A recent article that ran in the Chicago Tribune reportes that, "Updating your resume is a good idea not only for job seekers, but also for those who are currently employed." They went on to quote W. Martin Keller, an expert career coach as saying that the process of updating your resume is a an opportunity to do some self exploration.As you're updating your resume, you can review your career progress, achievement of your career goals, etc. If you can't add new skills or accomplishments to your resume when you go through this process, then your job may be in peril... or it may be time to consider a change to a more challenging career.
What great ideas these are! For best results, review your resume at least once every quarter... 4 times a year. You should be able to make changes each time. The bottom line is that taking the time to update your resume not only gives you the chance to take a hard look at where you are, the progress you've made (or lack thereof), and where you are heading; it also puts you one step ahead of the game if you DO decide it's time to change careers.
Your resume will already be ready and waiting! All that will remain is identifying new career opportunities, drafting appropriate cover letters, and getting out there and doing the leg work it takes to get a new job.
To your success,
"Coach Don"
PS Even if you want to stay with your current employer, you'll often be required to provide updated resumes for project proposals, applications for promotion, meeting regulatory requirements, etc. This way, you'll always be ready.
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Hello Dream Job Seeker!In today's article, we take a look at the job market, and what you may be doing right ... or wrong... in looking for your dream job. Are you sure you've explored every career option and job finding method? Read on...
Another morning of dream job hunting lies ahead of you. You pour a cup of coffee and open the paper to the employment section. With a mixture of anticipation and desperation, you pick up a stub of pencil and prepare to target and identify some possible job opportunities.
There are less ads to circle this morning and despite the promising words and vague descriptions you have begun to believe that none of these potential employers will seriously consider you. Perhaps they have family or friends or maybe you'll hear once again "I'm afraid you're overqualified for this position".
After making a few phone calls you try to get into a positive frame of mind. You head out the door, a folder of resumes in one hand and a list of addresses at the next. You will drop off a few resumes and have plans for an interview this afternoon.
Maybe today will be different...
Are you or a friend looking for work? Have you heard of acquaintances laid off from long-term employment only to find four or five months later that they are still unable to find a job?
If you think the only way to find a job is to have connections, you may be partly right. With such a demand for employment many jobs never make it to the paper. How can you compete?
NETWORKING
"Leave no stone unturned". Tell friends, family and acquaintances of your job search. These people can give you an "IN" to their businesses when positions become available.
They may also hear of someone who is hiring and keep you updated on opportunities you may not otherwise have heard about. Their personal referral can also make an impression on the employer in your behalf.
NON-POSTED JOBS
You don't have to wait for a job to be listed in the paper, or even posted on the company board, to apply for work at a company.
Go through the phone book and make a list of companies you'd like to work for. Call and ask if there are any positions available. Ask for the name of the human resources manager or the individual in charge of hiring for the area you are applying to.
Send a resume and direct it to the person in charge of hiring. Write a cover letter that expresses your interest in the company and why you'd like to work for them. Follow up several days later and ask for the individual. Tell them you're checking to see that they received your resume and ask if there are any positions that may become available.
If they are not hiring, suggest you'll check back at another time. Often positions are made available unexpectedly and by keeping in contact (without pestering) you may be the first person that comes to mind.
This is not a secret. If you're not taking advantage, someone else will. You can't afford to miss out on making yourself known to employers BEFORE the job posting is made public.
Accessing this hidden job market may open up opportunities you never thought possible. By staying one step ahead of other job searchers you can be sure that your new dream job is just around the corner!
To your success,
"Coach Don"
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Welcome to the first post for our brand new blog. In the days, weeks, and months to come, you'll find tidbits of news and information, right here on this page. I'll post the answers to career questions from my site visitors, career change tips, job hunting news, site updates and more. I may even run the occasiional poll.
