My Favourite Quotes for Job Seekers

1. "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

2. "Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It’s OK to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not growing."

3. "Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise."

4. "Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it."

5. "It is never too late to be what you might have been."

6. "Combined with passion and perseverance, identifying and leveraging your strengths and aptitudes is the key to any career path."

7. "When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."

8. "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

9. "Whatever you can do, or dream you can... begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

10. "While most are dreaming of success, winners wake-up and work hard to achieve it."

How to Publish an E-Book: Resources for Authors

About the only thing that remains constant in e-book publishing is that it changes—everything from the services to marketing strategies. Here, I’ve attempted to round-up all the good resources I know of related to (1) learning to publish an e-book, (2) finding the right e-publishing services, and (3) staying on top of changes in the industry.
https://janefriedman.com/how-to-publish-an-ebook/
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Author: Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in digital media strategy for authors and publishers. She's the co-founder and editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and the former publisher of Writer's Digest. 

How to "Ace" a Follow-up Job Interview

You recall a friend telling you that at the second job interview level the competition is that much tougher than the first, and the questions you'll receive will be more challenging to answer. This time the employer wants to make sure you're the most qualified of all candidates who've applied.

That means preparing for the new interview even more carefully. Consider doing a little more networking and inquiring from people who've had a similar experience. If possible, talk to a human resources representative who may be willing to give you feedback on your progress. Or if you know an employee at the company, he or she might help you prepare for the next interview.

Never Hurts to Ask . . .

Assure them you're not looking for an unfair advantage or inside information—just support for making wise choices on what to prepare for. If you know the name of the person who will be interviewing perhaps you can gain some insight into that individual's personality and interviewing style.

Once you've reached the second job interview, keep your cool. Remember how well you did the first time. Something you said or did won you this current opportunity so you don't want to change your approach. Answer questions in a friendly yet forthright way, citing an example to back up the response whenever you can.

For example, if you're asked about your problem-solving ability, avoid a general response such as "I'm pretty good at restoring tranquility after chaos." Instead share a specific incident: (example) "During a power outage at my previous place of employment when all computers went down, I gathered the employees in my department together and led a discussion on how to remain calm in a crisis so that everyone benefits. I received the Employee of the Year Award for having turned the tide at the company during that time."

By the time you've gotten to the second interview, you will likely be meeting with a high-level company executive. The interview may allow time for informal conversation so he or she can get to know more about you on a personal level. Be ready and willing to share a few anecdotes and experiences from your life outside the office. Keep in mind that the interviewer will be hiring an individual, not just a professional.

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Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.

Cover Letters That WIN In 2016

As we settle into the New Year, it is once again, time to set priorities. How about putting "Write a brand new cover letter" at the top of your list?

Decorate Your Cover Letter With Sincerity

What does it take to create cover letters that sparkle with warm words and practical information? Four simple (and sincere) ingredients that you can master with a little time and thought.

1.      A friendly greeting. 

Dear Ms. Manager:

I was excited to read your ad for a qualified person to fill the position of sales executive at the XYZ Corporation. I felt you were writing to me personally, since I've had seven years of product sales experience and have directed… which resulted in increased revenue for my previous employer…

2.      A specific point.

In fact, all of the tasks I performed as product sales manager of ABC Company have prepared me for what I consider the next level--sales executive. I am ready and eager to assume the full responsibilities of this position. I'm known for my ability to pull team members together, to lead and accomplish goals with them, and to intervene in a crisis with a level head.

     3.   A practical goal.

My objective for the next year is to encourage my peers and subordinates and to increase the company revenue through cost cutting and savings. Customer service and harmonious employee relations are also among my top goals day-to-day.

4.       A future plan.

May we meet to discuss this job? I'd welcome the opportunity to hear your expectations for the man or woman you hire and to provide you with examples of why I believe I'm the person to fill the position. Please call me at 111-123-4567 at your earliest convenience.

Raise Your Glass To A Great New Year And A Great New Job

Complete your cover letter and then take an honest look at it. Does it include the four elements listed above? Does it sound friendly yet professional? Does it reflect you at your best? If your answer to any of these questions is 'no' then go back and rework that section until it feels just right. Keep in mind the most important action to take is to be yourself.

Then raise your glass to the New Year--the year that will lead you to new employment and new opportunities--the result of a great cover letter that presents your unique self.

Happy New Year and happy job hunting!

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Author: Jimmy Sweeney - President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator.