Interview Fitness Training: Free monthy email newsletter

I know that the news from the job front continues to be daunting, but there are little glimmers of things opening up. Keep the faith.

In the meantime, it is a good idea to review your progress and what is happening with your job search.

	Are you spending enough time on your search? Remember this is your job now -- to get a job. It is not out of the question to spend as many as six hours a day searching and networking. Your job search requires a schedule. If you were going to work you would spend eight or more hours at your job. It is very easy to slip into a lazy "vacation" style life. Assign yourself some work hours.
	Does your resume have the "keywords"? If you are not getting interviews, review your resume. It is essential to have the keywords whether your resume is read electronically or by a human. Are you a good match for the job? A good exercise to do is to take a piece of paper and on one half of the paper write "Their Job Requirements." On the other side of the paper write "My Qualifications." Is there a match?
	Are you including all of your skills as part of your package? Whether you are writing your resume or answering questions in the interview, there are skills that make you unique. By thinking about the entire package you bring -- your strengths -- you may begin to look better than the next candidate that walks in.
	KNOWLEDGE-BASED SKILLS: Skills learned through experience or education - computer programs, graphics, languages, writing, training, management, chemistry, coaching, sales, leadership. Many employers hire based on knowledge-based skills alone. In fact, there are some employers who are willing to hire sight-unseen over the phone. "If you have the right background - we'll hire you." BEWARE! There is more to the job than the duties. Culture, personality fit, chemistry - are all a part of your job satisfaction in a company. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS Skills that are portable - you can take them with you to almost any job - communication, listening, decision making, judgment, initiative, negotiation, planning, organizing, time management, some leadership skills. Identifying transferable skills is especially important for anyone who is transferring to another field or type of organization. Think about what you have to offer in the way of transferable skills. Chances are that you are probably taking some of the skills that make you unique for granted. PERSONAL SKILLS The qualities that make you who you are - flexible, integrity, friendly, dependable, decisive, reliable, calm, high-energy, patient, good attitude, adaptable, attention to detail. These skills cannot be taught, even though some employers would like to, and should be valued as important.