Making The Job Search Simple & Fun Installment #3

1) Lets Get Started With The Resume

The importance of one's resume cannot be stressed enough. This document is a professional reflection of no other person than you. Chances are you are competing with many applicants for a given position. The prospective employer to whom you are interviewing with is looking for a resume that will stand out.

Therefore like a successful retail display, it is critical that your resume possesses interruptive qualities.

The retail display which possesses outstanding graphics, along with an innovative structural design is likely to engender a consumer impulse-like purchase of the product. You will be more apt to purchase the product in that display versus the competitor's product which is on the shelf. The same principle applies to your resume. For example, along with the basic information such as your work and education history, you should attempt to utilize words that will get the attention of the prospective employer.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you communicate the fact that you helped your employers achieve their goals. Additionally, you should convey successes you accomplished working with various teams. Taking this approach will show that you have your employer's best interest in mind. Remember that it is the employer whom you need to impress versus tooting your own horn. Too many job applicants have forgotten this very basic idea. So if you want to create a resume that includes those interruptive features, then you will likely have a discernible edge on your competition.

With very few exceptions keep your resume to one page. Enumerate your accomplishments as much as you possibly can. An effective resume is one that gets results. The purpose of a resume is to score that interview.

Be very selective, relative to the data you place on a resume and include only the details that are germane to the prospective employer and the position. Be concise and avoid the use pronouns and articles (a, an, the) whenever possible.

An objective (optional) can immediately help identify the position to which you are applying. A Summary of Qualifications (optional) can offer a list of your skills and accomplishments right at the very beginning of your resume. You can also include why you are writing in the cover letter if the employer asks for one.

With that out of the way, let's move onto the free resume writing tips. To start your resume, begin by determining your objectives (do this prior to writing the resume). Clearly state what sort of a job you want and know what skill-set and experience is needed to do well in that job. After your objectives are determined, prioritize the content of your resume to suit those objectives. You have a small window of time to get the interest of a hiring manager so brevity and focus is essential. A lengthy resume does not translate to higher qualification.

Making The Job Search Simple & Fun Installment #2

The ‘Be-Attitudes’ Of The Job Search.

Here is a list of what can be characterized as the ‘Be-Attitudes’ of our job search.

• Be Positive.
• Be Happy.
• Be Punctual.
• Be Prepared.
• Be Motivated.
• Be Dressed For Success.
• Be Persistent.
• Be Professional.
• Be Courteous.
• Be Goal Oriented.
• Be Prayerful.
• Be Yourself.

Let’s examine each one ‘Be-Attitudes’ a bit closer.

Be Positive. First of all you should visualize yourself as being successful during your job search. Visualization is a very powerful tool of our minds. Use it as much as you can. Invariably how we see ourselves is what we eventually become, like somewhat of a self-fulfilled prophesy. Positive thinking will help you overcome any of the failures that are likely to be experienced during this process.

I urge you to try to be more positive and visualize good things happening to you.

Be Happy. Chances are you’ve heard the song lyrics, “don’t worry, be happy”.

Truer words were never spoken! How can worry effectively help us in our search for a job, or, for that matter, anything in life. Worry is one of life’s wasteful emotions. It’s time to lose it! Don’t get me wrong, as I know we will be confronted with many of life’s challenges. But for our purposes here, it is not prudent to embark upon our job search on the wrong foot. During your job search do things that make you happy. For example keep to your exercise regimen, read your favorite books, and I cannot stress the importance of surrounding yourself with happy, upbeat people. Allow yourself to laugh!

Laughter is one of God’s most powerful and beautiful gifts. If watching reruns of Friends, or Abbott and Costello movies tickle your funny bone then by all means, just do it and keep on laughing!

"Remember happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think." Dale Carnegie

Be Punctual. It is important to be punctual because it will make a great impression on the people around you. Also if you are late for something important such as a job interview, you may lose an opportunity of a lifetime. Punctuality is also a trust issue. When you make an appointment, you are making a commitment to be where you said you’d be when you said you’d be there. The only way you build up other people’s trust in you is by consistently meeting your commitments — and that starts with being punctual. The person who is always on time is someone others can trust to be as good as their word. In contrast, the person who is perpetually late is, plain and simple, someone who lies to you repeatedly. You said you’d be here at 9 o’clock, but you’re not here; if your word isn’t good enough about something as trivial as showing up on time, how can your word be any good about anything more important?

Be Prepared. Where would you like to work?  Which companies would be best fit your employment needs, and give you your best chance for advancement?  Where would you feel most happy and comfortable working? As you prepare for your job search, learn as much as you can about the company. Be sure to choose companies that are ideal for you, but be sure you can be an asset to that company. Naturally you should research a company to prepare for an interview. This approach will demonstrate your passion to work for that company, as well as showing respect for the company that will be signing your paycheck. Try to show an employer how your background and experience are right for the position. Convince the employer that you will help he or she achieve their goals. This will require your diligent research of the hiring company.

Be Motivated. Here are three effective ways to stay motivated while looking for a job;

1) Go out and find a new opportunity in person. One of the most effective ways I have found employment was by asking for it in person. According to the book "What Color is your Parachute" by Richard Bolles, you have about a 47% chance of finding a job in person by knocking on the doors of employers to see if they have openings or not. You cannot rely on the Internet because you have less than a 5% chance of finding a job online since you are competing and with thousands and thousands of applicants for just one job. I have heard that you can get up to 3,000 applicants applying for a job online which means your chance of getting that next job is .000333% (1/3000).

2) You need to go out and network with everyone you know. This includes family, friends, members of an organization you are apart of and everyone you know. Networking is the best ways to find that next job since 80% of jobs are never advertised.

3) Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a great way to get your name out because you are showing your talent and skills to a potential employer. Networking is also a great wiay to network with other volunteers since they might be able to point you into the right direction and volunteering looks good on a resume since it shows your next employer that you have done something productive then than look for work opportunities.

Be Dressed For Success.

Interview Attire Tips

• Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.
• Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.

• If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time. Polish your shoes. Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.

Would you believe that something as simple as how you dress could affect your attitude and self-confidence? The truth is, how people dress is related in some way to how they feel. They feel first and dress later. Just think of a time when you didn’t feel well, did you want to pull out all the stops and dress smart? Not likely. You probably pulled on whatever was closest to you and dressed the way you felt – not that well.

If we change the way we dress the way we feel will change. When we are dressed well and look good we automatically feel better. When we feel good we are more likely to feel good inside, have more energy and treat others better.

Be Persistent:

Do not give up. Use your creativity, uniqueness, and stick to your schedule and results will come. The only way to move forward is to have a positive interaction to take you to the next level. Do not look back!

As you already know, applying for a job is something that many people are probably doing along with you, whether you know it or not. And of those applicants, many want the job just as much, if not more than you. In order to make sure that you get noticed in the bunch, it's important to learn to be persistent. This way, the employer will at least have your name.

There are a number of ways to get the message across that you want this job more than other people. One way is to use letters of recommendation to demonstrate your character work acumen. Another thing that you could do to get noticed is call and let the company know that you've submitted your resume and you are available for an interview when possible.

Perhaps the interview is eventually given for you and it goes well. After this is done, you could once again contact the company, but this time to say your thank you through email, letter and phone. Also, if you know people within the company, you could have them call the hiring manager to vouch for you. Whatever it takes!

The idea is make sure that the company not only knows how much you want the job, but that you're the right person for it. So instead of being passive and hoping the job of your dreams comes to you, make every effort to create the opportunity you want. Make your own luck!

Be Professional:

Be professional and leave a lasting positive reminder about you to the prospective employer you are interacting with. Dress appropriately, send the thank you note, and leave your cell phone in the car. If you conduct yourself in this way and do all these things, you will demonstrate that you are professional and will represent this company in a positive way. Be a good listener, and respectful to the interviewer. Remember that you should emphasize the notion that your professionalism will help successfully promote the company’s brand.  With fewer opportunities available, jobseekers must do everything they can. Networking is very important and job seekers can't afford to be shy. They must maintain awareness of what is going on in their fields of interest and begin to establish a professional presence by joining professional organizations.

All of a job seeker’s communications including emails, and conversation needs to represent the candidate as a viable professional. They can't afford to become complacent. In the past there were more opportunities and many more chances for one to do their best, relative to interacting with potential employers. Jobseekers in general have underestimated the vast importance of professionalism in this market.

Be sure to research the company and the requirements of a particular job posting and the company's goals. Researching the company, the position, must be done in order to appropriately position oneself as the best candidate. It's much easier to make a good impression when a job seeker has done the research and is prepared.

Be Courteous:

It is common for job applicant to feel relieved that it is over. However, the time should be spent to write a thank you note or email the potential hiring employer.

One survey from a job posting website found that 22 percent of hiring managers said they were less likely to hire job applicants who did not send thank you notes following their interviews.

All of this is common sense as being courteous to others demonstrates to people that they should be given respect. Additionally, being courteous and polite should be a way of life. Employers not only expect thank-you notes, but cover letters as well.

Be Goal Oriented:

Have you asked yourself how you can have the upper hand over yourself from competitors in your search for a new job?

The answer is to be a goal-oriented employee.

Demonstrate during the job interview that you are a goal-oriented employee because employers are goal-oriented themselves. Employers are seeking the most talented and qualified people who can add to the company’s return on investment. They are also seeking those who have the presence of mind to present their goals to succeed, as well as demonstrating that they will help the employer achieve their goals.

During the job interview it is time to have the opportunity to make an outstanding impression. The interview will allow you to demonstrate your ability to set and meet goals. How can you accomplish this objective?  Listen for clues from the employer about the needs of the company.  When it is your turn to respond, give examples from previous jobs that show your ability to formulate and implement plans that were directly tied to the company’s goals for the future.  Be factual in your statements and avoid exaggeration.

Be mindful that you are at the interview to discuss the prospective employer’s objectives, not your own personal goals.  You have a chance to demonstrate to the interviewing executive how well you can meet the company’s objectives.  If you insist on talking about your personal requirements, you most likely will lose the interviewer’s attention and bring the session to a premature end.  In other words, check the ego at the door, and to do more listening than talking.

Be Prayerful:

Looking for a job can be a very daunting, challenging, if not a very stressful endeavor. Therefore I believe that it is a good idea to ask the Good Lord to intervene. Why not, right? We live in a pluralistic society. I am not suggesting in any way that this is an attempt to proselytize. Rather, I am simply trying to convey that if you are a prayerful person then why not include God to assist in your job search?

I have been unemployed TWICE, and know firsthand the emotions many of us feel during this process.

I can also convey firsthand that my search for a job was made less stressful because of prayer and placing my trust in God to lead the way. When we surrender ourselves to the assistance of a Higher Power, (God), wonderful, if not miraculous things can occur in our lives.

Be Yourself:

Please be mindful of who you are and be proud of that! Therefore, when searching for a job, do not try to be someone whom you are not. Employers can discern any such behavior for themselves. Would it not make more sense to present the person that you are. Remember that we are people first, prior to employees, or employers. As such it is a breath of fresh air for an employer who can plainly see that the applicant is being truthful, if not content as to who they are. So please be yourself and be proud of that!

Making the Job Search Simple and Fun

NEW JOB FACE SERIES:

Making The Job Search Simple and Fun

Introducing the first in a series of installments titled Making The Job Search Simple and Fun. We hope that you will enjoy this material. It is our goal to help assist you in your own very job search. It is our intent to simplify the overall process of the job search by developing simple, common sense strategies. We intend to provide simplistic but effective ways of making your job search an extremely productive one. Therefore let’s get started on our journey to a successful job search!

1) Finding a Job That Will Make You Happy.

Even in good economic times one of the most harrowing, challenging and stressful tasks that we are involved in is our job search. Although one’s job search is serious and perhaps daunting, it should be made to be simple and fun. It is our sincere intention at thejobface.com is to indeed, look at the job search as a fun-filled, rewarding and successful process. So let’s set aside for a moment, salary, benefits, titles and status. When choosing your next job your decision should be based on one single consideration: Will it make you happy? Will it make you go “Yes, it’s Monday, and I get to work!” Do this and you’re sure to enjoy your job more, enjoy life more AND be more successful at your work. Research revealed that happy people are more successful in marriage and work and enjoy better mental and physical health. People who report feeling satisfied before they get a job are more likely to get interviews. Happily, once they got the job, their performance was rated higher than the performances of their gloomy peers. Happier people tend to get better performance evaluations and higher pay. Imagine how much happier you would be if you could have a job that you always dreamed of. It is important to find a job that makes full use of your talents, skills and passions. Possessing the total confidence to make your dream job a reality should be the goal. All of this can lead to getting paid for what you love!

Free Job Postings

Free Job Postings For Employers Through The End of 2011.

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Employers are more than welcome to post as many jobs through at least the end of 2011!

Thejobface.com offers job seekers the opportunity to network with others, relative to their search for employment. Recent college grads, baby-boomers and others use thejobface.com as their one-stop source for their job search. Other online search engines charge exorbitant fees for employers to post their jobs. We recommend that you take advantage of this wonderful offer by contacting us via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details. We look forward to hearing from you!