Have you ever heard the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression?" How true it is! So, what is normally your first opportunity to make a first impression (good or bad) on a prospective employer? You got it... your resume!

Having personally reviewed thousands of resumes (maybe more ), I can't tell you how important it is to make sure your resume is first class. If you do it right, you're practically guaranteed an interview (more on that subject in an upcoming newsletter).  If you do it wrong, well... your resume will end up in the circular file... waste basket... shredder... you get the idea. Basically, a mediocre resume can get you "canned" before you even get hired.

So, let's try to make sure that doesn't happen to you. Here is my "Top Ten" list of tips to help ensure your resume will make a good first impression.

My "Top Ten" List

1. ALWAYS include a cover letter.

2. Make sure your resume is relevant to the job for which you are applying.

3. Use keywords that are specific to your industry and field of expertise.

4. List your accomplishments and skills (not duties), as they relate to the job for which you are applying.

5. Begin accomplishment statements with Action Verbs (hundreds are listed in the "Court Reporter Job Guide"), rather than pronouns like "I" or "we."

6. Proofread your resume at least four times and get a fresh pair of eyes to do the same (no typos or grammar mistakes).

7. Limit your resume to two pages. This is usually considered optimum.

8. Do not leave gaps in your Professional Work Experience.

9. Do not include references.

10. Get the hiring manager's name from the employer to which you are applying. Send your resume directly to him.

Remember - the purpose of your resume is to Get The Interview! Every sentence should be crafted with that in mind. Your resume should only be as long as necessary to sell yourself to your prospective employer.  Your resume is a reflection of you! Make it perfect!

The Court Reporter Job Guide includes many more important resume writing tips and guidelines. It also includes a detailed explanation of the key elements that should be included in every resume along with a sample resume specifically written to obtain
a court reporter job. Get your own copy of this indispensable court reporter resource today.

One of the best ways to easily create a professional resume is to copy an expert.  At Sample Resumes Online, you can download hundreds of sample resumes written by a professional resume writer, who makes his living helping his clients stand head-and-shoulders above the competition.  Using his samples, it is a breeze to make your own killer resume in minutes.  Check it out today.  I'm sure you'll be impressed.

Discuss this article and other court reporting topics in the CourtReporterJob.com Forum.
 

The court reporter who accompanied Richard Nixon, during part of his 1968 presidential campaign, delivered transcripts of television show appearances to the print media faster than the networks.

Great question. I've actually had readers offer to pay a higher price for a copy of my eBook in hard cover... hmmm... tempting! But, there are some very good reasons I only offer my book in electronic format.

The Court Reporter Job Guide is more than just a book. It is an interactive tool. The eBook is set up like any other book, with an introduction, table of contents, main body, glossary, etc. However, the great thing about an electronic book is the ability to include built-in links to additional resources on the Internet. With a simple click of the mouse, you can "drill down" and find as much detail as you need on virtually any subject discussed... all from within the eBook. This makes my eBook an "all-in-one" resource for court reporters.

For example, my eBook includes a very detailed section on resume and cover letter writing. In addition to an explanation of the most effective structure of a court reporter resume, I also include a professional sample resume, which you are welcome to copy. The section also includes an alphabetized list of hundreds of hypnotic "power verbs" that will make your resume stand head-and-shoulders above the competition.

But, that's not all... because the book is electronic, I can also include links to the best websites available on the subject of resume and cover letter writing... right in the book. All you have to do is click on the link and presto... bingo... wha-la... the relevant website instantly appears inside the eBook. The websites included in my eBook were selected after painstaking research and are the "creme-de-la-creme." And, many of these websites are full of even more great FREE information on resume writing.

Anyway, you get the point. A hard copy version of the book would make it impossible to include interactive links that would allow you to instantly jump from one section of the book to another, as well as anywhere on the Internet, with the simple click of your mouse... amazing technology.

Another reason I opted to write my book in electronic format is that updates are a snap. As I find new and useful information, or as technology changes, I can instantly include the new information in the book and post an updated version to the web.
The eBook contains a special link that allows you to check for updates and download any new versions instantly.

By contrast, hard cover books are usually outdated the day they are published. We live in a fast paced world. Court reporting is an industry the relies heavily on technology. The Court Reporter Job Guide will never be stale or out dated. Once you get your own copy, you will always have access to the most cutting-edge information available.

Even with all those advantages, I'm sure there are a few "die hards" out there that still want to read the eBook in paper format. Well, never fear. With the click of your mouse, you can easily print the book yourself on your own printer... simple as pie. So, yes, you can have it both ways, if you like... better than having your cake and eating it too. And, in case I didn't mention it before (not likely... ), you can get your cake by clicking here.

Building your speed as a court reporter takes practice.  We offer several categories of digital dictation materials, which will allow you to progressively build your speed from 60 words per minute (wpm) to more than 220 wpm. Each category of dictation has numerous titles, so you will always have access to a wide variety of fresh new practice digital dictation materials, as your speed increases.
 

Upcoming newsletters will include articles on many important subjects that will help advance your court reporting career.  Following is just a sample of some of the articles you can look forward to receiving.
 

	Buy a New Steno Machine for Peanuts!
	Interview Questions & Answers!
	Start getting paid for your court reporting skills, even before you become certified!
	The Best Place to Buy High-Quality Court Reporting Supplies at the Lowest Cost!
	Grow Your Court Reporter Business and Expand Your Income!
	Court Reporter Home Study Programs!
	How and where to find a Mentor!
	Voice Writing - The Future of Court Reporting?

If there are other subjects you would like me to cover, please let me know.

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