Are You Prepared For Tricky Behavioral Interview Questions Like These?? ... (See the Answers below!)

• Why did you leave your last job?
• Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
• Why have you had so many jobs in such a short period of time?
• Can you explain this gap in your employment history?
• Exactly why do you want to work here?
• Why should we hire YOU? What can you do for us that someone else can not?
  
  
  
• Have you ever had problems with a supervisor or a coworker? Describe the situation for me.
• Describe some times when you were not very satisfied with your own performance. What did you do about it?
• Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it.
• Give me an example of an important goal you had to set and tell me about your progress in reaching that goal. What steps did you take?
• What was your role in your department's most recent success?
  
  
  
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What have you learned from your mistakes?
• What was the best decision you ever made?
• Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work. What did you do?
• How do you deal with competition? Are you a competitive person?
• What would you consider an ideal work environment?
• What are your long-range career objectives, and what steps have you taken toward obtaining them?
  
  
  
• How well do you work with people? Do you prefer working alone or in teams?
• Describe a situation when working with a team produced more successful results than if you had completed the project on your own.
• What do you do when people disagree with your ideas?
• Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn't like you. What did you do?
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
  
  
  
• Can you tell me about an important written document you were required to complete?
• What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?
• Describe a situation where you messed up, or your results were not up to your supervisor's expectations. What action did you take?
• Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something and failed. Were you discouraged by this? What did you do about it?
  
  
  
• What do you really want to do in life? What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
• What does it mean to be successful? According to your definition, how successful have you been so far?
• What is the best thing that ever happened to you?
• What is the most creative thing you have ever done?
  
  
  
• You don't have the right kind of experience.
• You may be overqualified or too experienced for the position.
• What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
• How much $$$ do you expect if we offer this position to you?

Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it.

DISCUSSION: This is a problem solving question that tests your critical thinking skills. This is a great question for showing that you are a creative and capable problem solver. The problem you select to use as an example should be as similar as possible to a problem that you are likely to face at the job you are interviewing for.1) LISTEN for their "pain points," 2) give an example of your experience where you solved something similar, then 3) get them to agree with you that such experience would be beneficial to the company.

"I try to take a systematic approach to problem solving. I take the time to gather the relevant information and clearly define the problem or goal. I think it is important to get the information and clarify the problem firstbefore you start coming up with possible solutions, or wasting other people's time. FOR EXAMPLE, when I was at Job "X" ... What kinds of challenges are YOU currently facing in your department? How tough a position does that put you in? What could the ideal candidate do to help solve this problem in their first couple months on the job?"

"Sure, at my last job we had a problem where the situation was "X" ... the action I took was "Y" ... and the positive outcome was "Z" ... I was commended by Susan in Accounting for solving the problem and getting the project back on track. I think that's the type of experience you are looking to bring to your team ... isn't it?

"You would agree that having this type of experience will help me succeeed in this position, wouldn't you?"

"... How to best tell your "experience stories" and then get them to agree with you that such experience would be huge asset for the company ..."


What did you like best and least about your previous job?

DISCUSSION: This question reveals a lot about you. You want to indicate that what you liked best about your last job are things that will appeal to the Hiring Manager. Show that your last job allowed you to demonstrate many of the positive and desirable Behavioral Competencies that are discussed at the beginning of this Guide. Give specific examples of how your last job allowed you to flex your skills and show your maturity. Never make statements like "I like that my last company gave me a lot of vacation days," or something similar. When answering about what you liked least, keep it short and do not be negative.

"What I liked about my last job was the fact that there was good on the job training. I was able to really develop my "X" skills, which I know will help me succeed here if I am fortunate enough to be able to join your team. What are the qualities and skills of the people who have been most successful at this company?"

"I've got some of those skills as well. I think that's something that could benefit your department, isn't it?"

"One thing I liked about my last job was that it allowed me to develop my leadership skills. FOR EXAMPLE, I was put in charge of a project where I had to earn the "buy-in" of people from multiple different departments — including Marketing, IT, Product Development, and even HR. I held all the responsibility for getting this project completed on time, even though I had no real authority over my teammates since they did not report to me. I was able to create a project vision that the team agreed on, and then day-to-day I made sure that each team member completed their work on time. I did this in most cases by appealing to my teammates' own self-interests. FOR EXAMPLE ... "

"Did I answer that question to your satisfaction?"

"What I liked least about my last job was that the management style was pretty hands off, and this was fine for me because I am self-motivated and work hard to achieve. But the lack of structure sometimes allowed some of my teammates to slack off from time to time — and I often ended up having to pick up the extra work. I would not mind that SOMETIMES, but it got old after a while. I had to constructively approach my manager and let her know what was going on WITHOUT creating any friction between me and the slacker teammates, who I actually liked as people. In the end, it worked out well, because I was pro-active. Have you ever run into that type of situation as a manager?"

"... A Full Explanation Of What You Need To Say To Get Hired ..."


What have you learned from your mistakes?

DISCUSSION: Show that you are able to learn from your mistakes, but don't offer up any negative examples concerning your past performance. Show that you have been successful, but that you have the maturity it takes to examine your own behavior so that you can learn and grow and be a better employee. Be brief.

"Good question. Well, I have been successful at every job I have had, but I have had the normal ups and downs. I'd say that I do actively try to monitor my work habits and the quality of my workso that I can constantly be improving myself. FOR EXAMPLE, I have had one or two hiccups with customers where their satisfaction was not where I thought it was. I learned that I have to really monitor certain difficult customers closely and "take their temperature" so I can keep their satisfaction level as high as possible. Have YOU had any customers like that here?"

"... Learn The 'Mind-Set' Of Successful Interviewing ..."


Describe a situation when working with a teamproduced more successful results than if you had completed the project on your own.

DISCUSSION: This is a "behavioral interviewing" style of question. The Hiring Manager wants to learn more about your thought process, and how well you can form examples to answer this teamwork related question. You will want to show your ability to solicit ideas from others, listen carefully, and persuade people to your point of view.

"Well, I have worked both independently and as a member of team, throughout my career. I enjoy both, and I can do both equally well. I will have to say, though, that working with others has often yielded great results for projects I have worked on — specifically when it comes to brainstorming. I try to get everyone involved in coming up with new solutions by making time for sessions where "there are no wrong ideas or answers." The creativity of a group of people is always going to be greater than that of one person, and thus the results will be more successful. I did that a lot a Job "Y". FOR EXAMPLE ..."

"Working with others allows you data-mine other people's skills and experiences, get perspectives and ideas that you would not have on your own , and check the quality of your own work before it goes out the door. FOR EXAMPLE, at Job "X" I worked with many great people. I was able to "pick their brains" — so to speak — about the effectiveness of various techniques, estimates on how long it would take to get various things done, etc. — I would not have been able to do my job as effectively without them ... Will there be the opportunity to work in team situations at this job?"

"... Eliminate Any "Fear of Interviewing" Once And for All ..."


Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping skills. What did you do?

DISCUSSION: Workplace stress is an issue for everyone. Don't pretend that you never get stressed out. You want to show that you can deal with stress and cope with difficult situations. Show that you are calm under pressure, and know how to avoid stress in the first place through planning and time management.

"Well I think it is important to remember that stress effects everyone, and it is inevitable that sometimes people are going to have bad days. That is why I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when they seem to have a short fuse. What I do personally is try to control my response to a situation. You can't necessarily control what happens to you, but you CAN control your own response. What I try to do is lengthen the time between the stressful situation and my response — so that I can identify the cause of the stress and decide what I can do about it ... Would you say it is a stressful environment here? ... I see. I'm sure I can handle it. I have been tested like that before ... FOR EXAMPLE ...."

"FOR EXAMPLE, on several occasions I have had to deal with very irate customers who actually yelled at me. What I did was stay calm and not let them get under my skin. I really tried to listen and decide exactly what it was that was at the root of their problem. Then I provided solutionsthat could be completed within a specific time-frame. I always find that it is best to face those types of situations head-on and be objective about them. I do my best to be professional and not get my emotions involved. Also, I try to avoid stress in the first place by tackling difficult tasks or conversations sooner rather than later. Does that make sense? ... I hope I've answered that question to your satisfaction?"

"... This Download Will Fill You With Motivation And Confidence ..."


What was your role in your department's most
recent success?

DISCUSSION: You'll want to be very specific here, and frame your answer in terms of how you saved time and money. The Hiring Manager is looking for a pattern of success, and you need to describe recent successes in detail. Use the S.T.A.R. Statement formula for your examples. Be prepared with at least three examples concerning your recent successes, and make sure at least one of them relates to teamwork and something you accomplished as part of a group. Make sure you address how your work made other people FEEL, as well as the time you saved and the revenue or cost-savings you generated.

"I guess that would be a recent project for client "X." I handled all of the communicationwith the client for our last project. It was a three month long project where my team had to build a custom package based on the needs of client. I was instrumental in translating the client's business needs into detailed product features. I had to make sure that my team understood what the client wanted, and then check the quality to make sure that we were delivering a quality product with the features that the client was expecting."

"Well, it was an ongoing process that required a lot of communication and teamwork with my team as well as the client. I think my role really was to clarify the scope of the project, and then "manage the client's expectations." We were able to deliver on time, and the client was thrilled! I was able to make sure no time was wasted on adding unnecessary features, and since we were working on a fixed bid price, we saved my company time and money. My manager and everybody on my team felt great because the project went so smoothly ... Is that the kind of experience that would help me be successful here?"

Here is a free peek:

"Jim, just before we wrap up here, I want to ask you to put your faith in me and give me the job. I will reward you by doing my absolute best to do quality work and make our department shine."

"Margaret, I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me about the position of "X" here at Company "Y". What you had to say about project "Z" makes it sound even more exciting! I am extremely interested in the position and I feel that my background in "A" and my three years experience in "B" really makes me a strong candidate. I would like to follow up with you next week to see where you are in the hiring process. Can I give you a ring? If you need anything from me in the mean time — like work samples, references, etc. — then by all means give me a call or shoot me an email. Lastly, I would like to say that I really want the job, and I hope you will offer it to me. Thank you for your time today! I look forward to hearing from you by Wednesday of next week."

"Now, to be sure we are both clear on my qualifications ... What you get with me is (detailed list of skills, Behavioral Competencies, and benefits of working with you) ... Are these kind of qualifications you are looking for? Great! I really do want the job and I would like to hear from you by next Wednesday because your decision will have an impact on decisions I have to make concerning other opportunities I am currently pursuing. Can I give you a call early next week to see where you are with the hiring process? What are the next steps we should take?"

"Jim, we seem to be in agreement that I have the qualifications, skills, and experience it will take to succeed here? Great! ... If you make the decision to hire me, would it be reasonable to expect a formal offer letter by Thursday of next week? I want to ask you to put your faith in me and give me the job."

Here Are Some Questions For
YOU To Use On The Interviewer!

DISCUSSION: Remember that every time a Hiring Manager asks you a question, YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO ASK A QUESTION OF YOUR OWN! Questions are a great follow up to a winning answer. Probe for the things that the Interviewer wants to hear. Probe for the Interviewer's hidden needs. Try some "tie down" questions that get the Interviewer to agree with you. There are 43 of these questions in the Guide. Here are some samples:

• What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of the person hired into this position, ... and what would make that person a "superstar"?
• What does your boss expect of you and your team in terms of performance? How could I help you meet those goals?
• What's the one thing I could do on the job that would benefit you the most?
  
  
• Have I addressed that 100% to your satisfaction?
• Does that answer your question about "X"?
• Does that make sense? Would that be good example?
  
  
• You do think that my experience with that type of situation would be relevant to my work here, don't you?
• I think that's the kind of experience you are looking to bring to your team, isn't it?

Bonus #1: How to Tell if Someone is Lying to You

This is a full 3 page article that will make you an expert at decoding deception.
Here are some excerpts:

• His timing of emotional gestures may seem disjointed. Expressions such as happiness or surprise may be only shown around the mouth, instead of the whole face. Watch for him turning his body away from you, or placing items like a stapler or glass of water in front of himself.
• If someone says straight away that he absolutely won't budge, it probably means that HE CAN BE SWAYED. He needs to object completely because he knows he'll cave in if you pressure him.
• A person who is lying will depersonalize his answer and use an abstract assurance like "You know I'm against that sort of thing. That's morally wrong." They will imply an answer, but will not state it directly.
• Remember that in TRUTHFUL statements a fast "yes or no" is followed QUICKLY by a more detailed explanation. A lying person may pause because he needs time to think up an explanation. He may stall by asking you to repeat the question or by answering your question with a question.

Bonus #2: Three FREE software programs you can use to manage your job search efforts, make money while you look for a job, and cut your interview practise time in half.

This free bonus will clue you in on PROFESSIONAL software that is TOTALLY FREE (no adware, no spyware, no fees) that you can configure to a) manage your job search efforts b) increase your $ income while you are looking for a job, and c) make your interview practice time more efficient by cutting your overall interview preparation time by at least 54%.

Bonus #3: Seven Mental Exercises to Sharpen your Persuasive Mind, Calm your Nerves, and Focus Power:

This section may be the most valuable part of the Guide. It is an extremely helpful 4 page article packed with wisdom. Here are the section titles:

• Solar Plexus Exercise to Focus Power
• Breathing Exercise for Confident Interviewing Success
• Think Positive to Multiply your Income
• Forgiveness Exercise for Money Magnetism
• Self-Image Exercise: Dress for Success without Spending an Arm and a Leg
• Self-Definition Exercise: Write your own book, or others will write it for you
• Added Value Exercise

Bonus #4: Seven Essential Patterns of Behavior for Success:

This is a 2 page article that will motivate you to kick your sales activities into high gear! It includes:

• How to cultivate a ROCK-SOLID VISION of what you want to achieve
• How to translate your vision into specific, tangible goals
• Why you need an action plan of bite-sized daily and weekly tasks
• How to be a team player even if you are a lone-wolf or a renegade at heart
• How you can cultivate the creativity you need to survive
• Why you should make an appointment with yourself for an hour every week to get organized and maintain a professional image
• How to stay honest and motivate yourself to work hard

Captivate the Interviewer

An impressive resume won’t get you a job. It will get you great interviews, but not the position itself because employers hire people, not qualifications. You could be the most accomplished, Nobel Prize winning candidate in the world, but if the hiring manager instinctively responds negatively to your physical presentation, you will not receive a job offer. This is not entirely unfair when you consider the fact that qualifications don’t matter much if you are not a strong personal fit for the company, and more importantly, your future boss.

Most employers will admit that they make their hiring decision within a few minutes of meeting you. Some statistics state that it only takes 20 seconds for an employer to size you up. For better or worse, charisma is king during the job interview.

Make the best possible first impression: It is imperative that you establish a personal connection with the interviewer immediately and make it clear that you are a trustworthy team player who will be a good fit for the department. This is very easy to do during the initial introduction. Simply look directly into the interviewer’s eyes, flash a sincere and natural smile, give a firm and dry handshake, and envision being genuinely pleased to meet this person. You’ll know the connection has been made if your smile is returned in a comfortable, natural manner. To follow proper interviewing etiquette, you should not take a seat until asked.

If you make an amazing first impression, the interviewer will likely forgive even slightly jumbled answers because of a good “gut feeling” about you. Regardless, you need to give the correct non-verbal signs throughout the course of your interview to constantly reaffirm your perceived value to the employer. The following tips will help you control your professional image during the course of the interview:

• Mirror the Interviewer: The key here is to mirror, not imitate. Maintain the same overall tone, posture, and pace in order to more effectively communicate with the interviewer. Don’t duplicate gestures or imitate in a way that could be perceived as mockery, but be sure to follow the interviewer’s lead.
  

• Maintain Eye Contact: If your eyes wander aimlessly throughout the interview, the hiring manager may assume that you lack interest, confidence, honesty, or even an attention span. You don’t have to stare the interviewer down, but eye contact should be strong, consistent, and natural throughout the interview, no matter who is talking.
  

• Perfect Your Handshake: Again, your handshake should be firm and dry because a great handshake reflects a strong personality. Ideally, the strength and speed of the handshake should mirror that of the employer’s. There is no absolute “too hard/too soft” rule when it comes to handshakes because the effectiveness of the handshake is defined by the recipient. Get a medium grip on the interviewer’s hand, ensuring that the soft flap of skin between your thumb and forefinger directly touches the same part of the recipient's hand. Then prepare to squeeze with equal strength. Pretend you are the woman in a ballroom dance, and let the interviewer take the lead. Practice with a friend to perfect this technique.
  

• Posture: Mirroring the interviewer is important here too—if the interviewer‘s feet are up on the desk, you should lean back into your chair in a relaxed manner as well (though you should keep your feet off the furniture). However, if you are in a professional environment, you will want to maintain your poise. You can exude confidence by standing and sitting up straight, keeping your head up, and bringing your shoulders back. If this is not your usual stance, then you need to practice sitting and standing in front of a mirror until it feels and looks perfectly natural, because you need to look comfortable and confident at the same time. Ideally, you should lean slightly forward in your chair, with your shoulders back, to demonstrate interest in the conversation. Don’t cross your arms or legs at the knees, as these are negative non-verbal cues, though crossing your legs at the ankles is perfectly fine. Don’t fold your hands in your lap if there is a desk in front of you or you will look like you are shrinking from behind the desk. In this position be sure to place at least one arm on top of the desk to establish a strong presence. Men should avoid spreading their legs out too far so that they don’t seem arrogant.
  

• Overcome Insecurity: Keep in mind at all times that you are an amazing asset that any employer would be lucky to have. Don’t be nervous. Just take a deep breath, and remember that the interview is to determine whether or not this job will be a good fit for both the employer and yourself. If the employer doesn’t extend an offer, then this person was not smart enough to work for in the first place. When it comes to confidence, feel free to fake it until you make it. If you wake up the morning of the interview with a giant pimple on the tip of your nose, you will need to stroll into that interview and rock that zit! Pretend in your mind that the pimple was personally designed for you by Gianni Versace himself, and that everyone who sees you will want one just like it. Employ any mind trick necessary to ensure that you put a little pride in your stride.
  

• Limit Your Gestures: Do not exaggerate your hand gestures or flail your arms about. Using artificial gestures to try to heighten the importance of an issue will merely come off as overly dramatic, the last thing any professional environment needs. Calm your arms down, and make sure all of your gestures are natural and meaningful.
  

• Avoid Fidgeting: Try not to tap or shake your foot, click your pen, or rock back and forth in your chair as though you need to use the restroom. If you annoy interviewers, or make them dizzy, you won’t get phone calls.
  

• Articulate Your Thoughts: Speak clearly, and do not mumble. Limit your use of fascinating words such as "uh," “um,” and “like.” If you don’t know what to say, take a few seconds to collect your thoughts and then respond.
  

• Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to perfect your presentation during your interview is to practice until it becomes second nature. Practice in front of mirrors, video cameras, and friends. Once you are fully comfortable in these techniques, you can dedicate your focus to the actual interview questions.

Rules for Effective Resume Formatting

When formatting your resume it is important to highlight the most relevant information and design a visually pleasing document. Follow these rules to ensure a powerful impact.

Rule #1 – Keep the most important information first, and the least important information last:

The importance and relevancy of your information should be listed in descending order with the least relevant information at the bottom of the resume. Focus on the top third of the page, as this is the first, and often only, section hiring managers look at. Your most important and compelling information needs to be highlighted here. After an introductory statement or paragraph, you need provide the credentials that employers will be most interested in. Are you planning a career change? List your transferable skills in this section. Did you just earn your degree? Place your relevant education information in this section. Maybe you have a list of exceptional achievements you would like to highlight in this area, or maybe your current job is so important that you should just begin into your work history. Whatever the situation, prioritize your credentials and DO NOT save the best for last.

Rule #2 – Choose the best way to format your work history:

The three most common resume formats are Chronological, Functional and Combination. Chronological resumes list your professional experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent job first. In this case, your professional background would begin immediately after the introductory objective or summary because your best achievements and skills were demonstrated through a solid work history. This is the best format to use if you have enjoyed relevant and consistent employment with no significant gaps in between jobs. This is also a great format for demonstrating career growth if you have moved up through the ranks with each new job.

Functional resumes focus more on your skills by providing special categories in which to showcase them. A good strategy is to list different job functions of the position you are applying to (ex: Team Leadership, Office Management, Organizational Development, etc.), and write paragraphs or list accomplishments that support your expertise in those areas. By sectioning off and creating more content regarding your best strengths, you can shorten your work history significantly. This is a helpful technique for those who are seeking a career change, or for those who have gaps or inconsistencies in their work history.

Combination resumes combine chronological and functional formats. On some level (no matter how subtle), most resumes end up being a combination format. After the header there will usually be an introductory objective or summary paragraph, followed by a section that advertises specific skills or achievements, which is then followed by a chronological work history.

Rule #3 – Break up the monotony:

No one likes to read giant paragraph blocks or long bullet point lists. It’s overwhelming to look at and boring to read. Therefore be sure that your paragraphs and bullet lists don’t exceed six lines. When your entire resume looks like a bullet list with a couple of titles, add some paragraphs. If resume is nothing but paragraphs, be sure to add some bold titles and consider adding some bullet lists where appropriate. Mix it up to create visual interest.

One effective technique is to break up your job descriptions into two parts: day-to-day duties and achievements. Write out your duties in paragraph form, and highlight your achievements with bullets or bold face for maximum impact.

Rule #4 – Make sure the text fills the page appropriately:

Many people make the mistake of using left title formats or generic Microsoft templates for their resumes. The left title format, where you use almost a third of the left hand page to list titles or dates, is a good way to fill up page length when you don’t have enough content. Therefore this format is best suited for entry level candidates. If you have significant experience, you should use the entire width of the page to describe your background rather than adding pages unnecessarily.

On the other hand, be careful not to overload the page with text. Your resume should have enough white space to keep your text readable. To keep your document printable, frame all of your text (including the header and footer) appropriately by keeping all indents at least .5” wide.

Just remember that resumes are like snowflakes – no two are ever exactly alike. Make sure that you present your unique credentials in the most flattering way possible.

Creating a Compelling Cover Letter

A powerfully written cover letter is necessary to land most interviews and ensure job search success. When an advertised position creates a pile of 100+ resumes, it becomes the responsibility of the hiring personnel to shortlist the applications. Resumes without cover letters are usually the first to go, followed by the ones with poorly written cover letters. Avoid this fate by following these effective strategies:

Address your cover letter appropriately:

Be sure that you get the name of the hiring manager before sending your resume, and address the letter to that individual. The proper greeting will be either “Dear Mr. (Smith),” or “Dear Ms. (Smith).” Avoid using Miss or Mrs., and do not address your letter to “Dear Sirs,” as it is considered inappropriate. If you are unsure of your contact’s gender, address them by their first and last name, as in “Dear Pat Smith,” to avoid an embarrassing mistake. If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, simply use the greeting “Dear Hiring Manager,”– it’s clear, to the point, and gender neutral.

Get to the point in your opening paragraph:

One of the most common interviewing questions employers ask is “Why should I hire you among other candidates?” Provide an answer to that question right off the bat in your opening paragraph. This is a very important section because it is the first thing the employer will read. It must be powerful and make an immediate impact. Be sure sell yourself and your unique abilities. Do not use a generic opening paragraph that can apply to any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Every line should sell you, so use aggressive language here and throughout the rest of your cover letter. For example, instead of writing “My background is in finance management, making me well-suited for your advertised Corporate Finance Director position.” you can write “A background in finance management and a proven record of developing effective strategies that drive revenue, growth and shareholder value make me a strong candidate for your advertised Corporate Finance Director position.”

Show your interest and sell your accomplishments in the body of the letter:

In this section, you need to show your interest in the job and the company. Research is a key ingredient to a successful job search. The more you are able to demonstrate your interest and knowledge about a company, the better your chances are to secure an interview. Get to know the company’s mission and new corporate initiatives, and tell them how you can help them meet their objectives or resolve their problems. Praise the company for public recognitions or recent accomplishments. The employer will surely take notice of your active interest.

Use “I” and “my” sparingly. Try not to use these words more than six times in your cover letter. You need to focus on what you will bring to the company and how you will help them improve their profitability. Too much use of the word “I” will also make your letter look elementary and poorly written.

For executive-level candidates and professionals with substantial achievements, a bullet point format is often the most effective and efficient way to highlight accomplishments. If you fall into this category, be sure to keep the bullet point statements unique and fresh. Do not copy and paste the exact same phrases from the resume as it will make you look lazy. All sentences and achievements transferred from the resume should be rephrased.

Close your letter with a strong paragraph:

In the closing paragraph, you need to address several issues. At the very least, you need to ask for the interview and provide contact information. This is also the ideal place to mention your salary requirements (if the employer insists on it), or your desire to relocate.

To demonstrate your drive and interest, mention that you will call within a week to follow up. This is a great way to ensure the resume was successfully received, and it creates an opportunity to establish a dialog. However, do not mention this in your cover letter if you do not intend to follow up.

In summation, an aggressive and dynamic cover letter will help you stand out among the competition. Remember that the goal is to market yourself – not to compose a dull biography.

WHY GENERAL RESUMES DON’T WORK

These are scary times as entire industries seem to be collapsing all around us. Every day, we encounter job seekers who are fleeing the fields of real estate, finance, automotive sales, retail, and manufacturing. The problem is that most of these job seekers only know what they are running from without a single clue as to where they are running. Although this may be a good time to be flexible and explore all possibilities, your resume must always be clearly focused toward a specific goal.

Unfortunately, many job seekers make the mistake of relying on one resume to get interviews for different position types throughout several industries. This is almost always a losing strategy, because it only serves the purpose of being convenient to the job seeker, rather than focusing on the employer’s interests. There really is no such thing as an effective “general resume” for several reasons:

==> GENERAL RESUMES CAUSE CONFUSION

Each resume you send must be focused on the job you are applying to. If you don’t give the hiring manager a clear idea of your career goal, you will leave doubt about your level of professional focus. Employers are not career counselors who will carefully evaluate your skills and match you up with good jobs at their firms. HR representatives will not read through every detail of your resume and struggle to imagine how you will contribute to the job at hand. In fact, the initial screening of your resume will only take about 10 seconds. That’s all the time you have to make your point.

==> GENERAL RESUMES UNDERESTIMATE THE COMPETITION

Statistically speaking, HR offices will be accepting hundreds (these days, even thousands) of applications from other candidates who are hungry for the available position. If you are vague or unimpassioned, your resume will not normally pass the initial screening. So rather than worrying about the time, effort, and possible money involved in resume development, you need to think about your competition, which is now especially heavy in this economy.

==> GENERAL RESUMES PERFORM POORLY IN ELECTRONIC SCANNING

Most employers rely on scanning devices to locate your resume through online job sites or their own databases. Let’s say you are sending your resume to a sales position for a shoe manufacturer. The employers may search keywords such as “manufacturers’ representative” or “Nike Air” if they want to find candidates who have experience with their products or selling on behalf of manufacturing firms. When they conduct these searches, they will get good piles of two types of candidates, ones who have a lot of manufacturing sales experience and ones who don’t but are still selling themselves specifically to this opportunity.

A sales resume can avoid mentioning industries, though it’s still not the most successful process. By focusing on the skills, keywords, and achievements that are specific to selling, you may get your resume through the initial scannings. Still, if the initial scannings also pass 60 other resumes, the employers will scan again, using more targeted, industry-specific keywords to shrink the piles of resumes even further to just the resumes they’ll actually want to read. Ideally, you should target your resume to a job type and industry. Failing that, the resume should at least be clearly directed to a type of job.

SO BE SMART

Never, never, never rest on a general resume objective. If you just load up a resume with a bunch of strengths, it will impress few employers, bore the reader, and come across as “white noise” when compared with the hundreds of resumes that are currently following the same failing strategy. Today’s resume must sell you to a goal. If you don’t sell yourself towards a clear goal, then your resume may realistically be a waste of any time or effort that you put in.

30 HELPFUL JOB SEARCH TIPS

1. Be kind to everyone: Badmouthing former employers, colleagues, or clients in an application or during a job interview is always a dangerous thing to do. Remember - it's a small world, and for all you know, the former boss you don’t like might be an acquaintance of the hiring manager you are trying to impress. Being negative or critical will surely make you seem bitter or petty, so it is much better to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when describing past workplace challenges. In addition, you need to be respectful, friendly, and polite to everybody you encounter during the course of your job search. When visiting a company for a job interview, be sure to be nice to all employees who approach you, from the department head to the mail clerk or office temp. Hiring managers paying close attention to how you treat underlings as well as the higher-ups. Being dismissive or curt to a receptionist will surely hurt your chances of interview success; you never know who may get to weigh in on hiring decisions.

2. Dress the part: You never get a second chance to make a great first impression, and research has shown that employers make their decisions regarding your potential for hire within ten minutes of meeting you. This means that non-verbal communications and your personal appearance have a tremendous impact on your interviewing success, so be sure to dress your best for a job interview. Even though dress codes have become more relaxed in many workplaces, a job interview is not the appropriate venue to showcase your casual sense of style. Wear clean and neatly pressed business attire, don't go overboard with distracting jewelry, and take it easy on the perfume or cologne. If you are unsure of the corporate dress standards, discreetly visit the company prior to the interview and watch the employees coming in and out of the building. This trick will also better prepare your commute to the interview.

3. Plan your time wisely: It is important that you carefully plan and prepare for your next great project – finding and landing the job of your dreams. Be sure to develop a calendar and set goals for how many resumes you need to send out per week, and leave enough time to focus on your job search at least a few hours a day. Stick to a regular schedule so that your job search never loses momentum. Make sure you have a private phone number and block a regular time frame to speak with employers during normal business hours if needed.

4. Learn about potential employers: The more you know about the employer you are applying to, the more successful you will be in your application and interviewing processes. Find out everything you can. Visit the employers’ website, visit http://www.hoovers.com, conduct research at your local library, and talk to any company employees you already know. By doing this, you’ll be better prepared to understand and address the employer’s needs. You’ll also learn the financial viability of the company as well as other details that will help you determine whether or not you’d like to work for them.

5. Practice your gestures: Interviewers size up job applicants even when words aren't being spoken. Nonverbal clues can indicate fear, a lack of interest, or failure to properly prepare for the meeting. Therefore, it is crucial that you pay close attention to your body language. Maintain good posture, avoid crossing your arms, get rid of your gum, and practice your body language in a mirror. Avoid all negative gestures, such as fidgeting, checking your watch on the sly, tilting your chair, or playing with your hair. It's understandable to be nervous, but you can lessen your nerves with practice. Try to relax. Focus on maintaining eye contact and a pleasant smile.

6. Explain your work gaps: When asked what you have been doing while unemployed, avoid saying something like “staying home and watching TV.'" How you spend your time when you're unemployed speaks to your work ethic. During your career gaps, you should continue your development and find opportunities to build your professional skills. You can take courses at the local college, volunteer at various organizations, or become more involved with an industry association. Demonstrate to prospective employers that you always work hard to increase your skills and keep up-to-date in your industry.

7. Use effective follow-up strategies: Failing to follow up after a job interview is a big mistake. However, it is just as harmful to your job search to constantly call up afterwards to see if you’ve got the job. Do not follow up more than twice, unless you have been asked to do so by the employer. Do not send a poorly written email or a rambling phone message. The best method is to send a considerate, well-worded, and handwritten thank you note that reasserts your interest in the job. For help with this, you can always order our “Post Interview Thank You Letter Guide” for only $5. This comprehensive guide offers 11 copy/paste thank you letter templates that will make the best impression possible. Visit any order form at www.AspirationsResume.com to obtain this helpful tool.

8. Google yourself: Conduct an search engine query of your name and see what comes up -- and what potential employers will see if they do the same. If you don't like what you find, then you’ll need to do some damage control. For the best search results put your first and last name in quotes, such as “John Smith.” If you have a common name, you may not have to worry. If you have an uncommon name, you will definitely want to conduct your own online investigation.

9. Role play: Practice your answers to interview questions with friends to build your confidence. Work out tricky answers in advance so you can get comfortable with your answers. Confidence is key. You may need to explain difficult situations in a way that is authentic and sincere without sounding bitter or defeated. Try to stay positive and share what you've learned from bad experiences. Employers love to hire folks with good attitudes and the ability to handle adversity.

10. Be realistic during hard times: Get real about the time it will take to find a new job. During a recession, you can expect it to take at least three months to find a job that pays $40,000. Add one month for every $10,000 more you want in salary. In other words, if you are looking for $80,000 a year, it can take at least seven months to find and land the job you want.

11. Make finding a job your full-time job: Sending out a handful of resumes a week is a lot like tossing a single resume off a roof into a busy intersection and hoping an employer responds to it. To find a job, you must cast a wide net. To a large degree, your job search is a numbers game. The more inquiries you make, resumes you send, and job interviews you go on, the better your chances of success. All of these activities will require a significant input of time and effort, so set aside at least a few hours each day to focus solely on your job search.

12. Maintain confidentiality: If you want to keep your job search a secret, don't talk about it. Period. If you share your secret with co-workers, it may get back to your boss. Any activity related to your job search, including scheduling interviews, should be completed on your own time. In addition to focusing on your job hunt at night and on weekends, you can use your lunch break to scour the want ads or conduct phone interviews on your cell phone. Avoid using company resources, no matter how convenient they may be. Don't use office stationery, stamps, company e-mail, fax machines, copiers, or the Internet. If you are very worried, then be careful where you post your resume and only post on job sites where you can keep your employer and contact information confidential.

13. Expand your horizons: Of course your job search should be focused. After all, applying to every job posting that comes your way is a waste of time and ineffective in finding the job you want. However, if you approach your job hunt unwilling to accept anything less than the precise job title, pay, benefits, vacation time, and hours you want, you're setting yourself up for huge disappointment. Be flexible, as the jobs that fall short of your initial standards may be incredibly fulfilling in other ways.

14. Never mention salary first: Don’t ever bring up the subject of pay. Let the hiring manager do it first. Whoever mentions a number first will generally lose the salary negotiation. It is up to the employer to make you an offer. Employers are aware that you want to know about the salary, so they will bring it up when the time is right. Appearing too concerned with money suggests you aren't passionate about the position or the company. Of course, you should never, ever supply a salary history, as that information has nothing to do with what you are worth or what you may require for future pay.

15. Learn from your mistakes: Okay, so your last interview didn’t exactly go off without a hitch. Don’t beat yourself up if you flubbed an answer or two. But do take the time to review each interview you go on, and practice your answers again to perfection. Otherwise, you’ll most likely repeat the same mistakes again and again.

16. Don’t forget where you've applied and interviewed: After a couple of weeks, you will have likely applied to more than a few dozen places and even interviewed with some companies. Eventually, it becomes hard to recall where you've sent a resume or interviewed. Keep a list handy of all the employers you have contacted, including the most recent date and method of contact. Be sure to update this list on a daily basis. Applying to the same place over and over makes you look like an applicant who applies to any posting that pops up, which is not the best impression to make.

17. Don’t stop until you get the job: Stopping your job search while you wait for a response will cause you to miss countless opportunities. Even if the interview for your dream job went extremely well, don't pause your job hunt while you wait to hear back. Unfortunately, there could be a variety of reasons why you might not get the job. As long as you don’t lose your job search momentum, you could stumble upon an even better opportunity. Momentum is a great emotional boost for helping you get over disappointment, and you don't have anything to lose by continuing the hunt.

18. Work the job fairs: Career fairs are great places to get your foot in the door. These events can provide you with important face time with dozens of companies that are actively looking for candidates in one convenient place. Get a hold of the guest list and find out which companies will be participating. Once you have the list, highlight several companies that are of interest to you. Research those companies; look at their Web sites, read their press releases, and search your local newspaper for stories. Wear a conservative business suit, make sure you look well groomed, and carry your materials in a professional folder or portfolio. Practice your answers for interview questions. Be confident and proactive. A career fair is no place to be shy and demure. The best way to make a lasting impression is by being aggressive. Approach the companies that interest you, make eye contact and introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Collect their business cards and tell them why you are interested in their company. Afterwards, you’ll need to close the deal. Just like a job interview, it is important to follow up after a career fair.

19. Don’t fall for scams: When you conduct an online job search, you’re bound to run into a few ads that sound too good to be true. They often contain phrases such as: “Make $3,000 a week from home -- no sales,” or “no experience necessary,” or “earn $40,000 - $60,000 a year working part-time!” From envelope-stuffing jobs to pyramid schemes and mystery shopper promotions, you may be inundated with work-at-home advertisements. The problem is that many of these opportunities require much of the worker’s own money or time to see little success. Other situations that claim to be "easy money with no sales" often do involve a great deal of sales work in extremely challenging environments. While there are some credible work-at-home opportunities out there, many of these ads are not the real thing. Don’t respond to ads that do not say specifically what the work will be, don’t give away personal information, and be sure to check any company you are considering though the Better Business Bureau.

20. Maintain a good online persona: With MySpace.com, Facebook.com, and LinkedIn.com becoming more and more popular every day, you’ll need to carefully manage your profiles. Don't post anything on your site or your friends’ sites that you would not want a prospective employer to see. Derogatory comments, revealing photographs, foul language, or lewd jokes can be viewed as a reflection of your character. If your networks/web sites offer the option, consider setting your profile to "private," so that only your friends can view it. Since you can't control what other people say on your site, employ the "block comments" feature. Remember, everything on the Internet is archived! Check your various online profiles regularly to see what comments have been posted.

21. Stay happy: Listen to motivational CDs to keep yourself "up" as you listen to ideas from the pros about how to market yourself, emanate positivity, and interview with employers. Hang out with optimistic, positive people. Count your blessings and try not to obsess over disappointments. Find things within your budget that make you feel good. Maybe it is reading a good book, playing with your pet, or getting a massage. Whatever will cheer you up can be worth it. You're going through a difficult and frustrating time, so occasionally treat yourself to some extra special self-care.

22. Stay productive: Sleeping late, watching tv, relaxing all day in your PJs and otherwise taking it easy will not help you find a job. Nor will it help boost your self confidence once you’ve realized how much time you've wasted in NOT looking for a job. Finding a job is real work. Set up a schedule for yourself on week days and then follow it. Disappointments in your job search can best be overcome by maintaining productivity.

23. Surf the net: It's helpful to visit large job sites such as Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com because of the sheer number of listings offered. Employers of all sizes, in every industry and niche, can be found in at these massive sites. Large job sites offer more than just listings. They can lead you to recruiters and staffing firms and can also serve as a launching pad for other opportunities. For instance, you may find an appealing job posting for which you are overqualified. Though you're not right for this role, you now know the company is hiring. Visit the prospective employer's website to see if there are any additional openings. Send a resume and cover letter to the company expressing your desire to be considered for future jobs.

24. Visit recruiter sites: Be sure to visit the Web sites of recruiting firms that specialize in your field. These comprehensive sites maintain their own job postings and many even offer detailed career information and good job search advice. Not only will this enable you to conduct a highly targeted job search, it will also help you connect with a recruiter who can work on your behalf.

25. Use social networking: Networking is nearly always the most effective way of finding new opportunities, and the Internet makes it easier than ever to expand your contact list. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn.com provide good opportunities to connect with other professionals in your field. Participating in chat rooms and discussion forums, such as those hosted by professional associations in your industry, is also an excellent method for locating open positions.

26. Watch your spelling: Completing employment applications online can be convenient, but it can also be costly if you are not careful or do not proofread your work. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms. Typos are no less problematic on screen than on paper, and often, there are no “spell check” functions to help you clean up your errors. Typos and grammatical errors are the most common mistakes job seekers make on their resumes, and can cause your application to be quickly screened out. To avoid this fate, try copying (select text, Ctrl+C) and pasting (Ctrl+V) your information into a word processing or email application that can conduct a spelling and grammar check. Once you do this, you can easily identify and correct any errors before completing your online application.

27. Be mindful of your current employer: Be extremely careful about when and where you do your online job hunting. Using your company's computer and Internet connection to look for a new position is a very bad idea. Employers have the right to monitor the sites you visit and the e-mails you send. Resist every temptation to hunt for a new job at the office if you still need to keep the one you have. Don’t give your current office phone number and/or email address to potential new employers. It will increase your chances of getting caught at your current job and it will be a turn-off to new employers if they fear you will do the same at your new job.

28. Follow up: It is CRITICAL that you follow up with the prospective employer after applying for a position. Don't worry about annoying the employer. The vast majority of executives believe that job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. And remember, it's just as important to follow up with online applications as it is with mailed resumes. Resumes often get lost in cyberspace, so if you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, send an e-mail or make a call to verify that the resume was received. This will be an excellent opportunity to reassert your interest in the position.

29. Answer older ads: Don’t limit your job site search to positions posted only in the last few days. A job listing posted one month ago may still be open, especially if it requires rare skills. Since most job seekers focus on recent postings, you’ll likely compete with fewer candidates.

30. Mix it up: While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt should not be the only strategy you use to find a new position. To maximize the effectiveness of your job search, you should combine a variety of approaches. You should explore the services offered by recruiting / staffing firms, touch base with members of your personal and professional network, and participate in industry events where you can meet hiring managers.