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RESOURCE GUIDE

See this article for Resume' writing assistance..  
 
Sample Cover Letter

Not to be used word for word.
You must customize it for it to be seen as your own.

March 2, 20XX

Ms Mary Dodge
Intero-Bio Tech Company
Research Department
6000 Technology Drive
Cambridge, MA 02XXX
                                                                                                          Click the Book to Order
Dear Ms. Dodge:
I was referred to you by Mr. Paul Wong, a director in your Atlanta office. He informed me that your campus seeks to hire qualified individuals in your Research and Development department.

I have acquired two years of experience, including interning as researcher last year with the Atlanta campus of Questix Labs. I will be receiving my Batchelor of Science Degree this May from ___________ University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Having interned with an entrepreneurial firm in the biotechnology field, I understand the level of commitment and cooperation required for long-term success in your industry. My background and can-do spirit will provide your department with a highly productive researcher. Should your company provide a training program for new recruits, I would welcome this completely.

I will be in the Boston area the week of April 3rd. Please call me at 404-224-2007 to arrange a convenient time when we may meet to further discuss my background in relation to your needs. If I have not heard from you by March 18th, I will contact your office to inquire as to a potential meeting date and time.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,


Maria Perez

 
SAMPLE RESUMÉ

Ashley Smith
234 Residence Hall
Your School
Your Town, NY 02000
212-333-4444
Ashley.smith@yourschool.edu

OBJECTIVE: Auditor position in public accounting in the Miami area.

SUMMARY:
· Two plus years of accounting and auditing experience.
· Auditor Internship with Ernst & Young in Boston.
· Magna Cum Laude graduate with BA in Accounting.
· Proficient with MS Office, Windows XP, and Vista.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, May 2008
Boston University, Boston, MA
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.6

Courses taken included:
Managerial Accounting Corporate Audit & Reconciliation
Intermediate Accounting I & II Financial Management
Accounting I & II Internal Audit
Accounting for Not-For-Profits Managerial Economics

EXPERIENCE:
· Auditor Internship, May /August 2007 Ernst & Young, Boston
· Participated in quarterly audit of Festiva Optics
· Received Intern of the Month award twice
· Bookkeeping Clerk, May 2008 to Present
· Hometown Bookkeeping Service, Hometown, MA
· Assisted with payroll, tax, and account processing.
· Volunteer AARP Tax Service 2005-2008

ACTIVITIES:
•Vice President, Student Accountancy Chapter, 2007-2008
•Treasurer, SIFE Students in Free Enterprise 2007-2008
•Dorm Resident Assistant, 2006-2008

References provided upon request


RESUME HELP ONLINE

www.careertv.com Create a video resume
www.bestsampleresume.com --Over 100 FREE resumes
www.resumerabbit.com – Post electronic Resume’ on 80+ sites
Free Sample Resumes 
www.Monster.com/Resumes 
 
 
Resume Writing Helpb 
www.Bankrate.com/Resume
Free Resume Builder  Designs, Advice, Tips
http://www.resumeimproved.com/
 
Best Job and Career Sites
Though all have been check, be advised that sites come and go. These were some of the highest regarded sites at publishing.

www.collegerecruiter.com
www.monster.com
www.Careerbuilder.com
www.vault.com

www.weddles.com
www.6figurejobs.com
www.bestjobsusa.com

www.theladders.com
 

Recommended Websites
Dream Sites
 
GO AHEAD HAVE A LITTLE FUN!!!

www.fabulous-homes.com/gold -Gorgeous home in Hawaii
www.luxurylink.com -Travel
www.robbreport.com- cars-jewelry-travel-The lap of luxury
www.rssc.com –Luxury Cruises
www.concierge.com -Where do you want to go? Go here, tell the concierge and off you go…
www.windstarcruises.com –Sailboat Cruises
www.bmwusa.com -Build your own…We did
www.tahiti-tourisme.com/Gallery/photo_gallery.asp
www.Bermuda.com
www.gohawaii.com
www.mbusa.com Mercedes
www.chevrolet.com/Corvette
www.AstonMartin.com

 
The Harrill Self-Esteem Inventory
Rate yourself on each with a scale of 0 to 4 based upon your
current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors:
0 = I never think, feel, or behave this way.
1 = I do less than half the time.
2 = I do 50% of the time.
3 = I do more than half the time.
4 = I always think, feel, or behave this way.

SCORE SELF-ESTEEM STATEMENTS
 
_____ 1. I like and accept myself right now, today, even though I want to make changes in
              myself, accepting that I am not perfect.
_____ 2. I am worthy simply for who I am, not what I do. I do not have to earn my worthiness.
_____ 3. I get my needs met before meeting the wants of others. I balance giving and receiving.
_____ 4. I easily release negative feelings when other people blame or criticize me. I realize
             I cannot control what other people think about me, so I focus on living my life with
             integrity and to the best of my abilities.
_____ 5. I always tell myself the truth about what I am feeling.
_____ 6. I am incomparable and stop comparing myself with other people.
_____ 7. I feel of equal value to other people, regardless of my performance, looks, IQ,
             achievements, or possessions.
_____ 8.I am my own authority and take full responsibility for my choices, thoughts,
             perceptions, feelings, emotions, reactions, and actions. I do not give others
             credit or blame for how I am doing.
_____ 9. I learn and grow from my mistakes rather than deny them or use them to confirm
               my unworthiness.
_____ 10. I stop my critical self-talk and replace it with a nurturing, kind, encouraging voice.
_____ 11. I love, respect, and honor myself.
_____ 12. I practice unconditional love and forgiveness daily.
_____ 13. I accept other people as they are, even when they do not meet my expectations
               with their behaviors and beliefs.
_____ 14. I am not responsible for anyone else’s actions, needs, thoughts, moods, or feelings,
               only for my own.
_____ 15. I feel my own feelings and think my own thoughts, even when those around me
               think or feel differently.
_____ 16. I stop using “shoulds” and “oughts,” which are value judgments that put me
              (or others) down. (It is irrelevant what I should have done or should do. It is more
              important to know what I am willing and not willing to do and which consequences
              I am willing to pay.)
_____ 17. I am responsible for changing what I do not like in my life. I face my fears and
                insecurities, taking appropriate steps to heal and grow.
_____ 18. I forgive myself and others for making mistakes and being unaware.
_____ 19. I do not dominate others or allow others to dominate me.
_____ 20. I find meaning and have purpose in my life. I believe my life counts.
_____ 21. I have good physical and emotional boundaries with others.
_____ 22. I take care of myself on all levels: physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
_____ 23. I desire to make a contribution to the world. I develop and share my talents and
                interests with others.
_____ 24. I am a person of my word and follow through on the things I commit to do.
_____ 25. I spend quality time with myself on a regular basis.
_____ 26. I deserve love and happiness.
_____ 27. I get my warm and loving feelings about myself from within myself and do not
                depend on others to do this for me.
_____ 28. I am lovable.
_____ 29. I release unreal expectations for myself and others.
_____ 30. I choose to love and respect all human beings regardless of their beliefs and 
                actions, whether or not I have a personal relationship with them.

This is not a test. Neither is it a precise measure of self-esteem. Its purpose is to identify beliefs affecting self-esteem that may need modifying. Place no judgments on your score. Consider taking
the inventory every six months to gauge your progress. Low numbers indicate beliefs and patterns
that may be blocking you from loving, accepting, and feeling good about yourself.

Each of these statements presents a wonderful daily reflection opportunity. A good way
to stay “tuned in” and “tuned up” is to take one statement a day, like a vitamin for you mind,
to ponder its special meaning for you.

Each statement can be used as an affirmation to heal limiting beliefs. Repeating them to
yourself often, even out loud, helps you change how you feel.

Use this inventory to help you understand other people, too. Recognizing that someone
has a self-esteem problem makes it easier to have compassion and practice forgiveness.

Courtesy of Suzanne Harrill, www.innerworkspublishing.com --free newsletter
_________________________________________________________________
                                   NOTE: Some of these are partial listings.
                     Complete topic coverage is inside Graduate and Grow Rich.
                                                      Order book here

ACE THAT INTERVIEW

Interview Tips

Understanding how to best prepare for and follow up on inter- views is critical to your career success. At different times in your life, you may interview with a teacher or professor, a prospective employer, a supervisor, or a promotion or tenure committee. Just as having an excellent resumé is vital for opening the door, inter- viewing skills are critical for putting your best foot forward and seizing the opportunity to clearly articulate why you are the best person for the job.

Be Prepared

Successful interviews are the result of good preparation. Proper preparation will give you the information you need, and, more importantly, the confidence to succeed.

**Know Your Company ** MOST IMPORTANT

Your ability to convince an employer that you understand and are interested in their field is vitally important. Show that you have knowledge of the company and the industry. What products or services does the company offer? How is it doing? What is the competition? Demonstrate your understanding of the company: “I understand that your website was rated number one in your industry. Your company seems to be to be leader in this area, according to Business Week.”

Find Out About Position Before Interview

Ask the personnel office to send you a job description. Use this information to determine what the company is looking for in applicants for the position. You will likely be asked the common question, “Why are you interested in this job?” Be prepared to answer with a reference to the company. A sample answer: “Your store has opened up several new branches in the last two years, so I believe that there is great opportunity in your organization. I also feel that I have the necessary skills and personal qualities to make a contribution.”

General Questions and Guides for Answering Your Qualifications

Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. Focus on why you would like this job and how you have prepared experientially and academically.

Q. Why should we hire you?
A. Focus on what your contribution will be to company success:
hard work, dedication, humor. We all bring something unique.

Q. How has your education prepared you for this position?
A. See #1.

Q. Do you think your grades are an accurate indication of what you have learned in college?
A. If you don't, give examples to illustrate your answer

Q. Tell me about one of your failures and what you learned from it.
A. Be honest but don't bare your soul: this is not a counseling session! Demonstrate that you can use failure to achieve future success.

Q. What do you think it takes to succeed in our company ?
A. Reading the company’s job announcement/ web page will help answer the question. If you can, talk to an employee of the company beforehand. Career fairs are excellent for this reason.

Q. Describe your strongest communication skills.
A. Give example. Remember, listening is key communication skill.

Q. Think of a large task you organized. Describe the steps you followed.
A. Use a work or school-related project to illustrate. Be specific.

Q. Do you consider yourself a leader? Why?
A. Give an example from your participation in group projects, volunteer situations, clubs, athletics, or your work situation.

Q. Are you creative?
A. Again, give an example. Creativity is not just drawing, dancing, acting, or playing music. It is also your ability to look at things in a new way and be innovative in solving problems.

Q. Do you enjoy routine? Why? Why not?
A. Some routine is fine and necessary, like eating, going to work, etc. After that, it depends on you. Choose a job to fits your needs. If you really dislike routine, don’t apply for a job that has a lot.

Q. Tell me about your computer experience.
A. Focus on what skills you have and the steps you are taking to gain more. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key.



Types of Interviews
 
THE COMPANY VISIT/SECOND INTERVIEW
Most companies recruiting on college campuses include a company visit


The company visit serves two primary purposes:
1. Allows the company to get a more in-depth assessment of you ...
2. Allows you the opportunity to see the company.
 
Preparing for the Visit
Preparation for the company visit is essential.Learn as much about the company as possible, especially in the following areas:

General research about products, services, etc.
 
Talk with people who have direct dealings with the company.

Personal Preparation
While knowledge, insightful questions and a sharp business outlook will go a long way toward impressing the employer, a lack of personal preparation can detract from your positive image. 

Arranging the trip-
An invitation to a company visit will usually come from one specific contact person at the company. Unless you are otherwise instructed, that person should be your source of information, to whom you can address any questions about all aspects of the trip.

Travel
The majority of company visits are a full or half day. This usually requires an overnight stay. 
If possible, plan to arrive 
When checking into the hotel, 
Here are some other tips for your hotel stay:
-Schedule a wake-up call. _Set your watch or PDA as a back up.
-Local calls are not free. They often cost anywhere from 25 to 75 cents per call.
Use your cell phone if it’s personal.-Do not bill 
 -Review the bill--Mistakes happen.

The Evening Before
Many companies arrange for an employee to meet the candidate for dinner upon arrival, or at a later time in the evening. The dinner is designed as an opportunity for you to relax and meet an employee in a casual setting, while getting a feel for the next day's schedule, the company, the city, and any other pertinent topics.
 
Checking out of the hotel before going to the company.

As a backup to your wake-up call, set a travel alarm (your watch or cell phone works).


NEGOTIATING YOUR SALARY AND BENEFITS
 
Initial Salary Research
Researching salary ranges can provide you with a starting point. You should approach this issue in terms of a range, from the lowest salary you can accept to the highest you can expect. Check these sites:
JobSmart:
http://www.jobsmart.com
Salary:  www.salary.com
Payscale: www.payscale.com
The Riley Guide: www.rileyguide.org
 
See book for further detail...

 

 


Working Conditions - The Next Measure of A Job Offer

Don’t accept a job offer until you take a look at this next set of criteria. Some jobs pay really well, but come at great personal expense. Only you can decide what's important in your life besides your career. Listen to your gut feeling, as it will let you know when salary and benefits might not be enough. Other factors to consider include:
Job content - 
Your supervisor - 
The atmosphere - 
Typical work week - 
Opportunity for advancement - Along with this, you might want to ask about the evaluation system.
Distance of your commute
Reputation of the company 
 

Use the following simple format for a thank you note:
Thanks
I'm Qualified
I'm Interested
Next Step

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER

Your School
234 Residence Hall
Your Town, NY 02000
212-333-4444
ashleysmith@yourschool.com

Dr. David Jones
MetroWest Labs
5 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02XXX


Dear Dr. Jones:
I’d like to thank you for talking with me about the research- assistant position in your Bio-Tech lab. I truly appreciate all the time and care you took in telling me about the job and learning more about me.
I am so pleased that you agree that my senior research project in seismology provides me with excellent experience for this position. I am eager to bring my passion for seismology to the research-assistant position, and I am convinced the knowledge and experience I’ve already cultivated make me the best researcher for the job.
I very much look forward to learning of your decision soon.
 
Please feel free to contact me if you need more information about my qualifications.
Thank you again for the exhilarating interview.

Sincerely,
 
Ashley Smith

                           **Make sure it is written ASAP after the interview.
                                        One week later will have little impact. **


Tips for the Thank You Letter

-Make every effort to personalize your letter to the individual. -Modify the opening paragraph to
mention something that this person did for you individually.

-DO NOT use the same wording or even the same concepts for the middle paragraphs.
If all you did was modify the name and title, it will be noticed--negatively so.

-DO NOT copy the above verbatim. 
 


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