Math and Science Degrees More Valuable Than Liberal Arts?

Some students spend their college years peering into a microscope or scrutinizing graphs and formulas. Others are more likely to analyze dense prose or write insightful essays. They may earn similar grades, but when it comes time to look for jobs, it often seems the students with a knack for numbers see the bigger payoff.<br /><br />College students graduating in 2004-05 with a math- or science-related degree are likely to earn significantly higher starting pay than their peers in liberal arts disciplines, according to a February survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.<br /><br />According to the survey, chemical engineering students graduating in 2005 reported snagging job offers with an average salary of about $53,700. Computer science grads reported average offers of around $51,000. Accounting grads got offers of about $43,000 and economics/finance majors' offers averaged roughly $40,700.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></strong><br />By contrast, liberal arts graduates reported average offers of about $29,100.<br /><br />This leaves scores of history, philosophy and English majors fuming: Why do math and science degrees seem to be more valuable?<br /><br />Supply and demand<br /><br />Alan Weiss, president of Summit Consulting Group, a firm specializing in management development, says the reason math and science graduates earn more out of college is a simple case of supply and demand: "They're much more immediately applicable in a much smaller supply."<br /><br />Students earning associate's and bachelor's degrees in liberal arts disciplines far outnumber students studying in mathematic or scientific fields, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics.<br /><br />Students earning associate's degrees in liberal arts outnumbered electrical engineering technology graduates by a ratio of almost 20-to-one. Of the 10 largest bachelor's degree programs in 2001-02, only two math- or science-heavy majors – biology and accounting – made the list.<br /><br />The scarcity of math and science students often translates into a greater demand for their skills in the job market. A study of the 10 majors promising the best job outlook turned up just two disciplines – business and marketing – that aren't necessarily quantitatively-based. Accounting, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, economics/finance, computer science, computer engineering, chemical engineering and information sciences and systems rounded out the list.<br /><br />Future earnings potential<br /><br />So is all hope lost for liberal arts graduates hoping to earn big money some day?<br /><br />Absolutely not, experts say. "As companies get bigger and less and less cohesive ... the written word becomes even more important," says Lisa Earle McLeod, columnist and author of Forget Perfect (Penguin/Putnam). "You don't have people in one place working together anymore, so being able to write concisely and directivity for people will become a more valued skill."<br /><br />One-third of employees at blue-chip companies can't write well, and businesses are spending big money to improve their workers' writing skills, according to a 2004 report by the National Commission on Writing. Employers spend up to $3.1 billion annually on remedial training, the report said.<br /><br />And although it may take superior writers at a company a while to distinguish themselves, their communication skills can eventually catapult them to top management positions – and top income brackets.<br /><br />"The jobs that really, really pay the best involve getting large bodies of people to do what you want them to do," McLeod says, pointing to TV producers and CEOs as examples. "And that's all communicating."<br /><br />Although people with quantitative skills earn more up front, Weiss says, their growth potential is more limited than for those with verbal savvy. "If you want to get rich at a company, you don't go into the financial department," he says. "You go into the sales department."<br /><br />He says top salespeople's high degree of assertiveness and persuasiveness – and their strong contribution to the company's bottom line – can launch them to higher salaries than even the top executives earn.<br /><br />Wanted: intellectually diverse employees<br /><br />Whether they're job seekers or people looking to promote their careers, gaining both quantitative and verbal skills can help everyone get ahead, experts note. "You have to diversify yourself so you're an object of interest for others," Weiss says.<br /><br />David Teten, CEO of Nitron Advisers, a New York-based independent research firm, says one-in-five people who apply for jobs at his company get rejected for their poor writing skills. But once the good communicators make the cut, he gives them brain-teaser questions to test their quantitative and creative thinking skills.<br /><br />He says that although the vast majority of U.S. jobs don't require higher math knowledge, numbers are still the language of business. Improving basic math skills can be as simple as figuring your own grocery bill or leaving the calculator in your purse at a restaurant, he says.<br /><br />"If you make a point of calculating the tip yourself instead of relying on the calculator, you'll build the skill of simple mental mathematics," he says.<br /><br />Scientists and math whizzes would be also well-served to take a course or two to develop communication skills, McLeod says.<br /><br />"Being the best scientist or engineer might make you the head of the department, but you have to be a good communicator to be put in charge of large groups of people."

Math and Science Degrees More Valuable Than Liberal Arts?

Some students spend their college years peering into a microscope or scrutinizing graphs and formulas. Others are more likely to analyze dense prose or write insightful essays. They may earn similar grades, but when it comes time to look for jobs, it…

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Youth Ministry: Starting Over

Youth Ministry in our diocese blew up a few years ago -- especially in the South. There were several events: the collapse of TEC, the inability to continue funding the diocesan youth coordinator, a floor fight at convention. I am sure I don't know the whole story. But this is what I know of how things have been since then: there are very few dynamic youth programs in Nevada and we have had huge difficulty getting participation at the diocesan level.<br /><br />So this year we are trying something new: we have created two youth networks -- one northern and one southern. Representatives from these two networks will constitute the Diocesan Youth Council. Having two geographical networks, we hope, will get more people involved and allow them to meet face to face more often.<br /><br />The Southern Youth Network met for the first time last Sunday. It was a good, creative, hopeful meeting -- looking forward, not backward. It's time to move on. There was talk of sponsoring New Beginnings for the younger youth, promoting the Provincial Youth Event in Salt Lake City next summer, and having a Southern Youth Network gathering for music.<br /><br />We need more Youth on the planning committee which will meet again on November 1. But the events will be for everyone in all the southern churches, not just for those who go to the planning meetings.<br /><br />The essentia l foundation for a vital youth ministry in Nevada, in my opinion, is children attending camps at Galilee. I suspect that the youth program we had before would have survived the controversies if the youth had previosly formed a solid base of relationship built at camp. Under Stuart Campbell's leadership, Galilee is back. Kids from all over Nevada, even in Arizona, are befriending each other at camp. In five years, I believe we will see the strongest youth program we have had in a long, long time -- if ever.<br /><br />What we are doing today is just a beginning. We need youth planning thier own program. It is essential that we set up the structures for youth leadership now. That is what we are beginning. My hope is that, in time, more congregations will form collaborative ministries such as the one at Trinity - St. Paul's. I hope more congregations will offer support to youth who are not the children of members, as St. Martin's in the Desert does now. I hope we will see genuine youth ministry specialists in our congregations. At the diocesesan level, I hope to see the day when we have New Beginnings in diverse places, Happening in diverse places, a Diocesan Youth Event in the years when there is no EYE or PYE. I hope to see more youth mission trips like the one we had this summer and a partnership trip to the Philippines.<br /><br />Youth ministry will not be back full force immediately. But we have begun. Youth ministry is not a problem to be solved with money. It is a mission opportunity to be embraced with our hearts and the investment of our lives.

Youth Ministry: Starting Over

Youth Ministry in our diocese blew up a few years ago -- especially in the South. There were several events: the collapse of TEC, the inability to continue funding the diocesan youth coordinator, a floor fight at convention. I am sure I don't know th…

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Years of Experience But No Degree - Seven Ways to Beat the Job Search Pitfall

After years on the job, you feel you've definitely platueaued and think it's time for a change. There's one catch: you don't have a college degree. You graduated from the University of Life and have plenty of professional experience to show for it, but no formal degree. Are you still marketable?<br /><br />George C. found him in that very position last year. After several years as a designer and art director, he was laid off after budget cuts. He seemed to be the perfect fit for one particular employer, but the company required a degree for the position. Thus, he was passed over even though the hiring manager expressed regrets. A few months later and the hiring manager contacted him. The original, "degreed" candidate who was hired didn't work out and they wanted to extend the job to George on a trial basis. Today, he's a full-time employee with that company.<br /><br />If you find yourself with tons of job experience but hitting the "no degree" dead end, there are some things you can do to accentuate the positive.<br /><br />1. Let Your Experience Do the Talking<br />Make sure you highlight your professional accomplishments, technical skills, results and industry knowledge on your résumé. These all help to demonstrate your expertise in your field. Also, try calling attention to any leadership positions you've held, including those with community, volunteer or military organizations, suggests career counselor Susan Guarneri.<br /><br />2. Articulate Association Activity<br />Take advantage of career development offerings through your industry association and become active in the organization. "Go to local chapter meetings and join high visibility committees, such as membership, community outreach and publications," Guarneri advises. Not only will this give you additional skills and experience, it will help you make a name for yourself in your field, further enhancing your qualifications.<br /><br />3. Include Glowing References<br />Include references from respected colleagues or high ranking industry professionals. These letters of recommendation will speak volumes about your personal character and professional standing. Don't wait for the employer to contact you, but include them in your initial application.<br /><br />4. Show Alternative Learning<br />Guarneri stresses it's important to show that you are interested in professional development and continued learning. List any certification programs and professional seminars you have completed. These additional credentials demonstrate your intent to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date.<br /><br />5. Apply Experience to a Degree<br />Search nearby colleges and universities for programs related to your line of work. Many colleges have programs that offer course credit with proof of proficiency in a particular area. It's a terrific way to gain college credit for real life work experience.<br /><br />6. Earn a Degree<br />Higher education caters to working professionals in a number of ways. "A lot of traditional academic outlets have online components," Guarneri says. Online courses allow you to work around your schedule. Also look into fast-track programs for adults which allow you to complete a degree at an accelerated pace, usually with less classroom time. There's also the College Level Examination Program assessment to test out of specific courses, while still earning credit for those classes.<br /><br />7. Show Education In Progress<br />If you are in the process of earning a degree, make sure you note that on your résumé, along with an estimated date of completion.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

Years of Experience But No Degree - Seven Ways to Beat the Job Search Pitfall

After years on the job, you feel you've definitely platueaued and think it's time for a change. There's one catch: you don't have a college degree. You graduated from the University of Life and have plenty of professional experience to show for it, b…

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Get Trained for Today's Five Fastest-Growing Industries

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/fp/ar5b3s3742dvcf2vndfp.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/fp/ar5b3s3742dvcf2vndfp.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>It sounds like an oxymoron: The fastest-growing industry in the fastest-declining economy since the Great Depression. But the downturn in finance, real estate and commodities belies growth elsewhere in the economy. Find out where the opportunity is in today's job market, and explore the training and education required for a high-demand career tomorrow.<br /><br />Health care<br /><br />The old faithful of industries, health care booms in good times and bad. As long as the human race continues to struggle with illness and disability, there will be demand for trained professionals. But the real driver of today's health care industry is an aging population: Baby boomers are entering retirement in droves, and demand for elderly services is sure to follow.<br /><br />The Department of Labor predicts that 3 million new jobs will be added to the health care payroll between 2006 and 2016. This makes the medical profession -- including occupations ranging from home health care aides to physicians to pharmacists -- the No. 1 fastest-growing industry in the U.S., recession be damned. Seven of the 20 fastest-growing occupations are in health care. Look for opportunity in these jobs:<br /><br /><br /><br />Medical records and health information technicians are well-positioned for success, given the $37 billion of federal economic stimulus money the Obama administration has set aside for the digitization of health records. Train for this career with an associate degree in medical records or health information technology.<br /><br />Education<br /><br />About one in four Americans is enrolled in school -- and that one student is not necessarily in K-12. Working adults are returning to the classroom in droves as the bar for career training rises. The education industry has expanded its scope to train the work force for a knowledge economy, improving standards at the K-12 level and adding new vocational, college and professional certification programs for mid-career adults.<br /><br />The hottest careers in education reflect this shift toward creating a skilled work force capable of competing in a global job market. Look for jobs in curriculum development, testing and even corporate training. For example:<br /><br />Instructional coordinators analyze and improve school curricula, implementing the latest research in teaching methods and educational psychology. A master's degree (M.Ed.) in curriculum development or a related education field is the first step to any instructional development career.<br /><br />Scientific research: biotech, clean-energy and environmental engineering<br /><br />President Obama has repeatedly hailed American ingenuity as the ticket out of the recession -- thus the federal funds earmarked for clean-energy and other scientific research. Look for growth in biotechnology, bioinformatics and pharmaceutical research in addition to environmental projects. The Department of Labor expects "significant job growth among computer specialists, scientists, and engineers -- particularly those in the life and medical sciences."<br /><br />Scientific research careers may be more accessible than you think. Researchers typically hold a bachelor's degree or higher, but lab technicians may enter the field with an associate degree in science or applied science. From this entry-level position, lab techs may advance into lead research roles by completing a bachelor's degree online.<br /><br />Environmental science and protection technicians research environmental conditions, such as air, soil and water pollution. This field is expected to grow more than 21 percent through 2016, with more than 80 percent of new jobs concentrated in environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance services.<br /><br />Hospitality<br /><br />The global economy is here to stay, and so is the hospitality industry that supports it. Business and recreational travelers support an array of accommodations, restaurants and catering services, transportation and entertainment jobs. The Department of Labor's pre-recession predictions forecast 14 percent growth in the hospitality sector, compared with 11 percent in all other industries combined. The economic downturn will have a temporary dampening effect on worldwide travel -- but given the interconnectedness of the world economy, the hospitality sector is sure to rebound quickly.<br /><br />In the meantime, prepare for a career in hospitality with a bachelor's degree program in hotel, restaurant or hospitality management.<br /><br />General hotel managers will fare the best in the job market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the best opportunities in full-service chain hotels, casino hotels and luxury accommodations. For the best opportunities, distinguish your resume with a master's degree in business administration. Some online M.B.A. programs offer specialized degrees in hotel and tourism management.<br /><br />Financial services<br /><br />The least likely sector to appear on a list of fastest-growing industries, financial services boasts an enclave of booming opportunity: accounting and actuarial careers. Accounting already received a boost in the wake of Enron and other financial scandals, which led to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Seven years later, accountants and auditors can expect to enjoy another uptick in demand for their services, as federal oversight agencies tighten reporting standards. Meanwhile, actuaries will answer the call to provide more rigorous risk analysis.<br /><br />A bachelor's degree offers the standard entry into an accounting or actuarial profession. Business administration and accounting degrees are standard requirements for accounting jobs, while actuaries enter the field with either the specialized actuarial science bachelor's degree or a statistics or corporate finance degree.<br /><br />Actuaries, who use mathematical models to calculate and develop strategies for hedging risk, were already looking at 24 percent job growth before the recession hit. Given the events of 2008, their ranks could swell more than expected. In any case, actuarial skills will not go to waste in the new climate of caution and federal regulation.<br /><br />With crisis comes change -- for better or worse. Today's economic slowdown in real estate and financial services is setting the stage for new growth in other fields: environmental science, clean energy, health care innovation, educational technology, regulatory services and more. Choose a forward-looking career training path, and you'll stand ready to answer the new economy's call to action.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Get Trained for Today's Five Fastest-Growing Industries

It sounds like an oxymoron: The fastest-growing industry in the fastest-declining economy since the Great Depression. But the downturn in finance, real estate and commodities belies growth elsewhere in the economy. Find out where the opportunity is i…

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Cover Letters Close Gaps in Employment

Remember the first day of the new school year? Your first assignment was always writing about what you did over the summer break. This usually involved the activities or camps you participated in, trips you went on, and books you read.<br /><br />Explaining a gap in employment is often like this, only not as easy. After a hiatus, it's not easy re-entering the workforce, and it's even less easy explaining one and landing a job. There are many reasons why individuals have gaps in their employment histories. Whether you have been unemployed for several months, are returning to the workforce after raising children, or took a break to go back to school, reintroducing yourself to potential employers is a lot easier with a strong, well-crafted cover letter.<br /><br />If you are returning to the workforce after a significant absence, it's important to address this fact early in your cover letter. Remember, however, that your employment gap does not define you. Rather, it is your skills, qualifications and experience that will truly make you the right or wrong candidate for the job. The secret is to address your time away from the workforce briefly and succinctly, and then move on to discussing your skills - both old and new - that truly matter.<br /><br />The first thing you should do is research the company and develop a list of expertise and experience matching their mission and culture. Remember that these skills do not always come from a professional environment. Make a list of your accomplishments throughout your career as well as from your time away from work. Include newly acquired skills or others you have strengthened. Perhaps you have taken time off to raise your children - your time management skills may be sharper or have worked on projects through volunteer work. Maybe you have spent time traveling and have learned a new language or improved your negotiation skills. If you think about it, you will probably discover ways to turn personal talents into business skills.<br /><br />Now that you have identified your strengths, it's time to write your letter. Briefly describe the reason for your employment gap, but do not go into great detail. The secret is to present the facts, then move to accentuating the positive aspects of your experience. Here are a couple examples:<br /><br />"My resume shows that I was out of the workforce for two years. I returned to school full-time to pursue an M.B.A. With my new credentials and recent graduate school experience, I have strengthened my business know-how and skills required for this position."<br /><br />"As you can see on the enclosed resume, I have a masters degree in education and more than seven years of teaching experience. While I was on leave from teaching over the past five years to raise my son, I recently began working as a substitute teacher in several local school districts and am anxious to resume a full-time teaching position."<br /><br />"Due to corporate downsizing, I have been out of the financial market for 10 months. However, during that time I have remained active in professional associations and pursued advanced education, completing six hours toward my M.B.A."<br /><br />All of these examples state the facts, but then demonstrate that the individuals were determined enough to educate themselves and remain active in their respective fields. Simplicity is key in keeping your explanation clear and concise.<br /><br />Once you have stated your reasons for being away from the workforce, sell yourself just like you would in any other cover letter. Use the second paragraph in your letter to describe the skills you possess, past positions you held and professional accomplishments, and experience you have gained outside the workforce that relate to the open position. For example, if you held a position in public relations and have continued to hone your writing skills through freelance or volunteer assignments, be sure to highlight this:<br /><br />"I have remained active in the field of media relations, serving as the chairperson of the public relations committee for the Boys and Girls Club. In this role, I successfully promoted many large-scale fundraising events and secured high-profile media coverage that resulted in an overall increase in public donations to the organization."<br /><br />The bottom line is that neither you nor a potential employer should view your time away from the professional workforce as a detriment. The main thing to remember when writing your cover letter is to keep it simple, to the point, and to emphasize your strengths. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. If you present your employment history honestly and spend the bulk of your letter outlining your skills and accomplishments, your cover letter can be the first step toward a great new job!<br /><br />Search more than 100,000 Jobs by <a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM">CLICKING HERE!</a>

Cover Letters Close Gaps in Employment

Remember the first day of the new school year? Your first assignment was always writing about what you did over the summer break. This usually involved the activities or camps you participated in, trips you went on, and books you read.Explaining a ga…

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Seven Things to Know Before Writing Your First Résumé

There are many rites of passage in every young person's life. Getting your driver's license, graduation day and turning 21 are just a few. But another rite of passage can be even more important to your future -- writing your first résumé.<br /><br />While it's not as exciting as learning to drive, creating your first résumé is a vital step in launching your career. The process may seem daunting. You have to put all of your best qualities on paper, make yourself look more attractive than the next person and completely sell yourself, all on one sheet of paper. "You have only a few seconds to snag the employer's attention," writes Seattle-based career coach Robin Ryan in Winning Résumés, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003). "You must sell the employer within 15 seconds of looking at your résumé, or you'll lose the job." Here are seven tips to help you catch an employer's attention.<br /><br />1. Start with the basics.<br />It sounds obvious, but your résumé must include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Be mindful of the address you include. College students, in particular, tend to move often, so include a permanent address, such as your parent's address. Take care with your e-mail address too. "Make your user ID related to your name, not any nickname attributions," Ryan says. If you want to appear professional to an employer, a user ID like "sexylegs2000" will not work. If your personal e-mail address is not appropriate, set up a new account just for job searches.<br /><br />2. Include an objective and summary of skills.<br />These sections come right after your personal information and, for a first-time job seeker, should be concise.<br /><br />For example:<br />Objective: Editing Position<br />Summary of Skills: Excellent writer proficient in copy editing and familiar with AP style. Extremely organized, with ample experience meeting deadlines and working in high-pressure situations.<br /><br />Your "summary of skills" should highlight experiences and qualifications that the employer is seeking. Remember, Ryan says, "a résumé is not about what you want. It's about what you offer an employer."<br /><br />3. Choose the right résumé style.<br />There are three basic types of résumés: chronological, functional and combination. Chronological résumés focus on work experience, and list professional experience in order from most to least recent. Functional résumés concentrate more on skills. A combination style works well for first-time job seekers. You can point out professional experience, but also draw more attention to your skills, since your work experience is probably limited. Ryan suggests that first-time résumé writers divide their résumé into these categories: work experience, academic experience and community service/extracurricular experience.<br /><br />4. Brainstorm your experience and skills.<br />While you may be struggling to think of pertinent work experience, Ryan says that you have more than you realize. For example, if you have worked in a retail operation, your skills and qualifications include customer service skills, dependability, accountability, the ability to work as a part of a team and experience in managing money. Were you a full-time summer babysitter? This means you coordinated schedules, handled finances, and were extremely responsible. Many skills learned in part-time positions are quite relevant to the corporate world. Don't underestimate the skills you have gained.<br /><br />5. Your academic and volunteer experience is relevant.<br />Don't think that your schooling means nothing to an employer. Your computer skills will be particularly attractive and should be highlighted. You can also demonstrate your aptitude and strengths by project-specific examples of class work you have done. For example, if you were a journalism major in college, tell the employer about major articles you wrote and the legwork you did to complete those projects. Also consider your volunteer and extracurricular experience. If you held an officer position in a club or fraternity/sorority, were an athlete, volunteered or took a leadership role in any other extracurricular organization, you have valuable experience to list.<br /><br />6. Know the cardinal rules of résumé writing.<br />First, use strong action verbs and leave out the word "I." Words like created, developed, organized, motivated, and produced all say much more than "did." Next, remember that your résumé should be one page only -- no exceptions. And, finally, never send a résumé without proper proofreading.<br /><br />7. Never, ever lie.<br />So you were just two courses short of your college degree and think the company won't figure out that you didn't actually get it? Think again. If you lie on your résumé, you will be caught. Don't misrepresent your past -- it will come back to haunt you.<br /><br /><br />By Kate Lorenz article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Other writers contributed to this article.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

Seven Things to Know Before Writing Your First Résumé

There are many rites of passage in every young person's life. Getting your driver's license, graduation day and turning 21 are just a few. But another rite of passage can be even more important to your future -- writing your first résumé.While it's n…

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Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts

Most people are familiar with the importance of a well-constructed resume, and put a fair amount of time into creating one. But just as important is the cover letter that accompanies and introduces your resume.<br /><br />In an extremely competitive job market, neglecting your cover letter is a big mistake. Why? A cover letter is your first opportunity to tell a prospective employer about yourself, and to do so in your own words. Like a written interview, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to point out applicable experience and qualities that make you right for the job. And just like any other important job searching tool, there are definite dos and don'ts to follow to make sure your cover letter is an asset, not a hindrance.<br /><br />Do personalize your letter.<br />Nobody likes to receive impersonal mail. Cover letters that begin with phrases like "To Whom it May Concern," sound like random junk or bulk mail, rather than an important correspondence. You expect the company to take the time to read through your material, so you too need to take some time to research the correct addressee. Call the company, look on its Web site or talk to others to find the correct contact.<br /><br />Don't send a generic cover letter to many different companies.<br />Hiring managers can spot a mass mailing a mile away. What gets their attention are letters that address the company -- and its needs -- specifically. Research the company prior to writing the letter. Check out recent news and read through the company's Web site, and then incorporate what you learned into your letter. Doing so will demonstrate to employers that you are informed, motivated and willing to go the extra mile.<br /><br />Do address the specific position advertised.<br />Companies that post openings are making your life easier by telling you the qualities they are seeking. Show the company that you paid attention. If a company advertises that it is looking for sales experience, make sure you address your sales experience. One way to do this is by making a table for yourself before writing your letter. List the company's stated needs in one column, and your corresponding experience and qualifications in another column. You can then use that information to write a letter that tells them exactly what they want to know.<br /><br />Don't make the reader work too hard to see that you are right for the position.<br />Include specific examples about your past successes and experience. If you are looking for a marketing position, give the reader detailed information about a marketing campaign you successfully executed. Don't just tell the reader that you are motivated. Give an example that shows your motivation. You need to lay all of your pertinent information out in a way that lets the person making the hiring decision easily see how your experience and qualities fit the company's needs.<br /><br />Do get to the point.<br />Hiring managers receive letters and resumes from dozens and even hundreds of applicants, and often just don't have the time to read lengthy, wordy letters. Be direct. In the first paragraph, include the title of the position you are interested in and then move on to your specific qualifications immediately.<br /><br />Don't end your letter passively.<br />Nobody gets a job by sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Similarly, not many people get a call once a resume or cover letter is sent. Since you are the one looking for work, you need to take the initiative and follow up. Instead of ending the letter with "I look forward to hearing from you," close with "I will call you next week to discuss a time for us to meet." Once you've included this call to action, however, make sure you follow your own promise.<br /><br />Do write and edit your letter with great care.<br />Nothing says "I don't really want this job" like a cover letter with typos, incorrect information, or spelling errors. Make sure the company's name is spelled correctly. Check to see if the contact is a male or female. And, while it sounds almost too obvious to mention, be sure to sign your letter. Careless -- and easily correctable -- mistakes tell the company that you did not take this simple task seriously.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts

Most people are familiar with the importance of a well-constructed resume, and put a fair amount of time into creating one. But just as important is the cover letter that accompanies and introduces your resume.In an extremely competitive job market, …

Read more »