3. Decide if you want to apply for multiple job openings directly to individual companies or through popular job portals. For example, you can search a company's Web site for openings and apply through the Web site (or through email) or sign up and apply through job portals such as Monster and CareerBuilder.

4. State your contact information, educational background, employment history and your present location when applying. Mention your current and expected salary if possible. Some of this information is optional, but submit as much information as possible.

5. While uploading your resume on job portals, ensure that it is presented well, preferably in Microsoft Word format. Make it clear and concise. The font and its size should be consistent throughout - Arial, Verdana or Times New Roman ranging between 10 and 12 point size. If necessary, employ a professional resume writer.

6. Mail or upload a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter should clearly state the position you are applying for, relevant skills that you have to offer and a brief statement on what makes you well suited for the job. Although your contact information will be mentioned in the resume, list it again in the cover letter.

7. Apply only for job positions that best suit your qualifications and experience. You can search various categories on popular Web sites. These job sites also provide useful information, such as tips for applying and preferred resume format.

8. Keep track of the applications you have made.

9. Call and confirm receipt of your resume if possible.

10. Update your resume frequently.

12. 4. Curriculum Vitae (cv).

14. A CV, sometimes called "a resume", is a brief personal history and especially a summary of your career history and the skills and experiences you have gained during the course of it. It is used as a basis for assessment and comparison of applicants. Therefore a CV is to show a prospective employer that you have the necessary qualities and qualifications to do the job you are applying for, that is your CV should clearly demonstrate that you have the specific skills needed for the job, the right sort of experience, and of course the personal qualities for the position. The easier a CV is read the better. Therefore:

16. Keep it short: no more than two A4 pages.

17. Keep it relevant: it should answer the employer's question whether you are able to do the job.

18. Keep it clear: it should be typewritten and well laid out. Stick to plain language and clear unambiguous statements.

19. Avoid: sending photocopies, spelling and grammar mistakes, alterations and amendments.

20. Leave out: unnecessary personal details, e.g. religious and political affiliation, negative and out-of-date information.

22. A general layout of a cv:

24. Name

25. Address and telephone number

26. Date and place of birth

27. Nationality

28. Married or single (give the ages of any children)

29. Education: dates and places of education

30. Languages: knowledge of English and other languages

31. Previous employment and work experience

32. Outside interests, hobbies, etc.

34. A basic cv

36. Your Name in large bold type

37. Your full address

38. Post code

39. Telephone number, including area code

41. Personal Profile

42. A brief, business-like description of yourself

43. Personal qualities

44. Experience

45. Skills and personal strengths

46. Key skills

16. Career History

Name of Company, usually starting with the most recent

Dates you worked there

Job Title

Brief description of what you did

Name of Company

Education and training

Name of school, college or university (starting with the highest, most recent or most relevant qualification)

Dates you attended

The qualification you achieved (You could include brief details of what was covered in the course, especially if recently qualified)

Professional training

Personal Details

Date of birth

Driving licence

Married or single - only if relevant

Nationality - only if relevant

Interests and activities ( brief details)

References ( usually “available on request”)

THE PERSONAL PROFILE

This section usually includes three types of statements referring to: personal profile, ca­reer profile and career objectives. The Personal Profile statements outline the personal characteristics, e.g.

"An experienced Chief officer, English Language and computer proficient. Quick to learn and skilled at work with people and initiating appropriate actions, capable, evaluating critical and con­flicting situations."

"A well organized reliable deck officer with extensive knowledge of good sea practice and expe­rience gained on board large and smaller vessels. Hardworking and trustworthy, English language and computer proficient”.

Include the following if appropriate:

Personal qualities: selfmotivated, innovative, organized, adaptable, reliable, trustwor­thy, accurate, able to work as part of team, friendly, punctual, hardworking, loyal, dependable, honest, motivated, calm, cooperative.

Experience: 5 years as second deck officer, wide experience on board chemical tankers, a good working knowledge of..., an excellent track record as second deck offi­cer, very good at, familiar with, an expert in ….

Skills: management skills, operational skills, communicative skills, problem solving skills, skilled at, a skillful deck officer, with the ability to …, qualified to, competent in ….

Personal strengths: work under pressure, an effective disciplined worker.

The CAREER PROFILE statements concentrate on career highlights, e.g.

"A highly competent chief officer with a thorough knowledge, understanding and profi­ciency in navigation, ship operation and cargo work and specific experience in container shipping. A successful deck officer with a proven track record in shipboard practice".