Job Search Advice, Resume Writing Tips from a Career Consultant

Don't you wish there was a GPS for job search? We could all start at a designated point and simply program a satellite to reach the job offer destination. Locating the job offer ranks as one of the greatest mysteries of our time because not only are we not provided a roadmap but there is no vehicle either! And to make matters worse, many of us have are unsure of our destination.

How do we resist the temptation of making tactical errors without MapQuest? Here are a few suggestions:

Don't claim to be different - Candidates need to remember that in this era of team play and relationship bonding, a Bohemian, while cool on Friday nights can be disastrous to the business machine on Monday morning. Employers cringe at the thought of potential incompatibility.

Don't submit salary requirements! - Employers know they have a naive candidate when a job seeker complies with that seemingly mandatory request, "Only those with salary requirements will be considered." Generally employers don't eliminate a compelling candidate because he is wise enough to realize that he who mentions money first loses.

Don't cocoon! - Don't be too tired, too busy or too proud to network. With the inevitable change in climate, soon it will be tempting to stay in and watch Monday night football. It's not who you know... its who knows you!

Watch that wardrobe! - During election years I tape all political debates to use as teaching tools. It's amazing what we learn when we remove the sound. Remember, before employers hear you, they see you and therein lies the real initial impression. If you are unsure regarding your image get help!

Finally, be prepared to make a few mistakes and know that they happen to everyone. Just remember that the greater your awareness of job search mine fields the more likely you'll be savvy enough to avoid them.

Labels: job search

We all know that first impressions can determine whether doors open for us but many times we still fail to pay attention to our communication tools. From voice mail to e-mail it's critical to being a potential hiring relationship with a professional image.

We have found a way for employers to see view your resume directly from your email. Job seekers need to display the best of themselves in email signatures. So in addition to your name, phone number, email and LinkedIn profile here's how we display resumes with just a point and click from an email: www.myresume.us.com

While we're on the subject, please get the baby off of your voice mail. Also the digital lady isn't really impressive either! If you have automated voice mail please prepare a professional message with your voice!

We all know that if we change nothing... Nothing changes...Our job seekers practice the following: Remember some are more difficult than others!

1. Will only see a half-full glass and have no "stinkin' thinkin."
2. Will not waste time, but will design a weekly search schedule.
3. Will not accept rejection as personal, just business.
4. Will concern myself with those things over which I have direct control, and
not those things over which I have no control.
5. Will involve my family and friends and keep them involved.
6. Will not expect the next job to fall into my lap. I am a hunter!
7. Will not daydream my way into my next job.
8. Will not place blame on others, only on myself, will control my job change.
9. Will complete a minimum of 50-150 job-hunting activities weekly.
10. Will read everything I can to improve my position in this search.
11. Will give myself permission to try.
12. Will give myself permission to fail.
13. Will give myself permission to ask for help.
14. Will give myself permission to make mistakes.
15. Will give myself permission to succeed!