Your cover letter is the first thing employers see when they open your materials. Avoid these 10 mistakes, and make your first impression a good and lasting one. Mistake #1: Don't Overuse "I" Your cover letter is not your autobiography. The focus should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your life story. Avoid the perception of being ...

The resume and cover letter were perfect. You look great on paper and you might just be perfect for the job. Time for the next step: The interview. Odds are good that your interviewer will ask you about your experiences as a returning student. Knowing what to expect and planning your answers can help you make a winning impression. Start by ...

Hey, looking good! That new designer suit makes you look like a runway model on the way to a Fortune 500 job. Once you've graduated, you'll take on the working world in style. But will you be able to prove that you're not just another pretty face? Here are a few skills you'll want to develop before you get out into ...

The public loves when celebrities humble themselves and do every day, "normal" activities, such as grocery shopping and playing with their kids at the park. But as we near the summer months, and inevitably the need to find summer jobs and internships, we can't help but resent celebrities for their "need" to find work. Find out which celebs are nabbing your ...

Healthcare has undergone significant changes in the past 20 years, and healthcare organizations are increasingly sensitive to cost control and productivity. Funding sources for both public and private healthcare orgzanizations have cut back reimbursement and allowable expenses. Your resume must reflect an understanding of these changes. It must show evidence of skills, experience, a commitment to quality, and an ability to ...

Ask Kim Isaacs QUESTION: I am a chemistry major and need help writing a resume for medical research internships. If anyone could direct me to any helpful Web sites or books, I would greatly appreciate it. WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS: A resume for an internship would have the same strategy as a resume for a regular job, except your desire for ...

Whether you're a Harvard-educated MBA or recently obtained your GED, you can use your resume's education section to outshine your competition. If you are unsure about the best way to present your education, here are some common scenarios and strategies: Where to Place Education? The best placement depends on what you are trying to emphasize. Place experience before education if you ...

It's no secret that education is linked to job security and salary. Those with a high school degree were likely to earn less than half the salary, and experience over twice the unemployment, as those with a master's degree according to research from Salary.com. General facts about education and employment can help your individual career choices, but you have particular ...

Hundreds of books will tell you about getting into college, what college is like, what to do (and not do) while you’re there, and what to do when you’re done. But books won’t tell you everything. You’ll need a map of your campus, a map of your new city, a map of the region or state around you when you make ...

Whether launching rockets into space or developing the latest medical technologies, engineers solve problems large and small. Engineers use science and mathematical principles to develop innovative solutions to technical problems. Engineering is “taking a lot of data and turning it into a usable product and solving the problems to make everybody happy in the process,” says Lisa Bongiovanni, an environmental engineer ...

Sometimes the harder you try to figure out what you want to do for a career, the more you wind up beating your head against the wall. Sound familiar to you? If so, then try the reverse strategy: Take a close look at what you don't want to do. That way, you can explore the opposite and start getting at least ...

In some cultures, bargaining is the norm. A buyer or seller makes an offer, and the other party either accepts or counters the offer. The two negotiate until a deal is made or one of the parties walks away. When you're negotiating your pay with an employer, do you know what you're doing? Do you have any idea of what you're ...

There is no right way to organize your resume. Different formats create different effects - and a different picture of you! Determine which format (Chronological, Functional or Combination) will put you in the best light. Chronological Resume In the chronological resume, job history is organized sequentially, with the most recent job listed first. Job titles and employers are emphasized and duties ...

It's 90 degrees and there is a small breeze. Somewhere an insect is buzzing. I am in my recliner, reclining. It's lazy out. And there’s still one gorgeous hour left until my next class starts. Class? But it's the middle of August! It’s buggy, muggy and a million degrees. I arrive at lectures looking like I've spent the morning paddling around ...

I’m a good person. I’m nice to children and old ladies; I don’t kick dogs or cats. I try to eat right and exercise. I always use the correct amount of postage. I don’t pay taxes, but if I did, I’d pay them on time. No, ahead of time! All of this serves to highlight the absurd fact of the ...

On my shelf of forgotten and useless VHS tapes sit two videos I watched frequently as a child: "I Wanna Be a Fire Fighter" and "I Wanna Be a Heavy Equipment Operator". I don't exactly remember wanting to be a heavy equipment operator, but you just never know at that age. These educational videos depicted what a day on the job ...

The interview's set. Now you want to know if the potential employer does more than talk about diversity. Follow these tips to find out if the company has a proven commitment to hiring a wide range of people. Making the Grade Many business and special-interest publications compile regular lists of employers that back up their diversity efforts with proven results. Forbes ...

Make sure your resume is top-notch by avoiding the top 10 resume blunders: 1. Too Focused on Job Duties Your resume should not be a boring listing of job duties and responsibilities. Go beyond showing what was required and demonstrate how you made a difference at each company, providing specific examples. When developing your achievements, ask yourself: * How did you ...

When I am responding to a job posting and a contact name is not given, is it OK to address the letter "To Whom It May Concern"? Or is there a better way to handle this? Answer: "To Whom it May Concern" is a bit outdated, as is "Dear Sir/Madam." You might want to go with "Dear Hiring Manager" when you ...

Q: I want to apply for a job online, should I send my resume in an attachment? I want to show off the bold fonts and bullets. What do you think? A: You are right and wrong at the same time. Resumes DO look better when they get sent as attachments, but increasingly employers are asking applicants not to send their ...