Michelle A. Riklan

Certified Resume Writer, Career Coach, LinkedIn Profile Writer, Trainer, Facilitator, Author, Columnist, Speaker

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Career Newsletter
Volume II, Issue 8                                                       August 2012

Riklan Resources, LLC
522 Highway 9 North #290
Manalapan, New Jersey 07726
(800) 540-3609
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Greetings!

Welcome to this month's career newsletter! 

 

 Is Summer the Best Time to "Take it Easy" on the Job Search?

 

Although it is considered a "low-volume season," summer time may be the best time for you to submit your resume and application. While many companies may be inactive during summer months with hiring processes, keep in mind that during high-volume seasons (beginning of the year) more people are applying and it is easier for your resume to get lost "in the pile." If you are interested in a company, this is a great time to send in your resume, make sure it is in the applicant tracking system, and even to call and request an informational interview when the HR department/Hiring Manager may have the time to meet with you. Later in the year, you will be one of many more and the availability of a potential employer may not be there. It is also a good idea to do your homework on the industry that you are targeting. Different industries have different hiring trends and needs during different times of the year. Arm yourself with this information and make it work to your advantage.

 

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

 

Michelle

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Our list is growing! If you would like to advertise in future issues, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

 

Please feel free to send suggestions for improvement and additional areas that you would like to see covered in future issues to [email protected].  

   

SAVE THE DATE!!

 

Coming up on September 27th at 7:30pm EST, Marshall Brown and I are hosting another Resume Writing Workshop and we're inviting you to join us on the teleseminar. 

 

"How to Write a Resume that Gets Results in a Tough Economy" 

 

If you are unemployed and looking for a job, or if you've got a job and you are looking for new opportunities, this is a workshop that you will not want to miss.

 

You will discover how easy it is to: 

  • Transform your outdated, rambling resume into a laser-focused, concise marketing tool
  • Craft a resume that sells YOU and your skills
  • Showcase your accomplishments, set yourself apart from the competition, get an interview, and so much more.

 Mark your calendar today!

 

Resume Writing Workshop: 

"How to Write a Resume that Gets Results in a Tough Economy"

 

Thursday, September 27th, 7:30-8:30pm EST

 

Please be sure to share this announcement with your friends.

 

 

References Available Upon Request

by Michelle A. Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC

 

Whenever I see this line on a resume, I often scratch my head and say to myself "Really?" Well of course a candidate should make references available upon request. So, stating the obvious is a waste of time and adds absolutely no value to the document. I never put this line on a resume. However, they truly must be available when requested, which means that candidates must do their homework before they are at the point in the process where they are asked to furnish this information.

 

When you enter job search mode, you will put together your marketing/campaign materials which often includes a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and a thank you note.  Perhaps you have a brag book of publications, articles, accolades, accomplishments, etc. So how do you present references when you are at that point? Who do you ask to vouch for you and when do you put this information together?

 

It is always best to be prepared. Just like you never want to get caught unprepared in a networking situation or chance meeting with someone requesting a copy of your resume, you do not want to have to go digging for solid references when you are asked to provide them.

 

As early as when you graduate from college, it is a good idea to ask professors, employers (even part-time), and advisors to provide letters of recommendation and recommendations on your LinkedIn profile. If you stay in touch, you may be able to use this information for the future. Always try to get recommendations in writing and on official letterhead if possible. Continue this practice of "gathering positive references" throughout your career, as it is always best to ask someone what they think of your work while it is still fresh in their mind.

 

If you are providing a potential employer with a reference, do not let that reference be taken by surprise. Contact them and let them know that someone may be calling. Also, verify that this will be a positive reference for you. Don't assume that it will be. 

 

Once you have chosen your referrals, put together a separate referral sheet (Referrals DO NOT belong on a resume). Have this sheet available in your job-search portfolio and "furnish as requested."

 

 
Improving Your Follow Up With Employers
by 

Don Orlando, MBA, CPRW, JCTC, CCM, CCMC, CJSS, MCD



You - and most employers - can probably guess at the last line of almost every cover letter: "I look forward to hearing from you." Don't bank on it!

 

Most job seekers close their letters that way because they are trying to be polite. However, some of the employers with whom I speak miss the point. Their thoughts go something like this. "How did the ball get in my court? If this person isn't willing to follow up on his or her own project, why should I expect them to follow up with our customers?" That grinding noise you hear is the shredder making quick work of a cover letter with that too-common last line.

 

There is a better way. For an interview to be successful for you and the employer, the conversation should center about how you can fill the company's needs. So why not make that thought clear in your cover letter?

 

I am not going to give you "canned" words because it's important that you express the thought in your own way. (Remember how many employers want people with "good communications skills.") Explain that your resume only hints at the payoffs you can bring. Then ask to explore the company's particular needs in your field.

 

Your follow up call extends the line of reasoning. You're calling not to see if your resume arrived. The mail works. Rather, can say the decision maker you wrote to may think you rude if you don't follow up on your proposal. That's a natural transition to setting an appointment designed to help you and the company find mutual benefit.

   

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Don Orlando, MBA, CPRW, JCTC, CCM, CCMC, CJSS, MCD
The McLean Group 

One of America's first personal, professional career coaches  

Former Charter Member, Board of Directors, Career Management Alliance

Monthly columnist: Professional Association of Resume Writers; regular contributor: NETSHARE.com 
Published in more than 65 collections of the best resumes in the United States, Canada, and Australia 

 

Suggested Reading: Knock 'em Dead 2012: The Ultimate Job Search Guide
By Martin Yate

 
Knock 'em Dead 2012: The Ultimate Job Search Guide (Knock 'em Dead: The Ultimate Job-Seekers' Handbook)
by Martin Yate CPC by Adams Media
Paperback
List Price: $16.95
Our Price: $8.84
Buy Now

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If you have a favorite career book to suggest or an article that you'd like to submit for our upcoming issues, please send your information to [email protected]. 

My FREE Gift For You: Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online
By Steve Olsher  
book

My friend Steve Olsher has a new book out and he's giving it away for FREEThe title is Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online. Jay Conrad Levinson (Guerrilla Marketing) called it "the best marketing book I've read in over 20 years." 
 
Here is the link:   
www.InternetProphets.com/free.

There's no catch... grab your copy now.

 

Enjoy, 
 
Michelle A. Riklan
 
P.S. Not sure when Steve is taking this down, so get your FREE copy while you can at 
 www.InternetProphets.com/free.


 

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-  7 Secrets to Financial Freedom
-  MORE on the Art of Cultivating Professional References
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Join our LinkedIn Group!

 

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Do you have a career related product or service that you would like to promote in our upcoming newsletters? Contact us at  [email protected] for more information.
In This Issue
Featured Article: References Available Upon Request
Guest Article: Improving Your Follow Up With Employers
Suggested Reading: Knock 'em Dead 2012: The Ultimate Job Search Guide
101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career
Quick Links


In the Media
Zig Ziglar - Attitude Makes All the Difference. View it here.


Current Events
Jobs Report Preview: Hiring Stuck in Neutral. Read about it here.


Inspirational Thought
"Think not of yourself as the architect of your career but as the sculptor. Expect to have to do a lot of hard hammering and chiseling and scraping and polishing." 
 -- B.C. Forbes


About Riklan Resource

 

Riklan Resources offers the following services:
  • Resumes that land on the top of the pile!
  • Coaching that puts you ahead of the competition.
  • Training that ensures career advancement.

We want you to reach your top potential!

 

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