CAREER TIPS

Stunning CV & Resume Templates that WORK!

2011-11-24T12:19:00.007+01:00

Creating a brandnew CV / resume from scratch can be tough. Why not use a template instead of spending hours thinking about the design?

Here are some of the latest releases (that I have all used myself and worked brilliantly!)

This template is best for those who have "field experience" in a specific industry. Ideal for the eyes of hiring managers who need to see the essential quickly and don't have time to read the rest:

This template is best for those who are just kick starting their career! Lot's of space, easily readable, it focuses on the internships/international exposure you already have and what qualities you bring to the company:

This template is for those who consider themselves an industry professional. The clear headline helps you stress the key competencies in your field and a nice structure helps provide the necessary details:
Not everyone loves colour. However, if it goes with your design flow, do it! How many hiring managers will actually print your CV? This template is more like a portfolio (4 pages), and leaves space for a full page introduction of your very own entrepreneurial venture:

A very compact design, this resume has it all. From the objective tag line, to an introductory text, enough space for personal profile, educational background, proficiency portfolio and your work experience. A real winner!

You may find all these templates for download on www.xinxii.com. Search for 'www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com' and find the template that works best for you!

Tips for a great Designer CV

2011-09-15T16:36:00.005+02:00

showcasing your professional capabilities can be a difficult task. here are some key points to make your strengths and previous work stand out.

1. never restrict yourself to a simple 2 pager

as a designer, you need to sell your creative ideas. prospective employers cannot judge your skills by looking at a plain CV.

2. don't be shy to present your work

make sure you present a full portfolio, with samples and categories of works. give multiple examples of what you've done, and add descriptive text if necessary to support your message.

3. show your actual works first, and your background details later

structure your portfolio nicely and grab the attention right from the start.

4. boost your credibility with a personal website

carbonmade.com is a great place to launch an online portfolio. you can also make your personal website based on flavors.me but it is less design related.

5. increase visibility of your works

another great tool is Wisestamp. wisestamp.com allows you to create beautiful custom HTML signatures, embedded with Facebook fanpages, twitter links and much more, automatically inserted when you open a new email message.

ultimately make sure it carries a personal note, dressed in your favourite colours and represents your style the best way possible.

the difference between resumes and CVs

2011-06-04T18:30:00.002+02:00

although the trend moves towards a mixture of both, there are still very significant differences between CVs and resumes.

here are the main points:

ANATOMY

CVs are very well structured and most of the time written in columns. up to 4 or more pages.

resumes follow a more narrative pattern and tend to describe relevant info in detail. ideally a one or two pager.

CONTENT

CVs contain detailed information from personal data to interests & hobbies. it is impersonal, factual and 'clean'.

resumes emphasize on the experience needed for the job. a personal description of 2-3 sentences up top is common.

DESIGN

CVs impress with clarity and a plain layout.

resumes are more creative, and will carry color tones to stand out.

USE*

CVs are common in Europe and Australia.

resumes are mostly common in the US, and gain in popularity worldwide.

*the relevance highly depends on the position applied for. also, some industries will prefer a certain layout than another.

for more info, visit the Facebook page.

how to give your CV the competitive edge

2011-05-07T12:45:00.006+02:00

it's no joke - when a job post is open, the hiring manager will receive anywhere between 20 and 200 applications a day! yes! chance is that competition is tough and you will face a lot of highly qualified candidates competing with you for the position.

how can you distinguish yourself?

how can you score a few extra points?

how can you be different from the dull typical CV?

how can you WOW the hiring manager?

here are a few hints ;)

- show your face

many hiring managers do not consider applications (unless they are really impressive) without a photograph. add a smart-casual photo to your application. this rule is especially applicable to jobs that require direct client contact.

- be personable

the tone of your application should be positive and open. your aim is to create a comfort level with the hiring manager before even meeting you.

- go COLOR!

nothing is worse than the same old style and typical layout. don't be afraid of putting in some color - without creating a rainbow, though! after 100 blank white sheets, your color-fest will be a true eye opener!

- spice up phrases

yes, we are all hard working when we need to be. and we all love team sports. move away from those standardized characteristics. describe yourself as the unique individual that you are. what are your key strengths?

- use a different head line

guess what, 'job application' is the most used phrase for the email subject. how will the hiring manager know that you are in fact THE best candidate? draw attention from this very point: my personal line "Life, Work, Skills, Experience and Motivation". trust me, it works!

here's a video of examples of the above ... for more info, visit www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com.

8 body language tips for your job interview

2011-04-24T12:45:00.006+02:00

the first 2.5 seconds decide about the rest of your job interview and will most likely determine the overall outcome. dress code is important, absolutely. but are you also aware of your body language?

here are 8 tips you should remember when you speak to your interviewer.

1. WALK IN WITH CONFIDENCE
Focus on the right entrance - don't let the door handle slip out of your hands, or stumble over the carpet. Beware of the environment you are about to enter.

2. PRACTICE A GOOD AND FIRM HANDSHAKE
Handshakes tell the other person about your character. They reveal your confidence level and intellectual strength. Typically men appreciate a firm handshake, women greet slightly softer.

3. SMILE, BUT DON'T OVER/UNDERDO IT
It is good to practice your interview answers beforehand, as it also allows you to portrait yourself in front of a mirror. The appropriate facial expressions are very important!

4. SIT WITH A GOOD POSTURE
Whether your chair is comfortable or not, sit upright with your legs crossed (ladies) or your feet on the ground (gentlemen). Try not to take advantage of comfort, and remain professional throughout your chat.

5. DON'T LET YOUR HANDS DO ALL THE TALKING
Many people tend to get very nervous in job interviews. In this case, it is recommended to hold a pen, or any other common-use object until the tension level cools off. Also, very expressive gestures might effect your appearance.

6. KEEP EYE CONTACT
Out of all 8 advises, this is by far the most important one. Eye contact transports your image in the best way possible. It allows you to stress what you have to say, and will assure you that your interviewer is listening to you. You may look down or onto the desk, however, never let your eyes go across the room.

7. NEVER FIDGET
Tapping your foot, stroking your hair or tapping your fingers are signs of boredom or nervousness. Maintain your focus on the person in front of you.

8. DON'T GET UP BEFORE YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO
A typical interview concludes with the interviewer inviting you to ask questions. Once there are no more details to clarify, wait for the interviewer to release you. The second worst thing after a bad entrance is a messed-up exit!

Be sure to stick to the rules, and your interview will run great. The First Impression Counts, the content comes second!

about blind applications

2011-03-31T19:10:00.005+02:00

many people go very mainstream about their job search. Monster, Careerjet and countless other sites provide the source for job vacancies across the world. it's simple, easy and requires almost no effort. what you end up in is a pool of over- and under-qualified candidates. IF you are able to attract attention, are you going to struggle through the selection process, having to commit, promise - and mostly, compete.

let's take it even further. can you afford working for a company that you are not interested in, just because they have an open position?

the point is: today's options are so broad that you can barely justify why you would compromise your career based on 'availability of jobs' (if you are honest to yourself, of course). what you should seek is an enjoyable environment, that allows you to grow and participate, take on challenges and get rewarded/promoted for it!

where?

here's a way of finding it. why not give the web a generic search on potential employers? google is designed to help you in your search, so do make use of your " and + and * wherever you can.

note down whatever looks interesting to you, and filter your top 10 from your list. don't get me wrong, you actually should apply to all the ones you selected in the first place, however, it does not hurt to focus on a target.

what will facilitate your job hunt is a tracking sheet, where you log your sent application dates and any replies you receive. it'll help you identify opportunities.

never get discouraged by negative or no responses at all. however, you will see that you'll receive more positive answers than you had hoped for ...

DON'T do this!

2011-02-07T16:29:00.003+01:00

Imagine, I read this story the other day:

An average guy comes to his job interview, applying for a management position. Everything goes well, he is well-groomed, assertive and knows what and how to answer the interviewer's questions. Half way through the talk, the interviewers phone rings. The interviewer picks up, and surprisingly hands the phone over to the candidate. "The person on the line says he wants to talk to you." So the man takes the phone call ... yes, it's me ... aha ... I see ... I'd start immediately? ... how much was the salary you said ... alright, thank you.

The interviewer, astonished about this conversation, just stares at the man. He goes, "well, seems like I have another option now, I think we should renegotiate the salary range you just proposed to me."

No need to say, the candidate didn't get the job. Thereafter the interviewer found out that this had been a staged call, in order to give the man the opportunity to bargain about his remuneration.

Incredible, some people.

questions you can (and should) ask during your job interview

2010-12-17T23:59:00.007+01:00

as much as the first few minutes of your job interview count - the last ones do, too! once the interviewer has collected all the info he needed from you, he will (most definitely) invite you to pose your questions. not sure what to ask about? here are some hints:

- work conditions:

what are the working hours (varies by country ...)?

will you be provided with a uniform?

- all around work:

is accommodation/transportation provided?

will the journey be sponsored by the company?

- benefits & salary:

does the employer offer health/retirement plans?

what is the expected monthly salary?*

how long is the contract for?

- visa

what documents are required?

how long does the procedure take?

how long is it for?

*it is never convenient or comfortable to talk about money when you are on the receiving end. but, be sure to address this question ahead of time. inform yourself online what the average salary range for the position is and do not forget to calculate your monthly living expense! it is important to know these things ahead of time in order to pitch during the talk.

when talking money you can always readdress your qualities and the asset you can be to the company. show willingness to work hard and that you are worth what you are asking for.

based on these questions you should be able to assess whether the job, company and benefits are right for your lifestyle and growth. to read on check out the sneak peek of my application support package here.

please share your feedback on Facebook or right here.

Websites replace CVs

2010-11-08T02:21:00.004+01:00

the idea has been out for a while. now it starts reaching the masses. more and more people create their personal websites.

there are plenty of free website building sites out there. be it html or flash based, anyone can build any website nowadays.

one would think that this change is welcome in this world of connectivity, globalization and social networks. have you thought about these things?

- beware of publishing your birthday and full name. identity theft is bigger than ever!

- make sure you present only truthful information. anything else might get you in trouble.

- if you've worked somewhere without legal documents, don't even think about putting it up - no matter how precious the experience was.

- are you professional? is your photo/text style offensive or inappropriate?

- if your site is for personal purposes only, be sure that it does not collide with your work ethics.

probably it would be best to evaluate beforehand if you really need a personal website for whatever reasons. to be fair, it is fun to have one, though!

when you have a chance, check out mine at www.melaniehaselmayr.com.

want one, too? contact me and we'll work on it :)

if you can get these answers right ...

2010-10-30T17:56:00.004+02:00

... you will get the job!

there are many questions you could prepare for a job interview, and yet, there are only two main ones you need to focus on. really? yes, really! if you manage the following two questions well, you will succeed!

(they might be worded differently, but I am sure you'll pick up the meaning)

1. how does your previous experience coincide with this position?

there are so many hints in this question! first: do you know what you've done so far? are you conscious about your skills? have you informed yourself what your new job would be like? have you started to prepare yourself for your new tasks?

the best way to manage this question: don't blabber, be confident and speak your mind.

bad example: "I've done similar things [what things??] before and think my past experience matches this position [what position are you talking about?]. My team spirit and practical thinking will add a lot to the company's value [everyone says that]."

good example: "When I was working in ... I was assigned to do ... [giving actual examples] which taught me how to approach such a project. I have a good sense of ... [qualities and skills that you have] that is needed to be ... [position] and believe that I can contribute interesting ideas to brainstorm as a team."

2. which on of your skills would you like to improve?

in many interviews, the interviewer will simply ask "what are your weaknesses?" this question here is more profound. it does not only require you know your needs for improvement, but also HOW you are going to improve them, and in fact, THAT you want to improve them and the REASON behind it.

bad example: "I've always had problems with handling stress. I totally freak out when I get swamped in work and have a hard time getting back on track."

you just lost it. not because you can't handle stress, but because you really do not give any improvement suggestions to fix it. never leave a weakness to itself. give solutions and show your willingness to work on it.

good example: "I want to focus on learning more languages. I've neglected my talent a bit in the past, but I am ready to pick up again and improve! There is nothing more worthwhile than communicating right with people!"

do you see the difference? the second statement is positive, far reaching and not even a weakness. try to use a 'weakness' that is not truly a weakness but rather an opportunity!

it's that easy!

I got scammed!

2010-10-02T22:52:00.002+02:00

I haven't written articles for quite a while, reason being: I was homeless. thank god for good friends who stand by you in times of need!

it was one of those situations that you think would never happen to you, until they do. I got scammed, in a nasty and intriguing way. having moved around the world, lived on 3 continents and dealt with all kinds of people I just did not expect to end up in this situation. this is what happened:

knowing I had to find a new place to live in Paris, I started searching all those websites online, going from international to local hosts, trying to find ads for rentals. I came across a nice ad, and started emailing with the guy. he had a french name, a french cell phone number, and we arranged to meet at the apartment to discuss. everything went well, we came to an agreement and decided to meet again in a week time to sign the contract and settle the deposit. so we did.

a day before I had to move out (actually 11 PM on that day) I got an email. from this guy's wife. she was telling me (in english all of a sudden, and in the exact pattern of scam emails) that he has had an accident and died - and the place would no longer be available. she also said she would send me a cheque to reimburse me. of course, from that moment the phone number I had was inactive and so was his email. to be honest, I did not dare to go back to the apartment to check what had happened. probably an elderly lady would open the door who had been on vacation during the time I was in it for the visit. I went to the police, who could only tell me that the identity on the ID was fake and there was nothing they could do. and I never got the cheque.

scams happen every day, and probably all of us know someone who has gotten scammed before. the usual cases happen via online communication, mine was a real exception. for you to be aware

here are a few pieces of advice.

obvious signs of scams:

- basic classified ads, inviting you to contact for more information

- emailers addressing themselves with titles, be it Dr., Rev., Prof. or any other of such kind

- long emails in very simple language

- descriptive article style, explaining every detail of the apartment

- everything is included (except for toothbrushes)

- prime area location, no exact address

- photos of low quality or in completely different style of the local architecture

- irrational rental fee, no or little down payment

- payment has to be made without visiting the place, for some odd reasons

- conversations only take place via email

sadly, there is hardly now way to get around encountering these scam artists. once you do feel something is strange and maybe the conditions are just too good to be true, trust your instincts and intuition. it will lead you the right way.

once you meet the person who is renting or sub-letting a place, check for the following conditions:

- again, trust your instincts. does this person really fit in this place? is the bathroom empty? does he really know the place? and the area?

- request an ID and utility bill from the owner of this apartment that has his name/address on it

- if an up front deposit is required, only give a cheque or suggest a bank transfer

- sign a contract that clarifies the agreement on paper

- avoid sub-letting in general. in some countries this is even illegal and might cause you huge problems!

hope this helps! feedback is always greatly appreciated :)

what happened to 'old school'?

2010-08-21T14:59:00.004+02:00

I've been asked by clients lately why my works are usually full of color and don't show any of the typical sentence pattern. here is why ...

communication is undergoing evolution. over the centuries it has changed and adapted to society. I found the CV my mother helped me with to apply for college about 10 years ago. plus, it was handwritten and literally, in sentences. no bullet points whatsoever.this piece of paper is nowhere applicable today and would be rejected at the second sentence.

in today's world time is a precious thing - no matter what business you are in. same goes for hiring managers. open positions posted online often receive 100s of applications! the person behind it does not have the time (and patience ...) to look at them all. only the ones that capture their attention quickly and in a unique way will have a chance for consideration.

imagine you are reading the same 5 sentences over and over for days! wouldn't you be drawn to a unique and genuine phrase? 'old school' is out, 'new school' is coming up!

what used to be formal explanations and carefully worded suggestions in CVs and cover lettes have become aggressive and pushing advertising messages. in fact, applying for a job has become a marketing activity in itself.

don't be afraid to try new things. make your application as personable and remarkable as possible. in fact, REMARKABLE is the key word - you want the hiring manager to make a remark on your application!

if you are interested in new daring, crazy, colorful, viral, unforgettable, memorable, catchy, savvy, interesting and unique job applications, stay tuned! I'll share some of my ideas with you soon ...

quitting your job

2010-08-13T10:33:00.005+02:00

I enjoy reading articles of any kind, and came across this series of photographs. the girl was fed up with her work place and found a unique way to bring her message across ...

bare in mind that this might not be the most efficient way to do it if you consider remaining in touch with your co-workers or choose an affiliated company to work for next. and yet, this spark of creativity might be respected and valued elsewhere.

feel free to contact me for my workshop series contents and schedule!

if you cant view this properly, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OMyEnw6Uyw instead.

talent or skill?

2010-08-10T16:55:00.002+02:00

a skill is knowledge that you have acquainted throughout studies, practice and experience.

a talent is an inner interest and passion for a certain area that you may grow through investment of time and effort. results will come more effortlessly though, as talents are usually born out of our interests. skills can also be created from talents but never the other way around.

what counts more?

depending on what industry in, the importance and relevance can vary. compare a airline callcenter agent to a hotel concierge – they will certainly not have or need the same qualities.

quality is a key word in this context. it is the interfusion of your skills, talents and characteristics.

before you go to work tomorrow, take a few minutes and analyze your own profile. what are your strengths? what are your weaknesses? which areas need more attention, and how can you push your strengths even further?

once you are aware of your own abilities it is much easier to convert them into successes. this simple exercise might even point out a new direction in your career and clarifies your professional goals ultimately.

over-qualified

2010-08-08T00:50:00.004+02:00

CV writers will always try to push your qualities. this one, apparently, went a little too far ...

5 rocking qualities that will get you promoted!

2010-07-29T14:25:00.006+02:00

the title says it all, so let’s get straight to the point:

- willingness to learn

learning is the process of development and advancement. one who doesn’t learn, can’t progress – be it a company or an individual. it is our decision to stagnate and rotate in the same place or take a step towards becoming a better version of ourselves.

it is good to stick to our standards, morals and ideals, however, if a better approach crosses our conscience we should take the step to adapt to it. it will be recognized and appreciated.

- taking ownership

it is evident that one cannot solve every task on their own and needs support and help. employees who have the self conscience (or simply want to go for it) and step up to a project/request will more likely be considered to be promoted. pro-activeness is the key. some out-of-the-box-thinking is a good way to go here …

- adequate behavior

our social environment plays an essential role, too. your manager will always be observing your behavior – be it with clients, partners, managers or co-workers. be sure to know your personal etiquette, which reaches from body language, hygiene, verbal expression and mime all the way to intercultural differences. always bare your company philosophy in mind – in your business and personal life!

- being approachable

whether you like it or not – it does matter having well-established relationships with your day-to-day contacts. try to work out an exceptional status in a valuable field. meaning - “let’s ask …, he/she always knows what to do” - wouldn’t it be great to have your name in that empty space?

your future will highly depend on this, as you are going to be considered ‘senior’ and automatically act as point of advice to many others.

- positive mindset & problem solving

a good manager never loses his cool. so shouldn’t you. this is probably the hardest of all qualities to develop, as it demands discipline and strict forward thinking. for starters, as manager you need to be solid as a rock, when everything around you breaks into pieces. as a matter of fact, this quality will become natural in the course of taking on the previous ones … you will see.

what really good job applications should be like ...

2010-07-24T16:20:00.005+02:00

... and how you can star at presenting them! ready my article at hubpages http://hubpages.com/hub/thefirstimpressioncounts and have a look at http://www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com/en/pages/downloads-20.aspx to check out some recent downloadable templates!

what would you say at this job interview ...

2010-07-04T11:28:00.004+02:00

this is probably the toughest interview question you will ever have to answer ...

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it’s raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:

1) An old lady who looks as if she is about to die,

2) An old friend who once saved your life,

3) The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to if there could only be one passenger in your car? Stay tuned and check my Facebook profile for the answer ...

25 potential questions you might be asked at your job interview

2010-07-03T23:24:00.003+02:00

here is a good amount of questions your interviewer might have in his pocket. some obvious - some traps. being prepared for them all is the key!

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What do you know about our organization?
3. Why do you want to work for us?
4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
6. Why should we hire you?
7. What do you look for in a job?
8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
10. How long would you stay with us?
11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?
12. What is your management style?
13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
14. What do you look for when You hire people?
15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
17. What important trends do you see in our industry?
18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
21. What do you think of your boss?
22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
23. What do you feel this position should pay?
24. What are your long-range goals?
25. How successful have you been so far?

to find out what counts, visit www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com and check out the application support package. your first-hand guide to all of the above ...

tips to write a really good resume/CV

2010-07-01T16:25:00.006+02:00

some find it easy to compile a good job application, others have a hard time putting the single components together. although it really comes down to the first few seconds for the reader, there are certain hints I have for you in order to score a good rating:

- keep it short and simple
don't try to put the entire story of your life there. mention the most important facts, keep the details for the interview.

- adapt to the job you want
why would a marketing agency care if you were "head waiter at Luigi's"? stress the important details. show that you have the background for the job.

- say something about yourself
start your CV/resume with 2-3 sentences about your attitude and goals. you may also include your job objective here.

- holes = questions
try to cover gaps in your CV with other activities during that time. sales training, voluntary projects etc.

- always keep it up to date
make sure that your application is not outdated. have your information listed up to the current moment.

- typo's are no-no's
the way you present your CV is what will reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. avoid spelling mistakes. have someone proofread your CV.

- be honest
there is no point of 'adding on' something. whatever appeared to be additional will come forward at the interview the latest.

- impress with facts
don't forget to include awards and achievements. employee of the quarter, winner of ..., first ..., etc. show that you are ambitious.

- presentation
simply make it look good. make it a reflection of yourself and how you see yourself. this is the best way to go.

- easy to read
double check once again if your CV/resume is reader friendly. do your statements and keywords make sense?

for further information, please visit my website: www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com. you can download sample CVs and cover letters that follow this pattern and will make your application flawless and impressive.

uh oh ... job interview in a foreign language?

2010-07-01T13:45:00.003+02:00

first thing I can tell you … don’t be afraid! and yet I am certain that you will be anyways. take this as advice:

- prepare a company fact sheet

visit the company’s website and take down all the essential information. if you can, do it already in the applicable foreign language. if it’s a phone interview, you may have this piece of paper in front of you, if it is face to face, you will need to study a bit :)

- try to think of questions you might be answered

for this part, I can offer you the perfect solution. the application support package is available on my website and features a questionnaire full of potential topics. you may download it here: http://www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com

- prepare answers that will convince and impress your interviewer

once you have thought of questions, you also need to be sure to have the right answers that go with them. don’t make your language too complicated as this probably causes you to get stuck here and there. be simple, be honest. that’s the key

- show willingness to learn and improve

what most employers will pay attention to is your drive to work on your weaknesses. even if you are only able to speak very slowly, the opposite will understand that you are making an effort. also, if you do get stuck, prepare to say: “would you mind me continuing in english?”. what’s the chances of getting a no? none.

- practice on your own 2-3 times before your appointment

it will take a bit of the tension away if you have taken the time to practice your language skills and the q&a’s you have prepared. try out different ways of saying things, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. even the best speakers twist their tongue sometimes.

- follow up email

after the interview, take the time to send your interviewer a thank you email. thank him/her for taking the time to meet you, and that you are eager to work with them. tell them that you are reading news articles, talk to friends and think about taking a language perfection course to improve and get going.

once again, it is your goal to show that you have potential and that you are willing to learn.

to be best prepared for your interview get the application support package. it is your interactive guide to any step of your job application. here is the link: http://www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com

the sample works of The First Impression Counts

2010-05-21T02:21:00.002+02:00

follow the link below to view samples of previous works ...

the sample works of The First Impression Counts

The EXACT reason WHY you need unique and nicely done job application material ...

2010-05-05T23:20:00.004+02:00

Usually, it is more effective to share the victories and success stories of clients, however, in this case I will share my own experience with you as example.

This article shall give you a crash course in effective resume writing, and how it will bring you positive replies and chances for an interview. You must remember that only your application papers are able to convince a hiring manager of your suitability – by contents and presentation.

CONTENTS: When compiling your CV for a new employment opportunity you should always focus on the following questions:
1. What position am I applying for?
2. What is the philosophy of the company I am targeting?
3. How can I interfuse both my own interests and the company’s ideals?
PRESENTATION: The key is to integrate this information and create a presentation of oneself that will both impress and initiate action. The hardest task is to find a balance between the two.

Remember, your aim is to land an interview opportunity – or at least a response that will trigger further communication. Don’t be devastated if you do not receive replies as it is common for many companies to keep in touch with successful applicants only. However, do not let your job applications run easily – especially the ones for jobs you really look forward to.
There are also other opportunities: If one door closes, another opens up. If you are able to compile a convincing, honest and impressive job application, your information will be – in some cases – forwarded to related companies/departments. Here is my very own example (see picture).

When writing your CV, be sure that it reflects your intentions and illustrates your experience, skills and previous achievements in a relevant way. Make your point clear, and show how well you fit this the company’s circle. Don’t know how? Idealess? Don’t know where to start? No worries. I can help. If you feel your job application could use a little polish contact me and I will be happy to assist you in your particular situation. Visit www.thefirstimpressioncounts.com for further details.

What do you bring along for your job interview?

2010-05-03T22:26:00.001+02:00

Presenting yourself in the best way possible is already a challenging task, but did you also remember to pack some things before going for your interview? Already nervous as it is, the following tips can help you keep your calm and give you some more confidence:

- Name cards (if any)
If you have personal name cards, bring some along with you. Make sure you have enough of them in your pocket in case you are facing an interview jury.

- Copies of all application material you sent previously
Make sure they are neatly printed and in proper condition, if possible keep them in a nice folder until requested.

- Work testimonials, school certificates and other relevant certificates
It’s best to have both original and copy ready. It proves your sense of preparedness and facilitates your interviewers task.

- Passport and other legal documents
Depending on where your future job is located, you may bring legal papers with you, again both original and a copy.

- List of questions to ask, paper and pen
Towards the end of the interview you will be welcomed to place questions regarding the job. Be sure to have a set of questions prepared to clarify all details. Take note of important information that is given to you during the course of the entire session!

Being prepared properly will not only contribute to your calmness beforehand, but also give you a certain competitive edge over other candidates. The way you demonstrate your thinking and planning at the interview will reflect on the interviewer’s decision.

Remember that only an effective resume will get you a job interview in the first place … Should you need any assistance with yours, send me an email at melanie@thefirstimpressioncounts.com for more info! On my website you also find a link to my ‘application support package’ that covers all the stages of a job application and will be your guide throughout every new challenge.

Facebook can get you hired ... or fired!

2010-04-13T20:53:00.002+02:00

there are certain professions that have always been overshadowed by the power of image – lawyers, politicians, celebrities, doctors etc. and any message could trigger a rise or fall in society. the times when it was all only about them are long passé. today, we are all subject to judgment by anyone who encounters our information. social media just contribute an extra touch to this delicate issue, as many don’t know their security settings and therefore risk their reputation.
your Facebook profile is not as ‘invisible’ and ‘protected’ as you may think … be cautious of these mistakes – they might cost you a great career opportunity!

- inappropriate photos
fun is fun. work is work. however, your future boss will most likely not appreciate the photos of you choking a jug of beer on one of your nights out.

- comments about work
do not make your status updates a series of whining complaints about your present job. if you want to share something, do it in a personal message, not officially within your whole network.

- friend posts
even though you can only fix the damage that is already done, try to keep your wall clean from your friends’ ‘personalized’ inputs. remember, we are also evaluated based on the people around us!

- contradictive info
if you are one of those who simply like to add previous and current job assignments, be sure it goes hand in hand with what you provided on your resume.

- personal info page
most hires are not based on experience, but personality. only post personal details you are comfortable to share with strangers, leave the rest to the details only your best friends know about you.

all in all, you should always be aware of the language you use, and what kind of resolutions are made on your statements. if you still wish to communicate freely, doublecheck your security settings, and be sure to have all your information listed as private. you may also consider opening two individual profiles that will help you distinguish professional and personal networks better.
no matter how you treat your Facebook, don’t let it get you into trouble – just like one lady who called in sick for work one day and got fired the next – because her friends tagged a photo of her at a party that evening!