Communicate effectively with our audience of hundreds of IT job seekers with a well-written Job Posting. Craft your Job Posting to attract the top candidates and provide enough information about who and what you are looking for out of a candidate so that you don't receive responses from unwanted applicants.

Take advantage of the generous space allowances to write great ad copy and provide detailed information describing the job and the company offering the position. However, try not to write more than 500 words per ad because ads that are too long may bore the reader with too many details. Dashes or Asterisks should be used instead of bullets due to the under lying language of the job board.

The more information you provide in your Job Posting the fewer questions you will have to answer from interested applicants about the job.

When creating a job posting, also consider the following:

Job Title: The Job Title for your job posting will be shown to our audience as part of keyword and location search results. Use the text of your Job Title to encourage a job seeker to click through to your full job listing. Write a concise and informative Job Title that compels a job seeker to want more information.

Company Description: You should include information about your company within the body of your job posting. Candidates are very interested in the size, location, history, work environment and ownership of companies that they are considering for their summer work. Write about your company in a way that is informative but that also appeals to the job seekers who are considering applying to your open positions.

Candidate Requirements: With over hundreds of visitors every month ITJob.am attracts job seekers with a wide variety of skills and experience. Job seekers are more likely to apply to positions that clearly require the skill sets and experience that they posses. If your job opening requires specific skills, computer languages, software proficiency, certifications, industry experience, education, degrees, minimum age or certificates, then please clearly describe these requirements within the body of your job posting. Be sure to include which skills are desired and which are required.

Benefits & Salary: Like all consumers, job seekers want to know what is in it for them--how will your job improve their quality of life. To write a job ad that attracts top talent remember this--it is not what a job seeker can do for your company but what your company can do for the job seeker! Sell them on how working for your company will improve their quality of life and you will attract top talent.

Application & Contact Information: Provide detailed instructions to our candidates as to how you would like them to respond to your job postings and then make sure that all of the relevant contact information is provided. Likewise, if you do not want applicants to call you then do NOT include your phone number. Candidates who apply through our system will be forwarded to your email address, however you also have the option of including any other contact information in the body of the ad and/or adding a website and/or email link to your posting.

Link to your Website: If you have a company Web site you have the option of adding a link to your site so that our audience might learn more information about your company.

HTML in Job Postings: We do not allow the un-authorized use of HTML in the body of postings. If you wish to use HTML markup in posting please contact us at 22 46 99 prior to posting. Failure to do so may suspend your posting.

Grammar, Spelling and Form: Please use correct English grammar and spelling within your job posting. Use full sentences, do not use improper abbreviations and please do not write your posting using ALL CAPS. Put an emphasis on professionalism in your job posting and you will attract applicants who are professional. Also, ITJob.am has the right to reject any job postings that do not follow these guidelines.

Your cover letter is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to your resume, so it is an important step in filling out your profile.

And while it's important that your resume is accompanied by a good cover letter, busy hiring managers often review your resume before deciding whether or not to take the time to read your cover letter, which means they may never get to it.

Knowing this, the best strategy is to write your resume with the assumption that your cover letter might not get read. If your resume omits important details found in your cover letter, revise the resume to incorporate any information you think would entice a hiring manager to call you for an interview.

Ask yourself these questions to while completing or updating your profile:

Is Your Resume Up to Date? If you haven't updated your resume recently and are using the cover letter to explain your recent employment, educational credentials, etc., take the time now to update your resume.

What's Your Objective? Are you using a one-size-fits-all-jobs resume and relying on your cover letter to clarify your career goal? If your resume does not clearly spell out your objective, you could be overlooked. Job seekers with more than one career goal achieve better results when they set up multiple resume versions, each one targeting a different objective.

Have You Clearly Stated Your Work Experience and Accomplishments? When scanning through 100s of resumes, hiring managers will review your last couple of positions to see if your experience or qualifications matches their needs. The employment section is the most important part of your resume. For your most recent (and most related) positions, write a paragraph that describes your primary job functions or tasks so hiring managers understand the scope of your duties. Then show that you're a top performer by adding a Major Accomplishments section for each position held. You may also write about challenges you faced, the results of your work and the ways your employers benefited from your performance.

Are Your Skills Clearly Listed? Hiring managers are usually looking for candidates with a specific skill set. Create a bulleted section called Areas of Expertise that includes the keywords for your related skills and proficiency areas.

Are You Willing to Relocate? If you are available to relocate or have definite plans to move, include this information in your resume's cover letter along with your current address. For example, put: “Relocating to Napa, CA in Spring 2005” or “Available to Relocate Immediately.” Be aware however that many employers do not call candidates not in their geographic area.

Are You Reachable? Be sure to list the best way to reach you, and if possible multiple ways to reach you - cell phone, home phone, email, etc. You want to make it as easy as possible for interested hiring managers to contact you. Be aware of what message you have on your phone and that your email address is appropriate for a job seeker. Many employers hung up or not sent a message after hearing inappropriate greetings or seeing a risky email address. 

Employers need to know when you worked where to get a better understanding of your working history and to use the dates for background checks. Missing dates, especially for long periods of time, could send up a red flag, and the resume may be discarded as a result.

Include specific ranges in months and years for every position. If you have gaps, explain them either in your cover letter or introduction, but not in your resume. It always helps if you have continued your education and/or training during periods of unemployment, and to list any volunteer work during these periods as well, Listing these under education or volunteer work should explain some of the gaps.

You create a resume for one reason: to get a job. Potential employers need to be able to get a hold of you - easily - to set up an interview. How can someone contact you if the phone number is missing a digit or your email address is incorrect?

Be sure every resume you send has your correct contact information, including name, phone number, email address and street address. Employers will not continually try to reach you; they'll move on to the next candidate.

And also: be sure that any email address you give is appropriate, i.e. not something such as sexyJoe@yoururl.com. Make sure that your voice mail messages are appropriate and include your name.

Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself. Once you have completed the laborious task of writing your resume and submitting it to various companies, you now have to pass the screen test to get the job. Interviews are the gateway to landing your ideal job. These five tips will help you get your own way to make that job yours.

Tip#1. Be Confident: "Your first impression is your only impression.

Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are the man or woman for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives the indication that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on the interviewer can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what the interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating certain words, don't try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions.

Other interview killers:

Slouching in a chair

Crossing your arms

Playing with your hair or jewelry

Leaning back in chair

Tip# 2. Act As If: "You are what you believe."

Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position? What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won't get the job, you will do small unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resources: www.confidenceworld.com.

Tip#3. Know The Company: "Know your business."

I once sat on a couple of interviews where the interviewees did not do any research on the company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you're interview is scheduled, get on the net and start finding out everything you can about the company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com., which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you'd like to know what current or former employees have to say about the company, try www.wwetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call the company headquarters and ask for the marketing department to get specific information. Weave your research into the interview by stating. "I read an article in the Wall Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ." This lets the interviewer know that you have taken the time to know more about the company. You can ask questions about something you read, but don't challenge them or you'll come across as a know-it-all.

Tip# 4. Be Prepared: "Know what to say."

Most interviewers ask the same standard questions about your strengths, weaknesses, former employers, work history. If you are being interviewed by several people, this might be a good cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing bad cop, they are looking for signs of weakness and dishonesty. To be well prepared, before the interview, write out all your accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest, it's easier to remember the truth than it is a lie. Extra Tip: Write out situations in which you have demonstrated: leadership skills, determination, stress management, creativity, and flexibility. Be prepared to answer the question: "Why do you want this job?" If you're not sure, reevaluate your decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, review what you wrote in the waiting room before the interview. Great list of interview questions: Tested Interview Questions.

Tip#5. Ask For The Job: "You get what you ask for."

The most important step in the interviewing process is one most people miss. ASK FOR THE JOB! Most interviewers are waiting for that closure. If you have done everything exceptionally well during the interviewing process, but have not asked for the job, you've just wasted an interview. Asking for the job shows the potential employer that you are assertive, confident and right for the job. It might feel uncomfortable, but this is your only chance to ask for something you really want. Make sure your voice is firm and you make eye contact. Think of it as your closing argument, you've got to win over the jury. You should also ask the interviewer if he or she thinks you are right for the job. Even if they tell you something unpleasant, think of it as a lesson learned. However, do yourself a favor and ask for the job. You deserve it!

An interview gives you the opportunity to showcase your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be well prepared. The following information provides some helpful hints.

• Learn about the company (start with their website).
• Know what specific job or jobs you are interviewing for.
• Review your qualifications for the job.
• Prepare and practice answers to broad questions about yourself.
• Review your resume, print a hard copy to take to the interview.
• Prepare questions that you may have about the company and position.
• Arrive approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled time of your interview.
• Be prepared to fill out an application - even if you have provided a resume.

• Personal appearance:
• Be well groomed.
• Dress appropriately and professionally.
• Do not chew gum or smoke.  

Behavior and Conduct:

• Relax and answer each question concisely.
• Respond promptly.
• Use good manners.
• Learn the name of your interviewer and shake hands as you meet.
• Use proper English—avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Ask questions about the position and the organization.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave and, as a follow up, in writing.
• Test (if employer gives one):
• Listen closely to instructions.
• Read each question carefully.
• Write legibly and clearly.
• Budget your time wisely and don’t dwell on one question.

Information to bring to an interview:

• Social Security card.
• Government-issued identification (driver’s license).
• Resume. Although not all employers require applicants to bring a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.
• References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Provide professional references - people with whom you have worked - avoid using friends and relatives as references.
• Any required or appropriate certifications

Describe your ideal job and/or boss and/or company.

Why are you looking for a job? Why are you leaving your current position?

What unique experience or qualifications separate you from other candidates?

Tell me about yourself.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Describe some of your most important career accomplishments. What are you most proud of?

What are your short-term/long-term goals? How will this job/company help you achieve these?

Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it? In retrospect, what would you/could you have done differently?

What is your salary history? What are your salary requirements?

Why are you interested in this position? Our company? What do you know about our company?

What would your former boss/co-workers say about you?

What are the best and worst aspects of your previous job and company?

What questions do you have about our company?

What motivates you? How do you motivate others?

Are you willing to relocate?

These questions are presented only as interviewing guidelines. They are meant to help you prepare for the interview. Some questions may or may not be appropriate for your interviewing situation. By practicing your responses to some of these questions, hopefully you will not be taken off guard if asked one of them. Most importantly, relax, go with the flow, and before you know it, you'll be in your next job.

• Why is this position open?
• How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?
• What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
• What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
• What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.
• What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?
• What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
• How do you think these could best be handled?
• What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?
• What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
• What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
• In what ways has this company been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?
• What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
• How is one evaluated in this position?
• How is success measured within the company?

Personal appearance which is less than professional or inappropriate for the job at hand.

Overassertive, overaggressive or egotistical behavior.

Lack of positive attitude or purpose.

interest and enthusiasm -- passive and indifferent.

Lack of confidence and carriage; nervousness.

Overemphasis on compensation.

Roundabout nature; making excuses for unfavorable factors in work history.

Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy. Poor manners.

Condemnation of past employers, managers, co-workers, projects or technologies.

Inability to maintain a conversation or poor communication skills, lack of eye contact, inappropriate body language.

Lack of commitment to fill the position at hand or lack of interest in the job.

Failure to ask questions about the position and/or company - low interest.

Persistent attitude of "What can you do for me?" - self-focused.

Lack of preparation for interview -- failure to get information about the company, resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.

Here are some basic dos and dont's of interviewing. Following these simple rules should help in successful job-hunting.

• Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there. You do not want to be late - plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the interview. If you are running late, do call.
• Do prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.
• Dress professionally. Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do not err on the side of conservatism.
• Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.
• Don't chew gum during the interview.
• If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately - even if you have already provided a resume. Bring an extra resume to the interview.
• Unless asked to do otherwise, do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview).
• Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake - always wash your hands and dry thoroughly prior to the interview.
• Remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
• Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
• Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
• Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.
• Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").
• Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
• Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
• Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
• Do avoid controversial topics, politics, jokes, etc.
• Don't complain about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
• Do stress your achievements.
• Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Elaborate whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
• Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
• Do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager. Never answer a cell phone or check text messages during an interview.
• Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
• Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)
• Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Marci or Marcy -- get the spelling. The same hold true for the company name.
• Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you.

In a competitive job market, job seekers sometimes think that they're lucky to land an interview, let alone receive an actual job offer. But it's usually smart to negotiate the terms of a job offer. The trick is knowing when to stop.

Do Your Research: First, evaluate your negotiating skills. Are you comfortable negotiating over the price of any item or service with the salesperson? How skilled have you been with previous offers? Or in asking for your last raise? If you've negotiated successfully before, you are well on your way.

If you decide that you need practice, you might want to find a friend who will role play with you to practice before heading off to the real thing.

Know Your Bottom Line: Negotiating isn't necessarily about winning. It's about agreeing on terms of a job offer that is acceptable to you and to the company. You must know what base salary and what benefits you can and cannot live with - or without. Make a list of things that are absolutely necessary, and then make a list of your "wish list" items. You must know the bottom line that must have to accept an offer, once these have been met you can negotiate on other items.

Be Creative: If possible, look beyond just salary when negotiating your job offer.

If the salary is less than you were hoping for, try requesting an evaluation sooner than they otherwise would have. You will be seen as flexible and willing to work with the company - a real team player.

If you have flexibility and don't need some benefits - perhaps you get Medical Insurance through your spouse's company - then trade more traditional benefits for perks where there may be more flexibility, such as flex time, extra time off, or telecommuting part of the time.

You want to feel as though you've explored all your options. Knowing that will make you feel more comfortable ending negotiations and making a final decision about the job offer.

Don't Be Greedy! Quit while you're ahead. Really.

If you continue to negotiate for the sake of negotiating -- even after you've gotten a fair job offer -- you may end up losing. First, a company could simply end negotiations and rescind any offers. Second, you risk alienating your future boss. And you certainly don't want your boss to resent you before you've even started work.