June 1, 2008 - Outline of a Resume

Below you willl find an outline of a sample resume that you can fill in the blanks for your own personal situation. But, before you even begin to write your resume you should have a clear picture in your mind of what it is you want. One way to do this is by setting your goals.  Writing your goal down, developing an action plan, and taking the action you need to obtain the job that you want will help you succeed.

Once you have set your goals, then you are ready to write your resume!

AT THE VERY TOP OF YOUR RESUME:
Your name
your address
your phone number
your email

SKILLS SUMMARY:
List the skills along with a short description of how you apply these skills.
Example:
· Developed customer loyalty by providing consistent friendly and efficient service including opening and closing of the clinic.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Show the dates you were employed, where, and city
Example:
March 2003 - Present     My WorkPlace         City
April 200  - March 2003  Workplace               City

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES:
show dates, place and location

EDUCATION:
dates, facility attended, with any certificates or diplomas you received, and city
include any course you have taken.

INTERESTS:
List interests you have, such as hobbies

REFERENCES: 
You can say references available upon request, or you can actually show your references.  You should always have at least 3 references.  Include their name, phone number and their occupation.
 

Note: Never use friends or family, use someone who has worked with you.  Also, before you use someone as a reference you should ask them if it is okay to use their name.

May 18, 2008 - Resume Letter

Okay so you have set your goals to obtain a new job, you have your resume completed, but now you need to write a cover letter to attach to it. While your resume is important, so is your cover letter.  Before the potential employer even reads your resume, they first read the cover letter attached to your resume.  Your cover letter is like a first impression. And we all know how important first impressions are.  So pay as much attention to your cover letter, as you do your resume. 

Here is a sample letter, along with specific tips on how to write your cover letter:

Date: ____________
 

Attention:  (if there is a name or a dept in the job ad)
Employers Name
Address
Address
Zip code or postal code

Dear: _____________________ or you could use To Whom It May Concern:

RE:  job name or reference number of job

I am seeking a position in a progressive organization that offers the opportunity to utilize my (put in the key skill required for this position, for example customer service) skills, and that encourages and supports career growth.  Please accept this letter, and attached resume, as my application for the position of __________.

Since (year you started working), my experiences have included the following: (here is a sample of one person's skills) communication skills that have an interpersonal base, extensive exposure working within the customer service area, organizational skills that involved being detailed oriented and innovative, including the ability to initiate positive actions on an independent basis, and various elements of both team work and employee orientation.

The variety of my experience has allowed me to build a solid transferable skill base that can easily be applied to your requirements, and a work orientation that enables me to take advantage of opportunities to further develop these skills.

I would appreciate an opportunity to speak with you further regarding my experiences and how they can lend support to the position offered.

I look forward to hearing from you.  Please feel free to call me at my home number (phone number including area code), or, you can email me at (your email address).

Sincerely,

Your Name (leave spaces so you can sign your first name)

May 16, 2008 - Thoughtful Words for a Thank You Note

Here you will find a selection of thoughful words that you can include in a thank you note. Saying thank you is a way of showing our appreciation in words. We have sorted by category.  We hope you find the words helpful, and of course, thoughtful!

Thank You to Mother

On Mother's Day I have written a poem for you. 
In the interest of poetic economy and truth, I have succeeded in concentrating my deepest feelings and beliefs into two perfectly crafted lines:
You're my mother, I would have no other!
Forest Houtenschil

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.
Abraham Lincoln

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden,
fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity;
when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine,
desert us when troubles thicken around us,
still will she cling to us,
and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to
dissipate the clouds of darkness,
and cause peace to return to our hearts.
Washington Irving

Thank You to Father

Dad, you're someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown.
Author Unknown

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
Author Unknown
 

Any man can be a Father,
but it takes a special man to be a Dad!
Father Saying

Thank You to a Friend

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts.
And we are never, ever the same.
Author Unknown

Friends are the sunshine of life.
John Hay

The rain may be falling hard outside,
But your smile makes it all alright.
I'm so glad that you're my friend.
I know our friendship will never end.
Robert Alan

Life is partly what we make it,
and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.
Tennessee Williams
 

Your the friend everyone wishes they had.
Friendship Saying

Thank You to Co-Workers

One can pay back the loan of gold,
but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind.
Malayan Proverb

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. 
William Shakespeare

Thank you for all your help,
you are a true mentor to me.

Thank you to a Teacher

You have been my teacher, my friend.
Thank you for your wisdom and all your help.
C Pulsifer

A teacher is someone who cares,
someone who shares.
Thank you for being my teacher.
A Lynch

Some teachers deserve an apple,
you deserve the whole tree.
Teacher Appreciation Saying

General Thoughtful Thankful Words

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom. 
Author Unknown

Not what we give,
But what we share,
For the gift
without the giver
Is bare.
James Russell Lowell

Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.
David Thomas

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
G.K. Chesterton

The hand that rocks the cradle may not rule the world,
but it certainly makes it a better place.
Margery Hurst

One Liners to just say Thank You

Thank you!

Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Your kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered.

You have no idea what a difference you made in my life.

God sent me an angel, and it is YOU.

Your helping hand was much appreciated.

My sincerest thanks.

May God bless you for your thoughtfulness.

Saying Thanks, just doesn't seem to be enough.

May 13, 2008 - Wedding Gift Thank You

Sample Letter for a Wedding Gift
Dear (insert name):

Thank you for sharing in our wedding day and for being there to share in our memories of that special day.  As K. Hooton once said, " The many memories I will forever treasure."  You attending our wedding is a treasure which will always be part of our memories.

Thank you so much for your gift celebrating our wedding. We will always cherish your gift and it will long remind us of our special day.

Again our thanks!
Love,
(insert name)

Other quotes you may want to use in your thank you note:
- "Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us."  Oscar Wilde
- "Line by line, moment by moment, special times are etched into our memories in the permanent ink of everlasting love in our relationships." Gloria Gaither
- "Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume." Jean de Boufflers
- "Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." From the television show The Wonder Years
- "A wedding is a start of togetherness... of walks in the rain, basking in the sunshine, shared meals, caring for one another and sensing the love that a marriage carries." Author Unknown
- " Live well…Learn plenty…Laugh often…Love much."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

May 10, 2008 - Promotion Congratulations Letters

Two sample letters you can use or alter to send congratulations to someone who has received a promotion in their job.  You can change the letters to make them more personal for your situation.

PROMOTION Sample Letter 1
Dear (insert name):

I knew it was only a matter of time, and a short time at that, when I would be able to say congratulations on your recent promotion. You deserve it, your customer service skills are above and beyond. And, I know that my congratulations are only one of many. With your dedication, perseverance, and winning attitude, I know you will also excel in your new position.

Yours sincerely,
(insert name)

PROMOTION Sample Letter #2
Dear (insert name):

Congratulations on your promotion!  I was so happy to hear your good news. 

I can remember when you first joined the company you were a great asset to us all and now all your hard work and effort has paid off.  I think the thing I like the best in your is your attitude.  No matter what challenge we faced, you always helped find a solution.  Your energy and attitude reminded me of the inspirational poem, "Don't Quit".  You always kept going. You didn't let problems get in your way, your determination and your enthusiasm always found a way to make things work.

And now in your new position I know you will bring these qualities with you.  I look forward to working with you in your new role.  If there is anything I can do to assist you don't hesitate to let me know.

Again, my congratulations,
(insert name)

You may also want to include one of the following quotes or sayings:

"Great things are accomplished by talented people who believe they will accomplish them."  Warren G. Bennis

"There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." Norman Vincent Peale

"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves."  Mike Ditka

"It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever — the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it. " Vince Lombardi

"Perseverance is a great element of success; if you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate you are sure to wake up somebody." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man."
Elbert Hubbard

May 10, 2008 - Two Goodbye Letters

Two examples of letters to say good-bye when moving to a new city.  These can be sent by email or by post.  You can change to content to suit your own personal situation.

Sample letter of good-bye #1
Dear (insert name):

The time has come to say good-bye as I finally pack up and head for my new home. I leave with both excitement and with regret. Obviously, I am excited to be starting a new job with new expectations and the possibility of a promotion. At the same time, I have some regrets and one of those regrets is to be moving far away from you. I’ll certainly miss our normal weekly get togethers and our friendship. It seemed you were always there when I needed a helping hand, or just a quick fix of seeing daily issues as only an opportunity to walk through another challenge.

Of course, I can’t say good-bye in any final sense for that would be far too painful. What I am saying is that you know that we will be forever friends and I look forward with great anticipation when you come to visit, or when I come to visit you. As soon as I am settled, I will send you my new email address, phone number and address.

So, this isn’t really good-bye – it is only a note to say I’ll see you soon.

Your friend,
(insert name)

Sample Good-bye Letter #2

Dear (insert name):

I wanted to write to you today to say that I’m officially moving to a new city, and a new job. I know that we have shared a host of ups and downs throughout the past years and I am very happy to count you as my friend. At the same time, I also wanted to say that I expect to see you quite often in the coming years. I extend an open invitation to you, right now, to visit with me whenever you have some free time. I’ll be in touch as soon as I get settled to give you my new address, phone number, etc. so we can make plans.

I also expect to make visits back here to visit family and friends and I will let you know well in advance so we can plan to get together.

I also wish you success in your (job, career, business, etc.), and I hope you keep me up to date on what’s happening through email.

I will be in touch soon,

Your friend,
(insert name)
 

May 7, 2008 - Two Short Resignation Letters

Here are two sample letters of resignation.  You can change them to suit your own personal situation.

Sample letter of Resignation
Dear (insert name)

Please accept this letter as my resignation from the position of (insert name of position) effective on (insert date), and as my official two-week (or whatever notice period is required) notice as required. My last day at work, therefore, will be (insert date).

I also wish to thank you for your support, kindness, and encouragement throughout my time at (insert name of company).

Yours truly,
(insert name)

Alternate Resignation Letter:
Dear (insert name)

Please accept this letter as my resignation from the position of (insert name of position) effective on (insert date), and as my official two-week (or whatever notice period is required) notice as required. My last day at work, therefore, will be (insert date).

As you may know, I had set my goals and have been taking additional classes in (insert type of course) so that could obtain my (diploma, licence, designation, etc.) Now that I have obtained my graduation status, I am leaving your employment to pursue a new career.  I also want you to know how much I have enjoyed my time here at (insert name of company). It is time, however, to make the transition to a career that is directly related to my studies.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement.

Yours sincerely,
(insert name)
 

May 5, 2008 - Letter To a Friend for a Gift

Has a friend ever surprised you with a gift in the mail.  Of course you usually call them, but sometimes it is nice to send a letter or a note in a card.  Feel free to use one of our sample letters to a friend.  You may also want to use one of the inspirational quotes shown.

Sample Thank You Letter To a Friend for a Gift
Dear (insert name):

I just wanted to send you this short note to say thank you for your gift. It was totally unexpected.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness, and your gift will always remind me of your friendship.
I count my blessings to have you as a friend.

Again, my thanks.,
(insert name)

Quotes about friends that you may want to include in your thank you note:
- "A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature." Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "Friends are angels on earth." Friendship Saying
- "A friend is like father who scolds you, like mother who caress you, like sister who teases you, like brother who fights you, in short combine all worldly relations  you will have a friend and that's what makes a friend above all relations " DR. Amanullah
- "You’re the friend everyone wishes they had."  Friendship Saying

Sample Thank You Letter To a Friend for a Gift #2
Dear (insert name)

Over the years your thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me.  Thank you for sending me (what the gift was). It brightened my day, made me smile, and reminded me how lucky I am to have friends like you. They say, "friends are angels on earth", and you truly are my angel. 

Thank you for being such a good friend to me, and for making my day with the gift you sent.

Love,
(insert name)

Sayings about best friends that you may want to include in your thank you note:
- "Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. Author Unknown
- "Yesterday brought the beginning, tomorrow brings the end, and somewhere in the middle we became the best of friends. Author Unknown
- "A best friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have." Friendship Saying
- "In fact I really like that about our friendship, no matter what happens we'll always keep in touch and support each other." Peter Simmons

May 4, 2008 - Sample Thank You Letters, Gifts

Here you will find two sample letters for gifts that you have received. 

Sample Thank You Letter for a Gift
Dear (insert name):

Sometimes a thank you isn’t enough. This is the case when I received your special gift of (insert the type of gift).  I hope you will accept my gratitude and thanks; your gift helped brighten my spirits and stands as a continuing expression of your thoughtfulness.

 Sincerely,
(insert name)

Inspirational Quotes to include in your letter:

"The love, kindnesses, and value we have given authentically to others will be our remaining treasures at the end of life." Steve Brunkhorst
"We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love."  Mother Teresa
The highest form of wisdom is kindness. The Talmud
"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." James M. Barrie
"One can never pay in gratitude: one can only pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life."  Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Sample Thank You Letter for a Hand Made Gift
Dear (insert name):

What a wonderful surprise to receive your gift of (insert what the gift was). Thank you so much. I will always enjoy your gift especially since it was hand made by you. You have a marvellous and gifted talent and I am very happy to have received your gift knowing this.

Thanks again; it was much appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
(insert name)

Quotes on art that you may want to include in your thank you note:
"Art is the desire of a man to express himself, to record the reactions of his personality to the world he lives in."  Amy Lowell
"Art is like a border of flowers along the course of civilization."  Lincoln Steffens
"Anyone who says you can't see a thought simply doesn't know art." Wynetka Ann Reynolds
"If one looks closely enough, one can see angels in every piece of art."  Adeline Cullen Ray
"Art is the triumph over chaos".  John Cheever

May 3, 2008 - Congratulation Graduation Letter

 Graduation one of the special moments in life. Use our sample graduation letter to offer your congratulations to the new graduate. You may also want to use one of the graduation sayings. Many new graduates save the letters and cards they receive, let yours inspire them.

Sample Graduation Letter:

Dear (insert name):

It makes me proud to be able to offer my congratulations on your graduation from (high school, college, university etc.). I know how long and hard you have worked and studied. But, your dedication and perseverance has paid off, and you should be very proud of your accomplishment.

Now that you have graduated, there are many options and doors open to you that were previously unattainable. You set your goal and now have achieved it in your graduation. Remember the quote by Benjamin Mays, "The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach." Remember one of the keys to success is goal setting. Keep setting your goals and you can achieve what you now only dream of!

I wish you all the best in pursuing a new career in your chosen field. Well done!

Sincerely,
(insert your name)

Graduation Sayings  you may want to use:
- "A milestone passed, new things begun, dreams as shining as the sun, a goal achieved, a victory won! That's Graduation!"  Graduation Saying
- "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it." William Arthur Ward
- "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." Francis Bacon
- "To achieve happiness, we should make certain that we are never without an important goal." Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "Failures are made only by those who fail to dare, not by those who dare to fail." Lester B. Pearson
- "Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still." Lou Erickson
- "You always do what you want to do. This is true with every act. You may say that you had to do something, or that you were forced to, but actually, whatever you do, you do by choice. Only you have the power to choose for yourself."  W. Clement Stone