Making Resume Cover Letter Writing (Almost) Enjoyable! by Mario Churchill
Believe it or not you do not need to prick your fingertips with blood and use it as ink in order to write an impressive cover letter that will complement your resume quite nicely. In fact, if you are willing to look at the cover letter writing process in a rather unconventional light you just might find that the process can be almost fun in a challenging sort of way.
Most people fail from the start when it comes to writing a cover letter because they somehow miss the point of writing one all together. A good cover letter is not a summary of the resume at all. In fact, a good cover letter merely invites the hiring manger to read the resume rather than rehashing the bland details that are more often than not contained in the resume. Your cover letter should be anything but bland if you are hoping for results. Hiring managers sift through dozens if not hundreds of bland cover letters on a daily basis. If you want to create a resume that will stand out you need to create one that is fun to read. The best way to do that is to have some degree of fun while writing it. Yes, you did read that correctly, I said have fun with your cover letter.
Having fun while writing a cover letter shows hiring managers that you can have fun with some of the less pleasant tasks that will be required in the real working world as well and definitely sets you apart from those boring two-dimensional cover letters that are littering the wasteland known as the dead pile of cover letters. If you want a few extra brownie points you might try laughing while writing your cover letter chances are if you find it funny and entertaining so might the hiring manager that has been bored to tears for hours sifting through all the others.
The purpose of the cover letter is not to highlight your skills, education, or prowess in your field but rather to entice the hiring manger that yours is the resume he or she wants to pay attention to over the many others that have graced his or her desk. You are not likely to do this if your cover letter sounds like all the others that have come his or her way. Make it sound different, add your 'voice' to your cover letter and make sure it is your voice at its best. You want your cover letter to be an interesting and entertaining read that is actually true to who you are. Your personality should fill the page if you are really interested in landing the interview. Of course you will want to make sure you bring your personality along with you when the interview occurs so that they know you are one and the same person that wrote the cover letter.
If you are still too nervous about writing the cover letter to inject it with your personality you should change your mind set about your cover letter. The cover letter isn't about getting the job. That should never be the purpose of writing a cover letter. The goal of your cover letter should be in getting the interview. This takes a little bit of the stress off and reminds you that the job search process is much more than one thing though a great cover letter can definitely open the door to an interview you will need to shine in the interview as well. Do not hinge all hopes of getting the job on the cover letter though or you will find that you come across far too bland and are held back from showing the hiring manager that true appeal of your personality through fear.
Cover letters can be stressful but if you make them fun you will find that you procrastinate less and, more importantly, land more interviews when all is said and done. Hiring managers hire people to work with their companies and not a set of skills. If you keep this in mind it is much easier to write a winning cover letter and enjoy (well almost) the process of doing so.
About the Author
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on resume cover letter checkout his recommended websites.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Evade Job Interview Mistakes! by Lionel Estridge
Evade Job Interview Mistakes! by Lionel Estridge
Job interviews can be worrying, and most people feel a large amount of nervousness and pressure about sitting in the hot seat, being questioned over their work history and individual ability. But there is no reason to feel so pressured in a job interview as you can without difficulty avoid the most common blunders people make, and come out of that meeting glowing.
The first error is showing a noted lack of self-confidence in both yourself and your abilities, even if you think you're not showing it, your interviewer will be able to sense your lack of confidence and your interviewer will be unlikely to trust in the abilities of someone who does not show to trust themselves. You should be truthful about your capacities but play up your ability in what you can do when speaking to your interviewer. Do not fret about rubbing your possible employer the wrong way by seeming overconfident. As long as you do not act like a prima donna. Take the possible job seriously, and keep away from demeaning your interviewer or their business, come off as self-confidant, rather than arrogant. Watch your words carefully to evade letting on the extent of time you really plan to be employed by your interviewer's business. If you are planning to stick around for a while, that's cool. If not, try to reduce the potential damage without been deceitful.
If your work history shows that you've been changing jobs frequently, make sure that you prepare some good reasons for why you've been so wandering in regards to employment, if possible with a good, rational reason for leaving each job.
Pick the right words to leave your interviewer with the notion that you will be there for a long time, but at the same time, do not lie about your intentions. What employers look for is dependability, and they do not want fly-by-nighters. Be ready to answer some hard questions about your employment history, more than ever if it shows that you move from job to job. Have your reasons and explanations for shifting employments ready-at-hand.
A lot of people want temporary work, or are not sure if they will be with the business for a lengthy time. Always try to leave your interviewer with the thought that they will not have to go through the hiring process anytime soon.
Employers look for staff that are reliable, and those who bounce from job to job are not going to have good chance of being hired. If your work history shows that you have changed jobs often, be prepared to answer why and make sure those reasons are solid. Preparation for a job interview is one more must that a lot of people frequently overlook. If your resume has less than satisfying facts or history on it, you will want to set up for the interviewer to discover those facts and talk about them.
Sweating out a job interview is not the way to land a dream job. All it takes is self-confidence, and excellent pre-interview planning.
About the Author
Lionel Estridge, publisher of Zero to Hero newsletter; subscription is FREE. To subscribe go to http://www.lionel1.com/ or visit http://getyourprofits.com/z/377/CD8084
Job interviews can be worrying, and most people feel a large amount of nervousness and pressure about sitting in the hot seat, being questioned over their work history and individual ability. But there is no reason to feel so pressured in a job interview as you can without difficulty avoid the most common blunders people make, and come out of that meeting glowing.
The first error is showing a noted lack of self-confidence in both yourself and your abilities, even if you think you're not showing it, your interviewer will be able to sense your lack of confidence and your interviewer will be unlikely to trust in the abilities of someone who does not show to trust themselves. You should be truthful about your capacities but play up your ability in what you can do when speaking to your interviewer. Do not fret about rubbing your possible employer the wrong way by seeming overconfident. As long as you do not act like a prima donna. Take the possible job seriously, and keep away from demeaning your interviewer or their business, come off as self-confidant, rather than arrogant. Watch your words carefully to evade letting on the extent of time you really plan to be employed by your interviewer's business. If you are planning to stick around for a while, that's cool. If not, try to reduce the potential damage without been deceitful.
If your work history shows that you've been changing jobs frequently, make sure that you prepare some good reasons for why you've been so wandering in regards to employment, if possible with a good, rational reason for leaving each job.
Pick the right words to leave your interviewer with the notion that you will be there for a long time, but at the same time, do not lie about your intentions. What employers look for is dependability, and they do not want fly-by-nighters. Be ready to answer some hard questions about your employment history, more than ever if it shows that you move from job to job. Have your reasons and explanations for shifting employments ready-at-hand.
A lot of people want temporary work, or are not sure if they will be with the business for a lengthy time. Always try to leave your interviewer with the thought that they will not have to go through the hiring process anytime soon.
Employers look for staff that are reliable, and those who bounce from job to job are not going to have good chance of being hired. If your work history shows that you have changed jobs often, be prepared to answer why and make sure those reasons are solid. Preparation for a job interview is one more must that a lot of people frequently overlook. If your resume has less than satisfying facts or history on it, you will want to set up for the interviewer to discover those facts and talk about them.
Sweating out a job interview is not the way to land a dream job. All it takes is self-confidence, and excellent pre-interview planning.
About the Author
Lionel Estridge, publisher of Zero to Hero newsletter; subscription is FREE. To subscribe go to http://www.lionel1.com/ or visit http://getyourprofits.com/z/377/CD8084
Travel Nursing, Housing and Tax by Penny Roberts
Travel Nursing, Housing and Tax by Penny Roberts
If you're a traveling nurse, the issue of housing would be something you'd have to handle. Here we look at housing and the tax home status.
Permanent housing applies to the traveling nurses who are in the position of maintaining their own house or apartment, which is known as the primary residence, before they begin their traveling nurse assignment in another state. One of your major concerns if you do own a house is your tax situation or status. Depending on which state your property is based and your personal unique housing situation, it's always advisable to speak to a tax expert who will help you.
First, you have to find out if your property is a tax home while you are away travel nursing and if it is, you may be applicable for tax-free housing. According to the IRS, a tax home is seen as your 'historical area of residence'; a place where you spend most of your time. A tax home is not some storage units or mobile unit / RV that can come with you and even if all your mail such as bank letters etc are posted there, that doesn't qualify the property as a tax home.
If you are a traveling nurse hoping to work in another state other than the state your primary residence is located and your property is of tax home status then with a tax home, you could save yourself up to $9000 or more a year. Other tax-free benefits you get as part of this tax home status are travel expenses, and utilities expenses such as telephone and laundry. These are the tax savings you get by maintaining a tax home. Be also aware that there is a time limit to how long you stay in a certain area before it affects your tax home status because the tax home shifts after a certain time.
As traveling nurses, there may be confusion on how far you have to travel before you are to be considered to be working away from home. There is actually no mileage number that can measure this. The IRS rule is normally the 'sleep and rest test', this means that on a practical level, you are working away from home when your primary residence is far away enough from your hospital that when you finish working, it would be impractical and unreasonable to drive home, rest, sleep and drive back for 12 hour shifts or more. Travel nurse agencies state a 50 / 55 miles minimum, however, this just makes it easier for them to calculate who is applicable rather than having to work out individual travel nurse journeys.
The reasoning behind having a tax home status is that if there is a duplication of living expenses whilst you are away travel nursing in another state or in another location. And if it is impractical for you to be using your primary residence whilst working as a travel nurse, then you should be entitled to tax-free housing and to certain expenses that are duplicated because of the traveling. The tax system works this way to try to be fair on the travel nurse by lessening the monetary burden of duplicated living expenses. The tax-free benefits you're entitled to can be organised through the travel nurse agency you've signed up with or you can claim a tax deduction individually through the tax system when calculating your tax. One of the advantages of getting the tax benefits via your traveling nurse agency is that most of the thinking, calculating and paperwork should be done for you whereas claiming your own tax can be laborious task and it generally takes a longer time.
Any specific questions you may have, it is advisable to consult a qualified travel nurse tax expert or an advisor at the IRS.
About the Author
Penny Roberts writes for www.lifeofthetravelnurse.com. Travel nursing is one of many topics she writes about. Visit www.lifeofthetravelnurse.com to see other articles on the various aspects of the life of a travel nurse.
If you're a traveling nurse, the issue of housing would be something you'd have to handle. Here we look at housing and the tax home status.
Permanent housing applies to the traveling nurses who are in the position of maintaining their own house or apartment, which is known as the primary residence, before they begin their traveling nurse assignment in another state. One of your major concerns if you do own a house is your tax situation or status. Depending on which state your property is based and your personal unique housing situation, it's always advisable to speak to a tax expert who will help you.
First, you have to find out if your property is a tax home while you are away travel nursing and if it is, you may be applicable for tax-free housing. According to the IRS, a tax home is seen as your 'historical area of residence'; a place where you spend most of your time. A tax home is not some storage units or mobile unit / RV that can come with you and even if all your mail such as bank letters etc are posted there, that doesn't qualify the property as a tax home.
If you are a traveling nurse hoping to work in another state other than the state your primary residence is located and your property is of tax home status then with a tax home, you could save yourself up to $9000 or more a year. Other tax-free benefits you get as part of this tax home status are travel expenses, and utilities expenses such as telephone and laundry. These are the tax savings you get by maintaining a tax home. Be also aware that there is a time limit to how long you stay in a certain area before it affects your tax home status because the tax home shifts after a certain time.
As traveling nurses, there may be confusion on how far you have to travel before you are to be considered to be working away from home. There is actually no mileage number that can measure this. The IRS rule is normally the 'sleep and rest test', this means that on a practical level, you are working away from home when your primary residence is far away enough from your hospital that when you finish working, it would be impractical and unreasonable to drive home, rest, sleep and drive back for 12 hour shifts or more. Travel nurse agencies state a 50 / 55 miles minimum, however, this just makes it easier for them to calculate who is applicable rather than having to work out individual travel nurse journeys.
The reasoning behind having a tax home status is that if there is a duplication of living expenses whilst you are away travel nursing in another state or in another location. And if it is impractical for you to be using your primary residence whilst working as a travel nurse, then you should be entitled to tax-free housing and to certain expenses that are duplicated because of the traveling. The tax system works this way to try to be fair on the travel nurse by lessening the monetary burden of duplicated living expenses. The tax-free benefits you're entitled to can be organised through the travel nurse agency you've signed up with or you can claim a tax deduction individually through the tax system when calculating your tax. One of the advantages of getting the tax benefits via your traveling nurse agency is that most of the thinking, calculating and paperwork should be done for you whereas claiming your own tax can be laborious task and it generally takes a longer time.
Any specific questions you may have, it is advisable to consult a qualified travel nurse tax expert or an advisor at the IRS.
About the Author
Penny Roberts writes for www.lifeofthetravelnurse.com. Travel nursing is one of many topics she writes about. Visit www.lifeofthetravelnurse.com to see other articles on the various aspects of the life of a travel nurse.
Studying With a CDL Sample Test - Preparing For The Exam by Jason White
Studying With a CDL Sample Test - Preparing For The Exam by Jason White
There are simple ways to 'beat' the testing system. A CDL sample test is an excellent way to get test practice in and ease your test-taking apprehension. If you pay close attention, then you will know what areas you'll need to study more. There are many sample tests online and some of those questions you'll see again! I saw many of the review questions on my written test.
Usually you can throw out one of the multiple-choice questions and narrow it down to 3 choices. Sometimes a long answer, longer than the other choices, is a giveaway that it may likely be the answer. Take your time and remember that your first answer is probably the correct answer. How many times in the past have you changed your answer to find out that it was right the first time?
The difference between a CDL sample test and the real thing is that you actually have a BETTER chance of passing the real thing! Let me explain... Let's say on the section that you're testing on there are 30 questions. You have to get 80 percent correct, so that leaves room for 6 wrong answers. Now, there are more then 30 questions in the computer even if you are only going to be asked 30. If you come back and retake the test you will see most of the ones you saw the first time and then some different ones. If you get all the questions correct your test will end early before you ever get to the 30th question. This is a HUGE benefit to you! You see, you can skip questions and come back to them later. BUT, if you are on a roll and getting everything right, using this technique is like a 'lifeline' when you get to that one question you just can't remember from the CDL sample test or review material!
It's almost like cheating it works so well! Don't get me wrong, you won't be able to pass the test without knowing the material, but you have the chance to skip a difficult question or two and if you are doing well enough on the material, you will not have to go back to answer them!
For more information on review material that will speed up your study time visit CDL Practice Test
Good luck! See you down the road!
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found working and experimenting in other industries.
There are simple ways to 'beat' the testing system. A CDL sample test is an excellent way to get test practice in and ease your test-taking apprehension. If you pay close attention, then you will know what areas you'll need to study more. There are many sample tests online and some of those questions you'll see again! I saw many of the review questions on my written test.
Usually you can throw out one of the multiple-choice questions and narrow it down to 3 choices. Sometimes a long answer, longer than the other choices, is a giveaway that it may likely be the answer. Take your time and remember that your first answer is probably the correct answer. How many times in the past have you changed your answer to find out that it was right the first time?
The difference between a CDL sample test and the real thing is that you actually have a BETTER chance of passing the real thing! Let me explain... Let's say on the section that you're testing on there are 30 questions. You have to get 80 percent correct, so that leaves room for 6 wrong answers. Now, there are more then 30 questions in the computer even if you are only going to be asked 30. If you come back and retake the test you will see most of the ones you saw the first time and then some different ones. If you get all the questions correct your test will end early before you ever get to the 30th question. This is a HUGE benefit to you! You see, you can skip questions and come back to them later. BUT, if you are on a roll and getting everything right, using this technique is like a 'lifeline' when you get to that one question you just can't remember from the CDL sample test or review material!
It's almost like cheating it works so well! Don't get me wrong, you won't be able to pass the test without knowing the material, but you have the chance to skip a difficult question or two and if you are doing well enough on the material, you will not have to go back to answer them!
For more information on review material that will speed up your study time visit CDL Practice Test
Good luck! See you down the road!
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found working and experimenting in other industries.
CDL Hazard Test - How To Prepare For Your Exam by Jason White
CDL Hazard Test - How To Prepare For Your Exam by Jason White
You may have heard that the CDL Hazard Test is the most difficult portion of all the CDL written exams, and rightfully so. Most of the CDL exam sections can be 'winged' to some degree - if you have gone over your material. But walking into the Hazardous Materials Exam without enough preparation will have you coming back for a retest.
The first advice I would give you is to pay attention to the CDL Hazard test questions when you get something wrong during the actual test. In a computer-administered exam, you will be given the correct answer after you get a question wrong. Please pay close attention! A lot of times you will want to kick yourself because you knew the answer! If you have to return for a retest, you may have all the info you need just from the previous test experience.
To increase your odds of passing on the first try, make sure to prepare sufficiently. The CDL Hazard Test review section is not all that much information; it just contains a lot of details. Read over the chapter slowly without trying to memorize everything. Set it down, give it a rest for a few hours, and then come back to it. Pay attention to details like distance regulations and process and procedure guidelines.
Remember, all the different classifications of hazardous materials are just a portion of the test. If this is what you're having a hard time with, then spend more time focusing on the rest of the information. Just make sure you know what the different classes are, which ones can be mixed and what the distance regulations from different situations are. For example, there are certain rules about how close you can be to a flame, even a cigarette, with certain materials.
Give it your best shot and you will be on your way to passing the CDL Hazard Test! For more study material check out CDL Practice Test
Good Luck!
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found experimenting and working in other industries.
You may have heard that the CDL Hazard Test is the most difficult portion of all the CDL written exams, and rightfully so. Most of the CDL exam sections can be 'winged' to some degree - if you have gone over your material. But walking into the Hazardous Materials Exam without enough preparation will have you coming back for a retest.
The first advice I would give you is to pay attention to the CDL Hazard test questions when you get something wrong during the actual test. In a computer-administered exam, you will be given the correct answer after you get a question wrong. Please pay close attention! A lot of times you will want to kick yourself because you knew the answer! If you have to return for a retest, you may have all the info you need just from the previous test experience.
To increase your odds of passing on the first try, make sure to prepare sufficiently. The CDL Hazard Test review section is not all that much information; it just contains a lot of details. Read over the chapter slowly without trying to memorize everything. Set it down, give it a rest for a few hours, and then come back to it. Pay attention to details like distance regulations and process and procedure guidelines.
Remember, all the different classifications of hazardous materials are just a portion of the test. If this is what you're having a hard time with, then spend more time focusing on the rest of the information. Just make sure you know what the different classes are, which ones can be mixed and what the distance regulations from different situations are. For example, there are certain rules about how close you can be to a flame, even a cigarette, with certain materials.
Give it your best shot and you will be on your way to passing the CDL Hazard Test! For more study material check out CDL Practice Test
Good Luck!
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found experimenting and working in other industries.
CDL Driving School - What Should I Expect? by Jason White
CDL Driving School - What Should I Expect? by Jason White
A short time spent training and I'm ready to hit the road, right? In short, Yes. However, you should know what to expect when choosing a CDL Driving School.
Most students will likely be brought into the schools by recruiters or ads that promise 'No Experience Necessary', 'Will Train' and maybe even how much they could expect to be earning. (By the way, expect a salary in the mid-30's starting out with much higher potential)! Aside from the quick road to success, what are you getting yourself into?
One way or another the training has to be paid for. Typically, a carrier will promise you a job in return for paying for your training. You'll only be able to work for this company for a while, and they will likely withdraw loan payments from your paycheck. This could be a quick way to get experience fast if you have no other financing available.
Another way you could finance the CDL driving school tuition is traditional financing. If you were to do it this way, then you probably would be in the same boat, paying back your loan in little amounts from each paycheck and not having to start payments until you are finished with school and on the road. The advantage to doing this is that you will not be bound to any one company. The schools have a long list of companies just waiting for grads--and guess what--most of those grads are already 'promised' away! You will have first pick!
For a little-known way to have your training paid for, check out your state's Workforce Center. If you lost your job through 'no fault of your own' you may qualify for the state to pay your CDL Driving School dues! This is something that you would not have to pay back!
Need to get ready for the exam? Check out CDL Practice Test
See you down the road!
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found experimenting and working in other industries.
A short time spent training and I'm ready to hit the road, right? In short, Yes. However, you should know what to expect when choosing a CDL Driving School.
Most students will likely be brought into the schools by recruiters or ads that promise 'No Experience Necessary', 'Will Train' and maybe even how much they could expect to be earning. (By the way, expect a salary in the mid-30's starting out with much higher potential)! Aside from the quick road to success, what are you getting yourself into?
One way or another the training has to be paid for. Typically, a carrier will promise you a job in return for paying for your training. You'll only be able to work for this company for a while, and they will likely withdraw loan payments from your paycheck. This could be a quick way to get experience fast if you have no other financing available.
Another way you could finance the CDL driving school tuition is traditional financing. If you were to do it this way, then you probably would be in the same boat, paying back your loan in little amounts from each paycheck and not having to start payments until you are finished with school and on the road. The advantage to doing this is that you will not be bound to any one company. The schools have a long list of companies just waiting for grads--and guess what--most of those grads are already 'promised' away! You will have first pick!
For a little-known way to have your training paid for, check out your state's Workforce Center. If you lost your job through 'no fault of your own' you may qualify for the state to pay your CDL Driving School dues! This is something that you would not have to pay back!
Need to get ready for the exam? Check out CDL Practice Test
See you down the road!
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found experimenting and working in other industries.
CDL Driving Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions by Jason White
CDL Driving Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions by Jason White
Big money question: How much will I make in a CDL driving job?
Starting out salary is much higher than other industries. Expect a starting pay in the mid 30's, and if you want to haul flatbed, perhaps in the 40's. Why so much more? Flat bed drivers are required to stop and check their load every few hours. How much do you want to earn? Many full time drivers are earning into the 50's and that number can go even higher if someone decides to owner-operate or become a driver-trainer. If you are working local, starting pay could be anywhere from 10 - 14 per hour, with lots of hours available and the opportunity to be home most nights!
How much time will I be on the road if I take up a CDL driving job?
Some companies may want you out up to 4 weeks at a time. Others guarantee home time. Family is important and with drivers leaving companies because of that reason, more companies are offering home time. Be selective! Ask about home time. If this is an all-important factor for you then think about focusing on a local job.
What kind of route can I expect?
CDL driving jobs differ. Some companies may want you to 'start at the bottom' and work the northeast New York area while others may give you regional selection or possibly even a dedicated run between two companies!
Give me some interesting facts about CDL driving jobs.
OK. For starters, most companies will let you bring your dog and even a rider along! Sometimes you can even get your 'own' truck. Meaning no one else drives it when you're away. There is always a need for truckers in any market. Goods are always being sold! You will never have to worry about job security.
Where are you going today? Perhaps a CDL driving job could be just what you're looking for. If you've decided to get your CDL check out CDL Practice Test for some excellent test-taking preparation.
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found experimenting and working in other industries.
Big money question: How much will I make in a CDL driving job?
Starting out salary is much higher than other industries. Expect a starting pay in the mid 30's, and if you want to haul flatbed, perhaps in the 40's. Why so much more? Flat bed drivers are required to stop and check their load every few hours. How much do you want to earn? Many full time drivers are earning into the 50's and that number can go even higher if someone decides to owner-operate or become a driver-trainer. If you are working local, starting pay could be anywhere from 10 - 14 per hour, with lots of hours available and the opportunity to be home most nights!
How much time will I be on the road if I take up a CDL driving job?
Some companies may want you out up to 4 weeks at a time. Others guarantee home time. Family is important and with drivers leaving companies because of that reason, more companies are offering home time. Be selective! Ask about home time. If this is an all-important factor for you then think about focusing on a local job.
What kind of route can I expect?
CDL driving jobs differ. Some companies may want you to 'start at the bottom' and work the northeast New York area while others may give you regional selection or possibly even a dedicated run between two companies!
Give me some interesting facts about CDL driving jobs.
OK. For starters, most companies will let you bring your dog and even a rider along! Sometimes you can even get your 'own' truck. Meaning no one else drives it when you're away. There is always a need for truckers in any market. Goods are always being sold! You will never have to worry about job security.
Where are you going today? Perhaps a CDL driving job could be just what you're looking for. If you've decided to get your CDL check out CDL Practice Test for some excellent test-taking preparation.
About the Author
Jason is a technology enthusiast often found experimenting and working in other industries.
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