Cover Letter Plagiarism?

By Career Advisor



Question: I have an excellent Resume that was professionally written for me. But I have always struggled with cover letters.  I don't want each cover letter to be a long dissertation of the data that is already compiled in my résumé; I am just looking for a simple yet effective cover letter. Any suggestions of web-sites or books that I can utilize?

Answer:

Cover Letter Plagiarism is a contradiction in terms.

Job seekers frequently send résumés or employment applications as attachments to a cover letter, by way of introducing themselves to recruiters or prospective employers and indicating their interest in the positions. Employers may look for individualized and thoughtfully written cover letters to screen applicants who are not sufficiently interested in their position or who lack the required writing skills.

A Cover Letter is meant to be individualized to the position that you are applying for.

Here is a basic outline:

• Header. Cover letters use standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address. Following that is an optional reference section (e.g. "RE: Internship Opportunity at Global Corporation") and an optional transmission note (e.g. "Via Email to jobs@globalcorp.net"). The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Managers").


• Introduction. The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and is designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.


• Body. Go back to the job description. Take the job requirements and briefly outline how you have done that in the past and how you are qualified to do it. Show them you have read the job description and are completely convinced that you are qualified for the position.


• Closing. A closing sums up the letter, and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although some favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely"), and then a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation "ENCL" may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.

I hope that helps.

Electronic Tech Relocating

By Career Advisor



Question: After hearing on the news the unemployment rate in my area, I'm seriously considering relocating. Has anyone done an out of town search before, and been successful?    I need to land a job before moving, as no one with a brain would rent to someone who is unemployed.  I am looking for Electronic Technician or related work, so if you know of any good areas, or employers who are hiring let me know. 

 

Answer: As a recruiter that has placed a lot of Electronic Technicians, I think I can help.

I've done some searches for you to see what areas of the country are hiring right now.

Here are the top four:

1. San Diego, CA http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-%22electronic+technician%22/sb-pd/fcs-SAN+DIEGO%2C+CA


2. Charleston, SC http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-%22electronic+technician%22/sb-pd/fcs-CHARLESTON%2C+SC


3. Albuquerque, NM http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-%22electronic+technician%22/sb-pd/fcs-ALBUQUERQUE%2C+NM


4. Lexington, KY http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-%22electronic+technician%22/sb-pd/fcs-LEXINGTON%2C+KY

L-3 Communications seems to be hiring in multiple locations: http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-%22electronic+technician%22/sb-pd/fcn-L3+Communications

You also should check out Northrop Grumman: http://career-advisor.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-%22electronic+technician%22/sb-pd/fcn-Northrop+Grumman

Good Luck!

Online Degrees

By Career Advisor

 

Question: I received this question in response to one of my postings

I am curious to know why you think a person desiring to complete an MBA or Masters program should stay away from places like University of Phoenix? As long as the college is regionally accredited and approved by the US Department of Education. Then the college has proven itself according to these authorities to not be a "diploma mill" Getting an degree from your local state university through the distance education program is no different than doing it online at University of Phoenix.

An MBA program regardless of the university and how it is accomplished (online or going the brick and mortar route) is based on successful team work and networking. I do not work for University of Phoenix so I am not trying to recruit for them. But I received my MBA through the University of Phoenix and I had an excellent experience.

Typically one pays more for the online route because as a working professional you pay for the convenience of not spending a lot of time driving to the local university, parking, walking to class, listening to lecture or doing some very time limited team paper work, and then spending time getting back home to try and get some time to finish your paper writing before work the next day. Online is an excellent resource and I think it is more demanding because a person has to be self motivated to stay on top of assignments and interacting with the class team members.

My Masters degree does not say completed online. It is just the same as if I had done a program at any local university through the brick and mortar route except that it allowed me to work and pursue my educational goals at the same time and still make a pb&j for my son when my wife was out of the house.

 

 

Answer:

Dave,

I am all for online degrees. As I said in my posting, I'm getting one.

The reason that I said to stay away from University of Phoenix is for 2 reasons. One, they typically cost more because they have higher advertising costs. Two, because they are mostly known for online degrees (even though they have in-person Colleges) employers that are still not understanding of online degrees may be judgmental to you in your job hunt. Well educated employers should know the quality of online degree at this point, but there are still some employers who do not think they are as good. That's just reality.

My thought is that if you receive your online graduate degree from a University that is more well known for in-person learning, your online degree will be worth more. I know that you receive the same degree whether you go online or in-person. This is why I would get the one that is worth more at the best cost.

Just my opinion.

I'm getting away from my job being everything.

By CAREER ADVISOR



I'm getting away from my job being everything. I'm getting away from worrying about it. I'm getting away from the stress of a down turned economy.

I finally realized (after all these years) that I'll be OK. My family will be OK. We'll always have a high standard of living because I'll allow nothing less. I don't have a plan if I loose my job (I'm not saying that I'm going to, but there is always that chance). Should I? Probably, but I'm just not that worried about it.

I know how to make money. I always have. I may not save money well, but I sure can make it. Take care of business and business will take care of you.

Am I over confident in my abilities? I have lost my job before. I lost it in 2001 after the Dot Com Bubble Burst. We were fine then. I flirted with getting away from recruiting all together. Unfortunately, I love to hate recruiting in a bad economy but love it when things turn around. I never learn my lesson. Those who can't teach, but those who won't recruit:)

How to explain short term jobs

By CAREER ADVISOR



Question:

I really hate my new job. I've been here going on 6 months and I truly hate it.  There are no processes or procedures in place. The people will throw you under the bus at any chance. I dread it everyday. It's making me sick to my stomach and I'm usually on the verge of quitting everyday. The job I had before this one, I left after 1 year. The job before that I was at for 7.5 years.  How do I explain in an interview my short time on both jobs and why I am looking now? 

 

Answer:

Be honest. While employers do want to see that you will stick with your new job through hard times, they also know that not all jobs are the right fit.

Explain to them how those positions were not the right fit for you and how their job is the right fit. Put it in words that don't make you look like a complainer. Here are some things that you don't want to say: "The other people there were out to get me" or "They had no idea how to run a business".  Here are some things that are more appropriate: "The environment at my last employer did not feel stable, and stability is very important to me" OR "Once I got to work, I realized that there would not be any opportunity to extend my skills and grow in my field".

Next time, make sure that you make the right decision as far as jobs. When they are interviewing you and that ask you if you have any question, make sure that you ask the right questions. Learn from your mistakes.

Objective of your resume

By Career Advisor



Question:

Should I include in the Objective of my resume that I am looking for part time work, or just leave it out completely.

Answer: Absolutely, with your Resume, you're highlighting only those experiences and credentials that you consider most relevant to the desired position. Making it clear to potential employers that you're only looking for part time work goes along with that.

It'll also be better for you. It'll eliminate wasted time with employers that are only looking to hire a full time employee.

The future of Pharmacy in Pakistan and the USA

By CAREER ADVISOR

QUESTION:

I, Minhaj, am looking forward for my career in Pharmacy and seeking a precious advice, whether it would benefit me and my country in future and how? What will be the scope of pharmacy in coming years? Other than pharmacy, what will be your suggestion for me? There are number of students looking for a guidance since there is a shortage of career counselors in our city, I am hopefully sending you this mail for my guidance. I am from Karachi, Pakistan. But planning to shift New York, U.S. after my studies.

Obediently,
Minhaj

ANSWER:

Minhaj, while I do not consider my self an expert on Pharmacy in Pakistan I may be able to direct you to some resources that can help you.

First check out the Pakistan Pharmacists Society  http://www.pharmacist.pk/ web site. The Pakistan Pharmacists Society (PPS) is the national organization of pharmacists and student pharmacists, committed to providing leadership for the pharmacists. PPS has a mission to promote and expand the profession of pharmacy and the role of pharmacists in Pakistan. PPS is dedicated to improve public health and patient care by enhancing professional development of the pharmacists.

Another web site that I recommend is http://www.aapspharmaceutica.com/ The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists provides a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to enhance their contributions to health. They offer timely scientific programs, ongoing education, opportunities for networking, and professional development.

Here is a news story that examines the need for Pharmacists in Pakistan:

Pakistan needs 74,000 more pharmacists
The News
Monday, August 13, 2007
our correspondent

HYDERABAD: Scholars, educationists, pharmacists and other medical experts have underlined the need for increasing the number of pharmacists, particularly in hospitals, for provision of proper health care.

 

Speaking at a seminar on “New trends in the practice of pharmacy”, organized by the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sindh, here, the speakers pointed out that there is a need for 80,000 pharmacists in the country, but only 6,000 pharmacists were working presently.

They also emphasized the need for special efforts to boost pharmacy education and research because, they added, the services of pharmacists were essential to measure the quality of medicines, create awareness among patients about medicine use and proper sale of medicines at medical stores.

Due to the shortage of pharmacists in hospitals, unprofessional people are running
pharmacist shops, they said and emphasised the need for proper training of pharmacists and recognition of their profession.

Vice-Chancellor, University of Sindh, Mazharul Haq Siddiqui, presided over the seminar. He said though there were weaknesses among doctors but the majority of them were delivering service in the best way.

 

He said Sindh University, realizing the importance of pharmacy education, had upgraded its institute up to a faculty with four departments. The VC added that a project of Rs 100 million had been launched, which was near completion.

He said that under the project, equipment had been provided at a cost of Rs 16 million and glassware and books at a cost of Rs 10 million.

 

The VC called upon the provincial health department to provide internships to students of the university’s Pharmacy Faculty for training to enable them to do community service.

Director-General Health Services Dr Hadi Bux Jatoi, who was the guest of honour at the seminar, said the society had been facing multiple problems, including lack of proper healthcare.

 

He said that due to lack of accountability, nobody was performing duty in a proper manner and nobody was willing to ask them to do so.

It looks like the career of Pharmacy is going to be very useful and needed to your country in the coming years.

As for the USA, as the Baby Boomer generation gets older, there is an increasing need of Pharmacists to handle the many medications that they're on.

Pharmacy is a very good career for your future and helping the people of your country and possible the USA.

Good Luck.

Do you have a Life List?

By CAREER ADVISOR



A Life List is a list of things that you want to accomplish in your life. Some call it and make movies about Bucket Lists.

I was thinking today about the things that I want to accomplish and thought I would share them. This list is a big thing for me because I've never really had one before. Mostly I've just trudged through life taking it as it came.

1. Complete my MBA


2. Run a Marathon


3. Start my own company


4. Work on my terms, not on someone else's


5. Visit Jamaica


6. Visit Europe with my wife


7. Live without a car


8. Stop caring about money


9. Connect with people in a meaningful way


10. Run untill they put me in the ground, and run some more

 

What would be on your Life List?

No Video Resumes

It's lights, camera and no action for job hunters who submit video resumes. In a recent survey, 58% of 150 large-company senior executives said their firms do not accept these, reports Robert Half International Inc., a staffing firm based in Menlo Park, Calif. By contrast, just 24% of respondents said they welcome video resumes and 18% were unsure.

 

http://online.wsj.com/careers/main