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Once you found a job opening that looks promising, follow exactly the employer's instructions about how to apply. Some may accept electronic applications, others prefer a hardcopy, including work samples or references. When you apply for a job, the first step always is the preparation of your resume and cover letter, independent if you go online with your job search, you apply in person or if you send your resumes, cover letters and other material by mail or courier.
A resume is like a self-portrait that should provide potential employers with a brief description of who you are, what you've done, and why you are the right person for the job. You want to present yourself in the best possible light and have the perfect image captured for a particular job. Considering that employers weed through anywhere from 30 - 300 resumes for a single job opening, simplicity is the key for assuring that your resume will not end up in the reject pile. Most personal managers only look between 20 and 40 seconds on a first read at a resume, so make sure you present an attractive package. Always pick a style and layout for your resume that highlights your successes and downplays your routine activities.
In particular in Europe, Africa or South America you might be asked to present a Curriculum Vitae or CV instead of a resume. The basic difference between a resume and a CV is that the CV goes more into details concerning your work experience and formation (including publications, work shops, presentations given in your particular field, etc.). As a result, a CV is longer compared to a resume and even six to eight pages might be acceptable if you consider the provided information as useful. Type "Curriculum Vitae Samples" in one of the major search engines like Yahoo or Google and you will get thousands of pages providing free CV samples. What you need to know is that the vast majority of resumes and cover letters available on the Internet are the same old letters, re-packaged, re-named, and re-sold to job seekers. These ordinary resumes and cover letters will never bring you the results you want. You will need to develop your own personalized documents, as these will be like your personal presentation card during the whole Job seeking process. Do not forget that you need to adjust these documents individually to each open position.
To give you a hand in optimizing your resume or curriculum vitae, we are presenting a series of Resume writing tips and free sample resumes and cover letters that can be used as a starting point to develop your personalized documents. If you are looking for professional help we recommend the service of trusted and experienced companies like AspirationsResume or Career Assist
You made it under the last three or five candidates with your optimized and personalized resume and received an invitation for an interview - Congratulation! All of your efforts up to this point have been designed to obtain an interview. Now you must put your best effort forward to secure the position.
Most of us have been taught that it is not polite to talk about ourselves, and especially not to brag about our accomplishments. But, when you are looking for a job, you are not bragging, you are merely conveying useful information to people who need it in order to make good decisions.
We prepared a compilation of Interview Tips, including suggestions and sample questions that will help prepare you for this essential process.
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