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Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year’s resolution to find a new one, here’s a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from “PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully” by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation’s major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don’t run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don’t waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don’t act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don’t overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: “In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons…”

Give your answer a positive tone. Don’t say, “Well, everyone tells me that you’re in all sorts of trouble, and that’s why I’m here”, even if that is why you’re there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is “Because I like people.” What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company’s needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it’s doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn’t interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn’t be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn’t be able -or wouldn’t want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it’s difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don’t really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can’t?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, “As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.”

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What’s Your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company’s style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I’ll enjoy problem-solving identifying what’s wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it”), results-oriented (”Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line”), or even paternalistic (”I’m committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction”).

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.
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Job interviews can be ugly these days by Anita Bruzzese

The interviewer kept the job candidate waiting for 45 minutes past the scheduled appointment time, then seemed evasive about the job’s duties.

The candidate lied on her resume about her education and experience, then lied about lying. The only questions she asked were about salary and benefits and when she would get promoted.

Welcome to the ugly, often brutal world of job interviews, where the interviewers and the interviewees often engage in a battle to see who can behave the worst.

“I think it is a reflection of what is going on in the workplace overall,” says Scott Erker. “(Job candidates) don’t trust employers, and some job candidates have a real sense of entitlement.”

Erker, a senior vice president at Development Dimensions International, a human resources consulting firm, says that while not all hiring managers and job candidates behave badly, there are enough horror stories on both sides to make it clear there are some real problems.

These problems can translate into bottom-line issues for companies, since a recent survey by Development Dimensions International and the online career and job site, Monster, found that two thirds of job seekers report that the interviewer influences their decision to accept a position.

With the ongoing war for talent in this global economy, Erker points out that many top candidates decline an offer because they are unmotivated by hiring managers to want to join a company.

“There are actually several problems going on right now,” Erker says. “One is that trust is down because of the scandals in corporate America with exorbitant senior executive salaries. Two, hiring managers are ‘overselling’ jobs and sounding like used car salesman because they under pressure to get the great job candidates. And three, the pressure is on business to try and fill positions quickly and so they’re doing whatever they can to get the candidate to say yes.”

At the same time, job candidates are not without some issues. In the survey, 58 percent of hiring managers reported that job seekers misrepresent their experience on a resume or during the interview, while only 5 percent of candidates admit to it. That trend of misrepresentation - and the candidates failing to own up to it - is in the areas of education, experience and references.

“Also, there are some generational issues because we’ve got some coddled kids just coming out of school and they just expect to get a job and take over,” Erker says. “In fact, we had one hiring manager say that one job candidate’s goal ‘was to get your (hiring manager’s) job. Do you really think this hiring manager would now hire someone who would try and take his job away?”

Further complicating the relationship between job candidates and companies is the knowledge that many workers are job-hopping as never before. In the survey, 52 percent have had between two and three jobs over the last five years. Nearly one-third of job seekers said they had been in the current job for six months or less, but were already in the market for a new one. In other words, they were using their current job as a “placeholder job” until something better came along, Erker says. (For more survey results and interview tips, join the blog discussion at: www.anitabruzzese.com).

Still, the bottom line is that both interviewees and interviewers need to display more respect for one another and behave more professionally, he says. That means that companies need to spend more time training hiring managers so that they make better hires based on realistic expectations, and job candidates need to be honest and do a better job of preparing for interviews.

“An interview can quickly escalate from being a ‘meeting of the minds’ to a ‘clash of personalities’ if both parties are not prepared and respectful of one another,” Erker says.

How to Use Social Networks to Find Gigs By Mathias Meyer

I can see through you. You read the headline and think “MySpace”. Far from it. It’s true that social networks are all the rage these days. Every day a number of new communities pop up on the scene. Some are for fun, but some can be quite useful, especially for the job-seeking freelancer.

MySpace for some is only a place to hang out, chat, be friends with hundreds of bands, or just have cool-looking personal pages. For others MySpace is a place to get new gigs. I know many people who’ve gotten new jobs through it, and I’m pretty sure that some of you could tell similar stories.

Without passing judgment on any of them, the platforms I’d keep my eye on are LinkedIn, FaceBook, and especially for European freelancers, Xing (formerly known as OpenBC). The latter is my main platform for business networking. Since my focus is on the German market this works out pretty well for me.

FaceBook became an attractive new source when it expanded outside the student world. I can’t say for myself that I’ve gotten a gig through it as I mainly use it to stay in touch with my international friends, but you just never know.

The most widespread of them is probably LinkedIn, especially when it comes to business networking.

All of them are based on a simple idea: you know people, and they know other people who might need your services. You’ve probably already gotten a gig through a friend who knows a friend (and so on) in your career. I know I have. Social networks make this even easier and offers much more than just an introduction.

Let Clients Find You

The good thing about social networks is that clients can actually find you. They can search for skills they need, can limit the search to a specific area, and so on. They can find you through the people you know or through the people they know. They can find you in specialized groups, discussions or while browsing through a random person’s contact. The important thing is: they can find you without any effort on your part.

What can you do to increase the chances of a potential client stumbling across your profile? The first thing is to represent yourself accurately. List your skills, include them in your profile. List your recent projects and what your tasks were. Don’t push it though. Endless list of tools, programming languages or general buzzwords make you look like someone who is desperate to make contact. And frankly, those lists are almost always far from the truth.

Choose the right keywords for your skills. When someone looks for a Ruby on Rails developer you don’t want to be missed because you assumed it would be obvious you wrote Rails. If you try to put yourself in a laypersons shoes it should help you come up with some good keywords. If in doubt, ask your mum or anyone tech-illiterate what they’d type in if they were looking for your services, and work your way up from there.

Most social networks offer groups for almost every topic and industry. Everything from programming (and all the glorious topics related to it) to making cupcakes will be available. They’re a great place to meet people, though in my personal experience there are some that are nothing more than infighting and resumes disguised as discussion. If there is a genuine discussion in which you can learn or share your expertise than certainly participate, otherwise don’t waste your time.
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How to Write a Resume from Mahalo.com

How to Write a Resume

* Also try: How to Write a Cover Letter
* Also try: Free Resume Templates

Guide Note:This page provides advice and tips on how to write a resume. A clean, concise, easy-to-read resume can greatly increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Table of Contents:

* Step 1: Before You Write Your Resume
* Step 2: Use these Resume Writing Tips
* Step 3: Write Your Resume Objective Statement
* Step 4: Choose a Resume Style o Chronological Resumes o Skills Resumes o Functional Resumes o Combination Resumes o Video Resumes
* Step 5: Tailor Your Resume
* Step 6: Polish Your Resume
* Resume Writing Services
* Articles about How to Write a Resume

Step 1: Before You Write Your Resume A great resume can help you get a job interview (Photo by Penny Mathews) A great resume can help you get a job interview (Photo by Penny Mathews)

1. A resume provides an overview of your experience and skills. As such, it is an important tool in any job search.
2. A resume cannot guarantee you a job offer, but a great resume will help you get an interview. So spending the time to make your resume as good as it can be is a worthwhile investment!
3. Before you begin constructing a resume, take the time to think about your experience and what type of job you're looking for.
* If you're re-entering the workforce, you may pick a different format than someone who's been working continuously.
* A recent college graduate will focus more on educational background than an experienced worker.
* If you're changing careers, you may opt for a different format than someone who is remaining in his current field.
4. Take a look at some sample resumes online. Boston College, the Wall Street Journal, Vault.com and the University of Florida have some good examples.

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1. The type of job you're applying for will also influence the type of resume you write.
2. If there's a style of resume often used in your desired field, consider using it yourself.
3. Look at sample resumes from other people in your industry. Is there a section or format they're using? You might want to include it too!

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Write A Resume In Minutes Quick & Easy-To-Use Resume Builder. www.totalresume.com Step 2: Use these Resume Writing Tips

* Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you write or update your resume:

Be honest as you write your resume (Photo by Steve Woods) Be honest as you write your resume (Photo by Steve Woods)

1. Be honest.
* It is better to address any gaps in employment than to try to hide them.
* Lying on your resume may get you into an interview, but you still have to go through a background and references check to land the job.
* If you state you can perform a task or operate a program you actually don't know, your lie will be exposed.
2. Be professional. If your email address is funny but unprofessional, it may turn off potential employers.
* If necessary, create a new email address solely for resumes (and don't forget to check it!).
3. Write out everything you want to include on your resume. You can trim it down to one page later.
* Note: If you have over 10 years of work experience that is important and needs to be included, a resume of two pages is acceptable.
4. Employers often scan or upload resumes into electronic databases. For this reason, simpler formatting is the better route to take:
* Try to avoid using tables.
* Use spaces instead of tabs to separate sections.
* Also avoid italics, underlining and shadowed text.
5. On that note, perfumed paper, curlicue fonts, and pretty images are all no-nos. You want your resume to stand out, but not for these reasons!
6. Use easy-to-read fonts and a clear design to make your resume more appealing.

Step 3: Write Your Resume Objective Statement OWL Sample Objective Statements OWL at Purdue University Sample Objective Statements

1. An objective statement is the first thing listed after your personal information.
2. The objective statement is a sentence or two that sums up your current career goals.
3. An objective statement is not always a resume necessity, but it can be a handy summary of what you're looking for in a position.
4. If you're starting your resume from scratch, write your objective statement first. This can help you decide what information to highlight on your resume, even if you ultimately decide not to include an objective statement.
5. Do not write a generic objective statement; it is more likely to turn off a prospective employer.
* Example: My goal is to get a rewarding job that pays well.
6. Your objective statement should relate to the job you are applying for.
* Example: An experienced public relations consultant, I now seek a position as an account manager where I can utilize my management skills.
7. Target this statement to the position you're interested in. This is the first information on the page after your name and address, and it should make the case for you being the perfect person for the job!

Step 4: Choose a Resume Style Consider your experience and desired job when choosing a resume style (Photo by Chris Chidsey) Consider your experience and desired job when choosing a resume style (Photo by Chris Chidsey)

1. There are several types of resumes:
* Chronological
* Skills
* Functional
* Combination
* Video
2. You want to think about your situation and create the best resume for your experience and desired job.
3. Keep in mind that most recruiters want your resume to show your career progression. Therefore, use a chronological or combination resume unless you are in an exceptional situation. If you have no work history or have worked multiple jobs over a short period of time an unconventional format may show you in a better light.
4. Most resumes should fit on one page. However, if the information is truly important and necessary, two pages is acceptable.
* If you have less than 10 years' work experience, you should only need a one page resume.
* It is better to go onto a second page than to leave out important information, such as if you are creating an academic CV and want to include your published works.
* Do not go onto a second page for unimportant information, like personal hobbies, out-of-date skills and achievements from over 10 years ago.
5. Pick the the type of resume that is best suited to you and your goals.
* If you're unsure what type that is, try writing your resume in two or more formats, then ask for feedback from friends or relatives. An objective eye may tell you which format is best for you!

Chronological Resumes About.com's Sample Chronological Resume About.com's Sample Chronological Resume, top section

1. This is the most common type of resume.
2. It lists your work and educational history chronologically.
3. The general layout is as follows:
* Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
* Objective statement (if included).
* Career and skills summary (if included).
* Reverse chronological career listings (include employer names and locations).
* Educational background (School name, location and your GPA). o (Recent graduates may place education ahead of their career listings).
4. List what you achieved in different positions, not what your job responsibilities were.
5. Quantify your on the job accomplishments.
* Instead of writing that you improved customer relations, state that customer satisfaction increased 40% while you were in charge.
* Explain the size of the company you worked for, the number of people you supervised, and the size of any budgets you managed.
6. Condense unimportant information. There is no need to list every job you've had since college. You can include a quick summary of those early positions in a section labeled "early career."
* If you were recognized or honored for work you accomplished, by all means include that- if it is relevant to the job you're applying for now!
7. If you've been in the workforce for several years, your educational background becomes less important. Trimming this section to the basics will leave more room for other information.

Skills Resumes OWL at Purdue University Sample Skills Resume OWL at Purdue University Sample Skills Resume, skills section

1. Skills resumes allow you to group your work history by skills, not by dates or places of employment.
2. This kind of resume lets you highlight the skills you think are most important; your resume can lead with the most relevant experience you have instead of the most recent.
3. This resume style can be particularly useful for someone who is re-entering the workforce, or entering the workforce for the first time, and does not have recent work experience.
4. It is also well-suited if you are making a big career change, as you can list skills relevant to the job you're applying for.
5. Write a clear objective statement; this can explain how your skills relate to the job you now seek.
6. Also make sure to include a career summary; this can explain why you are changing careers or re-entering the workforce.
7. The general layout is as follows:
* Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
* Objective statement.
* Career summary.
* Skills groupings.
* List of places of employment (include employer names, locations, and dates of employment).
* Educational background (School name, location and your GPA). o (Recent graduates may place education ahead of their skill groupings).

Functional Resumes About.com's Sample Functional Resume About.com's Sample Functional Resume, top section

1. A functional resume is very close in style to a skill-based resume, and can also be helpful for recent graduates or people re-entering the workplace.
2. If you've held many jobs over a short period, a functional resume can help you avoid being pegged as a job-hopper.
3. More and more people work in temporary and contract positions these days; a functional resume is another way to highlight the skills you used in these positions.
4. This style lets you demonstrate how your previous work or educational experience has provided you with the appropriate background for the job you're applying for.
5. You do not need to list your jobs in chronological order; instead, put the most relevant one(s) first.
6. You also do not need to list every job you have had in the career listing section; simply include the ones that are relevant.
* You will list all your employers in the short employment history section.
7. If you're applying for your first job, by all means include related internships and educational awards- if they truly relate to the job you're applying for!
8. Include an objective statement, as it can tie the disparate resume elements together.
9. The general layout is as follows:
* Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
* Objective statement.
* Career and skills summary.
* Career listings, by relevancy to desired position.
* Employment history (List all employers here, with dates of employment).
* Educational background (School name, location and your GPA). o (Recent graduates may place education ahead of their career listings).

Combination Resumes

1. A combination resume mixes the chronological, functional and skills formats.
2. It's another format used by career-changers and those new to the job market, as you can show why you fulfill the needs of the new position.
3. It can also be used by older workers, as this format lets you highlight your strongest credentials.
4. The same holds true for people with employments gaps; this style lets you focus on what you have achieved, not on times when you were not working.
5. Make sure to write an objective statement for this format as well.
6. The general layout is as follows:
* Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
* Objective statement.
* Career summary (if included).
* Skills summary.
* Reverse chronological career listing; with a focus on skills relevant to the job you're applying for.
* Educational background (School name, location and your GPA). o (Recent graduates may place education ahead of their skills summary).

Video Resumes The well-known video resume "Impossible is Nothing"

1. Job listing sites like Jobster and Vault.com let applicants post video resumes online.
2. Video resumes are becoming more popular, but some HR departments are reluctant to accept them, not wanting to be accused of bias. Make sure you can use your video resume before making one!
3. Just like paper resumes, a tailored resume is best here. You want this resume to explain why you're qualified to work in a specific position or industry. An elaborate but unrelated production will not be appreciated.
4. To make your video resume:
* Dress as if for a job interview.
* Speak clearly.
* Do not make distracting motions.
5. Begin with your first and last name. You can mention more detailed contact information, but be cautious if the video will appear on a public site.
6. Then list your educational background.
7. Next discuss your qualifications, either work-related or educational, for the position (or for the industry) you're applying for.
8. You can mention any special skills you have, if they relate to the job you're applying for.
9. End by re-stating your name and thank the watcher for her time.

* Here's an example of what not to do in your video resume:

Video Resume Parody: Impossible is the Opposite of Possible Step 5: Tailor Your Resume

1. It is more and more common to have a resume tailored to each position you are applying for, instead of using a "one size fits all" model.
2. Your resume should highlight why you are qualified for the position you're applying for.
3. Remove extraneous information. Do not detail every job experience you have had if it does not relate to the job you're pursuing.
4. Remember, you want your resume to be only one page (two if you have enough business experience that the extra information is important and relevant)!
5. Applying to multiple industries and you want to list varied skills? Write different versions of your resume for each type of job. Just be careful not to send the wrong version out for a job, or you may pre-emptively disqualify yourself for that position!

Step 6: Polish Your Resume

* Now that you've chosen a style and entered your information, it's time to polish your resume!

What Not to Have on Your Resume

1. Always check for typos and grammatical errors. Then check again. Then have a friend proofread for you. These types of mistakes are easy to fix, and make a big difference in whether or not an employer will consider you for a job!
2. Do not use "I" or "me"; the reader already knows the resume is about your accomplishments.
3. In listing your education, only include college and graduate school. The fact that you won a spelling bee in first grade, though commendable, will not help you land a job interview!
4. Do not include your height, weight or age; this information is not necessary and will only irritate potential employers.
5. Remove out-of-date terms and technology. Being able to change typewriter ribbons is not a hot skill today.
6. Unless specifically requested to do so by the job posting, do not include references on a resume. You can provide these later in the interview process.

Resume Keywords

1. With online resume databases and thousands of resumes pouring in via email, many HR departments now perform keyword searches to weed through these submissions.
2. This means you need to make sure your resume includes relevant keywords to the industry you're in or it may be overlooked.
3. First, make sure you include the keywords from the job listing you're applying to!
4. To find other appropriate keywords, study job postings for your field. Chances are the keywords you see cropping up in these ads are also what employers search for.
5. Other sources for industry keywords:
* Employer websites
* Industry-affiliated websites
* Messageboards and forums about your career sector
* Government job descriptions like Occupational Outlook Handbook
6. Only list keywords that apply to you.
7. Only use words for skills you actually have.
8. Do not load your resume with multiple keywords saying the same thing; it may help you make it through a database search, but when a human sees the keyword-loaded resume she will immediately put it in the garbage.

Resume Action Words

1. Now examine the words you used to describe yourself and your job. Do you sound like a dynamic worker any company would be thrilled to have, or like a ho-hum employee?
2. Action verbs like "built" and "led" are better than passive terms like "worked with" and "helped."
3. For more verb ideas, check out Boston College's list of action verbs.
4. Make your resume special by having it really describe who you are. Instead of generic resume words that are overused to the point of meaninglessness, use words and descriptions that are concise, easy-to-read and relate to who you are, what you've accomplished, and what you aspire to for the future. You want your resume to reflect the real you!

Resume Writing Services

1. The online site Emurse offers an online resume-building template. After registering (for free), you can input your personal information and the site will use a template to create a resume.
2. Microsoft Word has resume templates and a resume writing wizard you can use. You can also find more resume templates online.
* Be careful using these, as the formatting may make it difficult for companies to electronically scan your resume.
3. Check out books about writing resumes, like Resumes for Dummies and The Elements of Resume Style
4. Professional resume writing services can be useful if you're stuck on what to do. Check out these professional resume writers' groups to find help.�

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Getting to Decision Makers in your job search by Haley Marketing as featured at NetTemps

Call on the President. Sell to “VITO.” Get to the decision maker.

You’ve heard the message before. And surely you recognize its importance. If you want to get your business out of the commodity game, and into delivering higher margin, value-added solutions, you must find the people with the problems that need solving. Your sales people have to get past the gatekeepers and order placers and on to the people who can most benefit from your services.

But are they?

Are your sales people successful at calling on decision makers? And once they reach them, do your sales people know what to say? Unfortunately, all too often the answer to these questions is “no.” Many sales people (especially less experienced ones) are reluctant to call on decision makers. Either due to fear or inexperience they avoid the decision makers and instead spend their time with the order placers-who ironically are the people that are often hardest to sell!

Which Door Will You Use?

Sit down with an experienced sales trainer and you can certainly learn many techniques for getting the door open with decision makers; however, before you reach for the doorknob, take time to get prepared.

The first and most important step in reaching decision makers is knowing who you want to talk to. Often sales reps are pushed to call on the president, or some other “C” person (i.e., CEO, COO, CFO, etc.), but does this person really care about the solutions you offer?

Ideally, you should be targeting the highest level person who will directly benefit from the value you can offer. For example, if you sell strategic staffing solutions, like on-site programs, you probably need to call on the head of HR (since you’re likely dealing with a large organization) and also the CFO, COO or Plant Manager. If you sell supplemental staffing solutions, then the appropriate decision makers are likely the department heads and other hiring managers who will benefit from the quality of your services.

Please note that the “right” person will vary greatly depending on the size of the company you are targeting. Target a large employer and you may have to deal with the CFO, controller, department heads, and/or HR. Target small companies and the president should be on your list.

Once you’ve identified who you want to target (by name!), you then need a strategy for getting in the door. Here are three ideas:

* The Front Door

Use a targeted direct marketing approach to capture the attention of the decision makers. You may try direct mail, telemarketing, or a combination of the two in your efforts. Ideally, your direct marketing should be highly tailored to each individual-with a message that matches the needs and interests of the decision maker.

At a minimum, your message should appeal to the needs and wants that you know this type of person is likely to have. For example, if you’re selling to an HR manager, show how you can help save time, save money, or simplify their job. If you’re selling to a small business owner, show how you can increase profit.

* The Side Door

Network, network, network. If you have established relationships in the company you’re targeting, start by asking these people for their assistance in providing background information about the decision maker you’re trying to reach. Better yet, ask for an introduction.

If you do not have established relationships within the company, find people outside the organization who do. This is where all those community service groups become valuable. You might start with local chamber of commerce meetings. See who can help you meet someone inside the company you have targeted, and then once you’re inside, find someone who can help you get to the decision maker.

* The Back Door

If you can’t get directly to the decision maker, and you can’t network your way there, consider partnering with someone who is already there. You might be able to strike up an alliance with another vendor who is providing services to the target company, or network with professional advisors (e.g., accountants and attorneys) who might see value in recommending your services.

How to Say “Hello”
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The standout job candidate by Luladey B. Tadesse

Landing a job is not just about your credentials and experience. Sometimes it’s the little things that stand out and make you a desirable candidate.

Paying attention to detail, leaving an impression at the interview and conducting a proper follow-up go a long way.

“A lot of people believe that job searching is like baseball, you have to go to first base before you go to second base,” says Darlene Cook, career strategist and coach at Résumés and Beyond, in Baltimore. “What they don’t realize is that successful candidates are skipping a lot of bases.”

Cook says job seekers should aim high — apply to the companies they admire and want to work for, not just those with posted job openings. The goal is to send a résumé and cover letter that will grab the attention of the top managers at a company, or at least a decision maker, who can help you land a job.

So what does it take?

First, you have to get the basics right; prepare a focused, targeted résumé and cover letter. Absolutely no typos tolerated. Make sure you use key words and phrases in the industry that recruiters will look for in your résumé. For example, if you are applying for a publishing job, “editor” and “writer” are important catch words. Such words will stand out when employers browse through thousands of résumés posted online.

Just as important as what you include in the résumé is what you omit.

Joanne Pierson held tons of jobs ranging from housekeeping to warehousing to an administrative assistant in accounts receivable. Her goal is to find an administrative job.

“I am taking off warehouse and housekeeping because it is not the job I am looking for,” says Pierson, 46, a Wilmington resident. If she lists everything she has ever done, she says her potential employer may not bother to read her résumé long enough to see her administrative experience.

Make your résumé succinct and easy to read. Don’t leave the reader asking questions. If you have an uncommon name, and it is difficult to tell your gender, perhaps you want to provide hints in the résumé by adding a middle name, suggests Cook. This avoids surprises when you get called in for an interview.

Depending on how much creativity the job entails, you may want to jazz up your résumé and cover letter by highlighting your accomplishments and experience before listing the chronology of companies you have worked for and your schooling.

“People are designing wonderful envelopes and letterhead,” said John Hawkins, president and chief executive of Aloysius Butler & Clark, an advertising and public relations company in Wilmington. “As you are going through your mail, you say, ‘I have to really open that.’ ”

Since many companies now require online applications, if you want to send a custom- designed résumé, you have to mail it the old-fashioned way.

Make an impression

If you are invited for an interview, you have even more of an opportunity to market yourself. Do your homework. Find out the latest news about the company: Did it just merge with another company? Win awards? What is the organization’s mission?

Show up on time. Dress appropriately.

“Even if the company has a business casual culture, you still wear appropriate business suit, male or female,” says Barry Schlecker, president of The Network Group, a job search firm in Wilmington. “Too many people come overdressed. It’s not a party they are going to, it’s not a date — it’s a business interview.”

Some experts suggest you practice a short answer for obvious questions such as “Tell me about yourself?” or “Why do you want to leave your current job?”

If the job is in online sales, or requires a lot of public speaking and presentations, be prepared for a challenge. Some companies expect you to pitch a sales idea to a group of interviewers. If you know you may be asked to do a presentation, you should prepare one. Candidates particularly good at making presentations may want to take this opportunity to talk about themselves.

“I have seen people who do a PowerPoint presentation that shows you whatever they have done in their life,” said Hawkins of Aloysius Butler. “It shows capability and ingenuity.”

Hawkins liked the presentations because he was hooked for a few minutes and got a chance to learn more about the job candidate than what was on the résumé. It was unique. It made an impression.

“Do not be afraid to brag about yourself,” says Schlecker. “Be prepared to say nice things about yourself. Be positive without being cocky.”

During the first interview, avoid any mention of salary expectation, benefits or vacation schedule. It’s way too early to start negotiating.

Also, if asked why you left a company or your opinion about your employer, avoid being negative.

Linda C. Hall, 57, of Newark, recently was laid off from her job as a medical clerk because her employer filed for bankruptcy. She said she will try not to talk about her employer or its financial problems; her goal is to focus on her qualifications, not bad-mouth her past employer.

Talking badly about an employer only makes the interviewer wonder if you will do the same to him.

When wrapping up the interview, don’t be afraid to ask what the next step is in the job application process and when the company expects to make a decision.

Keep in contact

As soon as you leave the interview, send thank you cards to each interviewer; it doesn’t matter how poorly you think you performed. It’s polite and distinguishes an applicant from others vying for the same position, writes Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, a national staffing company and author of “Managing Your Career for Dummies.”

More than half of the 150 senior executives polled by Accountemps said they prefer handwritten notes; 44 percent said they prefer e-mail.

After sending the thank you notes, give the company time to make a decision. When it gets closer to the deadline, make the call and find out the status of your application.

If the company offers you a job, be prepared to negotiate. Don’t immediately say “Yes” if you have not had a chance to think about it.

If the answer is “No,” don’t fret. The best way to get better at interviewing and job searching is through practice.

Also don’t be shocked if a company never calls you back.

“Some companies will send you a letter, but it is not uncommon to just be lost in space,” says Schlecker. “I don’t think there is anything wrong if you don’t get a job to say, ‘Can you tell me why I didn’t get the job? Is there something you can do to help me in my next interview?’ ”

If you make a good impression, the recruiter or hiring manager will be honest. That person may even keep your résumé on hand for future openings or refer you to another department.

1 Add information about your educational background.

2 Although in some cultures, it’s customary to list your age, marital status, and family status, it isn’t common in the United States. If you think age is important, you can allude to it with the year you graduated college or high school. Otherwise, these dates aren’t necessary. Beware that, depending on the industry, you may face age discrimination if you graduated many years ago. For example, in creative industries, having graduated more than a few years ago may disqualify you from getting an interview for a junior position.

3 Always backup your resume online, a flash usb drive or even print it out.

4 Another approach is to lead with your strong suit, whether it be education, skills, work or volunteer experience. The idea is to showcase your strengths and hide any weaknesses.

5 Be careful about listing volunteer activities. When you start listing things that tie you to political and other emotionally charged organizations, you might get put in a bucket of preconceived notions. It’s not right, but everyone has biases and it is better to avoid them if possible.

6 Be consistent! Format each entry in your resume in the same way.

7 Detail your duties within each position but don’t go overboard.

8 Do not exaggerate your qualifications. If you lie, it can have ugly consequences later. However, feel free to leave out what you feel is not 100% necessary, such as that fast food job you had in high school, if you have other more relevant experience to draw from.

9 Do not include irrelevant personal information. If you make inappropriate personal disclosures on your resumes, employers may perceive you as having poor judgment. They may also, intentionally or unintentionally, discriminate against you.

10 Do NOT pad your resume. This may be illegal in some instances, and is quite likely to make you look like a fool.

11 Don’t attach 6 letters of recommendation, your diploma, your birth certificate, and your CPR and fitness certifications. Indicate your current certifications and be prepared to give references upon request. Do not waste space on your resume by saying “References available”.

12 Don’t over qualify yourself for a position. Give enough information for interest and save the “wow” factor for the interview. Write the resume for the position you are applying for without altering the truth.

13 Follow directions. This is a huge indicator of responsibility to a hiring manager. If the ad says “no calls please,” then don’t call! If the job description asks you to provide your salary history, then include that information in your resume.

14 Get a friend or business adviser to check it for mistakes. It is easy to miss typing errors and grammatical mistakes in your haste to produce the perfect resume.

15 Highlight your expertise in software programs and/or any other particular skills that will impress the interviewer.

16 Highlight your work experience. Again, keep in mind that you should tailor your qualifications to the the position you are seeking. Whenever possible, list your experience in terms of accomplishments and achievements rather than tasks and responsibilities. Show your success.

17 If possible, keep the resume for a day or two before reading it again. You may think of something else you want to add before submitting it to prospective employers.

18 If you do have to use two pages, make sure that the second page is at least half filled. If not, go back and re-work the formatting to see if you can fit it on one page. You can also review all the information you have and make sure it is all necessary and relevant. Remove the “fluff”.

19 In some countries (like Germany) you have to include a photograph with your application. In others, like the US and Canada, including a photo will immediately disqualify you with many employers. This just goes to show how important it is to research the local culture if you apply for a job in another country.

20 Include an address, phone number and email address. But, do not include an email that shows you shouldn’t be taken seriously, like beerandboys@email.com. Don’t use your current employer’s name, number or email, either. If necessary, get an extra email address with a professional name that you can use for job searches.

21 Keep the format neat and organized. Include relevant information only. Don’t list every little job you’ve ever held if it isn’t relevant. Decide between listing by experience or chronologically (use whichever one works best for your resume).

22 Listing personal hobbies is optional, but make sure they are sending the right impression. In other words, you might want to mention your stamp collection if you’re applying for a job at a delivery company, but don’t include Monday night football at Hooters.

23 Make notes of all your previous job responsibilities. Note what is already on your current resume and what you might want to add to past jobs. If this is your first resume, this is a great time to start putting the proper amount of detail into your resume. That way, you don’t have to revisit those portions year after year.

24 Make sure your resume uses white space effectively. The resume layout should be professional, crisp and well-defined. If you have too much information on the page, the prospective employer will not want to read it all.

25 Mind the look and feel of your resume. It should have clean lines and be easy to read. Make it 1-2 pages max - if you have more to share, save it for the interview. The font should be 8-13, no smaller, no bigger, but you should be able to read it well when you print it out. Black and white is best, but occasional color is okay if not overdone.

26 Most people are somewhat shy and modest about what they have done on the job. Don’t be! Think hard about what you’ve done and what you’ve accomplished. For instance, instead of saying “answered phones,” say “answered multi-line phone and routed calls for an office of 43 people.” The example here shows the prospective employer the volume of work you’ve handled and the complexity of the equipment.

27 Print your resume on good quality paper, such as 20 pound bond white paper. Fancy papers are nice, but it’s the content of your resume that employers care about.

28 Proofread, proofread and proofread again. Have a friend proofread. Have an enemy proofread. Have a stranger proofread. Then proof again! Don’t boast about verbal communication skills with a typo.

29 Put your educational details in before your employment details, with the most recent first on both of them.

30 Quantify your accomplishments, if possible, by applying specific numbers to your successes. For instance, if you streamlined the flow of work for your department, define how much time it saved the company over a period of, say, 4 months. Time is money.

31 State your objective. Again, keep this short and to the point. Personalize it to the position. Make sure your objective doesn’t contradict the position you are applying for.

32 Tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for (this may require a bit of research). You may end up with many different versions of your resume, each one emphasizing a different set of skills.

33 Toot your own horn, but be careful. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. Try not to cross that line.

34 Try to keep your resume to one page, and two at most.

35 Use no more than three different fonts.

36 Write a cover letter that is short, sweet and to the point (and specifically written for the job you’re applying for). If at all possible, do not write more than a page-long cover letter (make sure, though, that you include everything the employer asks for). Try and remember that the person reading it is probably looking at hundreds of resumes. Address logical questions in your cover letter. If you’re applying for a position in California but your resume has a New York address, explain why. If you don’t, the reader will probably trash the resume (unless the company is ready and willing to pay for a relocation package).

37 You might not need to list your whole name if it takes up two full lines (Alan Michael Allan White III; Alan White is fine or even Jim White if that’s the way you like to be addressed.

Employers brace for baby boomers and seniors to leave jobs

Fifty years ago the nation welcomed more than 75 million babies.

But now, these baby boomers are nearing retirement age and employers are facing a loss of up to half their upper-level work force.

The biggest boom in births now is leading to a retirement crunch for many companies, including some of the biggest employers in Fort Collins.
Technology impact

According to the National Science Foundation, by the age of 62, about 50 percent of science and engineering professionals are retired. That leaves Hewlett-Packard with the task of preparing to lose a large portion of its work force.

“HP, like most large companies, is experiencing the baby boomer retirement phenomenon,” said Betty Smith, university recruiting manager for the Americas region.

In 2004, it was estimated that HP’s Fort Collins site employed 3,000 individuals. But Ed Woodward, media spokesman for HP, said the company doesn’t have demographic breakdowns for specific sites to show the number of individuals nearing retirement age.

In an effort to help fill those jobs, HP is partnering with universities in a heavy recruiting endeavor.

“We know very well we’re going to have a lot of our work force to replace,” Smith said. “(The) job market is very hot in the (United States) right now.”

But the majority of HP hires are experienced rather than entry-level and HP is in the developmental stage for a new program that will help prime existing employees for more advanced jobs.

“Some companies have talked about it, but we’re actually doing it,” Woodward said.
Education impact

Good news from the higher education sector in Fort Collins: Colorado State University doesn’t anticipate a huge crunch to fill a large number of jobs.

Taking a proactive rather than reactive step, Vice Provost for Faculty Tom Gorell said the university tries to stay ahead of the game with about 1,000 faculty members, hiring about 30 to 40 new faculty members each year.

So rather than waiting for employees to retire and then looking to fill those jobs, the university conducts job searches while older employees prepare for retirement.

“We like to know ahead of time so we can plan,” he said of the many faculty members who give about a year’s notice of their impending retirement.

CSU also provides the option of transitional retirement, depending on eligibility. That means one to four years before permanently retiring, employees can work on a part-time basis, giving the university time to find a replacement. Gorell estimates about 40 percent to 50 percent of faculty go on transitional retirement.
Government impact

Although the city of Fort Collins is not prepared for the impending baby boom retirement phase, it might have an easier time because of its contrast with the private sector.

The average age of a city employee is 47, not including seasonal employees, said Janet Miller, human resources director.

But higher retention rates could prove to be a detriment to the city as more begin to retire.

The city has more than 700 workers in the 43-to-61 year old age range, a larger percentage of the 1,200 member work force.

“This is really a nationwide problem or opportunity, depending on how you look at it,” Miller said, adding that the key for the next eight to 10 years is to focus on attracting a younger generation of workers.

While the city is discussing plans to help fill jobs lost to retirement, those plans are only in their infancy, Miller said.

One example would include a phased retirement, a concept gaining popularity. For those considering retirement, the city would decrease their workloads and possibly use them in other capacities, such as mentoring fellow employees.

“We’re also worried about the knowledge drain as we watch this population leave institutions,” she said. “This is a whole different ball game. It’s not limited to a particular career or field.”
Bridging the gap: New hires

As millions of people are thinking about or actually retiring, companies are left with spots in desperate need to be filled. Many companies are looking for top-notch college graduates who have the potential to rise into those high-level jobs.

The Career Center at CSU is working to bridge the gap between students and some of the region’s most powerful companies, such as Hewlett-Packard.

Coming up with more creative ways to reach soon-to-be college graduates, employers are taking advantage of things such as podcasts and blogs, in addition to the traditional career fairs and focus groups.

To prepare students for all careers, including business, science and engineering and arts, the university requires many seniors to complete senior capstone classes.

“It stimulates real world experiences,” said Brian O’Bruba, associate director of the Career Center, including teaching students how to handle generational differences of working with people traditionally seen as their superiors rather than peers.

Online job seekers become prey a warning for Job Hunters

Monster Worldwide acknowledged Thursday that intruders swiped sensitive data for at least 1.3 million job seekers from its popular employment Web site.

Using e-mail addresses, phone numbers and other personal information harvested from Monster.com, hackers have posed as potential employers or as the Web site itself in a bid to hustle the victims’ bank-account numbers and passwords.

The intruders also have used e-mail come-ons and pop-up ads pitching job-finding services to persuade victims to click on a tainted Web link. Clicking on the link results in an error message and turns control of the computer over to the intruder, said Don Jackson, virus researcher at security firm SecureWorks.

Monster.com said it shut down the “rogue server” where the stolen data was stored and that only names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses were found. It declined further comment, saying it was cooperating with law enforcement.

However, security experts said the rogue server likely was only one of dozens used to steal and store data in an elaborate theft campaign that has been operating since May.

There could be many more than the 1.3 million Monster patrons whose personal information has been breached, and there is little stopping the intruders from continuing the attacks, said Robert Sandilands, chief researcher at security firm Authentium.

“It is a very good first step by Monster,” Sandilands said. “There will have to be more changes to prevent this from happening again. This was a smaller part of a much bigger operation.”

The scheme came to light after computer-security firm Symantec reported on its Web site that it had found a hoard of 1.6 million personal records, including duplicates, stolen from Monster.com on a computer in Ukraine.

By Wednesday, Monster had posted a warning on its online “security center” that scam artists were sending bogus job offers to try to obtain bank-account information.

Monster said Thursday it would warn each victim by mail.

Symantec told Monster of the problem Aug. 17. Vice President Patrick Manzo said Monster waited five days to tell users of the intrusion.

“In terms of figuring out what the issue was, that was a relatively quick process,” he said. “The other issue is, you want to make sure exactly what you are dealing with.”

Infected computers are being incorporated into “zombie” networks to spread e-mail spam, deliver more infections and collect and store stolen data. Meanwhile, all information typed by the computer user into the Web browser, including usernames and passwords for online accounts, is collected.

Jackson, of SecureWorks, tracked down several servers being used to store data collected over time from victims’ browser activity, including Social Security numbers and other data. One such storage unit held rich data for 46,000 individuals, he said.

The hackers appear to have used such data to log in to a job recruiter’s Monster account and order contact information for 1.3 million job candidates.

That data, in turn, was used to target known job seekers for e-mail scams touting Monster’s services.

Some Monster users said Thursday they had seen such e-mails as far back as February. Manzo said Monster had noticed e-mail attacks on customers eight or nine months ago but didn’t have concrete evidence of improper access until the past week.

While multiple malicious programs are in use against Monster and its clients, Symantec said they all appeared to be written by the same band of thieves.

The attack has been so effective that security experts expect it to be tried at other employment sites. Social- and business-networking sites are also susceptible, they say.

“The advice to just stay out of the dark corners of the Internet really doesn’t hold water anymore,” said David Cole, director of the Symantec Security Response team. “The bad guys are going to legitimate Web sites and attacking people.”

The security breach is notable because of its complexity and size. Average computer users have grown accustomed to ignoring fraudulent come-ons for their bank accounts that purport to be from the likes of PayPal or Citibank.

But the Monster scheme is more convincing because e-mails sent by the scammers include personal information about victims such as their cellphone numbers and street addresses.

Patrick Martin of Symantec said the sham job pitches were especially effective because Monster users were hoping to hear from strangers.

30 Ways to Transform Your Career by Will Chen from Dumb Little Man blog

Work rut is a vicious cycle. Your job is hard and demanding. When you get home the last thing you want to do is think about work. But without the proper planning, your career never improves.

Break the cycle by making small, solid changes on a daily basis. Here are 30 digestible bits of career advice from top blogs like 4-Hour Workweek, The Simple Dollar, Freelance Switch, Zenhabits and more. Try out a tip a day for the next month and transform your career.

Becoming more productive by working less

* Don’t let coworkers ramble. Don’t put up with “how’s it going?” when someone calls you. Force the other person to stick to the point by consistently asking them “what’s
up?” Read More.

* Multi-tasking makes projects 30% late. Because your brain has to mentally reset itself which results in a loss of efficiency. Read More.

* Meetings that end without action steps. They are a waste of time. Forget notes.
Writing down concrete action steps is 95% of the battle. Read More.

* Construct the perfect email subject line. Tip: label with keywords. Keep short. Read More.

* Achieve greatness in 15 minutes. Do all your tasks in fifteen minute chunks. Use a simple kitchen timer. When you know every unpleasant task will end in fifteen minutes, there is no excuse for procrastination or distractions. Read More.

* Firewall your attention. Make ‘no’ the default answer for new project. New things should earn their way into your attention field. Read More.

* Do only big tasks with big returns. Start with tasks with the greatest positive impact. Everything else is just busy work. Read More.

* Turn Facebook into a killer app. Use its calendars and schedules to take care of both your personal and professional interactions in one place. Like it or not, many of your friends are probably also your co-workers. Read More.

Don’t just tolerate your boss, outsmart him

* How to connect with a boss you hate. It’s easy to come up with a list of all the ways your boss could change to be less annoying, domineering, passive-aggressive, arrogant, etc. But fact is, you can’t change anyone but yourself. Read More.

* Earn more money by negotiating without fear. It doesn’t matter how much money you make right now. The key is how much you are worth, and how much you want to make. Read More.

* Say no at work by offering an alternative. Think of other people or approaches that will allow your boss to get the job done without your involvement. Offer your boss solutions, not excuses. Read More.

* Control your next performance review. Don’t be passive. Develop a game plan, be specific about your needs, and visualize your meeting in advance. Read More.

Pimp your workspace

* Is your workspace driving you crazy? Are you being driven mad at work by misplaced walls or the wrong kinds of noise? Take this quiz to see how your office measures up. Read More.

* Setting up action areas. Isolate a portion of your desk as an “action area” — a physical inbox for things that needs doing. The concept: When you walk by, everything you see requires action. If you have a minute, take action. Read More.

* Decorate your workspace with progress. Don’t throw your to-do lists away. Save them as trophies of your achievement and an inspiring monument to a job well done. Read More.

* Clean up the power cords maze. Transform your workspace with a drill, duct tape, and a monster 12 outlet power strip. Read More.

* Need a change of scene? Set up an offsite office. It can be a local café, a favorite park, a pizza place, the library, a shared office space, anywhere that you can go on a regular basis to get out of the office, but still be productive. Read More.

* Make your office look like an iPod. Divide up each project into file folders. Since you can only work on one thing at a time, only pull out the one folder you need. Read More.

Stop feeling crappy at work

* Recognize that all jobs suck. All companies are dysfunctional. The thing is, they’re all dysfunctional in different ways. The secret to happiness is to pick an employer with dysfunctions that will bug you less than the others. Read More.

* Take care of yourself when working long hours. Invest in a proper ergonomic chair, exercise your eyeballs, stretch your neck and shoulders, and spend time with humans. Read More.

* How to thrive in a job you hate. When something comes up in your job that you hate, feel that. Let yourself feel whatever emotion comes over you. Don’t try to hide it inside, or it will just blow out later. Read More.

* Give your resume a facelift. Improve any resume by picking a better typeface (ditch Times for Georgia), removing extra indentations, making it more scannable, and applying typographic detailing. Read More.

How not to get fired

* Stay on top of your game. With time, most of us will lose some of our thirst for knowledge. The more this happens, the more important it becomes to fuel that passion externally to keep driving yourself forward. Read More.

* When loyalty gets misinterpreted as incompetence. Working at one company for more than 15 years may actually be a red flag to corporate employers. Long-standing employees are seen as unwilling or even unable to make a move. Read More.

* 14 essential tips for meeting a deadline. You have to be serious about meeting deadlines. Make breaking a deadline a cardinal sin. Once you’ve done this step, the other 13 are just logistics. Read More.

* 20 signs that a pink-slip is coming. If you can answer yes to THREE or more of these questions, you may want to think about sprucing up your resume and dry-cleaning your best interview attire. Read More.

* 15 things you can do right now to help your career. To get ahead you need to start small and look at immediate steps you can take to help out your situation. Read More.

Reinvent your idea of work

* Prioritize your career as your biggest investment. Your annual investment returns are seldom as great as your annual salary. Yet many people spend more time picking stocks than planning their careers. Read More.

* Continuous 8 hour work day is an unnatural relic of the past. Productivity levels generally peak twice a day — first thing in the morning and shortly after lunch. Why not switch to a 3-4 hour workday that focuses on the productive times? Read More.

* 7 ways to bridge the talent gap. Talent has very little to do with the success of someone who’s just starting out. More important factors are your productivity, attention to detail, versatility, openness to new ideas, and attitude. Read More.

* Detailed road map to self-employment. With a well-considered plan based on some realistic assumptions and some work ethic and willpower, almost anyone can make it happen. Read More.

Of course, life isn’t all about moleskine notebooks and GTD lists. Soak in this final tip from the No Impact Man and stop obsessing over the rat race:

“I try to remind myself to stop running from my insecurities and fears, to see them for what they are (illusions), and to have faith in what is. The Buddhists call it returning to the moment. The Christian’s call it trusting in God’s will. The shrinks might call it getting rid of anxiety. The Tao te Ching just says that a man who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.”

Will Chen is a writer for Wise Bread, a personal finance blog published by Killer Aces Media.