Is your resume without any friends?
Do you send out or post resume after resume and get no responses?
When employers are having their hiring party, is your resume, your application, standing all alone in the corner? Or maybe you could not even get in the door...
Take a closer look at your resume.
Better yet, take a really close look at the people at the hiring party.
What did they ask for on the invitation? What types of people did they invite to the party?
What type of person did they describe in the job posting?
Does your RSVP to the party, your response to the posting, your resume, your application, read like, sound like, look like the kind of person they described in the invitation, the posting?
Or are you just anybody, just anybody looking for a party, any party, to crash?
If you do not present, communicate, that you are one of the invitees, one of the persons who meets their basic qualifications for a welcome party goer, why would they let you in, let alone want to party with you, or even talk to you?
Anyone who is looking for anything, any type of job, is a party crasher. Even if you have the potential to be a productive, successful and valuable employee, without making that clear up front, you are likely to be ignored. Employers will not spend the time with a stranger outside the door trying to figure out if it is okay to let you in.
If you think you would spend the time with that stranger, keep that in mind the next time a door to door salesman visits your home. At least that salesman has a pitch that might be of interest. Do you have anything of interest to say to anyone at the employer's hiring party?
At the least, match your resume as much as possible with the same keywords and related experience and education as stated in the job posting. If you don't show even that much interest in, that much consideration for, the employer, your resume will always be kept outside and never allowed into the party.
A resume in search of anything, any job, is a lonely resume.
Don't let your resume be that resume.
Get in touch and stay in touch with us at JVS and let us help you join the party.
Our main website is www.jvsdet.org.
Our job posting site is www.parnossahworksdetroit.org.
And you can reach me by email at wtarrow@jvsdet.org
Get Real and Get Noticed!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Lookin' For a Job Ain't What It Used To Be
"Everybody is for progress, but nobody wants change." Will Rogers
It seems that looking for a job has become so very, very hard and so very, very discouraging.
This "tough economy" has high unemployment and fewer jobs.
But I just searched on Indeed.com for jobs near my office and came up with 2,680 job leads for the city of Southfield, MI alone.
No doubt the economy has affected job search; but what is really at work here and now?
First and, by far, foremost, the process and mechanics of the job search have changed ginormously.
The use of computers and the Internet as primary, if not exclusive, tools for employers and recruiters looking for qualified candidates has had the greatest impact on the job search of today.
And very often not in a good way.
It has become very quick and easy for job seekers to apply to many jobs. Just a click of the mouse and you can send out thousands of resumes. And all from the convenience of your home or your local library.
One study revealed that 97% of applicants to a variety of positions did not meet the minimum requirements for the job!
That means the employer has to dig through the haystack of all those applications and resumes to find the needle of 3%.
No wonder, on many occasions, employers will opt out of the resume mountain in favor of the personal, word of mouth, molehill.
More and more businesses are paying their employees bonuses for personal applicant referrals. In some cases, bonuses of several thousand dollars.
And that's the good news.
If you can make the personal connection with an insider or key person within the company, you increase your chances of a job offer immensely.
Maybe your job search starts in cyberspace, but it really works when you are face to face.
If you need help in making those up close and personal connections, get in touch with me and the employment services at JVS.
Walt Tarrow, wtarrow@jvsdet.org
www.jvsdet.org
JVS Job Posting Site at www.ParnossahWorksDetroit.org
It seems that looking for a job has become so very, very hard and so very, very discouraging.
This "tough economy" has high unemployment and fewer jobs.
But I just searched on Indeed.com for jobs near my office and came up with 2,680 job leads for the city of Southfield, MI alone.
No doubt the economy has affected job search; but what is really at work here and now?
First and, by far, foremost, the process and mechanics of the job search have changed ginormously.
The use of computers and the Internet as primary, if not exclusive, tools for employers and recruiters looking for qualified candidates has had the greatest impact on the job search of today.
And very often not in a good way.
It has become very quick and easy for job seekers to apply to many jobs. Just a click of the mouse and you can send out thousands of resumes. And all from the convenience of your home or your local library.
One study revealed that 97% of applicants to a variety of positions did not meet the minimum requirements for the job!
That means the employer has to dig through the haystack of all those applications and resumes to find the needle of 3%.
No wonder, on many occasions, employers will opt out of the resume mountain in favor of the personal, word of mouth, molehill.
More and more businesses are paying their employees bonuses for personal applicant referrals. In some cases, bonuses of several thousand dollars.
And that's the good news.
If you can make the personal connection with an insider or key person within the company, you increase your chances of a job offer immensely.
Maybe your job search starts in cyberspace, but it really works when you are face to face.
If you need help in making those up close and personal connections, get in touch with me and the employment services at JVS.
Walt Tarrow, wtarrow@jvsdet.org
www.jvsdet.org
JVS Job Posting Site at www.ParnossahWorksDetroit.org
Friday, April 1, 2011
Fools Rush In...
I get asked these questions many times. "Is this the right thing to do?" Or "is it okay for me to ...?" Or "should I try this?"
Much more often than not, the question is being asked because the people asking do not want to take certain steps. They are afraid they will get into trouble, be seen as pestering, inappropriate, or that they will fail. Maybe they fear that they will appear foolish.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Alexander Pope
But history has shown us time and time again that many who have rushed in have achieved success. Success was theirs only because they had the courage to try some things even if those attempts were foolish. Even when those attempts failed. And many of these attempts were at the risk of putting everything, everything they had, everything they treasured, on the line.
"Fortune favors the bold." Virgil
Famous Failures Video
A good example of a successful person who first was thought of as a "fool" is Robert Goddard who today is hailed for his research and experimentation with liquid-fueled rockets, but during his lifetime his ideas were often rejected and mocked by his scientific peers who thought they were outrageous and impossible. Today rockets and space travel don't seem far-fetched at all, due largely in part to the work of this scientist who worked against the feelings of the time.
Click on this link for an article on 50 Famously Successful People Who Failed At First which includes Goddard.
So, why not be foolish, why not try something different, why not go out on a limb?
What have you got to lose?
Maybe you even will have to face your greatest fear...success!
If you are still afraid to take the next step, I am here to help.
Contact me at wtarrow@jvsdet.org, or on LinkedIn, and be sure to visit JVS at www.jvsdet.org.
Happy April Fools Day!!
Much more often than not, the question is being asked because the people asking do not want to take certain steps. They are afraid they will get into trouble, be seen as pestering, inappropriate, or that they will fail. Maybe they fear that they will appear foolish.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Alexander Pope
But history has shown us time and time again that many who have rushed in have achieved success. Success was theirs only because they had the courage to try some things even if those attempts were foolish. Even when those attempts failed. And many of these attempts were at the risk of putting everything, everything they had, everything they treasured, on the line.
"Fortune favors the bold." Virgil
Famous Failures Video
A good example of a successful person who first was thought of as a "fool" is Robert Goddard who today is hailed for his research and experimentation with liquid-fueled rockets, but during his lifetime his ideas were often rejected and mocked by his scientific peers who thought they were outrageous and impossible. Today rockets and space travel don't seem far-fetched at all, due largely in part to the work of this scientist who worked against the feelings of the time.
Click on this link for an article on 50 Famously Successful People Who Failed At First which includes Goddard.
So, why not be foolish, why not try something different, why not go out on a limb?
What have you got to lose?
Maybe you even will have to face your greatest fear...success!
If you are still afraid to take the next step, I am here to help.
Contact me at wtarrow@jvsdet.org, or on LinkedIn, and be sure to visit JVS at www.jvsdet.org.
Happy April Fools Day!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wishing You Good Will
"May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door." Irish saying
Are you making the first steps in your job search about how you can be of help to others?
What skills, experience, education and knowledge, successes can you use to help your next boss, your next co-workers, your next company?
Have you identified what you have of value and appeal to your employer market?
Make that your first step.
Identify how you can help potential employers be successful.
How can you put a smile on their faces, joy in their hearts and money in their pockets?
And how can you do the same for your fellow job seekers?
How can you be of help to those who are ready, willing and able to help you?
Do you have "warm words" for them on those "cold evenings" during this tough economy?
Do you bring the light of hope, the "full moon," when it is hard for all to see that during "dark nights?"
Do you help make the road easier, "downhill all the way to their door?"
Start by thinking first and always foremost about how you can spread good will and be of help to your next employer and to those who already care about you.
We at JVS want to help.
Visit us at www.jvsdet.org.
Attend any or all of our events, meetings, and seminars as shown on our calendars at www.ParnossahWorksDetroit.org and our main website.
Join me and my groups on LinkedIn.
"May good fortune be yours. May your joys never end."
Are you making the first steps in your job search about how you can be of help to others?
What skills, experience, education and knowledge, successes can you use to help your next boss, your next co-workers, your next company?
Have you identified what you have of value and appeal to your employer market?
Make that your first step.
Identify how you can help potential employers be successful.
How can you put a smile on their faces, joy in their hearts and money in their pockets?
And how can you do the same for your fellow job seekers?
How can you be of help to those who are ready, willing and able to help you?
Do you have "warm words" for them on those "cold evenings" during this tough economy?
Do you bring the light of hope, the "full moon," when it is hard for all to see that during "dark nights?"
Do you help make the road easier, "downhill all the way to their door?"
Start by thinking first and always foremost about how you can spread good will and be of help to your next employer and to those who already care about you.
We at JVS want to help.
Visit us at www.jvsdet.org.
Attend any or all of our events, meetings, and seminars as shown on our calendars at www.ParnossahWorksDetroit.org and our main website.
Join me and my groups on LinkedIn.
"May good fortune be yours. May your joys never end."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Take Action
"Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball." Billie Jean King
One sure way to achieve your goals, to realize your dreams, is to get started!
Get your job search house in order.
Visualize your desired, your ideal, job and worklife. Identify what aspects of that job are important to you and picture the actual work place. If you have a difficult time imagining any of this, consider working with a career counselor. JVS offers career counseling services. To learn more, go to www.jvsdet.org or contact me directly at wtarrow@jvsdet.org.
Learn how to ride your job search emotional roller coaster. The ups and downs are, and will, certainly be there. So find ways to survive, maybe even enjoy (and even get a picture afterward...:-)), the ride. Seek out support and use your personal network. If you are having a hard time and need help in finding support, please contact me by email or call me at 248.233.4231. I can also provide you with a list of area job seeker support and networking groups.
Prepare your marketing materials. Again, if you need help with your resume, your cover letters, your personal card, portfolio and the like, get in touch with me.
Have a plan and put it into motion. Assemble your job search team, use any and all resources at your disposal. And, regardless of how and where you are stuck, contact me to help get you unstuck.
"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action." Benjamin Disraeli
One sure way to achieve your goals, to realize your dreams, is to get started!
Get your job search house in order.
Visualize your desired, your ideal, job and worklife. Identify what aspects of that job are important to you and picture the actual work place. If you have a difficult time imagining any of this, consider working with a career counselor. JVS offers career counseling services. To learn more, go to www.jvsdet.org or contact me directly at wtarrow@jvsdet.org.
Learn how to ride your job search emotional roller coaster. The ups and downs are, and will, certainly be there. So find ways to survive, maybe even enjoy (and even get a picture afterward...:-)), the ride. Seek out support and use your personal network. If you are having a hard time and need help in finding support, please contact me by email or call me at 248.233.4231. I can also provide you with a list of area job seeker support and networking groups.
Prepare your marketing materials. Again, if you need help with your resume, your cover letters, your personal card, portfolio and the like, get in touch with me.
Have a plan and put it into motion. Assemble your job search team, use any and all resources at your disposal. And, regardless of how and where you are stuck, contact me to help get you unstuck.
"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action." Benjamin Disraeli
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Beware the Ides of March
What is holding you back from your job search?
Are you afraid, anxious or worried about what may happen if you take action?
Is it difficult for you to take steps because you are not certain of the outcome?
"Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person." Dr. David M. Burns
Do your steps have to be perfect before you make a move?
"If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin." Ivan Turgenev
What is it that is blocking you from taking steps in your job search?
If you are unsure, confused, not certain of what to do, where to start or how to keeping going, help is out there.
You can start with us at JVS and go from there. Visit our website at www.jvsdet.org and take advantage of our Online Job Search link and plan on attending a weekly job seeker support group meeting or job search seminars listed on our monthly calendar.
Contact me by email at wtarrow@jvsdet.org or call me at 248.233.4231
Don't let this quote be where you are and where you are stuck.
"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed." Michael Pritchard
Are you afraid, anxious or worried about what may happen if you take action?
Is it difficult for you to take steps because you are not certain of the outcome?
"Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person." Dr. David M. Burns
Do your steps have to be perfect before you make a move?
"If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin." Ivan Turgenev
What is it that is blocking you from taking steps in your job search?
If you are unsure, confused, not certain of what to do, where to start or how to keeping going, help is out there.
You can start with us at JVS and go from there. Visit our website at www.jvsdet.org and take advantage of our Online Job Search link and plan on attending a weekly job seeker support group meeting or job search seminars listed on our monthly calendar.
Contact me by email at wtarrow@jvsdet.org or call me at 248.233.4231
Don't let this quote be where you are and where you are stuck.
"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed." Michael Pritchard
Monday, February 21, 2011
Flattery will get you everywhere...
A thank you goes out to Claudia Mills, claudia.mills@homeinstead.com, of Home Instead Senior Care, www.homeinstead.com/283, for her invaluable advice about recommendations on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com.
At our JVS Employer Forum event last Tuesday, February 15, Claudia suggested to get recommendations on LinkedIn, first you should give recommendations.
What a wonderfully wise idea!
First seek out others who have qualities, or experience, or situations you admire. People who are working, or have worked, where you would like to work. Others who have the background, the education or training, or skill sets you find of interest. Fellow professionals or workers who are where you want to be; who have taken the journey you may need to take to get where you want to be.
Include those who have connections to those people with whom you most closely want to identify.
Then read their profiles and invite them to join your network if you already know them or have a connection in common.
Get to know them to learn what you admire, appreciate, the most about them.
And, most importantly, compose a recommendation and send it to them.
By taking these steps, you also learn about yourself.
You learn about what is important to you, what interests you and what you admire.
By finding it in others, you gain a better understanding of what strengths you have already and what strengths you need to develop.
And you take action to enlist the aid of others who have developed those strengths to show you the way.
If you need help with your recommendations or in learning about and navigating LinkedIn, attend my LinkedIn series the first week in March. Go to www.parnossahworksdetroit.org and click on the Seminars/Events tab for more information and to register.
You can also follow me and JVS on LinkedIn, the JVS website at www.jvsdet.org, and JVS Detroit on Facebook.
Or email me at wtarrow@jvsdet.org.
Recommend us to your friends and connections, especially anyone who is looking for help in finding employment or changing careers.
At our JVS Employer Forum event last Tuesday, February 15, Claudia suggested to get recommendations on LinkedIn, first you should give recommendations.
What a wonderfully wise idea!
First seek out others who have qualities, or experience, or situations you admire. People who are working, or have worked, where you would like to work. Others who have the background, the education or training, or skill sets you find of interest. Fellow professionals or workers who are where you want to be; who have taken the journey you may need to take to get where you want to be.
Include those who have connections to those people with whom you most closely want to identify.
Then read their profiles and invite them to join your network if you already know them or have a connection in common.
Get to know them to learn what you admire, appreciate, the most about them.
And, most importantly, compose a recommendation and send it to them.
By taking these steps, you also learn about yourself.
You learn about what is important to you, what interests you and what you admire.
By finding it in others, you gain a better understanding of what strengths you have already and what strengths you need to develop.
And you take action to enlist the aid of others who have developed those strengths to show you the way.
If you need help with your recommendations or in learning about and navigating LinkedIn, attend my LinkedIn series the first week in March. Go to www.parnossahworksdetroit.org and click on the Seminars/Events tab for more information and to register.
You can also follow me and JVS on LinkedIn, the JVS website at www.jvsdet.org, and JVS Detroit on Facebook.
Or email me at wtarrow@jvsdet.org.
Recommend us to your friends and connections, especially anyone who is looking for help in finding employment or changing careers.
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