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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / July 2005[Completely OT] ... job hunters, what would you pay for ...
Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best cover letter they'd ever seen. I've also helped a few people recently, and they all said that I had a real knack for it. How much would you pay to have someone spell and grammar check your cover letter and resume? How much would you pay for a half-hour evaluation of your cover letter? How about for a more detailed consultation? I'm also thinking of offering a discount for people who were laid off; they could provide me with a copy of their lay-off letter as proof. Thoughts on whether or not that's a good idea? Thanks in advance to anyone who's willing to answer this. If you'd rather not answer it publicly, the email address I'm using is valid; you can just reply.  Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best > cover letter they'd ever seen. Brag brag brag. Praise Monique! Put this idle talk aside and BOW BEFORE ME! >> Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter >> was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Put this idle talk aside and BOW BEFORE ME! Thanks for missing the point. Do you have difficulty emphasizing your strengths? Perhaps you'd like a consultation to help you with your cover letter? Of course, there's a surcharge for smartasses. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > >> Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > >> was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > a consultation to help you with your cover letter? Of course, there's > a surcharge for smartasses. SILENCE, COVER LETTER TYPER! NEVER REPLY TO ME UNLESS I REQEUST IT! NOW KNEEEOL BEFORE ME, Before I change my mind! > >> Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > >> was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > a consultation to help you with your cover letter? Of course, there's > a surcharge for smartasses. SILENCE, COVER LETTER TYPER! NEVER REPLY TO ME UNLESS I REQEUST IT! NOW KNEEEOL BEFORE ME, Before I change my mind! > Thanks for missing the point. > > Do you have difficulty emphasizing your strengths? Perhaps you'd like > a consultation to help you with your cover letter? Of course, there's > a surcharge for smartasses. There are others out there who are offering this kind of service. You might want to look into what they charge and how they structure their business. Assuming you're asking the question in hopes of setting up a business of your own, here's some other things you'll want to think about. Look hard at what your costs are to do this and what, minimum, you need to make to break even. This includes supplies, phone, electricity, as well as computer software. Depending on what fields your target market is in, you'll want a website and that means a domain name and hosting. If you're doing this out of your home I'd suggest either a business cell phone or a second phone line. Those 4 am calls from customers really suck. Don't forget insurance costs. And marketing, you'll need to do some marketing. You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes it clear you're not responsible if they don't get a job. Setting customer expectations is really important for any sort of consultant. ;) Don't forget to check with your county about zoning laws, although if you're not having a huge amount of foot traffic they tend not to care. From what I remember, cover letters should be customized per application, so in terms of pricing you might want to do some packages where you do a flat rate for up to 4 or 6 re-writes of the letter. If they get a job sooner, that's your profit margin. How many customers can you handle in a day? A week? How much money do you need to make a day or a week? Divide the two and that's what you need to charge each customer. If that's a number higher than the market will bear, you either need to cut costs or market yourself as something special. Good luck. Starting your own business is really hard, but it's quite cool, too. b [snip] > Good luck. Starting your own business is really hard, but it's quite > cool, too. Thanks for all the tips! I have a solid full-time job, so this would really just be some spare change and some experience in running my own business ... I would be happily surprised at two clients a week. But I figure, as long as I'm thinking about doing this, I might want to think about where it could lead, too ... Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > [snip] > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > thinking about doing this, I might want to think about where it could > lead, too ... Yeah, that makes a huge difference. When I started consulting hubby had a job that paid enough to support us and so it was all a bit random. 4 months later he was laid off and we had to make some decisions. If you're just moonlighting, a bunch of what I suggested isn't relevant. I would recommend the lawyer for contracts and CYA stuff and talk with a good tax accountant. bisky > You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes it > clear you're not responsible if they don't get a job. Setting customer > expectations is really important for any sort of consultant. ;) Oh good grief. To write cover letters or resumes? You're joking, right? Our society hasn't become *that* ligitious, has it?? Sherry > > You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes it > > clear you're not responsible if they don't get a job. Setting customer > > expectations is really important for any sort of consultant. ;) > > > Oh good grief. To write cover letters or resumes? You're joking, right? > Our society hasn't become *that* ligitious, has it?? Yes. > > > You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes it > > > clear you're not responsible if they don't get a job. Setting customer [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > > Yes. Tell me it ain't so, Howard. OK, just call me naive. Suing the person you hired to write your resume because you didn't land the job. <stepping on soapbox and assuming geezer mode> Half of what's wrong with this country is that people don't know how to suck it up and say "It was my fault." Taking full responsibility for your screw-ups and failings is becoming a lost art. I was pondering the other day how many lawyers are in the small town that's the county seat here. Tons of lawyers in a dinky little town! Guess that's why. Sherry > > > > You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes > > > > it [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > that's the county seat here. Tons of lawyers in a dinky little town! > Guess that's why. I was born in Northern New Jersey, but have spent my adult life in the Washington DC metro area. We occasionally ask "why does DC have all the lawyers but NJ has all the toxic waste dumps?" The answer should be easy. New Jersey won the toss. No, I don't say that every document must be approved first by a lawyer -- but that assumes that someone has a working knowledge of the laws pertaining to the topic. I'm not an attorney, but I recently joined the American Bar Association to keep track of law relating to some of my mainstream professional interests in privacy and information security. There may be some free or low-cost resources. At one point, the Small Business Administration has, and it still may, a volunteer program called SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). A SCORE coach can be useful both from a standpoint of general setup, someone with practical contractual experience, and also the kind of person that may read the cover letter. One other point for cover letters and resumes -- there are more and more computer programs that scan for buzzwords and acronyms, rejecting applications that don't have the EXACT terms. Researching the company really should be the applicant's responsibility, since knowing the company is tremendously helpful at interviews. Prior to receiving the cover letter, unless it's generic, encourage the applicant to give you information about each company, or consider charging to research that and give them a summary for interview reference. When does one need lawyers? My life may be too complicated. Right now, I have my home refinance waiting on one piece of paper: a lien release from my ex-wife's semi-ex divorce lawyer. This lawyer has had over two years since she was paid. I say semi-ex, as my ex has tried to fire her and she's refused the communications. Acting in the guise of my ex-wife's lawyer, she hauled me into court for an issue that my ex and I were handling quite nicely, and for which my ex told her not to act, but she acted anyway as a ploy to get legal fees. So, unless the previous lender can produce their copy of the quitclaim and it satisfies the new closing company, I will have to get a second lawyer to compel the first to file the lien release. Where things really get funny is that I will join with my ex-wife and her SO in placing this and other actions that affect all of us financially. The new attorney, for example, will be charged with conveying to the court a letter firing the ex-divorce-attorney. My ex sent a certified letter to the judge firing her lawyer, but the clerk of the court returned it unopened, saying any communications had to go through the attorney of record. Catch-22. Next, we need the new attorney to block the old one from taking any collection action until the court/bar association review her charges. On another front, if a client doesn't pay me, I will probably have to take legal action -- or make the threat thereof. They don't want to upset the end client, so hearing that subpoenas may be issued to that client may be enough to resolve the situation -- and break some old professional friendships. Let me preface this by saying that my brother is a lawyer (not practicing, he teaches law at Loyola University). My contender for "favorite lawyer joke"... What's the difference between a rooster and a lawyer? A rooster clucks defiance! [if you don't get it, say it out loud, transpose the words, and use "the clients" in place of defiance] Hugs, CatNipped > Let me preface this by saying that my brother is a lawyer (not > practicing, he teaches law at Loyola University). [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > CatNipped For some reason that reminded me of the joke... What's the difference between a seagull and a baby? A seagull flits along the shore. SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy & Bagheera) A house is not a home, without a cat. >>>> You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes it >>>> clear you're not responsible if they don't get a job. Setting customer [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > suck it up and say "It was my fault." Taking full responsibility for > your screw-ups and failings is becoming a lost art. *Some* people. It's actually a small minority, but having a good contract tailored to your business means you are protected. Think of a contract as taking full responsibility for your own business. That being said, we actually do quite a bit of work while we're negotiating contracts and before they're signed. b >> You'll also want to talk to a lawyer and get a contract that makes it >> clear you're not responsible if they don't get a job. Setting customer >> expectations is really important for any sort of consultant. ;) >> > Oh good grief. To write cover letters or resumes? You're joking, right? > Our society hasn't become *that* ligitious, has it?? Would you risk everything you owned on believing no one would sue you if they didn't get a job? I wouldn't. b "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> wrote in message > Do you have difficulty emphasizing your strengths? Perhaps you'd like > a consultation to help you with your cover letter? Of course, there's > a surcharge for smartasses. I'm starting to wonder. Is there a limit to how many we can put in killfiles? And I think the resume/cover letter is a great idea. Don't know how you would get to your intended clientele and where to meet with them could be a problem. Wouldn't want unknown unemployed queuing up at my door. I know many companies provide job hunting help when they have layoffs. And I think they contract it out. That could be something to look into. Jo > How much would you pay to have someone spell and grammar check your > cover letter and resume? [snip] If it wasn't clear, I'm not trying to solicit business from the group. Just trying to figure out a price point and decide if it's a business idea worth pursuing. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > How much would you pay for a half-hour evaluation of your cover > letter? How about for a more detailed consultation? I'm sure there is a market but you might as well make it to actually write the cover letter and resume for them. Those are the businesses I have seen. Cover letter and resume preparation. I think they make a tidy sum for it, too. I think a half-hour evaluation of a cover letter is pushing it, though. You could probably just rewrite it for them in a half hour or less. If it's bad, it's bad, what's to evaluate and consult about? I, for one, would not pay to have my cover letter "evaluated." If I couldn't write well (and I can), I would pay to have one written, though. Same with a resume, which would be a more detailed process. JMTC, Candace > I'm sure there is a market but you might as well make it to actually > write the cover letter and resume for them. Those are the > businesses I have seen. Cover letter and resume preparation. I > think they make a tidy sum for it, too. Interesting. > I think a half-hour evaluation of a cover letter is pushing it, > though. You could probably just rewrite it for them in a half hour [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > have one written, though. Same with a resume, which would be a more > detailed process. I wonder how those businesses work. I mean, you have to get the info out of the person somehow ... I'd imagine that info would be in the form of a resume ... Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > I wonder how those businesses work. I mean, you have to get the info > out of the person somehow ... I'd imagine that info would be in the > form of a resume ... The ones I have actually seen are local places where you go in and talk to them so they could get the info that way. Maybe you were planning to do it over the internet only? In that case, it would be a little more difficult and you would need a basic resume and to talk with them over the phone or some major emailing to get enough info to beef it up appropriately. I would think locals would be easier so you could meet with them. But that opens up a whole new can of worms since you need an office or meeting place. To meet them at Starbucks or something might not engender the trust in them to want to use and pay for your services. And you might not want strangers coming to your home...Nothing ever is simple, it seems. Candace <Now Kneeling> > Candace <Disrespecting Me> I WILL TEACH YOU NOT TO DISRESPECT THE PUSSY MASTER! Now you will purchase one of these...How do you say..Kover Letters? And you will pay my Loyal Subject DOUBLE! YOU GO NOW! Before I change my mind. > Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > rather not answer it publicly, the email address I'm using is valid; > you can just reply. I think it would be a great service, I'd pay a couple of hundred at least for something that would help me find a job (not that I'm looking right now, I *LOVE* my new job). One thing you might want to think about, however, is whether the extra money you get will offset the taxes you'll have to pay for self-employment income (we got hit hard this year because of just a little bit of extra income I got doing web sites). Hugs, CatNipped > One thing you might want to think about, however, is whether the extra money > you get will offset the taxes you'll have to pay for self-employment income [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > CatNipped I was looking at your portfolio the other night! Very Nice! Nice Clients too! > > One thing you might want to think about, however, is whether the extra money > > you get will offset the taxes you'll have to pay for self-employment income [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Nice Clients too! Thank you! Need a web site?? ;> Hugs, CatNipped > Thank you! Need a web site?? ;> > > Hugs, > > CatNipped Looks like I can't scare up some money! lol Heck, I'm in such bad shape, I just got finished putting all my payables and recievables in one big box, and shook it up! > I think it would be a great service, I'd pay a couple of hundred at > least for something that would help me find a job (not that I'm > looking right now, I *LOVE* my new job). Wow! I was thinking of numbers much smaller than that. At least until I get a reputation, I guess. > One thing you might want to think about, however, is whether the > extra money you get will offset the taxes you'll have to pay for > self-employment income (we got hit hard this year because of just a > little bit of extra income I got doing web sites). Yeah -- do you have any info on this? Do you have to report all personal income, or only over a certain threshold? Is there a site or publication somewhere that talks about very small business ventures and legal/tax responsibilities? Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> I think it would be a great service, I'd pay a couple of hundred at >> least for something that would help me find a job (not that I'm [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > publication somewhere that talks about very small business ventures > and legal/tax responsibilities? More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w Briefly. The way the tax code reads, all income is taxable unless it says elsewhere it isn't. No threshold. Note the taxes cannot exceed the income. Just seems like it some times. If your self employment income is over $400, you have to pay self-employment tax on it in addition to income tax. Its like the FICA that is withheld from a paycheck. Only you get the privilege of paying both halves of it since you are your own employer. It is 15.3%. > More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > of paying both halves of it since you are your own employer. It is > 15.3%. Thanks so much! That's exactly the info I'm looking for. Or at least a very good start. Isn't it "taxes can't exceed net," not "taxes can't exceed profit"? I guess I'll have to read and find out ... Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w >> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Isn't it "taxes can't exceed net," not "taxes can't exceed profit"? I > guess I'll have to read and find out ... Well, they won't exceed your gross income less expenses. Gross income less expenses is generally referred to as profit or net income. Profit and net are the same thing in my world. Taxable income is pretty much the same thing. Jo (Retired CPA) > More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w > > Briefly. The way the tax code reads, all income is taxable unless it > says elsewhere it isn't. No threshold. Note the taxes cannot exceed > the income. Just seems like it some times. I miscalculated taxes something fierce a few years ago. Got utterly screwed come April 15th. It was September before we'd actually received enough income to cover what we'd already paid out in taxes. Painful. Made an impression... I'm now much more careful about stashing 40% of our income in the account we pay taxes out of. b > > More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w > > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > b This year we had to make a 2-year loan in order to pay 1 year's worth of taxes. At this rate we're going to be paying taxes 20 years after we're dead! Hugs, CatNipped >>> More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w >>> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > taxes. At this rate we're going to be paying taxes 20 years after we're > dead! Yeah, we had to do the loan thing, too. not fun. Not fun at all. b > >>> More information than you ever wanted at http://tinyurl.com/buv4w > >>> [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > b I know. If you can look at the pretty new sofa every month for two years and say, yeah, that's nice, that's what we're sacrificing to pay for - well that's not too bad. But when you look at the *billions* of tax dollars being spent on fruit fly research - well that makes it harder to dig that money out of your wallet every month for two years! Hugs, CatNipped >> I think it would be a great service, I'd pay a couple of hundred at >> least for something that would help me find a job (not that I'm [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > publication somewhere that talks about very small business ventures > and legal/tax responsibilities? You have to report all income, plus you need to pay self employment tax (with is 15.something %). You are also required to pay quarterly taxes (90% of your last year's tax burden or 100% of the current year's tax burden by April 15th -- unless you make more than 250K and then you have to pay 110% of last year's tax burden). Check the IRS website, or the SBA website, both have good information. b > You have to report all income, plus you need to pay self employment > tax (with is 15.something %). You are also required to pay quarterly [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Check the IRS website, or the SBA website, both have good > information. I actually talked to an accountant specializing in small business. Turns out you that if you are employed as well as have your own business, you can up your employee withholdings (w-4) instead of paying quarterly estimates. The acct recommended doing this until your company hits about $10K in profit. Actually, let me rephrase that. I think this only applies if you can use a schedule C and report your business taxes as part of your 1040. Colorado (and several other states) has a special single-member LLC designation which protects your personal assets while still allowing you to file as though you were a sole proprietor on federal forms. Something like that. Standard disclaimers apply -- please don't anyone take my word for tax stuff. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> You have to report all income, plus you need to pay self employment >> tax (with is 15.something %). You are also required to pay quarterly [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > paying quarterly estimates. The acct recommended doing this until > your company hits about $10K in profit. Lets rephrase that. you want to reduce the number of exemptions on your W-4 in order to increase the withholdings. And it will only work if you have enough exemptions to reduce. I know there is a place on the W-4 to voluntarily increase your withholding by a certain amount but many employers won't do it because their software can't handle it. And they aren't required to. Taxes on $10K in self employment income in a 28% tax bracket would be $4,330. including self employment tax. Could be more if it wipes out eligibility for credits or increases social security income subject to tax etc. Jo > And it will only work if you have enough exemptions to reduce. I > know there is a place on the W-4 to voluntarily increase your > withholding by a certain amount but many employers won't do it > because their software can't handle it. And they aren't required > to. I didn't realize that this could be an issue. Yuck! Guess I should find out. Is there a way to figure out how much reducing an exemption will up your tax contributions without just going ahead and doing it? > Taxes on $10K in self employment income in a 28% tax bracket would > be $4,330. including self employment tax. Could be more if it > wipes out eligibility for credits or increases social security > income subject to tax etc. Double yuck. At this point I'd be surprised if my business even shows a profit ... first I need to get all my materials and clever patter together, and that's hard to do when your brace keeps fat-fingering (I guess fat-palming) your typing and derailling your train of thought! Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> And it will only work if you have enough exemptions to reduce. I >> know there is a place on the W-4 to voluntarily increase your [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Is there a way to figure out how much reducing an exemption will up > your tax contributions without just going ahead and doing it? If you are very ambitious, the IRS had Circular E online that shows deductions. You can compare it to a pay stub and see how it would differ. But I wouldn't make a change until you start to see a profit. Jo I should think there would be a market for such a resume' writing/cover letter service. There could also be a market just for editing manuscripts. If you like and are good at finding the grammatical errors, you might want to think about adding that service to your business plan. Just my $.02. ---LMM (Little Missy's Mom) > I should think there would be a market for such a resume' > writing/cover letter service. There could also be a market just for [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > ---LMM (Little Missy's Mom) I used to edit marketing materials pre-production when I worked for a company. I'm good at catching interesting grammatical errors (aka "my brother has an agreement with his landlord to exterminate himself" heheh). Later I went to work for a company who had already had some fancy tri-fold colour mailers printed and the owner was so proud, passing one around to show everyone his fancy new brochure. First reading, I noticed it said, "Toll Tree Support". Uh oh. They'd already had 10,000 of them printed. LOL Jill >> I should think there would be a market for such a resume' >> writing/cover letter service. There could also be a market just for [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Jill Its a good thing there are people like you to make up for people like me. I cannot proofread to save my life. And yes I know all the tricks like reading backwards etc. Can't spell either and my typing has gone to heck since I have arthritis in my hands. Jo > >> I should think there would be a market for such a resume' > >> writing/cover letter service. There could also be a market just for [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > Jo Me too. I *cringe* when I re-read something I've written to the group. What gets me the most is type "you" instead of "your" or vice versa. Spellcheckers just can't help you out with those typos. Hugs, CatNipped > Its a good thing there are people like you to make up for people > like me. I cannot proofread to save my life. And yes I know all > the tricks like reading backwards etc. Can't spell either and my > typing has gone to heck since I have arthritis in my hands. Reading backwards? I've never heard of that one. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> Its a good thing there are people like you to make up for people >> like me. I cannot proofread to save my life. And yes I know all >> the tricks like reading backwards etc. Can't spell either and my >> typing has gone to heck since I have arthritis in my hands. > > Reading backwards? I've never heard of that one. Common proof-readers trick. That way you read each word and your eyes don't skip over typos because of what your brain "expects" you to see in the context of the sentence. Jill > Its a good thing there are people like you to make up for people like me. I > cannot proofread to save my life. And yes I know all the tricks like > reading backwards etc. Can't spell either and my typing has gone to heck > since I have arthritis in my hands. I used to proofread material, but I don't think I became really expert. I was good enough that even today, some typos just jump right out at me. Unfortunately, like many people, I'm far better at proofreading other people's work than my own. With something I write, I have to leave it for a while, so I will be a little less likely to skip over all the errors automatically, and then I'll *still* miss stuff I could swear I'd have picked up in any other document. Back to the topic. There are places here that offer help with cover letter and resume preparation, but most of them are limited to a particular clientele - say, the students of a particular school, or people enrolled in special programs for the unemployed. So there does appear to be a need for the service in some areas. Are there groups in your area that offer advice to people starting small businesses? If so, they might have all the info about business plans and taxes and any local laws about running businesses out of private homes right at hand. Taxes <shudder>. You don't have to be self-employed to run into trouble there. Working two or more jobs and having one or more employer deduct too little works really well, too! And I *knew* that! Part-time temporary employees tend to have too few deductions taken out because each employer assumes each paycheck represents your total income....but I got bitten by it again. SignatureCheryl >> Its a good thing there are people like you to make up for people like me. >> I [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > assumes each paycheck represents your total income....but I got bitten by > it again. It helps, not enough maybe but it helps, if on any second job you put single and zero on the form W-4. Same thing if you are married and your combined income is taxed at a higher rate than your employer is withholding. Usually I have the one earning less file a single zero W-4. Jo > I used to edit marketing materials pre-production when I worked for a > company. I'm good at catching interesting grammatical errors (aka "my [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Jill Having worked print media all my life, I've got tons of typo-horror stories. Worst one I remember was when the long-time, 85 year old publisher died. Instead of a regular obituary, there was a very nice story of his accomplishments, etc. with a photo on the front page, written by one of the staff writers. The by-line should have read "By Joe Blow, Staff Writer". Instead, "Staff Writer" turned out to be "Stiff Writer". Twelve thousand papers were already off the press before anybody saw it. All of them were destroyed. Sherry > > I should think there would be a market for such a resume' > > writing/cover letter service. There could also be a market just for [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Jill That which started as the Canadian Alliance Party printed a large number of flyers before someone caught that they were advertising the Canadian Appliance Party. A toaster with every vote? Subsequently, after the party fractured, a splinter group called itself the Conservative Reformed Alliance Party. It took them a week to realize the acronym. US political advertising, however, has proved equal to the acronym challenge. The War On Poverty was announced before its acronym was analyzed, as was Stop Inflation Now. Still, for this group, Carter's description of stopping inflation as the Moral Equivalent Of War seems to win the political acronym contest. > Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > rather not answer it publicly, the email address I'm using is valid; > you can just reply. Well, some people certainly need help with resumes. Check out: http://www.resumania.com/ Some of these are hysterical. They are all REAL. >> Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter >> was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > Some of these are hysterical. They are all REAL. Oh MY GOD! This has me giggling and Persia is looking at me like I'm insane. Okay, I *am* insane, but that's beside the point! I think I used to work with some of these people! I used to have to help interview folks in I.T. but this one guy slipped past me (maybe I was on vacation). His OBJECTIVE was: "To work for a company that will reimburse my college tuition so I can get my degree and find a better job." And he got hired!!!!!!! Jill Jill >>> Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter >>> was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > Jill > Jill Then of course, I sign this twice. D'OH! > Well, some people certainly need help with resumes. Check out: > > http://www.resumania.com/ > > Some of these are hysterical. They are all REAL. And I'm looking at some of the jobs posted on the RHI site and I just found a typo! LOL It says they are looking for a "Director of Client Finacial Services". Hmmm, wonder what a Finacial involves? A Facial while I give your client advice? Jill > > Well, some people certainly need help with resumes. Check out: > > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Services". Hmmm, wonder what a Finacial involves? A Facial while I give > your client advice? Virgin Atlantic, in its business class section on New York to London flights, offers either manicures or head & neck massage. Maybe this is a more competitive airline? Apropos of such things, there's a legendary "job wanted" ad that was said to have appeared in an aviation industry magazine: "Retiring Air Force gunnery master sergeant, qualified as gunner on B-17, B-24, B-29, B-50, B-36 and B-52. Seeks position with small but extremely competitive airline." > Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > How much would you pay for a half-hour evaluation of your cover > letter? How about for a more detailed consultation? I do this. I charge $150/hour, prorated, and usually most take an hour or less. Initial consultation - gathering info and exchanging what I can do and what they want - is free. -L. > Well, I got a lot of feedback from my job hunt that my cover letter > was absolutely excellent. More than one person said I had the best [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > -- > monique It really depends a lot on the market where you live, and how much your time is worth to you. If you start advertising, you may be surprised at the demand for that sort of thing. I used to do resumes/cover letters. The difficult part is the initial consultation and sorting through the information. Especially when it's a field of work you are totally unfamiliar with yourself, and your client isn't good at communicating. I did a lot of flyers, tri-folds, newsletters, a couple of obituaries even. I used the "home office" income tax deductions. The criteria was pretty strict, IIRC, but it worked for me because the room I used for an office already had its own entrance to the house. I had to keep track of how much of the computer I used for business, and was allowed to depreciate the cost of it. Also a percentage of the electricity/gas. Sherry > I used the "home office" income tax deductions. The criteria was pretty > strict, IIRC, but it worked for me because the room I used for an > office already had its own entrance to the house. I had to keep track > of how much of the computer I used for business, and was allowed to > depreciate the cost of it. Also a percentage of the electricity/gas. We decided not to deduct the office space because of the capital gains taxes upon selling the house. We do deduct a portion of our electricity (and given we're a software company supporting 5 different operating systems we have a LOT of computers) and all the computers are owned by the business. |
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