1. TODAY MOST RESUMES AT LARGE CORPORATIONS AND ONLINE SOURCES ARE SCANNED FOR KEY WORDS AND UNTOUCHED BY HUMAN HANDS OR EYES. So, what are the KEY WORDS for your field? For this job? Use ‘em. How do you fine them?


2. A RESUME IS NOT, NOT, NOT A JOB DESCRIPTION OF EVERYTHING YOU EVER DID ON PRIOR JOBS. IT’S A SALES TOOL. WHAT ARE YOU SELLING? Results, talent. What can you do for me TODAY in 2008 that I need done? Above all, don’t put down legacy systems that no one uses now unless the potential employer still uses it!


3. FOR EVERY 100 RESUMES YOU SEND OUT, YOU’LL BE LUCKY IF YOU LAND 2 INTERVIEWS. That’s a 2% chance. So what’s better than resumes?


4. NETWORKING. NETWORKING. NETWORKING. "People hire who they know. Not strangers." Your neighbor or brother in law has more weight than a stranger does — if you ASK them to make a referral. The HR Dept. usually does a "courtesy interview" for a relative or friend. Then you’re on your own.


5. FOR EVERY RESUME YOU POST ON LINE, YOU HAVE A 4% CHANCE OF LANDING AN INTERVIEW IF YOU’RE UNIQUE OR HAVE EXACT SKILLS. Richard Bolles, What Color Is Your Parachute? (annual)


6. WHAT IS THE COST OF PROFESSIONAL RESUME PREPARATION? According to Bob Mandelberg, Eatontown, Certified Resume Writer, $255 for one page and $395 for two pages. What does that tell you?


7. CARRY A RESUME ON YOUR PERSON AND IN YOUR CAR AT ALL TIMES. You never know who you’ll meet or run in to who can help.

Check out all our 7 Helpful hints.

7 Weasel Words to Avoid at Work	7 Truths About Resumes
7 Secrets to Dealing with Difficult People	7 Keys to Outstanding Communication
7 Ways to Keep on Keeping On	7 Insights on Stress, Time Mgt & Communication
7 Techniques for Finding Your Voice	Bonus: 7 Ways to Diffuse Conflict