Blog
Less is more. Be knowledgeable and focused.
Most job seekers view their resume as their life’s story or history, which in most cases is incorrect. Most of the thousands of resumes I have had the opportunity to view, review and edit are too long and often bear little or no resemblance to what is being asked for in the job description. Absolutely, too many words in search of an idea. As the old saying goes “short and sweat” could well be your guide. Think of your resume as your Sales Brochure, not just the listing of your experiences with few or no results. Your resume aka Sales Brochure...
read moreThink of your cover letter and resume as sales tools.
All too often I see a real lack of understanding of the effective use of these important documents. Understanding the purpose, use and integration with each other is vital for achieving positive results. They are not, nor should be, a regurgitation of your jobs, titles, experiences, and other past information looking backwards with few if any positive results.In my opinion, it is critical that you understand that these documents are your Sales Brochures and need to be targeted/focused with your features and benefits. Highlighting your...
read moreA Contrarian View About Resumes #3
In most situations, sending in resumes into the electronic black hole will be used to “deselect” you, not “select” you. There is a pervasive and overwhelming believe that all you need to know and find regarding job searching is on the Internet. Not true! First, while the Internet offers so much to so many, please keep in mind that it is a big, paid unregulated ad, especially so when it comes to job postings. Be a thoughtful, careful, and realistic consumer. Based on my 39 years as a career coach, maybe 3% of submitted online resumes...
read moreA Contrarian View About Resumes #2
Most resumes look like historical documents or obituaries rather than sales or marketing brochures. 95% of the resumes I see are backward looking listing of titles and experiences. Few if any, tout successes, achievements, and results. Resumes with the potential for success are focused and targeted looking forward and supported by the added value past and future. Less is more when resumes are focused to the key words contained in the job description. Their words are much more important than yours. In my opinion, your resumes need to speak...
read moreA Contrarian View About Resumes
There is no such thing as a perfect resume, except in the eye of the beholder. I most cases, unless you know the person asking for your resume, know firsthand what they really want it for, what specifically they want your resume to focus on, what layout/format works best for them, samples of your work, copies of work evaluations and letters of reference …. blindly sending in your resume to the electronic black hole will generally produce results somewhere between slim and none. Taking your unique gifts, talents and interests seriously,...
read moreYou Are The Star
Finding or creating a new, better fantastic job is not unlike a play with actors, actresses, stagehands, producers, and directors. Putting on a successful play takes commitment to producing the best possible performance, coupled with the wiliness to expend the time and energy to assure it will happen. Finding a new and rewarding employment opportunity really has many similarities and you are the star, and hopefully, you have many positive, encouraging, and committed helpers assuring that you will have a winning performance to an audience that...
read moreReferral Very Encouraged
Since our birthing in the early 1980’s CareerMakers has touched the lives of over 9,000 individuals, most of whom were referred by a previous client, friend, or corporate outplacement. Referrals came in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. What bound them together was the love and caring of others, wanting to help them achieve a new, better fantastic job and that is exactly what we have been blessed to be a part of. From presidents to first jobs. Pilots to nurses, finding or creating new and rewarding employment opportunities in all sectors,...
read moreCommitment and Willingness
Almost on a daily basis, I am privileged to receive inquires about my services and I am more than pleased to discuss what I do, how I work, and what results potential clients can reasonably expect when engaging me. Knowing I can’t do it for them, but being their successful mentor, coach, and partner in their potential job transition, I focus on two very important considerations they must make. Commitment and willingness. Commitment to doing something good and positive for themselves. On a scale of 1-10 where are they/you? 1 is a phooey...
read moreDon’t Sit On The Sidelines
Don’t sit on the sidelines! Unfortunately, too many potential job changers look at this time of year through January 1st saying to themselves, “Not Now” with the misguided belief that everyone is too busy to help them, thus making what they have said to themselves become their reality and stay stuck. The next eight weeks can provide unique networking opportunities and potential access to individuals otherwise challenging to meet. As my Senior HR Director friend told me, “with many job seekers becoming inactive at this time, my staff and I are...
read moreHoliday Cheer
The holiday season is almost upon us! Too soon for many, while not soon enough for others. This time of year hopefully brings you a pleasant or joyful time with family and friends, enjoying all that is good and taking the time to reflect on our bountiful gifts while not overlooking the needs of others. It is certainly an important time of year for sharing ourselves with those less fortunate which in itself will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. This time of year often puts us in a reflective mood, the end of another year, and...
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