Great Tips on How to Become a Dj

Written by Tim White, JobsArticle.com

First of all, becoming a radio DJ is not as simple as one might think. There is much training involved as well as classes that you’ll need to prepare you on how to become a DJ. Whether you want to work at a local radio station or a national broadcast station, you’ll still need education and training.

If you are a high school student, you should fill your schedule with as many speech classes as possible, including extracurricular activities like drama and debate. However, if you have already graduated from high school, then consider taking classes at a local community college or accredited broadcasting school in your area. Why should you take speech and debate classes to become a DJ? Ask yourself this question: How often do you hear radio disc jockeys stumble through their sentences or say “umm” while they are on the air? Not very often. Knowing how to speak fluently and with articulation is very important when learning how to become a DJ. You should be able to speak clearly and precisely even if you are not familiar with the topic.

While attending college or broadcasting school you may be able to sign up for an internship, which will help you learn how to become a DJ. Ask your school about paid and unpaid internship opportunities. You could be closer to becoming a DJ with a radio internship on your resume.

Also, consider working part time at local parties as a DJ to provide you with more opportunities to practice working in front of people instead of in a radio broadcast booth. Becoming a DJ is hard work and you will have to be resilient if you find that radio stations do not accept you as an intern or if the internship is not exactly what you expected. There is always an opportunity to learn if you keep an open mind.

Learning how to become a DJ is not only about introducing music. You must also be able to read commercials, give news reports including weather and traffic, and conduct interviews. So speaking to people and in front of groups will help improve your speaking abilities. This is where all those speech classes will come in handy. In addition to taking classes, you can also record radio programs and then practice repeating the spoken parts to advance your speaking abilities. Do this many times until you can read the entire segment without oral inconsistencies or long pauses. Perform in front of friends and family, and also try to get small gigs at local weddings, house parties, small bars, and other holiday related events.

Another great tip on how to become a DJ is to go where radio personalities are making public appearances such as a grand opening of a new store, a charity drive or any other local event. Be an observer and hang out by the radio personality’s tent or broadcasting station, and when he is not on the air ask the DJ a few questions about how he became a DJ. Ask if you can shadow him sometime, or just sit next to him and watch and listen while he is at that event. Carry a business card or other paperwork with your contact information as well. You may be surprised when you get a phone call or email inviting you to tour the radio station and talk to the radio DJs while they are working live on the air.

Whatever you do to learn how to become a DJ, be persistent, learn as much as you can and then keep on learning, be passionate about it, and of course, become a student at a local accredited broadcasting school to ensure a future of success.

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Imperatives for the Best Career

Written by AKRAM SAQIB, JobsArticle.com

The choice of institution and course is an overwhelming experience for both the students and patrons. This experience can be made easy if all the avenues are kept in mind at the time of decision. You can find the best suitable career for you if you choose the right path and the right institution. You should have to understand your strength and abilities according to your aptitude.
The www.rightcommand.com presents this category for those who are hoping to touch the zenith of success in their career. Either you are in search of a good school or institution for higher studies, either you are in search of a good choice for your future, the www.rightcommand.com would guide you through out you career.


IMPERATIVES FOR MAKING A GOOD CHOICE OF CAREER AND INTSTITUTION
1=YOUR FUTRE INTENTIONS
What do you want to do in your future and what do you want to become after completion of your academic career decides the institution and the field of study.
It is only you who are to decide after a lot of brain storming and looking into your soul about the field of your own choice. You are to determine the best for your life.
You can choose this future with the help of personality and aptitude tests.
The www.rightcommand.com would guide you to take test from reliable testing avenue.
AFTER THAT YOU WILL NATURALLY CHOOSE THE RIGHT WAY TO SUCCESS.

2= Know your qualifications
The second imperative for the career choice is your qualification for entrance. You should know the requirements of the different institutions that permit you to get admission in.
3=Know your financial side and affordability
You should be well aware of the financial costs of your education. HOW ARE GOING TO MANAGE YOUR EXPENSES IS THE MOST IMORTANT POINT TO PONDER. Will the institute provide you with the scholarship or not .If your resources are meagre you can get educational loans from different organisations but all these things are to decide before hand.

4=Where would I find a job after my studies?
You should know your market value and should be aware of the venues of your work. What would be returns of your acquired skills?
The enthusiasm and commitment are the part of your decision.
5=YOU SHOULD KNOW THE WORTH OF THE INSTITUTION
Some places are always good and famous for certain fields. You are required to know the real value and importance of these institutions.

6=KNOW THE WORTH OF YOUR COURSE
It is you’re first and foremost duty to know about the universal recognition of the course you are intending to join. Some course of study is always liked by certain companies and they give preference to only that person who is qualified according to their choice. So you should know the value of the course you are going into.

7= Is the job going to fulfil my desires?
You should also keep in mind that the job you are going to find is paying enough that will fulfil your desire of the lifestyle of your choice?

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Career Captivity

Written by Mario Venturini, JobsArticle.com


Although they do not realize it many people are held captive by their career. Even when their job is in jeopardy and it becomes clear that the company they work for is in trouble, the typical approach is to look for a similar job with a similar firm. Particularly for older people, the feeling seems to be that your future is predicated on what you have done in the past. This is a shortsighted approach to one’s professional endeavors and can be quite accurately described as career captivity.

As Tony Robbins, the motivational speaker and life coach suggests, the past does not equal the future. Certainly what you have accomplished over your career helps to define who you are today. You have learned many skills and usable lessons that can certainly provide value to you as you set about to earn an income. But your career efforts of the past are just that the past. They do not define who you will be tomorrow—or even this afternoon—if you choose to change it.

The world around us is constantly in a state of flux, always evolving and changing. Our career is exactly the same. Even if you have been in the same career for a long number of years, the way you do your job today is probably very different from the way you did it when you started. More often than not these changes are positive, and allow us to get more done in less time.

Career captivity starts however when you feel like you have no other options. Often times you’ll hear people say it’s “all I know,” or something else like “it’s all I’ve ever done.” This is a very shortsighted approach and clearly indicates that the person is being held captive to their career. The reason is that regardless of what you’ve done in the past, regardless of what your career has included, today is today and you can do anything that you want to do. If you are dissatisfied with your career, or are concerned about losing your job, you need to break out and seek freedom from career captivity.

Especially if you’ve been in the workforce for a long time, look to the Internet to find career freedom. People the world over are making fortunes through online Internet marketing, and doing it very quickly. It is a skill, regardless of background, that anyone can learn and that can be started with a few keystrokes. What are you waiting for?

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Networking for Career Development

Written by Peter Fisher, JobsArticle.com

Networking is one of the most important business and career development skills anyone can learn. Yet, even to a seasoned professional it can seem intimidating or positively scary some of the time.

I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.

If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.

Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"

So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.

However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!

Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.

Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.

You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.

Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.

And you will need to call on it sometime.

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How to Kick Start a Career in Freelancing

Written by Mitch Tobias, JobsArticle.com

The first thing a prospective freelancer should be aware of when entering this field of work is this - YOU HAVE MAJOR COMPETITION. It's this reason that many aspiring freelancers get discouraged and give up after only a few attempts at securing that important first assignment. The key to success in freelancing is to weather the frustration, find a niche and take full advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.

The unfortunate reality of freelancing is this - you're going to have to pay your dues. You wouldn't expect to walk into a Fortune 500 company and demand a top level executive position, would you? It's important to remember that there will always be more seasoned freelancers available for hire; the key is marketing yourself in a way that attracts the attention of prospective clients.

Fortunately, you have found a great place to start searching for that important first freelance gig. Millions of Home Jobs is your #1 work at home reference network. By simply perusing our real-time job list located on the main page, you can pinpoint the perfect project, saving you time and maximizing your earnings.

Keys to Landing Your First Job

Landing that initial freelance job is a numbers game. You can't afford to be picky when attempting to find that first paying gig. Contact as many prospective clients as possible and always have relevant samples available to show off your work.

The first thing to realize when trying to distinguish yourself in the freelance market is this- money counts. If you're trying to break in to the industry you're going to have to underbid the more established freelancers. Why would a prospective client pay an unproven freelancer $400 for a project when he can get the same project completed by an established, respected member of the freelance community for the same price? Pay your dues. Accept any job you're offered, even if the pay isn't much to brag about - the experience is more valuable.

You're going to have to work hard and you're going to have to be resilient. It goes without saying that your first step should be to join scriptlance or getafreelancer, or both, as a premium member. To sign up with either of these services simply find a job on our main page that interests you and click the link. From there you will be able to read the overview and decide if the job is a good fit. If everything looks good, sign up as a premium member and make a bid on the job. It's that simple! As we discussed earlier, spending that small sum to become a premium member provides you with the instant credibility a non-premium member will never be able to obtain. In addition to the credibility factor, premium members also have the advantage of being able to bid for more jobs than non-premium members, giving you an inherent advantage in the job search market - don't forget, it's a numbers game.

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Take Financial Stock Before a Job Change

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Any decision to change jobs has financial ramifications. Whether you're making a switch to get more responsibility, more enjoyment, or more freedom, you have to consider money, among other factors.

Basic financial planning will benefit you whether you're switching employers or careers, going back to school to learn new professional skills, or branching out to be your own boss. After reading the tips below, you may also want to contact a certified financial planner to help you tailor your transition strategy.

The Financial Cushion

Financial reserves are a must for anyone who's making a career transition. You should have enough money available to cover all your living expenses during the transition period.

"We advise most clients to maintain a cash cushion of six months," says Micah Porter, president of the Minerva Planning Group in Atlanta. "If you're making a career transition, you'll need to increase the amount of cushion you have if the transition will involve going without a salary while searching for a job."

If you're starting your own business or consulting firm, many financial planners recommend you set aside two years' worth of living expenses, according to the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

Edward Jones, a St. Louis-based company that recruits self-motivated professionals to run their own businesses as investment representatives, offers similar advice for its candidates.

"At Edward Jones, our investment representatives have the opportunity to earn significant income once they build up a strong client base, which typically occurs after the first year or two," says Price Woodward, the principal responsible for recruiting and hiring investment representatives at Edward Jones. "The training compensation and guaranteed payments for the first year in business may require candidates to reduce their standard of living or use money out of savings or rely on a spouse or partner's income in order to maintain their lifestyle during the first few years of being an investment representative."

Necessary Coverage

Before you transition, make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. If you have health insurance with your current employer, consider continuing that coverage through COBRA. You can also investigate private regular coverage, which can be more affordable if you're single, or you could switch to be part of a spouse's health plan.

Pay attention to any possible retirement benefits or accounts you may have, such as a 401(k). To avoid being taxed, make sure you roll over your 401(k) into an IRA account or a similar retirement savings plan with a new employer.

Loans and Taxes

If you're training for a new career, a student loan can prevent education costs from depleting your cash reserves.

"You don't want concerns about finances detracting from your studies," says Porter. "I would tend to take out a bit more than I thought I might need, with two caveats:

    * Average starting salaries in your new career should allow you to repay the loan over time with relative ease.
    * The loan should be via an official student loan program, and offer the low interest rates normally associated with those programs."

Paying income tax is another financial matter that you should consider before making a job transition, according to Shannon Wentworth, a marketing consultant and writer based in Oakland, California. This is especially true for people who work for themselves after having worked full-time for an employer who routinely deducted taxes from paychecks.

"Save all your receipts and plan for paying your own taxes," she said.

The Payoff

Wentworth started her consulting business in early 2006 after leaving a corporate marketing job, and she says she's had "a lot of fun" being her own boss.

"I travel more, exercise more, read more, sleep more, and make more money," she says. "I've also at times worked more. It's harder to say 'no' to work when you don't have a steady 9-to-5 job."

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Managers' Tips for Evaluating Employees

by Margaret Steen, Yahoo! HotJobs


The No. 1 piece of advice for managers getting ready for their employees' performance reviews? Allow plenty of time.

"Everybody hates it. Nobody really wants to" prepare their workers' reviews, says Diane Foster, principal of executive coaching and consulting firm Diane Foster & Associates in Alameda, Calif. But there's a price to pay for managers who breeze through the preparations, then just try to make it through the employee meetings without hurting anyone's feelings. "Too many people leave the performance review without having a solid understanding of what the boss really wants."

Helping your employees do their jobs better is one of the most important parts of a manager's job. So it's critical to think through not only what you're going to say to your employees, but how you're going to say it.

Experts offer these tips for not only getting through your performance reviews, but making them useful for you and your employees.

* Talk about the performance, not the person. Instead of saying, "You're not doing your job," say "Your performance is not up to standards," suggests Meryl Runion, author of "How to Say It Performance Reviews."

* Be specific. This is easiest for measurable goals: You were expected to sell 100 pairs of shoes but you only sold 80.

Carol Gegner, principal of Executive Coaching and Consulting Systems in Walnut Creek, California, adds that it's important to explain how the poor performance is affecting the organization. "Then you need to be able to describe the change that you'd like to see," Gegner says.

And it's just as important to be specific about what your employees are doing right, says Runion. "Don't just say, 'Great job.' Say, 'Great job. Here's an example of a time when we knew we could count on you,'" Runion says.

* Review your employee evaluations with your own manager before you deliver them. At many companies, this is required. But even if it isn't, it's a good idea to make sure your own biases haven't influenced your ratings. "We all have individual personalities," says Glenn Shepard, a management consultant and owner of Glenn Shepard Seminars. "We sometimes are not as objective as we should be."

* Watch out for what Shepard calls "recency bias." If you do performance reviews once a year, you're most likely to focus on what the employee did in the month or two before the review. This can lead to a bad review for a worker who had a good year with one problematic project at the end -- or a better-than-deserved review for someone who started working hard only when review time was approaching.

* Focus on a few key messages for your employee, rather than a laundry list of accomplishments and problems. "If you don't prioritize, the problem is that the listener may be overloaded and miss the most important points," Foster says.

* Make performance management a year-round process. "Someone who's good should know they're going to get a good review, and someone who's awful should know they're going to get an awful review," Shepard says. "If it's really a surprise, that screams poor management."

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Four Reasons to Revise Your Resume

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


For some folks, updating a resume is as much fun as getting a tooth pulled. But keeping your resume current is only painful when you haven't done it for a very long time. If you view a resume as a constant work in progress, updating it frequently will be a pain-free process. Still not convinced? Here are four reasons why you should revise your resume today.

The "Crazy" Trap Lurks

Remember the definition of "crazy": doing the same thing over and over yet hoping for a different result. If you're sending out the same resume over and over yet not getting any response from employers, your resume needs help. Revise it to enjoy different results.

Nothing Stays the Same

Even if you've held the same job for the past three years, your resume shouldn't look the same as it did three years ago. If your responsibilities at your job have remained static, perhaps the technology you use to do it has not. Indicate that on your resume. If nothing truly has changed at all, it may be time to take on some new responsibilities or learn new skills.

Do You Know Where You're Going to?

Your resume is a road map of where you've been -- and it's a good indicator of where you're headed. Updating it frequently will help you remain connected to what's on the map and where you are in your career. This awareness will help you determine what new experience or skills you'll need to wind up at your dream destination.

Snooze, and You Lose

When opportunity knocks, you need to be ready to respond at a moment's notice. There's no better way to introduce a careless error into your resume than by updating it at the last minute. Revise it now, and take your time. Don't ruin your chance to impress a potential employer because your resume isn't current.

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Ten Ways to Make a Difference This Year

by Debra Davenport


If you want to make 2007 your most satisfying year yet, consider this checklist of 10 ways to inspire you in your career and enhance your work-life balance. The simple suggestions below are meant to generate new ideas, stimulating you to think and act in ways that will not only benefit you, but our world as well.

Raise the bar. Expect more and deliver more. Speak up! Dress up! Raise your own personal standards. Don't settle for the status quo and don't accept mediocrity.

Get connected. Get out of the office, turn off the Blackberry and spend quality time with people, face to face.

Live true to your values. What's really important to you? Are your actions and communication in keeping with your core values? Clarity of purpose and intention catapult individuals to the pinnacle of their success.

Mentor someone. Reach out to a student, a budding entrepreneur or a new employee and support their efforts any way you can. They'll never forget you!

Ask for help when you need it. Cull an advisory board, get a mentor, work with a coach or hire a consultant. The most successful business people are surrounded by the best and brightest. Find them and bring them into your circle.

Take care of yourself. "Use it or lose it" is absolutely true. You can't climb the mountain to your personal pinnacle if you're out of shape, so resolve to get healthy so you can enjoy the journey as well as your ultimate destination.

Learn. Expand your knowledge and skills by taking a class, getting a degree or simply reading up on topics of interest. Every time you learn, you create new neural pathways in the brain. Not bad for just reading a book.

Get passionate. Get fired up about something -- a cause, a project, a new business venture or a political issue. Let's banish complacency in 2007.

Innovate. If you're stuck in the "we've always done it this way" mentality, there's no better time to get out of the quagmire and change your thinking. Try something new, even if it's just a different route to work.

Assess your career. Do you love what you do? Would you do it for free? If you can't wholeheartedly answer "yes," perhaps it's time for a change.

Here's to your success!

Debra Davenport, PhD, is an Executive Professional Mentor and the president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm with offices in Phoenix and Los Angeles that mentors entrepreneurs and professionals. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor designation and certification program and the author of "The Ten Commitments of Highly Successful People" and can be reached at debra@davenportfolio.com.

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Groups Boost Careers of African Americans

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


The Beatles' classic hit "A Little Help from My Friends" could be the theme song for most professional organizations and employee affinity groups at several large companies. But such groups -- organized around race, shared interests, or sexual orientation -- often do more than help members "get by"; they are a key for boosting careers.

Yahoo! HotJobs asked several members of African American employee and professional groups to reflect on the advantages they've experienced.

Moving up While Making Friends

Vernon Doswell, senior vice president of national accounts for Wells Fargo Financial Leasing, benefited from his company's resource group, Checkpoint, when he was transferred to a city where he didn't have a support network.

"I am now in a position where I can help other people succeed by mentoring and providing access to high-level decision makers," he says of his current involvement with the group.

Barbara L. Thomas, president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association, credits the group with advancing her career and personal growth.

"I've met and worked with some of the most well-respected and talented minds in the business world, across industries and disciplines," she says. "And the camaraderie of being affirmed by other African American businesspeople helps fortify and inform you for whatever work you do, whether in the corporate world or as an entrepreneur."

Rewards for All

The individuals interviewed for this article also highlighted common benefits for all group members.

Networking. "There is a lot of power in the networking opportunities provided by employee groups," says Doswell. "This networking system can make sure that more diverse candidates see job postings and career opportunities."

Support. "In preparation for interviewing for a position that might come up, these groups can provide honest feedback for team members in a way that is more inviting than the traditional supervisor/subordinate relationship," Doswell explains.

Professional development. Group members often participate in business issues outside the scope of their jobs. "Through this involvement, they develop leadership and analytical experiences that broaden their professional skill sets," says Sonja Whitemon, manager of corporate communications for American Airlines.

Education and mentorship. "The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) provides its members with scholarships that advance their education, and we provide exposure to senior-level managers for mentoring," says Gwendolyn D. Skillern, president and CEO of NABA.

Advocacy. "These groups have helped influence government decisions affecting the workplace, including hiring practices, promotions, employee relations, work environments, diversity, and inclusion," says Farrell Chiles, chairman of the board of Blacks in Government.

A Sense of Mission

Chiles adds to the mix another membership benefit that is less tangible, but perhaps the most rewarding.

"The experience itself is invaluable, both personally and professionally," he says. "Making a positive difference in the lives of others through leadership, advocacy, or services -- and being part of the 'solution' -- is the greatest benefit of all."

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The Signing Bonus: Is It What You Want?

by Margaret Steen, Yahoo! HotJobs


After nailing a few rounds of interviews, you've been offered the job, and now it's negotiating time. Should you expect your future employer to offer a signing bonus? If so, how large should it be, and what strings may be attached?

Signing bonuses -- one-time payments given when an employee begins a new job -- are common, but they aren't offered to every candidate.

Who Gives Signing Bonuses?

If you're fresh out of school, a signing bonus isn't out of the question, but it's not a given, either. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 46 percent of responding employers plan to offer signing bonuses to new graduates in 2007 -- but not for every new hire. The average signing bonus for a new graduate is about $3,500.

Beyond the college graduate market, signing bonuses are more common: A survey of employers by WorldatWork found that almost 70 percent of employers are using signing bonuses -- which can be 5 percent to 10 percent of the base salary for middle managers and professionals -- to attract key employees.

Why Do Employers Offer Bonuses?

To assess your chances of negotiating a signing bonus, consider the reasons employers use them:

* To beat the competition. A signing bonus is more likely when a company is competing with other employers for the same worker, experts say, especially in fields where demand is strong, such as nursing, accounting, or engineering. It can also make a difference whether you applied for a job or were recruited by the company.

"If they're recruiting you and they really want you, there may be a signing bonus," said Susan W. Miller, owner of California Career Services in Los Angeles.

* To preserve internal salary equity. Sometimes, especially at large companies, you'll ask for a higher salary only to be told it's outside the company's salary range for your level.

"There might be much less wiggle room in terms of salary," Miller said. In that case, the company might make up the difference for the first year - with a signing bonus.

* To make up for benefits left behind. If an employer recruits an experienced worker who will lose out on a bonus or other benefits by leaving his or her job, the employer may use a signing bonus to make up the difference.

Should You Take One?

If you are offered a signing bonus, make sure you understand the terms. Some require that you pay the company back if you leave before a certain date a date that may be months or even a year away. Other companies don't actually issue the check until you have been there a certain length of time.

Finally, realize that a signing bonus isn't always your best option. For example, if you're offered a $4,000 signing bonus and you are able to negotiate a $2,000 increase in your annual salary instead, you'd come out ahead if you stayed longer than two years, since the bonus is a one-time payment.

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Sample Cover Letter

by Yahoo! HotJobs


The following sample cover letter is from "Your Next Move: Success Strategies for Midcareer Professionals," with educational tips in bold. Use this example as a starting point for your cover letters.

Ella Dowling, Human Resources Director
Awesome Ads, Inc.
100 Main Street
Anytown, USA 55555

July 30, 2005

Dear Ms. Dowling:

I was struck by the story in the July 22 Anytown Times that Awesome Ads, Inc., is expanding its business into the health care industry. [Opens with strong knowledge of the company and a reference to a recent news story.] I believe my experience both in pharmaceutical marketing and creative writing makes me a unique match for the Copywriter position, #XC77Y on Yahoo! HotJobs. [States job title, number, and exactly why he is qualified to apply.]

As a public relations manager for PharmCorp International, I:

    * Developed my creativity and writing skills in deadline-oriented environments.
    * Gained a strong understanding of medical terminology and concepts, particularly as they're applied to pharmaceuticals.
    * Contributed fresh ideas for consumer outreach in times of rising health care costs and public distrust of pharmaceutical companies.

[Mentions skills from the ad verbatim and demonstrates knowledge of the medical/pharmaceutical field.]

In addition, volunteering with the Anytown Heads-Up literacy program has equipped me with the ability to make words exciting and foreign concepts understandable to a broad audience. [Not mentioned in the ad but important for copywriting.] I also have a number of contacts in the pharmaceutical industry who often seek outside creative services for their advertising and marketing efforts. [Offers the possibility of new business.]

I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to discuss the Copywriter position. I will call you next Monday, August 8, to follow up. In the meantime, you can reach me using the contact information on my resume. [States follow-up information and date.]


Sincerely,
John Smith

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Beat Back Boredom on the Job

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


What do you do when a job that you used to enjoy no longer excites you? It may be tempting to look for a new job or even a new career -- and in some cases, that is the best solution. But before you take such drastic action, consider some alternatives.

1. Seek new challenges.

You may be able to regain your enthusiasm for your job and prepare yourself for a promotion at the same time.

"Boredom could mean that someone isn't learning at the rapid pace that they once were," says Yvonne Blockie, a San Jose, Calif., career counselor. Some professions change so rapidly that workers are always acquiring new skills, she says. But other jobs can become routine after an initial period of excitement.

Your boss can be your strongest ally in this effort. Explain that you're looking for new challenges and ask for projects that will stretch your skills (after you have finished your regular work). You can also ask co-workers if you can help with their projects.

"That really makes you seen as a team player," says Susan W. Miller, owner of California Career Services in Los Angeles.

2. Branch out and build supplementary skills.

Perhaps the department you work in doesn't have any more challenging projects for you to work on, or maybe your boss isn't as helpful as you'd like. If you can do your job well on autopilot, that should leave time and energy for other activities that will aid in your professional development.

"You can take classes to build your skills to prepare yourself for a promotion," Miller says. "You can join a professional or trade association in your field and take a leadership role."

3. Focus on life outside of work.

Let's face it: There are some jobs that, once you've learned them, are simply not going to provide ongoing challenges. The work becomes routine and there are few opportunities for promotion. But these jobs may have other benefits, such as good pay and steady work.

Consider what really interests you. Perhaps you'd like to be a photographer or musician, for example. But if switching to that career would make it difficult to pay the bills, you may decide to keep your day job and focus your energy on activities outside of work.

"Work is not your whole life; work is part of your life," Miller says. "If you're in a job that's providing you with good income and you don't see a lot of options for yourself but you're bored, then outside of work you need to stimulate yourself."

4. Give yourself a break.

How do you know which of these options is best -- or whether you need to consider a career change? If it's not obvious, one strategy is to try to take some time away from your job to think about it.

"Take your vacation," says Mike Beasley, owner of Career-Crossings, a career development firm in Portola Valley, Calif. "Go do something you want to do and get your mind relaxed."

After a break, it may be clearer whether you can find a way to be enthusiastic about your job again. "Boredom is just a message that you need to take stock and do something different," Blockie says.

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Telecommuters Face Perception Gap

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Telecommuters must navigate a paradoxical new challenge in the workplace, according to a recent survey. While a large majority of executives believe telecommuters are equally or more productive than their peers who work in offices, many of those same business leaders believe telecommuters are less likely to advance in their careers.

The survey found that 61 percent of executives downgraded telecommuters' advancement chances compared with those of employees who work in traditional office settings.

Despite their negative outlook, 78 percent of executives still regarded telecommuters as productive employees, according to the survey from Futurestep, a subsidiary of Korn/Ferry International.

Face Time Is Key

The gap suggests that a worker's "face time" with a supervisor plays a big role in advancement, experts say, but it may also point to the tenacity of an old-school way of thinking about corporate success.

"The majority of these executives are most likely baby boomers and traditionalists," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions in Northampton, Massachusetts.

"The mindset is similar to that of seasoned physicians training new doctors: 'I had to endure working 80-hour weeks for minimal pay, so you will too,'" she adds.

A total of 1,320 executives from 71 countries took the survey. Ages of the respondents were not available, according to Korn/Ferry.

Results, Not Roll-Call

"Employers are measuring the wrong things," Matuson says. "They should be concerned with results, yet they still focus on who's been in the office every night past eight."

Chuck Wilsker, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Telework Coalition, agrees that some senior business leaders need to shift their approach.

"To be an effective manager in the 21st century will require that there be a change in management style," he says. "Managers must be trained and become aware of the requirements to manage a remote and distributed work force."

Plan for Visibility

Telecommuters, however, must be pro-active in increasing their visibility with managers, says William Arruda, author of the book "Bullet-Proof Your Career."

Arruda offers the following tips for telecommuters:

• Communicate more frequently than you would if you were at the office, through regular progress reports or quick check-in calls.
• Use instant messaging to stay connected throughout the day, but make sure you follow IM etiquette and don't annoy people.
• Commit to being onsite for important meetings and events. Telecommuting doesn't mean never going into the office.
• Speak up during conference calls, always saying your name before making a point, such as, "This is Janice, and I would suggest"
• Find a way to add value to the business from your location, such as meeting with local clients or heading the local chapter of a professional association.
• Increase your visibility outside your company. Sometimes the value you create externally makes you more valuable internally.

Increasingly, companies are using telecommuting to retain talented employees. With good communication skills, you can make sure the benefit doesn't become a burden on your prospects for advancement.

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Gay Employees Weigh Coming-Out Issues

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Every lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person must figure out the right time -- and most appropriate way -- to come out to family and friends. Transfer the coming-out situation to the workplace, and it becomes even more complex.

Even as most Fortune 500 corporations tout LGBT-friendly policies as recruitment tools and the workforce becomes more diverse, many factors -- including office culture, your boss' attitude and your state of mind -- must be considered before telling your colleagues that you're gay.

Does the Company Talk the Talk?

If you work for an employer like IBM, which includes sexual orientation as well as gender expression and identity in its nondiscrimination policies, offers domestic partner benefits and sponsors nearly 50 LGBT employee groups, you're probably in good stead.

But less than half of U.S. states (17) prohibit private employers from firing workers because of their sexual orientation, so knowing your company's policies is critical, says Jere Keys, communications manager for Out and Equal, a nonprofit workplace advocacy for LGBT people.

The Impact on the Team
Consider whether your coming out will prove a distraction on your -- and your co-workers' ability -- to achieve the best bottom line.

"When we advise people on coming out at work we want to make sure that they are aware of their workplace surroundings, that they take the temperature of teammates to get a feel for whether or not they will be accepting," said Eric Bloem, associate director of the Human Rights Campaign's Workplace Project. "The last thing we want is for people to come out into a situation where they feel even more stressed, concerned and fearful than when they were in the closet."

Beyond the Rainbow Welcome Mat

Inclusive policies are one thing, people's practices are another. Your boss may not be as open to your being gay as those setting the tone.

"If you have people in powerful positions with personal biases, it doesn't matter what the company's policy is," says Julie Jansen, a career coach and motivational speaker.

Avoid TMI

When you do come out -- whether it's by putting a photo of your partner on your desk or discussing your weekend activities -- don't share so much that you make others uncomfortable.

"It can't hurt you to be overly professional," Jansen says. "Then you can learn to loosen up as time goes on."

Let Your Resume Do the Work

If you prefer to have your orientation out there before you even get the job, one way is to list on your resume memberships in LGBT professional or community groups.

Including such affiliations, according to Brad Salavich, manager of IBM's GLBT diversity programs, sends a signal that "here's someone who wants to be out. We can now talk about it."

The Interview Strategy

By inquiring about nondiscrimination policies or domestic partner benefits during an interview, you can come out without having to say, "Yep, I'm gay."

"I encourage my gay and lesbian clients to ask about diversity," Jansen says. "It's going to be obvious in many cases why you're asking."

Be Honest With Yourself

Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is whether you can work in a place where it's not OK to be out.

"If you don't feel like you can disclose your sexual orientation in an interview, are you ever going to feel like you can disclose it on the job -- and is that the environment you want to be working in?" Keys says.

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