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Troubleshooting Your Job Search


OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a dozen copies answering classified ads. You've told everyone in your network that you're looking for a job.

And nothing has happened.

Now what?

Since 1996, I've written/edited resumes for nearly 3,000 clients and refunded less than 3% of them for lack of results. Based on this experience, here are four ways for you to troubleshoot -- and improve -- an unsuccessful job search.

1) Is your resume focused?

Your resume can't be all things to all people. Make sure yours has one main focus, such as sales or computer programming. Every word in your resume should contribute to that single focus you've chosen. If you try to go in too many directions, your resume won't appeal to anyone.

2) Is your resume error-free?

You've heard this 100 times, so let's make it 101 -- a single typo can ruin your resume. But that's only partially true. Because even more things can go wrong.

When proofreading your resume, you should also check for errors in spacing between words, inconsistent abbreviations, poor layout, tiny fonts and extreme length/wordiness.

Example: inconsistent spacing is a frequent gaffe. It doesn't matter if you use one space or two after periods, but be consistent throughout. Otherwise, your resume will look unprofessional.

3) Is your cover letter hard-hitting?

According to the Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, "Your cover letter can make or break whether your resume goes into the 'yes' pile or the 'no' pile. A really terrific cover letter can change the reader's mind."

Use your cover letter to show off your knowledge of the company and the industry. And be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job -- enthusiasm sells.

But be concise! Nothing longer than 4-5 paragraphs or one page will work well.

4) Is your job search a full-time job?

In this job market, the quest for employment takes time and effort. Think of finding work as a job in itself, requiring nothing less than your total dedication.

So, ask yourself: "Am I really using all my available resources? Am I spending at least 4-8 hours and doing at least 10 things every day to find the right job?"

For example, make sure you use -- really use -- your college placement office. Most students and graduates never visit theirs, according to my experience.

Now go out and make your own luck!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes.

Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

As a reader of this publication, you're eligible for a special offer. Get your Free Job Search Kit ($25.00 value) at the Guaranteed Resumes Web site - http://www.gresumes.com


MORE RESOURCES:
Employment opportunities  Department of Taxation and Finance

Search & Apply  Lowe's



Careers  UNCO News Central

Careers | Career Opportunities  West Virginia University


The Best Jobs in America in 2025  U.S News & World Report Money

Jobs- Legacy  Energy.gov



Careers  ontarioca.gov




Careers | Home  USDA.gov


Careers at TWU  Texas Woman's University




Jobs  City of Rochester (.gov)


Careers - MDOT  Maryland.gov

Careers and Jobs at CRS  Catholic Relief Services

Anatomy of a jobs promise  Financial Times



Working for ICE  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom




The Future of Jobs Report 2025  World Economic Forum

Employment Opportunities  Alabama Department of Public Health


Careers  The Ocean Cleanup

Careers  Fred Hutch News Service

Work for the City of St. Louis  City of St. Louis




Careers  BASF








Work With Us  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



Career Opportunities  Gilead Sciences

Careers  West Virginia Department of Education


Careers  Washington State University





Nursing jobs  VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs








IOM career gateways  International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Job Search Results  UnitedHealth Group



UF Health Careers  UF Health - University of Florida Health




Careers at Prairie View A&M University  Prairie View A&M University





Job Opportunities  Bellevue School District




How to Apply  FEMA


KPMG Careers  KPMG








Join our team  FHI 360




Students and graduates  JPMorgan Chase

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