Troubleshooting Your Job Search
OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a dozen copies answering classified ads. You've told everyone in your network that you're looking for a job. And nothing has happened. Now what? Since 1996, I've written/edited resumes for nearly 3,000 clients and refunded less than 3% of them for lack of results. Based on this experience, here are four ways for you to troubleshoot -- and improve -- an unsuccessful job search. 1) Is your resume focused? Your resume can't be all things to all people. Make sure yours has one main focus, such as sales or computer programming. Every word in your resume should contribute to that single focus you've chosen. If you try to go in too many directions, your resume won't appeal to anyone. 2) Is your resume error-free? You've heard this 100 times, so let's make it 101 -- a single typo can ruin your resume. But that's only partially true. Because even more things can go wrong. When proofreading your resume, you should also check for errors in spacing between words, inconsistent abbreviations, poor layout, tiny fonts and extreme length/wordiness. Example: inconsistent spacing is a frequent gaffe. It doesn't matter if you use one space or two after periods, but be consistent throughout. Otherwise, your resume will look unprofessional. 3) Is your cover letter hard-hitting? According to the Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, "Your cover letter can make or break whether your resume goes into the 'yes' pile or the 'no' pile. A really terrific cover letter can change the reader's mind." Use your cover letter to show off your knowledge of the company and the industry. And be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job -- enthusiasm sells. But be concise! Nothing longer than 4-5 paragraphs or one page will work well. 4) Is your job search a full-time job? In this job market, the quest for employment takes time and effort. Think of finding work as a job in itself, requiring nothing less than your total dedication. So, ask yourself: "Am I really using all my available resources? Am I spending at least 4-8 hours and doing at least 10 things every day to find the right job?" For example, make sure you use -- really use -- your college placement office. Most students and graduates never visit theirs, according to my experience. Now go out and make your own luck! Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others. As a reader of this publication, you're eligible for a special offer. 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(To read about a unique, highly successful, and legitimate home business opportunity that matches home owners with reputable home repair contractors go to http://www.ChangingCourse.com/hrnsuccess.htm) HOT BUSINESS: Yoga & Pilates According to Entrepreneur, companies are bending over backwards to cater to the growing market of people practicing yoga. Clothes, mats, DVDs, music, and classes aimed at seniors, pregnant women and children as young as three are just a few products and services aimed at this growing market. And with a reported 47 million Americans taking Pilates, a work out that builds abdominal muscles, opportunities abound for gym owners and instructors alike. If you like the idea of teaching Pilates, studio owner Maria Leone recommends starting out by keeping overhead low. She suggests renting space for one-on-one sessions from a small gym or chiropractic office. Fees for a typical Pilates session range from $50 to $70 an hour. Meditate on that! 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The site also features a ton of free resources for anyone who already is ? or dreams of ? working for themselves. For other free resources for people who want to start their own businesses visit http://www.ChangingCourse.com/newbiz.htmOkay, but what if you don't see a trend, market, or business here that speaks to you? Then find the one that does! I had a client who is crazy for horses and photography. It took me all of 30 seconds on Google.com to find a group called the Equine Photographers Network. In addition to their conference this February in Florida, the group offers a free public online discussion group with over 700 members who range from top-of-their-field working pros to amateur photographers to magazine editors and writers to horse owners, all interested in improving their equine photography skill and knowledge. Learn all about the Equine Photographers Network at http://www.EquinePhotographers.net. 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