Presidential Resumes

I've been wanting to do this kind of a project for quite some time -- a "mockup" of a resume for a famous person. (On my to-do list: Santa Claus).

Monster's Resume Expert, Kim Isaacs, has produced resumes for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Take a look!

Monster Releases Hiring Outlook 2008

Monster.com has weighed in with its analysis of top job prospects in 2008, and the answer is heavy into math. The 2008 Hiring Outlook says demand will be heavy for "creative workers who excel in the logical and mathematical."

Cover Letter Openings

Congratulations to Abby Locke, of Premier Writing Solutions, for being featured in Kim Isaac's latest article, "New Beginnings For Your Cover Letter." Isaacs is Monster.com's Career Expert.

Locke suggests using the introductory paragraph of the cover letter to suggest three ways your client would add value to an organization. "What core competencies would enable you to excel in the position you're targeting?" Locke asks. "How would the employer benefit from hiring you?"

Locke is also the National Resume Writer's Association's new Certification Chair, having taken over for Sally McIntosh at the first of the year.

Most Effective Tactics for Job Search

According to Monster.com, these tactics are among the most effective for individuals conducting a job search. Research has shown the most successful job seekers use a variety of these job-seeking strategies:

Direct Employer Contact
Research and identify employers for whom you'd like to work. Contact each employer by letter or phone, indicate how you can be of value and ask for an opportunity to visit and discuss employment opportunities.

Use Your Network
Contact your relatives, friends, and professional colleagues and ask them to share valuable advice and employment information. Remember, the more people working with you, the more leads you can produce.

Employment Recruiters
Contact employment recruiters who place people in your career field and industry.

State Employment Service
Each state offers a wide variety of information and assistance designed to help you find employment. Check out their career centers for valuable information on career and industry trends, salary surveys, job-hunting tips, interview techniques, and more.

Placement Office
If you're a college graduate, contact your placement office and inquire about employment assistance, including job leads, available to graduates and alumni.

Professional Associations
If you work in a professional career field, several state or national associations likely exist and provide career information and services to members. Find associations in your field through your local library and contact them to ask about employment assistance.

Job Hotlines
Employers nationwide have created job hotlines that you can call -- usually via a free 800 number -- to learn about employment openings. Most bookstores and libraries have books listing hundreds of job hotlines.

Source: Monster.com