What Kind of Resume Examples Should You Use?

What Kind of Resume Examples Should You Use?If you are seeking a new job, one of the most important aspects of a resume is where it falls in relation to your career goals. By focusing on your abilities and previous employment experiences you will create a resume that will stand out and make an impression on any employer. Therefore, it is crucial that you get the best resume examples out there to help you with this important task.The internet is full of ideas and information on how to write a resume, but most people aren't sure about which of these options is best. Whether it is a business or personal service career, you will find the details you need online. Your resume is a personal document and should reflect the personality of you and your interests.Sometimes you may be doing something you would like to do in the future in your business. Some businesses hire employees in the hopes of creating a stable career. You can use business resume examples to get this information for yoursel f.It is difficult to place all of your time and efforts into a current position when you have a family. To make sure that you are getting the most out of your time, consider using current job experience in your resume examples. Try to include these examples in as many places as possible.Creating a resume without resume examples is like trying to put together a Rubik's Cube without the pieces. You will be searching for reference information and if you are really struggling, consider hiring a professional company to help you create a good resume for you. While they will cost you money, the money will pay off by having a professionally written resume with the right amount of information included.No matter what kind of resume you plan to use, you will find the right resume examples to include. One must avoid making a mistake that puts them out of a job. Not every job position issuitable for everyone. Try to write a resume that will not only impress your employer, but a potential future employer as well.Many employers do not care how much you make in a particular position, but instead pay attention to what you have accomplished within the last six months or year. By using a resume examples like this you can show that you are working toward your goal in a competitive world. Once your resume is complete and submitted you should receive feedback from your prospective employer about your ability to accomplish their goals.

Cover Letter and Letter of Interest When to Use Them (Examples)

Cover Letter and Letter of Interest When to Use Them (Examples) Spread the loveBy now, most job seekers have heard of the cover letter. More importantly, most of them have some idea about why they need to send that cover letter with their resume. What many people do not know, however, is that there are times when a cover letter may not be the right option for a job search That’s especially true in cases where a job seeker is struggling to find job openings that meet his needs. For those situations, another type of letter â€" the letter of interest â€" can be a far more effective way to accelerate your job search. In this post, we’ll examine the cover letter and letter of interest to help you identify which tool to use for your job-seeking needs.Difference Between Cover Letter and Letter of InterestWhen it comes to differentiating between the cover letter vs letter of interest, the differences are subtle but simultaneously stark:Cover Letter:Cover letters are indispensable tools that you should always send along with a job application and resu me. Your cover letter provides a chance to encapsulate the most important information contained in your resume, while emphasizing why you want the job and the value that you can bring to the position. A great cover letter can go a long way toward convincing a hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.Letter of Interest:On the other hand, a letter of interest is designed for those times when you don’t have a solid lead on an open position in a company, but still want to get your foot in the door. It’s often used by students who lack job experience, or employees who are looking for a better job. It is basically a reconnaissance tool that helps you scout out opportunities. As such, it can provide a proactive job candidate with a way to potentially secure employment even when the company has yet to advertise a job opening.What Should the Documents Contain?Another difference between a cover letter and letter of interest is found in their differing content:A great co ver letter will introduce you to the decision maker and identify the position that you’re interested in filling. It will provide the most relevant information about skills and qualifications, to help the decision-maker see the value you can add to the company. Finally, it provides all the contact information needed to make it easy for a hiring manager to reach you.That’s specificity is a clear difference between the cover letter and letter of interest. Whereas the cover letter addresses a specific open position, the letter of interest takes a different approach. Since you will be unaware of any job openings, your letter of interest will instead take a broader view. That letter will describe and showcase your unique skills and abilities. Moreover, it should focus on the types of positions you can fill in the company, should an opening exist.Most importantly, however, your letter of interest should emphasize why you are interested in a position with the target employer. It should describe why you want to become part of the company’s team and culture. You should include details about why you selected that company over its rivals, to demonstrate your level of interest.As you can see, the cover letter and letter of interest, take very different approaches to contacting potential employers. The cover letter is a summary of your qualifications and a tool to sell your potential value to an employer. The letter of interest is an exploratory document that seeks information about job prospects within the company. The former rarely seeks more information. The latter almost always requests a meeting or additional information about current or future openings.How To Send a Letter of Interest  Example:Dear [Contact Name]:I have been following your company’s growth and success for some time, and recently saw Daily News Story highlighting your innovative approach to incorporating new technologies into your customer management processes. I am writing to discover if you c urrently have any open positions for experienced IT specialists.For more than a decade now, I have worked as an IT specialist for two firms in the greater [Company City] area. In that time, I have led teams that dramatically overhauled both companies’ internal technology systems. Those efforts increased each company’s online presence, tripling customer site visits and increasing customer internet sales by more than 150%. Just as important, we improved internal efficiencies by 60% and boosted sales by more than 15% annually.I have enclosed my resume for your consideration, highlighting my qualifications and achievements. I would love to have the chance to speak to you to provide you an opportunity to determine how my skills and experience can provide the most value to your firm. Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to a more in-depth discussion with you soon.[Your Signature][Your Name]You can check out our post here on how to writer an effective cover letter (with exampl es).  When to Send A Letter of InterestWhile you should send a cover letter with every resume, it can sometimes be difficult to know when to send a letter of interest. Here are some basic rules to follow when choosing between a cover letter and letter of interest:If you’re sending out a resume for an advertised open position, always send a cover letter. The only exception is if the company specifically says not to do so.When you’re sending a resume to a company that hasn’t advertised an open position, send a letter of interest as well.Send a letter of interest whenever you’re exploring potential opportunities. Choose a cover letter for submissions for specific job openings.In short, you use a letter of interest to learn about job openings and get your name in front of the right decision-makers. As such, it can be a great tool to locate the job you need, even when there are no advertised positions in your field. Most important, hiring managers often appreciate the initiative displayed by job-seekers who proactively search for job prospects even before the positions are available. Cover Letter and Letter of Interest When to Use Them (Examples) Spread the loveBy now, most job seekers have heard of the cover letter. More importantly, most of them have some idea about why they need to send that cover letter with their resume. What many people do not know, however, is that there are times when a cover letter may not be the right option for a job search That’s especially true in cases where a job seeker is struggling to find job openings that meet his needs. For those situations, another type of letter â€" the letter of interest â€" can be a far more effective way to accelerate your job search. In this post, we’ll examine the cover letter and letter of interest to help you identify which tool to use for your job-seeking needs.Difference Between Cover Letter and Letter of InterestWhen it comes to differentiating between the cover letter vs letter of interest, the differences are subtle but simultaneously stark:Cover Letter:Cover letters are indispensable tools that you should always send along with a job application and resu me. Your cover letter provides a chance to encapsulate the most important information contained in your resume, while emphasizing why you want the job and the value that you can bring to the position. A great cover letter can go a long way toward convincing a hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.Letter of Interest:On the other hand, a letter of interest is designed for those times when you don’t have a solid lead on an open position in a company, but still want to get your foot in the door. It’s often used by students who lack job experience, or employees who are looking for a better job. It is basically a reconnaissance tool that helps you scout out opportunities. As such, it can provide a proactive job candidate with a way to potentially secure employment even when the company has yet to advertise a job opening.What Should the Documents Contain?Another difference between a cover letter and letter of interest is found in their differing content:A great co ver letter will introduce you to the decision maker and identify the position that you’re interested in filling. It will provide the most relevant information about skills and qualifications, to help the decision-maker see the value you can add to the company. Finally, it provides all the contact information needed to make it easy for a hiring manager to reach you.That’s specificity is a clear difference between the cover letter and letter of interest. Whereas the cover letter addresses a specific open position, the letter of interest takes a different approach. Since you will be unaware of any job openings, your letter of interest will instead take a broader view. That letter will describe and showcase your unique skills and abilities. Moreover, it should focus on the types of positions you can fill in the company, should an opening exist.Most importantly, however, your letter of interest should emphasize why you are interested in a position with the target employer. It should describe why you want to become part of the company’s team and culture. You should include details about why you selected that company over its rivals, to demonstrate your level of interest.As you can see, the cover letter and letter of interest, take very different approaches to contacting potential employers. The cover letter is a summary of your qualifications and a tool to sell your potential value to an employer. The letter of interest is an exploratory document that seeks information about job prospects within the company. The former rarely seeks more information. The latter almost always requests a meeting or additional information about current or future openings.How To Send a Letter of Interest  Example:Dear [Contact Name]:I have been following your company’s growth and success for some time, and recently saw Daily News Story highlighting your innovative approach to incorporating new technologies into your customer management processes. I am writing to discover if you c urrently have any open positions for experienced IT specialists.For more than a decade now, I have worked as an IT specialist for two firms in the greater [Company City] area. In that time, I have led teams that dramatically overhauled both companies’ internal technology systems. Those efforts increased each company’s online presence, tripling customer site visits and increasing customer internet sales by more than 150%. Just as important, we improved internal efficiencies by 60% and boosted sales by more than 15% annually.I have enclosed my resume for your consideration, highlighting my qualifications and achievements. I would love to have the chance to speak to you to provide you an opportunity to determine how my skills and experience can provide the most value to your firm. Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to a more in-depth discussion with you soon.[Your Signature][Your Name]You can check out our post here on how to writer an effective cover letter (with exampl es).  When to Send A Letter of InterestWhile you should send a cover letter with every resume, it can sometimes be difficult to know when to send a letter of interest. Here are some basic rules to follow when choosing between a cover letter and letter of interest:If you’re sending out a resume for an advertised open position, always send a cover letter. The only exception is if the company specifically says not to do so.When you’re sending a resume to a company that hasn’t advertised an open position, send a letter of interest as well.Send a letter of interest whenever you’re exploring potential opportunities. Choose a cover letter for submissions for specific job openings.In short, you use a letter of interest to learn about job openings and get your name in front of the right decision-makers. As such, it can be a great tool to locate the job you need, even when there are no advertised positions in your field. Most important, hiring managers often appreciate the initiative displayed by job-seekers who proactively search for job prospects even before the positions are available.

QUIZ Are You Being SHUT OUT Of The Hiring Process - Work It Daily

QUIZ Are You Being SHUT OUT Of The Hiring Process - Work It Daily Results Not sure where you’re going wrong in your job search? Tired of never hearing back from employers? Chances are, you’re getting shut out of the hiring process. Why? Well, there are a few major areas where job seekers fall flat when they’re applying for jobs. (You can learn more about what these areas are in CareerHMO’s FREE video series, “8 Ways Job Seekers Are Shut Out Of The Hiring Process.”) But in the meantime, take this quiz to see what’s going on in your job search: 1.) Does your job search revolve heavily around job boards? (a) No, I try to avoid using them. (b) Sometimes, but I incorporate other tactics, too. (c) Yes. That’s the only way I can find jobs! 2.) Do you customize your resume/cover letter for each job? (a) Absolutely. I always do research and make sure I include the right keywords. (b) Depends. If I really want a job, I will put more effort into customization. (c) Nah, I use the same template for all of the jobs I apply for. 3.) How do you brand yourself? (a) As a specialist in my field. (b) As a “Jack-of-all-trades.” (c) Branding? What? 4.) How often do you network with people from your target companies? (a) Whenever I can. (b) It varies - I try to meet as many people in my field as possible. (c) Networking isn’t really my scene. I just apply to jobs and hope to hear back. 5.) When it comes to your cover letter, you… (a) Try to find ways to connect with the employer. (b) Reiterate what you said in your resume. (c) Think cover letters are pointless, so you don’t put much effort into them. 6.) Your resume is… (a) Clean, organized, and focused. You work the white space! (b) Based off of a generic template you found online. (c) Looks more like a term paper than a resume sometimes. Lots of text! 7.) Have you completely filled out your LinkedIn profile? (a) For the most part, yes. (b) I just added in the basics. I don’t even have a profile picture. (c) ...I still haven’t gotten around to getting a profile yet. 8.) What do you think the purpose of an interview is? (a) To make sure it’s a good fit - for both you and the employer. (b) To prove how well you can handle hard interview questions. (c) To talk about starting salary, benefits, and so on. Results Mostly As: You’re on the right track. You’re doing all of the right things, but you’re not seeing the results. Frustrating, isn’t it? Whether it’s a lack of experience or confidence, there’s some sort of snag. If you’re tired of giving it your all only to get nothing in return, you should consider working with a career coach to help you focus your time, energy, and efforts in the right areas. Mostly Bs: You need to update your strategy. Your current job search strategy may have worked 10 years ago, but it’s not very effective in this day and age. It’s time to step it up! Mostly Cs: You need a better plan of attack. You don’t really have a solid job search strategy in place. If you want to stand out and get a great job, you need to work harder than than the ‘other guy.’ But how can you do that efficiently? FREE Video Series Not getting any job offers? We know why! Check out CareerHMO’s FREE video series “8 Ways Job Seekers Are Shut Out Of The Hiring Process.” CareerHMO is offering 10 FREE videos that tell you EXACTLY why you’re not getting interviews, offers, and jobs. Click here to get 100% FREE access!   Related Posts QUIZ: What Type Of Employee Are You? QUIZ: Should You Quit Your Job? QUIZ: Do You Have Social Media Career Power?   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

What It Feels Like When You Have A Second Full-Time Job Anxiety

What It Feels Like When You Have A Second Full-Time Job Anxiety The thing you need to know about dealing with anxiety and wirtschaftskrise while balancing work is that its like having another full-time job that you hate. Is it impossible? No. Is dealing with them worth it? Yes. Thats the good news.But managing depression and anxiety while working is no easy task, and they often leave me so exhausted that by the time weekend finally comes around I take solace in my apartement and Netflix for two days straight avoiding humanity (and the MTA).The greatest challenge I face every workday is getting out of bed. Almost every morning, my mind goes to battle fighting the urge and need to stay in bed my bed is where I feel most safe. The depression and anxiety that often crush me make convincing arguments that leaving my bed is dangerous and sometimes those arguments win. Sometimes they dont.When they win when I am able to stay home I get immediate relief. I tell myself, Ill try again tomor row. Tomorrow. Tomorrow Ill do better. Tomorrow Ill be able to get out of bed. Tomorrow I wont be a failure. Tomorrow I wont let my colleagues down.The relief is short lived. Nearly anything can start letting guilt seep in an email, a phone call, a calendar reminder, the time of day. The guilt about staying home is overwhelming and I begin to feel anxious about having to face work and my co-workers. My shame game is strong.If I win the battle of getting out of bed, theres usually another one waiting for me. Depending on the day, it starts with the simplest next step, like getting dressed, or it happens later, when I get to work. Have you ever opened your calendar, looked at what you had to do for the day, and just panicked? Have you ever had a part of you that said No, I cant possibly do all of that even when theres not that much to do or the tasks arent hard? Its a really fun and exciting ego boost.I scroll through social mediato distract myself from the anxiety. I start reading t he news and opening tab after tab after tab of articles I want to read. I use the number of tabs I have open or apps open on my phone as a barometer for my mental state the more I have open the higher the gunst der stunde things arent great.While my depression and anxiety mostly impact my ability to complete (or just get started on) work tasks, theyalso interfere with normal work-related activities like meetings. Meetings by phone produce unexplainable anxiety I prefer in-person meetings because its easier for me to work through the all-consuming uneasiness when I can look someone in the eyes. I feel more in control.Yet even when meeting in-person, I find it hard to participate. If Im asked a direct question or for my opinion, Im comfortable and confident respondingits jumping in on my own that is difficult. By nature, Im more of an observer I need to process before speaking and on top of that I find it hard to speak up because my anxiety and depression try to convince me that whate ver I have to say isnt worth sharing and is a waste of everyones time.The exhaustion of depression and anxiety is real. Its a chronic, fortwhrend effort to live life, to move through each day. In many ways, Im lucky I have supportive family, friends, coworkers, and supervisors. I have health insurance and access to therapy, medication, and an employee assistance program. I have more good days than bad. Its still a struggle.--Jennifer Koza is a social worker who believes support and empowerment are key to life and has the data to back it up. By day, she is a research and evaluation analyst, committed to preventing violence against women and studying the value of work and workplaces. By night, she is a painter or at least she tries to be when shes not catching up on TV/movies (or re-watching The West Wing, Gilmore Girls or The Office).

Brief Article Teaches You the Ins and Outs of Government Resume Writing Service Reviews and What You Should Do Today

Brief Article Teaches You the Ins and Outs of Government Resume Writing Service Reviews and What You Should Do Today The organization utilizes an individual approach to each customer and customizes every resume. In addition the employee will obtain confidence about how to create a profile within the ordnungsprinzip and offer the necessary documentation to the system. If youve attached your existing resume, you dont have to repeat whats already in it but you can definitely add more info. The service utilizes an individual approach for writing all kinds of personalized documents, including cover letters and other sorts of employment-related correspondence. A federal cover letter could be an essential portion of a federal job application package or it might not. Most government resources deliver specific templates that are to be followed when youre asking for a federal job. If youre searching for a government job or a civilian job for a veteran, you will need to get ready for a totally different manner of submitting job applications. Unlike resumes in different industries, federal resumes are almost always chronological. Our writers understand how to optimize your LinkedIn profile and receive the most benefit from it. Know exactly what you could binnensee below for individuals and skilled marketer. Writing a federal resume means following federal resume guidelines to ensure hiring managers are ready to obtain the precise details they are seeking with only a quick glance. One of the absolute most important federal resume tips is that you want to follow along with every detail of the guidelines, including character counts, for each and every section. The Key to Successful Government Resume Writing Service Reviews Rush services are readily available. In only two or three hours, the organization contacted me, and asked just a couple more info. There are lots of companies today offering different writing services for their customers. Or if you pref er to physically get a copy of the finished product. The answer is the way interpersonal communication acts. If you see a service we havent evaluated, dont hesitate to drop us a message and were going to look it over whenever possible. Our customer service will also be available to assist you, over the telephone, by elektronischer brief or by means of the desktop. Job searching may be depressing and enduring procedure, especially if one wants to have a government job. Oftentimes, federal jobs will also need you to complete a special application for this job, including the SF-171 or the OF-612. Professional Accomplishments Next, you should commence listing all the last jobs youve held. Successful leadership skills demonstrate that you work nicely with others, which youre seeking to grow in your career, and that you may manage and delegate work appropriately. Like the remainder of the resume, it ought to be in chronological order and begin with the latest accomplishment. Re sumes are something people can be. Professional resume writing company supplies you with an expert resume writer service devoted to getting you the ideal job. There is a great review for their services here. Youre an amazing writing service Finding a nice and dependable blog writing service has changed into a tough endeavor to accomplish with all these selections available.

End 2017 with a bang

End 2017 with a bangWe need gender neutral dress codes in the workplace. If you dont yet agree with that statement, look no farther than a 55-page presentation given to women executives at Ernst Young in a June 2018 training. pThe presentation, which made headlines last month when an offended participant from Forbes/a Employees should dress in business casual attire, which could include casual slacks and skirts, collared shirts, blouses, or sweaters. Inappropriate attire includes sportswear, jeans, and unkempt clothing, among other options. Please exercise good judgment.pFor business formal workplaces, you could use the following Traditional business attire, including dresses, suits, and pantsuits, is required for external meetings with clients or prospects. Employees should use discretion on other occasions and are expected to demonstrate good judgment. pAnd for casual workplaces, which are on the rise from The Balance/a Dress comfortably for work, but p lease do not wear anything that could offend your coworkers or make them feel uncomfortable. That includes clothing with profanity, hate speech, or exclusionary language. Your clothing, while casual, should show common sense and professionalism.pNo matter the level of formality your dress code needs to define, make koranvers youre thinking from the perspective of all employeescurrent as well as futureand creating an environment where they can thrive.p----pstrongWant to share these tips with your company? /strongShow them this handy one-page guide on creating a gender neutral dress code p class=shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image img alt=Gender Neutral Dress Code Guide class=rm-shortcode data-rm-shortcode-id=UGVL4K1574631551 data-rm-shortcode-name=rebelmouse-image data-runner-src=https//assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwMDE3Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU3NDc2NjEyMX0.5akget5uOA_ 9aHMcPUxY1YM_Zn2w2Yhcj7m_HSCqg7I/img.jpg?width=980 id=a14b6 type=lazy-image/ pbr/

Taking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60

Taking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60Taking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60Taking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60 in Record TimeNetworking can be a challenge, especially if you dont know where to start.Experts say that networking is good for your career. After all,research shows that 70 percent or more of positions are filled through networking. Those who choose to skip it clearly put themselves at a disadvantage.The problem is that most people dislike networking.Attending conferences and alumni events is often fraught with stress and pressure, especially if youve recently graduated, moved to a new city, or changed industries. Walking into a room where you know no one can be nerve-wracking Professionals like you stumble through the crowd, trying to meet the right people and collect as many business cards as possible. Then they use those business cards to send a flurry of nice to meet you emails, most of which go unanswered. As a result, most professionals are al ways networking, but never seem to build a functional network.Is there a way out of the never-ending rounds of meet-and-greets, stacks of business cards, and small talk?Actually, there is. Here is your map to building a great professional network from scratch.Start where you areIts tempting to dismiss your existing network as useless or too small to make a difference, but doing so would be a big mistake. The truth is that no one has to build a professional network from scratch. Everyone starts with a certain platzdeckchen of people they already know through family, friends, school, part-time work, hobbies, and volunteering.Even if your current network does not boast anyone with a famous last name, you must begin by treating every single person you know like they are important. Its OK to want to grow your network, but you wont get there by mentally discounting the people you already know. Identify and nurture the connections you have, even if they are few or dont seem immediately rel evant to your job search. Ask for introductions in your area of interest. Be specific, be patient, and be grateful.Leverage alumni organizationsIf youve ever worked for a regional or national company, look for alumni organizations in your area. The saatkorn goes for school alumni organizations. Attending events like these is a great way to build your professional network. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of walking into a room full of strangers, consider getting involved instead. You might find that volunteering to help coordinate and run an event is a great way to meet the core group of involved professionals. It also gives you a job that, over time, can allow for direct connection to speakers, executives, and decision-makers across a broad spectrum of companies.RelatedThe 8 Best Practices for Alumni NetworkingAttend trade shows and conferencesTrade shows and conferences can help you stay up to date on industry hot topics and meet new people. Websites like10times.com monitor hundreds of conferences across an impressive range of industries and specialty fields. Look for ones in your area of interest, but dont stop there. For example, if you are interested in getting an accounting job in a hospital setting, a conference for medical device manufacturers may be a great source of information and contacts.As you brace yourself for the crowds, be sure to set the right goal for the day. Remember that one honest, deep, meaningful connection is better than 15 business cards collected in a hurry.Brush up on small talk and icebreakers. Resist the urge to pitch your candidacy immediately after making a new acquaintance. Instead of reiterating your resume, focus on having conversations that you can only have in person.Look for professional associations, roundtables, and study groupsThere are many organizations whose primary purpose is to connect like-minded professionals. Professional associations are a great place to start many have local and regional chapters with a full calendar of events. Dont limit your search to your industry, however, as there are broader organizations (such as theEllevate Network for professional women) that transcend technical niches and allow you to broaden your reach. Community and service clubs can also help you form lasting relationships and expand your professional network in a structured environment that isnt about pitching your resume.Finally, dont forget about roundtables and study groups. These may be less-conventional ways to network, as they are harder to find. However, should an opportunity present itself, these could be effective ways to meet a small group of professionals dedicated to self-improvement.Conduct informational interviewsWhether you are exploring a new industry or want to get a foot in the door with a company that doesnt currently have an opening for you,informational interviews are a fantastic opportunity to meet decision makers. Although informational interviews dont come with the same perf ormance pressures as the real thing, you should still approach them seriously. Dress as you would for a formal interview. Spend time researching the company. Show up on time, bring great questions, and close the loop by sending a thank-you note. Remember that an informational interview is not the time to pitch your candidacy (though you should have an updated resume with you just in case).Remember virtual networking, tooLinkedIn is a fantastic resource for connecting with professionals by leapfrogging from the people you already know. Read profiles carefully so that you can tailor your connection requests to be impactful and personal. No one likes to get a boilerplate invitation to connect, so make yours stand out. Keep in mind that many professionals include a direct email address on their profiles, which can make communicating quicker and easier (after all, not everyone checks their LinkedIn profile every day).A less-commonly known way to connect with key players online is to enga ge with them via their blogs and Twitter. Begin by identifying thought leaders in the industry, regardless of their geographic location. Read their articles, follow them on Twitter, and spend some time observing how they interact with their audiences. A tweet or an interesting article may well provide a launching pad for you to strike up a conversation that can lead to a meaningful connection over time. Many professionals are initially intimidated to interact with prominent voices in their industry. However, you would be amazed at how generous some thought leaders can be with their time and advice.Taking your professional network from zero to 60Whether you relish in meeting new people or dread networking events, growing your professional network is a critical piece of your career puzzle. Remember that there is more than one way to accomplish your goal. From alumni events and conferences to professional associations and informational interviews, try a variety of approaches until you settle on a mix thats both comfortable and effective. Doing outreach will probably feel like a stretch, especially if you are naturally reserved, but the effort is well worth it.Just remember No matter which path you choose, be thoughtful in how you pursue it. Networking doesnt have to have the sleazy feel of one professional using another to get ahead. In fact, the icky factor is often the side effect of professionals being in a hurry to deliver their pitch or value proposition as soon as they have someones attention. Instead of rushing in, choose to focus on getting to know the other person so you can understand how you can be of service to him or her. If there is a meaningful connection, commit to staying in touch by putting a monthly reminder on your calendar to send him or her an email, a note, a book, or perhaps meet for coffee. By doing this consistently, you will develop a professional and personal network thats both powerful and lasting.Click on the following link for more networking advice.Get your resume in shape while you build your professional network. Submit for a free resume review and well tell you where you stand.Recommended ReadingHow to Make the fruchtwein of Your Next Networking EventSocial Networking Connect With Potential Employers Online5 Ways to Network With Your Current Colleagues