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I was driving to the YOU NEED A JOB presentation I’m doing with Stephanie A. Lloyd, and I saw a man on the side of the road holding a very large sign. It read, “PUBLIC SALE.”
My first thought was, “Hmmm…wonder what that means.” Then, all I could think about was that it was so sad for this man to be out in the heat, holding up a sign that did not offer any clue whatsoever as to the nature of the sale or what was being sold. I don’t know many people who would pull off the road to investigate an ambiguous sale. What a waste of time and effort!
Since I look for job search lessons and inspiration in everything, it occurs to me that many job seekers are actually doing the equivalent of holding up a “PUBLIC SALE” sign.
Think about it – is your resume clearly targeted to appeal to the employers you want to address? Or, is your resume all about you, without a thought given to what will interest the employer? Are you using lingo and jargon that your targeted employer won’t understand? Including details that are irrelevant to the job of interest?
When you meet someone, can you clearly state what you have to offer and, if appropriate, what you want to do? Or, are you going around saying that you can “do anything” are “open to anything,” “flexible,” “can learn whatever it is.”
You get the point – if you are not specific and clear, you are the job seeking equivalent of the man holding up the “PUBLIC SALE” sign. You are wasting your time and unlikely to move forward with your search.
Take a good, long look at your materials. Think about what you say when you meet people. Spend some time evaluating what you are doing. Is it clear what you offer? If not, it’s time to make a change.
Need a great resume and a focused approach to your search? I can help! Learn more about what I offer to help you with your job search.
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Article by Miriam Salpeter
Miriam Salpeter, author of Social Networking for Career Success, is a CNN-named "top 10 job tweeter" and contributor to U.S. News & World Report's "On Careers" column. Quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and NBC news for her cutting-edge career advice, Miriam is an in-demand writer and speaker regarding job search and social media. She offers custom packages for job seekers and business owners, including transforming resumes and creating social media profiles/personal websites for clients. Keppie Careers has you covered. Let's get started!
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http://www.impacthiringsolutions.com Brad Remillard
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Miriam, I must tell you again how pleased I am with what you've done for my resume so far. When I'm lying awake at night worrying about my future, I feel better when I read about my accomplishments as you've set them out so far. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
— Gloria MI never thought it would happen, but I found a job! Your resume must have done the trick, because I've been looking so long and nothing! I'll be happy to tell my friends to contact you when they need help! Thanks so much!
— Cathy FMiriam understands the frustration of the twenty-something trying to pursue a career and has devoted herself to helping others achieve their goals. My correspondence with Miriam has resulted in not only a renewed determination in the pursuit of my career, but also in a remarkable transformation for both my resume and, perhaps most importantly, confidence in myself.
— Susan PYou helped me reach for a promotion and get it! My new resume stood out among many other applicants and made my organization take a second look at me. I now understand that I am more marketable than I thought. I can define my strengths and skills, and I feel better about my career now that I know what I have to offer and where to focus my energies. Thanks so much!
— Jeff RI floundered around for months, unemployed and without knowing what to do. Then, you revised my resume and wrote my cover letters and interview invitations started streaming in! I can't THANK YOU enough for all that you've done to encourage and support me in this tough time.
— Noel PI'm hardly a religious person, but I must bless you for all the inspiration and support you've given me. What you do is very special. I hope earthly rewards will follow, because you deserve them.
— Gloria MI had an interview yesterday with a company that I'm very excited about. I had sent them a version of the resume we worked on about a week ago, and they responded back within 24 hours asking for an interview! Thanks for everything!
— Lauren BYou were so kind and thoughtful. I knew from reading your blog that you would be able to help me. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to using my transformed resume!
— Shelly COur mock interview really narrowed down my weaknesses. Thanks for your great suggestions to improve. I'm much more confident and ready to take on my next job interview now!
— Alex MI landed an interview within a week! They really like my resume. Thanks for all of your help!
— Julie R(Before we worked together) I felt like I had no skills, that no one would look twice at my resume, let alone hire me, and I should just give up before I even start. Now I feel amazing! You helped me remember that I am good at something, and that I do have some marketable skills. Actually, for the first time in a while, I feel good about what I'm saying about myself. (Now I'm getting all weepy). So again, thank you!
— Kelly LI did get a job offer today based on my new resume - more than I had in 1 month with the old resume! (Received this email within 48 hours of delivering new resume!)
— Andi DI am very pleased and excited by the results so far. This process has been a great "shot in the arm" for my confidence. Again, thank you for the kind words and the advice. This resume gives me a great foundation for my story in the interview. It was a pleasure working with you and I will keep you informed of my progress as well as recommend your services to whomever I meet. Thanks again!
— David TOur conversation served as great job interview practice. (Miriam) asks some tough, thought-provoking questions!
— Andrew RAfter being out of the work force for over four years, I was lost when facing the task of updating my resume. Keppie Careers was a life-saver! We all have skills and talents; however, getting them on paper in a way that pops out to potential employers is an art. Thanks to Keppie Careers, I now have a polished, professional and very well written resume and have found the perfect job! Thank you for your outstanding service!
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