Special Announcement: Ilona Vanderwoude MRW – 9/22/09- Your Resume: Creating the Best Representation of You
Shouldn’t Your Resume Be as Unique as You?
The resume – it’s one of the first things you take a look at when starting your job search. There is a lot of advice out there on how to format – but it is all pretty “cookie cutter.” And we all know it is about standing out and differentiating these days. What better place to do that than with your resume? That leaves the question of – how?
We are going to tackle that on my next Career Mastermind call…
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 – 12:00pmEST
TOPIC: Ilona Vanderwoude, MRW on Your Resume: Creating the Best Representation of You
Ilona Vanderwoude (1 of 28 Master Resume Writers in the world!) will be joining us to adjust your perspective on your resume. It’s a more “holistic” approach that gets you thinking of this tool as a more integral part of who you are versus just a document.
On this webinar we will cover:
- The foundation of the resume- Your Personal Brand (and an exercise to help uncover your brand)
- Tips on how to overcome the obstacles on your resume (unemployment, spotty job history, career movement, underemployment, etc.)
- What’s the right layout for you? Functional? Traditional? Networking? All the resume “types” are covered
- The “10 Second Screen” – this is how long your prospective employer looks at your resume. We will put your resume to the test, tell you how it is being perceived and what you can do to fix it – LIVE on the call.
- And, as always, you can ask questions of Ilona on the topics most important to you regarding your resume
This call is FREE for all Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member? Join now to access this webinar and take advantage of all the Program has to offer.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Building Your Success.
Kevin
PS – Even if you can’t make the call live, all Career Mastermind members receive a recording of the call, so we’ve got you covered. Take advantage now
What the? – Tales from the Job Search Front
A Very Unique Interview Indeed
I’ve spent over half my “career life” in the executive search business placing sales professionals. In preparing candidates to interview I would always tell them, “The sales interview is one of the only interviews where you are constantly demonstrating your skill set and touting your wares.” They can be challenging, frustrating and filled with obstacles. But, one I heard about this week left me at a loss for words.
The job seeker in question went in for a third round of interviews for a position with a nationally renowned sales training organization. As one of three candidates in contention for the opening, she was asked to do something rather standard: prepare a presentation for a group of people at the company. So, she shows up on interview day prepared to do what it takes to get the job. That was when the process to a turn – to a place I have never seen before.
When she arrived, the other two candidates were there too. Not completely untypical, but a less than kosher when it comes to maintaining privacy in the job search (since she is currently employed). Then comes the “what the?” moment. She and the other two candidates are informed that they will be giving their presentations together – all in the same room, in front of one another, one after another. If that isn’t enough, they are included on the panel of employees and able to ask questions of the other candidates – their competition. Have you ever heard of such a thing?
While wrong on so many levels, my primary beef is that the privacy and confidentiality of each job seeker was compromised without their consent. What do you think?
Do you have strange tales from the job search? If so, please share them with us at ezine@careerattraction.com. (note – we will never reprint your story without your express consent).
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Interested in learning how to uncover the “hidden job market?” You can listen to my 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.
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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Thursday, July 23 – 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search (Free Webinar)
Free Webinar – 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search
Thursday, July 23rd – 3:00pmEST
Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
My call last month had 1497 registered and the lines maxed out at 1000, so I am holding one more on Thursday. On this call I will share about the “hidden job market” and also cover:
· the biggest block that’s likely keeping you and your search in low-gear right now and wasting precious time (and how to bust out of your rut)
· 5 things recruiters have begged me not to share with you that can keep you from having your job search sabotaged without you even knowing it.
· why your resume is not as critical a factor in getting the interviews (or the job) as you think
· 3 immediate ways you can make your job search lean-and-mean right now! (These are so simple and yet so effective.)
· how you can start working a new plan immediately to find the job you want and cut your job search time in as much as half.
Reserve Your Spot by Going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
We have some great information focused on getting your job search on track. But, don’t take my word for it. Here is what some previous listeners had to say about the webinar:
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
“Kevin Kermes offers a straightforward and comprehensive approach to develop new networks and expand career or business horizons. I was impressed with his expertise and believe you will be too.”– Katherine Eago
“I recently listened to Kevin’s “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes” webinar and was most impressed. The content of the presentation and the insight he provided was very helpful. Because of Kevin’s professional background, he was able to provide me with a better understanding of how the recruitment business works from an insider’s perspective. In addition, I found the topic of job boards to be very informative. Overall, I think it is great information for the current job seeker or anyone who wants to be better prepared for their next job search.”– Brian Heckler
“I recently had the pleasure to attend Kevin’s webinar “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes.” I am usually a little suspicious of free webinars, but Kevin’s discussion provided a lot of valuable information for the job seeker and prompted me to purchase his additional materials which also look worthwhile. I am going to recommend to everyone in our WIND group (Boston networking group) that they should also attend Kevin’s webinars.”– Ted Powell
“I listened in on Kevin’s Webinar today on the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search” and found it a very worthwhile use of my time. His insight into what to focus on to be most productive was very helpful. Some points were new and others a timely reinforcement. If you get the opportunity to tune in for one of Kevin’s webinars, I highly recommend you do so.” – Becky Vogt
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
“Last Thursday, I participated in Kevin Kermes webinar on how to avoid the 10 biggest job search mistakes. I am a busy communications consultant who enjoys my work, but given this economy and its impact on freelancers, would (not surprisingly) like to find full-time steady employment. I signed up for his webinar, even though I wasn’t sure it could offer much in the way of good information. After all, I’d never heard of Kevin–and how many different ways can you scour the job boards? Boy oh boy, was I busted! I learned, among other things, that not all job boards are created equal–or even worth the time it takes to sign up–and why I needed to shift the way I was searching for engaging and sustaining work. I was riveted to his presentation–just short enough to keep my attention and just long enough to be interesting. Like so many other smart, savvy, and well-intentioned people in today’s workforce, I’ve been looking in the wrong places and, as a result, missing out on some right opportunities. With Kevin’s insights, I have changed my approach. Thanks for the hour, Kevin. Really appreciate it! Good stuff!”– Jill Murray
“Kevin’s webinar on “Avoiding the 10 biggest Job Search Mistakes” was completely on the mark. He clearly communicated the most important job search tasks and mistakes to avoid in order for one to stand out from the crowd to potential employers. Get an “Exceptional Performance Review” even before you’re hired. Follow Kevin’s rules.” – Carl Sutter
“I had the opportunity to listen to Kevin’s webinar the last week in January. The information he provided was insightful and timely. I was able to identify several areas where my search was lacking and feel more focused towards my goal.”– Susan Kneeshaw
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR NOW
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/397959075
**not sure you can make it? Go ahead and sign-up and a recording of the session will be sent to you**
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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine (read by over 21,000 professionals worldwide) – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that
Finding the “Open Door” in the Job Market – from the Build the Career You Deserve ezine
In an article earlier this year, we talked about turning rejection into opportunity. Given the current economic climate – unemployment numbers at just over 9.4% and 13.7 million Americans looking for jobs – I thought discussing how the current job market looks opportunity-wise might be timely. My answer is likely going to surprise you. I see a lot of opportunity out there.
· It’s All About ROI – If you have a track record of success and can quantify and qualify those accomplishments (saving money, making money, creating efficiencies), wayward companies who realize they are in bad shape will invest in your expertise and ability to deliver results.
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com
Making You the Most Viable Next Hire – from the “Build the Career You Deserve” ezine
Making You the Most Viable Next Hire
Being flexible, creative and adaptable in today’s economy is the cornerstone to survival. The job search is no different and, with unemployment rising, requires just as much vigilance. One way you can keep your options open and make yourself even more marketable is by considering Consulting in addition to your quest for full-time employment. Often perceived as an “either-or” scenario, Consulting offers you just as many benefits as it does your “would be” employer:
· Track record of Fixing Problems? Career-wise, people typically fall into one of two categories: those who thrive on problem solving and the prospect of a new challenge –or- someone who is exceptionally good at steering the ship once it is on course. If the thought of fixing something that is broken appeals to you (versus has you thinking about reaching for the Tylenol), then Consulting might be an avenue to explore.
· A More Flexible Interview – Quite often, what a company needs is someone to tackle a specific problem, not a new full-time employee. Identifying this in the interview and being able to present yourself as the solution to their problem (at a lower cost), can ultimately create a job tailor made for you and your skill set. No one can compete against that.
· Dating Before Marriage – A consulting engagement can give you the opportunity to see if this company is a nice place to visit or a great place to live. The only thing worse than a prolonged job search, is ending up in a position that results in you being unemployed again in 6-12 months. Consulting lets you do more due diligence than you could ever accomplish in an interview.
· “Consulting” on Your Resume – To many recruiters, seeing “consulting” as your current role without any clients/engagements is just a way to dress up being out of work. But, with a list of key accomplishments at those engagements, you show that you are in demand, have more control over your search and are broadening your experience. The latter is extremely important if you are looking to transition industries.
· Change Agent – For companies looking to make some sort of change internally (and you should like this if you have a track record of fixing problems), consulting is a more preferred approach versus hiring a permanent employee. It is much easier to come in as a consultant, effect the course correction and then hand it off to the internal leadership.
· Money – Besides the obvious benefit of having income during your search, it also gives you breathing room to be more objective in selecting your next job.
· It’s Easier to Find a Job When You Already Have One – So much of what makes this true is that fact that when you are employed, you tend to be a bit more objective because you have a “bird in hand.” Consulting (in addition to easing that financial strain, which helps here) can provide the self-assurance that comes along with being employed, which can get whittled away while unemployed.
Presenting yourself as a viable consultant or full time employee isn’t mutually exclusive. Rather, they are simply two sides to the same coin. For the companies where you interview, this will only make you more viable and versatile in your eyes. For you, there is nothing to lose. The worst thing that happens here is you generate some income to inevitable financial strain of your job search. On the other hand, you might just find through this process that you discover your next career move.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 17,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com
