Almost Had a College Degree, What Job Shall I Aim for?

Read more ...

But I Am Too Good To Get a Regular Job - The Brainwashed College Student Said

Read more ...

Almost Had a College Degree, What Job Shall I Aim for?

There's the rub. You nearly got to the platform of glory, but for some unfortunate reason, you have to stop pursuing your bachelor's and look for a job. Of course, you can't expect to win in a competition of a pool of a hundred college graduates, but you don't want to end up low in a blue collar job along with the high school graduates either. So what do you do?

#1 Research and learn from others

And congratulations, you've already done the first step! Fooling aside, it's really smart of you to refer to the great World Wide Web to know what to expect from your current situation. If you could get even luckier, ask some friends and relatives who are also undergraduates. Chances are, once you've got the idea of a fitting work for you, you can narrow your job search to more realistic positions.

#2 Stand along with Associate Graduates

You can't deliver a decent application if you don't classify yourself. In your case, the safest is to level yourself along with the associate's title holders. Though you have longer years of study than they do, both of you are in between the bums and the buffs, idiomatically speaking of course. Aim for secretarial, clerical, and assistant posts, they are the most attainable choice for you. However still, secure your edge over the others. Almost a college degree is still better than not a college degree. Assert your advantage by showing that you have some stock knowledge in what the professionals are doing just in case it comes in handy for your work.

#3 Don't lie

You've been applying to various employers for two reasons: first, because they are looking for ideal associate grads or college undergrads to fit in the post; second, because you match their qualifications. So why will you bother altering facts about your academic background? And even if you're applying for a post that requires college degree, you still don't need to utter a fib if you really believe that you have what it takes to do the task except for a wretched piece of paper they call diploma. No, lying is not useless - it is harmful to your career.

#4 Put emphasis on specific knowledge about the field

Here's one good thing about entering college (even if you have gone off too soon) - you've got more than the required knowledge in the company's processes. Say, you're applying as a clerk in an accounting firm? Let them see that you also have the technical knowledge aside from the ability to organize files and answer clients' calls.

Not having to attain your degree does not mean that you can't have a decent professional niche. Sometimes all it takes is cunning and some confidence. Imagine, there are a lot worse situations out there. If you almost finished a college degree, it doesn't just mean that you lack some semester over the college grads; it also means that you got some extra years of learning over the associate grads.

Relax, not being able to attain the bachelor's is better than not taking it at all. Case in point you forget that you're luckier than the others. Heck, remember kick-outs, and felons, and the disabled persons before thinking that there's not much job in store for you.

Kate Ross-Myers works for a New-York based human resources magazine. She has a broad experience in preparing resource materials on hiring, recruitment, and training. Kate also speaks on forums and conventions on employee wellness and growth.

Read more ...

Pursue Your Tertiary Education With a College Resume

Is there such thing as a perfect resume?

For sure, there are different views and opinions on how to compose an application document. Actually, there are thousands and even millions of thoughts about it. But the truth is there is actually no such thing as perfect, just a comprehensive one.

Writing tips are all over the Internet. But if you're just a college student, you may not find is the exact advice you needed especially those that are really important in making one. Yes, there may be instances where it seems that you have already included everything. But you'll eventually ask yourself, "Am I missing something?" Maybe there are things that you still have to learn and explore. But the main point in writing a college resume begins only with two words: Be yourself.

I for one experience the struggle of crafting a stand-out pre-employment document. But it didn't make me too worried on what details to include and exclude. Be honest. Don't ever try to lie about anything. Remember that universities accept students who are true to themselves and have good motivation in life. Follow these tips to get that application summary work for you.

Acceptable Skills for a Student

Leadership is a factor that you can include. If you were elected for a school organization or any interest group, this should be mentioned in your document. Haven't been through this? Well, you must start thinking about the projects or assignments you had that made you a lead among your peers. Leadership skills are usually practiced and honed in every school, so you may certainly have this competency. Also, you can cite that you are a team player who is committed in partaking in team works and activities.

If you are the type of student who is determined and dedicated proven by a perfect school attendance record, it is better if you mention this in your college resume. This is another good factor in getting the "prize" you're applying for.

Show Your Assets

Universities and colleges are like companies. They look for the best individuals, those who will give them a good reputation, and those who are skilled. Try to focus on the positive qualities that you have and prove to the interviewer that you really possess such personality for you to stand out in the competition.

Share Your Vision

Before enrolling in a learning institution, the admission officers will want to know more about your goals and aspirations in life. It's like giving them your objective on why you wanted to go to that university and pursue your tertiary education. Give them the idea of what your intentions are all about and that you are absolutely focused on achieving a successful academic career.

Include your Interests

By citing you're your interests, the admission officer may obtain hints on what organizations, groups, sports clubs or volunteer programs you can join. This can also help you in enhancing your talents and skills.

Keep It Short

Okay, so you're on your way to higher education to become a professional someday. But why make and submit a lengthy college resume? This is not advisable. Only those professionals who have work experiences and many achievements are fitting to create a two-page document or even more pages than that. Experts don't recommend a resume that is too long. The reader may be bored and may not be interested on it.

Nelson Mullins is a former corporate hiring and recruitment expert who regularly writes articles on resumes, resume writing, personality development, and career in general. He is a father of three who also enjoys photography and biking. Nelson believes that while the employment world continues to be a rat race for applicants, it is important to always be equipped with new ideas on sustaining career growth and opportunities.

Read more ...

But I Am Too Good To Get a Regular Job - The Brainwashed College Student Said

Well, I had to quit college after only two years. You see, I owned my own business, one which I started at age twelve, and I was losing money sitting in that darn classroom listening to teachers tell me stuff I already knew or worse things I knew to be false. But how did I know that? Simple, I was out running my business and they were trying to teach me business topics from a book. Okay so, let's discuss all this shall we?

In the Wall Street Journal on October 29, 2012 there was an interesting piece in the "Notable and Quotable" section. Joseph Schumpeter's writing was quoted from his work "Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy," published in 1942. He said;

"The man who has gone through a college or university easily becomes psychically unemployable in manual operations without necessarily acquiring employability in, in say, professional work."

Interestingly enough, we have this same problem today, only it is much worse. You see, we've been busy telling our high school students that if they want to be successful then they have to go to college. Thus, those who go into the workforce from high school straight away are automatically "unsuccessful" but this really isn't the case. You see, many people go into their own business or start working somewhere and move up the ranks to management. By the time they get there, their peers in high school are just getting out of college with degrees.

Somehow the kids with degrees think they can start at the top, management level, and skip the grunt work, they think they are above that. Why? Because they have a degree, knowledge and they've been told that "knowledge is power" and you know what; that might be true, but so is experience, know-how, and the wisdom you get from doing, not reading something in a book, or listening to a lecture. What's that famous quote; "you can't learn to ride a bike at a seminar," so true isn't it?

When I franchised my business, I had sold a franchise at the height of the Silicon Valley boom to three MBA students from Stanford. They wouldn't listen to what I had to say, or follow our business plan, they wanted to reinvent everything, after all they were smarter than me because they went to Stanford they assumed. Interestingly enough, my grandfather was a Nuclear Physicist there, and I share his genes, and you know I was pretty smart even back then.

Anyway to make a long story short, they failed in the business. They wouldn't learn how to do the work, they never truly understood the business. They just figured they could apply all their book knowledge and management metrics and "viola!" they'd clean up, literally, as it was a mobile car washing franchise they'd bought from my company.

Maybe some of these kids need to dump this notion that because they have a $100,000 in student loans and a degree on their resume, that they are god's gift to the world. No actually, the man who worked himself up through the ranks is the man to beat, he knows everything about the operation, and anyone can learn that crap in the book, hell these days they have free-business courses and lectures online. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on the Future of Education. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

Read more ...

I'm a Recent College Graduate - What Do I Have to Offer?

The following question recently crossed my desk:

"I am a recent college graduate and have never worked anywhere except at fast-food places and gas stations. How can I build a decent resume from that?"

Actually, this graduate has more going for her than she realizes. First of all, she needs to focus on where she is headed, career-wise. Do her college courses point her in the right direction? She can do a resume that shows her overall objective, followed by a summary of her skills and relevant courses, to show potential employers she knows her stuff. She should be sure to include her undergraduate degree and overall GPA (as long as it's above 3.0), and her GPA in her major, which should be significantly higher than the overall GPA.

There are plenty of items she could place on her resume, including her academic major (if it's relevant to where she wants to go), relevant coursework, academic honors, scholarship, co-op or internship, special projects, extracurricular activities... "What she learned while in college" could probably fill the resume if she thinks long and hard about it.

And she should not be so quick to belittle her experience working at fast-food outlets. Many such chains provide excellent managerial training for their staff, realizing that it's in their best interest to do so. More than likely, she learned the value of working with a team, of being in charge of a group of diverse people, of providing outstanding customer service; she may even have been selected to attend the chain's management training school.

In my own career, I managed a convenience store (too long ago to put on a resume now). The experience taught me how to balance cash receipts, how to multi-task (in the form of slicing lunch meat, performing the cash balance, and working a cash register), how to deal with customers in the most diplomatic way possible, and how to direct a group of part-time workers, molding these diverse personalities into a cohesive team all working toward a common goal. I certainly mentioned that experience on my resume back when it was more relevant.

There are also plenty of external resources available, including a great book by my good friend Louise Kursmark, called "Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads." Check it out, and for Pete's sake, recent students, don't just throw your hands up and decide you have nothing to offer an employer!

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...

Time To Update Your College Bound Resume

Colleges want to know how students spent their free time outside of school. Do they stay involved with activities of interest or go home, sit on the couch, talk on the phone, and watch TV?

Involved students have spent time pursuing and developing their strengths and interests. They have experiences and skills that will help them contribute to the college community. A resume (or list of activities) shows colleges what students have done with their free time.

Now is the perfect time to update, or begin, a college resume. Take time to include all activities from last school year and account for summer activities. Remember that activities done the summer before 9th grade are considered part of a student's 9th grade year and so on.

What should I list? List everything! Colleges understand that students might change their interest over time or participate in an event only once. Go ahead and list the variety of things done every year of high school.

Resumes typically can be broken down into the following sections:

1. Extracurricular Activities - sports, school clubs, youth group, Boy / Girl Scouts, recreational teams, band, music lessons, theater, church choir, newspaper, debate, Young Life, academic teams, NHS, drill team, etc. This includes school, church, community, and recreational activities.

2. Honors / Awards / Academic Achievements - dean's list, honor roll, team MVP, all area team, regional qualifier, most improved, top student in a subject, Eagle Scout, Gold Key Award, high honors, state finalist, first chair, blue ribbon, etc. List all awards, honors, and academic recognition. If you don't have any or many items in this category, don't worry; make sure you have items to list in other sections.

3. Work Experience & Internships - Colleges recognize students can learn valuable lessons from work. You might learn customer skills, responsibility, and leadership by working 40 hours a week at a local fast food restaurant over the summer. After two months of clearing carts from the grocery store parking lot, you may have learned why you want to go to college and improve your job prospects!

Not all work has to be paid. Don't forget internships and unpaid experiences. It is OK to list work done for family members, but don't exaggerate to the point of lying. You may watch your siblings every day after school or work in your dad's office over the summer; these are both work. However, it would be stretching things to list household chores like walking the dog or making your bed as work.

4. Community Service & Volunteer Work - There are many ways for students to volunteer these days. The best types of service are those that let you develop your strengths, talents, and interests while helping others.

5. Summer Experiences - Because students have so much free time in the summer, it is an ideal time to take on additional projects, activities, and experiences. Many colleges offer programs for high school students to get a preview of campus life and college classes. Summer can also be a great time for you to create your own opportunity - open your own business, explore a topic of interest to you, or take one of your regular activities to a new level. Make the most of this time!

6. Hobbies & Interests - Some students are passionate about subjects which aren't offered in school or don't translate into traditional club or activity experiences. Use this part of the resume to show anything that hasn't fit into the categories above. For example, one student spent 15 hours a week rebuilding a classic car with his dad. Another student was a self-taught gourmet cook. Just because you do it for fun, doesn't mean it shouldn't be something you brag about.

It is a good habit to update your resume each semester. Keeping an up to date resume will make interviews and applications much easier.

College admission is more competitive now than ever. Get help from a former high school counselor and independent college advisor who knows the system. Megan Dorsey is a nationally recognized expert in test preparation and college admissions who has helped thousands of students earn the test scores and scholarships they need and get into the colleges of their dreams. To receive free college planning and test prep resources visit http://collegeprepresults.com/

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...

I'm a Recent College Graduate - What Do I Have to Offer?

The following question recently crossed my desk:

"I am a recent college graduate and have never worked anywhere except at fast-food places and gas stations. How can I build a decent resume from that?"

Actually, this graduate has more going for her than she realizes. First of all, she needs to focus on where she is headed, career-wise. Do her college courses point her in the right direction? She can do a resume that shows her overall objective, followed by a summary of her skills and relevant courses, to show potential employers she knows her stuff. She should be sure to include her undergraduate degree and overall GPA (as long as it's above 3.0), and her GPA in her major, which should be significantly higher than the overall GPA.

There are plenty of items she could place on her resume, including her academic major (if it's relevant to where she wants to go), relevant coursework, academic honors, scholarship, co-op or internship, special projects, extracurricular activities... "What she learned while in college" could probably fill the resume if she thinks long and hard about it.

And she should not be so quick to belittle her experience working at fast-food outlets. Many such chains provide excellent managerial training for their staff, realizing that it's in their best interest to do so. More than likely, she learned the value of working with a team, of being in charge of a group of diverse people, of providing outstanding customer service; she may even have been selected to attend the chain's management training school.

In my own career, I managed a convenience store (too long ago to put on a resume now). The experience taught me how to balance cash receipts, how to multi-task (in the form of slicing lunch meat, performing the cash balance, and working a cash register), how to deal with customers in the most diplomatic way possible, and how to direct a group of part-time workers, molding these diverse personalities into a cohesive team all working toward a common goal. I certainly mentioned that experience on my resume back when it was more relevant.

There are also plenty of external resources available, including a great book by my good friend Louise Kursmark, called "Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads." Check it out, and for Pete's sake, recent students, don't just throw your hands up and decide you have nothing to offer an employer!

Read more ...

Time To Update Your College Bound Resume

Colleges want to know how students spent their free time outside of school. Do they stay involved with activities of interest or go home, sit on the couch, talk on the phone, and watch TV?

Involved students have spent time pursuing and developing their strengths and interests. They have experiences and skills that will help them contribute to the college community. A resume (or list of activities) shows colleges what students have done with their free time.

Now is the perfect time to update, or begin, a college resume. Take time to include all activities from last school year and account for summer activities. Remember that activities done the summer before 9th grade are considered part of a student's 9th grade year and so on.

What should I list? List everything! Colleges understand that students might change their interest over time or participate in an event only once. Go ahead and list the variety of things done every year of high school.

Resumes typically can be broken down into the following sections:

1. Extracurricular Activities - sports, school clubs, youth group, Boy / Girl Scouts, recreational teams, band, music lessons, theater, church choir, newspaper, debate, Young Life, academic teams, NHS, drill team, etc. This includes school, church, community, and recreational activities.

2. Honors / Awards / Academic Achievements - dean's list, honor roll, team MVP, all area team, regional qualifier, most improved, top student in a subject, Eagle Scout, Gold Key Award, high honors, state finalist, first chair, blue ribbon, etc. List all awards, honors, and academic recognition. If you don't have any or many items in this category, don't worry; make sure you have items to list in other sections.

3. Work Experience & Internships - Colleges recognize students can learn valuable lessons from work. You might learn customer skills, responsibility, and leadership by working 40 hours a week at a local fast food restaurant over the summer. After two months of clearing carts from the grocery store parking lot, you may have learned why you want to go to college and improve your job prospects!

Not all work has to be paid. Don't forget internships and unpaid experiences. It is OK to list work done for family members, but don't exaggerate to the point of lying. You may watch your siblings every day after school or work in your dad's office over the summer; these are both work. However, it would be stretching things to list household chores like walking the dog or making your bed as work.

4. Community Service & Volunteer Work - There are many ways for students to volunteer these days. The best types of service are those that let you develop your strengths, talents, and interests while helping others.

5. Summer Experiences - Because students have so much free time in the summer, it is an ideal time to take on additional projects, activities, and experiences. Many colleges offer programs for high school students to get a preview of campus life and college classes. Summer can also be a great time for you to create your own opportunity - open your own business, explore a topic of interest to you, or take one of your regular activities to a new level. Make the most of this time!

6. Hobbies & Interests - Some students are passionate about subjects which aren't offered in school or don't translate into traditional club or activity experiences. Use this part of the resume to show anything that hasn't fit into the categories above. For example, one student spent 15 hours a week rebuilding a classic car with his dad. Another student was a self-taught gourmet cook. Just because you do it for fun, doesn't mean it shouldn't be something you brag about.

It is a good habit to update your resume each semester. Keeping an up to date resume will make interviews and applications much easier.

College admission is more competitive now than ever. Get help from a former high school counselor and independent college advisor who knows the system. Megan Dorsey is a nationally recognized expert in test preparation and college admissions who has helped thousands of students earn the test scores and scholarships they need and get into the colleges of their dreams. To receive free college planning and test prep resources visit http://collegeprepresults.com/

Read more ...

I'm a Recent College Graduate - What Do I Have to Offer?

The following question recently crossed my desk:

"I am a recent college graduate and have never worked anywhere except at fast-food places and gas stations. How can I build a decent resume from that?"

Actually, this graduate has more going for her than she realizes. First of all, she needs to focus on where she is headed, career-wise. Do her college courses point her in the right direction? She can do a resume that shows her overall objective, followed by a summary of her skills and relevant courses, to show potential employers she knows her stuff. She should be sure to include her undergraduate degree and overall GPA (as long as it's above 3.0), and her GPA in her major, which should be significantly higher than the overall GPA.

There are plenty of items she could place on her resume, including her academic major (if it's relevant to where she wants to go), relevant coursework, academic honors, scholarship, co-op or internship, special projects, extracurricular activities... "What she learned while in college" could probably fill the resume if she thinks long and hard about it.

And she should not be so quick to belittle her experience working at fast-food outlets. Many such chains provide excellent managerial training for their staff, realizing that it's in their best interest to do so. More than likely, she learned the value of working with a team, of being in charge of a group of diverse people, of providing outstanding customer service; she may even have been selected to attend the chain's management training school.

In my own career, I managed a convenience store (too long ago to put on a resume now). The experience taught me how to balance cash receipts, how to multi-task (in the form of slicing lunch meat, performing the cash balance, and working a cash register), how to deal with customers in the most diplomatic way possible, and how to direct a group of part-time workers, molding these diverse personalities into a cohesive team all working toward a common goal. I certainly mentioned that experience on my resume back when it was more relevant.

There are also plenty of external resources available, including a great book by my good friend Louise Kursmark, called "Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads." Check it out, and for Pete's sake, recent students, don't just throw your hands up and decide you have nothing to offer an employer!

Read more ...

Time To Update Your College Bound Resume

Colleges want to know how students spent their free time outside of school. Do they stay involved with activities of interest or go home, sit on the couch, talk on the phone, and watch TV?

Involved students have spent time pursuing and developing their strengths and interests. They have experiences and skills that will help them contribute to the college community. A resume (or list of activities) shows colleges what students have done with their free time.

Now is the perfect time to update, or begin, a college resume. Take time to include all activities from last school year and account for summer activities. Remember that activities done the summer before 9th grade are considered part of a student's 9th grade year and so on.

What should I list? List everything! Colleges understand that students might change their interest over time or participate in an event only once. Go ahead and list the variety of things done every year of high school.

Resumes typically can be broken down into the following sections:

1. Extracurricular Activities - sports, school clubs, youth group, Boy / Girl Scouts, recreational teams, band, music lessons, theater, church choir, newspaper, debate, Young Life, academic teams, NHS, drill team, etc. This includes school, church, community, and recreational activities.

2. Honors / Awards / Academic Achievements - dean's list, honor roll, team MVP, all area team, regional qualifier, most improved, top student in a subject, Eagle Scout, Gold Key Award, high honors, state finalist, first chair, blue ribbon, etc. List all awards, honors, and academic recognition. If you don't have any or many items in this category, don't worry; make sure you have items to list in other sections.

3. Work Experience & Internships - Colleges recognize students can learn valuable lessons from work. You might learn customer skills, responsibility, and leadership by working 40 hours a week at a local fast food restaurant over the summer. After two months of clearing carts from the grocery store parking lot, you may have learned why you want to go to college and improve your job prospects!

Not all work has to be paid. Don't forget internships and unpaid experiences. It is OK to list work done for family members, but don't exaggerate to the point of lying. You may watch your siblings every day after school or work in your dad's office over the summer; these are both work. However, it would be stretching things to list household chores like walking the dog or making your bed as work.

4. Community Service & Volunteer Work - There are many ways for students to volunteer these days. The best types of service are those that let you develop your strengths, talents, and interests while helping others.

5. Summer Experiences - Because students have so much free time in the summer, it is an ideal time to take on additional projects, activities, and experiences. Many colleges offer programs for high school students to get a preview of campus life and college classes. Summer can also be a great time for you to create your own opportunity - open your own business, explore a topic of interest to you, or take one of your regular activities to a new level. Make the most of this time!

6. Hobbies & Interests - Some students are passionate about subjects which aren't offered in school or don't translate into traditional club or activity experiences. Use this part of the resume to show anything that hasn't fit into the categories above. For example, one student spent 15 hours a week rebuilding a classic car with his dad. Another student was a self-taught gourmet cook. Just because you do it for fun, doesn't mean it shouldn't be something you brag about.

It is a good habit to update your resume each semester. Keeping an up to date resume will make interviews and applications much easier.

College admission is more competitive now than ever. Get help from a former high school counselor and independent college advisor who knows the system. Megan Dorsey is a nationally recognized expert in test preparation and college admissions who has helped thousands of students earn the test scores and scholarships they need and get into the colleges of their dreams. To receive free college planning and test prep resources visit http://collegeprepresults.com/

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...

Time To Update Your College Bound Resume

Colleges want to know how students spent their free time outside of school. Do they stay involved with activities of interest or go home, sit on the couch, talk on the phone, and watch TV?

Involved students have spent time pursuing and developing their strengths and interests. They have experiences and skills that will help them contribute to the college community. A resume (or list of activities) shows colleges what students have done with their free time.

Now is the perfect time to update, or begin, a college resume. Take time to include all activities from last school year and account for summer activities. Remember that activities done the summer before 9th grade are considered part of a student's 9th grade year and so on.

What should I list? List everything! Colleges understand that students might change their interest over time or participate in an event only once. Go ahead and list the variety of things done every year of high school.

Resumes typically can be broken down into the following sections:

1. Extracurricular Activities - sports, school clubs, youth group, Boy / Girl Scouts, recreational teams, band, music lessons, theater, church choir, newspaper, debate, Young Life, academic teams, NHS, drill team, etc. This includes school, church, community, and recreational activities.

2. Honors / Awards / Academic Achievements - dean's list, honor roll, team MVP, all area team, regional qualifier, most improved, top student in a subject, Eagle Scout, Gold Key Award, high honors, state finalist, first chair, blue ribbon, etc. List all awards, honors, and academic recognition. If you don't have any or many items in this category, don't worry; make sure you have items to list in other sections.

3. Work Experience & Internships - Colleges recognize students can learn valuable lessons from work. You might learn customer skills, responsibility, and leadership by working 40 hours a week at a local fast food restaurant over the summer. After two months of clearing carts from the grocery store parking lot, you may have learned why you want to go to college and improve your job prospects!

Not all work has to be paid. Don't forget internships and unpaid experiences. It is OK to list work done for family members, but don't exaggerate to the point of lying. You may watch your siblings every day after school or work in your dad's office over the summer; these are both work. However, it would be stretching things to list household chores like walking the dog or making your bed as work.

4. Community Service & Volunteer Work - There are many ways for students to volunteer these days. The best types of service are those that let you develop your strengths, talents, and interests while helping others.

5. Summer Experiences - Because students have so much free time in the summer, it is an ideal time to take on additional projects, activities, and experiences. Many colleges offer programs for high school students to get a preview of campus life and college classes. Summer can also be a great time for you to create your own opportunity - open your own business, explore a topic of interest to you, or take one of your regular activities to a new level. Make the most of this time!

6. Hobbies & Interests - Some students are passionate about subjects which aren't offered in school or don't translate into traditional club or activity experiences. Use this part of the resume to show anything that hasn't fit into the categories above. For example, one student spent 15 hours a week rebuilding a classic car with his dad. Another student was a self-taught gourmet cook. Just because you do it for fun, doesn't mean it shouldn't be something you brag about.

It is a good habit to update your resume each semester. Keeping an up to date resume will make interviews and applications much easier.

College admission is more competitive now than ever. Get help from a former high school counselor and independent college advisor who knows the system. Megan Dorsey is a nationally recognized expert in test preparation and college admissions who has helped thousands of students earn the test scores and scholarships they need and get into the colleges of their dreams. To receive free college planning and test prep resources visit http://collegeprepresults.com/

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...

Interview Tactics and Resume Samples for College Students

After the tiresome years in school, college students are now getting ready to penetrate the corporate world. However, these students should first pass the corporate world's "rite of passage" - the job interview.

Interview is the gateway toward a successful and rewarding corporate life. It helps in gauging a student's potentials and capacities while ensuring that the student, who is a future employee, is emotionally prepared to undertake the requirements of the job.

Before a student or any individual is able to get a job interview, he must first create a resume. For newly graduates who have the slightest idea in creating application documents, resume samples for college students can be used to create interesting and effective documents.

First Job Calls

Once your application document captures the attention of a prospective employer, the student applicant is then called in for an interview. However, be reminded that receiving an interview is no guarantee that the student will get the job. This is just the initial step in introducing himself/herself to the hiring manager.

In order to make the most out of the given opportunity, the applicant must be ready and be well-oriented for the interview. Here are some tactics that an applicant can use during a job search:

· Do your research

When setting out for a job interview, it is important that a job candidate is well-oriented with the company. He must have a good knowledge and understanding of the company's business and industry. This can be thoroughly executed by researching and conducting a simple analysis of the prospective company.

· Be presentable

There is no perfect way to sabotage your career than to come to an interview wearing your day clothes and flip flops. Since interviews are formal engagements, it is a must that you wear your best corporate attire. Be sure to check yourself out in the mirror before you introduce yourself to the hiring manager.

· Be punctual

Never show up late on interviews. Apart from creating a positive impression, being on time also gives you enough opportunity to prepare for your first encounter with the hiring manager.

· Be formal

Be courteous. It is important that you start your meeting right by offering a firm handshake. Maintain a good posture and eye contact since these simple gestures can give hiring managers an idea on how you behave and work with people.

Also, make sure to avoid slangs, slurs, and curses during interviews. These mannerisms can do you no good and may even ruin your image as a professional.

These might be basic instructions in dealing with an interviewer. However, you might be surprised on how many job applicants flunk their interviews because of these seemingly "simple" tips.

Remember that job application is a serious thing. It even determines whether or not you'll be able to get your dream job or work for a prestigious company. Nonetheless, by prepping up yourself with a powerful resume and interview skills, you can increase your chances of obtaining a job offer. All it takes is a good research skill, determination, and a good collection of resume samples for college students and you're all set for an exciting job search.

Read more ...

Write a Winning Recent College Grad Resume

Being a Resume Writer, I've come across various situations and job searching concerns. One of those concerns comes from recent college graduates who lack the job experience in their field of study and interest. How do you write a resume for this type of situation? This concern may cause lots of anxiety, but I'm here to show you how to write a winning recent graduate resume that will sure help in landing the interview you've been waiting for!

1. The one thing you must remember when writing a resume as a recent college graduate is you must look at your college work as experience. This can incorporate various areas such as internships, school projects, labs, volunteer work or community involvement. Let's explore how some of these can help with writing your resumé.

Internships: an internship is on-the job training, it can be paid or unpaid. Internships allow college students to develop job skills and gain experience in their preferred field.

If you have no work experience at all, this is what you need to put on your resume as your work history. Surprisingly, I've had a few students ask if putting this on a resume is necessary or they down play it! Never down play an internship. It doesn't matter if it was for the summer, a week, or one day... it's all work experience and should go on your resumé.

Projects: Were you involved in any school projects for your field of interest? Were you a part of starting a program, a fundraiser, or an organization? If so, this information should go on your resume as well. Why? Well, in order to participate with a project you need to be organized, you need to do research, you need to have verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills. Notice each underlined word! All of these things can go on your resume if you participated with any school projects.

Community Involvement: Were you involved in some sort of community activity? Maybe you helped senior citizens, maybe you participated with feeding or clothing the homeless, how about being a part of a neighborhood watch and organizing it. Have you tutored any neighborhood children at an afterschool program? If so, this information can be placed on your resume as experience.

Try to explore each of these things when writing your resume and I guarantee you will end up with a resume full of experience that you never thought you had. You will be surprised at how much the little things can go a long way.

2. The next thing you would want to put on your resume is any technical experience you have. I'm sure as a college student you have lots of experience in this area. Computer programs, software, internet research, e-mail, even using Social Media (some jobs require this) should go on your resume. You can title this on your resume as Computer Proficiencies, Technical Experience or Core Competencies.

3. Another thing you can add to your resumé to help you stand out is your GPA. If you've graduated at the top of your class it would be a good idea to add that next to your education. Also, whatever you graduated with, you may want to put those initials next to your name. For Example: John Smith, M.B.A. This will automatically get the employers attention.

Always remember, when writing a resume you want to have complete contact information. Your name, current address, current phone number and e-mail address. This makes it easier for the employer to get in contact with you.

Here are a few words employers like to see on a Recent College Grad Resume:

Research Skills, Public Speaking Skills, Organizational Skills, Written Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Works Well With Others or a Team, Customer Service, Results Oriented...Etc.

Writing a resume can be a very tedious and intense project. However, with a little thought and effort, you can have an awesome resume created in no time! I hope these tips helped you with getting started and completing your resume writing journey.

Wishing you much success!

Desire' C. Somerville is the Founder of Assured Resumes. With a background in Staffing, Recruiting and Resume Writing, Desire' knows what it takes to get noticed by any employer!

Visit Assured Resumes on the web at http://www.assuredresumes.com/ or follow us on Twitter @AssuredResumes.

Read more ...

Write a Winning Recent College Grad Resume

Being a Resume Writer, I've come across various situations and job searching concerns. One of those concerns comes from recent college graduates who lack the job experience in their field of study and interest. How do you write a resume for this type of situation? This concern may cause lots of anxiety, but I'm here to show you how to write a winning recent graduate resume that will sure help in landing the interview you've been waiting for!

1. The one thing you must remember when writing a resume as a recent college graduate is you must look at your college work as experience. This can incorporate various areas such as internships, school projects, labs, volunteer work or community involvement. Let's explore how some of these can help with writing your resumé.

Internships: an internship is on-the job training, it can be paid or unpaid. Internships allow college students to develop job skills and gain experience in their preferred field.

If you have no work experience at all, this is what you need to put on your resume as your work history. Surprisingly, I've had a few students ask if putting this on a resume is necessary or they down play it! Never down play an internship. It doesn't matter if it was for the summer, a week, or one day... it's all work experience and should go on your resumé.

Projects: Were you involved in any school projects for your field of interest? Were you a part of starting a program, a fundraiser, or an organization? If so, this information should go on your resume as well. Why? Well, in order to participate with a project you need to be organized, you need to do research, you need to have verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills. Notice each underlined word! All of these things can go on your resume if you participated with any school projects.

Community Involvement: Were you involved in some sort of community activity? Maybe you helped senior citizens, maybe you participated with feeding or clothing the homeless, how about being a part of a neighborhood watch and organizing it. Have you tutored any neighborhood children at an afterschool program? If so, this information can be placed on your resume as experience.

Try to explore each of these things when writing your resume and I guarantee you will end up with a resume full of experience that you never thought you had. You will be surprised at how much the little things can go a long way.

2. The next thing you would want to put on your resume is any technical experience you have. I'm sure as a college student you have lots of experience in this area. Computer programs, software, internet research, e-mail, even using Social Media (some jobs require this) should go on your resume. You can title this on your resume as Computer Proficiencies, Technical Experience or Core Competencies.

3. Another thing you can add to your resumé to help you stand out is your GPA. If you've graduated at the top of your class it would be a good idea to add that next to your education. Also, whatever you graduated with, you may want to put those initials next to your name. For Example: John Smith, M.B.A. This will automatically get the employers attention.

Always remember, when writing a resume you want to have complete contact information. Your name, current address, current phone number and e-mail address. This makes it easier for the employer to get in contact with you.

Here are a few words employers like to see on a Recent College Grad Resume:

Research Skills, Public Speaking Skills, Organizational Skills, Written Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Works Well With Others or a Team, Customer Service, Results Oriented...Etc.

Writing a resume can be a very tedious and intense project. However, with a little thought and effort, you can have an awesome resume created in no time! I hope these tips helped you with getting started and completing your resume writing journey.

Wishing you much success!

Desire' C. Somerville is the Founder of Assured Resumes. With a background in Staffing, Recruiting and Resume Writing, Desire' knows what it takes to get noticed by any employer!

Visit Assured Resumes on the web at http://www.assuredresumes.com/ or follow us on Twitter @AssuredResumes.

Read more ...