It’s a fact that if your resume doesn’t stand out--both in terms of content AND appearance--you’ll find it very difficult to get job you seek.

Hiring managers get hundreds of resumes for every open position, but usually have time to interview only a handful of applicants. So, they’ll scan through resumes as quickly as they can, looking for candidates to "jump out" at them. At best, your resume has mere seconds to make an impression.

The best way to raise instant interest is with an eye- catching and clean design that enhances your content. Some people, such as those with experience in graphic design or desktop publishing, may be able to produce a great-looking resume on their own.

But most people need a little help. If you don’t have innate talent or desire to play around with resume design, you have 2 basic choices:

* Use a resume template * Hire a professional resume writer

Let’s start with second option. It’s a great one, if you can afford it. Pick right resume writer or writing service and you’ll get help not only with design, but also with your content. Plus, a professional can help you zero in on a well-focused resume for your desired career path, given your skills and experience. It’s a great way to go, but it can be pricey.

If you can’t afford to spend money right now for a professional writer (no matter how much value it may be worth) OR you’re one of those "do-it-yourselfers," then a resume template is another way to go. You can buy resume template software, but it’s not necessary.

TITLE: How to Prepare your Mind/Body to Give Great Speeches AUTHOR: Sandra Schrift CONTACT: sandra@schrift.com COPYRIGHT: ©2004 by Sandra Schrift. All rights reserved ___________________________________________________________

How to Prepare your Mind/Body to Give Great Speeches

Sure you have catecholamines – all speakers do. (including Sir Winston Churchill and Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Reagan.) Those are chemicals that make you sweat, make your heart beat fast and make your hands shake. Get rid of those chemical and psychological reactions by becoming message-centered and audience-centered, not self-centered.

1 Replace fear and negative noise with positive affirmations. Create new beliefs that nurture you and support you with new ways of thinking. The New Adult You! example: “I am well prepared, and audience wants me to succeed.”

2. Do a quiet meditation, visualization, or exercise before you speak. Breathe deeply. Deep breathing sends a message to your brain that you have nothing to fear. It calms you down.

3 Who cares if you’re nervous? Researchers have found that most people report noticing little or no anxiety in a speaker. If you are thoroughly prepared, your internal nervousness seldom shows. Prepare 150%.

4.Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Talk out loud, and walk around while you practice. Use same physical energy you plan to use on day of your presentation.