I recently attended a job fair in Washington, DC where I had a chance to talk to quite a few of the 20 recruiters representing job categories ranging from the military to high-tech to higher education to auto dealerships looking for salespeople. Just as a side-note, I was surprised at the number and variety of positions available with national and regional whole foods markets. Everything from meat cutters ($20/hr) up through all levels of management.

I wasn’t there to get one of these jobs – I was there asking questions. Why? Because you’ve been  job-hunting for the past eight months to no avail. You’ve been told to join the networking groups – and you have. You were told to do an internship – and you did. You were told to go to the job fairs – and you did. As a matter of fact you’ve been to six of them and not even one callback! Why?!?

To get an answer I talked to a number of the recruiters and they were more than pleased to give me a piece of their minds! This is what they told me they look for and what attracts them to a potential candidate.

• A SMILE and a positive attitude!
• Communication skills.
• Personality and the ability to connect with them
• Presentation – are they dressed to the right standard
• Willingness to learn
• They are memorable
• They are prepared
• Know where they are going and what they can offer my company

What struck me with this list is that it’s all what are called soft skills… there’s not even a place for most of this on your resume. So the next time you present yourself to a potential employer at a job fair, remember that your resume extends far beyond that fine piece of parchment it’s printed on.

The Employment Lady

Whether this is your first resume or the first one you’ll get right, there are a few things that SHOULD NOT go on your resume. These items may seem obvious to some, but I’ve seen the mistakes made too many times to discount anything.

From college students as well as professionals, I’ve seen too many resume’s that resemble some Facebook pages… they are sharing waaaay too much personal information! I guess on a Facebook page it’s a matter of opinion but on a resume personal information is a no-no. If you want your resume to be cutting-edge in today’s cut-throat job market – you might strive to make it personal, but not to share personal information. Never include details such as your birth date, social security number, driver’s license number, etc. Some of this information may be needed later in an interview or hiring process, but it shouldn’t be included on your resume.

You also shouldn’t include any personal information such as your marital status, number of children, etc. You’d excluding information like this, not in an effort to hide anything but because it should have no bearing on the requirements for the job and could in some circumstances negatively influence the final decision.

Lastly, I suggest you leave off jobs that you’ve worked that didn’t have a real job description or jobs that are irrelevant unless they can be used to highlight a special talent or skill. For example, you may have worked informally with a friend or family member, but in the process got to show off skills relevant to the job (design skills, leadership skills, communication skills, etc.). You could include those by focusing on the talent or skill displayed as opposed to the job description.

Right off the top, these are three things I can think of that will help you when looking for that job after graduation – or any time for that matter. Any more suggestions?

What to leave out of your CUTTING-EDGE RESUME

1. Personally identification such as birth date, social security number, driver license number
2. Personal information such as marital status and number of children
3. Irrelevant or informal jobs

Here’s to being ready for the job market!

Marja Lee
The Employment Lady

Does your e-mail make a difference to an employer? You bet your *&#*! It does! I read an article by one of my colleagues, Rick Sherréll and it got my attention right away. His article entitled: “Your e-mail address is INCREDIBLE . . . and that’s not a compliment” focuses on the impact of your e-mail address. No, I do not intend to recap the entire article, but it got me to thinkin’.

Most people have more than one address, right? If you only have one, you should probably create another. Why you ask? Professional address vs. personal address. (Simple enough) Your e-mail address can KILL your credibility. Using your name is easiest for someone to remember. Consider that the resume begins with your name and address. Next is the e-mail address. You are advertising yourself as a professional, so your material should follow the same. Corporate personnel addresses always end in the company’s tag, hospitals, automobile companies and even airlines use their corporate name.

So, if you see an address that says “shelleysexy10@aol.com” (fictitious) what goes thru your mind? I can tell you that most people would not take this person as the primary candidate for the position – that is if it’s a corporate professional position. Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s a difference between creative and cleaver. You just don’t want to lose your credibility in the process. Believe it or not, people do put a lot of stock in the e-mail (and web address) you choose to use as well. Often people really haven’t considered the impact — or imprint I should say – that it is going to leave on the HR director.

For example, since my area of expertise is employment, info@theemploymentlady.com. Simple, right? Basic rules apply when it comes to a professional image. The question to ask yourself when you send your resume or other credentials: Does my e-mail address represent the professional image to be taken seriously or the ‘you-can’t-be-serious’ image. That’s up to you.

The Employment Lady

PS. also check out Dayna Steele’s post – First Impressions: What Your email Says About You

You’ve heard of Bernie Madoff, right? How about Michael Vick, Governor Rod Blagojevich or Arnold Schwarzenegger? What do they ALL have in common?… Living through professional politics. It’s tough enough having your coworkers know about what’s going on, but image the world being in on it!

No matter what your job is, office politics (school politics as well) is what drives your daily interactions with your staff, managers, clients, personnel, classmates, professors and so on. So how does that affect you? Politics determines who gets the job, the salary and the job title and the promotion opportunities. At some point in your career, you will HAVE to address an issue that can make or break you. People don’t tell you if you do something wrong, they tell EVERYBODY ELSE!

I know, you went to school together and you’re friends, but can you take a trip with them ALL EXPENSES PAID if you’re working on a contract together? How long should you stay with a company if you get another offer for more money? If your job is now starting to interfere with your coursework drastically, should you request time off to concentrate on your thesis or simply work on the weekends and late nights?

Just like a chess game, EVERY move counts. I know, you can probably ask your best friend “what do you think I should do”, but that may not be the right answer. KNOWING the right answer can be the difference in keeping your job or cost you your job.

The Employment Lady

I’m sure that by now you’ve been counting your salary potential from the moment you registered for your first class. Just to be clear, college doesn’t necessarily mean big money. Your salary potential depends on one major factor . . . NEGOTIATION SKILLS!

Unless you’re the only one who has seen the ad, everyone out there is applying for the same position. This is where your communication skills and your negotiation skills are what sets you apart. Let’s also go with the fact that in this economy you never want to overbid your talents or you won’t get the opportunity to show them — your talents that is. But if you underbid, it can mean some time before you get paid what you ARE worth.

First, it’s important to understand your market, your specialty, your location, years of experience and just as important, longevity. Why longevity, you ask? Because if a company offers you a nice starting salary, it is their hope that you won’t be looking to march on after your first year because the pay is not right. The livecareer.com site is where I found this gem.

Also consider whether it’s blue-collar or technical, administrative or government. Many of these industries has structured pay scales For example, government positions are listed as GS . . . which stands for General Service. In the military, it’s considered the same as rank, . . . Sergeant versus Major. Speaking of government positions, this web site is one you have GOT to check out .

If you are interested in looking at job opportunities in the government sector, again, it will help you to determine where your salary begins. Government positions offer pay scale based on education and other factors. Remember, at some point you’re gonna’ have to pay off that student loan.

So, the next time you are scheduled for a job interview and you’re nervous about that dreaded question: WHAT SALARY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? do your homework – I know, more homework!! Yeah, but THIS homework will pay you BIG MONEY$$$$!

The Employment Lady

Flowers are beautiful, aren’t they? Well, they don’t get that way the moment they are planted. They grow into their beauty. Starting in the form of a seed, with the right amount of water, sun, food and nourishment they become incredible to behold.

The same applies to your career. People don’t start a job at the top – even Mark Zuckerberg and the gang started Facebook in a dorm room! So you begin as an intern, that’s the seed. As you grow to know and understand the industry, that’s the cultivation period and once you become full-time, that’s where the growth REALLY begins. The longer you hold the position – even on a half-time basis, that’s where connections, experience and mastery move in. All of that takes time.

Don’t worry about the promotion when you get into the job. Consider that there are others who have been in the dirt longer than you have. Build your reputation first and as you prove yourself an asset, others around you will see your potential and THAT’S how you blossom. Oftentimes, you may not realize that others are watching and observing your efforts. The beauty of flowers is that once they blossom, they are there for a season and then they go away until the next. There is also a delicate balance of water required to get the full affect. Work within the soil you are planted but balance the work and the play. What does that mean? Join organizations that relate to your major so you can connect within your field. People call it networking; I call it exposure to the right kind of light.

So, the next time you’re walking between campuses, stop and smell the roses!

The Employment Lady

How many of you have friends that you love their company, but they seem to say the wrong thing at the wrong time? I’m not saying people don’t slip from time to time, but somehow it leaves an embarrassing feeling (if not for them; for you!). I’m sure you get my drift. For some people it doesn’t bother them because it’s a part of their communication style. Unfortunately, employers don’t care about your style of communication, and the impression it leaves when you walk out of the door.

Just so you know, your interviewer does weigh everything you say. While there’s no such thing as the perfect answer, I promise you that how you answer a question will determine the results. If your response comes off as arrogant, negative or over-blown that’s what people will remember – not your credentials.

The reason I call them poison phrases is because of the VISUAL IMPRESSION it leaves in your head. Example: “ I am so tired” versus “I am absolutely exhausted.” While the phrases mean the same, you get a stronger impression from the second. Am I right? See, it’s not just the phrase itself, it’s the attitude that goes behind it. Ya’ feelin’ me on this?

So here they are… The POISON PHRASES and what they really mean in the iterviewers mind!

1. I don’t know – impression… You don’t care to find out
2. I didn’t bring that with me – impression… What!! Why not? (unprepared)
3. I don’t have any real weaknesses - impression… Yeah, Right!
4. I hate interviews because - impression… Not confident
5. That’s not my job – impression… Will I have to do that? (uncooperative)
6. How much do I get paid - impression… Money-focused rather than job-focused
7. I would never do that - impression… I’m too good to make mistakes
8. They don’t know what they’re doing – impression… I’m more knowledgeable
9. I can’t work on weekends because… – impression… I will set my own schedule
10. Can I get my phone real quick? - impression… My call is more important than this interview

If you’re not really prepared to answer a question, you use what’s called a filler answer. Something to the effect “That’s a good question. I’ve never really thought about it.” If you use the phrase slowly enough, it will allow you to carefully determine your answer. Remember, you’re not on JEOPARDY! It’s okay to take a few moments to think before you speak. What you say can and will be used against you in the court of the interviewer.

The Employment Lady

Did you know that there are currently 28,000 different occupations in the world! I know, I didn’t believe it either. Maybe you can’t see it if you’re unemployed or only working part-time, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics our unemployment rate has gone down from 9.7 in October 2010 to a low of 8.8 in March 2011. Although it’s edged back up to 9.1 in July 2011, I believe that means the job market IS actually growing. I know what you’re thinking – then where are they?

In a previous article I wrote: “Where are the Jobs Hiding,” I gave you a listing of employers who were looking that week. Well, did you jump on it? Why not? All I can say is TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. Okay, here it is again, but this time with another list of the Top 10 Companies Hiring This Week!

Are they REAL JOBS? Absolutely. They include Avis Car Rental, CIGNA, Panera Bread, American Diabetes Association and many more. They may not specifically target your area of expertise, but I think it’s always worth evaluating. The key here is to research the company and then find one of them in your neck-of-the-woods. Some of these companies stretch as far as Puerto Rico to Canada in positions from facilities management to technology.

This seems to be the new trend companies are using to attract the best and the brightest. The old format of simply using the newspaper doesn’t necessarily work for all companies and it can be extremely expensive. This is a win-win for everybody. In all fairness, you will probably notice that sometimes the positions are limited. But that should never stop you from doing your homework of locating the same company in the area closest to you. Let me reiterate that many of these positions also include job training, 401(k) , vacation and promotion opportunities.

So, are you gonna’ get on it this time or what? Make sure your resume is tight and GO FOR IT!

The Employment Lady

Everybody has at least one gift or talent that stands out naturally for them. I’m sure people have told you, “you are so good at what?” Well . . . what is it? Helping people, building things, sports, numbers, decorating, whatever it may be, anything you are great at doing is a potential career. If fixing things has always come easy for you, doing home repairs is a major market because as long as people live somewhere, something will break. Think of people with a specialty as a make-up artist or a love for fashion design.

So, how does one find their talent if they don’t know what it is? First you narrow down your greatest attributes and then determine your career. The Myers-Briggs Test is one of many comprehensive tests which determines what your natural attributes are. What most people don’t know is that there are numerous tests that also exist for the same purpose. Listed are a few web sites that will allow you to tap into your job talents.

Career Mentoring Institute Free Online Career Profile – This test allows you to determine your top 3 “Fields of Work” selected from the official US Department of Labor careers database on the basis of your individual responses to the questionnaire; which one of the 16 career personality types you fit into and what types of work you are best suited to; your 6 dominant career abilities and 3 dominant career intelligences – again this provides clues to your most suitable career and; how you rate on the 6 key skills of the “Knowledge Age.”

About.com Career Planning – Is this the Right Career for You? – This quiz actually tests your knowledge in whatever field of interest you desire, then gives you a “report card” to determine if you would be successful in that particular field. They then give you information to research more in-depth into the field itself.

See, I believe the more your natural attributes are utilized in your job, the more satisfied you will be everyday. Consider that we spend 80% of our waking hours either at work, coming or going to work, socializing with co-workers, texting, tweeting, and e-mailing somebody from work. So, I’d say it’s a good thing to ENJOY what you do.

Okay, since you are in school anyway, take both of the tests listed above and evaluate whether the courses you are currently taking will line up with your personal career goals for the future. My occupation is a professional speaker/trainer. What falls in line with that skill?… Teaching instructor, tutoring, job coaching, radio, books-on-tape, motivational speaking, marketing, sales. Those are just a few that I can think of. So, evaluate how many occupations line up with your skills. This is the best way to know that you WILL BE doing something you love!

Remember first – keep the interview as a conversation not an interrogation and most importantly — SMILE!!

TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW – Most of time, interviews are face-to-face, which involves the one-on-one conversation. This is the typical format that most people are familiar with. Please make sure that you focus on the question, don’t go off on a rant and keep your answers short and to the point. The three keys to remember is: FIRM, DIPLOMATIC and PROFESSIONAL. If you maintain this structure, you can’t go wrong. Your goal is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show them that your qualifications will benefit their organization or department.

PANEL/COMMITTEE INTERVIEW – Several members of a panel may conduct this part of the selection process. Make sure you address each interviewer so that you can connect with them as individuals. Shake hands with each person and repeat their names in the introduction. Nothing can kill you like calling someone by the wrong name. Use the name of the person who asked the question. Maintain eye contact with the panel member who asked you the question, but also seek eye contact with other members or the panel as you give their response. (Much like a press conference) I would also suggest that you use the 3 sec. rule when looking at people so they don’t feel uncomfortable.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW – On the opposite end of the spectrum is the informational interview in that it is less formal and the job seeker is seeking advice of someone in their current desired field to gain further insight. Make it clear up front that you are simply pulling information rather than trying to force them to give you a job. This will remove the pressure from everyone. Keep it casual but not too casual.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW – This type of interview uses examples from past work experience which will predict future behaviors in the interviewer’s eyes. These questions may be asked over the phone or in a one-to-one setting. The responses need to be answered based on facts and the interviewer is looking for RESULTS. As well, they want to know the role you played in the result, while listening for specific actions you took in the process. These questions typically start with, “If you were to face a situation . . . . “or “Tell about a time when . . . .”

STRESS INTERVIEW – These types of interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself under pressure. The interviewer may be argumentative or sarcastic. Calmly answer all questions and ask the interviewer to repeat the questions if need be. This style is used often when dealing in a customer service environment. The interviewer is interested in whether you can handle a hostile environment.

TELECONFERENCE INTERVIEW – Because technology is so expansive, companies are utilizing the newest process of interviewing in a video cam format particularly when screening candidates who live further away. This reduces travel costs and other expenses. I CANNOT emphasize this enough – no distractions! (kids, pets, phones, music). Each of these background sounds can easily be heard and no one wants to hear you screaming at the dog when they’re asking you a question. Have a copy of your resume handy so you can keep in step with them. Make sure they can see you from your chest up which requires that you wear a tie or nice jewelry. This is were color makes a huge difference. No extremely loud colors and nothing that will blend into the background. CRITICAL: Dress as if you are going to be in their presence. Remember, this is still an interview so you must dress for the interview. Just because you’re interviewing from home, don’t relax your standards as they won’t relax theirs.

THE AUDITION INTERVIEW – This interview is for positions such as trainers, actors/actresses, sales representatives and even athletes. They want to see you in action before they make their decision. An audition can be enormously useful to you since it allows you to demonstrate your skills in person for more impact. There are also a specific set of goals they are judging you by in advance. The more you know about these criteria, the better prepared you will be.

THE FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW – Should your previous interviews have been successful, the follow-up interview can help to narrow down the candidates. If you weren’t in the running, they wouldn’t be calling you back. But don’t celebrate yet. It can also be down to one other person and this final interview can make the difference in who gets the prize. If you have not heard anything after the third or fourth day, take the initiative to pick up the phone and contact the lead interviewer.

THE GROUP INTERVIEW – This is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with groups or possibly heading departments. A group is introduced and the interviewer will start the discussion. The goal of this type of interview is to see how well you interact with others and your leadership skills in how well you use your knowledge/reasoning to influence others.

THE FINAL INTERVIEW – You’ve passed the tests, jumped through the hoops and have made the final cut. This is when the offer is actually made. By this time usually decisions concerning benefits, salary, insurance and other perks have been discussed and decided. In the final interview is when you complete the paperwork, get introductions to the team you will be working with, you’ll possibly get location and site information and the assignment of your direct reports are final.

This is beginning of your new career!

We all know over the past few years that the economy has been tough. Considering so many industries took a vital hit, it meant that hiring was at an all time low. Not to mention your competition has increased to not only include your fellow classmates, but thousands of folks with more experience. An Easter egg hunt is about looking in the right place at the right time. Networking is all about finding the right people at the right time. Well, here it is folks, the combo pack — connecting with the companies that are looking right now and connecting with the people who NEED NEW TALENT!

TOP 10 COMPANIES HIRING THIS WEEK!

This is a critical article in that not only does it give the names, but it basically lays out exactly what the industry requires, the number of positions available, in what city, 401(k), salary potential including whether they offer job training or not. They offer you practically everything but a back rub. We are always preaching network, network, well, here’s your opportunity to find companies that aren’t hiding and are seeking.

The key to finding jobs is to know WHO IS HIRING! This is a rarity in and of itself. What’s more, this information literally gives you the starting point. Once you can establish the kind of position you’re looking for, this will lay the groundwork for seeking out similar opportunities in other cities nearby even if there are none in your immediate area.

Of course, this information, like all others, never guarantees anything, but let’s face it – you have not, if you look not, right? I’m not suggesting you send in your resume if you have no experience in the field, but this is no time to be bashful. Not only should you send in your application or resume, anticipate that the process may require some tenacity on your part. Let’s just presume that YOU WON’T be the only applicant in the system. Follow-up is the key word here, folks. You are going to have to demonstrate that you are hungry. How hungry are you? I guess it may depend on how long you’ve been looking, what your finances look like, whether you need to pay your rent or whether your parents are about to kick you out.

Whatever your situation, TODAY is the day to start the job hunt. They are looking right now, you need to be knocking right now.

Marja Lee Freeman
The Employment Lady

Does it mean that I can’t have a beer or hang out with my friends? No, but what you do with your friends can work it’s way into your professional file somehow. Think about how many cyber-social networking sites exist today. All of them somehow tap into one another and can easily be accessed by potential employers when you apply for a position. We all know that when you apply for a job a background check is eminent. That means ALL of your information must be given not just your grades and employment history. Companies now have a staff that researches all of its potential candidates.

A powerful article was written in the N.Y. Times in June entitled: “The Web Means the End of Forgetting.” The article is a shocking tale of how often this rule is being utilized and how damaging it can be to ones future. The Shirley Sherrod case is just the beginning. Now, granted, hers was a speech, but the same message applies to all areas of your life.

While the information highway has been an incredible asset to our society, it is also the most dangerous. Identity and credit card theft, pedophilia, sex scams and more all at the click of a button and without putting a face to the criminal. So, what does all this have to do with me? You need to remember your blackberry and Flipphone is a walking tabloid complete with recorder and camera. Our college years are probably where most of our experiences are created and then broadened. Everything from travel to relationships usually begin in our college years. What this means is to be cautious of who you hang out with, what you do and how you are building your reputation.

The internet is a snapshot of time. Your college years are the same. It is a portion of your life to get you to the working career. When people research you online, they are also researching your history, your character, your experiences, and your FUTURE!

Keep in mind the old saying, “If you wouldn’t do it in front of your Mom, then don’t do it at all.” Don’t worry about Mom — if you wouldn’t do it on American Idol, then don’t do it.

Marja Lee Freeman
The Employment Lady

That means every course you take will give you the “edge” employers are looking for. Courses related to improving your communication skills increases your employment opportunities. There are some skills that will take you anywhere. A course in communication or a club like Toastmasters International helps to prepare you for every interview. Think about it. Every attorney MUST have the ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively. However, being an attorney is not the only job that requires this skill. How about a warehouse manager, technical analyst, economist, purchasing agent or management team leader. Now is the time to focus TODAY on the skills needed for tomorrow.

There are so many candidates who not only want the position, but are also better qualified. You have a college degree but so do they. (They were sitting in class next to you!) They did an internship at George Washington Hospital. Why would I hire you? You must be able to show ANY potential organization that you have something to offer that others cannot. Why should I hire you – because you are the complete package.

The Employment Lady

If you live in one of these cities, that’s great. But what if you have lived in South Carolina all of your life. The idea of moving to the ‘big city’ can be overwhelming. Just like a business, location is the most crucial decision to determine success. If someone were to tell you there was an INCREDIBLE opportunity in Dallas, TX would you be willing to leave your loved ones and move? Okay, I didn’t say “flee” your loved ones. You’d be surprised some people may not. In some cases finding work around the corner from where you live may not be feasible.

In a recent article in the New HR Jobs, Steve Hall’s research sites that some employers are actually willing to offer incentives such as relocation fees, transitional housing, as well as travel costs from $3,000 to $20,000.until the process is completed. WOW! That says they are willing to invest in your talents and they see your potential success. Or in some cases you pay your relocation fee and they reimburse you. Still a little nervous – I get it. Well, when you went to college you had to leave home, right? It’s the same thing. It doesn’t have to be a permanent situation. Connecting with your family and friends is still possible with all the technology, but don’t blow a great opportunity because grandma says, but I’ll miss you. Just say, grandma, I promise to text you everyday!

Also, think of the impact it will have on your resume and future opportunities. Employers are impressed to see someone who is well-rounded, has diversity under their belt and has experience not only working on the east coast, but the west coast as well.

I conducted a conference at the University of Virginia last summer. The keynote speaker was Alan Alda and the quote was so profound I still remember it today. “You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself. “

So, the next time you’re job seeking on the net, see if they might have openings in Hawaii.

The Employment Lady

Are you ever in shock over the things your dorm mates or work buddies do? (Leave their shoes everywhere, never put anything back, etc.) You’d think they’d know better than that. Well, always remember “Common sense isn’t always common.”

Think about it. We live in such a diverse culture today that everybody has totally different expectations based on their own experiences. That’s why people can do what they do without embarrassment.

That was the subject of an article I recently read on AOL - ”How Toxic Behavior Leads to Sinful Behavior at Work.” The article did an excellent job of relating unseemly behavior in the workplace to the Seven Deadly Sins.. you know – envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth and wrath. A great list and here’s seven more deadly sins I’ve come up with to expand the lsit to 14!

1. Thou Shall not Steal: The ‘I’ll bring it right back’ syndrome. That’s how most pens, books, paper clips, staplers and other items walk away from your desk or your dorm room - because somebody ‘borrowed’ them. No, that’s stealing! Please get one from the spply closet or the book store!
2. Thou Shall not Covet thy Coworkers Space: These are folks who like to make themselves comfortable at your desk or in your room (as if it’s a resort) when you step away. If you wouldn’t want someone adding their family or pet photos to your decor, don’t do it to theirs.
3. Thou Shall not Chat Online: I’m sure it’s important for you to answer all of your messages on Facebook, but not on the companies time – or study group time. I realize that sometimes the work gets slow or you get bored, but you’re disturbing the rest of us and wouldn’t be doing it if someone were watching.
4. Thou Shall not Trash the Kitchen: Yes, there is a refrigerator in the kitchen, but that doesn’t give you the right to leave your food in there until it turns into some sort of science project. You left it in there — at least go back and see if it’s grown mold or moves on it’s own.
5. Thou Shall not Scream Through the Hallways: HEY CAROL! IS TAMMY OVER THERE? Dorm room to dorm room or cubicle to cubicle. Every time you yell back it starts a chain reaction. First they scream, then you scream back and then we all scream for I SCREAM! Totally unprofessional. Okay, your personal megaphone may be acceptable in the dorm, but NOT in the office! (And it will get you thrown out of the library!)
6. Thou Shall not Take Extra Time for Lunch: Everybody should take a lunch break. But if your lunch takes an extra half-hour every day, (What? You had to kill the food yourself?) You might need to start  staying put and microwaving a sandwich. Get back to your desk or back to class on time!
7. Thou Shall not PROCRASTINATE: This is one of my favorites. Folks who expect you to stay late because they’ve been ‘in meetings’ all day, otherwise busy or just procrastinated and didn’t get the project or paper done. Now you’re supposed to stay late and participate in the chaos! I’ve always been a team player, but every now and then people mistake my kindness for stupidity. We’ve heard it – Procrastination may be the largest nation in the world, but I live on the ‘I’m leaving on time’ planet. Follow the other 13 guidelines and your work ethic will warrant this stance.

Here’s to living a sin-free life – on campus and in the workplace. “Go forth and multiply” – or is that “Live long and prosper?”

So, what does it take to make sure people don’t shuffle your resume (application) to the bottom of the pile? Your information has to be MEMORABLE. What does that mean? From the format to the font style to the envelope it’s sent in, all of these items will determine which one will pull interest and actually be read.

If you notice a newspaper headline, how it’s formatted will determine which articles pull your attention first. However, if submitted via e-mail, your subject line is crucial because most people determine whether they will read that particular e-mail based on subject line. To keep it simple, your subject line should say something to the effect: Sr. Program Manager Position.

The body of your e-mail (equivalent to a cover letter) should offer information related to where you found the position and that you will be sure to mail a physical copy of your resume as well as follow-up with a voicemail.

First you interview on paper, then you interview in person. Make sure people get familiar with your name.