Grow a business, get a job, or get promoted.

Whether you or growing your business, engaged in a job search, or seeking promotion within an organization there are some staples each person should have. Samples of covered material will follow in subsequent posts to this thread.

1. The right resume and a cover letter that sizzles. Resumes should range between 1 and 3 pages depending on age and experience. The marketing, combination, or functional resume format is recommended today. The cover letter should detail what they are looking for and how you meet or exceed their requirements.

2. A personal bio is a great tool to have. You can submit it to magazines along with articles for publication.. you can write a special report on a need that affects your target market and put the bio on the back. Another interesting approach is to include it in a press kit if you are starting a company or possibly setup informational interviews with companys that you want to be associated with and hand it to the representative at each company that grants you an informational interview (an informational interview is just asking a company to have a rep meet with you because you are interested in what they do.. typically you collect names of people that are important to whatever your ultimate objectives are with that company), etc...

3. A well designed business card is a must. Try to communicate what you do on your business card. Your business email should not be a hotmail or yahoo account and stupid names should be left out. One idea is to get a free Microsoft website (they give you a free domain with it believe it or not) and then create an email that either uses the first initial of your first name followed by your last name followed by your domain. Example for John Smith at ABCompany would be jsmith@abcompany.com.

4. Accomplishment list. List your accomplishments. What you have done, how much money you saved doing it, etc... Use this list to show on your resume and bio how you have benefited customers, employers, etc...

5. Networking networking networking.. it really doesn't matter how much you know about your industry if you cannot or have not communicated with anyone. Learn how to network. Network with everyone you meet and try to figure out how they can profit you and visa versa. Have a 30 second commercial about yourself and what you do ready for everyone you meet and do hand them a business card. If you're just starting out.. check out the inexpensive cards at Vista Print.

6. Learn the softskills: Communication, Leadership, psychology, etc... Take a course on organizational communication and leadership. Learn from the inspirational motivators and top psychologists. Listen to audiobooks. Learn to listen effectively and communicate effectively.

7. If you are a job hunter and not building your own organization do not sit at your computer applying to every monster.com job you see. Only apply for the positions you really are qualified for and want. Leaving a company with four different looking resumes for five different jobs that don't relate to each other doesn't make them want you more.. it makes them want you LESS. Do all of the above and avoid the following common mistakes job seekers make:

a) Not researching the company before the interview. You never even did a informational interview properly did you
b) Inability to articulate company needs and desires for the position. Articulate how your experience is best for the particular position.
c) Be professional in the interview. Don't bring food, share personal information or speak ill of a former employer.
d) Demonstrate excellent communication skills. Yes tell why you're the best fit. Practice before going to the interview, listening and responding and not talking over the other person. At the same time don't be dull or fear showing enthusiasm.
e) Not keeping the personal to yourself: Don't put your social-network identification on your resume or mention it in the interview. Make sure your voice mail message reflects a professional attitude. Use an email address with your name before the @ sign, from a professional email address provider.

.. more to come.

Job Seeker Cover Letter responding to help wanted ad (don't forget to write a short follow up letter after each successful interview) :

Dear salutation : or Dear Advertiser: Re: Position

Your recent advertisement stimulated my interest, because there is a definite match between your stated needs and my qualifications.

I am a STATE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND IN A VERY SUCCINCT FORM USUALLY YOUR I STATEMENT

Some particular strengths in my background include: STATE SELECTED RELATED STRENGTH, AFTER SELECTED RELATED STRENGTH, IN SENTENCE FORMAT.

Listed here are your requirements with my related qualifications:

Your Requirements : My Qualifications :

List requirements of the position List your related qualifications
(you do not have to list them all - (do not list them all, only
list those which you have) those which relate)
qualifications) in bullet list in bullet list
format. format.

I have enclosed my resume for your further consideration, because I believe there is a solid fit here.

I would like to schedule an interview with you because the enclosed resume cannot convey all the information that I will be able to furnish in person. If you are interested in obtaining further details, or in arranging a mutually convenient time to meet, please call me at (555) 555-5555.

(if salary information is requested)
I am sure that if interest is shared, we can agree upon a reasonable compensation.

Sincerely,

Job Seeker Letter asking for Informational Interview. Note: If building your business and looking to establish relationship you would use a different one. In either case, getting an appointment over the phone or in person is better than a letter but here it is for those job seekers who wish to use it.

Addressee

Dear (NAME):

I am embarking upon a confidential career change and job search campaign and I would value your advice. Please understand that I am not seeking employment with your company, although if there is a position for which I qualify I would be delighted. I am merely seeking information and guidance.

I am a

Because you are a recognized leader in the business community, your advice and suggestions would be invaluable to me. Any ideas you might have regarding my resume, individuals I should contact, or companies I should target, would be very much appreciated. I have enclosed my resume to give you a better idea of my background and capabilities.

Please understand that those you refer me to need not be currently hiring or even know of any openings. My purpose is to expand my network. I believe that networking will produce valuable advice, leads, and opportunities. Of course, I would also welcome your guidance toward anyone who might be interested in my availability.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you. Therefore, I will contact you by phone in the next few days to explore the possibility of setting up a brief meeting of no more than 15 to 20 minutes at your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,




Enclosure

Job Seeker Skill Match Cover Letter or Letter to generate interest:

Name

Phone email address

Date

HR Person
HR Title
Company Name
Address 1
Address 2


Dear <replace with HR person doing the hiring s name>:

When I heard about your position for a VP/Director of Sales, I immediately noticed a win-win match because my qualifications and your specifications are so close. Some of my professional highlights are noted in the attached resume. In addition, I have taken the liberty to point out how close the fit is between us.

Position Specification My qualifications
1. Start-up Environment Former Business Owner
2. Full Range of Sales Skills Sales Process, Territory Plans, Qualifying, Leads, Forecast/Pipeline, Solution Selling, Closing
3. Build Sales Organization Building and Coaching Sales Teams
4. Process Industries Worked at Edison, Customers: Shell, BP
5. Entrepreneurial/Management with High Growth in High Technology Built SAP West Coast
6. 10+yrs Sales Mgt in Enterprise Software SAP, Commerce One
7. Developing 3rd Party Market Channels SAP, Intelligroup
8. Unquestioned Integrity, Ethics, Values Treat Everyone Fairly and Live By My Word

In view of the close parallel between my qualifications and the position specifications, I feel a personal meeting would be advantageous to each of us.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,


Your Name

Enclosure

One example of a combination resume. Combination resumes show accomplishments, work history, education, and ability in powerful ways transcending the typical chronological resume. Functional resumes are also very good to use so research those as well. A simple combination resume example:


YOUR NAME

Address Tel: (555) 555-5555
City, State Zip Cell: (555) 555-5555

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE

Significant experience and expertise in the translation of business issues into business solutions through the effective implementation of Information Technology. Strong experience in project management with a focus on increased productivity, efficiency and cost reduction. An effective leader with the ability to build and motivate high performance teams. Exceptional communication and presentation skills with outstanding technical writing and presentation skills.

KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE


Emerging Technologies
Business Development
Strategic Planning
Budget Management
Training & Development
Relationship Building
Contract Negotiation
Vendor Management


SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Saved approximately $1.8 million by implementing new software package that increased operational efficiencies in all three divisions.
Reduced costs by 27% through the implementation of new PCs in conjunction with new host system.
Saved 22% telecomm costs since third quarter 2000 by reworking sub-standard contracts.
Assisted in securing a $1.3MM contract by developing a system-wide program to access an external database.
Saved an estimated annual cost of $84,000 by overhauling antiquated EDI system.
Achieved a 24% increase in productivity through the implementation of a company wide wireless two-way communication solution.
Enabled estimated $4.5 million revenues since first quarter 2000 while enhancing productivity by evaluating and deploying Blackberry hand-held wireless two-way communication solution.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Company, city, state 1998 2004
TITLE

Directed staff of up to 12 IT professionals in five US locations. Determined assignments, workloads, and schedules of the IT team. Ensured effective Information Technology education, promotion, implementation, and communication throughout entire company. Recruited, hired, developed and mentored IT personnel. Managed cross-departmental training in office automation and information management tools.


YOUR NAME PAGE 2

Company, city, state 1995 1998
TITLE

Planned and directed corporate IT department, creating all procedure definitions. Managed and allocated budget. Interviewed, selected, and hired IT staff. Implemented electronic document management system, controlling over 7,000 mission-critical data files on clients and providers. Brought frame-relay, and LAN/WAN computer technology to all thirteen remote locations. Provided Internet access, E-mail, and Intranet application accessible via WAN. Reported directly to president.


PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT


Company, city, state 1993 1995
TITLE

Company, city, state 1987 1993
TITLE

Company, city, state 1984 1987
TITLE


EDUCATION

College Name, City, State
BS, Major


TECHNICAL SKILLS


Software Development
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
Network & Systems Planning
Windows XP/NT/9x
MS Office, Visio, Project
LAN/WAN Infrastructure
Visual Basic, SQL
Intranet, Extranet