Should the millions without jobs give up? Congress must think so.

15  million people are unemployed, and nearly 5 million people have been on unemployment for more than one year! Sadly that statistic doesn’t even include all those people who are job hunting but aren’t getting unemployment benefits. The UNEMPLOYED are seeking everything from lower level through executive type jobs. Still so many people are making mistakes that are hurting their chances of getting hired.

I spoke to a potential client today about my resume writing service. She had told her friends and networking contacts she needed a new job and they said, “send me your resume.” She knew hers wasn’t good which is why she called me. When I inquired about the job title she was seeking, she said “well I’m not sure about that but I can’t send out a resume unless it’s good.” I agree, but I also clarified another mistake she was about to make. Your resume can’t be ‘good” if it doesn’t address how you can do a specific job. Employers search through resumes to hire someone who can perform the current job opening. They look for a project manager when they have that job open. They will ignore all other applicants who apply that aren’t able to be a project manager because it is the project manager that they need.

Robin Ryan’s job search tip

I recommend you take this Resume assessment quiz BEFORE you send out another resume. It’s free –go to: http://www.robinryan.com/site/?p=2564

Now you have that feedback on your current resume. Take time to really review your resume as this is your personal advertisement to employers. Is it generic? If so, it will fail to get employer attention. The best way to proceed is to create a results-orientated resume for each job title you plan to search for.

Be sure you detail your accomplishments (results you’ve achieved), and skills needed to perform that specific job.  You may need more than one resume if you are searching 2 or 3 different job options.  Mature workers often have several career options available. Decide on your key strengths, and where you are most marketable. Then hone that resume until it is a concise advertisement and quickly conveys the kind of results you deliver. Re-writing your resume may be just the step you need to get some employers attention.

Keep it to no more than two pages. Find samples in my new book Over 40 + You’re Hired. For detailed writing guides, numerous samples plus an MS word template for easy layouts and formats in samples you’d want to use:  The Standout Resume and Cover Letter Creation Program