Resume Tips - Session 3 --More About "Cover Letter"

Resume Tips - Session 3 --More About "Cover Letter"

What Employers Expect in a Cover Letter

·         Tailored skills from the job description - 33%

·         Clarity (specifying job applied to) - 26%

·         Details from resume - 20%

·         Your (personal) value - 19%

As you can see, employers expect personalized cover letters that show them why you are a strong fit for the position and a valuable candidate worth taking the time to interview.

That said, in defense of applicants who are sending cover letters as though they were 140 character tweets, it can be hard to justify taking the time to write a customized cover letter, especially when you don't hear back from employers after sending out, in some cases, hundreds of cover letters and resumes.

It's tough when you put effort into applying - over and over again - and your applications get lost in the "black hole" of the Internet.

Required Cover Letters

The bottom line though is that if an employer requests a cover letter, you need to send one - a real cover letter, not a sentence or two. It's in your best interest to send one even if it's not a requirement.

Create a Cover Letter Template

One way to make cover letter writing a little easier is to start with a cover letter template, customize it to include some basic information about your skills and experience. Save your cover letter as a Word document with a file name that's easy to recognize i.e. coverlettertemplate.doc.

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Each time you apply for a job, open your cover letter template document and create a new version of your cover letter. Personalize what is now your cover letter template to fit the job requirements of the postions you apply to.

Edit the contact information section to include the information for the new employer. Edit the salutation with the new hiring manager's name, if you have it. Edit the first paragraph of your letter to reflect the job you're applying to and where you found the posting.

Personalize the body of the cover letter and relate your skills to the job description. Your final paragraph, closing and signature won't need to be changed.

Be sure to save your cover letter with a new file name (File Save As) so you have a copy of each cover letter you send to employers.

Tweaking is easier than starting from scratch and it won't take long to write a tailored cover letter and you'll make a much better impression than if you simply say here is my resume.

Salutation

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Body of Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph:
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph.

Middle Paragraphs:
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.

Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it.

Complimentary Close:

Respectfully yours,

Signature:

JAVA/J2EE Jobs for F1 Students

Greetings,
Altus Technologies Inc partnering with major IT consulting companies and product development business, is recruiting Java and Dot Net /Middle tier technologies professionals for their training and development of Global software Solutions. Altus Technologies Inc is a VA based software consulting firm where we have trained 500 plus software professionals working on various technologies like Java, Dot Net, Sap, and Oracle Apps.
We are currently in a process of recruiting software professionals and fresh graduates on Middle Tier Technologies (e.g. Java, . Net )

JAVA/J2EE  “train and hire” program---------------------12th December 2011

Job Requirements:
Job Function : IT - Software /Enterprise Application Development
Industry : IT-Software
Qualification : Graduates-CS/MIS/IT/Software Engineering
Experience : 0 -5
Level : Entry Level/Fresher/experience
Locations : PA,MD,TN,DE,CT ,CA ,NY,NJ,CA ,VA
Key Skills : SQL, PL/Sql, Database concepts, C++,OOP’s Concepts
Visa Status : F1/EAD( OPT/L2/GC)

Job Description: .Net Developer –Role – Web Developer
After training you will confidently perform following Role and Responsibilities :
• Code web pages utilizing CSS and XHTML and programming languages including JavaScript, SQL and ASP/VB .Net and combinations of languages for instance AJAX.
• Develop and maintain web services.
• Analyze, review and modify web systems by designing, maintaining, documenting, testing, developing and monitoring.
• Assist in the planning of overall company policy regarding search engine optimization and web development.
• Monitor site technical performance and web server.
• Work on projects including web layout enhancements, website enhancements, web-based applications, and database-backed websites
• Performs maintenance and enhancements on applications (functional and related reports) with limited supervision with regards to code development in accordance with established naming conventions and standards, implementation procedures, and post production testing.
• Extend existing or develop new code base using proven best-practice patterns and coding standards
Benefits:
1) Groceries Expenses up to $ 450 .*
2) Free training with free accommodation
3) For first project 1 week accommodation near client location with one way fair ticket
4) Free H1 sponsorship
5) 50% of employee Health insurance covered( Dental, Vision and life)
6) Reimbursement of Travel Expenses Up to $ 150 max while travelling to our guesthouse – this amount would be refunded along with first
pay check only if provided with Travel Ticket *
*Benefits 1 and 6 exclusively for OPT/F1 students only

Please refer F1 students/ Prospective OPT Candidates/GC’s who don’t have any real time work experience,
they can be consider under “ Train and Hire” program
)
Altus Technologies exclusively get 15-20 requirements everyday on Java and Middle tier technologies from clients ,on average in a month we place 14-19 consultants hence 85% of Altus employees are either Dot Net /Java/J2ee/SAP BO Tier consultants working across USA-most of them working in Bay Area and Eastern region ,we very often get multiyear long term project requirements from clients hence we would like to invite IT Consultants who are looking for long term projects and transparent sure GC Sponsorship ,

Please note that all the programs are full-time Contract positions . Again, the training is provided free (no hidden stuff) and free accommodation (during training )is also given to each individual. It is mandatory that all the selected persons must relocate or must commute everyday to our premises located at Sterling , VA or Santa Rita ,CA to attend training with placement.

Prospective international F1/EAD Candidates who don’t have any real time work experience in Informatica /java/Dot Net programming can be consider under “ Train and Hire” program , For information on OPT/Hiring please visit my blogs:http://f1-opt.blogspot.com/
http://altusjobs.wordpress.com/


With Regards
Vijay Paul
ALTUS TECHNOLOGIES INC
Phone : 703.310.7053 Ext 1011 | Direct Line : 703.434.3256 | Fax : 703.738.7745
e-mail : vijay.p@altustek.com website : www.altustek.com

Resume Tips- Session 5

10 Words and Terms That Ruin a Resume

                                       By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior EditorYour resume needs an update -- that is, if your resume is like that of most people, it’s not as good as it could be. The problem is language: Most resumes are a thicket of deadwood words and phrases -- empty cliches, annoying jargon and recycled buzzwords. Recruiters, HR folks and hiring managers see these terms over and over again, and it makes them sad. Wouldn’t you rather make them happy? It’s time to start raking out your resume, starting with these (and similar) terms.1. “Salary negotiable”

Yes, they know. If you’re wasting a precious line of your resume on this term, it looks as though you’re padding -- that you’ve run out of things to talk about. If your salary is not negotiable, that would be somewhat unusual. (Still, don’t put that on your resume either.)

2. “References available by request”

See the preceding comment about unnecessary terms.

3. “Responsible for ______”

Reading this term, the recruiter can almost picture the C-average, uninspired employee mechanically fulfilling his job requirements -- no more, no less. Having been responsible for something isn’t something you did -- it’s something that happened to you. Turn phrases like “responsible for” into “managed,” “led” or other decisive, strong verbs.

4. “Experience working in ______”

Again, experience is something that happens to you -- not something you achieve. Describe your background in terms of achievements.

5. “Problem-solving skills”

You know who else has problem-solving skills? Monkeys. Dogs. On your resume, stick to skills that require a human.

6. “Detail-oriented”
So, you pay attention to details. Well, so does everyone else. Don’t you have something unique to tell the hiring manager? Plus, putting this on your resume will make that accidental typo in your cover letter or resume all the more comical.

7. “Hardworking”
Have you ever heard the term “show -- don’t tell”? This is where that might apply. Anyone can call himself a hard worker. It’s a lot more convincing if you describe situations in concrete detail in which your hard work benefited an employer.

8. “Team player”
See the preceding comment about showing instead of telling. There are very few jobs that don’t involve working with someone else. If you have relevant success stories about collaboration, put them on your resume. Talk about the kinds of teams you worked on, and how you succeeded.

9. “Proactive” This is a completely deflated buzzword. Again, show rather than tell.

10. “Objective”

When Is a Formal Objective Required?

Career changers and entry-level workers should consider incorporating their objectives into their resumes, because their goals may not be clearly defined by their work history alone. If you're targeting a particular position, add a formal objective statement and reference the job opening. The hiring manager will see you took time to customize your resume and that the opportunity is important to you.

This term isn’t always verboten, but you should use it carefully. If your objective is to get the job you’ve applied for, there’s no need to spell that out on your resume with its own heading. A resume objective is usually better replaced by a career summary describing your background, achievements and what you have to offer an employer. An exception might be if you haven’t applied for a specific job and don’t have a lot of experience that speaks to the position you’d like to achieve   

For more information please visit : http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writing-tips/whats-your-resume-objective/article.aspx

Record Number of Foreign Students in USA

New annual report from Open Doors (IIE) was published yesterday shows 723,277 Foreign students in USA during 2010/2011 academic year.

Thats an increase of 4.7% compared to previous year – 690,923.

Open Doors - Report

Why the influx of foreign students in USA?

• Not good quality schools in home countries?
• Growing economy in other countries?
• Parents earning more money to send students to USA for education?

No, above 3 can be a small contributing factor, but main reason is explained by Allan Goodman, president of the IIE. In his recent interview at NPR, he says international students pump more than $21 billion into the U.S. economy.

Yes, they pay tuition but they also rent their housing, they buy a computer, they buy books, they buy clothing. They contribute not just to the college, but to the broader community. They often pay full tuition, and universities hit by state budget cuts say that’s one reason they’re recruiting more foreign students.

Quick Facts about Foreign Students

Top Countries

1.  China (157,558)
2. India (103,895)
3. South Korea (73,351)

Top Universities

1. US (8.615)
2. University of Illinois (7,991)
3. NYU (7,988)

Top US states

1. California (96,535)
2. New York (76,888)
3. Texas (61,636)

Total Students

1. 2010/2011 (723,277)
2. 2009/2010 (690,923)
3. 2008/2009 (671,616)
4. 2000/2001 (547,867)

Still California leads number of foreign students in USA, followed by New York and Texas.

• Top 30 State Universities That Love Out-of-State Students

And the as per the report, less than two percent of American students studied abroad in the 2009 and 2010 school year.

With Regards

Vijay Paul

ALTUS TECHNOLOGIES INC

Phone : 703.310.7053 Ext 1011 | Direct Line : 703.434.3256 | Fax : 703.738.7745

e-mail : vijay.p@altustek.com  website : www.altustek.com

.Net Opportunities under "Train and Hire" program -Altus Technologies Inc

Greetings,
Altus Technologies Inc partnering with major IT consulting companies and product development business, is recruiting Java and Dot Net /Middle tier technologies professionals for their training and development of Global software Solutions. Altus Technologies Inc is a VA based software consulting firm where we have trained 500 plus software professionals working on various technologies like Java, Dot Net, Sap, and Oracle Apps.
We are currently in a process of recruiting software professionals and fresh graduates on Middle Tier Technologies (e.g. Java, . Net )

Dot Net “train and hire” program---------------------9th November 2011

Job Requirements:
Job Function : IT - Software /Enterprise Application Development
Industry : IT-Software
Qualification : Graduates-CS/MIS/IT/Software Engineering
Experience : 0 -5
Level : Entry Level/Fresher/experience
Locations : PA,MD,TN,DE,CT ,CA ,NY,NJ,CA ,VA
Key Skills : SQL, PL/Sql, Database concepts, C++,OOP’s Concepts
Visa Status : F1/EAD( OPT/L2/GC)

Job Description: .Net Developer –Role – Web Developer
After training you will confidently perform following Role and Responsibilities :
• Code web pages utilizing CSS and XHTML and programming languages including JavaScript, SQL and ASP/VB .Net and combinations of languages for instance AJAX.
• Develop and maintain web services.
• Analyze, review and modify web systems by designing, maintaining, documenting, testing, developing and monitoring.
• Assist in the planning of overall company policy regarding search engine optimization and web development.
• Monitor site technical performance and web server.
• Work on projects including web layout enhancements, website enhancements, web-based applications, and database-backed websites
• Performs maintenance and enhancements on applications (functional and related reports) with limited supervision with regards to code development in accordance with established naming conventions and standards, implementation procedures, and post production testing.
• Extend existing or develop new code base using proven best-practice patterns and coding standards
Benefits:
1) Groceries Expenses up to $ 450 .*
2) Free training with free accommodation
3) For first project 1 week accommodation near client location with one way fair ticket
4) Free H1 sponsorship
5) 50% of employee Health insurance covered( Dental, Vision and life)
6) Reimbursement of Travel Expenses Up to $ 150 max while travelling to our guesthouse – this amount would be refunded along with first
pay check only if provided with Travel Ticket *
*Benefits 1 and 6 exclusively for OPT/F1 students only

Please refer F1 students/ Prospective OPT Candidates/GC’s who don’t have any real time work experience,
they can be consider under “ Train and Hire” program
)
Altus Technologies exclusively get 15-20 requirements everyday on Java and Middle tier technologies from clients ,on average in a month we place 14-19 consultants hence 85% of Altus employees are either Dot Net /Java/J2ee/SAP BO Tier consultants working across USA-most of them working in Bay Area and Eastern region ,we very often get multiyear long term project requirements from clients hence we would like to invite IT Consultants who are looking for long term projects and transparent sure GC Sponsorship ,

Please note that all the programs are full-time Contract positions . Again, the training is provided free (no hidden stuff) and free accommodation (during training )is also given to each individual. It is mandatory that all the selected persons must relocate or must commute everyday to our premises located at Sterling , VA or Santa Rita ,CA to attend training with placement.

Prospective international F1/EAD Candidates who don’t have any real time work experience in Informatica /java/Dot Net programming can be consider under “ Train and Hire” program , For information on OPT/Hiring please visit my blogs:
http://f1-opt.blogspot.com/
http://altusjobs.wordpress.com/


With Regards
Vijay Paul
ALTUS TECHNOLOGIES INC
Phone : 703.310.7053 Ext 1011 | Direct Line : 703.434.3256 | Fax : 703.738.7745
e-mail : vijay.p@altustek.com website : www.altustek.com