26.2 miles. That is the length of a marathon. It is one of the most grueling races, yet there are many people who are able to accomplish this feat. How? Preparation. Nobody is able to successfully complete a marathon without training for it properly. They train, they stretch, and they make sure they have the proper equipment. You can't just drive up to the starting line wearing your polo shirt, jeans, and hiking boots and expect to compete. So why are so many people using this strategy with their job search?

Having a poor resume is like running a marathon with your shoes tied together. Sure, you may get to the finish line eventually, but why would you want to waste your time and put undue stress on yourself? First, make sure you have the proper shoes. There is no one-size-fits-all shoe for a marathon, and the same goes for your resume. Each resume should be molded to fit an individual's needs and skills set. Cater your resume to the position you are applying for. Go through the job description. Does your resume clearly showcase the skills and qualifications needed for this position? Article Link

Catherine Byers Breet,  DEED, May 18, 2016

I'll be honest: The first time I read Tom Peters' article, "The Brand Called You," I thought, "You have go to be kidding me. Brands are for big companies like Nike and Porsche, not people." That was 1997. I was a rookie recruiter, and I thought it was a ridiculous idea.

My attitude changed entirely a few weeks later when one of my clients hired an unqualified candidate on the spot.  Article Link

Imagine the following situation, after a six week interview process at a respected company, you're offered the role. The pay and benefits are good and the title is in line with what you expected. The next thing you'd do is accept the role, right? Wrong.

Far too many job candidates spend a great deal of the interview process trying to convince an employer that they are worthy of the job, instead of evaluating whether an open position is right for them. When you consider the amount of time it takes to go through an interview process, uproot your routine, transition into a new job, and begin from scratch, the cost of a job change can be quite high. Switching jobs too frequently can also make your resume look inconsistent and scattered. Article Link

Are you a student in high school looking for some career guidance? The Office of Job Training specializes in helping young people figure out how they want to spend their working years. Our Career Counselors can help you identify your true interest and abilities and even assess your personality to determine what occupation or career best suits you.   More Information

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