Career Advice: Are Resumes Obsolete As A Primary Job Search Tool?

Filed under: Aid — admin at 9:37 am on Sunday, June 15, 2008

In a day of background checks, pre-employment drug screening and multiple interviews, where do resumes fit in? According to many successful job applicants, not very well. An ever-increasing number of new hires say that resumes were not crucial in landing them the job. Instead, they simply played a part in sealing the deal. If that’s true, it means that mailing out resumes and waiting for the phone to ring is the last thing any recent grad or serious job seeker will want to do.

It’s no secret that many large corporations waste thousands of hours scanning and combing over resumes that may not even be viable. That’s because they tend to warehouse tens of thousands of them in a process that is antiquated and inefficient. By some estimates, corporations do not even get around to scanning a resume until at least two to six months after receiving it. Once in their system, it can sit there for up to five years. This unproductive system is fed by a fear of lawsuits, misplaced ambition to hire the cream of the crop and imbedded bureaucracy at its worst.

A good resume will still get you a job, but it may not be the one you want. Too many job seekers make the mistake of bulk mailing, emailing or faxing out resumes. This invites unwanted responses offering lesser positions or bogus proposals from professional recruiters just trying to get you signed up with their agency. Read the fine print before you submit anything to anyone. Companies of all sizes are using Employment Agencies to prescreen people.

Most Employment Agencies are for people with little to offer, who need immediate employment and are willing to settle for less. Those who do have the right stuff usually end up being talked into some temp position with the promise of something better down the road. Temping is for people with itchy feet who love the idea of going from place to place every month. While it may be temporarily profitable, it doesn’t do much for your employment record.

Some years ago, I had lunch with a very successful businessperson. He had plans to start a new publishing business and needed someone with diverse skills and tons of personality as an assistant. I suggested someone I knew, but warned him that my friend would probably not stay for the long haul. She had what it took to get him started, but then he would have to hire someone else for the long-term after things started happening. While he seemed pleased with the suggestion, he hated temporary workers and short-term hires. If he saw more then three previous employers on any resume for a full time, long-term position, he just chucked it out.

Today’s successful job applicant has to get his or her foot in the door. They have to make contact on a personal level with recruiters from prospective employers. That means lots of footwork. It means attending those job fairs that we all hate. Job fairs and school-sponsored employment meet ups are quickly becoming the best ways to start a successful career. It’s a chance to go one on one with people who can get you a sit down.

Part of getting your foot in the door means trying to schedule appointments instead of mailing our resumes. Once you have the appointment, then email or fax your resume. Easier said then done? Not really. Employers who are serious about hiring are likely to do so within the next few weeks. They are anxious to work the phones and set up interviews. You may get juggled around a bit on the phone, but it’s better then spending a fortune on postage and just sitting by the phone.

Use your resume as a quick way to seal the deal. If you have what it takes and the personality to back it up, your resume should reflect that. Less is more. Be sure there is lots of WHITE SPACE. That tells a prospective employer that you are willing to sell it, but not give it away. Avoid excessive bolding or italics. Research keywords for the position you want. Headhunters and corporate scanners are looking for those keywords and will give priority status to people smart enough to use them. Stay on topic. Forget the references, personal hobbies and other nonsense. That comes later. Proofread as many times as it takes and don’t be afraid to ask a mentor or professional job recruiter to critique your resume.

A good introductory resume is one page that represents you in the best possible light. I suggest that you examine dozens of samples online and make notes on what really stands out to you. Use those notes when you create your resume, but always be sure it represents the real you. NEVER LET SOMEONE ELSE PREPARE YOUR RESUME! I cannot tell you how many times people have told me that after their resume got them the job, their interview lost it for them. That’s because they were unable to live up to the hype. If you have the goods, you had better be able to sell them.

Networking, job fairs, employment meet ups, career days and mentor referrals are the best way to land a top-notch position. If you have a particularly desirable skill that qualifies you for a position in the medical, technical or management fields, then it might pay to enlist the help of a fee-based agency that represents those kinds of job seekers. No matter who ends up paying the fee, it’s in their best interest to find you a premium position.

While a resume is no longer a job seekers best friend, it’s still a necessary and important communication tool that bridges an information gap between you and your prospective employer. Prepare and use it as a secondary contact resource. Allow your personality and communication skills to be the primary instruments of your success. Hit the pavement and hunt down those headhunters.

EzineArticles Expert Author Bill Knell

Author’s Email: billknell@cox.net
Author’s Website: http://www.billknell.com

Terms To Use Article: Permission is granted to use this article for free online or in print. Please add a link to or print my website address of http://www.billknell.com

A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He’s written hundreds of articles offer advice on a wide variety of subjects. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach. A popular radio and television show Guest, you’ve heard Bill on thousands of top-rated shows in all formats and seen him on local, national and international television programs.

Predictable Giving Smashed by Unusual Presents

Filed under: Aid, Lifestyle Hub, The Shoppers Way — admin at 2:23 am on Sunday, June 8, 2008

We’ve all scuffled and sweated to come across an unusual present for a great friend. Many times, we’ve bought something way over our budget- or, worse, something we’re not certain the recipient likes- out of total despair. In a modern century where gala revelry means everything,
the stress to find the right presents can bring on chest pain.

Presents that are unusualsometimes are rare, uncommon, or even unfamiliar. By now you might
be thinking about many strange and exotic unusual presents. It’s great to get creative remember at some point you need to come down to earth and make unusual present acquisitions. Just sit down with paper and pen and dream up it.

In a world where everything conforms, sometimes it’s fun to do something completely different. From time to time, giving unusual presents at the right time can be fun also. It takes a lot of reflection to outshine yourself on the identical thing time and time again. So giving unusual presents might break the pattern and make for improved, superior, better and imaginative presents. Providing unique presents is great fun, it might be the difference from all the other presents people collect.

With thought after comprehension, most likely you already have some additional thoughts for unusual presents that might improve on these.
Discover Presents Unusual here.

Getting perfect abs

Filed under: Aid, Lifestyle Hub, Mean And Lean: Fitness Infos — admin at 2:09 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2008

There are a lot of abdominal exercise machines on the market but you have to take a lot of factors into consideration. The first fact is what you want to achieve and the second is the time period you want to achieve this. If used correctly these workout machines cannot only help you reach your goals faster but also quickly. You do not have to fear injury or a tedious work outs in your desire to create the perfect abs. All you have to do is get the best machine for you. Many people struggle and give up when their exercise regimes seem not to be profiting them but these machines will help you maximize the returns you get from making the correct lifestyle choices.

Machines like the Yukon Ab Crunch machine and the Verdant Gifts’ Smart Abs Abdominal Exercise Machine will give you a critical edge in your pursuit of the perfect body. However, the market is also full of exercise machines which add further stress to your life because they do not deliver on what they initially promised. Generally you should seek advice from specialist who use these machines and they are able to tell you which is the best to select.

More about getting perfect abs

Master Cleanse: Your Health Matters Colon Cleanse

Filed under: Aid, Beautiful You, Universe Of Nutrition — admin at 10:01 am on Thursday, May 22, 2008

Can Lungs Detoxify Pollutants
You should choose fresh food whenever possible and eat most of your fruit and vegetables raw. Raw food is full of vital nutrients and enzymes. Once food has been kept too long, or if it has been cooked or processed then its nutritional value plummets. We recommend a slower and gentler detoxification program utilizing a low reactive diet which is provided during a consultation, and diet with Master Cleanse. There are many great products on the market that can help the body in eliminating waste. Master Cleanse program is highly popular with celebrities in Hollywood. these are just a few common methods. Regular body detoxification is a good preventative action and promotes a healthier present and future!, which is the reason why you must be on the Master Cleanse

Why Use Master Cleanse Program
If you have been on the diet front lately, you have probably heard of detox diets. Basically, detox diets are the next big player in the fad diet game. Like Atkins, Southbeach, even the cabbage diet, different detox diets are popping up all over the internet and in bookstores. What exactly are detox diets, do they work, and are detox diets safe? See more on Master Cleanse at Master Cleanse The heat generated within the body causes the body to sweat intensely and in the process eliminating waste materials including harmful toxins.

Master Cleanse Benefits:
Master Cleanse is the world most popular diet program. They probably do people loads of good. All cures come from within the central core of your body first, then it progresses outward and from the top of your body down to your feet and in reverse order in which the symptoms first occurred. So, do start your master cleanse diet today. This search has brought many medicines to our markets some of which are described here.

Ahoy Caesar Grilled Sandwich

Filed under: Aid, Food Center, Health Parlor — admin at 5:19 am on Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Packed with tons of Mediterranean flavour in Brisling Sardines, this sandwich is easy to prepare and suitable for any meal even a midnight snack!

Ingredients

Imperial Metric Ingredient
8 8 thick slices sourdough bread
1/2 cup 125 mL thick and creamy-style Caesar salad dressing, divided
1 can 106 g Clover Leaf Brisling Sardines, Mediterranean
1/2 cup 125 mL shaved Parmesan cheese
8 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
4 4 large Romaine leaves, hard ribs removed
1 tsp 5 mL each freshly ground pepper and lemon juice

Nutrition Details

Amount Nutrition
600 Calories
36 g Fat
28 g Protein
38 g Carbohydrate
2 g Fibre
1610 mg Sodium

Nutrition Features

  • Source of fibre (9 %DV)
  • Excellent source of vitamin B12 (25 %DV), folate (40 %DV), niacin (30 %DV), thiamine (60 %DV), riboflavin (45 %DV), iron (30 %DV) and phosphorus (30 %DV).
  • Good source of vitamin B6 (15 %DV), calcium (20 %DV), magnesium (15 %DV) and zinc (20 %DV).
  • Source of omega-3 fatty acid (1g)

Lay 4 slices of the bread on a clean working surface. Evenly spread 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the salad dressing over each slice of bread. Flake the sardines with a fork. Top each piece of bread with an equal amount of sardines, Parmesan cheese, bacon and romaine. Top with remaining slices of bread.


Blend the remaining salad dressing with the pepper and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the outside of each sandwich.


Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the sandwiches in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side; weigh down the sandwiches as they cook using a small cast iron or other heavy skillet. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

How to Achieve Rapid Weight Loss

Filed under: Aid, Food Center, Health Parlor — admin at 5:34 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2008

Weight loss programs vary and whether you have decided on a rapid weight loss plan or one where you lose weight more slowly and steadily, your other weekly commitments will have a bearing on how successful you are. If you truly want to lose weight then you will require a determination level that you may not have previously exhibited and a desire to change all those bad habits that have created this situation. Many factors are involved in how quickly an individual will lose weight; some are shown below:

*Family history *Psychological problems *Attitude

Being overweight affects each person in many different ways! Whilst the number of physical i.e. diabetes and mental effects on an overweight person is great, it is amazing how these can be turned around when a person starts to lose weight. Is it surprising that rapid weight loss programs are so popular where there is so much to be gained; regular exercise and a healthy nutritious diet are also going to be part of this plan. A healthy nutritious diet will provide energy to carry out the exercise which in turn will burn off more calories; the exercise can be as simple as brisk walking to swimming if it is easier, as long as it gets the heart pumping.
Certain physical activities are easier than others so do not be concerned if all you can do to start with is walk; however, try to improve the pace you walk at as your diet progresses, remembering that you will look better when your fat is converted into muscle. Many people who are dieting forget the importance of staying hydrated; rapid weight loss depends on flushing your system out so you must stay hydrated during the process, about 6 large glasses per day should be enough. Fried foods are generally bad for you even when they are chicken or fish, both of which contain more fat than beef when it is fried.

Grilled food is better as the fat is not retained in the food or if it is, very little so it will be much healthier for you. Whilst some diets advocate a reduction in carbohydrates, this should be done in consultation with a nutritionist as carbohydrates are the fuel that creates the energy required for your body to function. If you follow this plan, you will be losing a little over a pound a day, but once you stop this routine of only 1000 to 1500 calories a day you are very likely to go right back to your normal size.

Great Job Resumes: The First Step to Landing Great Jobs

Filed under: Aid — admin at 3:45 am on Wednesday, May 7, 2008

How Important are Job Resumes in Securing the Perfect Job?

The function of outstanding job resumes is to get the attention of your potential employer. More than simply a listing of your accomplishments, education, skills and experience; a job resume is the first point of contact you have with the company with whom you are seeking employment. No matter what skill set you bring to the table, if your resume isn’t effectively presented, you may find it difficult to locate work. In the reverse, if you haven’t had a lot of experience, a polished resume that presents the talents and ambitions you do possess can secure you a job with unlimited potential for growth. Before setting out to look for a new job, make sure your resume presents the skills you have to offer in the best possible light. Many employers will not even offer an interview to prospective employees with lackluster job resumes.

Types of Job Resumes

Job resumes may be structured in several different ways to focus on your best qualities, while downplaying your limitations. Today’s employers are looking for innovative employees that will bring value to their business. Submitting a standout resume is one way to express your individual abilities and ambition. Different types of job resumes include:

  • Reverse Chronological Resumes - These job resumes focus on your employment history by listing your previous employment starting with your latest position. Chronological resumes detail your growth as an employee and are best suited for people who have a strong employment background and documented experience. Educational information and additional skills are typically noted at the bottom of these job resumes.

  • Functional Resumes - The functional resume gives less resonance to experience and highlights, instead, the skills that you have to offer. Functional resumes generally list your stellar qualifications at the top of the page, while providing some details of how the skills were obtainedincluding school and work experiencetowards the latter half of the page. Skill-based resumes are the best choice for workers that are new to the job market, or have not worked in quite some time.

  • Combination Resumes - A combination resume takes the focus on skills from the Functional resume and merges it with the employment history, for a complete package of your qualifications. These job resumes present the most well rounded details and can be used by almost anyone to effectively gain employment.

Seeking Professional Help for Writing Job Resumes

If you’re not certain of the resume choice that’s right for your qualifications, or if you just want the best possible resume, you might want to seek the help of a professional resume writing service. For a minimal fee, professional writers can formulate top quality job resumes that can be used to market your skills. A resume writing service will present your personal employment history and qualifications in a manner that will stand out to potential employers. It’s really a small investment to make for a profitable future at your new job.

Paolo Basauri is an expert author writing for Job Resumes