Alison Doyle

10 Tips to Jump Start Your Job Search

Need to get your job search moving?  From tapping your connections to targeting your cover letters, these 10 tips to jump start your job search will help you get started on a job search or help you get your job search in gear, if you're not getting as much action as you'd like to see.

More Job Search Tips

• Cover Letters
• Resume Writing
• Finding a New Job
• Job Interviews
• Using LinkedIn

Top Job Search Tips

Need job search help? These job search quick tips will help you get your resume written, your cover letters composed, your job search on track, and your networking efforts focused.

Top Ten Tips For...

Cover Letters
Resume Writing
CVs
Finding a New Job
Job Interviews
Using LinkedIn
What (and What Not) to do When Job Search

 

Resume Writing Tips

I had the thought that rather than considering writing a resume as a process, in it's entirety, it could be helpful to review just what you need to know, especially when you're updating your resume rather than starting from scratch. So, here's a selection of resume tips to help you get your resume on the right track. 

Resume Tips

• Write a Custom Resume
• Choose a Resume Font
• Choose a Resume Format
• Use a Resume Template
• Prioritize Your Resume Content
• Include Keywords in Your Resume
• Write Your Resume to Apply Online
• Explain a Resume Gap
• Include a Name Change on Your Resume
• Select a Professional Resume Writer
• Resume Tips

Letter Examples for Job Searching

I get asked often about letter examples to use as a starting point when writing employment-related letters.  I think that's because it's much easier to have an example to review, then start with a sample that you can tweak and rewrite to create your own letter than it is to start from scratch.

If you need to write a resignation letter, a cover letter, or to send a thank you letter or thank you note after an interview, take a look at these letter example and letter templates you can use to write your own employment letters.

Job Search Letter Examples

• Letter Samples
• Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Examples
• Follow-Up Letters
• Resignation Letters
• Thank You Letters
• Thank You Notes
• Letter of Appreciation
• Accept a Job Offer
• Job Rejection Letters

Also, if you have a letter you're proud of an would like to add it to the collection, here's how:
Contribute a Resume or Letter

Little Job Search Mistakes That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, it can be little things that make a big difference when you're job searching.  A recent CareerBuilder survey showed that even a smiley face or a wink can knock you out of contention for a job. 14% of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as a smiley face.  Words matter, too. 16% of employers have rejected a candidate for using text language such as GR8 (great) in an e-mail or job application.

Using email addresses like hotchick or risquegirl isn't going to impress any hiring manager either.  Sending email messages without Subject lines may only get your message to one place - the Trash folder.   Writing messages that are barely readable, because of typos, aren't going to help you either.

The same holds true for resumes.  Your resume needs to be clear, concise, readable, and needs to provide an accurate summary of your work history. Both of those are important, really.  Trying to fudge dates cost one young man I spoke to a job at a top Wall Street firm.  Trying to put a positive spin on getting fired for falsifying time sheets, backfired for the person who tried that, too.

If you follow a few simple rules, it will definitely help.  It might also save you some time wondering why you aren't getting calls for interviews:

Be Professional - Check everything you send for grammar and spelling - even if it's "just" a quick email message to a networking contact.  Use a professional sounding email address. A variation of your name works well - alisondoyle, adoyle, for example.

Be Complete - If you're filling out a job application, complete all the required information If a job posting asks for references, provide them.

Be Polite - If you get rejected for a job, thank the hiring manager for the time they took to interview you and ask to be considered for future openings that might be a better fit.  It will help get you consideration in the future.

Apply for Jobs You're Qualified For - Don't waste your time applying for jobs that you're not qualified for.  It's a waste of time, energy, and effort and all you're going to do is annoy the hiring manager who spent time reviewing your resume.  Instead, take the time to target your job search, focusing on jobs that match your skills and interests. Then target your resume and cover letter, so you give the hiring manager what he needs to know at a glance.

Free Resume Help

Writing a resume can be hard work, especially when you're new to resume writing or you haven't updated your resume since you can remember.  These free resume resources including free resume builders, resume samples, and resume templates will help you, at least, create a basic resume you can use to apply for jobs.

Free Online Resume Builders
Before you start using a free resume builder, check to make sure that you know what options are included. Some free resume builders charge for printing or other services, others really are free.

Free Resume Templates
Does your resume need writing or reworking? Are you have a tough time getting going on writing that perfect resume? It's always helpful to review resume templates, examples, and samples.

Microsoft Word Resume Templates
Microsoft resume templates are available as a free download for Microsoft Word users, or available within your Word program, to use to build a resume. Resume template options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes.

Careerleak Resume Writing eBook
This free resume eBook everything you need to know about writing your resume, updating, and maintaining your resume.

Free Resume Reviews
Need input on your resume? Visit the About.com Job Search Forum and our experts will help with your resume.

More Free Job Search Resources

• Free Job Search Help
• Free Job Search eBooks

ResumeAnalysis Resume Reviews

If you have a little money to spend and would like a quick review of your resume, you might want to give ResumeAnalysis a try.  ResumeAnalysis isn't a resume writing service. Rather, it matches you up with a pre-screened resume reviewer.  You can see before, edited, and final versions of resumes here:

• Before Resume
• Edited Version
• Final Version

ResumeAnalysis has no pretensions of being a resume writing service, which is good. It simply offers a review of your resume. The price is right - use the promo code AUGUST this month and you'll save $5 off the $19 of a resume review.  Code should be entered in the text field labeled "Promotional Code" under "Account Details" tab.

If you're not happy with the review, there's a money back guarantee.

More: ResumeAnalysis | ResumeAnalysis on Twitter

Pantyhose, Cover Letters, and Quitting Your Job

What do you think? What's the best way to job search? Should you include a cover letter when you apply for a job? Should you bug HR after sending your resume? How about wearing pantyhose to a job interview - that discussion keeps lingering on an on...? Or giving notice when you quit your job?

Take a minute to let me know what you think:

• Do you need a cover letter?
• Should you follow up after sending a resume?
• Should you wear pantyhose to a job interview?
• Do appearances matter when job searching?
• Are job search scams increasing?
• Would you quit without notice?
• Where did you find your last job?
• What's the toughest job?

Writing Winning Resumes

Do you need to write a resume?  Before you get started, take a look at these resume resources include tips for resume writing, online resume builders, resume templates, resume examples, and video resumes.

Keep in mind that your resume should be targeted for the jobs you are applying for.  One size doesn't fit all when it comes to your resume.  It's not like the old days when you could have a generic resume you used for every job you applied for.

Now that's there so much competition (hundreds and sometimes even thousands of resumes submitted for every open position), you need to carefully customize your resume for every job opening you apply for, so it works effectively with each company's talent management system.

And, if you're having a hard time writing a resume, consider using a resume writing service.  Because a resume is so essential to your job search, hiring an expert can be well worth the expense. Here's advice on choosing a resume writing service.

More: Resumes | Resume Tips

Tips for Successful Resume Writing

Do you need to create a resume?  Before you get started, take a look at these resume resources include tips for resume writing, online resume builders, resume templates, resume examples, and video resumes.

Keep in mind that your resume should be targeted for the jobs you are applying for.  One size doesn't fit all when it comes to your resume.  It's not like the old days when you could have a generic resume you used for every job you applied for.

Now that's there so much competition (hundreds and sometimes even thousands of resumes submitted for every open position), you need to carefully customize your resume for every job opening you apply for, so it works effectively with each company's talent management system.

Samples: Resume | Cover Letter