Never Put these words in your cv

It's hard to believe that a few words could irritate someone enough to make them stop reading your resume, but it's true. Some hiring managers and recruiters admit that they have their own mental lists of words that annoy them. Resume how-to books may recommend that you pack your resume full of as many verbs, adjectives, and adverbs as you can. But if you aren't careful, you could turn off more prospective employers than you entice. Effective word choice is what really appeals to hiring managers--not action verbs and glittery modifiers. Here's a rundown of some words that hiring managers say detract from the persuasiveness of resumes they see.
Assist, assisted
Reasons to avoid: Hiring managers want to know what you did, not how you helped. If you're familiar enough with a task to put it on your resume, you can choose a better word than assist.
Example: Assisted marketing director by researching PDAs.
Possible rephrasing: Researched PDAs for marketing department.
Experiment
Reasons to avoid: No one wants to hear about what you tried to do--only what you have accomplished.
Example: Experimented with new LAN management software.
Possible rephrasing: Tested and evaluated new LAN management software.
Skillfully, effectively, carefully, quickly, expert, mastered
Reasons to avoid: Hiring managers often object to words that describe how well you do a particular task. In many cases, it comes across as boastful--and it's unnecessary. "If you aren't good at it, why are you putting it on your resume?" one recruiter said.
Example: Skillfully managed transition from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003.
Possible rephrasing: Migrated organization from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003 with no downtime during business hours.
Cutting-edge, detail-oriented; coordinate, facilitate, transform; proven ability, synergy, and liaison
Reasons to avoid: Hiring managers say such words take up space without communicating much. They've seen them so often that the words have lost their original energy.
Example: Detail-oriented manager with proven ability to oversee day-to-day network operations and to implement major technology initiatives.
Possible rephrasing: Supervised an eight-member IS staff; completed two full-scale platform migrations; consolidated equipment and resources following facilities move.
Responsible for...
Reasons to avoid: You're a manager, so of course you're responsible for something. Specify exactly what your responsibilities are and work in a few numbers to convey the scope of what you do.
Example: Responsible for managing inventory, overseeing network operations, making new equipment purchases, troubleshooting workstation issues.
Possible rephrasing: Supervised the support of 70 users running Windows XP and two servers running Windows Server 2003; implemented asset management plan for inventorying equipment; built a network operations team responsible for the internal infrastructure.

Job Searching Tips

Job searching strategies for today's job seekers

So, you are ready to start down the path to a magnificent new career. Set your expectations high because in the next few moments you will be fully armed with effective strategies for attaining your dream job.

These tactics have been developed for job seekers just like you to make their job hunt a success. Go ahead and reach for the stars, the sky is your limit. What we need from you…100% of your commitment!

Here is your mission-->

Treat searching for employment as if it's your current job! Work regular, steady hours, and set up a space where you will feel comfortable spending time. Sample tasks might include drafting a cover letter researching companies, networking, setting up informational interviews, and applying to positions on the Internet.

Prepare
Put everything you need within hands reach. Set your desk up with office supplies, folders for tracking information, or anything else you might need to personalize your space.

* Use an Excel spread sheet as a tracking tool
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Start now!

If you find yourself highly distracted and spending time doing everything, but searching for a job, STOP…it's time to reprioritize.

Best ways to eliminate job search procrastination:

1. List everything you have to do
2. Write down your career goal and keep it in eyesight
3. Set realistic goals
4. Make each task meaningful
5. Remind yourself of the rewards
6. Eliminate tasks you never plan to do
7. Estimate the amount of time you think it will take you to complete a task
8. Make sure your resume is completed and ready to send out

Get organized and stay on track!

Creating weekly or even daily plans of attack will keep you on target. Breaking goals down into an easy to read checklist can make you feel empowered as you see the list shrinking before your eyes.

An example list may include:

* Make __# of phone calls
* Send __ # of resumes
* Follow up calls
* Attend networking activities

Don't worry, lists are always subject to change.

Deadlines:

Make a promise to yourself that you must meet every deadline! Often a little bit of pressure will get your motor running into high gear.

Remember to develop realistic deadlines so that you can achieve all of them.

* By Wednesday:
Research completed on how to write an effective resume
* By Thursday:
First draft of resume completed
* By Friday:
Get feedback from someone who knows how to create an effective resume

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Write your thoughts down
It can become very overwhelming keeping track of all your activities when you are applying for numerous jobs on multiple job boards daily.

Developing a master list of all your activities no matter how big or small helps you remember what has taken place and it is a great reference.

1. Dates you applied for jobs and when to make follow up contact
2. What jobs you applied to on what sites
3. Names, dates, and times of job interviews
4. Names of people to network with
5. Dates of follow up contacts made

Ask for help
Entrust the people who can help you with the process of researching companies, conducting mock interviews, and proofreading your resume and cover letters.

Who?

1. Friends and family
2. Unions
3. Career counselors
4. Employment agencies
5. Teachers or mentors
6. Community organizations

This is also an excellent opportunity to Network!

-->Don't burn the candle at both ends:

-->Don't start your brand-new job on sick leave!

We all know that searching for that perfect job can be anxiety provoking; leaving you feeling emotionally and physically drained, but don't stress we will make sure that you are fully equipped with the tools necessary to keep your spirits high; so when it comes time for the interview you are fresh faced and clear headed.

1. Get plenty of rest; wake up and follow a normal schedule
2. Searching from home? Try leaving the house; even if is just to your morning Starbucks
3. Take a breather - walk around the neighborhood
4. Work within designated time frames
5. Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
6. Reduce stress by shifting to a deeper breathing pattern, taking in breath from the lower abdomen. Do it several times a day, every day
7. Check your posture. How you hold yourself can impact how you feel
8. Stay positive (red flag the negative thoughts) remember you are not alone and with persistence will find your dream job
9. Surround yourself with optimistic people
10. Ask friends and family for support