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As both a technical recruiter and owner of a resume writing/career consulting business, I have helped countless clients find new positions as they begin their job search process. This almost always entails doing either a revision or a total rewrite of an existing resume.

To this end, I created DynamiCareers more than a decade ago as a resource to which candidates can turn for supplementary advice and guidance about their job hunting process when they encounter the inevitable bumps along the way.

In addition to hints on writing a strong resume, this site also contains a wide variety of information on preparing an effective cover letter, interviewing successfully, and drafting the so-often neglected Thank-you letter that will serve to distinguish you from your competition. I would be delighted to help you create, refine or modify your existing resume and other job search materials. You can reach me at 703 440 8515.

You are invited to return to this site often, as it can furnish you with a wealth of valuable information and insight on what to do and how to do it.! (And, don't forget that you can shop right here at www.dynamiCareers.com for a variety of different items for your family, friends and colleagues!)

DynamiCareers.com: Changing the way you think about your life in the workplace!

Elaine L. Carmack
Springfield, VA
703 440-8515

Contact me via email

3/10/2010 @ 8:41:04 pm by dynamicareers.com

The Importance of Handwritten Thank-You Notes

Unless you’re interviewing with an internet technology firm where e mail is the be-all and end-all of things, you really have only one choice when it comes to sending a thank you letter. And that is, send something that is handwritten.

And if your handwriting roughly resembles that of a medical practitioner, having someone else write the letter for you isn’t a bad idea. The boss is never going to know the difference because likely as not the most he’ll ever see from you is your signature on various office documents.

A handwritten note is not only a nicety, but it also sends the message that you care. These days after the interview, most people do what is most expedient: i.e. they fire off an e mail expressing their appreciation. While that is certainly better than no thank you letter at all, it lacks the personal touch.

So: what to say in the body of your letter? Well, first, you should state the obvious--that you really enjoyed the opportunity to interview for the position as marketing assistant, accountant, inventory management specialist. Secondly, express the fact that you would be a good fit for the organization and specify why you think that is the case.

Third, reiterate your qualifications for this position in just a few sentences. Finally, think of something to tell your interviewer that you may not have discussed during your meeting. This can also be a question you thought of after concluding your interview or a statement about the company.

Lastly, try to think of something complimentary to say about your interviewing experience. You could say something along the lines of “I have rarely had an interview that was such a delightful/scintillating/informative/interesting experience.’ (But, only if this IS in fact the case!) Alternatively, complimenting a staff member who was exceptionally courteous or helpful is always a good idea.

Finally, at the end of your letter, instead of the tired old closing ‘Sincerely’ use the word ‘Respectfully’ as it will give your letter a much more formal tone.
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3/7/2010 @ 6:33:32 pm by dynamicareers.com

After The Interview

Once you’ve had an interview that you feel was successful--meaning that you think you established a good rapport with the interviewer—your work has just begun. In fact, as soon as you walk out of that room, you need to start composing a thank you letter to send to your contacts.

It’s a nice touch to thank EVERY one who helped with this process, from the receptionist who called the boss to say that you had arrived, to the assistant(s) who may have been included in the meeting. And, for goodness sakes, DON’T send the same tired letter to everyone! Take the time to comment for instance about how efficiently the receptionist greeted you or how nice it was that she took the time to provide you with a cup of tea while you were waiting.

In this internet age, sending a hand-written note is always preferable. For starters, it will set you apart from the rest of the hoard who will take the easy way out…click, click, click… and it will demonstrate your consideration for others as well as your professionalism.

In the note you send your interviewer, express your appreciation for the thorough briefing he provided about the position and take the opportunity to raise any remaining questions you may have. In the last paragraph of your 3 paragraph opus, include additional information that you may not have gotten the chance to present.

Whatever you do, be sure to get the business card(s) for your interviewer(s). That will permit you to get their title(s) right, which is very important. If for some reason, no one thought to bring their cards to the meeting, ask the receptionist on the way out for the names of everyone you met. If no receptionist is available, call the HR department when you get home and say that you were so incredibly impressed with Mr. Jay's knowledge that you’d like to send him a thank you letter, and what is his title and correct spelling of his name, please?

When faced with someone who wants to send a compliment to an employee, it is unusual for the HR Manager to stonewall you. In fact, quite the opposite: she/he will be impressed by the fact that you demonstrated such courtesy.

From time to time during your job search, you’re bound to encounter the manager who expresses unbridled enthusiasm about your candidacy, such that you walk away from that meeting feeling there’s no way you WON’T get the job. But don’t get your hopes up prematurely. Many people just don’t do well with conflict and they hate having to tell anyone “No.”

If this is the case, it’s probably just as well you didn’t get the job: you couldn’t ever completely rely on them to tell you the truth, anyway!

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3/6/2010 @ 1:01:51 am by dynamicareers.com

Building Your Repertoire of References

Most of us don’t think about references until it’s too late. When you’ve been told that the department you’re working for is shutting down, or your company is being bought out by another firm, it’s hardly the optimal time to request a reference from your supervisor. For one thing, his or her mind is not likely to be focusing much on providing YOU with a reference when they feel their own job slipping away.

The fact of the matter is that references will be critical to your future career success and you need them to be as good as possible. A simple one paragraph letter saying that you started with the company in May of 2001, came to work every day and discharged your responsibilities appropriately just isn’t sufficient.

A new employer is going to want to know HOW you performed and WHAT your particular skills are. If they receive a half-hearted letter, they may come to the conclusion that your on-the-job performance was only mediocre and you won’t be selected for that position.

The time to consider asking your manager is BEFORE things reach a critical mass. For instance, after you’ve completed that marketing project or submitted that comprehensive accounting report is a great time to ask for a reference ‘for your file.’ (Make sure that you clarify the fact that you have absolutely no plans of leaving, but that you would simply like to add this to your portfolio for the future.)

One way to encourage your manager to write you the kind of reference you’re looking for is to simply hand him samples of letters you’ve received in the past, along with a bulleted list of your accomplishments to discuss. If it should prove difficult to obtain such a letter from your direct manager, you can also approach clients with whom you have worked directly or even co-workers. However, so there’s no doubt about your abilities, try to get at least one supervisory letter—and on company letterhead if at all possible.

Keep your list of references updated, but NEVER provide their names as a part of your resume. The reason for this is because if the job doesn’t look as though it will become a reality you will have disturbed them for no reason. Instead, wait until you’re asked back for a second interview and then alert them to the fact that you’ve applied for a new position.

In fact, it is absolutely critical that you not use these letters unless and until you have informed the writer of your plans to do so. There’s nothing worse than having a potential boss call a reference only to be told that he or she doesn’t remember writing a letter on your behalf. (If you aren’t that memorable, what kind of an employee do you think you’d make in the eyes of your prospective new boss?)

And, it’s not a bad idea either to keep up with your references: find out how/what THEY’RE doing periodically by inviting them to share breakfast with you. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your current job search. And, they may even know of a position for which you’d be well-suited. (It’s certainly worth the price of an Egg McMuffin to find out!)

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3/3/2010 @ 9:57:54 pm by dynamicareers.com

Employers Are Paying Attention to Your Writing Skills: So Should You!

If you ask Recruiters, Human Resource Directors, Hiring Managers and HR Executives what their pet peeve is about the hiring process, they are all likely to tell you the same thing. And that is, that each day they find themselves are deluged with resumes replete with grammatical errors, punctuation problems and spelling mistakes—to say nothing of inconsistencies in formatting and style.

When you apply for a job or send out any type of business correspondence, please, please, take the few extra minutes it takes to read OUT LOUD what it is that you’ve written. The reason for this is of course that mistakes are far more evident when speaking a text then when reading it to yourself.

And, spell checkers aren’t the total answer. Consider the following sentence: Fred Finkelstein’s company announced the creation last week of “two” product lines that are “too” expensive “to” market overseas. News flash: a spell checker doesn’t distinguish between two, too and to. Therefore, all it takes is a slip of the finger and you’ve now got a document that is incorrect—in spite of the spell checker!

If you have doubts about your writing ability, go find someone who CAN write—an English teacher, a journalist or a published author for example--and ask THEM to check your letter for accuracy.

So, why is it that spelling is such a big deal? Well, first of all, a letter that is poorly written sends the message to a prospective employer that you are either lazy, stupid or both. Second of all, by sending a document with even slight deficiencies, like it or not the message is that you just don’t care--and more importantly that you have no pride in the quality of your work. Not surprisingly, the position will go to someone else!

Moral of this story: write as though your livelihood depends on it, because it DOES!

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3/1/2010 @ 8:41:33 pm by dynamicareers.com

Creating Your Own Business is Easy: Getting Started is the Hardest Part!

Have you ever considered the idea of working from home? More and more these days people are choosing to set themselves up in business and work from the comfort of their own homes.
Is this something that might work for you? Do you have a talent or a skill that might lend itself to this arrangement? Some of the more obvious choices would be photography, cooking/catering businesses, and website or graphics design.

Of course, this is not something you’ll want to leap into without careful consideration. It can be a lonely road to travel, especially if you have been used to being around other co-workers in your previous position. You will have to learn the art of self-motivation because there won’t be any one else around to keep you focused.

After you decide what it is you plan to do/sell, create an office space for yourself.. Even if it’s only a corner of your bedroom or kitchen, try to delineate it as a separate area. You’ll probably need a second phone line—one with a distinctive ring so you can tell when you’re receiving a call from a prospective customer vs Aunt Mildred who just wants to chat about her newest fad diet.
If you have a family, undoubtedly one of the biggest struggles you’ll have at the outset is keeping the interruptions down to a bare minimum. Both your kids---and your spouse--may have difficulty realizing that 3:00 pm is not the time to ask Mommy where their socks are, or whether she's done the laundry yet…

Your work time is serious time, and you need to gently, but firmly convey that concept to others in your household. Similarly, your friends who are just calling to gossip about the latest neighborhood news are going to have to be discouraged. You’ll need to set up a strict schedule for yourself which does NOT include unanticipated work stoppages!

Perhaps you can use a visual symbol to delineate the fact that you are hard at work and cannot afford to be disturbed. A replica of a traffic light works well: put the Red Light symbol up when you’re busy and a green one when the tasks you’re doing are just not that important.

In the initial stages, you’ll need to focus, focus and focus. Eventually when you figure out what it is you are doing for a living, you’ll be able to relax some of the rules you’ve set for yourself. But for the time being, you’re the only one running the show, and that show deserves your full attention.

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