Do yourself a favor -- when you are asked to email a resume to an employer, always email your resume to yourself first to see how the formatting might change. In that way, you may be able to make some adjustments in your formatting when you forward it on to the employer.

Also, be sure to introduce your resume with a brief cover letter even when sending it electronically.

One more resume/cover letter tip: Even when you email your resume/cover letter to an employer, always follow up that transmition with a hard copy mailed to the employer (if, of course, you have the employer's mailing address).

Do What others fail to do!



In reference to hard copies of your cover letter and resume, it's recommended that you use the same stock paper for both cover letter and resume, and use the same heading format on both. In that way, you have a matching set that compliments each other.

To read the latest "Getting Hired" column and the archives, log on to www.marvin-walberg.com.

Tip: Always hand-deliver, mail, or email a hand-written thank you note within 24-hours of each interview. If more than one person interviews you, send each interviewer a thank you note, using full name and title of each person. If something relevant was omitted from the interview, include it, briefly, in the thank you note, and if you want the job, say so! You make something positive happen.

Tip: There is nothing quite as strong and powerful as a third-party referral. A third-party referral knows you, knows how you work, knows how you look, and is willing to recommend you to a mutual acquaintence who could be your next employer. A third-party referral can virtually eliminate your job searching competition and uncover the "Hidden Job Market" What do you do to get this powerful action started?

. Create a 60-second commercial about you and what you are prepared to do for your next employer, but make it simple -- something that anyone in any career field will understand the first time.

. Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet, spread your commercial, and make it your business to meet new people everyday, socially and professionally.

. Get visible in your community. It's good to circulate resumes, but it's better to circulate yourself. Join clubs, professional organizations, hobby groups -- whatever it takes to get out there and get visible.

. Be involved. Don't just join groups, volunteer for offices and committees. Put yourself in the position to demonstrate your workplace abilities. That sells your sizzle and gets your third-party referrals.

Do what others fail to do!

getting hired

Tip: Do what others fail to do. Just because a company isn't actively recruiting for new hires through advertisements or on-line posts doesn't mean that they wouldn't hire you if they knew about you! Separate yourself from the masses...Eliminate virtually all competition...Discover the hidden job market. Network with everyone you know and everyone you meet, and you choose your next employer by researching companies you'd like to be associated with. Then, target those companies and let them know you're available. If you're good at what you do and you've researched companies that need people with your talents, you're doing your next employer a favor by identifying yourself!

Do what others fail to do....Sell yourself a new employer!