Resume Tune Up

Employers have fears, uncertainty and DOUBT (the FUD factor) over your ability to actually do what you claim you can do in your resume and cover letter.

Combine this with the fact that EVERY candidate looks good on paper, no-one leaves their previous job because they were paid too much, the work was too interesting and all the people were fantastic, and you can see the challenge you're facing. (I'm yet to see a resume or cover letter that says the candidate is just average...) Specifically, here's what they fear about YOU:

They fear:

* Your resume is too good to be true and you won't be able to do the job.
* You won't stick around.
* You don't play well with others.

So with all that in mind, over the next week or so we thought we'd share some thoughts, ideas and tips that help remove some of the FUD factor surrounding YOU (and our business too).

--------------------------------

How to make an employer WANT to read your application

--------------------------------

Employers don't really care about YOU, they only care about what you can do for THEM.

I've lost count of the cases I've seen where applicants with the best education, training or experience lose the job to someone with less education, skills and experience. The reason for this is that the applicant with the better skills or experience simply didn't sell themselves to the employer as well as the less skilled applicant. This leads us to a really important question: how do you know if your application is selling you as well as it could be?

Well for starters, cover letters are valuable in helping sell you to an employer because they're like mini-ads for your resume. Interest them with a brief summary, and you'll get your resume read and not thrown into the trash.

Secondly, you need to make sure that your cover letter doesn't say the same things as everyone else's! The problem is that we all learned to write our job applications the same way. Following the rules you were taught is the best way to ensure that not only will you not get noticed, but you'll stay unemployed for a long time.

Almost every application uses phrases like: "here is my resume for your position", "I have been seeking an opportunity such as this", "I can contribute to your company."

It's the same as a business saying they have good quality and after-sales service. Every business says it, and these days it's just not a good enough reason to want to do business with them. Apply this logic to your application letter. If it only talks about YOU, how good YOU are and how many years experience YOU'VE had, then you're missing the point!

The real purpose of your application should be to show the employer how your skills and experiences will benefit THEM. If your application doesn't do this, you're making it too hard for them to give you the job.

Here's an actual before and after example from my files:

"Senior NT and UNIX Systems Administrator position utilizing web development, network support and multimedia experience."

Notice how it says nothing of the company being applied to or what the applicant is intending to do for THEM. Off the top of my head, I suggested to the applicant that they could turn it around quite easily like this:

"To break all records for network stability in your company, thereby creating a productive and skilled workforce that can generate even MORE customers, support them better and make more money for you."

It's just a very quick example of turning your skills into results that an employer would be interested in. This may look relatively simple, but it can be tricky to get right. But I assure you, once you master the trick of powerfully restating your skills and experience in a way that will mean something to an employer, then you'll never be out of work again! The one simple mistake you may be making which immediately kills your chances

Here's the one thing that immediately stops most people from getting the jobs they're applying for: they keep sending the SAME application letter (that doesn't produce results) to every job they apply for.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that if you keep doing something that doesn't work while expecting a different result you really must be a masochist! The problem with sending the same "loser" application to employers is that it raises doubts about your employability. This example below will show you what I mean.

Let me introduce David the Masochist... David has been applying for positions with us for over a year. He was also applying to other companies using the same cover letter. How do we know this?

1. He never used our name in his application letter, and
2. We asked him.

Also - because he keeps applying to us we can assume he hasn't been offered a job from anyone else. This also raises serious doubts in our mind as to David's employability. If he was any good he should have a job by now.

Can you relate to David's situation? If so, then let me show you the simple strategy that turned David's life around. I rang him and asked him why he kept sending the same unsuccessful application to us and everyone else when it obviously wasn't doing the job. He was dumbfounded. It never occurred to him that his APPLICATION was a failure. He was taking it personally - he thought HE was a failure.

He had been on unemployment for a whole year simply because his application letter and resume wasn't performing. I suggested he try a new application to see whether I was right. He invested in a new resume and cover letter from us, and the result: he had three interviews within the first week of trying the new approach.

In summary: If you are sending the same sort of application letter to each job and you're not getting interviewed then CHANGE YOUR APPLICATION!!!

It's not YOU that an employer rejects, it's simply your application that's being rejected. You know you can do the job, you wouldn't be applying if you couldn't do it. So don't take this rejection personally.

We see hundreds of applications and resumes each week and I can tell you now, more than 90% of them are letting the applicant down. Most of those that make it to interview will make the same simple yet easily avoidable mistakes and miss out on a job that should be theirs.

Hi - I'm a marketing junkie who gets off on helping job seekers find their talent at my site http://www.job-secrets-revealed.com. I'm also a paraglider pilot to which people suggest I have a death wish but to me it's more of a life wish.

---

Google News Updated : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:11:53 GMT UN agency to resume Gaza aid work - BBC News WELT ONLINE UN agency to resume Gaza aid work BBC News - 1 hour ago The UN aid agency Unrwa is to resume operations in Gaza as soon as possible after receiving assurances on safety from Israel, a spokeswoman said. Video: Rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel france24english UN aid chief disappointed Gaza truce call ignored Reuters New York Times - The Associated Press - Xinhua - Aljazeera.net all 39,172 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:25:09 GMT Ukraine limits gas consumption as cut-off bites - Reuters ABC News Ukraine limits gas consumption as cut-off bites Reuters - 1 hour ago By Pavel Polityuk and Guy Faulconbridge KIEV, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Ukraine limited gas supplies to industrial customers on Friday to ensure the pipeline system remained operational, the latest sign that the dispute is starting to further sap Ukraine's ... Video: Ukraine is blackmailing us Putin RussiaToday Europe Kept Waiting for Gas Voice of America Bloomberg - Financial Times - Monsters and Critics.com - BBC News all 8,375 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:08:44 GMT Boston fire truck smashes into building; 4 injured - The Associated Press NECN Boston fire truck smashes into building; 4 injured The Associated Press - 1 hour ago BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Fire Department says a ladder truck has crashed into a high-rise apartment building, injuring at least four firefighters. Fire truck crashes into Boston building NECN Boston firefighter killed when truck crashes into building Boston Globe Boston Channel.com - My Fox Boston - WWLP 22News - WTEN all 269 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:01:03 GMT US lost 2.6 million jobs in 2008 - International Herald Tribune The Associated Press US lost 2.6 million jobs in 2008 International Herald Tribune - 2 hours ago By Louis Uchitelle NEW YORK: US employers shed 2.6 million jobs in 2008, the worst year since 1945, the government reported Friday, and a rapidly deteriorating economy promises more significant losses ahead. Video: Jobless Rate Jumps to 7.2 Percent in December AssociatedPress Unemployment hits 7.2 percent Bizjournals.com Washington Post - MarketWatch - Forbes - TheStreet.com all 2,018 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:56:06 GMT SCENARIOS: Challenges for Obama intelligence team - Reuters SCENARIOS: Challenges for Obama intelligence team Reuters - 36 minutes ago WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama on Friday named retired Adm. Dennis Blair to oversee US spy agencies as director of national intelligence, and chose former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta as CIA director. Obama completes national security team The Associated Press Pelosi on Panetta: ''Impeccable judgment, unquestioned integrity'' San Francisco Chronicle USA Today - MSNBC - Voice of America - Bloomberg all 3,238 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:35:19 GMT Palin: Media Portrayal Would Be 'Prettier' If She'd Been Dem VP ... - ABC News ABC News Palin: Media Portrayal Would Be 'Prettier' If She'd Been Dem VP ... ABC News - 39 minutes ago By LEE FERRAN Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is still fuming over the coverage she received during the presidential campaign and claims that if she were from a different "class" or political party, the her coverage would have much "prettier. Palin: Crazy or Crazy Like a Fox? Washington Post Finally! Sarah Strikes Back at the Mainstream Media FOXNews The Associated Press - People Magazine - E! Online - Wall Street Journal Blogs all 621 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:32:12 GMT Report: COBRA cost outweighs Florida jobless benefit - Bizjournals.com ABC News Report: COBRA cost outweighs Florida jobless benefit Bizjournals.com - 1 hour ago Florida is one of nine states in which the average premium for COBRA, providing health care coverage for laid-off workers and their families, equals or exceeds the average unemployment benefits, according to a study by Families USA. Unemployed: Out of Luck, Out of Health Care ABC News Health insurance no bargain for unemployed: group Reuters The Associated Press - Asheville Citizen-Times - Sun-Sentinel.com - CBS News all 164 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:25:59 GMT Add RSS Feeds To My Web Pages Increase Website Traffic

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Is Your Job Search Guided by the Controller or the Controllee?

I'll define what I mean by these terms. "The Controller"... Read More

How to Change Careers and Still Pay the Bills - 5 Key Steps

Studies show that more than 50% of people are unhappy... Read More

Have Enough Money to Change Careers - Five Key Steps

At every talk I give, I ask the audience to... Read More

The Quickly Changing Landscape Of The Job Market

Does it seem that with every passing year it's getting... Read More

Cracking the Connection Code: Networking for the Introverted

We've all heard it before: "Just get out there and... Read More

A Job is Not a Job

It only happened on Mondays. Sometimes I escaped... Read More

Lost Your Job? Ten Ways to Bounce Back!

Whether you've been right-sized, downsized, underutilized, or just plain fired,... Read More

Stacking The Deck In Your Favor

Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: Read, Dont Copy

The resume objective statement is typically something that trips people... Read More

Has ADHD Put Your Career in Danger? 3 Steps to Get You Back on Track

"Roger, you must get those contracts completed for this month's... Read More

Interview Questions: How To Stump The Interviewer

In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your... Read More

So, What Do You Do For Work?

I remember being asked this question a lot when I... Read More

Preparing For An Interview

When preparing for an interview, you need to know your... Read More

Free Resume Examples: Untold Wealth In 10 Minutes!

Doesn't every job search start with Google?Way back in another... Read More

Avoid Potential Job Interview Disasters

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More

Stop Searching for A Job and Start Attracting Professional Success!

1. Assess ? Evaluate your skills, interests and abilities. Understand... Read More

The Top Ten Strategies of A Great Interview

You've just received a call to interview with your dream... Read More

Could You Write Performance Reviews For Money?

Writing performance reviews can be an excellent way to earn... Read More

Seven Ways to Stand Out in a Sea of Applicants

Is your résumé getting lost in a flood of résumés?... Read More

Workplace Violence - 8 Tips For Spotting Early Warning Signs

One of the greatest threats facing both employees and the... Read More

Why Well Produced Career Portfolios Are Replacing CVs

What is a Career Portfolio?The original portfolio used by artists... Read More

Just a Series of Choices

Steve's a pretty regular guy ? wife, 4 kids in... Read More

Feedback: Take It or Leave It ... But Get It

The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants... Read More

Last Year Physician Resident Checklist

Here is a last year resident checklist not to forget:LICENSING:Licensing... Read More