ITList Information Technology Blog » Aptitude http://itlist.com Current IT field related information Mon, 27 Dec 2010 04:35:43 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.2 How to keep Creative Ideas Flowing? http://itlist.com/how-to-keep-creative-ideas-flowing/ http://itlist.com/how-to-keep-creative-ideas-flowing/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:49:00 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/how-to-keep-creative-ideas-flowing/ Who doesn’t want to be creative? But only a handful of us are creative. On contrary to this ratio, we all are creative within; creativity is there in all of us. But most of us don’t realize it, don’t cultivate it further. But, creativity is required everywhere – from education to business, from physics to psychology. Without creativity, life comes to a halt. Creativity gives vent to ones’ imagination, thinking, ideation power, and understanding of the surrounding. It’s the passion to create something new, which is the driving force behind all innovations in this world.

But how to keep the creative juice flowing? Here are tips below regarding where to get creative ideas from.

Choose an area of interest

Choose an area of work, which interests you. Don’t do what everyone is doing and is counted as trendy, or what brings money. Follow your heart and aptitude. You should do things which interest you, what you are passionate about. Then work will never seem like burden, it will be enjoyable. Within your passionate field further choose an area which you are good at. Like some artists are best in oil painting. So they excel if they go to the same field.

Draw inspiration from a source

You should be inspired by someone, to get going. It could be anyone – a mentor whose work inspire you or a famous person, a renowned global personality whose creations and success have always driven you crazy. Don’t imitate them blindly, get inspired by them.

Challenge yourself, do something new

Don’t end up doing what the rests have been doing. Challenge yourself constantly. Even if it seems impossible and full of hurdles in reality, if you think your idea is good and you can do it, go for it. It may take time and patience, but all great things come after long wait. Don’t be nailed down by failures. Failures will take you to success. If breaking rules help in procuring something good, let it happen.

Write down your ideas

Whenever something unique comes to your mind, pen it down and keep safely. It will keep you involved, focused, motivated and will help you to measure your progress.

Consult outer sources

Stay humble and open to new ideas. Don’t think you know it all. Tomorrow while talking to someone you come up with a better idea than before. So keep learning from others, books, films, articles – whatever is relevant for you. Even in an informal chat over coffee, great ideas may spring up.

Stay creative!

]]> http://itlist.com/how-to-keep-creative-ideas-flowing/feed/ 0 How to Write an Effective Cover Letter? http://itlist.com/how-to-write-an-effective-cover-letter/ http://itlist.com/how-to-write-an-effective-cover-letter/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 17:16:22 +0000 bikram http://itlist.com/how-to-write-an-effective-cover-letter/ A cover letter accompanies resume to be mailed to the employer. It shouldn’t duplicate the resume, but complement it. It should be factual, informative, data oriented yet personal. Cover letter is your first opportunity to impress the recruiter, thus, writing an effective cover letter is of great importance. Writing a cover letter for the purpose of job often seems like a tedious task. But if certain steps and tips are followed it’s quite an easy. There are mainly 3 types of cover letters – the application letter (in response to a known job vacancy), prospecting letter (enquiring about prospective vacancy) and networking letter (requesting information and assistance in job search).

An ideal cover letter has 4 parts –

Salutation

Letter should address the person you wish to communicate with. This person may hire you. Spell the full name correctly.

Opening

Opening paragraph of the letter is very important, as it’s the first step to appeal to the reader. If you are applying in response to an advertisement, mention that.

Body

This is the most descriptive part of the letter. It should reflect your educational qualification as per your resume, your job experience. You have to sell yourself in most attractive package in this part.

Closing

End has to be interesting, humble and effective. At the end, request for an interview/appointment. Leave a thank note. Use standard complimentary notes like – ‘Sincerely yours’ or ‘Your faithfully’. Leave some space for your signature and below that type your full name.

How to craft the letter?

  • Customize the cover letter, as per the employer. Do research concerning the employer before writing the letter. Specifically relate your skills and aptitude with the job you are applying for.
  • Mention the source, from where you came to know about the given position. Don’t forget to mention title of the position you are applying for.
  • Mention reasons of your interest in the organization. To write in detail, do your homework about the company, its success stories, recent projects, and upcoming projects.
  • Only display relevant skills and experience. Don’t include unrelated ones.
  • Emphasize on your matching educational qualification, abilities, strengths, and achievements.

Remember certain important points while writing

  • Be brief and hit on the point
  • Don’t make mistake
  • Use word processor and spell check
  • Avoid clumsy fonts and colors

Don’t let the chances of casting a good impression go waste with a poor cover letter. Follow the guidelines and craft a brief effective cover letter. Attach it with your CV and send across. Cross your fingers and wait for the interview call. Good luck!

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