Set email alerts in job boards – Set up an email alert for matching jobs in job boards like Indeed, SimplyHired, LucidJobs and other job boards so that you don’t miss out on any suitable jobs.

What is Web CV?

Web CV is a new age version of online resume that not only contains the summary of relevant job experience and education but also many more tools to display your professional life such as Professional introductory Video’s or a document Slide Share or your Twitter account etc.

Video overlay is a new trend to become more creative. Using Web CV applicants can present themselves in a brief introductory video which is layered next to their traditional resume. A short video or Professional documents created by Job seekers for employment that describes the individual’s skills, qualifications and experience can be added by Job Seekers. These gadgets are typically embedded on Web CV to supplement a traditional format and stand out.

Tips to Help You Prepare a Professional Video Resume:

· Dress professionally in business attire, just as if you were going to an in-person interview.

· Keep your video resume short & Smart : one – three minutes.

· Talk to your camera while recording.

· Don’t look down at a paper and read.

· Speak Slowly and clearly .

· Make sure you are recording in noise free zone with plain backgrounds.

· Practice at least couple of time before you do the final recording.

· Start by mentioning your name (first and last).

· Mention how good you can be if given an opportunity.

Sample WebCV: http://www.lucidjobs.com/webcv/shashi

You can read more on our help page: http://www.lucidjobs.com/help

Advantages of a Contract Job:

Contractors earn higher pay compared to permanent employees.

Contractors cost companies much less than permanent employees.

Companies are happier hiring contractors because they don’t need to pay benefits, unemployment insurance, or holiday and vacation pay.

Contractors Immigration issues are handled by staffing company rather than client.

Advantages of a Permanent Job:

Permanent job offers job security and stability.

Permanent employment is better for individuals deciding to settle in life vs earning more.

Permanent job offers more employment benefits and bonuses like health insurance, pay raises and holiday pay.

Bottom Line: If you are well settled and looking for more stability Permanent offer is better, if you are an immigrant and need lot of support for immigration purposes contracting is better as you earn higher and stability to immigration status.

How to write a cover letter?

Cover letter has to be a KISS (Keep It Short and Simple). We all live in a world where time is most important resource. It is always important to be very precise and attract the attention of reader within 10 seconds as most of us are multi tasking to keep up with our work loads, here is how you can keep your cover letter crisp and attractive.

A Short introductory first paragraph of cover letter

Your short introductory paragraph should mention about how you heard about the position and emphasizing the fact that your skills match the position.   The first two lines should make the person feel you have the skills required for the job and it should interest him to read further.  

Example:  I am writing in response to your ad in Lucidjobs.com on March 20 2009 for a Java Developer.   I have worked for over 8 years as a Java Developer in various levels with major focus on database concepts and ETL.  (Give only what the client is looking for, nothing more)

Your second paragraph of cover letter

Here you let the reader know who you are. It describes you professionally and states your most important qualifications and accomplishments.

Example:  Most recently I was employed with (Company Name) as a Java Developer, with strong focus on various Java platforms along with Database concepts.   My Bachelors in Computers science combined with strong interest in the subject lead to an exposure with various high level projects.

The Third paragraph of cover letter

Here you must show that your specific skills are a good match for the position—your connection to the company.  

Example:

My experience working as a java developer with (Company Name) combined with my extensive knowledge on database concepts and ETL with extensive knowledge of various applications would be an asset to your company.   

Conclusion of cover letter with contact details

Your letter will conclude with “next steps.”  And your contact details (Name, Email ID and Phone Number). Always be courteous and understanding of your reader’s time, and use a tone that shows interest without being pushy.

A simple sentence, such as ‘I look forward to hearing from you soon,’ is a good way to end your letter.

  A slightly more aggressive sentence is, ‘I would be delighted to discuss my background and your company’s needs in person if given an opportunity.’

An interview is a critical step of hiring decision. The interviewer will look for your Knowledge, Skills and Attitude.

• * Ask questions the work, the environment so that you can tailor your experience to reflect what they are looking for.
• * Do not lie about technologies you do not have familiarity with.
• * Focus on your strengths and the knowledge you have.
• * If you are asked something you have not worked with you might be able to overcome that by stating experience that is similar.
• * Think about what you have done, your rolls, and the technical involvement you have had on your projects.
• * Speak SLOWLY and CLEARLY.
• * Make sure you are somewhere quiet and somewhere that you can focus on the conversation.
• * Close the interview down by reiterating interest and asking for next steps.

Do’s: Logical questions, questions about work environment, examples of previous work experience, positive attitude, body language and gestures.

Don’ts: Argue with interviewer, Lie to Interviewer, Over Confident, Speak ill about previous company, Emotional and jittery/nervous.

1. Keywords Keywords: If your resume does not repeat the right keywords (or search terms) numerous times searchers are unlikely to find it. It’s a sad fact but resumes are ranked based on how many times they repeat the right keywords.

2. Critical Keywords: Job Titles/Job Descriptions: When recruiters and hiring managers search for candidates they use the major definitive elements of the job. Keywords are not cross-functional multi-tasking interpersonal skills or other nice-to-include descriptive jargon. Those are good to have somewhere (if relevant) but only once or twice at most.

Instead your resume should repeat basic core search terms. Job titles – creative director business analyst CFO. Job descriptions – creative direction business process analysis corporate finance. These should be repeated in your resume s headline opening section every job description – wherever you can fit them.

3. Synonyms : You don t know exactly which keywords your dream employer uses. So to cover all the bases you also need synonyms: comparable titles and parallel job descriptions.

Here s a good keyword-loaded job description opener: Promoted from Software Developer to Senior Software Developer to serve as lead programmer / analyst for major software development / software engineering projects.

4. Qualifications Summaries: Another way to up your keyword count: opening summaries. These enable your resume to highlight your most relevant strengths immediately – and also offer another opportunity to reiterate keywords.

5. Resume Keyword Lists: Finally list specific terms. It s a perfect way to showcase your diverse skills and add even more keywords. You don t have to name it a nerdy Keywords. Label your table Strengths or Expertise listing 3-4 keywords per line in a professional organized appearance.

6. Readability and attractiveness: Make it very presentable use the fonts and sizes which are popular and professional.

7. Certifications: List the Related Certifications this goes long way.

8. Hobbies: Avoid personal hobbies on the resume.

9. Personalization: Customize the resume for the requirement (Highlight the points which suit the requirement).

10. Contact Details: List the best email address where you can respond quick and phone numbers (two are good).