Making sure you have superior resumes Pt. 8

This third resume makes it easy for you to respond quickly to emerging situations you read about. It positions the text on the right-hand side of the page so you can write handwritten notes and dispatch a resume without a cover letter. Clients consistently tell us that executives respond well to their notes, which cited events that were signals of emerging jobs.

(Originally posted on Robert  Gerberg‘s site) Be sure to check out sites from great companies like ERI Personal Marketing and SET Personal Marketing. Or visit SET’s Youtube Channel or ERI’s Youtube Channel.

Making sure you have superior resumes Pt. 7

This second resume needs to be shorter and to the point, usually no more than two-thirds of one page. It is surprising how few devote any thought to the way their resumes appear at the receiving end of an email transmission. When you are online, less is more. All you want is a positive response.

(Originally posted on Robert  Gerberg‘s site) Be sure to check out sites from great companies like ERI Personal Marketing and SET Personal Marketing. Or visit SET’s Youtube Channel or ERI’s Youtube Channel.

Making sure you have superior resumes Pt. 6

An Internet (or electronic) resume

The most essential is a universal resume – a one-page document that will be your introductory resume. Most people mistakenly believe that they need to tell their whole story in their initial resume. The reality is that you get better results when your initial resume is interesting, with a feeling of action – but short. This resume must be suitable for key word scanning, have short paragraphs, and be compelling. It must be headlined by a job title listing (e.g., Director of Marketing) that an employer might have available. Remember, your resume is an ad… not an epitaph.

Our research staff randomly selected 1,000 resumes, and we found that less than 20% made the type of position and level they were seeking immediately apparent.

(Originally posted on Robert  Gerberg‘s site) Be sure to check out sites from great companies like ERI Personal Marketing and SET Personal Marketing. Or visit SET’s Youtube Channel or ERI’s Youtube Channel.

Making sure you have superior resumes Pt. 5

Our recommended approach

After analyzing every resume style, we developed a new approach – one where people are equipped with three different styles of superior resumes and materials that meet all of the concerns we’ve mentioned. Why does having several resumes give you a major advantage? The answer is that each one is targeted for a different application and each is what we call an A resume. When you have an A resume, it’s not likely to be just two times more effective than a B resume – it’s more likely to be 20 to 25 times more effective. Plus, you have the advantage of having more tailored materials for the three most common situations where you will be submitting resumes.

When we prepare an introductory resume for people to get the very best results, we also always follow seven key rules:
- The resume must be one page
- Preferred jobs must be listed first
- The top third must be a summary
- Liabilities must be neutralized
- Transferable skills must be sold
- A first-class image must be presented
- Resumes must be scanning-ready with relevant key words

Keep in mind that a good resume has to cover the past, but it is really all about your future. So now let’s look at the three different resumes you should have available before you begin your search.

(Originally posted on Robert  Gerberg‘s site) Be sure to check out sites from great companies like ERI Personal Marketing and SET Personal Marketing. Or visit SET’s Youtube Channel or ERI’s Youtube Channel.

Setting up your personal marketing website Pt. 4

Can a PMW also be used for responding to ads?

Absolutely. Mention your link in a compelling email and you’ll have a surefire way to dramatically stand out from everyone else who answers an ad. The bottom line is that if you’re in the market today and don’t have a Personal Marketing Website, you will be searching with an unnecessary competitive disadvantage.

(Originally posted on Robert  Gerberg‘s site) Be sure to check out sites from great companies like ERI Personal Marketing and SET Personal Marketing. Or visit SET’s Youtube Channel or ERI’s Youtube Channel.

Uncovering Your Industry Options Pt. 4

Identifying new industry options

If you have no knowledge of an industry but have an interest in exploring situations, extra steps are recommended. As mentioned, the easiest way to acquire knowledge of a new industry, and gain credibility for it, is to read trade publications. They will bring you up to date on personnel changes, new products, information on companies, and challenges as seen by industry leaders.

Another way to acquire knowledge is to talk with executives already in the field. In some cases you can go further by getting more formal input, attending trade shows and the like. The most radical approach is to take a lower level job in an industry in order to acquire knowledge.

During the last decade we’ve witnessed declines in many industries. However, don’t overlook opportunities in troubled industries. Executives who have worked for firms under pressure often find they can be valuable to distributors or consulting firms. Those who learned tough lessons in competitive battles can function as veterans in any industry.

(Originally posted on Bob J. Gerberg‘s site)

Uncovering Your Industry Options Pt. 3

Identifying new industry options

The more you appear to know about an industry, the easier it is to generate interviews. Virtually all employers look for “common ground” when hiring a new person. For example, do you have experience in or knowledge of similar product lines, distribution channels, manufacturing methods or problems in their industry? There can be other similarities. Consider the scope of operations, the role of advertising and promotion, the importance of the sales organization, the influence of labor, and other items.

Naturally, the harder it is to demonstrate knowledge of an industry, the less likely an executive is to make a move into it. That rule applies to all major disciplines: sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing and operations. It is less important in staff disciplines. Here are some examples of commonplace changes:

- A marketing executive with a tobacco company joined a cosmetics firm. Why? Their methods of marketing are similar.

- The EVP of a circuit board company was recruited to become president of a firm that makes power packs. Why? These industries have similarities in manufacturing and sales, even though the products are so different.

- An executive of an aerospace company was recruited to become chairman of a small company that sells high tech services to defense contractors. Why? The key was the new chairman’s contacts and knowledge of the marketplace.

- The controller of a component manufacturer was brought in as president of a company that produces plastic packaging. Why? The similarities have to do with cost control as the #1 challenge.

(Originally posted on Robert J. Gerberg‘s site)

Uncovering Your Industry Options Pt. 2

Identifying new industry options

The first way to do this is to read and increase your awareness of the fastest growing industries and companies. These firms have to go outside their industry to find the best talent and skills.

The second way is to list characteristics of your industries… and find similar industries. We use software to compare your industry’s characteristics with 2,500 others… e.g., 35 industries may be an 85% match.

Keep in mind that projecting some form of an “industry hook” is the next best thing to having industry experience. Group your possibilities three ways: (1) close industry hooks, easy possibilities; (2) medium industry hooks, next best; (3) far reach or stretch industry hooks.

When changing industries, you also don’t want to overlook your leverage power… the added benefits you may bring by virtue of your contacts or knowledge. You may be able to bring a team with you that helped in similar situations.

Despite our recent economic slowdown, new companies have sprung up throughout America. Established organizations are reexamining the way they do business. Medium-sized companies are expanding. New industries exist that are employing tens of thousands.

(Originally posted on Robert J. Gerberg‘s site)

Uncovering Your Industry Options Pt. 1

Pursue the Right New Industry Options and You May Change Your Life

People should be prepared to market themselves so that they are attractive to employers across a broad range. The reality is that people of all ages are moving into exciting new industries. Transition to a new industry is easier than it used to be. Historically, people have overrated the barriers and underrated their abilities to move into new areas. The vast majority of all new jobs are created by small and mid-sized businesses. So, while major employers are still important, you may want to explore positions with start-ups or emerging companies. If you choose the right industry, you will have more growth opportunities, perhaps meaningful stock options, an environment that is likely to be more positive, a chance for more regular pay increases and probably advancement.

(Originally posted on Robert J. Gerberg‘s site)

Seven Proven Rules for Interviewing Success Pt. 6

*Are you interested in sports?

*Have you ever been arrested or convicted?

*How good is your health?

*How do you spend your spare time? Your hobbies?

*What was the last book you read?

*Have you been refused a bond? Been bankrupt?

*Tell me about yourself.

*What is your view of the political climate?

*How strong is your financial situation?

*What people do you admire?

*What kind of work environment are you looking for?

*Where else are you interviewing?

*Other offers received?

*If you started over, what would you do differently?

*How would others describe your work ethic?

(Originally published on Robert J. Gerberg‘s site)