Is your phone ringing to schedule interviews? Are you maximizing your earnings potential and getting multiple job offers? If the answer to any of these questions is NO, now is the time to broaden your job search techniques and use all the tools available to you.

Each job search method has its area of strength but none provides 100%, stand-alone success. Follow each tip to take advantage of your resources without wasting precious time.

Networking

Networking is proven to be the most effective means of securing a new position. Recent studies have shown that at least 50% to 60% of all jobs are obtained through networking. Let Marty show you how to develop a networking style that's comfortable for you.

Newspaper advertising

Newspaper advertising is a viable source of openings (and names of companies in a hiring mode); it accounts for about 15% of jobs found.

Recruiting Organizations

Many companies still rely exclusively on recruiters to fill their positions. At the executive level, companies retain high-powered search firms. Contact Marty to discover how to get on their lists.

The Internet

The Internet is now a significant player in the job-search process.An increasing number of candidates and job databases are available online to expand the boundaries of your job search. While the Internet may seem like a job search cure-all, don't depend on it exclusively.

Direct Mail

Direct mail is an often overlooked method. With today's technology, information is readily available on industries, companies, recruiters and venture capitalists. You can create finely tuned mailings that effectively tap the hidden job market.

Résumé Blasting

A new phenomenon on the Internet, résumé posting organizations can blast your résumé to hundreds or thousands of companies and recruiting firms almost instantly. An excellent way to jump-start your job search.

Secure your future by investing your time

The unemployed should devote at least 35 to 40 hours per week to their job search. The gainfully employed, (but actively seeking) should invest at least 15 hours.

Accelerate your job search with Gilbert Résumés -
the full-service company!

Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts

DO...

• Personalize your cover letter. Avoid 'To whom it may concern' or 'Dear Sir/Madam' whenever possible. If possible find out the recipient’s name; call the company. If there's only a fax number and no title for the person to whom it is going, then you probably have no choice.
  
• Write a compelling cover letter that makes recruiters want to read on. Don't make it a repeat of what you wrote in your résumé.
  
• Be brief and quickly make a strong point. The individual reading your cover letter will scan, not study it.
  
• Highlight pertinent information and provide relevant data that may not be covered in your résumé. In fact, if you see an advertisement that requires certain skills or experience you have, but it's not strongly emphasized in your résumé, this is the place to tout it.
  
• Be positive and confident. Let them know how you'll make a valuable contribution or be a real asset to the company.
  
• Make sure you tell them where and when to reach you.
  
• Let them know that if you don’t hear from them by a certain date you'll follow up with a call to schedule an appointment.
  
• Match the cover letter and envelope paper to the résumé when mailing. It makes a better presentation.
  
• PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

DON’T...

• Rewrite your résumé in your cover letter. That is what the résumé is for.
  
• Bore the reader. Make your point in the fewest words possible..
  
• Hand-write the letter. After-all, this is a business letter. Use a printer or typewriter.
  
• Use first names; Mr. or Ms. is more appropriate.
  
• Forget to sign the letter.
  
• Use your company e-mail address for replies. You never know who is reading your e-mail. Avail yourself of the many free e-mail services on the Internet (yahoo.com, mail.com, etc.).

If cover letter writing seems like more than you'd like to tackle, contact Marty and let him do the work for you.

Networking Using Your Contacts

In today's competitive and sophisticated job market, you must be aggressive, innovative, visible and relentless

A recent study by Harvard University established that well over 50% of positions were secured through networking. Have you stayed in contact with your former bosses from years ago, former co-workers, neighbors, accountant, or banker? Individuals like these are a prime source for finding employment. The list is endless.

Any place where people gather is a golden opportunity

Do you know that bankers, real estate brokers and building superintendents know who is expanding and who is moving into your town or city? Trade association meetings and membership lists are chock full of prime candidates for your calls. Go to an association luncheon or dinner and watch the cards being passed around. Your house of worship, civic groups, and community groups are excellent sources for contacts.

What do you really think is happening? Most of the people there are networking!

Informational interviews - the well-kept secret

Informational interviews with recruiters and human resource professionals can start a whole new chain of contacts. Call company recruiters and tell them you are evaluating opportunities with similar companies in their locale and would like to get information about the organization. Request a brief meeting to discuss the company's plans and goals. Remember, you're not asking for a job interview, but for information about job opportunities that may arise within the organization or in other companies with whom they're familiar.

Use all your contacts to develop leads

Follow up leads and make sure you leave a trail of thank-you notes and thank you calls. Let people know you appreciate their efforts. When you call again in a month, they won't mind hearing from you.

Be organized; keep records

Make sure you know the direct source of each lead and even the sources that led you to that source. Leave no stone unturned and no kindness unthanked.

Dedicate time for networking - it's worth it

Devote at least 20 hours a week to networking if you are unemployed. Every lead becomes dozens of leads, and every lead is one step closer to success. Don't abandon traditional methods of job hunting (recruiters, advertisements, direct mail, and all other means), but give networking the time and attention it deserves

There is no mystique

It's just plain hard work and perseverance. Every one you talk to, every one you meet . . . they are your targets. It's incredible what people know about job opportunities that you would never have imagined. Your hairdresser/barber talks to everyone from company clerks to presidents. You are not your accountant's or attorney's only client, etc.

Let people know. Give them a chance to help. You will be absolutely amazed at the results.

Multiply your job search efforts with networking!
Contact Marty - He'll show you how...

Interviewing Tips

You Don't Have a Second Chance to Make a Memorable First Impression!

An employer's interest in a candidate is generally decided within the first twenty minutes.Can you do something to ensure that you aren't ruled out before the interview even starts? 

The foundation for a successful interview is preparation

Whether interviewing for a CEO or staff position, there are certain consistent, predictable parts of every interview. Spend some time and be prepared:

• Perform the necessary research to learn as much as possible about the company with whom you'll be interviewing. Explore the business section of your local library and gather information about the company and its management. Review the company's recent annual and quarterly reports. Read financial and other pertinent publications for up-to-date information. Follow the company's stock price if it's publicly traded. Search the Internet.
• If your prospective employer has retail outlets in the area, visit them to get a front-line feel for the organization. For certain manufacturers, look for their products at retail stores and ask sales representatives about quality and sales volume.
• Prepare questions about the company - its products, services, people, and work environment- to ask during the interview. This allows you an opportunity to continue selling yourself. Have a list, don't cross-examine, make the questions job related, and ask questions that require an explanation.
• Practice does make perfect! Honestly assess your employment background and develop explanations for any weak points.
• Be friendly, yet businesslike. Listen closely to questions and make sure your responses are relevant and focused. Use examples from your past accomplishments or problem solving to make your point.
• Show interest in the company and the interviewer by asking questions yourself, but don't dominate the interview.
• Be ready for compensation conversation: Statistics show that money is often the fifth most important reason why people make career moves. All too often, individuals stumble on the questions of compensation. Some inflate current compensation, others  nervously choose to avoid the subject altogether.
  
  When confronted with the question of compensation, always answer truthfully. Be prepared to detail direct and indirect compensation (base salary, bonus and profit-sharing if applicable). Don't underestimate your true gross income. Know how to respond to the question, "I need to know if we can afford you. What are you looking for?"
• Ending the interview Does this sound like you? "Thanks for taking the time from your schedule to speak with me today. I've enjoyed meeting you and think the company is doing some exciting things...hope to hear from you soon." As the interview moves to a close, express your appreciation and your interest in the position and company.
  
  Always end the interview assertively. If you want something, ask for it. Remember, you are competing against not only the other applicants for a position but against every answer given by every candidate that person has ever interviewed. Make yourself memorable with your presentation, your interest in the company, and your close. Remember, the last thing you say is the first thing they'll remember.

Learn the interview secrets your competition knows!
Contact Marty and be prepared!

“Our clients receive interviews almost immediately and find positions in 50% less time than average. I’d love to do the same for you.” -Marty Weitzman

Every résumé writer offers a guarantee but
few give you the career advantage Marty does.
Contact Marty now

Martin Weitzman, NCRW, CPBS, IJCTC, CPRW
President of Gilbert Career Résumés
Gilbert Résumés
A Career Network Company
resumepro@gmail.com
Toll Free: (800) 967-3846

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