Sunday, April 11, 2010

My blogging and article writing experience

By Sarah Herbert
This was my first experience with writing articles and blogs. Although it was different and harder than anything we have encountered thus far, I like it. It will be a very useful tool in managing and marketing my business (and maybe my clients businesses). I chose to use http://ezinearticles.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/herbert.sarah?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile to publish an article I wrote and blogged earlier, “6 Tips for a Mind-Blowing Resume”. Although it was not mentioned in the lecture or reading, I thought Facebook would be a great venue to publish an article. On Facebook you already have a network of people who are interested in what you have to offer. Your network will most likely read the article and maybe pass it on. On a venue like E-zine Articles, the odds could be more competitive.

6 Tips for a Mind-Blowing Resume

By Sarah Herbert


When it comes to looking for a job in this economy it is apparent that jobs are scarce and the environment is competitive. Having a resume that stands out and portrays you at your best is essential when landing a new position. Here are a few tips that will help you in your search.

1. Use an easy to read format. Remember, sometimes your resume is what will mark your first impression. Make sure that your resume contains information that is relevant to your prospective employer and arrange it on the paper so that there is plenty of white space.

2. Always include a Job Objective. Employers not only want to see where you have been but also where you plan to go. It does not have to be long, one carefully worded sentence is enough.

3. Always include a cover letter. This is where you can show your savvy communication and writing skills.

4. Don’t hesitate to change your resume so that it addresses the needs of the employer and the specific skills they are looking for.

5. According to Yana Parker, author of Damn Good Resume (http://damngood.com/), your resume is about you and your undertakings. Parker states, “It’s not just about past jobs! It’s about YOU, and how you performed and what you accomplished in those past jobs—especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want to do next” (http://www.damngood.com/jobseekers/tips.html).

6. Follow up, follow up, follow up! When you drop off your resume, ask if you can follow up and who to contact. This shows diligence and persistence.

Good Luck!

Almost there!

By Sarah Herbert

When I first decided to go back to school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to spend more time with my family and be my own boss. The academic counselor at Sierra College told me about the Virtual Office Professional Certificate Program. I was apprehensive to commit to a program that I was not sure was for me, but I did and life has not been the same ever since.


Coming into the program I was a little uncertain about how it all worked. There were so many questions at first, but now that program is progressing along it is all coming together. There is a lot to be learned about the industry and all the tools that make working from home possible. Most importantly, I have learned a lot about myself; personally and professionally. Completion of the certificate and opening up shop is scheduled for Spring of 2011. I plan to continue at Sierra College to obtain Associate’s Degrees in General Business and Business Marketing. From there, who knows?

The best thing about the program is learning about the services available and the people who provide them. I have met some extraordinary people without having to leave my home! The services that they provide is all across the board, from accounting and administrative work to wedding officiates and veteran’s portfolios. If you are ready for a career change and just not sure where to start, talk to a Sierra College academic counselor about your options. Here is a link to their website, http://www.sierracollege.edu/StudentServices/counseling/index.html. For more information about the VOP Certificate Program visit, http://www.sierracollege.edu/Programs/divisions/BusTech/cis/VOP1.html.