http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/getting-into-law-school-how-to-write-a-personal-statement.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/getting-into-law-school-how-to-write-a-personal-statement.html Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Of course, this means that for most people, there is a lot riding on their personal statement. Here are some tips for writing a personal statement that will get you into law school.

What Do Law Schools Look for in a Personal Statement?

One of the best ways to make sure your personal statement
passes muster is to look at it from the law school’s point of view. The admissions board uses each personal statement to help them determine whether the writer would be an asset to the school – something a student’s academic record alone cannot always tell them.

To have a shot at law school, you will need to make sure your personal statement:

• Fully satisfies the question(s). Although law schools usually ask more general questions, such as what made you want to become a lawyer, some schools will require that your personal statement answer more specific questions. For example, if the admissions board asks why you want to attend their school, your personal statement will need to fully answer that question.

• Demonstrates why you will be a good lawyer. The admissions board doesn’t want to admit students who lack the ability to perform well at their school or in the field. Specifically, the board will appreciate personal statements that demonstrate qualities such as strong leadership skills, good organization, the ability to follow through, and dedication to practicing law.

• Outlines your career goals. Your personal statement should demonstrate to the admissions board that you have thoroughly considered your career options. A law student with career goals is presumably more dedicated to successfully completing the program than a student with no plans for the future.

• Shows real-world experience. A student who is genuinely interested in practicing law will not have developed that interest in a bubble. Your personal statement should demonstrate that you have pursued related experience in the real world. This might be activism and/or leadership in causes that are important to you, fundraising, internships, or even a related part-time job.

• Sets you apart from other applicants. Don’t forget that you are competing against many other students with similar academic records and experience. Use techniques that will make your personal statement stand out in your reader’s mind, such as storytelling and unique, personal details.

Tips for Writing a Winning Law School Personal Statement

A successful personal statement needs to do more than simply answer the concerns of the law school’s admissions board. In order to merit an acceptance letter, your personal statement needs to:

• Use correct spelling and grammar. Errors in your work won’t impress anyone, but especially not an admissions board that has their school’s reputation in mind.

• Employ storytelling. A personal statement that reads like a resume will interest no one. Telling unique stories to demonstrate your interest in the field makes a more memorable impression by painting a more vivid picture of yourself.

• Hook the reader right away. The introduction is the most important part of your personal statement, as sets the reader up for what is to follow. The more interesting and promising your introduction is, the higher your chances of impressing the admissions board.

• Be written with the specific school in mind. Don’t make the mistake of sending the same generic personal statement out to all the law schools on your list. If your personal statement doesn’t answer a specific question, or seems to be written with a different question in mine, the admissions board will notice. Your personal statements may be similar to one another, but each one should be written to satisfy the recipient’s specific requirements.

Write About What You Know

No doubt you have heard the cliché, “Write what you know.” The same applies when you are applying to law school. Your personal statement is, above all, intended to give the admissions board a better idea of who you are as a person. In other words, while it is still important to write and organize your personal statement well, fully answer the questions asked, and make a memorable impression, it is equally as important to remember to be yourself.

P.S. Consider using a sample personal statement
to start your writing. It's much easier than starting from scratch.

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Jason Kay is a regular contributor to education related websites such as Sample Personal Statement.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/internet/why-you-should-be-using-an-online-backup-service.html http://www.articletrader.com/internet/why-you-should-be-using-an-online-backup-service.html Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600 Online backup services are relatively new but they are gaining popularity at the speed of light. This is hardly surprising because the advantages they offer are really a lot and it does not require any technical skills in order to use online backup services.
What is Online Backup?
Online backup services are a variety of web hosting services where you register with a provider and then you are given space on their server where you can store your data. This is the most basic form of an online backup service but almost always you have additional functionalities you can use, such as the ability to schedule when backups are to be performed and 1-click backup restoration. Many online backup providers offer real-time backup and/or backup of locked files or files in use as well. Generally you pay a small fee (could be in the single digits) per month and it gives you the right to use a couple of gigabytes on their server. Since prices are dropping all the time, it is possible to find offers for 20 or more GB for less than $10. In any case, the monthly fee you pay for online backup is just a small toll for the peace of mind you get in return because as you will see next, online backup services do have many advantages.
Why Should I Use Online Backup?
Online backup has many advantages and if you haven't tried yet, you should do it. Online backup requires a fast Internet connection but since nowadays broadband access is becoming the norm, chances are that your connection is fast enough to accommodate all the traffic between the online backup server and your computer. In any case, if your broadband connection is still your bottleneck, you can resort to backing up only the most important 1-2GB of files (rather than your whole 500GB+ hard drive) and still enjoy the numerous benefits of online backups. Here are some good reasons why you should use online backup:
• With online backup your files are always accessible. File accessibility is one of the unbeatable advantages of online backup. When you store your backups locally (on your hard drive or in a drawer next to your desk), you can't access them remotely. Online backup is another story – you can access your files remotely from any place, where an Internet connection is available.
• Online backup provides protection against hardware/software failures, theft and natural disasters. The second most important advantage of online backups is that your backups are physically safe. When you make a backup and you keep it on the same hard drive, this does not provide any protection because if your hardware and/or software becomes defunct, your backup dies together with your original data.
A step ahead is to keep your backups on CDs, DVDs or tapes instead on your hard drive but in case of theft or natural disasters, this provides no protection at all. There are many stories (for instance the disaster that happened to Mr. Coppola) when thieves or natural disasters deprive you of your backup and you lose the last copy of important documents.
While there is never a 100% guarantee that this will not happen with your online backup, the fact that online backup service providers employ rigorous practices to physically guard your backup (including a backup of the backup), the chance that your backup will be physically destroyed is one in a million.
• Online backup is more reliable than CDs, DVDs, tapes and other traditional backup media. Keeping your backup on CDs, DVDs and tapes is still more than nothing but compared to online backup it is a poor man's choice. Even if you don't get robbed, or hit by a fire, earthquake, hurricane and other natural disasters, CDs and DVDs are very easily destroyed. It is enough to scratch the surface or to drop it on the floor, and a CD/DVD is gone forever, together with your important data.
• Best Practices recommend data vaulting. Online backups are important for individuals but for businesses they can be vital. There are many Best Practices, which strongly recommend to make periodic backups and to store them in a physically protected space. In some cases you might not even have to decide whether your company should use data vaulting (this is the technical term for online or remote backups) because company regulations dictate you to do it.
• Online backup can provide real-time protection. Maybe you are not a bank or another institution for which real-time data protection is a must but in any case, the more recent your latest backup, the better. Many online backup providers offer real-time backup protection at no additional charge, so you should seriously consider using it.
• Online backup is secure. Probably one of the fears many people have in regards to online backup is that their data is exposed to risks when not under their control. Usually such fears have no grounds (unless you choose a really amateurish online backup service provider). On the contrary, online backups are very secure because they include traffic encryption and password protection of the stored file and in many cases secure file sharing (i.e. you can choose whom to share your backups with).
• Online backup is easy to use. Last but not least, comes ease of use. Most online backup services require just basic computer literacy in order to use them. Additionally, compared to onsite backups, there is less hassle when you have to restore the contents of the backup.
What to Look For When Choosing an Online Backup Provider?
As you see, online backup does have many advantages. But all these advantages can easily turn into disadvantages, if you choose the wrong provider. While many online backup service providers are professional, still it is possible to choose a bad one if you are not careful enough. Here are some things to consider while choosing an online backup provider:
• Reliability. Reliability is the single most important feature you should look for. If the online backup provider you choose is unreliable, this makes all other fancy features obsolete. All providers claim they are secure but you mustn't believe it. Ask for recommendations from experts or ask your friends, acquaintances or business partners if they can recommend you a reliable provider.
• Security. In addition to reliability, security is also of paramount importance. Check at least if your would-be provider uses encryption and password protection.
• Price. As already mentioned, the prices of online backup services are constantly decreasing, so price becomes less of an issue, especially for corporate users. Choosing the most expensive package is hardly a guarantee for incredible service, so, all equal, choose a cheaper package, unless it is ridiculously cheap and you suspect this service is not reliable.
• Storage space. If you want to backup only some of your files, then you don't need many gigabytes of storage space. Still, the more GBs of space your online backup provider offers, the better.
• Backup frequency. For corporate users it is a must that backups are performed real-time, or at least once a day but even for personal users it does matter how often backups are performed. Again, the smaller the interval, the better. You can also ask if incremental backups are possible because if incremental backups are possible, you must backup only the files that have been changed since the last backup instead of all the files. This saves time and effort, though sometimes it is riskier than a full backup.
• Free trials. Check if your would-be provider offers free trials. A free trial can give you a real-life impression of what the service is like and if it is easy to use.


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Jason Kay is a regular contributor to internet related websites such as Remote Online Backup, which provides customer reviews and ratings of online backup services.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/why-you-should-get-a-toll-free-number-for-your-business.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/why-you-should-get-a-toll-free-number-for-your-business.html Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Having an 800 number can still benefit a business immensely, however. Although a toll-free number is no longer a necessity for allowing customers to get in touch with you, it definitely makes your business appear more credible. A small business without a toll-free number gives an impression of being run out of someone’s garage – whereas when customers see an 800 number, they imagine a brick-and-mortar business with a storefront, dedicated phone lines, and phone book ads.

Whether or not your business fits the latter example, it is obviously in your best interests to give your customers the impression that it does. Getting an 800 number can be a little intimidating, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here is what you need to know in order to get a toll-free number for your business.

How Does an 800 Number Work?

Years ago, the expense of setting up a toll-free number prevented many small and mid-size businesses from getting their own 800 numbers. Even today, most people think of a toll-free number as unattainable for most small businesses – which is probably why it impresses customers so much. On the contrary, though, an 800 number is relatively easy to acquire – in most cases, all you need is an existing phone, even a cell phone.

Toll-Free Forwarding Versus a Dedicated Line

For the typical small or mid-sized business, the toll-free service provider simply forwards calls to the designated number. Depending on your business setup, that could be your office phone, your home line, or even a cell phone. Some providers will even forward the call to multiple lines at once, allowing you to answer the call wherever you are at the time.

Businesses with higher volumes of incoming calls might want to consider a designated line instead. Basically, you will need to have a new phone line installed, which will be used solely for incoming toll-free calls. Although you will need to pay for the installation and setup, you will get a better per-minute rate on incoming calls, which will more than make up for the initial expense.

The Toll-Free Prefix

It used to be that an 800 number was the only kind of toll-free number. However, as these numbers became more popular for businesses, other prefixes were added in order to increase availability. The benefit is that if an 800 number you want – such as one that is similar to your local number, or one that spells something out – is already taken, you can get it using another toll-free prefix.

The prefixes for toll-free numbers are:

• 800
• 888
• 877
• 866

Finding a Toll-Free Service Provider

There are many toll-free service providers to choose from: the big, well-known providers such as AT&T and MCI, as well as many smaller providers. Contrary to common belief, large providers cannot offer you a greater choice of numbers. Although each provider typically has a pool of available numbers under their name, you can choose any toll-free number that is not already in use. Since the availability of numbers is the same for every provider, you are free to choose your provider according to the rates and features they can offer.

Finding the Best Rates

Rates can vary widely between toll-free service providers. Although many people believe that large service providers will be able to offer the best rates, in fact the opposite is often true. Your best bet is to shop around, comparing the rates and features offered by different providers.

There are two basic types of rates you will need to compare:

• Monthly rates – Most toll-free service providers will charge you a base fee every month, regardless of whether you receive any incoming calls. Monthly fees may be as much as $20, or you may not need to pay any at all.

• Per-minute rates – On top of the monthly fees, you will need to consider how much you are charged per minute for incoming calls. In general, these rates range from 7 cents to 30 cents per minute, although smaller businesses will pay more per minute than those that receive a higher volume of calls. You should also compare billing increments between plans – the smaller the increment, the better – and avoid plans that require you to meet a minimum number of minutes every month.

Deciding What Features You Want

There are a number of features available for toll-free numbers. You will need to decide which features you would like to have, and then compare the availability and price of these features between different providers.

Some of the features offered on 800 numbers include:

• Call blocking – Block callers who fall outside your coverage (and would therefore cost you more than other callers), such as calls originating from pay phones.

• Account codes – By requiring employees and/or customers to enter an access code, you can ensure that only authorized callers get through.

• ANI – Just like caller ID on your home line, ANI tells you who is calling. This feature can also be set up to display the caller’s information on a computer.

• Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) – If you have more than one 800 number, DNIS lets you know which number was called. This is particularly useful if you are running multiple marketing campaigns, and would like to know which is the most successful.

Choosing a Toll-Free Number

As already noted, your choice of a toll-free service provider will not limit the variety of 800 numbers available to you. You can either choose a number from the provider’s pool, or a “vanity number.”

Choosing from the Provider’s Pool

Service providers generally have a pool of toll-free numbers that have been set aside for them. Because these numbers are already in the provider’s system, your 800 number can be set up much more quickly than if you choose a number from outside the provider’s pool.

Selecting a Vanity Number

A toll-free number that you choose yourself, either because it is similar to your office number or because the corresponding letters spell out something memorable, is known as a vanity number. As long as the number is not being used by another business, you will be able to claim it. However, if it is not already in your provider’s pool of numbers, you will need to wait about a week for the number to be transferred and your account to be activated. The good news is that once you have claimed an 800 number, it is yours: Even if you decide to change providers, you can take your number with you.

Using Your Toll-Free Number

Once you have selected an 800 number and a provider, you need only to wait for your account to be set up. Before you start giving your toll-free number out to customers, you should test it with the help of family and friends in various locations. After you have ensured that the number works and the sound quality is acceptable, you are ready to benefit from the added credibility an 800 number gives to your business!


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Jason Kay is a regular contributor to business related websites such as Best Toll Free 800 Numbers, which provides customer reviews and ratings of toll-free number services.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/debt/how-to-consolidate-credit-card-debt.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/debt/how-to-consolidate-credit-card-debt.html Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Why Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt?

The only reason to consolidate your credit card debt is because you want to get out from under it – and, realistically, who doesn’t? However, if you do not keep this goal in mind, you can easily make a decision that will cost you more in the long run, or even jeopardize your credit score. So remember, when consolidating your credit card debt, make sure every move you make will result in less interest and fees and/or a shorter pay-down period.

Consolidate Credit Card Debt on Another Card

Perhaps the most common way to consolidate credit card debt is to move all your balances to the same card. If you’re like most people, you probably get credit card offers in the mail on a regular basis. In this method of consolidating credit card debt, the idea is to find a credit card offer with a better deal than you are currently getting, and move your balances so that you can take advantage of the lower rates and fees.

What to Look Out For

Consolidating your credit card debt on another card is only a good idea if the new card really is a better deal than you already have. If you aren’t careful, you could end up costing yourself more money or even destroying your credit rating. To make sure you don’t end up in a worse situation than you were before, you will need to:

• Find out how long the introductory rate will last. Most new card offers flash super-low rates at you in big numbers, hoping you won’t look any further. However, usually these “teaser” rates only last a short period of time. Also, if you go over your credit limit or make a late payment you may lose your initial deal. Make sure you know how long the introductory rates will last, and what you will have to do to keep them.

• Make sure the introductory rate applies to balance transfers. Many cards offer a different teaser rate for new purchases than for balance transfers. Make sure that you are looking at the correct rate when you make your decision.

• Find out the normal interest rates, and compare them to what you are already paying. Don’t make your decision based solely on the teaser rates, especially if they won’t last forever – which, in most cases, they won’t. Unless you can feasibly pay off the entire balance during the introductory period, you will need to make sure the normal rates are also a better deal than your current cards.

• Find out if the card carries an annual fee. Oftentimes cards will make up for lower interest rates by charging an annual fee. Take such fees into account when you are determining whether the new card truly offers a better deal.

• Find out if you will be charged a balance transfer fee. Most cards apply a fee to all transfers – the only question is, how much. Balance transfer fees are often stated as a percentage of the total transfer, although some cards cap these fees so that they will not go over a certain amount.

Consolidate Credit Card Debt Using a Loan

Another approach to consolidating credit card debt is to get a loan for the amount of revolving debt. Debt consolidation loans are useful because you can spread the payments over a longer period of time, lowering the payment amount. Also, because the loan is for a specific amount and extends over a specific period of time, the payments will be the same every month, making it easier for you to budget for them.

What to Look Out For

The advantages of a loan – lower interest rates and fixed payment amounts – make it an appealing option for those wanting to consolidate credit card debt. However, a loan also carries over a number of years, which can mean that it may take longer to get out from under your debt. To make sure you make the best decision for your financial situation and your credit score, you should be sure to:

• Find out what your interest rates will be. Most likely, your interest rates will be lower than your credit cards, but you need to know specifically how much lower.

• Find out how long the loan term will be. Sometimes you can choose this yourself. Ideally, you should choose the shortest term you can afford the payments on, as the sooner you get out from under your debt the better.

• Compare the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan to the amount of interest you will pay on your cards if you pay them off at the same rate. Although the rate is lower, the loan term may also be longer than you need. This means that the total interest on the loan could actually be more than the total interest you will pay on the cards.

Consolidate Credit Card Debt without Hurting Your Credit Score

If not done properly, consolidating your credit card debt can actually do more damage to your credit score. To get your debt under control and maintain or improve your credit score, make sure you:

• Maintain your revolving debt at no more than 50 percent of your available credit. If you consolidate your credit card debt onto one card and promptly cancel all of the old accounts, you can hurt your credit score, as this makes it look like you habitually max out your available credit. Instead, keep enough credit lines open to balance the amount of your debt – and then don’t charge anything more.

• Keep two to four credit cards. Once you have consolidated your credit card debt, choose a couple cards to keep and cancel all the rest. Be sure to hang on to older cards, especially if you are in good standing with the creditor, as these establish your long-term credit history.

• Stop applying for new credit lines once you have consolidated your credit card debt. Don’t succumb to the temptation to keep looking for an even better deal. Instead, choose one and stick with it. If you move your balance around too much, you will not only rack up more debt in balance transfer fees, but also damage your credit score with each additional application.

Getting Your Debt Under Control

It is a scary thing to realize that you are deeply mired in debt. If done correctly, consolidating your credit card debt can help by reducing the amount paid to interest. However, never forget that the reason you are consolidating your credit card debt is to help get you out of debt, and always make sure that every decision you make supports that goal in some way.


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Jason Kay is a regular contributor to finance related websites such as DebtSecret, which provides information and advice on credit card consolidation loans and repairing credit scores.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/writing-ksas-for-tsa-jobs.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/writing-ksas-for-tsa-jobs.html Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 TSA KSAs can make the difference between getting the job and getting left out.

The TSA uses KSAs to help determine the applicant’s eligibility for the job. In other words, your answer to each KSA tells the TSA whether you would be an appropriate candidate for the job. Well-written answers to KSA statements can land you an interview, whereas poorly written or incomplete answers can disqualify you right off the bat.

Common TSA KSAs

1. Technical Competency: Knowledge of the steps and associated procedures involved in acquiring, deploying, and maintaining security screening systems and technologies.

2. Decisiveness: Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; is proactive and achievement oriented.

3. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups (including briefings to industry executives and high level government officials, etc.), listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.

4. Planning and Evaluating: Determines objectives and strategies; organizes work, set priorities, determines resource requirements; coordinates with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors and evaluates the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.

5. Human Resources: Assesses current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals and budget realities. Using merit principles, ensures staff is appropriately selected, developed, utilized, appraised and rewarded; takes corrective action.

6. Leadership: Inspires, motivates and guides others toward goal accomplishment; coaches, mentors, and challenges subordinates; adapts leadership style to a variety of situations models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individuals by applying these to daily behaviors.


How to Write Successful TSA KSA Responses

Writing TSA KSA answers makes many people nervous – mainly because they don’t know how to respond to these questions. But with the right knowledge you’ll find that writing a winning answer to any KSA is a breeze.

1. Be complete. It is important to answer each KSA completely. Simply saying, “Yes, I have that skill,” will get you nowhere. Treat each KSA like a news article: who, what, why, where, when, and how are all integral parts of the story. Tell the TSA what knowledge or skill you have that satisfies their requirements; where, when, how, and why you got it; and who you got it from. And don’t forget the other how: how your skill relates to what the employer is looking for.

2. Provide concrete examples. A vague assertion that you have the necessary skills for the job is not going to convince a prospective employer. One of the most important aspects to successful KSA responses is providing specific examples of where and when you gained the experience. Be sure to tie your answer back to the KSA statement by stating how your examples give you the skills needed for the job.

3. Be concise. The TSA is not interested in your creative writing abilities, so keep the fluff to a minimum. Answer each KSA in plain language, so that your answers are simple and easy to follow. There is a fine line between answering a KSA completely and sounding like a pompous windbag. Although your KSA answers should be as long as it needs to be to fully answer the question, most answers should be ½ to one page in length.

4. Think outside the box. Even if you think you don’t have any experience to satisfy a certain KSA, don’t leave it blank. Instead, consider other areas of your life that may have given you the necessary skills. Not every KSA must be answered purely with job experience. Training, volunteer work, internships, and academic projects and awards may also demonstrate that you satisfy the requirements of the position.

5. Sell yourself! KSAs give you an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Use these documents to sell your best qualities – and paint your worst in a more pleasing light. If your answers demonstrate confidence in your abilities, an employer will be much more likely to believe that you can do the job.

6. Edit! Most professional documents require editing and proofreading to verify that they are free of errors. However, unlike other professional documents, your answers to the KSA statements have a lot riding on them: they are your only chance at a good first impression. Therefore, you need to take pains to make sure every word is in its place – no typos, misspellings, or discrepancies between your resume and your KSA answers.

Getting a TSA Job

KSAs have one purpose: to find the best person for the job. This is the case for all positions, but especially so for the TSA given the high stakes nature of their mission. In order to write successful KSA answers, you need to assume that you are that best person. Take your time with each answer, choose the best examples of your knowledge and experience, and edit your answers until they shine. With the right amounts of confidence and care, your KSA answers will open doors for you that otherwise would have remained closed.


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Jason Kay contributes to career related websites like KSA Doctor, which provides federal job application assistance including KSA writing, KSA samples, and federal resume writing.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/debt/5-steps-to-repairing-your-credit-score.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/debt/5-steps-to-repairing-your-credit-score.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Negative items on your credit report, whether they are accurate or not, can be devastating to your credit report. Many people do not realize that credit bureaus frequently make mistakes in reporting credit information, which then affects innocent people’s scores – in fact, one study in 2004 found that about one in four credit reports contain major errors. If steps are not taken to correct these errors, they can have a significant impact on your ability to get a loan or qualify for a new card.

Even if the negative items are accurate, there is still hope for repairing your credit score. By following the five steps listed below, you can eliminate negative items from your credit report and improve your overall credit score, paving the way to more easily obtained loans and credit cards.

Step 1: Order Your Credit Reports

In order to start repairing your credit score, you will need to contact each of the credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – for a copy of your credit report. Make sure you order your report from all three, as the information each contains can be different. For example, if one of them made a mistake on your credit report, that mistake may not be repeated on the other two.

Some states mandate that the credit bureaus give you a free credit report every year. If your state is not one of those, you may still be eligible for a free credit report if potentially negative items have been reported recently, or if you have recently been denied credit due to your credit score. Otherwise, you will need to pay for your credit report, but the fee is minor if you only order the basic report.

Step 2: Study Your Credit Reports

Once you have all three credit reports, you will need to look over each carefully. First, you should look for any errors that could potentially impact your credit score, such as:

• Credit card limits that are reported as being lower than they truly are – This may make it look like you carry a higher percentage of your available credit than you actually do.

• Accounts that don’t belong to you – Having additional accounts on your credit report may make it look like you already have more credit than you can handle.

• Inaccurate reports of late payments, judgments, and other negative items – Negative items can severely impact your credit score. Make sure you are not taking the fall for a late payment or a judgment that never actually happened.

• Accounts that are falsely reported as being delinquent – Make sure your credit report accurately reflects each account’s status.

• Negative items older than seven years or bankruptcies older than ten years – Negative items should drop off your credit report in seven years. It takes a little longer – ten years instead of seven – for a bankruptcy to drop off.

• Accounts listed as delinquent that were eliminated in bankruptcy proceedings – If you filed bankruptcy, the accounts that were involved should no longer say “unpaid.”

You should also check your credit report for accurate negative items that you would like to have removed, if possible. Good candidates include:

• Negative items belonging to you that you believe you may be able to contest – For example, if you have made one or two late payments on an account that is otherwise in good standing, you may be able to convince your creditor to remove the negative items from your credit report.

• Negative items belonging to you that are more than several years old – Creditors typically care less about older missteps in your account history, and may not bother to verify the information if you contest it with the credit bureau.

Step 3: Contest Any Errors

If you find any mistakes in your credit report, you will need to send each credit bureau a letter contesting the error(s). You should also include photocopies of any documents you have that support your claim. Keep copies of all your correspondence, and when mailing letters always request a return receipt for your records.

Once the credit bureau receives your letter, they will notify the creditor. If the creditor does not verify the information within 30 days, the item will be removed from your credit report. However, sometimes you may need to repeat this process in order to ensure the errors are removed, so be sure to check your credit reports again in a month or two. If the problem persists, you may also need to send your creditor a letter requesting the error be corrected.

Step 4: Attempt to Remove Accurate Negative Items

Even if the negative items on your credit report are accurate, removing them is essential if you want to repair your credit score. Two types of negative items that you may be able to remove are negative items on an account that is in good standing, and negative items from several years back.

Negative Items on Accounts in Good Standing

If you are in otherwise good standing with your creditors, they may not mind removing the odd late payment report. You will need to send a formal letter stating your request. Be sure to keep copies of all correspondence for your records, and when sending letters always request a return receipt for your records. If your creditor does not agree to your request the first time, you may want to try again at a later date.

Negative Items that are Several Years Old

Often creditors do not care as much about verifying negative items that are more than a few years old, and this may work to your advantage. If you think there is a chance your creditor will not verify a negative item from several years ago, you can contest the item by claiming either that the charge was unfair, or that the negative item is an error.

Step 5: Adopt Credit-Boosting Habits over the Long Term

A sincere effort to repair your credit score also needs to include a plan for the future. Whether or not you were successful in removing negative items from your credit report, improving your habits can only help you in the long run. Here are a few tips to help you keep your credit clean in the future.

• Keep your total credit card debt at approximately 50 percent of your total available credit. Your credit score will be best served if you do not regularly max out your cards.

• Carry two to four major credit cards. Too few credit cards and you won’t be able to build a respectable credit history. Too many and creditors will view you as a liability.

• Keep your older credit cards. Even if you pay off cards and decide to close a few of your accounts, be sure to keep the older cards. Established accounts help your credit score by demonstrating long-term credit history.

• Only apply for as much credit as you need. If you have plenty of credit but keep applying for more, you will only end up hurting your credit score.

Repairing Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of your most important assets in life. The lower your credit score, the more money you will lose on high interest rates and fees on credit cards, car loans, and mortgages – if you qualify at all. Luckily, with a little time and patience you can repair your credit score, enabling you to qualify for better deals on credit cards and loans.


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Jason Kay writes for finance related websites like DebtSecret, which provides information and advice on debt management and repairing credit scores.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/how-to-write-a-cv.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/how-to-write-a-cv.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 CVs and resumes are similar, true, but the differences are important. If you submit a resume instead of a CV, you will risk appearing inexperienced and naïve – definitely not qualities that will scream, “Hire me!” to prospective employers.

What is a CV?

“CV” is an abbreviation for “Curriculum Vitae,” which roughly translates to “This is my life.” In other words, your curriculum vitae or CV is meant to draw a picture of your life for prospective employers. A CV is more than just a listing of past employers: It is a resource that describes everything you have done in life pertaining to your career.

The main difference in the content of a CV as opposed to a resume is that the CV is usually expected to include more detail, and therefore be a little longer. In general, a CV is expected to be one or two pages for a professional just entering the workforce, two to four pages for a professional with some experience, and as many as seven pages for an experienced professional. No matter how experienced you are, however, your CV should not exceed ten pages.

When is a CV Usually Required?

You will probably have noticed that some job ads request a curriculum vitae, while others simply ask for a resume. Usually, academic positions are the ones that require CVs. You should expect to be asked to provide a CV anytime you are applying for a(n):

• Teaching position
• Professorship
• Science position
• Research position
• International job
• Fellowship
• Grant

What Should a CV Include?

Your CV should always start with your personal information and end with your references, if you have any. However, the order of the sections in between is entirely up to you. Remember, your curriculum vitae is meant to represent your life as a whole, so it is probably best to list your strongest sections before your weaker ones. For example, if you are a recent graduate or only have a few years of experience yet, or if your academic record is quite impressive, you can list the education section first.

In addition, every CV you send out should be tailored for the specific position you are applying for. This means that you should only list experience that is related to the position. You can also change the order of the sections in your resume, so that experience that is more closely related to the job is listed earlier in your CV.

Personal Information

Like a resume, your CV should start with your name and contact information. Also like a resume, you do not need a subject heading for this section.

Some jobseekers and employers feel that since a curriculum vitae is supposed to be a representation of your life as a whole, this section should include personal details, such as your date and place of birth, your marriage status, and the number of kids you have. However, others feel this is unprofessional, not to mention damaging to your chances of getting the job. Whether you decide to put these personal details in your CV is up to you, but you should definitely never do so if you feel it could prejudice the employer against you.

Statement of Purpose

If you include a statement of purpose, also known as a personal mission statement, in your CV, it should immediately follow your personal information. This section should only be a sentence or two long, and should do two things: state where you are in your career, and what you are looking for in your next job. (Note: Because you are tailoring your CV to the specific job, your goals in your personal mission statement should match the position you are applying for.)

Summary of Qualifications

Just like in a resume, your summary of qualifications should provide an employer with a bulleted list of your most important qualifications. This section should include a handful of bullet points at most, but each one should quantify your achievements with numbers, as this will make a bigger impression on a potential employer.

Education

Like a resume, a CV features an education section that lists your degrees in reverse chronological order. Each listing should include the school, city and state where it is located, your degree and focus of study, and the date you graduated. Most professionals in academic fields have impressive educations, which is why this section often comes next in a curriculum vitae. However, if you feel another section is stronger or more relevant to the position you are applying for, you can rearrange your CV accordingly.

Awards

Although some resumes include sections for awards and honors, these sections are short and may be lumped in with achievements. In the academic world, however, experienced professionals often have a long list of awards to their name. For this reason, a CV can be laid out with a separate awards section.

Grants

If you have applied for and received important grants, these can be considered “bragging rights” as well. However, not all academic professionals have done so, making this section optional.

Employment History

Another section the resume and the CV have in common is the employment section. As in a resume, your employment history should be listed in reverse chronological order.

Publications

Most jobseekers who use resumes would never have use for a publications section, but many researchers, professors, and scientists have published their work in academic publications. This section provides an opportunity to list all of the publishing credits you have achieved.

Research

Many academic professionals have dedicated some part of their education and/or career to research. The format of the curriculum vitae allows these professionals the option of giving these efforts special attention.

Professional Memberships

Another notable difference between a CV and a resume is the need for a “Professional Memberships” section. Most non-academic professionals do not belong to any professional organizations. Academic professionals, on the other hand, often belong to several. Because professional memberships are regarded highly in traditional academia, this section can be used to include them in the curriculum vitae.

Volunteer Work

Having donated your work for the good of the community is an advantage and should always be included on your CV. Volunteer work can also be used to demonstrate experience and skills, even if you have not acquired them through paid work. In addition, you may want to include any relevant experience you have gained while pursuing your hobbies or personal interests.

References

Just like in any other industry, ads for academic positions may ask for references. This should always be the last section in your CV, and should include three to five professional references. Your references should be able to speak knowledgably and positively about your work, so if possible you should choose colleagues who have known you for at least several years.

Writing a Superb CV

As you can see, one of the main benefits of a CV is its flexibility. If you have never written a curriculum vitae before, you may find the many optional sections to be rather overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that a CV is designed to allow you to represent yourself to your best advantage. Your CV should be always written and organized in a way that you feel best reflects your unique personality and your qualifications for the specific job.

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Jason Kay writes for career related websites like JobGoRound, which provides job search information and advice as well as reviews of CV writing services and resume distribution services.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/how-to-distribute-your-resume-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/how-to-distribute-your-resume-online.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
There are many methods of resume distribution. Some are free, while others will cost you; some take a lot of time, while others take barely any time at all. In order to decide which resume distribution method is the best one for you, take the time to consider the pros and cons of each.

Manually Searching for Jobs

Although the Internet has largely replaced more archaic ways of searching for jobs, this approach is not completely dead yet. Many people distribute their resumes the old-fashioned way – by finding and responding to job ads that interest them. Although the newspaper is still sometimes used, these days online classifieds and job boards are the primary resource for both employers and job seekers.

Pros:

• You can pick and choose which job ads you respond to.
• You can personalize your response to each employer.

Cons:

• Searching for jobs can be extremely time consuming!

Using a Recruiter

Recruiters are individuals who are paid to fill an open position at a company. Many recruiters specialize in a specific industry, which enables them to constantly be on the lookout for both candidates and new positions. If you give your resume to a recruiter, they might have a position for you right away, or they might call you several months later. However, in order for recruiters to know you are out there, you need to find them.

Pros:

• Recruiters typically get wind of open positions in your industry before you would on your own.
• Letting recruiters manage some of your job search for you frees up a little of your time.

Cons:

• For the best results, you will need to get your resume out to as many recruiters in your industry as possible.
• Finding and contacting recruiters is almost as time-consuming as looking for the jobs yourself.

Attending Job Fairs

Job fairs and career fairs are scheduled gatherings of both employers and potential employees. Basically, you (and hundreds of other job seekers) will walk into a room or a convention center full of various employers and make the rounds – getting information, handing out resumes, and filling out applications.

Pros:

• You can reach dozens or even hundreds of employers in a relatively short amount of time.
• The face-to-face approach allows for more personal interactions between employers and candidates.

Cons:

• You are limited to the employers that attend the job fair.
• Job fairs can be busy, stressful, and intimidating events.

Posting Your Resume

Some job seekers like to boost their chances by enabling employers to find them. There are a number of job boards and other sites that allow you to post your resume online. Some are general job sites, such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. The well-known community site Craigslist.org also provides a place for visitors to post their resumes. In addition, some specialized career sites allow job seekers to post resumes geared toward a specific industry.

Pros:

• Many job boards and community websites offer this service for free.
• You can encourage employers to approach you with job offers.

Cons:

• General job boards usually contain hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of job seekers’ resumes.
• Posted resumes usually have a low success rate for job seekers.

Using Resume Blasting Services

“Resume blasting” is when resume distribution services send a resume out to hundreds or thousands of recruiters and employers at once, usually without using any discretion as to who gets the resumes. Resume distribution services usually charge upfront for this service (unlike a recruiter, who only gets paid when they successfully fill a position).

Pros:

• Reach hundreds or thousands of employers and recruiters simultaneously.
• Spend less time than you would with a conventional job search.
• If you are a recent graduate or are looking for any job you can get, resume blasting will cover all of your bases.

Cons:

• You, the job seeker, have to pay for this service.
• You will likely have little or no choice in who gets your resume.
• You may not be a good match for many of the recruiters and employers who receive your resume.

Using Targeted Distribution Services

Many distribution services also offer targeted distribution of your resume. Unlike resume blasting services, you control who gets your resume. For instance, you can limit distribution to a specific location or industry; you can also choose to send your resume only to recruiters and employers who hire for a certain type of position or level of salary. Of course, just like the resume blasting service, targeted resume distribution is a service you will have to pay for.

Pros:

• Narrow your search to just those employers and recruiters you are interested in reaching.
• Spend less time than you would with a conventional job search.
• Increase your chances of landing a specific type of position and pay range.

Cons:

• Targeted resume distribution generally costs more than a general resume blasting service.
• Most services don’t allow you a way to follow up with the employer after your resume is received.

The Right Resume Distribution Method for You

The resume distribution method you decide upon will ultimately depend on what suits your needs the best. If you prefer doing your own legwork, obviously you will prefer searching for jobs and posting your resume yourself. If, on the other hand, you don’t have (or don’t want to spend) the time, a resume distribution service can do it for you.

There are other preferences to consider. Some people like the convenience of email and the Internet, especially when searching for a job. Others prefer to use more traditional methods, such as the newspaper, recruiters, snail mail, and telephones.

Whether you stay traditional or go virtual, and whether you prefer to search for your own jobs or pay a resume distribution service to do the grunt work for you, just make sure that the resume distribution method you choose is the right one for you.

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Jason Kay writes for career related websites like JobGoRound, which provides job search information and advice as well as reviews of resume writing services and resume distribution services.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/how-to-get-a-government-job.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/how-to-get-a-government-job.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Finding Government Jobs

The first hurdle you have to cross is locating government jobs for which you are qualified. Because government jobs are not always posted in the same formats – or in the same places – as jobs in the private sector, most job seekers overlook them entirely.

Vacancy Announcements

An ad for a government job is known as a “vacancy announcement.” These announcements list more than just the basic information that you would expect to find in a normal job ad. For instance, a vacancy announcement usually includes:

• Basic information
• Who can apply
• When they will start accepting applications
• When they will stop accepting applications
• Pay range
• Series and grade
• The highest grade level (promotion) available in the position
• Job duties
• Basic qualifications
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
• How to apply
• Conditions for employment
• Standard legal information

Where to Search

Vacancy announcements for government jobs can be found in a number of places:

• USAJOBS – The official website, which is maintained by the United States Office of Personnel Management, lists all government jobs open to the public. Access the site at www.usajobs.gov.
• Individual government agencies – To make sure you don’t miss out on the jobs that aren’t announced to the public, you can contact the agencies directly. A complete list is available at http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.
• Newspapers and job fairs – Don’t overlook the normal avenues available to job seekers! Job fairs are a particularly good resource, as many agencies attend the fairs intending to fill a position.

Applying for Government Jobs

Applying for a government job is a little more complicated than for a job in the private sector. Your resume will need to follow a special format, and you may have additional forms to submit with your application. In addition, most vacancy announcements include KSAs that applicants need to address.

Federal Resumes and Forms

You usually have two choices when applying for a government job: Submit a form application, or submit a resume. The form OF-612 is the one you should use in lieu of a federal resume. However, read the vacancy announcement carefully, because sometimes a vacancy may require the submission of specific forms – whether or not you submit a resume.

If you use a federal resume, it must include the following subjects:

• Personal Information – The normal contact information, plus your SSN, veterans’ preference, and federal status
• Job Information – The title, series, grade, and job announcement number of the job you are applying for
• Summary of Experience – An easy-to-scan summary for the convenience of hiring managers
• Professional Accomplishments – Similar to the “Work Experience” section of a regular resume, but with salary information, average weekly hours, and supervisor’s name and number
• Education – Similar to the “Education” Section of a regular resume
• Training – Training and/or certificate programs you have completed that pertain to your career
• Other Qualifications – Separate sections for any awards, certifications, publications, and presentations that pertain to your career

KSAs

“KSAs” refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities a position requires. Many vacancy announcements list KSAs that must be answered in writing along with your resume or OF-612. When writing answers to a set of KSAs, be sure to:

• Be complete and concise. Hiring managers expect you to fully answer the KSA, but they don’t want to wade through a lot of fluff.
• Echo the wording used in the vacancy announcement. Using the same terminology for specific skill sets draws an instant comparison between the position requirements and your qualifications.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Make an impact by reporting a specific dollar amount, number of hours, or percentage.
• Make your KSA easy-to-scan. The main points of your answer should be easily found at the top of the page, with more specific details listed below.

What Happens to Your Application?

The process of applying for a government job is easier when you know what to expect. Unlike a regular job, a government job requires that your application be sent through several stages of review: A human resources team will check to see that you are qualified for the position, after which a panel of experts ranks all the qualified resumes. Only the top-ranking resumes are then forwarded to the hiring manager.

Most government jobs offer an automated system for checking up on the status of your application. If not, you can call the agency, but make sure you wait three weeks from the closing date listed on the vacancy announcement.

Interviewing for Government Jobs

Interviewing for a government job is much like interviewing in the private sector. However, because the stakes are often higher and the competition more stringent, you may feel there is more pressure on you to perform well in the interview.

Preparation

Nothing improves your chances of interviewing well like a little preparation. Although you can’t anticipate all of the questions you will be asked in an interview, there are a few that you will almost surely be asked.

For instance, most interviewers will start out an interview by asking you to tell them a little about yourself. This is not meant to be answered on the fly. Since you know you will be asked, prepare a short synopsis about your education, your career, and your goals. The more you practice this ahead of time, the more smoothly you can answer in the interview, and the more your confidence will show.

Follow-Up

One fatal error many job seekers make is failing to follow up after an interview. Hiring managers want interviewees to follow up afterward, as it gives them an idea of who is truly interested in the job. Sending a short thank-you note via snail mail or email is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In addition, a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to add information about your qualifications that you feel did not get adequate coverage in the interview. You can also ask the hiring manager when you should expect to hear from them regarding the position.

Negotiating Job Offers

With any luck, you will soon get a call with a job offer. While the laws regulating government jobs do not leave much room for negotiation, you will have a little leeway to negotiate the salary and benefits offered.

The important thing to remember, though, is that you did it. You impressed Human Resources, the panel of experts, and the interviewers and/or hiring manager well enough to garner a job offer. At this point, you can look back on your job search, remember how much you dreaded it, and smile – because you now know that getting a government job is not as difficult as you had imagined.


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Jason Kay writes for career related websites like KSA Doctor, which provides federal government application assistance including writing KSAs and federal resumes.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/how-to-write-a-personal-statement-for-graduate-school.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/how-to-write-a-personal-statement-for-graduate-school.html Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
It may help many students to remember what the purpose of the personal statement is. The grad school admissions board uses it to determine two things:

• Whether you will be an asset to the graduate program
• Whether you will be an asset to the school itself

Graduate schools are typically judged by the performance of their students. As a result, no school wants to admit a student who will be a black mark on its record. Your personal statement’s purpose, therefore, is to convince the admissions board that:

• You are deeply motivated to learn about (and excel in) your chosen area of study
• You are a capable student who will perform well in your studies

In order to accomplish these tasks, there are several points that almost every personal statement must cover (unless, of course, asked to do differently by the admissions board itself). You also have the challenge of trying to make your personal statement stand out from the hundreds of other applicants, who will all be saying basically the same thing.

For more information on how to write a winning personal statement, follow the guidelines below.

What Should a Personal Statement Include?

Not every personal statement should look the same. Different graduate schools have different expectations of what you should include in your personal statement. First and foremost, your responsibility is to make sure your essay answers the questions asked.

In general, though, most personal statements should include five things:

• Area of study – This should be a given, but you would be amazed by how many students focus so much on answering other questions that they forget to state which program they are interested in. Don’t leave your reader to figure it out by deduction – make sure your chosen area of study is clearly stated in your personal statement.

• Your interest in the subject – By discussing the basis for your interest in the subject, your personal statement will prove you have a genuine interest in your chosen area of study. However, don’t simply say, “I have always wanted to be a ______.” Instead, use a personal experience to show – rather than tell – what drives your interest.

• Related experience – Graduate schools also look at your experience in the field in order to determine your interest level. For example, if you are pursuing a graduate degree in psychology, the admissions committee will expect you to see some combination of related courses, research work, internships, volunteer work, membership in related organizations, and/or other extracurricular activities.

• Your interest in the school – Many people choose a graduate school because it has a program that interests them. This should go into your personal statement. However, make sure you go beyond general flattery – the committee will want to see that you have actually researched the program. For instance, if you admire the work of a professor who teaches in the program, mention this and discuss why you would like the opportunity to study under him or her.

• Post-graduation plans – In order to choose the graduate program that is right for you, you should have a general idea of what you will do with your degree. Be sure to convey your career goals in your personal statement, as this proves that you have given some serious thought to your future, and therefore are more likely to finish the program.

How Do I Make My Personal Statement Stand Out from All the Rest?

Once you have outlined how you are going to answer the question or cover the five points listed above, you need to figure out how you will make your personal statement memorable. Remember, there are most likely hundreds of other applicants, all of whom will say more or less the same thing. Here are a few ways to make sure your stand out from the crowd.

• Make it personal. A successful personal statement should not read like a description of your resume. Instead, use stories and examples from your life to illustrate why you became interested in your chosen area of study, and your experiences as you have pursued it thus far.

• Make it organized. A personal statement is not a term paper, but it should still be well organized. Make sure your sentences flow well from one paragraph to the next.

• Make it between one and three pages. Like a resume, it is hard to say how long a personal statement should be. Some admissions boards may only ask one question to be answered, allowing your personal statement to be as short as 250 words. On the other hand, more complex answers may require as many 750 words.

• Have a theme or thesis. Like any other personal essay, your personal statement should have a unifying theme. The anecdotes you use to illustrate the above five topics or answer the admission board’s question should also support your theme.

• Maintain a professional tone. As a graduate, you are no longer just a student – you are also a professional in your field. Your personal statement should reflect your professionalism and dedication to your studies.

• Gear it toward the specific school. While you may be able to reuse certain sections of your personal statement for other schools, sending out the same essay to every school is a major faux pas. For one thing, many schools differ in their requirements: They may impose a different maximum or minimum length, or ask that different questions be answered. Make sure that your personal statement is written for the specific requirements of the school you are applying to.

• Proofread your work. Nothing will turn an admissions board off faster than sloppy writing. If you are going to convince them that your graduate degree is one of your top priorities, then your personal statement should reflect your level of dedication. Take the time to perfect your work, eliminating typos and grammatical errors as well as fine-tuning the overall message.

Writing a Winning Personal Statement

While it’s true that there is a lot riding on your personal statement, this does not mean that it needs to be difficult to write. By understanding the purpose of the exercise, making sure that it concisely yet thoroughly covers the necessary information, and minding details such as organization and grammar, anyone can write a winning personal statement.


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Jason Kay writes for education related websites like Sample Personal Statement, which provides sample personal statements for graduate, law, medical, and business school.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>