The REAL Costs of A Resume

I don't by any means pretend to be a mathematician, but I will say, the numbers can speak volumes when making viable decisions that can make big differences. I recognized this as I was contemplating the true cost of a resume.

While sitting down with my trusty calculator and using some base knowledge, my goal was to see if it's really worth it for a job seeker to plunk down $300 or more for a professionally written resume. I'm just as conservative as the next guy when it comes to wanting to save a few bucks, especially during these hard times. So, allow me to share with you what I came up with based on some data and assumptions.

First, it's important to iterate that even before the recession, Human Resources people will testify that most job candidates blow their first interview, and typically land a job on their second or third attempt. Another startling piece is that the average resume lands on the "don't call" pile from 90-95% of the time. Which means that if you have an average resume and apply for 10 jobs per week, the odds are that you won't get an interview until your ninth week, at which point, anxiety and nervousness are working against you and there is a good chance to blow the interview...taking you about another nine weeks for the next interview, using the same statistical odds. Now suppose you blow the second interview approximately 18 weeks after your job search commenced, you are now looking at possibly another 9 weeks, totaling 27 weeks into the job search. No surprise that studies have revealed that a job search for excutives and professionals can run anywhere between 18 and 27 weeks.

So from this statistical data, it's clear that the key is to get the resume in the upper 5% to 10% that achieves above average results. Let's now assume that your resume is not only effective 5% of the time, but 50% of the time. If you go jobbing with that resume and apply for 10 jobs in your first week and your resume is only 50% effective in generating interviews, the odds are that you will have interviews by the end of your third week (allowing a week between resume arrival and interview date) with the extension of at least one job offer. From the previous information, your resume has now enabled you to earn an additional fifteen weeks salary, not to mention saving you from a great deal of depression and anxiety.

Most job seekers don't stop to consider what it's really costing them to not get interviewed, but the numbers speak again. Assuming a $50,000 a year earner. By dividing this amount into 52, you will get your gross weekly salary apart from benefits.

$50,000 / 52 = $961.53 per week and in an 18 week job search costs $17,307.69.

Now, assume you cut your 18 week job search in half at best during these hard times, you have just saved, $8653.84. In other words, your new resume just earned you a significant amount of money.

You can use the same 52 week formula for any amount of wages you are seeking, either way, it's about time and getting your resume in the "call" pile. My findings from this little exercise convinces me that a professionally prepared resume just might be worth the investment.

An average resume can look like all the rest --- try picking Fred out from a group of Penguins! Put a bow on Fred, and he is easier to find.

week of February 23, 2009

Are You Getting the "Most" from Your Résumé?
Tips to get your get your résumé from on the "interview" pile

Read the Article in this Journal Issue
Orientation Seminar

"Top 10 Ways People Find Employment"

Held Each Tuesday throughout the Month of March from 5:30 - 7:00 PM

REGISTRATION details at: www.TampaCareerAcademy.com or call (813) 374-2261
Email: career_academy@verizon.net
Cost: $10.00
Résumé Writing Secrets Workshop
Struggling with making your résumé competitive?
Battling with phrases and ways to "showcase" your achievements?
Not sure what to keep in and what to leave out?
You'll walk away from this workshop with a workbook that will provide all the tips and strategies you'll need to make your résumé standout amongst the competition.

Dates: March 12 (Thurs), 19 (Thurs), 28 (Sat)
Time: Saturday Classes 10:00AM – 12:30PM Thursday Classes 4:30PM - 7:00PM


REGISTRATION details at: www.TampaCareerAcademy.com or call (813) 374-2261
Email: career_academy@verizon.net
Roll Up Your Sleeves and Let's Get Ready to Write
Guaranteed to Walk Away with Everything You Need for a "Winning Resume"
Check out The Career Academy, LLC on "You Tube" click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYsO40qRUuo

Are You Getting the "Most" from Your Résumé?

You are already aware that a résumé is one of the most
important tools in your career. Taking a hard and critical look at your résumé will determine whether you should attempt to write it yourself or hire a professionl résumé writer.

Like any other tool, you’ll want to use your résumé correctly to maximize your opportunities of getting as many interviews as possible. The following résumé strategies will contribute to this endeavor. Since employers will initially evaluate you from a document, it’s critical that your résumé and cover letter promote your potential value to the position.

Employers will read your résumé very quickly. Expect no more than about 20 to 30 seconds of skimming. Additionally, keep in mind, the sole purpose of your résumé is to obtain job interviews! Let me say that again, the sole purpose of your résumé is to obtain job interviews! In other words, nobody gets hired from a piece of paper.

How you conduct yourself during the job interview and the quality of your presentation will weigh heavily on your success of obtaining the job offer. During the interview, your résumé may service as a script or “point paper” to be used as a reference sheet to share pertinent information with the interviewer.

The following are strategies for maximizing returns on your résumé:

Use a cover letter to introduce your résumé – even when answering internet ads (if available).
Avoid using awkward colored résumé paper – white or off-white is safest for business professionals. If your profession is in the “artistic” industry, you may veer from this rule of thumb, but be careful how “expressively” you promote yourself.
If using snail-mail, send your résumé with postage mail; use a 9” x 12” envelope rather than folding your résumé in thirds.
When applying through published ads requesting various methods of submission, i.e., fax, email, or regular mail, take advantage and do all three! Why take the chance of any one method failing?
Always make an attempt to follow-up with the employer after sending your résumé – inquire if your résumé has been received.
90 Days "Back to Work" Campaign
A Job Transition Program

There are a number of reasons people are seeking employment:

Just graduated from school
Laid off or terminated employment
Dissatisfied with their past employer or position
Company went out of business

These are just a few of the reasons people seeking employer or re-employment. However, often times, people will return to the same type of situation that they left. We strive to learn from our past errors, but without the knowledge to foresee a potential problem, or out of desperation, we jump from the frying pan into the fire.

The 90-Day Program is designed to eliminate this problem, while making you competition ready. Since the economic crisis that began in 2008, over 2 million jobs have been lost, with a lot more expected. This means competition is keen and employers will have pick of the litter.

Working with a professional will be key in getting your job search on track and keeping you motivated when the times get tough. You'll see a lot of career service companies that advertise simplicity ... let me tell you, there is nothing easy or fun about a job search. It's like the ads that offer pills or special drinks to lose weight quickly, it's not real nor practical. Expect discouragement, let downs and challenges, but I will say, those are what makes us stronger. When we are stretched, we seek alternatives -- hence, that is part of the learning process.

Come on board and we will help you through the terrain of your new chapter...investing in your career will come back to you over and over again. The average American changes careers 5 to 7 times in a lifetime, some by choice, some not by choice. Either way, you can expect to face this crisis again.

Need to Get Employed Quick?
Experience both individual, group meetings and seminars designed to get you employed fast.
Phased learning that breaks down each critical part of the job search...you won't miss a step!
Continue seeking out job opportunities while you continue to build your job search skills.
Enhance your employment decision making skills to ensure the right fit.
The 90-Day Program is broken down into Phases for better learning and preparation. Each phase will be completed using both individual and group learning. In addition, there will be optional seminars.
v Phase I - Self-Evaluation & Assessments
v Phase II - Building Career Tools
v Phase III - Networking Techniques
v Phase IV - Communications
v Phase V - Resilience
v Phase VI - Monitor and Evaluate

If you’re ready and serious about getting back to work, and tired of sitting in front of the computer practicing "Job Waiting" -- then let's get started on "Career Empowerment" and turn up the heat on your job search.

Michael S. Levy, CPRW, MCDP, PHR
President

Good Interview Gone Bad? You Can Still Turn it Around

Congratulations! You've made it to the most critical part of landing the job, the interview. The résumé worked perfectly by capturing the attention of the hiring manager.

Your next step is to demonstrate why you’re the best choice to fill the position. While sitting across from the person holding the key, stay calm, poised and clear. Don’t let them know you're sweating inside or that you want to scream “let me out of here!”

Your preparation will soon pay off. Now, it’s just a matter of answering a few trite questions and winning over the decision-maker.

Perhaps this interviewer seems a little different than those in the past? He’s not smiling nor receptive to your rapport building techniques. Not even a chuckle at your small attempt at levity when you told him about your four year old son spilling milk all over you this morning at breakfast.

The good news, all is not lost. You still may have a chance to build the chemistry necessary for creating a smooth interview.

With a little training in human behavior and people-reading, you can still come out a winner. Pay attention to the interviewer’s mannerisms; observe the non-verbal expressions; notice the seating arrangement--is he across from you, next to you or caddy corner from you? Are his questions direct and to the point, or is he doing most of the talking?

To illustrate these communication points, I’d like to introduce the DISC.

D = Dominance
I = Influence
S = Steadiness
C = Compliance

The concept of the DISC has been around for quite a few centuries, but recent credit for DISC and its theories go to Dr. William Moulton Marston; a Harvard graduate who in 1928 published “The Emotions of Normal People” in which the theory is described.

Dr. Marston’s study of behaviors led him to the theory that people display certain behaviors depending on how their own environment is viewed, as either favorable or unfavorable.

The DISC language is a validated, behavior-based tool that can be learned through observing others. Similar to other languages, through practice, a person can build their recognition of behavior based skills. By learning your DISC style, you can increase your communication and ability by adapting to others, thus improving your interviewing skills.

Learning the Behavior Descriptors are Key.

High "D" is typically bottom-lined types, preferring to get to the point. In communication, the behavior doesn't always hold patience for rambling or personal chit-chat.

High "I" type are recognized by enthusiasm, optimism and concern for people; preferring to warm up with small talk before jumping into business.

A High "S" can often be observed by a laid back, patient, or passive behavior. Normally slower in decision making, but good listeners.

High "C" behaviors are typically introverts that like information and data. Precise and accurate types. Expect they will want "proof" of your abilities during the interview.

It should become clear that the job interview is more than merely answering interview questions; but just as important to make a connection with the hiring manager.

Take the DISC assessment to understand your own type and then practice adapting your style with others to boost your communication. Learn the language and you'll surely take your interview skills and human-relations to the next level.

DISC has also proved successful in corporate team-building.

The Career Academy is Certified in DISC Assessments, contact me to schedule your DISC assessment and consultation!

The Most Important Letter You'll Ever Write

Your Secret Weapon to a Polished Interview

No doubt you’ll want to make a great impression after the interview…then don’t forget your thank you letter! Aside from your cover letter, the thank you letter is probably the most important tool you can use to your advantage in the hiring process, and yet, it’s the most neglected. A simple, yet sincere thank you letter can often make the difference in swaying a hiring manager’s final decision. Statistically, only about 10% of job seekers send a thank you letter after an interview.
Besides good business courtesy, the benefits of your letter are advantages for the following reasons…

1. It keeps you in the interviewer’s mind after meeting other candidates.
2. It allows you an opportunity to provide additional information you may have forgotten or didn’t feel clear in your response during the interview.

Keys to an Effective Thank You Letter

Keep your thank you letters warm, brief, and sincere. Since such a small number of candidate’s follow-up with a thank you, your thoughtfulness and continued interest in the position could give you an edge over those who ignore this important step.

The question often asked is should my letter be typed, hand-written, or emailed. With the e-world we live in today, email is acceptable. This is only if you’ve been invited into the interviewers email box. How will you know? If you are given their business card and their personal email is on it, or if they tell you it’s okay to email. Otherwise, typed and mailed is the other acceptable method. Hand-written is too personal for a job interview, save it for the networking thank you letter.

Make sure to get a business card before leaving the interview!

We are almost there.... inching our way to 2009. With the new year, usually comes new ideas and a fresh start. For me, it's improving my marketing skills. I've always been a service oriented person, but when owning a business, it's all about marketing -- similiar to lots of networking! Business owners must do the same thing we Career Managers tell our clients to do. It's so much easier to send out a few blogs, or an emailed newsletter and hope someone says, hey, this guy is good, I can't live without him. The truth of the matter, I spent most of 2008 doing that, and well, it was slow....



The question I keep asking myself is, how will I step up my marketing? I've read about it, sat through classes on it, spoke to others about it, there is nothing left to do, except do it! Nike keeps running through my head... just do it!



Hey, maybe that's the secret, Nike keeps running through my head. Branding is part of the magic of marketing! When someone thinks of their job really sucking, or they need a job...I want them to think of The Career Academy. So, the secret is "Branding".



That's what we need to work on, branding ourselves. How will you be remembered and what will you be remembered for?

Best Wishes for a great 2009!

The American Job Market

What the heck happened? We were going along so well for what, about 100 or so years, building, developing, designing, women joining the workforce, (there was enough for everyone), various cultures joining us from abroad -- then wammo! We started handing everything over to other countries to build for us, to create for us and to run for us. Why did we allow this to happen? Schools started to become too lenient, we decided that "Made in Japan" was good purchases, we had to go outside our borders and triple Visas to bring in "intellectual property". So here we are, now trying to figure out how we can fix what we allowed to happen. This is not to criticize in any way, shape, or form cultures or what we have received from our friends abroad. Their goods and services have certainly enhanced our lives in many ways, however, we've gotten away from good old American ingenuity.

We are scared, worried and once again allowing someone else to take control of our destiny -- do we really think the government has all the answers? I'm not talking about mutiny here, but I'm talking about taking a stand to better our schools, regain our growth and utilize our ingenuity. Let's move America forward with the same industrialization that grew this country and provided jobs.

What are some of your thoughts?