If you haven’t portrayed your value to the employer in the top third of your résumé, then you probably won’t get the interview.  A typical résumé may receive about 10-20 seconds of the reviewer’s time, and we don’t even have to talk about the second page.  Don’t put your life in the hands of the resume screener! 

To make sure your résumé has an impact and gets the results you are looking for, you must tell the employer that you are exactly what they are looking for right up front.  If you haven’t dusted off your old presentation, if may be a good idea to contact a professional who is up to date on what the employer of today is looking for!

An effective résumé presentation will get you noticed, and may lead the most important step in your job search, the interview.  A Certified Professional Résumé Writer can help you stand out above the competition.  Don’t waste valuable time trying to come up with the right presentation on your own!  You need to be ready to attend the interview today, to reach your personal and professional career goals in the future. Visit parkercprw.com for more information on how to create your professional resume. I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and my goal is to help your succeed.

Visit www.parkercprw.com for more information on how I can help you reach your career goals.

Funny how when we are acutally working and bringing in that regular paycheck, that we never think about our most precious job search tool - our résumé.   While you are gainfully employed is the best time to dust off your credentials, keep them handy and always up to date.  Most significant job offers come along when you don’t really need them, so what better time than now to keep up with your portfolio?  If you don’t have the time to update your  résumé now, you certainly won’t have the time if you find yourself unexpectedly unemployed!  Don’t wait until you have no choice, make the decision today to get your résumé up to date.  If you need assistance, visit www.parkercprw.com for guidance and resume writing resources.        

Funny how when we are acutally working and bringing in that regular paycheck, that we never think about our most precious job search tool - our résumé.   While you are gainfully employed is the best time to dust off your credentials, keep them handy and always up to date.  Most significant job offers come along when you don’t really need them, so what better time than now to keep up with your personal portfolio?  If you don’t have the time to update your  résumé now, you certainly won’t have the time if you find yourself unexpectedly unemployed!  Don’t wait until you have no choice, make the decision today to get your résumé up to date.  Your life, your family, your future depends on how ready you are in the event bad news brings a change to your career field. Unemployment is not something any of us look forward to, however you can be one step ahead of the rest of the job seekers in the event that happens to you.  If you would like get your portfolio up to date, visit parkercprw.com for guidance and resume writing resources.        

After retiring from the US Army, I spent the better part of two years trying to decide what I was going to do with myself next.  I kept saying to those who asked me, that I was going to find a mindless job.  One where I could let the others do the thinking for once, and just coast through the rest of my working years.  Well, that didn’t last for long. 

Shortly after my retirement, I found myself working as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist for the Department of Labor.  This position provided a great opportunity to continue working with soldiers and veterans of all ages.  I became a regular student at the National Veterans Training Institute located in Denver, Colorado; where I learned to facilitate the same Transition Assistance Program (TAP) brief to service members that I had just recently received myself.  I had often wondered how those instructors acquired those positions as I attended that mandatory briefing. 

Always up for another challenge, I was offered an opportunity to obtain my certification as a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW).  Known throughout my military career as having a knack for putting words on paper, I didn’t blink twice as I jumped at the chance to be recognized among the other professional résumé writers I admired.  I completed the program developed by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers, and reached another personal goal by obtaining the CPRW Certification. 

It was shortly thereafter that I realized how much I truly enjoyed writing résumés for my clients.  I found much joy in being able to help others finally reach their career objectives, and have a positive impact on their life.  My reward was nothing more than the smile on their face when they came back to brag about landing the job they were seeking, and feeling that I was a cornerstone to their success.  Wouldn’t it be great if I could do that for people all of the time?                                  

I think I finally figured out what to do with myself.  With the unwavering support of my family, friends, co-workers and colleagues, I decided to start my own business.  One where I could do what I enjoyed so much, and one where I could spend as much time as I wanted assisting a specific client.  I decided I wanted to write Professional Résumé Presentations on a full time basis.    

After a few months of researching exactly how to start my own business, I took all of the steps (and not necessarily in the right order) to open up shop as Parker-CPRW.  The trials and tribulations have been worth all of the trouble.  Now that I have joined the Chamber of Commerce, published my brochures and business cards, launched the website, and started the marketing phase I can see the last few months of preparation paying off.  The fruits of my efforts really are coming together.  In fact, I have already been scheduled to provide services and support the annual Veteran and Homeless Stand Down in Savannah, GA; as well as a few other local events.           

In closing, I don’t think I would have made it this far if it were not for the valuable resources available in our network.  Special thanks go out to Frank Fox, at PARW-CC for taking his valuable time to speak with me and answer questions on a regular basis.  His guidance and positive support really did keep me going through the phase where I thought that maybe I was not ready to take this particular challenge on.  I have decided at this point that I would just have to say to anyone, “you can do it”!  It really does help to have a network of professionals promoting our success, and readily available to support us in this career field. 

What a great asset for Army Wives!  Of course, wives of all branches of service listen to the Army Wife Talk Radio Show.  There is something for everyone on this exciting program, to include the latest news on what’s happening in your area. What a great opportunity to share your personal and family life, day to day experiences with other spouses. Each Monday, 8pm, you can listen to Star and Tara interview special guests, and talk about new and exciting information they have learned and are determined to share with their listeners.  This is an interactive program where every one can participate, to include service members, family members, and of course spouses!  You can even call in and ask questions of your own. Visit the site at armywifetalkradio.com for more information on upcoming events, and links to things all service members will find interesting.  For a special treat, and a bit of inside information, listen in on 1 DEC 2008, at 8pm and hear the live interview with Lisa Parker, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, owner of Parker-CPRW, Professional Resume Presentations.  You may just learn how you can write a great resume!

If you need a resume that gets results, gets you the interview and a chance to prove to the employer that you are the employee they have been looking for – well, look no more.  As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, my goal is to write a resume that will help you reach your career objectives.  Of course you can always write a good resume yourself, or utilize one of the many resume writing programs available today.  However, you should carefully consider how many other job seekers do the same.  Why would you want to look like all of the other job seekers on paper?  The goal is to have a presentation that will put you on the top of the pile during the screening phase as the employer compares resumes. Visit parkercprw.com for more information on professional resume writing.  Your life, your future, your choice. Contact me for a consultation on your specific needs so we can get you on the path to success in reaching your career goals!

Visit www.parkercprw.com

Tune in to Army Wife Talk Radio to hear Lisa Parker discuss the value of a professional resume presentation.  Army Wife Talk Radio provides listeners, and their family members insight on the challenges faced as they go through life with a military service member. 

Each week, Monday at 8pm, you can tune in at www.armywifetalkradio.com and be an active participant on the radio show.  Listen in and comment on the current topic, or submit a question that you would like addressed on the show.  On 1 December 2008, Lisa Parker, a Certified Professional Resume Writer and owner of Parker-CPRW will be a guest speaker. 

If you would like to know more about the value of a professional resume presentation, whether you are an entry level, professional, executive, or other job seeker; you can visit www.parkercprw.com for more information.

If you are tired of surfing the net for a professional resume writer, why don’t you contact Ms. Parker at www.parkercprw.com to have your resume prepared?  You will be able to speak one-on-one with Ms. Parker about your specific resume needs; and your resume will not be sent to an unknown resume writer.  As a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW), Lisa Parker, CPRW will provide you a professional prepared, value based resume presentation that will help get you to the interview you have been waiting for. 

Ms. Parker has an extensive background in career development, working with individuals from a variety of career fields.  As an Entry Level, Professional, or an Executive seeking a professional presentation; you deserve the service and results that a Professional Resume Writer can provide.    

Visit www.parkercprw.com

To succeed in reaching your career goals, the first thing you need is a value based resume presentation, prepared by a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).  The start of a successful career search is a resume that will accurately portray you value and help you get to the interview.

A Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) maintains current relationships with human resource personnel and employers to identify exactly what labor market trends the job seeker of today may have to compete with.  Your future depends on how well prepared you are to enter the labor market.      

If you are unsure which way to turn as you research all of the on line resume services, just contact a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).  You can verify a resume writer’s credentials by visiting the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW-CC), at www.parw.com.    

For immediate assistance on your specific resume or career development needs, contact Ms. Parker at Parker-CPRW, www.parkercprw.com.     

Visit ParkerCPRW.com

While you were serving your country, the civilian career market moved on.  Not only that, the strategies used by job seekers changed dramatically.  Chances are, the last time you had to go look for a job; you went door to door, ended up with an on the spot interview, and went to work almost immediately. 

When was the last time you actually had to write a  résumé?  

Most companies use an online service to screen a résumé in today’s labor market.  There are pros and cons to this for the job seeker.  It is quicker, easier, and a whole lot faster to get your resume out there; but the competition can be astounding.  In addition, a lot of job seekers who have been “out of the net” don’t know the best strategy to use when they are faced with this task.  After hundreds of résumé submittals with little or no results, the first thing you face after a stable career in the service is feeling inadequate, unworthy, depressed, and pressured as the bills roll in, and there is no hope in this job market. You know you have skills, you know you are a good prospect for a potential employer, yet no response to your efforts (résumé).    

Relax, there really is help out there.  Although you can learn by trial and error about what works today on your own (months may go by without one response to your efforts), I recommend you seek the help of a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) as soon as possible to make your transition smoother. The information provided to service members during the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is valuable, accurate and is designed to tell you what you should incorporate into your military transition résumé. However, the information doesn’t tell you how to format the information in a way that will get you the results you are seeking. 

Certified Professional Résumé Writers, certified by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches work hand in hand with the Department of Labor, who in turn work with the National Veteran Training Institute and with the Department of Veteran Affairs to design the content of the Transition Assistance Program Brief (TAP).  These Professional Résumé Writers can be found everywhere!  They are located in your Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) offices, the Department of Labor, and in your local community. Through the agencies, the services are free.   

These professionals will help you present your information in a way that will get you results in your job search efforts. If you would rather seek the individual services of one of these professionals, you can verify their credentials and find a CPRW in your local area through the PARW website at www.parw.com.

You can also visit Parker-CPRW, at www.parkercprw.com for more information.  Ms. Parker is a not only a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), but is also a retired service member who understands the challenges you are facing in your transition.  Don’t waste your valuable time and resources trying to understand exactly what will work in today’s labor market. Seeking the services of a professional will save you and your family time, money, and the frustration of stepping out on your own in this transition.      

Visit www.parkercprw.com

    

 

              

 

              

    

          

   

       

   

    

    

 

 

If you decide to conduct your job search with little or no assistance from the professional services available to you, valuable time may be lost in your transition from military service to the civilian job market.

You don’t have to seek the services of a Certified Professional Résumé Writer, a Career Coach, or even a job placement service.  However, just as you were a professional in the occupational skill you held in the military, they are the professionals that monitor the changes in today’s labor market.  These professionals know the strategies of incorporating your skills into a Résumé Presentation that works; what job placement centers are looking for; what the employer looks for; and how to best portray your value to a prospective employer.  

For information on how to contact a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) in your area, you can visit the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW) at www.parw.com.  You can also verify a résumé writer’s credentials at PARW.  

If you need immediate assistance on how to prepare a résumé that will get the results you are seeking, you can visit Parker-CPRW at www.parkercprw.com to work with a CPRW, and a retired service member who understands the challenges you are currently facing in your transition.   

You want to get the interview, you want to get the job, you want to have the least amount of delay in an unemployed status. A Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) can help you reach your career goals.  

A CPRW will know exactly how to portray your skills to a prospective employer on paper. When your final presentation is complete, you may wonder why it took you so long to seek the services of a professional in the first place.  

Job seekers that have had a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) help them with their résumé presentation will be happy to speak with you about their success in getting to the interview.   

If you want to learn more about the services that a Certified Professional Résumé Writer can provide, contact the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW).  As the industry standard and original certification program for Professional Résumé Writers, they can verify the credentials of a writer claiming to be a CPRW, and help you locate a professional résumé writer in your local area.  

For immediate assistance on your résumé needs, contact Lisa Parker, CPRW at Parker-CPRW, www.parkercprw.com.     

Competition for finding placement in the world of communications and media is at an all time high.  As technology continues to evolve and the application of design and marketing elements becomes more creative, so must the new entrepreneur in making a first impression. 

One of the most valuable resources available to job seekers of today may be passed over, or even ignored – a Professional Portfolio Presentation.  Typically, a portfolio is a term that many of us place hand in hand with a professional who has 20 or more years of experience in a particular career field, and we do not consider ourselves worthy of flaunting our accomplishments with such a bold statement. However, consider that even your smallest personal accomplishments are the contents that your professional portfolio is built upon. A professional portfolio is the culmination of every milestone and accomplishment in your adult life, as pertains to your career field.

If hundreds of other job seekers competing for the same position submit their résumé; only a few will make it to the interview. If of those few, only a couple report to the interview armed with a professional portfolio, who do you think will make the greatest impact on the selection board?  Knowledge is power, and what you need to know; is that taking the time to develop a professional portfolio and keep it updated will be the cornerstone to your personal success in the career field of your choice.  

Your portfolio is the first opportunity you have to publish yourself; it will indicate your value, portray your experience, and serves as a creative asset to intrigue prospective employers and leave a lasting impression. If well designed, the portfolio will be the most refreshing part of the interview process to panel members.  When you prepare your presentation, don’t be afraid to be creative.  Most people are visual and the use of color copies, with bold and exciting presentation techniques will provoke the interest of readers, and display your creative talents. The opportunities for expressing yourself are endless. If you find yourself at a loss for creative ideas when getting started, research some of the professional scrap book designer references for ideas.  In the field of communicating via media, a well designed portfolio and a web presentation of your credentials will indicate your passion for advancement and growth, and most importantly, demonstrate your creative talent. With a great design, a visually appealing portfolio will continue to sell you and your value when you are not there!         

When you submit your resume to a prospective employer, mention in the cover letter that your portfolio is available upon request.  The combination of a resume and professional portfolio will serve to prioritize your placement in the line of potential candidates.    Once you have your portfolio prepared you will carry it with you to interviews, and have it readily available on a daily basis. Be sure to have either an automated version or a professionally prepared paper copy of your traditional portfolio that you can leave with the employer; never leave your original presentation behind.    

Networking opportunities come along when unexpected, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared if you find an opportunity to market your talent and you are asked for more information. Having additional copies of your credentials readily available will be impressive to curious talent scouts. If you are specializing in communications or a media related career field; an automated version of your portfolio or an online portfolio presentation is the most effective way to portray your talent and skills in web design or marketing strategies.  

You should not wait to put a portfolio together until you have 5, 10, or even 20 years of experience.  Start to build your portfolio now, and watch it grow along with you as you progress in your career field. 

If you need more guidance on how to prepare your personal portfolio presentation, contact Lisa Parker, CPRW at www.parkercprw.com.

You think that after all the time, effort, sweat equity and frustration you put into the preparation of your résumé, it will be received with open arms by the person or company representative you took the time to send it to.  You picture the “target” individual opening up the email or envelope with anticipation, and their eyes opening wide, impressed beyond belief as they take their first look at the result of your efforts.  You imagine them immediately putting your résumé first and foremost above other résumés, requirements and appointments. You see them spending valuable time reading and taking in each word of your objective, career history, and personal accomplishments; virtually marveling over the vast background of your history and career achievements.  For hours after you submit your life on paper you bounce around with a renewed enthusiasm for the job search.  You know for certain that within a day or so, you will receive a personal call for an interview, at which time you will jump for joy and spread the news that you are well on your way to snagging that job with “XYZ Company”. 

 

If you are lucky, you won’t have to suffer the same disappointment as the other hundreds of job seekers who thought the same thing.  After not hearing anything back from the “target” for a few days, or even weeks you start to wonder if they received your résumé presentation.  Then you call, or follow-up only to be told that it was received and is scheduled to be reviewed; or worse, that they will get back to you.                            

Ouch!

 

Instead of beating yourself up at this point and falling into the pit of despair, it may be a good idea to hear from someone who cares that it isn’t “you”.                    

 

Many companies and corporations of all sizes employ human resource representatives, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other professional assistants to help them manage the multitudes of information and tasks that must be accomplished.  Screening résumés will often fall into this category.  Even when your résumé is addressed to a particular individual, it may fall in the hands of an employ tasked with identifying specific points of interest as dictated by the hiring authority.      

 

If an employer places an ad for a job opening, or just has career information on their website; imagine how many other job seekers submit their résumé just like you.  Then imagine how that appointed representative may have to review hundreds of résumés a week.  Screening a résumé is an art, perfected by those who are charged with reviewing massive amounts of paperwork.  The seasoned professional will tell you that if the résumé doesn’t portray the information they seek in the top third of the page, it probably will not make it to the next phase of the process.   

 

 

Your résumé is just a tool for weeding out job seekers.

Congratulations!  You got the interview – but now there is more work to be done before you can afford to celebrate.  Getting your foot in the door is half the battle, and to win the reward you must be prepared to stand out above the competition. 

What are you going to wear?  If you have been out job hunting chances are you already have a nice suit selected in the event you received this call.  Always consider the upcoming weather; how far you may have to walk and the shoes you will wear; and the time it will take you to get ready.  Once you start the job search, it pays to be ready on very short notice.     

Do you actually know where you are going, how long it will take to get there, and the path of least resistance in travel?  By thinking this potential problem out ahead of time and preparing for unforeseen traffic jams, breakdowns, or any number of other delays you will be able to plan your route accordingly and arrive on time.  Depending on where the interview takes place will help you remember to have any parking or travel fees on hand, and also help you gage the time you need to ensure you arrive to be at least 20 minutes before the appointment time.  The hour you may have planned to use getting settled on location can quickly tick away in the event you have to park a block or two from the location, and then traverse security or other unexpected delays. 

Have you taken the time to research the company?  It pays to know the services and products a company provides, as well as a little bit about their history.  Most every respectable company has a web site with an “About Us” page; a “Mission Statement” complete with goals or values; and a “Career or Employment” page which will outline the benefits to help you negotiate salary and compensation. 

Do you know who is going to be on the interview panel, or how many copies of your résumé you may need?     

Sell yourself.  If you walk in the door with defeat written all over your persona you will probably leave the same way.  By projecting a positive, confident, motivated and generally happy attitude you will be on your way to a successful encounter.  Be nice to everyone.  You will be watched by someone from the moment you arrive in the parking lot to the time you leave the interview and depart the area.  Even the receptionist, secretary or other workers will have input as to your likeability and overall potential as a prospective co-worker. 

Do you appear organized?  You should have additional copies of your résumé, your references, a professional portfolio, writing utensil and backup, a white pad to take notes, and a nice place to store these materials (professional briefcase or leather portfolio).  The goal is to be quick and efficient when asked for additional information.  Employers are busy and tend to get to the point fairly quickly when conducting interviews.  If you have to dig through your bag for a pen or you forgot to bring a note pad or anything else you may be asked for then you have already got a black mark.  Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer and prepare your answers for typical interview questions that employers may ask (research these questions ahead of time).  Think before you speak to portray sound judgment and analytical skills.  Leave all of the other “bags” and “stuff” that you would typically carry around in the car or at home. 

If you are not offered the job, ask when the decision will be made and if you will be notified, or whether you should touch base at a later date. 

Did you thank the employer for the interview? The opportunity to follow-up is a blessing in disguise and few job seekers realize the importance of this task.  By sending a thank you note you will have one more opportunity to be noticed and express your interest in the position, or even a future opportunity.  You should be working on sending out a thank you letter the same day of the interview.  If you don’t take any other notes during the interview; write down the names of the interviewer or other members on the panel in planning for the follow-up.     

These are not all of the things you need to think about, but they will  provide a baseline for preparation on your behalf!   

For assistance on your interview preparation, contact Ms. Parker at parkercprw.com or contract an Employment Interview Professional through PARW-CC.

Tired of trying to decide just which service is right for you when seeking help with your resume?  Wonder why some people seem to head straight into the door for the interview and you are left standing with the “others”? If so, you are just like a lot of the other job seekers who are having the same trouble.

There are many things to consider in seeking a resume writer, but the first thing you should do is research their credentials with the certifying organization. 

For the record, The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches is the original organization developed to provide certification for career development professionals.  (PARW-CC) www.parw.com

As you search the net for writers, be wary of the services that offer inexpensive solutions to your resume writing needs.  Many of these offers result in your information being prepared in a resume writer program that you can purchase at the office supply store, and use over and over again.    These tactics certainly will not help you stand out from the competition.

If you choose one of these services, your resume will look just like all of the other boring resumes that cross the desks of employers on a daily basis, and most often end up in the other pile (meaning trash, round file, shredder, see-ya, good bye). 

The best resumes will get your foot in the door for an interview through the professional presentation of your skill set.  If you consider that your dream job is the key to your success and pays for the life you live, it would make sense to invest in the most precious thing you can ever buy to promote your career and lead to future prosperity. 

This is where I come in – visit me at Parkercprw.com for a free resume review or consultation.

Well, join the hundreds of other career professionals who are saying the same thing. The competition is at an all time high for the positions currently available.

There are some things that can help set you apart. Do you have a current resume? If so, have you considered how it compares to the others that cross the desks of employers?If your resume does not capture the resume screener’s interest; does not portray your value right up front; and does not intrigue the reader to review past the first few lines, then your resume may end up in the other pile (trash, round file, shredder, see-ya).

The resume is the key to getting the interview. It is the first step, and the most valuable asset you will need to conduct a succesful job search. If you are not sure how your current resume will stack up next to the competition, you should consider contacting a Certified Professional Resume Writer to help you out.Just as you are a professional in your career field, a CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) is a career development professional in keeping up with the trends in the labor market of today.

A CPRW will know what the employer is looking for, and they know how to portray your value in a presentation that will get your foot in the door for an interview.

Before your job search runs out of steam, and you find yourself falling into a pit of despair – do your career a favor and seek the help of a professional in reaching your career objective.

You can visit Ms. Parker at parkercprw.com or find a service provider in your local area through the directory of Certified Professional Resume Writers at parw.com.

You just located Lisa Parker, CPRW, CEIP – a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Certified Employment Interview Professional. 

As a Professional Resume Writer, I understand the challenges faced in preparing a resume designed to tackle the labor market of today.  Combined with the stress of job hunting, one of the most intimidating tasks may be trying to locate the right service, career development professional or resume writer to help you reach your career goals. 

Consider this task as especially frightful when the internet is saturated with service providers who send your personal project to an unknown writer, or worse the ones that charge what may seem a fair price – but cheat you by placing your information into a resume writing program that you could have purchased at the local office supply store!   

Take note – a Professional Resume Writer is not always cheap, but you can bet that a true writer will be able to place you in a position to promote your value to an employer, get you to the interview, and ultimately enable you to compete with the other candidates in your career field who may choose to hire a professional resume writer or career development professional.      

If you are going to spend hard earned money in seeking professional help with your resume, make sure you verify the credentials of a service provider with the certifying organization. 

And if you are seriously looking for a professional writer to set you apart from your competition, take a moment to contact Ms. Parker, at www.parkercprw.com as you search for a resource.  

If you are looking for a service provider that will send your information to an unknown writer; provide you with a seven page dissertation on how inept you are at portraying your skills in your current resume; or one that will place your information into a resume writing program – then you may not want to pay me a visit! 

However,  I will make a personal promise to provide you with one-on-one customer service, and design a resume presentation commensurate with your needs, one that fits your personality, and a Professional Resume Presentation Package that will portray your value to a potential employer – and provide you with all of the assets you need to conduct a successful job search in today’s labor market. 

Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW-CC)

Member of the Association of Online Resume and Career Professionals (AORCP)

Chamber of Commerce -  Member

Visit www.resume_resource.com to view resume samples for a variety of career fields.  Lisa Parker, CPRW, CEIP is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP) and owner / operator of Parker-CPRW. 

As a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, (PARW-CC) and based out of Richmond Hill, in the Savannah, Georgia area; Ms. Parker provides resume writing services and career development services for clients in an international market. 

With a background in the military, Ms. Parker prepares military transition resumes for service members transitioning into the civilian workforce, and other government resumes.   

To contact Ms. Parker direct, visit www.parkercprw.com and explore the benefits of a professional resume presentation as you embark upon a job search in the labor market of today.

If you are having trouble preparing a resume that gets your foot in the door for an interview, need career coaching assistance, or would like to coordinate for other career related guidance; contact Lisa Parker at www.parkercprw.com for help. 

Ms. Parker is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), a Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP), and a Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW-CC).      

Based out of Richmond Hill Georgia (Savannah area), Ms. Parker provides resume writing service for clients in an international forum.   

You can also visit Ms. Parker in a variety of online forums:

Jobs / Career / Resume Guidance Assistance     www.allexperts.com
Guest Speaker / Resume Writer / Career Guidance   www.womenforhire.com

Resume Samples – Military Transition    www.resume_resource.com

If you are searching for a Guest Speaker, expert assistance in the preparation of a resume, guidance on preparing for an interview, or other career coaching related subjects; you must check out the broad range of services and professional expertise offered by the members of “Women For Hire”. 

Conducting business out of Richmond Hill, GA – Ms. Parker is listed on Women for Hire as a Career Coaching Professional and a Resume Writer.  As Owner/Operator of Parker-CPRW, and Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW-CC); Ms. Parker is devoted to helping career minded individuals reach their career goal and professional development objectives.  

www.parkercprw.com   

In addition to locating a professional service provider to help individuals, businesses or corporate clients; Women For Hire provides multiple opportunities for networking among professionals in a variety of industries and career fields. 

www.womenforhire.com

     

The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches enters 2009 with 20 years of success in providing Professional Career Development guidance and assistance to job seekers spanning the globe and working in a variety of career fields.   At PARW-CC, you can contact a Professional Resume Writer, a Certified Employment Interview Professional, or a personal Career Coach to help you tap into your potential and reach your career goals.

Visit PARW-CC, at parw.com for more information on how to locate a Career Development Professional in your area.

If you are planning on heading out to a Job Fair, most likely you are either currently looking for a new job opportunity, or considering a change in your present career path.  Job Fairs offer multiple opportunities for exploring options in promoting your personal and professional development. 

You will find that Job Fairs provide valuable networking avenues with actual employers, their hiring managers, recruiters, or even other job seekers.  Discover leads on new companies coming to your area, or even browse the incentives employers provide for relocating in your current career field.  No matter what reason you decide to check out the upcoming Job Fair, there are some things you should consider before you set out on your adventure. 

The companies, employers and recruiters that line the isles to market the benefits of working with their organization are serious.  They wouldn’t be there if they were not searching for the next potential employee to add as an asset to their staff.  By realizing that they are scanning the room for potential candidates, just as you are scanning for new job opportunities you will have already taken a step closer to opening the door to a new phase in your career development.     

The best things happen to those who are proactive in setting and reaching goals.

Take the time to consider some of the following tips as you prepare to screen employment opportunities, and before you stop in at the next Job Fair.

Research – Obtain a List of potential Employers.  By knowing what companies are planning to attend the Job Fair, you will have a pretty good idea of the career fields and employment opportunities available.  Highlight some of the companies that you may be interested in.  Create a schedule for your visit, and place these companies in an order of precedence which best supports your objectives.  Then, research each company and make a few notes that you can review prior to your visit with them.  By looking these companies up online, and reading about the services, products, mission, values, corporate goals and career development opportunities they provide; you will sound well informed when you approach a prospective employer to inquire about current vacancies.  Job Fairs can be very small with only 25 employers; others can be huge and support a hundred or more.  Time will be limited with representatives, but by being prepared you can use that time wisely with key comments and questions.       

This tactic will immediately help you stand out above the other job seekers who just stop by for a brochure; not really having a particular goal, or knowing what they are actually there looking for.

Identify Your Personal Career Goals.  If you are seeking a particular position, make sure you know everything there is to know about it and be able to portray your knowledge.  You can’t impress a potential employer by hoping they will give you a shot at an opening that you know nothing about.  Once you identify a particular area of interest, you must also know the job description, the industry and how to portray to the hiring authority that you are the best pick for the job.  On the other hand, if you are not sure exactly what your career goals are, make notes and obtain employer information so that you can research opportunities in order to return to the Job Fair another day.  It isn’t wise to waste your time, the employer’s time; or hinder the goals of others who have mapped out their objectives.  

Plan to Market Yourself – Network.  Look at this opportunity as a potential “on-the-spot” interview.  Make sure you have your Résumé updated, and numerous copies available.  You may also have business cards that you can leave with other job seekers or employers after meeting with them.  Sometimes the best opportunities come along when we are not actually looking for them; and to have an unexpected opportunity pass you by because you were unprepared to provide your Résumé or other contact information will be a big mistake.  Take the time to be outgoing, open, friendly, and converse with other job seekers you meet.  The other job seekers may have came in contact with a representative looking for someone with your qualifications, and kind consideration for their own interests may be beneficial to you.  Also, it can only help to have Résumé, Professional Portfolio or business card you can leave behind with potential employers.  In addition you must always have something to write with, and a folder or notebook to take notes, and a place to keep the information you gather.                  

Dress for Success.  Appropriate attire will indicate to observers that you are serious in pursing employment opportunities.  To be successful in locating job opportunities, you have to approach the Job Fair as if you were scheduled for an interview.  Business dress is the only choice.  If you are not dressed for an unexpected Job Fair, refrain from attending until you are prepared.  The first impression you make will be the one that you leave behind, and will be hard to compensate for in the future.  The representatives really will remember you and the first impression will stand.

Adjust Your Attitude.  Just as you are seeking opportunities for growth and advancement, the staff sent to the Job Fair as representatives for the company will be seeking professional applicants to fill their vacancies.  They will be motivated in selecting the best candidates for their openings, and will expect potential candidates to be professional, motivated, enthusiastic and eager to work.  Don’t underestimate the power of these representatives to make recommendations on your behalf, either for or against possible consideration.  You have to consider that if an employer sends a company representative to a Job Fair, they explicitly trust their judgment in selecting potential candidates.  If you don’t make a good impression with the recruiter, chances are you will not be able to overcome any initial mistakes made on the day of the Job Fair.  In fact, your personal Résumé or credentials may not make it to the hiring authority if you lack enthusiasm, or are apathetic in your job search.  Try your best to be upbeat, positive and leave each employer or representative with the impression that you came to the Job Fair just for the opportunity to make contact with their company.     

Professionalism – Always.  As outlined above, your attitude and the way you approach the representatives of these companies will leave a lasting impression.  Treat each representative as if they are the hiring authority, or the business owner.  Never let your guard down in feeling too comfortable in your surroundings based on the heightened level of excitement and activity that accompanies the events that surround Job Fairs.  Making impressions and being competitive is the name of the game.  You must also assume that company representatives traverse the isles just as you do, so negative comments about a specific company or representative may fall on the wrong set of ears.  Approach the Job Fair event as if your behavior is being recorded throughout the process; and will be reviewed by the potential employers at a later time.

Seek Input – Gather Information.  Compile information from each employer you visit.  Gather the brochures, business cards, and other information that you may need in the future; especially if you have left a copy of your Résumé or Professional Portfolio in their possession.  There are a couple of reasons for having as much information as possible.  Inevitably you are going to write a Thank You Letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity to leave your Résumé behind.  You will want to have the names and point of contact to assist you in a follow-up.  By obtaining the brochure or business card, you will have not only the properly spelled names, but the address, location and contact numbers of the company representatives.  Imagine the frustration of not knowing who to contact, or with whom you spoke as you prepare to follow-up in the future; not to mention how unprofessional if may appear to others as you try to identify the respective party.   In addition, you will have a substantial record of your job search history and the companies you have made contact with.  

Workshops and Seminars.  Many Job Fairs will provide workshops on a variety of job search techniques and other career development topics such as Résumé Writing, Online Applications, Interviews, and Motivation, Professional Etiquette, and Job Search Strategies.  Make sure you review the schedule and work in a visit to any of these topics that you find interesting.  This is a great opportunity to develop insight and obtain free advice from Career Development Experts in these areas that will assist you in planning your job search strategy.  The Labor Market and the strategies used in making an impact on employers change on a regular basis.  Attending these brief workshops will help you keep abreast of the latest and greatest trends in job search techniques.  You may also receive valuable information and direct points of contact for future questions that you may have.

If you would like to locate a Career Development Professional to assist you in your job search, contact the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW-CC), the industry leader and the original organization providing certification for career development professionals. Visit parw.com for more information on how to locate professional support in your area.     

By: Lisa Parker, CPRW

Lisa Parker, CPRW is a member of PARW-CC, The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches.

Visit – ParkerCPRW.com

      

Competition for finding placement in the world of communications and media is at an all time high.  As technology continues to evolve and the application of design and marketing elements becomes more creative, so must the new entrepreneur in making a first impression. 

One of the most valuable resources available to job seekers of today may be passed over, or even ignored – a Professional Portfolio Presentation.  Typically, a portfolio is a term that many of us place hand in hand with a professional who has 20 or more years of experience in a particular career field, and we do not consider ourselves worthy of flaunting our accomplishments with such a bold statement. However, consider that even your smallest personal accomplishments are the contents that your professional portfolio is built upon. A professional portfolio is the culmination of every milestone and accomplishment in your adult life, as pertains to your career field.

If hundreds of other job seekers competing for the same position submit their résumé; only a few will make it to the interview. If of those few, only a couple report to the interview armed with a professional portfolio, who do you think will make the greatest impact on the selection board?  Knowledge is power, and what you need to know; is that taking the time to develop a professional portfolio and keep it updated will be the cornerstone to your personal success in the career field of your choice.  

Your portfolio is the first opportunity you have to publish yourself; it will indicate your value, portray your experience, and serves as a creative asset to intrigue prospective employers and leave a lasting impression. If well designed, the portfolio will be the most refreshing part of the interview process to panel members.  When you prepare your presentation, don’t be afraid to be creative.  Most people are visual and the use of color copies, with bold and exciting presentation techniques will provoke the interest of readers, and display your creative talents. The opportunities for expressing yourself are endless. If you find yourself at a loss for creative ideas when getting started, research some of the professional scrap book designer references for ideas.  In the field of communicating via media, a well designed portfolio and a web presentation of your credentials will indicate your passion for advancement and growth, and most importantly, demonstrate your creative talent. With a great design, a visually appealing portfolio will continue to sell you and your value when you are not there!         

When you submit your resume to a prospective employer, mention in the cover letter that your portfolio is available upon request.  The combination of a resume and professional portfolio will serve to prioritize your placement in the line of potential candidates.    Once you have your portfolio prepared you will carry it with you to interviews, and have it readily available on a daily basis. Be sure to have either an automated version or a professionally prepared paper copy of your traditional portfolio that you can leave with the employer; never leave your original presentation behind.    

Networking opportunities come along when unexpected, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared if you find an opportunity to market your talent and you are asked for more information. Having additional copies of your credentials readily available will be impressive to curious talent scouts. If you are specializing in communications or a media related career field; an automated version of your portfolio or an online portfolio presentation is the most effective way to portray your talent and skills in web design or marketing strategies.  

You should not wait to put a portfolio together until you have 5, 10, or even 20 years of experience.  Start to build your portfolio now, and watch it grow along with you as you progress in your career field. 

If you need more guidance on how to prepare a personal portfolio, or have questions about job search strategies contact Lisa Parker, CPRW at www.parkercprw.com for assistance.