an iPod, be creative - it's pretty easy to setup with a laptop or phone too. The premise - getting you out of bed to turn off the alarm.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may or may not know this, but it's very easy to set an alarm on your iPod - an alarm that instead of playing that horrific *waaah waah waaah* sound, can play whatever you like. Thank god.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found that setting an alarm on my phone which was right by my bed was no good, as I'd just constantly snooze it until I was late all over again.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What <b>did</b> help - was hooking my iPod up to my speaker system, then placing the iPod on top of my wardrobe at the back corner, so it was impossible for me to turn it off without getting out of bed and standing on a chair to reach it. The first couple of times you're going to hate it, believe me. But once you've got up to turn the alarm off, the combination of irritation and shock should be enough to have woken you up properly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What you chose to play is up to you - a bit of trial and error is necessary here. Some people swear by calming, soothing music at a low to mid volume to wake up to gradually. Personally, I find it's better to blast out something hard hitting and high tempo so it sort of shakes me awake. Something that motivates and cheers you up is always good too! Whatever works for you really!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still struggling to wake up in the morning? Sleep pattern still screwed? Leave a comment letting me know and I'll throw together an Insomniac's Guide on Waking Up for Work!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Follow us at - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall" style="color: #33aaff; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Check out the website! - www.skillsetg.com</span></b></span></div><div><br />
</div>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-39391830477350750252011-07-28T07:47:00.000-07:002011-08-04T14:50:06.192-07:00The Job-Seekers Guide to Twitter - Part 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after a couple of heavy articles on CV and Cover Letter writing, I thought it was time to lighten things up a little bit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the title suggests, Twitter, besides from being very cool and fun to play around on, is also a very useful employability tool.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, how can you make use of Twitter in your job hunt?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Twitter first of all I'll run you through a quick step-by-step to setting yourself on Twitter.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.penn-olson.com/author/sarah/"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgKLbq-OV5d2ap41yYKbNedOoMXrhnMNIV8bMbaYKNa_zFSpiwCHis8eRCNrHYp9l5qJDs-QJB2oDMljRcjsl4LozGN97Uc_mysXTfN1q2igab09TuWJdGHcd1uSNLaeGIPIrNJWd0vRN/s400/twitter-comic-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Today's SSG Goof pic courtesy of Sarah Chong, co-founder of <a href="http://www.penn-olson.com/author/sarah/">Penn Olson!</a></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sign-Up</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Head over to Twitter and click sign up, via this link - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/2t55h4">http://tinyurl.com/2t55h4</a></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">2) Enter in your contact information correctly as it will help you be indexed (found) based on location. It's also a perfect opportunity to self-market, or get the word out about yourself.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">3) Voila - signed up. You may have to confirm your account by clicking on a link Twitter auto-sends to your email before you can sign in.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">4) Head to your profile page once you've done this and upload a profile pic that is a healthy mix of professional/casual - a high quality smiling pic of your face is always a good choice.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">5) Make sure you update your profile information with as much info as possible - this means email address, location, Skype, your blog if you have one, and your Linked-In. You can include stuff like your Linked-In profile in your bio as a link - this way people see it immediately upon viewing your Twitter! To do this, simply copy the web address in the address bar when your on profile page and paste it into the bio box of your Twitter profile!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">O.k, now to actually finding some work through Twitter!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b>Tweet Away</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) There are two <b>very </b>useful Twitter tools you may have seen a lot but never quite understood.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) The ( @ ) symbol. This symbol allows you to direct a Tweet or mention at a particular Twitter profile or page. Let's say for example you find a recruitment agency advertising a local job in your area, you could Tweet @ RecruitmentAgency asking them if the job was still available and for more details. This tool is incredibly useful for networking with others - but more on this later.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) The ( # ) often referred to as the 'hash-tag'. The HT (hash tag) indexes words, topics or trends across Twitter. Say for example somebody Tweets about the new Harry Potter movie, if they wanted to connect with others based on this topic their Tweet may look a little like this: "So sad that #harrypotter is finally over! the last #harrypotter #movie was incredible! Was crying by the end!". So yes, there is logic to what initially looks like bad syntax and grammar. What this Tweet is doing, is making itself readily available to anybody who chooses to use the search bar with the terms Harry Potter and Movie. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Using the ( # ) tag. A practical way for you guys to use the HT would look a little something like this:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Currently looking for #marketing #work in #Norwich - able to work full-time if necessary, have a lot of relevant experience and very hard-working! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there is a little intro to the #hash tag, but we will cover this in more detail in part 2.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I Can't Find Any Work</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O.k, so perhaps the most important Twitter feature available to you guys at the moment - is the ( Search bar ).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located right at the top of the screen, opposite the blue Twitter logo, the search bar is an invaluable - and very very easy - tool for locating jobs and work in your area.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using the Search Bar</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Step one, locate the search bar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Step two, type in what you are searching for - keep it limited to two or three terms. For example:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"marketing work norwich" - would bring back any Tweets referring to marketing work in Norwich. Simples.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Step three - locate any recruitment agencies or job aggregation sites that look helpful (in the search results) then 'Follow' them. You will learn to tell as you conduct more searches which Twitter profiles are job sites and which are individuals, you'll also learn to decide for yourself which are more useful to follow!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) After you 'Follow' these profiles on Twitter - every time they Tweet about a new job it will come up in your home feed, much like your Facebook home feed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Now all you have to do is show a little patience and read through the jobs every day - or - be super active and track down as many job sites as you can find, remember they don't <b>have to be</b> based where you live, as they post jobs from all over the country!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Part Two next week I'll give a run-down of the best way to contact these people once you're following them as well as a little more on the @ tool!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading - if it helped, remember to help spread the word!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Follow us at - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall" style="color: #33aaff; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Check out the website! - www.skillsetg.com</span></b></span>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-21492109302674579072011-07-26T14:35:00.000-07:002011-07-26T14:48:23.564-07:00Why Can't I Get A Summer Job?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By now you've probably realised that finding a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>summer job</b></span> at the moment is an absolute nightmare. No matter where you go or where you apply, all the good jobs are taken!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, why?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>CourseHero</b></span> did a little research and came up with this..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/qrThfv">http://bit.ly/qrThfv</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Click Me!</b></span><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/qrThfv"><img height="315" src="http://i.imgur.com/AyfPw.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Follow us at - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall" style="color: #33aaff; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Check out the website! - www.skillsetg.com</span></b></span>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-13580945342345115452011-07-25T12:08:00.000-07:002011-07-31T16:45:26.911-07:00WTF Is A Cover Letter?<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good question. WTF is a Cover Letter? What does it even mean?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, in the real working world - people want Cover Letters. They want them well written. And they want them now.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What Is A Cover Letter?</b></span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O.k, I want you to take everything you've ever heard/learned about cover letters and flush it out of your head. They aren't hard, they shouldn't be time consuming and hell they should even be fun. Think of it as a fun opportunity to network if nothing else.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's fair enough people expecting you to attach cover letters for all your job applications, but not having a good idea of what a cover letter actually entails may put a spanner in the works.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">A cover letter is simply a letter that explains why you are emailing or writing to somebody. Otherwise, you're just sending out C.Vs randomly in the hope that Duncan Donut may be looking to hire a new employee. So, if your writing to ask if somebody has work for the summer - tell them that!</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5r3zFVc2jJgnIoT_v8jgwbxh9PBYJXF8XV06oUeVlzk4WiVl4c06axjNSTdGeHfABW9_uIP7-1_-4jaRP-p449GBOMd-WGoCA4XsCJgkPYqpFjTYP8S4xNkLdxOFm4dZwsFHyUuGiuC2/s1600/funny_job_interview_comic_strip_640_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5r3zFVc2jJgnIoT_v8jgwbxh9PBYJXF8XV06oUeVlzk4WiVl4c06axjNSTdGeHfABW9_uIP7-1_-4jaRP-p449GBOMd-WGoCA4XsCJgkPYqpFjTYP8S4xNkLdxOFm4dZwsFHyUuGiuC2/s320/funny_job_interview_comic_strip_640_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">IntroDUCKTION (funny right?)</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's say your sending a covering letter to McDonalds for example, it might start a little something like this;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Dear Sir/Madam" - yes, being polite actually helps.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I am writing to enquire as to whether there is the possibility of any temporary work during the summer this year. Currently, I am a 2nd year student at the University of X in XTown, Ohio and will be free for full-time work if necessary the entire summer period - July to late Sept."</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">This is of course, if you're shooting in the dark and have no idea if they are looking to take on Summer staff. Even if they aren't, it shows initiative and you never know, you might get something back from this a few months down the line when you're at your lowest living off spaghetti hoops and cheerios.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What To Put In Your Cover Letter</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O.key dokey then.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1)</b> <b>The introduction</b> - (anything based on what is written above has always worked for me and I generally receive a response from 90% of my emails). Remember to introduce yourself however, don't be rude - why would somebody spend their precious free time reading an application from somebody who isn't even prepared to introduce themselves?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2) Match your cover letter to the job/job description </b>- the MOST IMPORTANT part to any cover letter is tailoring it to the job position. If there is a job description with a list of requirements, PERFECT. <b>If you can explain to an employer that you are exactly what they are specifically requesting - job done.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example: "You state in the job description that you require an applicant who is:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>Hard working and very motivated</b>. “Having worked two jobs throughout most of my higher education, I have had to work hard consistently to maintain a healthy work/life balance and self motivate myself along the way.”</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>A minimum of 15 hours per week</b>. “I'll address this issue right now and tell you I am prepared to work a minimum of 25 hours per week if required, and will happily work a full working week if required.”(Obviously don't committ to something you can't back up, but employers are often looking for those who can take on overtime when required as it is a massive help to have flexible workers).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <b>A strong familiarity with Skill X</b>. I am more than comfortable using Skill X, as is evident through my previous work experience. (Expand on this using a few lines with specific examples).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again I can't stress enough how important it is to make it evident that you meet all the employers requirements.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3) A conclusion (Yeah, not much to it after all huh?)</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, manners are essential. It's always nice to finish your letter with a little sign off. Write what comes most naturally to you, but remember to draw the line between formal and casual speech - it's a very fine line!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, I like to finish with something like this;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Thanks very much for taking the time to consider my application.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Saying thank-you goes a long way. People don't want to hire a douche with no manners, especially not in any service based industry).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hoping to find you well,</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely,</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Your name*"</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">See? Nice and simple. </span> </span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you feel confident enough to drop in a bit about the company – i.e show off with some knowledge of what they do, knowledge of the trade/industry – feel free, it can only help!</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Follow us at - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG">https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG</a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall">http://www.facebook.com/pages/SkillSetG/237891336240599?sk=wall</a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Check out the website! - www.skillsetg.com</b></span></div>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8069655772026156734.post-72835363709584032092011-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:002011-07-25T16:36:30.794-07:00Writing A C.V/Resume - 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Everybody</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has their own opinion on how the 'perfect c.v' should be formatted. To be honest though, it's best to find what works best for you and what you feel reflects your personality and high-lights your strengths. Personally, I like to go with a minimal approach. Short and sweet. This could be a reflection of my personality, or possibly because I'm very lazy and don't want to invest a lot of time in writing a C.V... We'll go with number one for now.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mn3oilskobN61VF9EyR0Rz6-CCHUD8yJUGRUf7Tk57fZNcTADmWspzzA5hZ77n6pY_BPe8ENl3zafMi7wopiAXGCuhhmftv6b0kHEU4TDBrnEbro9icgR8wq8lZYPLIHAk28NVRGfo1q/s1600/worst+jobpic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mn3oilskobN61VF9EyR0Rz6-CCHUD8yJUGRUf7Tk57fZNcTADmWspzzA5hZ77n6pY_BPe8ENl3zafMi7wopiAXGCuhhmftv6b0kHEU4TDBrnEbro9icgR8wq8lZYPLIHAk28NVRGfo1q/s320/worst+jobpic.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1) Basic Info</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll want your correct name, current address, telephone number, and email address. Something like this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">32 Suffolk Avenue,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suffolk City,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suffolk,</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremy Jobsworth</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contact: 03838383</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Email: j.jobsworth@hotmail.co.uk</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As long as there's some logic to the way you lay stuff out, it doesn't matter too much how you do it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up ...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2) Education</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Self explanatory really. A list of where you went to school and what grades you achieved. This is also a good place to include any qualifications you have that may increase your Employability. This includes things such as;</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Lifeguard qualifications</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Qualified first-aiders</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) CSCS card/trade skills</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Computer skills</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Second languages</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a few basic things that can help beef up your C.V.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But o.k, back to the format...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again as long as it's logical, you can display this how you like, but I usually go for something like this...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brown School, South Street, Suffolk (2002-2009)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>G.C.S.E's</u> <u>A-Levels</u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biology - A English Language - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chemistry - A English Literature - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">English Literature/Language - A History - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">French - A Sports Science - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">History - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geography - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I.T - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maths - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Physics - A</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sports Science - A</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) Work experience/previous employment</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of people like to write short accounts of what each job entails, what their duties included and any transferrable skills they learnt from these duties. Again this is entirely down to you. As I said, personally I tend to opt for the minimal approach - on the basis that your employer will have the basic intelligence necessary to grasp what working at McDonalds may have entailed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Side note* I do however tend to include a bit about the experience I gained from previous jobs when writing cover letters. For example: "You require the ability to 'think creatively and with ingenuity' in the job description. My work at Job X required me to use ingenuity and creativity to solve problems on a daily basis. I was required to think objectively and creatively to market material to a hard to reach demographic, this required guerilla methodology and the ability to see beyond the norm so to speak".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to basics, this is generally what I would include in my work experience section...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Sales Assistant at McDonalds, 2008-2010</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Challenge of Management Course, Summer 2009</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Work Experience Harris & Son Solicitors, Easter 2010</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Content Editor Website X, Summer 2010</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, simple and to the point. Try and keep it chronological if possible, it seems more professional.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, to top it all off, I think it's always nice to include a little 'About Me' section. This is a good opportunity to include positives about yourself. If possible, try and contrast any weaknesses you have with your strengths, or, turn your negatives in positives - i.e, my only character flaw is I work too hard. Try not to go too over the top though, be intelligent with it!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4) About Me</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am easy to get along with, always happy to meet new people and can generally get on with pretty much anybody. I’m a hard worker, probably more of a perfectionist – if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. However, I can also work well under pressure and to tight deadlines, a skill that has been refined through several previous Sales Assistant positions I have held.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>And voila!</b></span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">C.V writing 101. Done and dusted.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you found any of this helpful at all check back in a few days for another article!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>NEXT UP - Cover Letters Uncovered </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A look at how to write a good cover letter, not just general waffle about what it should look like!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Follow us at - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">https://twitter.com/#!/SkillSetG</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Check out the website! - www.skillsetg.com</span></b></span></span><br />
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</b></span>J Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244520701727791057noreply@blogger.com0