Great Online Resume Templates and Tutorials

If you’re a first time job hunter, returning to the workforce after a long hiatus, or changing careers, crafting an impressive resume is a vital step in the job hunting process. Your resume is your first step in the door. As a first impression, you want it to look clean and concise. The following websites offer free online resume templates to help you put your best foot forward.

Microsoft Office Online offers templates for basic resumes, job-specific resumes, and situation-specific resumes. Community templates are free to download, and user reviews help you decide which templates to try.

Land That Job has a unique tutorial that guides you step-by-step through the resume creation process. They teach you to use proper lay-outs and to write effectively.

Resume-Resource has over 175 professional resume samples, and over 150 articles on resumes, job hunting, interviews, and more. Their examples include resumes for management, technical, education, legal, sales, military, and more.

Job Interview Tips

You’ve found a job you’re interested in, applied, presented a resume, and now you have an interview. Congratulations! In this economy, it’s an accomplishment just making it that far. Of course you want to land the job, however. For tips on making a good impression at the interview, read on.

Be On Time
A day or two before the interview, drive to the place it will be held. That way, you know where you are going, and won’t get lost. It’s also a good idea to take note of how long it takes to get there. Adjust the driving time for traffic conditions during the time of day the interview will be held.

Dress the Part
Dress as if you were actually going to work that day. Often, how you feel on the outside will affect how you feel on the inside. Nice clothes can boost your confidence.

Do Your Research
Know as much as you can about the company before heading into the interview. The ability to talk intelligently about the profession and the individual company shows you know the business, and you would likely be an asset to the team.

Job Hunting Costs are Tax Deductible

Did you know that if your job hunting costs exceed more than 2% of your adjusted gross income, you can take a tax deduction? It’s true! Costs you can deduct include employment and agency fees, resume services, transportation expenses, legal fees, and licenses. Rules do apply, however. For instance, you can’t be looking for your first job, and you must be looking for a job in your current occupation. You also can’t leave the workforce for a year or two, reenter, and expect to claim a job hunting deduction. For more information, refer to IRS publication 529 at IRS.gov.

Where to Find Jobs Online, Part Two

USA Jobs
If you’re looking for a government job, this is the site for you. All government job postings end up here, and they hire everything from secretaries, to engineers, to accountants.

Idealist
Looking for a job with a non-profit organization? Head to Idealist. They post paid positions in addition to volunteer work, internships, and consultant positions.

SoloGig
Only looking for a part-time or temporary job? SoloGig has listings for consultants, freelancers, contract, and other part-time work opportunities.

Where to Find Jobs Online

Job Hunting online has never been easier. Here are four sites to get you started.

Craigslist
Select your city or area and search dozens of job categories. Refine your search by choosing part-time, telecommute, contract, internship, or non-profit.

Monster.com
Check jobs, create a profile, upload a resume, learn about careers, get advice, and more.

Career Builder
In addition to searching for jobs, you can post your resume, search career fairs and advice, and take advantage of their job recommendation technology, which targets jobs to the key words in your resume.

Yahoo Hot Jobs
Check job listings, network, learn how to write resumes, prepare for an interview, calculate salary and more.