How to Email Resume - The Essentials

How to Email Resume - The EssentialsHow to email resume? It is something most people in this country need to know, not least because you're going to be applying for jobs on a regular basis.If you're just starting out and you are planning to apply for jobs online, this is a very good time to start putting together a resume. This will help you get an online job, or it will get you additional interviews.There are some simple things you can do to make sure that your resume is going to be useful and that it stands out from the crowd. The first thing is that you should avoid titles and other content that are generic. If you're an insurance sales rep or a contractor, those are two obvious examples of types of jobs that have specific requirements. Don't use a generic job title that the boss will never see again.Fill it with content that you're proud of. Sometimes there is a stigma about writing content that's not original. It doesn't have to be like that, however, and you should fill it out with the facts and specifics of your background.Try to come up with a solution to a problem that has been bothering you. If you've been looking for work, it might be because you're a stay at home mom, or maybe you were laid off from your previous job. You'll want to write about this problem so that your application is crystal clear.It's okay to use attention grabbing headlines and titles as long as you're not overdoing it. You don't want to get bogged down in these details, but you do want to make them stand out and provide more information than is necessary.These are a few tips on how to email resume. Remember, you are applying to online jobs so you need to make sure that it's very clear and concise, and if you try to ramble, it'll just fall flat on its face.

The Hidden Facts About Writing a Resume and Cover Letter

The Hidden Facts About Writing a Resume and Cover Letter In terms of the cover letter, it's built in a type of business letter which ought to be personalized and persuasive. You may also use a template to make your personalized resumes and letters. As soon as you have finished the letter, don't forget to sign it. Form letters indicate that you're either just sending your resume to each employer in the region or you haven't made an attempt to find out more about the provider. Writing a Resume and Cover Letter Resume or CV is really the most important tool at the very first stage of being hired. Resume is the most important instrument when on the lookout for the job or applying for the university. When you're asking for a job which has been posted by a business that's hiring, you will use the application letter style. If you're asking for work in marketing or sales, you will need to highlight key performance metrics. Before you begin, it can be of help to review some cove r letter samples, just so you've got a visual of how everything fits on the webpage. If you're on the lookout for information about how to compose a cover letter, you're in the proper location. Look over your resume and choose which details you would like to put in your cover letter. Whenever your cover letter is finished, set aside time to examine and edit. For many job seekers, a cover letter plays a considerable role in the application procedure. The procedure for learning how to compose a good resume is a lifelong approach. As a consequence, writing a resume to be utilized in an effective career transition demands a great deal of concentration and effort from a person. You may also incorporate certain examples of accomplishments, activities or projects which are part of your work history. The 5-Minute Rule for Writing a Resume and Cover Letter If you're not certain who to deal with the cover letter to, you always have the option to call the company to discover. A cov er letter is potentially the most significant part the job application procedure. however, it's frequently the most overlooked. You CANNOT use exactly the same exact exact same cover letter to apply for each and every job. You need to make sure to submit a highly convincing and intriguing cover letter, and that's when it is possible to come to Careers Booster for support. Writing a Resume and Cover Letter - Overview Flowery language and long words together with unnecessary verbiage don't have any place on your resume, save that for some upcoming project where good language will help you make a very good impression. There is no explanation as to why your resume must seem amateurish. When you have proofread the letter, after that you can let another person take a look merely to keep on the safe side. An effective cover letter has to be compelling yet to-the-point to avoid wasting an individual's time. A CV and cover letter will together help you receive an interview call, whi ch you are able to convert into work opportunity with your own skills. You may be interested in internship cover letter examples. A cover letter is among the best approaches to convey why you are the very best candidate for the internship, letting you expand on and showcase key abilities and experiences. It gives you a chance to further explain your experience so you can really shine. Some resumes are reviewed by many unique employers and don't give them with the information that they are hunting for. Strong resumes don't need to be lengthy.

How To Close The Job Interview To Get The Offer - Work It Daily

How To Close The Job Interview To Get The Offer - Work It Daily Many job candidates make a huge mistake in their interviewsâ€"and you need to make sure it isn’t happening in yours. RELATED: How To Prepare For A Job Interview Even though qualified, talented job candidates do a great job of preparing for the interview, researching the company, putting a lot of thought and effort into answering interview questions, and all that...at the end of the interview they fail to ask THE key question that could get them the offer. What’s The Question? It’s about closing. Closing is a sales term. Every sales rep must close, or they may very well lose that businessâ€"but guess what? The job interview is a sales process. You are selling you to that hiring manager for that job. Closing allows you to gauge what’s happened in that interview, and react accordingly. How many times have you left an interview not knowing how it went? Or thinking it went wellâ€"but not getting the job offer? Closing helps you avoid those problems. How Do You Close? If you are closing, you are asking for the next step. Please note: this does not necessarily mean asking for the job. Asking for the next step is easier for you to do, and requires less commitment from the hiring managerâ€"so it’s easier to grant you that next step. In the phone interview, you can say, “Ms. X, I’ve got to tell you that I am very excited about this position and I know that I could excel at it because of A, B, and C. Can you see me being successful in this role?” “Is there any reason why you wouldn’t move me forward?” “Can we go ahead and schedule time for us to meet next week in a face-to-face interview?” In the face-to-face interview, when you can tell that it’s wrapping up (you know your time is up, or the hiring manager starts looking at his watch, for example), you can ask, “Mr. Manager, I’ve enjoyed this time with you today. I hope that you can tell that I’ve put a lot of time, energy, and effort into preparing for this interview. I can tell you that I am super-excited about this roleâ€"even more so now that I’ve learned more about it today. Can you see me being a fantastic addition to your team?” “Can you see me being someone who would thrive in your environment?” “Can we move me forward to the next step?” These are all closing questions that allow you to gauge where you are in the interview so you can react to it. If they say ‘no,’ you can ask why not and possibly correct a misconception or add more information that would change their mind. You’ll never leave another interview wondering if they liked you enough, or if you said everything you needed to say. If you get a ‘yes’ answer, you know you’ve done well. And, because they’ve said yes, they are more likely to offer you the job. What Will You Do Now? A lot of people won’t do this. It requires a lot of courage and a lot of determinationâ€"but who is worth this effort more than you? Learn to use these closing lines in your interview (this closing podcast will help), because it will really improve your interview performance and make it much more likely that you will get the offer. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts How To Manage Without Being Mean (Is It Possible To Not Be Pushy?) 5 Things To Consider Before You Take That Management Job #1 Key To Becoming An Effective Leader About the author Career Coach - Peggy McKee is an expert resource and a dedicated advocate for job seekers. Known as the Sales Recruiter from Career Confidential, her years of experience as a nationally-known recruiter for sales and marketing jobs give her a unique perspective and advantage in developing the tools and strategies that help job seekers stand head and shoulders above the competition. Peggy has been named #1 on the list of the Top 25 Most Influential Online Recruiters by HR Examiner, and has been quoted in articles from CNN, CAP TODAY, Yahoo! HotJobs, and the Denver Examiner. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

The Resume Part One of the Interview - Your Career Intel

The Resume Part One of the Interview - Your Career IntelA successful vorstellungsgesprch begins before ever schauplatz foot in a potential employers office it begins with a solid resume. Rather than a listing of job functions, a resume should be a marketing tool for selling yourself to a potential employer. Your strongest abilities, best results and highest achievements should shine. An effective resume will highlight your strengths and provide useful, powerful information that sets you apart from other candidates in a competitive market.Hiring managers rarely read resumes line by line. Rather, they take a holistic approach and search for qualities and accomplishments that jump off the page. There are several keys to ensuring your resume stands out in the crowd. First, quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate how you can add value to the company and, ultimately, improve the bottom line. For instance, rather than saying, I increased sale year over year, provide specific, quantifi able numbers I increased sales by 120% year over year. In addition to concrete facts and figures, be sure to provide interesting, unique information about yourself and your career history. Consider whether something would be important enough to discuss in an interview setting. If so, be sure to include it in your rsum. Instead of the very general International HR Professional, a hiring manager would be mora persuaded by, International HR Professional who has worked with 26 countries.As an executive recruiter, I work with countless professionals as they navigate the next step in their human resources careers. I see first-hand the value of the resume as the first meeting with a hiring manager. If presented correctly, it can be a critical tool in helping you land the crucial meetingthe interview.In my next two posts, Ill discuss the interview itself and how both candidates and clients can improve their interview skills.This is the first post of a three-part series that takes an in-dept h look into the interview process. Follow the links below to read the rest of the series.Three Tips to Help You Succeed in an InterviewFour Methods for Hiring the Right Talent

Real Talk Is it Ever OK to Curse in the Office

Real Talk Is it Ever OK to Curse in the bro Do you feel comfortable cursing in your workplace? Or do you frown upon foul language in the amtsstube? It seems like in 2018, no one can agree on what language is truly taboo in the workplace. One FGBer wrote to the Community to ask for opinions on this very topic.Cursing in the office do you think its unprofessional under all circumstances? she asked.I feel like men at my office get away with it all the time. To explain a bit -- Im elend particularly a potty mouth, but sometimes it is really satisfying and gets the point across in a way that you cant without cuss words. And moreover, does crap count?Numerous FGBers offered their (funny) gut responses.Wow, if crap is a curse word then I need to revisit my entire existence, one woman said.Does saying f** when my computer freezes count? another asked.It seemed as though the general consensus for FGBers was that cursing can be acceptable as long as its not in a malicious way.As long as its no t pointed at someone, I dont think cursing is a huge deal, one said.They agreed that whether or not cursing is acceptable is dependent on the situation.I think there is a difference between purposely cursing and accidentally slipping with a word, one FGBer wrote. I think you can really tell if someone didnt mean to say it, and thats kind of funny.Theres a distinction between cursing when you drop something, and casually using it for emphasis in every conversation, another said.Personally, I think its a case by case thing. What does the culture of your office and the nature of your work lend itself to? In my current position, I work with and report to ex-cops. Calling someone a f***** goes over MUCH better than when I worked in a financial institution, one FGBer said. If your colleagues are easily offended, maybe keep the adult language to a minimum. But if your colleagues are, well, adults, they should understand that sometimes schwimmbad words happen. Dont drop hate language, and d ont FORCE yourself to swear if its not your natural inclination, but I think its with questioning this whole notion that swearing is somehow a moral or intellectual failure. Additionally, Im all about giving the boys a run for their money... If they swear, so can youI agree with this well-put advice.Cursing is acceptable in certain offices and unacceptable in others. Take the time to feel out your current employer and coworkers before letting your curse language fly.And if you are someone who is offended by bad language in the workplace, and you find yourself surrounded by curse-language abusers, consider discussing the situation with a supervisor. If you truly feel uncomfortable, let her know you do not want anyone to be reprimanded, but you are unsure how to react when you feel language is offensive.Reach out the Fairygodboss Community to receive advice from FGBers with their own unique experiences.More advice from womenShould Botox be a Social Norm? Women Weigh InShould I Give My Child a Smartphone? Women Weigh InWhat Current Fashion Trend Makes You Cringe? Women Weigh In

8 Self-Improvement Books to Devour This Summer

8 Self-Improvement Books to Devour This Summer Article by Megan Nicole ONealAs youve likely noticed, thanks to the recent increase in bathing suit ads and Wanna Get Away? emails from airlines, summer is upon us. While many of us longingly daydream about the obligation-free days of the summer breaks of our youths, summer as an adult doesnt have to be a complete wash.We have more daylight hours to play with, and contrary to popular belief, attaining a summer bod is not the only way to improve yourself this season.At the pleasant risk of sounding a lot like Oprah, I cant imagine the person I would have become if I didnt have books in my life. Reading others stories, and writing my own, has transported me into the shoes of people who are often wiser, kinder, smarter, and funnier than I am. Ive found that occupying those shoes, even for just a little while, has a curious way of inspiring you to rise to the occasion.When it comes to personal development, th eres no better season than the summer.To supplement your staycations and poolside lounging, below is a collection of self-improvement books to help you put your best foot, or sandal, forward1. Becoming by Michelle ObamaMichelle Obama gets incredibly honest about everything from not knowing where your passions lie to taking a chance on love (even when the whole world is watching) and standing firm in your determination to make the world a better place. She inspires readers to be the best versions of themselves by leading with vulnerability.Favorite prozentanteilFailure is a feeling long before it becomes an actual result. Its vulnerability that breeds with self-doubt and then is escalated, often deliberately, by fear.Who will enjoy this Anyone who has only brothers, or who always wanted an older sister, or who has an older sister but wishes that older sister were Michelle Obama.2. Wholehearted Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up by Koshin Paley EllisonWith a refreshing and surprisingly rela table style, considering Koshin Paley Ellison is in fact a monk (monks, theyre just like us), this book teaches you how to expand outward. Ellison uses a blend of the 16 teachings of Buddhism, Western psychology, and his personal life experiences to help readers break down the walls we build around ourselves and wake up to the world.Favorite quotePeople are afraid of and paradoxically long for honest, loving, and ordinary conversation.This book feels like A warm cup of hot cocoa, with extra marshmallows, and a fire crackling in the background.3. Stop Doing That Sh*t End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back by Gary John BishopYou may think you dont self-sabotage, but Bishop breaks down how even small excuses like Ill go to the gym tomorrow affect your success in the long run. This book offers a short, intense jolt to your way of thinking. Bishop tells it straight, because our futures dont have time for sugarcoating. He also helps readersaccess their individual psychological mac hinery to nip negative thoughts and behaviors in the bud and build new thinking patterns to cut through all the sh*t and find success.Favorite quoteOn one hand you talk about wanting to be an author or a business owner or going back to school, while at the same time youve reduced your lifes potential to the lofty aim of getting up at the first alarm buzz or fighting the meaningless battle of prizing yourself away from your cellphone a little more often. You just cant keep responding in ordinary ways if you are truly out to live an extraordinary life.This book is akin to Your no-bullsh*t older brother having a heart-to-heart with you over a scotch at midnight. Youll laugh, you may cry, but at the end of the night, youll be better for it.4. The Best Advice I Ever Got Lessons From Extraordinary Lives by Katie CouricWhat began as a collection ofthoughts for a commencement speech turned into a thoughtful curation of advice from some of todays fruchtwein successful people.Couric intervie ws people in politics, entertainment, sports, philanthropy, the arts, and business, sharing their insights on how to take chances, follow your passions, cope with criticism, and commit to something greater than yourself. Plus, all of the proceeds from this book go to Scholarship America, which helps ambitious students graduate from college and realize their full potential.Favorite quoteVery few of us get through this life unscathed. Scratch beneath a strangers surface and youre likely to uncover professional setbacks, broken hearts, unspeakable loss, unfulfilled dreams, or worse. Everyone seems to keep going but, God knows, navigating through it all isnt easy.This book is similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul, but business casual.5. Work Wife by Erica Cerulo and Claire MazurThese pages are brimming with girl power. Cerulo and Mazur speak with work wives whove created thriving businesses across a myriad of fields and demonstrate how empowered female friendships can run the business wo rld. The book dives into a range of topics vital to successful partnerships, such as being co-bosses, tackling disagreements, dealing with money, and accommodating motherhood, offeringreaders a roadmap to fruitful work-wife relationships.Favorite quoteThe unfortunate fact of the matter is that, as women, we have a rougher go of it in the workplace whether on a Hollywood set or in a cubicle and for all of the camaraderie and mind-melding benefits, being part of a pair also serves as a defense mechanism. Being able to turn to someone and say Am I crazy? is a boon because women are made to question their own sanity all the time.Best time to read this book With a bottle of Merlot and your best gal pals on FaceTime.6. Unlearn 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life by Humble the PoetThis book is centeredon the idea that we gain more from letting go, and as someone who recently moved cities and purged all of the extra crap Id managed to hide in the corners of my closet, I can personally att est to this notion. Humble the Poet breaks down some of lifes most complex emotions into simple, bite-sized truths. Change can be overwhelming, but not when youre focused on making moves one step at a time. The lessons are short and relatable, reminding you that not everything in life has to be so complicated, Avril.Favorite quoteGet out there. Be uncomfortable. Make mistakes. Get embarrassed. Well all be dead soon, its not a big deal.Who will benefit mosthoarders (emotional baggage counts, too).7. The Defining Decade Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg JayDr. Meg Jay explains over the course of 239 pages why the 30-is-the-new-20 culture is complete rubbish and how you can use your 20s to propel your future in a direction youre passionate about. Jay weaves the latest science with stories from 20-somethings and provides actionable steps to create identity capital and make the most of your defining decade. This should be required reading for every 20-s omething.Favorite quoteJays entire TED Talk on the topic.Guaranteed tomake every 20-something think twice before swiping right.8. Tuesdays With Morrie An Old Man, a Young Man, and Lifes Greatest Lesson by Mitch AlbomThis memoir chronicles a series of weekly visits Albom made to his former sociology professor Morrie Schwartz, as Schwartz gradually loses his life to ALS. Their bond is beautifully honest and reminds readersthat human connection is at the core of a fulfilled life. In his final weeks, Morrie unloads some hard-won nuggets of wisdomaboutwhat happiness is and how to ensure your life is one worth living.Favorite quoteAs you grow, you learn more. If you stayed as ignorant as you were at 22, youd always be 22. Aging is not just decay, you know. Its growth. Its more than the negative that youre going to die, its the positive that you understand youre going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.Some friendly advice If youre a crier, have tissues nearby.A version of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.Megan Nicole ONeal is a UCLA alum and public relations specialist with a passion for storytelling and a firm belief that only the right photo is worth 1,000 words. An avid adventurist, she has traveled to five different continents, all on an endless quest to find the worlds greatest cup of coffee. Megan currently works at in the PR department for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Los Angeles. Connect with Megan on Twitter at megan_n_oneal or on her website,mnoneal.com.

The Career Path to Becoming a Retail Rock Star CEO

The Career Path to Becoming a Retail Rock Star CEOThe Career Path to Becoming a Retail Rock Star CEOIts hard to pinpoint when or why it began, but behauptung days the CEOs of Americas best-known companies have attained a fame that rivals that of professional athletes and rock stars. High profile corporate leaders are being idolized, scrutinized, and televised. With salaries, bonuses, and exit packages that rival those of Americas best-known celebrities, the position of corporate CEO has gained more than a little sex appeal. While many employees in the retail industry today have their eye on the seemingly glamorous chief executive job, the goal seems distant and somewhat unattainable. There are plenty of great musicians who never make a platinum record. There are also plenty of brilliant employees who will never attain rock star CEO status. As the lines between business and celebrity start to blur, retail employees are left wondering if progressive career paths totenstill exist or if, like rock stars, theyre going to have to hope for a big break to make it to the top of the retail industry. Famous CEOs Leave Clues for Career Advancement Todays ascent up the retail corporate ladder is less like a singular climb up a sturdy structure and more like a blind and crowded crawl around an unmarked labyrinth with shifting walls. Well-established and fixed hierarchies have given way to constant shuffles of the org chart boxes. Just when you think you have your next move mapped out, some overpaid OD consultant swoops in and changes the topography. Its like a bad road trip in the family SUV. You can see where you want to go, but you cant find a way to get there from here. There are very few companies that will take employees by the hand and lead them through their career journey anymore. Employees today are left to use their own navigational skills to make their way to the penthouse office suite. It may be a mysterious journey, but its not an impossible one. By reconstr ucting the professional route that some well-known CEOs took to get to the top, certain similarities and patterns emerge. A single executives work history may not mapquest the most relevant career path for contemporary corporate America, but each path can provide clues to those retail employees who are looking for career advancement direction. There are 4 different career paths to look at Traditional rise through the ranksCompany and industry hoppingSpecialized focus and expertiseRetail Enterprenuerialship Traditional Rise Through the Retail Store Ranks Progressive promotion is the old school strategy for success in the retail field. Work hard, be loyal, and grow with the company. This career path is slow, its steady, and its definitely not glamorous, but it is a practical path to take. While rising through the ranks might have been considered the only way to advance for baby boomers, its a relatively uncommon phenomenon for todays retail chief executives. Nevertheless, the care er paths of Targets Robert Ulrich, Best Buys Brad Anderson, and Walgreens Jeffrey Rein stand out as classic examples of a good, old-fashioned ladder-climbing ascent. Robert Ulrich, CEO, Target Corporation, 1994-2008 Born in Minneapolis, MNSon of a 3M executiveB.A. degree, University of MinnesotaStanford Executive Program, Stanford University Graduate School of BusinessCart attendant, Dayton Hudson CorporationMerchandising trainee, Dayton CorporationSales manager, Dayton CorporationBuyer, Dayton CorporationGroup manager, Dayton CorporationDivisional merchandise manager, Dayton CorporationMerchandising, Dayton Department StoresVice president and general merchandise manager Daytons Department StoresSenior vice president of stores, Daytons Department Stores Executive vice president for merchandise, sales promotion, and presentation, Daytons Department StoresPresident and CEO, Diamonds Department StoresCo-president, responsible for merchandising, absatzwirtschaft, and distribution, Dayto n Hudson Department Store GroupPresident, Target StoresChairman and CEO, Target Stores Brad Anderson, CEO, Best Buy Born in Sheridan, WYSon of a Lutheran ministerBelow average high school studentA.A. degree, Waldorf CollegeB.A. degree in sociology, University of DenverAttended Northwestern Seminary, St. Paul, MinnesotaCommissioned salesman, Sound of Music stereoStore manager, Sound of MusicSales manager, Sound of MusicVice president, Best BuyExecutive vice president, Best BuyBoard of directors, Best BuyPresident and COO, Best BuyCEO, Best Buy Jeffrey Rein, CEO, Walgreens Born in New Orleans, LAGraduated from Sahuro High School in TusconBachelors degree in accounting, University of Arizona, TusconBachelors degree in pharmacy, University of Arizona, TusconEmployee, Defender DrugPharmacy intern for his future father-in-lawEmployee, Longs DrugsAssistant manager, WalgreensStore manager, WalgreensDistrict manager, WalgreensDivisional vice president, WalgreensVice president of marketing sy stems and services, WalgreensTreasurer, WalgreensVice president of marketing systems and services, Walgreens Executive vice president of marketing, WalgreensPresident and COO, WalgreensCEO, WalgreensChairman, Walgreens Company-hopping, Industry-jumping Career Path In direct contrast to the traditional rise through the ranks is the career path in which the CEOs hopped, jumped and zig-zagged their way to the top of a retail organization. These leaders moved with ease between different companies and different industries, rising a little higher with each move until they leapfrogged to the top of a major retail operation. This is more common for contemporary CEOs, which gives the impression that todays retail organizations are less about grooming and more about snatching up the already groomed. Even though industry jumping is commonplace, retail leaders and analysts are still somewhat shocked when a retail organization appoints a CEO who has no prior retail experience. This was the c ase with eBays Meg Whitman, and both of Home Depots last two CEOs, Robert Nardelli and Frank Blake. Whitman had neither technical nor retail experience when she was recruited to lead eBay out of relative obscurity. Nardelli had experience in manufacturing giant, General Electric, and Blake had mostly government experience before they each took over the helm of Home Depot. The zigzag career paths of these three chiefs illustrate how the company-hopping, industry-jumping career path can work. Margaret (Meg) Whitman, CEO, eBay, 1998-2008 Born in Long Island, NYGraduated from Cold Spring Harbor High School, Cold Spring Harbor, NYB.A. degree in Economics, Princeton UniversityAdvertising sales, Princeton undergraduate magazineM.B.A. degree, Harvard Business SchoolBrand management for Noxzema, Procter GambleConsultant, Bain CompanyVice president, Bain CompanySr. vice president for marketing, consumer products, The Walt Disney Co.President, Stride RitePresident and CEO, Florist Transworl d DeliveryGlobal management and marketing, Hasbro CEO, eBay Robert Nardelli, CEO, Home Depot, 2000-2007 Born in Old Forge, PAFather was aGE plant manager, mother was a real estate agentGraduated from Rockford Auburn High School, Rockford, ILB.S. degree in business from Western Illinois University, Macomb, ILM.B.A. degree, University of LouisvilleEntry level manufacturing engineer, General ElectricManagement, GE AppliancesManagement, GE LightingManagement, GE Transportation SystemsExecutive vice president general manager, J.I.Case Company / TennecoExecutive vice president and CEO, CAMCOPresident and CEO GE Transportation Systems President and CEO, GE Power SystemsSenior vice president, General ElectricCEO Chairman, Home Depot Specialized Focus and Expertise Career Path Often retail organizations will choose chief executives who possess expertise in a specific area that is determined to be key to the companys future. This career path sometimes has an industry-hopping aspect to it, but the jump seems more logical and less shocking to outside observers. Jeff Bezoshad neither retail nor publishing-related experience before he started Amazon, but he had the essential technical expertise to create the amazon.com infrastructure. H. windschatten Scott had a distinct transportation and logistics career path, which was an aspect of the business that Wal-Mart was interested in keeping strong. Restaurant experience is not what Darden wanted from Clarence Otis when they chose him to be CEO. Darden wanted his finance experience to keep that aspect of its restaurant chains strong. The career paths of these three retail CEOs illustrates that specialized focus and expertise in one aspect of a retail business can eventually lead to the CEO office as well. H. Lee Scott, CEO, Wal-mart Born in Joplin, MOSon of a gas station manager and an elementary school music teacherFathers helper, Phillips 66 gas stationGraduated from Baxter Springs High School, Baxter Springs, KSB.S. de gree in Business, Pittsburg State University in KansasExecutive Development Program, Penn State UniversityExecutive Development Program, Columbia UniversityLaborer, tire mold manufacturerManagement training program, Yellow FreightTerminal manager, Yellow Freight SystemsAssistant director of transportation, Wal-Mart Director of transportation, Wal-MartVice president of transportation, Wal-MartVice president of distribution, Wal-MartSenior vice president of logistics, Wal-MartExecutive vice president of logistics, Wal-MartExecutive vice president of merchandise, Wal-MartPresident and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores divisionVice chairman and COO, Wal-MartDirector of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.President and CEO, Wal-Mart Clarence Otis, Jr., CEO, Darden Restaurants Born in Vicksburg, MS, grew up in the notorious Watts ghetto in South Los AngelesSon of a janitorGraduated from Jordan High School, Los Angeles, CABachelors degree in both economics and political science fromWilliams College, Williamstown, MA ( Magna Cum Laude)Law degree, Stanford University Law SchoolCorporate law, specializing in securities law and mergers and acquisitions, Donovan Leisure Newton IrvineLawyer, Gordon, Hurwitz, Butowsky, Weitzen, Shalov WeinInvestment banking, Kidder, Peabody Co. Vice president, First Boston CorporationManaging director, Giebert Municipal CapitalManaging director and manager of public finance, Chemical Securities (JP Morgan Securities)Vice president and treasurer, Darden RestaurantsSenior vice president of investor relations, Darden RestaurantsSenior vice president of finance and treasurer, Darden RestaurantsCFO, Darden RestaurantsPresident of Smokey Bones Barbeque Grill, Darden RestaurantsExecutive vice president, Darden RestaurantsDirector, Darden Restaurants CEO, Darden Restaurants Retail Entrepreneurship Career Path The only surefire strategy for becoming a retail CEO is to start your own company and award yourself the title. The entrepreneurs are the true creators in the reta il industry. They didnt follow much of a career path at all. Instead, they defined their own career, charted their own destination, and sketched out their own road map. Sam Waltonof Wal-Mart was an entrepreneur almost from the start. Others, like James Sinegal of Costco, started down a traditional career path and made the entrepreneurial leap in mid-career. The career paths of these two retail legends show that its never too early or too late to appoint yourself as your own CEO. Sam Walton, CEO, Wal-Mart Born in Kingfisher, OKSon of farmersMilked the family cow, bottled the milk and delivered it to customersNewspaper deliveryGraduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, MO, (voted most versatile boy)Bachelors degree in economics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MOWaiterLifeguardROTC officerManagement trainee, J.C. PenneyDuPont munitions plant, Tulsa OKSecuritysupervisorat aircraft plants and POW camps, US Army IntelligencePurchased a Butler Brothers franchise retail store in New port, AR Purchased another Butler Brothers store in 1950 in Bentonville, AR and called it Waltons 510Sold the Newport Butler Brothers store ($50,000 profit)Purchased a non-franchised retail store in Fayetteville, ARPurchased larger stores and called them Waltons Family CenterOpened the first Wal-Mart in 1962Founder and CEO, Wal-Mart James Sinegal, CEO, Costco Born in Pittsburgh, PASon of a steelworkerGraduated from Helix High School, Pittsburgh, PAA.A. degree, San Diego City CollegeEnrolledinSan Diego State University, did not graduateMattress handler, Fed-Mart CorporationBagger, Fed-Mart CorporationStore manager, Fed-Mart CorporationVice president of merchandising andoperations,Fed-Mart CorporationExecutive Vice President, Fed-Mart CorporationVice President of Merchandising, Builders EmporiumPresident, Sinegal/Chamberlin AssociatesExecutive vice president, Price Company Co-founder, president, and CEO, Costco Wholesale Moving in the Right Direction in Your Retail Career When 19 ,000 college graduates were asked by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) how they would choose a job, the class of 2008 respondents said their highest priority was finding a company that provides the opportunity for advancement. For those who want the highest possible advancement to the ultimate retail destination, the career paths of contemporary CEOs can serve as inspiration that many different routes are available. The journey will be easiest for those who are the most flexible, adaptable, and resourceful, especially when the next steps are not very clear. If youre not exactly sure how youll get there from here, take a step that provides some type of learning or expansion. Thats one step that all rock star CEOs found to be a step in the right direction.