Week of November 2 = Online Job Searching: Safety

The Dakota Scott Workforce Investment Board wants you to be safe as you look for employment.  Please review and follow the suggestions below from the Dakota County Victim Assistance Program when choosing to meet a person found through an on-line job search.

v     Exercise the same precautions online as you would offline.  People feel a sense of security when online because you are in the comfort of your own home.  That sense of security can be misleading and allow us to make unsafe decisions.

v     Choose a public place, such as a cafe, when meeting someone for the first time.  Make sure that other people are around. 

v     Take someone with you to those initial meetings.

v     Tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you are meeting with. Get any contact information about the person you are meeting such as name, cell phone number, phone number, physical description etc. You can then pass this information on to a friend or family member before you meet the person. 

v     Always trust your instincts.  If something doesn't feel right, it's not.  Do not talk yourself out of being uncomfortable.  Do not respond to strange messages.  Leave if you are meeting with someone from whom you get an odd feeling.

v     Don't let anyone pick you up or drop you off at home.

v     If anything seems suspicious, cease all contact and notify site moderators.

Week of October 26 = The Interview

The Job Interview is a step of the hiring process that you are required to show the interviewer you are the right person for the position.  In doing so one must research all aspects of the position as well as be prepared for certain types of questions that may be asked.  The interviewer’s decision is not only based upon whether you have the job skills they are looking for, but is also based upon your personality, motivation, abilities, and how you will fit into the organization.  Therefore your attitude, appearance, communication and skills will have a great effect on whether you will get that job offer. 

          Below is a list of the possible items to research prior to going to an interview:

• Detailed Job Description

• Who are the customers

• What is the business product

• Talk to current employees

• Management Philosophy

• Ask about the interview process

• Salary

          Once a person gets the interview, it is said they already meet the job skills needed to perform the position.  Therefore, an interview is based upon the following:

Skills = 10%   Appearance = 25%  Communication = 25% Attitude = 40%   

A positive attitude will have a great influence.  Show your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, respect for the employer, reinforce your qualifications, and be positive, truthful, and realistic.  Positive self talk may help you in this process.

One way to ensure you are presenting the right image in an interview is to do a mock interview and video tape the interview.  You will then be able to get feedback from the person conducting the interview, plus will be able to review the tape to see how you appear in an interview situation.  This will allow you to make changes in the interview to insure you are presenting the positive attitude and enthusiasm that may just land you the job!

P. O’Neill
10/26/07

Week of October 5 = Ice Road Truckers

Because we live in Minnesota we are quite hardy to harsh winters and cold temperatures.  This is one of the reasons I believe this career warrants some merit and possibly some interest from job seekers.  This career has gained interest also because of the TV series “Ice Road Truckers”, which airs on the History Channel.  Tune in and learn more about this career.

 This job consists of bringing heavy equipment and supplies to diamond mines in Canada’s Northwest Territory, which consists of hundreds of miles of roads made of ice and snow.

What does it take to be an Ice Road Trucker?

• Staying awake for hours on end with no sleep
• A sense of adventure
• Withstanding temperatures of -50 below zero
• Keeping a 60,000+ lbs truckload balanced on a path through the ice.
• hermit like existence
• excellent driving skills

So why would people choose this as a profession?  The money of course.  You can earn as much as $70,000 for a couple of months work.  A job surely not meant for everyone even with the pay out being large.

If you are really interested in getting a job as an ice road trucker you can contact Nuna Logistics.  They are responsible for the hiring of these positions:

• Site Managers
• Truck Drivers
• Mechanics
• Welders
• Equipment Operators

You can forward resumes to:
Nuna Contracting Ltd.
Human Resources Department
Suite 202, 5109 – 48 Street
Yellowknife, NT, X1A 1N5

shirleyb  10/5/07

Week of September 21 = Does Your Resume Annoy Employers?

Don’t send your life story.  Your resume is not your autobiography.  Another pet peeve is spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.  This says to an employer you don’t care enough about what you are sending out now and will you care enough if you would work for his or her company.

The first thing on your resume is objectives.  These are usually all the same and boring.  Try and find a way to differentiate your objective.

As far as personal attributes, interests and hobbies, unless it pertains to the job you don’t want to put it in.

Giving too much detail on tasks you have done on a job is also not good.  Focus on details that pertain to the job you are applying for.  You want to state your accomplishments, but you don’t want to sound like you are bragging.  Leave off outdated information such as “30 years ago I did work as a dental assistant.”  Even if you did this by now the skills, terminology, and procedures have all changed.  Those skills would not convert into today’s world.  You do not want to go back more than 10 years. 

Never give false information on a resume.  Companies verify dates of employment, often after you start.  Lying would be grounds for letting you go.

A gap in employment can always be explained under personal reasons.  This will give you the opportunity to explain further upon an interview.

Don’t try and be cute on your resume.  Keep it professional.  You don’t need to use colored paper, weird fonts, and childish e-mail addresses such as “weird2themax”.  Do you really want to hire someone who thinks they are weird?  

shirleyb  9/14/07

Week of August 20 = Send a Sales Letter

I know, I know, this will seem contrary to what you have been taught.  Let me preface with saying this is just another person’s opinion. According to Kevin Donlin, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing Representative, a sales letter should be sent in place of a cover letter. My personal opinion is that’s what a cover letter is.  I believe we are looking at a play on words.  The advantage to calling a cover letter a sales letter could be to remind a person the reason for a cover letter is selling yourself. 

A sales letter should encompass three things:

• Get Attention by Asking a Question
  You want an employer to become engaged and keep reading your letter.  If they become bored with your letter they will skip right to your resume.  Questions are hard to ignore and involve the reader. An example would be: Are you looking for someone who has had proven success in the field of technology?

• Emphasize Specific Results
  Do not generalize about your achievements, be very specific about your successes.  When you talk about saving a company money use numerals verses words.  An example would be:  I saved the company $500.00 annually by providing scratch paper from discarded used printer paper for resource room clients instead of purchasing more paper.

• End With An Intriguing P.S.
  Almost all sales letters end with a P.S.  It is because most everyone always reads a P.S.  You want your P.S. to have the employer picking up the phone and giving you a call.  An example would be - P.S. Please call me if you would like to learn how I produced over $70,000 in grant money for the Minnesota Trucking Association last year.  It is simple and will peak the employers curiosity  

shirleyb  8/24/07

Week of August 13 = No One Wants to Hire Me because of My Background

Ninety-six percent of companies conduct background checks. If you’re looking for employment and have a criminal record, be prepared to explain this to the potential employer. When you are filling out an application for employment, be honest when you approach the statement, “If you have a felony, check yes”. It is recommended that after you check yes, that you include that you would like to discuss during interview and that you do not want to misrepresent what’s on your record.

 Once you get the interview and the interviewer wants to discuss your criminal background check, state the facts but avoid going into details.  Inform the employer that you lost sight of what’s important, your priorities were all wrong. Take responsibility, talk about positive things you have done, state what you learned or realized, talk about your future goals and be sure to mention the Minnesota Federal Bonding Service and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

The Minnesota Federal Bonding Program is for ex-felons who have a full or part-time job offer with a date set to start work. The wages must be paid with Federal taxes automatically deducted from the paycheck. You can find more information on the program by either visiting your local WorkForce Center or by visiting the DEED website at www.deed.state.mn.us/bonding.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a program that covers new hires. The program is designed to help individuals from certain target groups secure meaningful employment by providing a federal income tax credit incentive to employers who hire them. Additional information about this program can be found at your local WorkForce Center or by visiting the DEED website at www.deed.state.mn.us/wotc.

During the interview, ensure the interviewer that it was an isolated incident – one time and one time only. Do say that you made bad choices or made bad decisions. Do NOT say that you made a mistake. If your record represents a crime of violence do not mention anger management or violence intervention, instead say, effective communication classes.

Depending upon the offense, you will want to be selective of how you refer to the offense. Below are some helpful statements suggested by Maria Anderson (Training Consultant Specializing in Ex-Offenders Placement) that may assist you when explaining the nature of the offense. If possible, avoid using the legal term of the offense.

• Burglary: I took something that did not belong to me.

• Domestic: I let it get too loud and it got out of hand.

• Prostitution: I used my body as a means of support.

• Possession: It was for my own personal use.

• Dealing: I was involved in a drug scene.

• Terroristic Threat: I was angry and said some things that I should not have.

• DWI: Drove when I shouldn’t have.

• Child Pornography: I forwarded inappropriate material over the internet.

• Sex Offender: I did something inappropriate with someone who was not yet of age.

Remember that during the interview you should avoid going into details (less is more in this case) about your criminal history and explain that it is history that will not repeat itself and that you have learned from making bad choices.

Marie Anderson (Training Consultant Specializing in Ex-Offenders)
MPeterson 08.10.07

Week of July 30 = Know Your Place in Meetings

Do people often ignore your comments and ideas at meetings? Did you know that where you sit at the table can play a factor in your role during meetings?

Sharon Livingston, founder of the Livingston Group and a clinical psychologist researched the seating arrangement theory. Sharon has met with over 40,000 people from various large companies.  The research of Sharon and other psychologists concluded the following findings:

• The Boss: Sits at the head of the table where they can see the door first for newcomers.

• The Right-Hand Manager: Perches to the right of the leader, agreeing with all of the bosses suggestions. May also be known as the “brown noser”.

• The Left-Hand Manager: Sits to the left of the boss. Generally agrees with the bosses suggestions but tends to throw a few opposing ideas out there.

• The Middleman:  Tends to sit in the middle of the long tables.  The middle man usually is the mediator.

• The Sideliner: Likes to disappear in the crowd, sitting at the corner of the table.  Sideliners are the last ones to express their opinion.

• The Opponent: Sits directly across from the administrator.  Opponents tend to be argumentative, challenging the administrator.

• The Outsider: Sits away from the table.  Does not partake in the discussion.

Do you know your position when you attend meetings?

Information taken from BusinessWeek/July 23, 2007/Author: Aili McConnon
MPeterson 07.30.07

Week of July 23 = NASCAR Careers

Are you cut out for a NASCAR career?  It is not that NASCAR is a Midwestern career, but it is a career lot of people dream about.  The days of walking into a garage and asking to sweep the floor and work your way up to driver are over.  NASCAR is now a specialized science.  You need to know a lot to break into this career.

The first qualification is commitment.  You need to commit to moving to Charlotte, NC where the highest concentration of jobs exists.  The number of jobs and shops are high in Mooresville, N.C., also each major team can have more than 60 different positions.  You will need to settle the commitment issue because racing is all consuming.

 Next you will need to look at what type of job you are interested in. 

1. mechanic, car chief, fabricator, shock specialist, painter, engine assembler, etc..
2. secretaries, receptionists, travel coordinators, bookkeepers, and building help such as janitors, building-maintenance personnel, groundskeepers, etc..
3. computer/data, marketing, operations, purchasing, and engineering.

One of the most sought after positions is a body hanger with surface plate experience.  You are working with steel and bare metal.  This position can in days turn a bare frame into a slick body and if it is really good it will pass inspection on the first try.  It can take between one and two years to learn such a craft. 

Education is key.  First pick out what you want to do such as welding, assembling engines, bodywork, painting, etc. and go to a school that offers this type of skills.  Another way to learn is by going to your local short tracks such as Elko Speedway, and learning as much as you can about the overall mechanics of a race car and to see what your areas of interest are. 

Eddie Dickerson , director of chassis engineering at Hendrick Motorsports, says that, “Those who want a job on a Winston Cup team need to know what areas they want to work in, then find out who looks at the resumes for that department and target them.”

ShirleyB 7/16/07

Week of July 16 = Abbreviations...What Do They Mean?

Often times help wanted ads contain abbreviations.  Do you know what all of the abbreviations stand for?  Test your knowledge.  Answers are below.

Answers:

07.13.07 C.Axness
07.13.07 M.Peterson

Week of June 25 = Another Rejection Letter?

Not all interviews will result in job offers. The first few minutes you step into the interview room sets the pace for the rest of the interview. Did you use proper grammar, dress professionally for the interview, ask good questions about the company and did you research the company? Your local Workforce Center’s Resource Room has material that can assist you with a successful interview. A rejection letter could also mean that there were a large number of qualified candidates.

If you have done your homework and fully prepared for the interview and still received a rejection letter, it does not hurt to contact the recruiter that interviewed you and ask for feedback. Although they are not required to, most recruiters are more then happy to disclose this information to you. Making the feedback call usually reinforces a positive impression to an employer. You are expressing interest in what you need to do in order to land a position with the company and you’re not giving up. Some candidates have landed other positions in the company just by making that call.

How do you go about doing this?

• Wait until your anger is diffused. Before you go near the phone, make sure that you are completely calm. Be polite, otherwise you’re defeating the whole purpose of the call.

• Call the interviewer. Attempt to arrange a time if needed for feedback, do not put them on the spot. An example you could use, “Hello Mr. Johnson. My name is John Doe; you interviewed me last Monday for the Program Assistant position. I received a letter in the mail today indicating that the position was offered to another candidate. I was wondering if you had time to provide me some feedback or if there is another time that would fit your schedule better?”

• Have your questions already prepared. You could ask what influenced their decision and if they could offer any advice that could be of benefit to you in the future.

• Remain professional. If something is said that you disagree with, do not argue. Take it as it is. “Accepting the other person’s opinion without contradicting it is a sign of maturity and is valued by employers”.

• Thank the interviewer.  Let them know that you appreciate their time and feedback.

Next time you receive a rejection letter, read the letter below (taken from http/careers.d.umn.edu). However, I would not recommend sending this in response to the rejection letter you received.

Dear Sir,
Thank you for your letter of April 1^st. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me a position at your firm.

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite your firm’s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position in your firm this August.

I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,
Fred Jones

Mpeterson 06.22.07

Week of June 18 = Attitude

Working in a resource room you see lots of Job Seekers. What is most important about Job Seekers? ATTITUDE
They all have varying degrees of attitude. Attitude can make or break your chances of getting a job or even getting an interview. It affects how positive you are when doing your resume, it affects how other people treat you, it affects you in a job interview, yes, and it even affects you in a phone interview.

I have seen the effects of a bad attitude. These are the job seekers that are not securing a job or even getting interviews. They blame their resumes, they blame the job market, and they blame everyone but themselves. Sometimes their attitude does not reflect confidence and they stop themselves from applying for a job they could possibly receive if their attitude was better. Even though you do not have all the skills listed for a job apply anyway. We all understand hard times, bad luck, unusual circumstances. I don’t want to sound totally unsympathetic, but keep in mind we all have control over our attitude.

You can also have too much attitude resulting in the same negative effect of not getting what you want when searching for a job. Put your best foot forward in the form of your body language, your smile, your dress and your efforts in job seeking. When I see someone always down, always saying I couldn’t do that, I think to myself then you won’t be doing it. Everyone likes a cheerful attitude and, I can do attitude. Remember employers like a good attitude and hire based on skills and personality.

“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” “As you think, so shall you be.”
(William James, 18th century teacher of Physiology and Psychology)

SBarthel 06.15.07

Week of June 11 = Thank You Letters

Every career counselor, career book, job developer and placement coordinator will advise you to send out thank you letters after being interviewed, but yet, only about 5 percent of jobseekers send thank you letters.

It’s simply common courtesy to thank a potential employer for their time.  A thank you letter makes you stand out in the crowd.  It shows that you are genuinely serious about the position.   Some employers may not even hire you if you don’t send a thank you letter.  A previous supervisor of mine interviewed several candidates for a position.  She had one candidate that she had intended to offer the job to but because the candidate did not send a thank you letter she offered the job to someone else.  Sending a thank you letter can make a difference between getting the job or not.

Your thank you letter can either be typed or handwritten.  If you handwrite your thank you letter, be sure that you write it on professional stationary and your handwriting is legible.   Writing skills are substantial in many jobs; your potential employer does not want to teach you remedial skills.  If you feel that the company would prefer a more formal business letter, use this approach.  You will have a better idea after the interview as to which route to go when sending your thank you letter.  Make sure that your thank you letter is personalized.  Do not send a replica of one taken from a book.

If you interviewed with more then one person, it is ok to send the same letter to all recipients, just be sure to change a few sentences in case your thank you letters are compared.

Send the thank you letter out within 24 hours.  If you can, hand deliver the thank you letter, your potential employer will be very impressed.

MPeterson 06.08.07

Week of June 4 = Resumes

Resumes
Preparing your resume can be a daunting task.  Let’s try and simplify this task for you.  What is a resume?  A resume has one purpose and that is to get you a job interview.  You get approximately a few seconds to make a good impression on an employer. You must show them you are capable and competent enough to be worth interviewing.  I personally believe it is your skills that will get you the interview and once you have the interview your personality will be key.  How well this person will fit within the organization, will this person be a team player, can this person work with little direction, etc. are a few of the questions the employer will be asking himself. 

Organize Your Resume Effectively
Personal Information: Top center of first page.  Name; address, phone numbers; e-mail/or fax if applicable.

Experience:  “Here, you can use one of two formats:”

• “Functional:  To emphasize skills and talents, cluster your experience under headings that highlight these skills.”

• “Chronological; to emphasize work experience, list jobs beginning with the most recent.”

Education:  “Often comes first in student resumes, especially if it is a strong asset.”  “Otherwise it usually means post-secondary.  “If you are just starting college, you can include high school as well.”  “List degrees and month/year obtained or expected; names and location of schools; major and minor, if any; grade point average.”

References:  “You need not put these on your resume.  Instead, you can prepare a separate list of references, with complete name, title, company name, address, and telephone numbers for each individual.”  “Usually, you give this list to prospective employers after your interview.”

Other Things to Consider:
“Use active verbs that describe your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.” “Examples:  I can contribute, enjoy creating, has experience in organizing.”  Choose adjectives and nouns that describe yourself positively and accurately:  able to; administrative, analytical, capable, collaboration; diversified, etc. Ask other people to critique your resume.

• No more than two typestyles.

• “Margins and line spacing keep the page from looking too crowded.”

• Printing on only one side of the paper and on quality bond paper.

• Bolding, italics, and capitalization are used consistently and in support of the information structure.

• There are many other headers you can consider using such as Accomplishments, Skills, and Activities depending on the employment you are seeking.

Quotes taken from “Resumes” by Brea Barthel and Goldrick-Jones
http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/resume.html

Week of May 28 = Cover Letters

Submitting a Resume?  Don’t Forget that Cover Letter!

The purpose of submitting a cover letter is to introduce your resume - it explains why you are sending your resume and it gives the opportunity to brag about your skills, education and experience. Target it to the employer. Your cover letter should be very well written, proper grammar and no spelling errors are decisive factors. Your cover letter is the first thing the employer is going to see. If it’s not well written, more than likely, your cover letter will go right in the garbage along with your resume, losing your opportunity for an interview! Use the example below to assist you with the development of your cover letter.

Date

Name of Contact Person
Title
Organization/Business
Street Address
City, State, Zip                                                              Re: Jobtrak # (job number, if applicable)

Dear (contact person): Try to find a name if possible.

Opening paragraph: Identify how you found the position. Was it in the classified section of the newspaper, the internet, did someone tell you about it? Use the specific job title.

Body paragraph: This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Match your qualifications to the description of the position you are applying for (example: “Your ad states that you are looking for an outgoing individual with excellent customer service skills. I have five years of experience in providing customers with exceptional service and am skilled in professionally resolving conflicts. Your ad also indicates that the candidate must have intermediate computer skills. I have advanced skills in many computer software programs, including, but not limited to Access, Excel, Microsoft Word and Power Point”).

Closing paragraph: Mention the enclosure of your resume. Inform the employer that you would like to schedule an interview and will be contacting them to schedule an appointment (this gives you control).

Sincerely,

Your name
Your address
Your telephone number
Your email address and or fax number
Enc.

MPeterson 05.25.07

Week of May 21 = Guiding You Through Your Networking

Guiding You through Your Networking
Networking is a term that is used a lot when searching for a job.  It is a much overused word, but yet a misunderstood term in the contemporary job searching market.  The word networking brings about some common fears.  It is a term associated with jobs such as Amway, Airbonne, Avon, etc.  The next thing that would come to my mind would be I am going to have to do a lot of cold calling.  Despite the negative associations, it is still an overwhelmingly successful technique.

Your networking should be courteous, subtle technique leading to the building of long-term relationships.  Thinking of your networking as building friends will put you at ease.  There are many benefits to knowing people at all levels, and in related areas.  Networking is a two-way proposition.  There are benefits to both the networker and the networkee.  Believe it or not some people actually enjoy helping out other people.  And for them that is the reward.

You can network anywhere.  You can network at your church, with friends that have jobs and will say a good word for you, business meetings, with people in your line of work, with educators, committee members etc.. There is always the chance a position might be available in the networkee’s organization, or that he or she might know of an opening elsewhere.  In reality we network everyday for various reasons.

“People loved being asked for advice; this is one of the cornerstones of the networking technique.”  “It is flattering for the networkee to be placed on a pedestal, bestowing the benefits of his or her accumulated wisdom and experience (otherwise known as the “almighty guru” approach).” (Vault Job Search Career Info by Ellis Chase)

5.21.07 – Shirley Barthel

Week of May 14 = Beginning the Journey to Self-Employment

Beginning the Journey to Self-Employment
Thinking about being your own boss? In Minnesota the numbers are climbing for entrepreneurs and small business owners. “According to the U.S. Census 2004 American Study, 1 out of every 14 workers is self employed”. 

Deciding to start your own business is consequential. There is no guarantee that your business will be successful. There are many pros and cons entailed that you need to consider.  Pros: you get be your own supervisor, you set your own schedule, more control over the future, more potential for growth and earning and the excitement of challenges and fulfillment. Cons: long hours, stress, potential failure and money shortage, unsteady income and money needed to get started.

There are many fundamentals, laws and regulations that you need to be aware of in order to get your business running. You will need to be knowledgeable with government regulations, tax laws, filing documents, registering with The Secretary of State, developing a business plan, labor information and statistics and state and federal programs are only to mention a few.

Visit your local libraries and resource rooms. There is a wealth of information they provide. Below is a list of resources you can utilize to assist you with your business endeavors:

• DEEDS Small Business Assistance:

www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/smallbus_assist.htm
• Small Business Administration:
  www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
• Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Teen Web guide:
  www.sba.gov/teens
• Minnesota Secretary of State’s Student How To Make Money
  www.sos.state.mn.us/student/money.html
• USA.gov For The Self-Employed
  www.usa.gov/Business/Self_Employed.shtml

• A Guide To Starting A Business In Minnesota
  Can be found at your local WorkForce Center or contact the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development at 651.296.3871 for a free copy.

MPeterson 05.14.07

Week of May 7 = How to get and provide references for employment

How to Ask For a Reference
We spend a lot of time on our job searching preparing our resumes, doing cover letters, going to seminars, etc..  How many of us give much thought to our references?  This takes planning ahead and making sure your references are in order.  A lot of people put right on their resume “references available upon request”, which is not necessary and will free up more space for important aspects of your resume.  You want to start out by making a list of whom you want to ask to be your reference. Find someone who is willing to attest to your capabilities.  You must get the permission of these people before hand.  It will be helpful for these people to know what type of position you are applying for.  This way they will be able to tailor their references to fit your circumstances.

Who to Ask for a Reference
You can use former bosses, co-workers, colleagues, character or personal references.  Some companies will not provide references due to litigation; they are only allowed to provide certain information.  In situations like this go with people who are willing to speak to your attributes.  Create a separate reference list rather than including it in your resume.  Have your reference ready to give to employers when you interview.  Include at least 3 references, along with their job title, employer and contact information.  Check your list twice for any typos or mistakes in their phone numbers.

Request a Reference Letter
When changing employment, make a point of asking your supervisor for a reference letter.  “This way you can create a file of recommendations from people you may not be able to find later” (Employment References by Alison Doyle).  Keep in touch with your references updating them as to who might be calling them and keep them up to date on where you are at with your job searching.

There are a few expectations you should have toward the employer you are applying at.  They should request permission from you to contact your references, especially the one that you are still working for.  You do not want your present employer to be caught off guard by receiving a phone call checking your references.  It is acceptable to say you are not comfortable with them contacting the present employer, but have some alternative references with you.

Additional Reference Information
Always use the same paper you used for your resume.  You should be using the same font as what you used for your resume.  You can go out on the internet to find sample reference lists and sample letters of references.

5.4.07 – Shirley Barthel