What happens if you are a professional who has a great job history, lots of accomplishments, but you have a mediocre resume?

Well, often it means you hold yourself back from reaching your full career potential so that your compensation, level of responsibility and overall job satisfaction suffer.

Think of it this way: even securing interviews with a resume that just doesn’t cut it puts you in the challenging position of having to try to “sell up” from the “just okay” first impression your resume has already created for you in the eyes of the interviewer.

A smarter plan that will ultimately save you time, money and frustration is to start off on the right foot and create the best first impression possible. Here are ten steps to get you started:

Tip number one: start with a great heading
No, I don’t mean a one sentence objective or your current title. I mean two or three words that closely match your key skills, key industries or a combination thereof.

These grab the readers attention right away, so they need to be powerful, crystal clear and targeted. Check out my website for several samples.

Tip number two: make it stand out
A good design is eye-catching and professional. If you know basics in MS word (like how to create a shadow or a border), this should be easy for you to incorporate into your resume and cover letter. Be careful no to go overboard, though!

Tip number three: add lots of keywords
Keywords at the top of your resume that demonstrate both soft and hard skills help the reader separate out your strengths from your current and past employers. This makes it easier for the reader to connect with you and mentally “picture” you working with them!

Keywords also ensure the document can be quickly read or scanned to find a match between your skills and the target position.

Tip number four: bullet point your quantifiable achievements
Right at the top of the first page you should, if possible, lead with three to six bullets – each with a crystal clear sentence outlining your strengths.

Tip number five: spell out and BOLD your academic achievements Rather than writing MBA, write Masters of Business Administration (MBA), and BOLD your degree.

Tip number six: add the extras
Memberships, volunteer activities, certifications and training programs that are relevant to the position and industry you are seeking, should all be listed in your resume.

You can leave off personal information, such as family status, personal hobbies and statements such as “references upon request.”

Tip number seven: create an accomplishments summary
Under your professional experience, you should always call out your key accomplishments.

You can do this at the top of your professional experience (just group your accomplishments all in together) or as key points under each of your positions.

Don’t forget to BOLD your key accomplishments.

Tip number eight: create the right resume for you
Are you changing industries or building on the one you have been in for some time? Are you a legal professional or in academia?

Resume styles for these professions are all different, so make sure yours is the right style for your industry and/or position of choice.

Functional resumes are generally best for industry or position changes, chronological for staying in your industry.

Tip number nine: sell your present and past employers
Add a favorable sentence or two about each employer as you list each position (ex: ABC Company is a 50 million dollar provider of award-winning widgets with three divisions and 450 employees).

Tip number ten: quantify your accomplishments
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is communicating a menu of responsibilities without completing the story.

Employers want to know “WHAT HAPPENS” when you do what you do, so help them understand why they should hire you by telling them the results of your responsibilities.

Granted, these tips are just the tip of the iceberg, but making sure they are incorporated into your resume can make a difference in the quantity and quality of interviews you get!

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Source: CareerPro News

Thousands of North Americans who think their lives have become too boring have taken up activities that take them away from the ordinary. An estimated 80 million people hike, climb, backpack and dogsled into remote locations each year.

Since many don’t have the skills to do these things on their own, it makes for some good opportunities for those who can guide them safely into the unknown. These people are called adventure travel guides.

Hitting the Road

How do you start? Gather your camping, diving and kayaking gear and hit the road. “See some of the world and mix in as much hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and scuba diving as you possibly can,” says Bryon Howard, owner and operator of an adventure travel company. “Do this for as long as you can without your friends and family calling you a bum — usually two to four years.”

Granted, it will take more than a free spirit and the ability to hike and kayak to become a successful expedition guide, but it’s a good start. The opportunity to realize this goal is very real. Adventure travel is on the rise and has become big business.

“Based on demographics, adventure travel will continue to grow until about the year 2015,” says Howard. However, there are indications that it will become increasingly costly and limit many destinations to the upper classes. Extensive time and planning will be required to get to the most unspoiled and remote locals.

The pattern of advanced reservations and costly entrance fees is already being felt in major attractions like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

On Your Own or With Help

With this expected growth, there’s a need for skilled guides to lead energetic souls from the concrete jungle to uncharted wilderness. But this doesn’t necessarily translate into career positions.

“Most tour companies are small to medium-sized, and their guide positions are mostly seasonal and subcontracted,” says Carolyn Hill. She’s the manager of The EcoSource.

“And keep in mind that ecotourism promotes hiring local, in-country guides. Professionally trained locals often make better guides because they have intimate knowledge of the local culture, flora, fauna, and know how to work the system when logistical problems arise.”

Where does that leave you? Right in the thick of things if you can make yourself marketable. There are two paths you can follow: you can guide for someone else or you can start your own adventure travel business.

Working for an existing company is the most logical first step. In order to get a job, you may need more than practical experience, however. In other words, you may need some formal training too. Many colleges have created adventure travel diploma programs in recent years. Do your research and consider enrolling in a program that suits you.

When you’re looking for a job, be sure to research the companies you’re applying to. Find out how long a company has been in business and how long it has been running particular trips that you wish to guide. Request a catalogue and detailed itineraries of those trips. Finally, ask for the names and telephone numbers of past clients and call them. You won’t be doing your career any favours by signing on with a shoddy operation.

You’ll be expected to bring some basic credentials to the table before you’ll be hired by a reputable organization. The adventure travel industry is highly specialized, requiring a great deal of practical experience and specific skills. Indispensable skills include:

In-depth knowledge of the areas where you’re leading groups
Training in travel and tourism
First aid, CPR and emergency wilderness medicine if you guide expeditions into remote areas
Preparation in communications, negotiations, leadership and conflict resolution
Specialized academic or professional credentials — qualifies you to lead a tour to a particular ecosystem or culture
Compensation is directly related to experience and expertise. “Average guide fees range from $80 to $100 per day with a stipend for expenses,” says Hill.

If working for someone else isn’t your style, you may want to consider starting your own business running specific adventure trips. You’ll have the opportunity to do things your own way, but this luxury doesn’t come without a cost. You’ll need additional talents:

Knowledge of customs regulations and required paperwork — passports, visas and vaccination certificates
A working knowledge of currency exchange rates
Proficiency in accounting, business management and marketing
Computer and Internet expertise
Experience with the intricacies of booking flights and ground transportation
Conclusion

“Be realistic!” says Ken Lee, owner and operator of an adventure travel company. “Although it’s very rewarding, lots of people think it’s just a lot of play time and traveling. They don’t consider the countless hours of reading, computer, fax and phone time it takes to create just one good trip.”

There’s a lot to know and learn, but resources are available. A variety of schools offer two- and four-year programs that provide you with training in adventure travel, tourism, recreation management and ecotourism. Howard’s company offers volunteer internship opportunities for people trying to break into the industry.

“We pay some costs and teach seasonal interns everything they need to know to offer excellent guest services in sea kayaking, biking and walking expeditions,” says Howard.

It seems people working in the adventure travel business control their own destiny. “Adventure travel is currently one of the hot buttons in travel — one of the fastest growing segments,” says Charles Goeldner, professor of marketing and tourism at the University of Colorado. “As long as adventure travel delivers value it won’t decline.”

Net Sites

The International Ecotourism Society
One of the most informative ecotourism sites

http://www.ecotourism.org/

Adventure Travel Trade Association
An organization dedicated to the adventure travel businesses

http://www.adventuretravel.biz/

The Specialty Travel Index
A searchable site listing adventure travel tour operators

http://www.specialtytravel.com/

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Source: CareerPro News

The music industry is going through a lot of changes. Record sales are suffering due to the popularity of downloaded music.

The major labels are laying people off. As a result, many publicists are going solo — and finding success.

The independent publicist chooses what bands they promote. In-house publicists for record labels don’t have that choice.

“My job is to take an artist or band and look at ways that I can make them interesting to the media,” says Cristina Fernandez. She runs a publicity firm. “My job is to get as much media exposure for an artist as I can.”

Fernandez feels more secure working for herself as opposed to working for a record label.

“The major labels are in a really scary situation right now,” says Fernandez. “They’re shrinking. There are a lot of layoffs. To me, I’m in a better place because a lot of these labels are outsourcing, as opposed to doing stuff in-house.”

One bonus to being independent is that the payoff is all yours. But so are the failures.

“When you work for someone else, you’re always at their mercy,” says Jerry Graham. He runs a public relations firm in New York.

“You always have to work when they want. When you work for yourself, you’re always on the job. But whatever happens is yours. If you make it, it’s yours. If you break, it’s also yours as well. So, it’s long days. And the pay? Don’t expect to get rich off this.”

Fernandez disagrees. Although she makes no claims to being rich, she does maintain that one can live very comfortable off of this career.

“For me, yes,” says Fernandez. “When you start off, no. Unless you’re at a label or you’re hired by a publishing company to be an in-house publicist. But as an independent publicist, you really have to build up a reputation before you can justify making a living on your own. Then, you can make a very, very satisfying living.”

“It can be uncertain,” adds Derek Meier. He owns a public relations company in New Jersey. “Who knows what the future holds? I have been lucky to be on a steady incline with work. But I always have to work my hardest and do the best I can. I know this can all go as quickly as it has come.”

Times could be good right now. But due to the unsteady nature of the job, independent publicists are always concerned about the future.

“There can definitely be slow months, but you must stay focused on the work at hand,” says Meier. “If it doesn’t seem like there’s enough coming up to keep you busy, pursue what’s out there and who might need the help.”

One big factor in the changing face of the music industry is technology. Cheap Internet access and affordable computers have made it easy for anyone to become an independent music publicist.

“I think the market’s been over saturated in the last couple of years,” says Graham. “A lot of these people are unrealistic because they have no experience. They think, ‘Hey, I’ll do it myself.’ What happens is people can’t do it.”

So what does it take to do this job? You need a computer and a phone, obviously, but what sort of personality traits should you have?

“You have to be tenacious,” says Fernandez. “I have the soft sell approach. I’m going to pitch something the best I can. And I know it’s either going to fly or it’s not.

“[The] media’s not too favorable when you’re trying to shove something down their throat. You have to find a balance between how much you’re pitching something versus taking no for an answer. I don’t know if that’s something learned, or if that’s intuitive.”

“You have to love talking to people,” adds Graham. “You have to be able to communicate clearly about what this project is that you’re selling to them. And why it would be appropriate for the person you’re calling.

“You need to be able to write for the media. That’s different than writing as a journalist,” he continues. “When you’re a journalist, you’re writing for your readers. When you’re a publicist, you’re writing to communicate to the media. When you’re writing for the media, it should be very dry and to the point.”

And what about all the behind-the-scenes craziness? Is being a publicist as glamorous as one may think?

“No, it’s not glamorous,” says Graham.

“You’re not going to get famous off this. This is the first interview I’ve done in three years,” he laughs. “If you want to be famous, get up front on stage.”

“It’s a lot more glamorous than most lifestyles, I guess,” says Meier. “It can be overwhelming, but you get to experience some pretty amazing and surreal things.”

Some say record labels are doing better these days. Many are countering Internet downloading by including free DVDs in their releases and lowering their prices.

Still, the trend is one of downsizing. So while it may be a bit rocky being an independent publicist, at least you’re in control. Plus, it’s clearly very rewarding work to those involved.

“When I first started, I was hustling, I was Johnny-on-the-spot,” says Graham.

“Nowadays I get sent projects for consideration or get recommended by people. It’s the only thing in my life where it’s worked out, where it’s been something I’ve loved and it’s actually been something I’ve happened to be good at. I can’t say that about anything else.”

Being an independent music publicist can be unsteady work, especially when getting started. But in a notoriously shaky industry that’s only getting shakier, it can be a more stable option than putting faith in a record label to pay the bills.

Net Sites

Mondo Times
Calls itself “the worldwide media guide”

http://www.mondotimes.com

Billboard.com
Find out what’s selling in the music world

http://www.billboard.com/

Inside Connection
A great resource for music industry contacts

http://www.insidecx.com

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Kathy Simmons recently wrote in her Netshare Newsletter about her participation in several NETSHARE Area Meetings, networking with very talented executives across the country.

Career coaches and attendees shared their tips and tricks for mining LinkedIn, targeting hiring companies, and researching new job opportunities. And at every meeting, at least one contact received a solid lead on the spot (thats powerful stuff!).

Here are some of the takeaways she shared:

Targeting companies isn’t about limiting your options, it’s about prioritizing them.
People want to help you, make it easier for them.
People know people, people don’t know jobs.
Conduct a people search not a job search.
Instead of looking for a job, look for work.
You have to be prepared to answer one of these three questions: Can you make me money? Can you save me money? Can you get me through the next six months?
No matter what you did before, now you’re in marketing and sales.

People want to help you, but unless you can give them a place to start, they can’t. As one of the group members said, “People know people, they don’t know jobs.” If you tell me you want a senior level marketing job in a consumer packaged goods company, chances are that the best I can do is promise to let you know if I hear anything. But, tell me you are interested in working for Nabisco, I suddenly remember that my cousin works for Nabisco.

I agree. BTW NETSHARE’s newsletter is excellent…and free. Check it out at www.netshare.com

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If you have been considering having your resume professionally designed, then you might be interested in something special I am offering right now:

I am gifting my next 10 clients with a 20% discount on my resume/cover letter package. What makes this even better is that I am including at no charge, a 60 day membership in my Job Search Success System Coaching Group. The coaching, eBooks and bonuses you get with the group are valued at over $1000. But if you are one of my next 10 clients…you don’t pay a thing.

This is an incredible offer and you can check out the details and purchase your package here:

http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com/resume.php

***When you check out just key in coupon code: preferred, to get your discount.***

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As a reader of my blog and/or ezine, I know you have tremendous skills and abilities in the ways you can help companies grow or operate more smoothly or achieve their goals in some way. Spending some quality time looking inward and just identifying what you love to do and what happens when you do it is an important part of your job search success.

But what if you are one of those people that cringe when it comes time to communicate those strengths and “sell” yourself in a job interview?

I would like to offer you another perspective or belief system about what selling is – different from the one you might have now. It’s so important you know how to sell yourself because when you are able to communicate your strengths in a way that compels others, you are doing yourself and them a great favor. After all, you can’t help a company that doesn’t hire you.

To boost your know-like-and-trust factor in your job interviews, it’s vital you know how to encourage potential employers to hire you in a way that’s full of integrity and authentically you.

What this means for you is that you will attract the interest of more employers, receive bigger and better job offers, and feel confident in the way you’re communicating to the ways that you can help potential employers get the results they want…and that only you can deliver.

So, here are three tips to help get you started:

Tip #1: Steer the interview by frequently mentioning your value

So, if you’re offering turnaround expertise, you will frequently refer to your turnaround projects.

If you are a marketing expert, you will frequently share the results of your marketing efforts throughout the interview.

By focusing on the results you get, you will quickly and easily build the value of who you can be to your potential employers.

Tip #2: Create before and after stories
Everybody loves to hear before and after stories, even in an interview setting. And the best ones clearly paint a before and after picture

Think of all the problems, challenges and dire situations with your past company (or companies) and how great things are now that you have helped them.

Tip #3: Make THEM an offer they can’t resist

The point is to create an “offer” that’s so irresistible, your interviewers think, “We have to hire this person!”

To do this, you need to offer something they believe they can’t get anywhere else. Be creative!

Here are a couple examples:

One of my clients quickly received a robust offer because HE offered to produce at least two potential solutions to a challenge the company was facing and he said he would do it in 60 days.

Another client of mine set up as part of her interview process a 1/2 day on-site observation of the potential employer’s media company. She then presented an outline of 10 ideas to improve their work environment and boost their ratings. They offered her a whopping 100k over what she had been making previously. All this even after she was let go from that previous position. I love it.

When you learn how to communicate to your interviewers that you are willing to invest getting the right information into their hands that is going to help them, you are removing all the obstacles (including money, time and your competition) that might otherwise stand between you and the job offer(s) you want.

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I’m curious. How many of you are feeling affected by the economy right now?

Are you worried about your business? Are you looking for more income streams? Do you want to start a business but are afraid this isn’t the right time? Or are you doing great right now?

If you have read my blog or ezine for any length of time, you know that I am committe to bringing you GOOD news regarding various growth industries and new career opportunities.

That’s why I was intrigued by Ali Brown’s new free teleclass on Thursday, March 5, called “How to Create Your OWN Strong Economy This Year…

With Online Information Marketing.” Here’s the link to sign up:

http://www.netofficetoolbox.com/app/?af=942498

And don’t forget to share your thoughts and questions below. I’d love to know what you really think about your business and the economy right now.

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Freelance illustrators turn art into careers. But it takes more than artistic talent to become your own boss and work as a freelance illustrator. Business sense is also required.

Freelance illustrators make their living by creating pictures for books, magazines and other publications. They may also create logos for businesses. Many commercial products, such as textiles, gift wrap, stationary, greeting cards or calendars, also require illustrations.

Jobs Illustrated

More than half of fine artists in the U.S. are self-employed. Compared to other American workers, that makes them 3.5 times more likely to be self-employed. That’s according to a 2008 report by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ian Challis has worked as a self-employed artist and designer in Seattle, Washington for 20 years. He says being able to work for himself from home is a great benefit to his job.

“I can make a decent living doing what I love,” he says. “It’s like getting paid for a hobby.”

However, he says that the salary can vary a lot. “You could make nothing to $300,000 per year depending on how popular your designs are,” he says.

One way freelance illustrators make money is by licensing designs to publishing or manufacturing companies. Most of their pay comes from royalties. That’s a percentage of the cost of the item that’s sold. If a product that uses your illustration sells well, you make more money. If it doesn’t sell well, the company will stop producing it, and your pay will stop too.

Getting Experience

Working as a freelance illustrator can be a part-time or full-time job. Many people who do this begin slowly. They do other jobs and begin to build a client-base to get some experience. Building a portfolio (a collection of best work) is important for illustrators so that they can show off their style and accomplishments.

There are no formal requirements to starting your own freelance illustration business. But in reality, artists are often well-educated. In the U.S., artists are twice as likely as other American workers to have college degrees.

The role of graphic designers and artists requires them to build a large foundation of skills to make a living, says Nancy Winberg. She is an illustrator and graphic artist in Seattle, Washington. She says it’s important not to limit yourself.

“Job descriptions are always changing with the advent of new technology, and it is important to keep up to date with the resources that are in demand,” she says. She has gained experience as a scenic painter at a theater, and as a graphic designer, web designer, desktop publisher and digital photographer.

Heather Castles is an illustrator and graphic designer. She went to college for illustration and design. Then she got a job and gained experience in the field. After a few years of experience with publishing companies, she went out on her own. She now finds employment by researching different companies online and sending them samples of her work. She used to do freelance work in the mornings and work for a design studio in the afternoons. Now she is a new parent and does only the freelance work.

“The lovely thing about freelancing is it’s such a flexible type of work, I can fit it in whenever I have time available and make my own hours,” she says.

Knowing the Market

To be able to market yourself to potential employers, you must know what kind of work is available. For example, you could create graphics for online stock use, the gaming industry, greeting cards or other retail items, even children’s books.

“The diverse applications for illustration require an artist to examine and focus in on what they want to specialize in,” says Winberg.

Most artists develop a certain style that makes their work suitable to a niche in the large illustration market. “In college, I was informed that the best way to create a demand for your illustration was to develop a personal signature style and to strive for a consistent look,” says Winberg. She adds that the gaming industry is another market that demands talented artists with sophisticated computer software skills.

Illustrators can work in fine art or commercial art. Fine art is created by hand and commercial art is digital. Work done by hand must be scanned and digitalized to make it suitable for printing or online use. Since that creates an added step, many artists now create all their work digitally.

“Regardless of the changes in graphic design technology, there is still a demand for traditional artwork. Most evidence of hand-rendered illustration can be seen in children’s books and editorial illustration,” says Winberg.

Getting Your Name Out

Online social networking is an easy and free way to advertise your illustration services. Kimberly Schwede is an illustrator and graphic designer. She uses Facebook to network. She has a “fan club” to advertise her most recent artwork.

She also joined a group of women entrepreneurs. This has brought her a lot of work, such as designing logos for new businesses.

When she was starting out she didn’t wait for work to find her. She went out and asked for it. She would look for websites that sold things that were cute and feminine. Her illustration style matches that niche. She would e-mail the website and ask if they needed a new logo.

“E-mailing is so easy. There really isn’t any rejection because if they don’t like your work they just won’t respond — versus meeting someone in person and having them say ‘sorry but we’re just not that into your illustration style’ to your face,” says Schwede.

She loves working for herself. “You definitely have to hustle though,” she admits. In addition to e-mailing, she also isn’t shy about mailing postcards with illustration samples to greeting card companies or publishers.

Ups and Downs of Freelance Work

Schwede encourages artists to consider a career in freelance illustration. But she says you have to be patient while building your career. “In addition, you have to be able to deal with criticism because not everyone is going to like your work. It’s good to be well-rounded too. For me, having basic graphic design skills where I can design a tri-fold brochure helps a lot with my salary. Living solely on illustration work is tough,” she says.

Freelance workers often find it’s a feast or a famine. One week they may be working long hours to meet multiple deadlines for different clients. The next week they could have no clients at all.

“Sometimes I get down when the work flow slows down, but I always have to remind myself things will pick up again,” says Schwede.

Society of Illustrators
An American society that promotes the art and appreciation of illustration

Set up an Illustration Business in 10 Steps
Great tips from Heather Castles

Creating Comics
Resources for illustrators

42 eXplore
Lots of fun links to get your pencils moving

Steve Lieber: Suggestions on Getting Started Learning the Craft
A successful comic illustrator shares his wisdom

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