Create Compelling Resume Stories To Get A Job

Most people are not aware that they can use their resume to tell a story. Traditionally, resumes have focused solely on job duties and responsibilities and not on accomplishments.

However, in today's competitive job market your career accomplishments should be at the heart of your resume story. As a rule, you should create different stories for each resume that you submit and tailor them to the positions being sought.

It is also important for you to give some consideration to your organization and planning skills. Both of these skills will be essential in helping you create a compelling story. In order for your story to be effective it must focus on the results that you achieved for your previous employers. This will give the potential employer an idea of how you would perform at their company if you are hired.

When creating your resume stories include a summary or profile at the top of the page and use bulleted lists throughout the remainder of the document. Keep in mind that most hiring managers and recruiters typically spend thirty seconds or less scanning the resumes that come into their office. This is why it is important to keep the statements in your resume story brief.

It is important to use as many keywords as possible when creating your story. Review the keywords in the employer's job descriptions several times and sprinkle them throughout your resume story. Be sure to emphasize how you have previously demonstrated the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities that the employer is looking for.Moreover, use descriptive high impact adjectives and verbs that will help the potential employer visualize how you would perform in their company if hired.

Once you have finished creating your stories it is important to get feedback from family and friends. Ask them what they like and what they dislike about reading them. Solicit feedback about how you can improve them. Once you are satisfied submit your resume stories to the employers that you have targeted.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Savage

Home Based Business: Are You Ready?

Everyone seems to want to work from home these days - and why not? Your neighbors set off at dawn, fighting the weather and the traffic. You roll out of bed an hour later, pour yourself a cup of coffee, stroll down the hall and settle in for the day.

Running a home based business is a great life and a terrific way to achieve that illusive work-life balance but before you quit your day job, here are four things you should ask yourself to see if you're ready to work from home.

Are You a Self-Starter?

Let's be honest. Some people work best when they have the automatic accountability of knowing that their boss or co-workers might drop in any moment and ask how that project they're working on is going. When you work from home, especially when you are your own boss, no one is going to notice whether you're working or playing games on your computer.

To work successfully from home, set your schedule and stick to it. Know what your deadlines are and how much time you will need to complete each task so you meet those deadlines. Make sure you are getting enough work done every day or every week to show concrete progress. If you aren't able to motivate yourself to work even when no one is watching, you aren't ready to have a home based business.

Are You a Social Butterfly?

When you work from home, you're working alone and that can either be a welcome relief or sheer torture. Work is part business and part social. Work is where we meet our friends and most of us meet our life partner. If your personality leans toward the introverted, you may welcome the solitude of working from home but if you are a born extrovert, the lack of interaction may affect your job satisfaction.

To counter the loneliness - and network your way into new customers - make sure you seek opportunities for collaboration. Join the local Chamber of Commerce or a service club and volunteer to serve on a committee. Attend networking events and follow-up with everyone you meet.

Are You Easily Distracted?

Home is where the heart is. It's also where the refrigerator is, and the laundry, and the kids, and the dog - wait, what was I saying? To be successful working from home, you need to focus on the task at hand.

Sometimes, other people pull you away from your work. When people find out you work from home, suddenly they have the idea that you are always available - to wait for a repairman, pick up a package, babysit a child - or just sit down for a visit. Sometimes it's hard to convince your spouse, your child or your best friend that you're working when you're working from home.

Toss in that load of laundry, but make five client calls before you move it from the washer to the dryer. Play games with your two year-old, but arrange for a sitter to give you blocks of uninterrupted work time. Take the dog for a walk but set a time limit and return to your project refreshed.

Are You Able to Turn it Off?

When you run a home based business, you have flexibility about when you complete your work and that helps you accommodate the needs of your family. However, when you work from home, it can be tough to stop working at the end of the day. You find yourself sitting down for just a moment to check email and suddenly you look up and it's three hours later.

Set a goal for yourself of what you will accomplish each day. When you have accomplished that, shut the door and walk away. It's harder when your office is in the corner of the living room or the bedroom or at the dining room table but if you can't close the door, pack away your work and tuck it out of sight until morning. Remember, you're working from home to gain work-life balance. Don't give that away by not being able to "turn off."

Linda Crowder founded Focus Forward, LLC to coach small business owners, nonprofit directors and job seekers to achieve their goals. For more information about your work from home business, visit http://www.focusforwardllc.net.

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The Importance Of Staying Hydrated On The Road

As a truck driver the last thing that you want to have to do is make a bunch of scheduled or unscheduled pit stops along the road. Many truckers intentionally curb or control how much they are drinking during the day limiting their intake of liquids often by less than half of what is recommended.

It is important to realize that dehydration can cause serious health issues over both the short and long term. It is also important to realize that not all liquids actually hydrate your body in the same ways and some can actually lead to an increased risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

In addition to health issues, which will be discussed later, people that are dehydrated also have various issues that can impact your ability to be a safe, effective driver. One of the key symptoms of dehydration is increasing drowsiness and fatigue, both issues that are problematic when you are driving professionally.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:
• Dry mouth
• Excessive thirst that may come and go
• Chronic types of acute or low grade headaches
• Stiffness and cramping of the muscles
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded
• Difficulty urinating or strong urine
• Chronic lower back pain (kidney area) as well as chronic urinary tract infections (UTI)

It is really important to keep in mind that while these are the common symptoms of dehydration, they are also the symptoms of a lot of other health issues as well. It is always a good idea to get these types of symptoms checked out by your doctor to make sure there isn't another underlying health issue that could be detected early to ensure you have the widest possible range of treatment options.

The longer that these symptoms are present, or the more chronically dehydrated you are, the greater the load that you put on your kidneys and circulatory system. This can lead to an increased risk of specific types of kidney disease as well as poor immune response of your body.

Decreased water content of the body, particularly the cells of the organs and the blood, decreases their ability to work, repair and function. Low concentrations of water in the blood can led to a condition known as hypovolemic shock that can be life threatening. This can happen when the blood volume drops suddenly or over time and your blood pressure falls dramatically. When this happens the blood is not circulated through the body, oxygen supply to the cells is cut off, and the brain and central nervous system can stop functioning leading to coma and, if not treated immediately, death.

How Much Is Enough And What Counts?

For the average person drinking about 8 full glasses, which are at least 8 ounces in size, per day is typically enough if you are not exercising or in hot conditions. However, if you are sweating or if you feel thirsty you should drink more. For those that excise regularly or are in hot or dry conditions drink more water and more frequently. This would include driving in a hot truck or running with the window down if the air conditioner isn't working.

If you are trying to stay hydrated or experience the symptoms discussed above when you are driving, don't count beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, sodas or anything else with caffeine as part of your 8 glass total. The reason you don't want to count them is because they contain stimulants and, in the case of soda and some energy drinks, a lot of sugars. Drinking these types of drinks may help with hydration, but you will then have to deal with the symptoms of over consumption of caffeine and sugar, which are often very similar to the symptoms of dehydration. Also, next time you are tempted to reach for a soda in the truck stop take a minute and read the label. You will be surprised at the chemicals and additives in your favorite drink that you may not even know what they are.

Water, either bottled or tap, is a great option to just sip as you are driving. If you aren't a water fan try some of the new single serving sugarless sports drink mixes or water flavoring packets that are generally well liked by most people. You can also drink sugar free types of sports drinks that have extra electrolytes which can help prevent cramping and many of the physical symptoms of dehydration.

Food, especially high moisture foods like apples, watermelon, oranges and grapefruit as well as raw vegetables can all help to boost your water intake throughout the day. These wouldn't count specifically towards that 8 glass goal but they are a great way to add extra water and also give you a healthy snack.

A good habit, and one that many athletes, sports doctors, coaches and trainers recommend is to drink a large glass of water just before going to bed and immediately when you get up. This simple habit ensures that you are always going to have at least a quarter of your water intake requirements covered and it helps to allow your body to function effectively.

A career in truck driving is waiting for you, please visit https://www.truck-school.com/apply-online

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Tips for a Worthwhile Business Travel

When you are traveling for business, it is best to iron out the basics-such as packing, hotel reservations, car services, plane tickets and what not-so that it is not another task that you have to do on top of the business that you have to take care of. If business plans are important, then planning your trip merits planning as well. If all these are mapped out smoothly, not only will you be able to have a worry free business trip, but it is also possible for you to have a fun time during your trip.

1. Research about the place beforehand. Knowing more about the city you are visiting could help you manage your time or maximize the vacant time that you have while you are there. Let's say you are going to a convention. Knowing about the other events that will take place will help you go to as much events or conferences as you can during your stay there.

2. Packing light in a carry-on bag gives you one thing less to worry about. Not having to fret about your luggage check in does not just make your trip less worry-some, but it also saves you time both upon your arrival and departure. This gives you more time to prepare for your trip's agenda, or some last-minute shopping before your departure.

3. Be nice to the locals. This rule is not exclusive to business travels only, but it will do you a great favor if you are nice to everyone, especially the locals, or pretty much everyone else. If you exude camaraderie, people tend to become more helpful to you. The front desk staff will be more forgiving if you lose your hotel key, you'll breeze through security easily, and you can event gets a few tips from the locus about the best places to visit for leisure if you are on a tight schedule.

4. Meet with people you have connections with through social media. These days, meet ups, (or to use a term that is more localized on social media) are very common. This serves as a mini-convention for people who share the same interest of line of business. Sometimes, new business ideas come up during these meet ups. It helps you know more about the industry, widen your network, or simply make new friends.

If you are frequently our for business, whether it's for a business plan, a convention, or a simple meet and greet with clients, make sure that you make it worthwhile, and you take home more than what the original agenda is.

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Better Job Opportunities in Aviation Management

When I first got started in the aviation industry aviation management jobs seemed to be a million miles away and even un-obtainable. But I was ambitious and eventually I gained the experience and education to become a manager. If you are looking forward to a position in management, you must prepare yourself by gaining the knowledge and experience to oversee a division, a department or if you reach the executive level, even a company. At the executive level, titles may include Vice President, President, CFO or even CEO.

Airlines, airports, aerospace companies, air charter companies, flight schools all need managers. Aviation management jobs may involve high level positions in the government, in an airline, in airport administration or security, or even in air traffic control towers.

People who hold positions in aviation management jobs often perform duties such as creating and managing budgets, human resources and staffing, sales and marketing and other administrative duties, all of which are essential to the success of an aviation business.

Aviation Management Jobs and Education

In the past, many mangers did not have a management education or experience. They worked their way up the ladder and knew the duties and responsibilities of the various position or positions so well that the theory was they would be most successful in overseeing other workers performing the same tasks. That did not always prove to be the case. Some people are great at what they do but not so great at managing others.

Today, however, there are many universities that provide aviation management degrees. If you are someone who has your sight set on achieving success in one of the many aviation management jobs out there, then achieving a four year degree should be your first order of business.

The next step would be to gain experience by working in your chosen segment of the industry. There are several departments that you can chose from depending on your interests and ambitions. Finance, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Flight Operations or Maintenance are just a few of the departments where you can work your way into the loftier positions.

Characteristics of Successful People in Aviation Management Jobs

So what personality characteristics should a person possess to be successful in an aviation management job? Here is a list of some desirable characteristics you should have or develop to be a good manager.

Patience - you will need a lot of this

Persistence - never give up

High Work Ethic - a hard worker

Anticipates - gets in front of issues

Personable - able to gain the trust and cooperation of others

Influence - others want to be involved with what they are doing

Intelligence - knows what to do and when to do it

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list but you get the picture.

The Rewards of Working in Aviation Management Jobs

Working your way up into aviation management jobs is no easy task and it may take several years of training and hard work before you attain the title of aviation manager. If you are smart enough and tough enough to get there, the rewards can be immense. Self-satisfaction from the achievement, the respect of your superiors and peers, not to mention the possibility of substantial financial rewards are all possible outcomes to your hard work and dedication.

The key to remember is that hard work comes before success! So get to work and get your education. Start building your successful career today.

Author has an advance knowledge and understanding in Aircraft Industry. Currently, He is writing articles on Airline Maintenance Jobs

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Sending Multiple Resumes Without Result? 5 Easy Steps to a Job Interview

It takes about 40 online applications to get on average 1 interview. If you are submitting far more applications and have no interviews, you are either wrongly targeting your search or you look like a bad candidate for some reason (you may still be a good candidate). Fortunately, once you know that there is a problem, you can work through the five easy steps that will get most people results.

1.) Narrow the scope of jobs that you respond to.

Ironically, your chances improve when you respond to less jobs. You want to be a specialist--and the right specialist--to get the job. Ideally, you respond to positions where you can make a case that you are the best possible candidate. I've found that the best candidates find the intersection of two qualifications. This may be the right experience in the right industry (one you can show an understanding of or passion for). Or this may be two sets of experience that uniquely fit a job, like marketing and engineering, which are rarely found together. Or this can be a passion for aviation grouped with experience in administration. Notice that 'passion' can frequently be found in hobbies. Many candidates neglect the power of passionate interest in an interview.

2.) Use short clear objectives that include the exact job title.

Look over your résumé to make sure that you have short objectives that list the job title not vague statements about 'wanting a new position that uses my unique skills... '

3.) In your résumé make sure that you separate job duties and accomplishments.

Duties need to be in the short 2-5 lines after the job entry. Job accomplishments are what set you apart, have them bullet-ized to draw attention to them. Have metrics in these and make them very clear and short. 3-5 bullets--not 20 bullets!

4.) Less is more.

A one page resume will be looked at more seriously than a 3.5 page one.

Many candidates falsely think that a long résumé makes them look better, when it can simply make them look egotistical. It's harder to read a long résumé and harder to make key skills stand out. Finally, looking 'overqualified' is just as bad as looking underqualified.

5.) Always have a cover letter citing challenges that this company or department faces and why you are the solution.

Use language in your résumé and cover letter from the job posting.

Remember that the exact language in a job posting is important. I've seen candidates eliminated by a Human Resources department that didn't know synonymous terms in an industry. If your résumé is being searched for keywords, you want to use the exact terminology to have your résumé found.

I'd love to hear from you! If you've got anything to add, or questions to ask, visit my page on ThinkUpsideDownBooks.com. For more ideas that nobody tells you about job hunting or interviewing, check out my book, "Make Me an Offer I Can't Refuse." Available at Amazon.com or at ThinkUpsideDownBooks.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Riehle

Use Your Career Journal To Find Jobs In New Industries

One of the great things about a career journal is that you can use it to identify new industries and possible opportunities for career advancement. The information contained in your career journal can help you assess both your current skills and interests. Once you have identified your current skills and interests you can use a tool called the Skills Profiler located on careeronestop.org to discover careers in new and existing industries that might be better suited to you. After you have determined which careers are of particular interest to you then you can do some basic research online to see which industries have the greatest need for those specific careers.

Take a few minutes to look through your career journal and make a list of all of your skills you have used past. These could be skills that you obtained through both paid and volunteer work. Highlight the skills you use most frequently and those for which you are especially good at. Then take an inventory of your various interests. Think about what you are passionate about and what brings you the greatest sense of fulfillment. Visualize yourself working in this field. What role would you be playing? What would your day-to-day responsibilities consist of? Now, find a family member or friend and run your ideas about working in this field by them.

The second thing you will want to do is to visit careeronestop.org. This website offers a skills assessment called the Skills Profiler. The Skills Profiler steps you through a series of forms that allow you to identify skills and activities you have used on the job or elsewhere. This leads to a customized Skills Profile that includes:

1. A summary of identified skills and work activities.
2. A list of occupations matched either to skills or work activities.
3. A link to Occupation Profiles for more detailed occupation information, as well as links
from there to the Employer Locator for names of employers in their area.
4. A "Compare to Another Occupation" feature that identifies similarities and differences
between the selected occupation and another occupation of interest.

You can use your Skills Profile to:

- prepare for interviews;
- write resumes and cover letters; and
- explore further career paths and training options.

Now it is time to do some basic online research to find out which industries cater to the specific careers that you identified using the Skills Profiler. Ideally, these careers should align with both your current skills and interests. Read the occupation profiles provided in the Skills Profiler. Look up the projected growth rates for these careers. Get information on the current and future direction of the industries that offer these types of careers. If the industry you're interested is declining then you may want to look for similar industries which have a better trajectory.

As you can see, keeping an updated career journal can be instrumental in helping you to identify potential new industries that you can pursue. By assessing your current skills and interest and using a tool such as the Skills Profiler you will discover many new career paths available to you. Moreover, when you couple this information with a little online research you will be able to quickly determine which industries are the most viable and offer the most career advancement potential.

Visit My Site And Get My FREE eBook: 101 Tips For Ex-Offender Job Search Success

For the past 13 years, Sheila Savage has worked with ex-offenders to help them find suitable employment. To get more information about ex-offender employment and job searching please visit http://www.lifebydesignconsultants.com

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