The Only Way To Resign

Once you’ve accepted the offer with your new employer and set the start date, obviously the next step is to let your current employer know you’ll be leaving. Write a brief letter of resignation (the operative word there is “brief”).

If you feel a need out of loyalty or guilt to write anything more than a few short sentences, curb it. The only information your letter needs to contain are the following two (possibly three) items:

– that you are leaving your current company
– what your last date of employment will be, and
– if you feel comfortable adding a sentence or two about how you enjoyed working for your current company, and you appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of the organization, tack that on

It should NOT include:

– why you are leaving
– where you are going
– what you will be doing in your new position
– how much you will be making when you get there
– how bad you feel about leaving (or conversely, how glad you are to be going!)

Make an appointment with your boss and hand deliver the letter. Tell him verbally the same words that your letter says, because the face-to-face is courteous and professional, while the letter is a formality for record of your employment. And be prepared for one of three things to happen.

Either your boss will professionally acknowledge your resignation, say how sorry he is to have you go, and shake your hand, or he will become very silent - just before he asks you what it would take to keep you. Or quite possibly, he’ll do the former, and you’ll be asked to another meeting later so that he can find out what it will take to keep you.

If your company is truly professional, you’ll resign, shake hands, and that will be that. But it doesn’t always go down that way, which takes us into the second way to resign, which actually is in danger of not being a resignation at all. It only starts out that way.

The first thing you need to know is that a counter offer is NOT - IS NOT - a sincere and genuine statement of their desire to keep you around for as long as you might decide to stay should you change your mind and accept their counter offer.

What you’ve just done by resigning is put the company at a disadvantage. You are creating an opening within the company, and you’ve left your company at a loss. By resigning, you’ve basically said, “I’m not interested in this company any more.” You’ve caused your loyalty to be questioned. You are in control, and they are not.

If your boss invites you in for a concerned chat, you’re better off sounding like a broken record - repeating your “thank you” and “my last day is…” than you are involving yourself in what appears to be a caring conversation about your ensuing future.

It doesn’t matter what you want or what you ask for, because they’ll give it to you - in one form or another - or possibly offer you something tasty before you even speak up. After they’ve lulled and flattered you into submission, and as you walk out the door smiling, they’re calling the newspaper or a recruiter and ordering up a confidential replacement.

In 25 years of recruiting - my firm, and working with other firms - I have never, ever, ever seen an accepted counter offer work in favor of the individual.

Don’t, for a minute, think I am being overly dramatic. A counter offer is a complete and 100% appeal to your ego and an attempt to push your guilt button. It’s unprofessional of your company to attempt it, and it’s unprofessional (and ill conceived) of you to take it.

It might be a month, or six months, but eventually, your next departure from the company will be on their terms.

When The Recruiter Calls

Recruiting, retained or contingency, involves (or should, anyway) directly approaching individuals who, based on their title or position, might well have the experience to handle the job description and position for which the client is seeking someone. The individuals who are approached, of course, are usually currently employed at one of the client’s competitors.

If that individual is you, what would you do? What would you do when a recruiter calls and briefly outlines an opportunity with an unnamed company? Obviously if you’re unhappy where you are and the opportunity sounds interesting, you’re going to bite.

But I’m not talking about that scenario. I’m talking about the response when you ARE happy where you are. Because there’s a smart way to respond and a not-so-smart way to respond. And either choice impacts your career far more than you’d think it does!

So there you are, sitting at your desk working on an important project, when the phone rings. And you pick it up. It’s a recruiter, who introduces himself, his firm, and asks if you have a minute. What do you say? “Thanks for calling, but I’m happy where I am.” And hang up the phone? WRONG ANSWER!!!!

Why? Because you just cut yourself off from knowing what’s moving and shaking in your industry, which means you just cut yourself off from hearing about unadvertised opportunities that could potentially leverage your career.

You’ve just made the decision to limit your options. And if you don’t have access to information, you can’t make an informed decision, can you?

What should you do instead? No matter how happy you are with your current company, listen to what the recruiter has to say. You have a far better chance of leveraging your career when a recruiter calls you rather than when (and if) you contact a recruiter.

There are people who are truly happy with their current position and not interested in currently making a change, regardless of the opportunity presented to them at that moment. But you listen anyway, not to change, but to develop a relationship and keep yourself informed and in control for you when you do need to change.

A friend of mine went with a company that had statewide offices. She began in their corporate office right out of college. Over the years, she obtained her MBA and continued to rise through the ranks. For TWENTY-FIVE years she was with this company…..until she was laid off a few months ago. She hadn’t seen it coming. And she freaked out.

If YOU aren’t in control of your career, then your company IS. Corporate restructuring, layoffs and downsizing are taking place with alarming frequency as companies tighten their belts and look hard at who is contributing and who isn’t.

Sometimes it isn’t even a matter of contribution. In those plushy carpeted, window offices, the top executives and board members comfortably decide whose heads will roll and for what reason. Sometimes it’s simply eliminating an entire department - and it has nothing to do with YOU, individually, at all. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a new manager or president to come in and bring his own people with him.

But it can happen that quickly, and it can happen to you.

Will you have a network to fall back on if it does? Will you have relationships developed with recruiters that you can tap into on a moment’s notice? Develop it before you need it. The time to take control of your career is exactly when you think it isn’t necessary: when you are happy and successful where you are.

Find The Perfect Job In No Time

Its about who you know, NOT what you know! But, what if you don’t know anyone? Then what are you suppose to do? You suppose to go hunting and make contacts. When finding any job the first rule is to make looking for a job your JOB!

Finding a Job Is Your Job

If you are unemployed then you should put aside at least 6-8 hours of each business day for applying to jobs, making contacts, interviewing, and staying on top of your industry. This strategy will always award you a job in less time. Your goal should be to apply to a minimum of 3 jobs per day. You should manage a list of contacts of everyone you directly or indirectly make contact with.

If you already have a job, then you shouldn’t be looking for a job. But, if it is imperative that you find a new job, then it will be more difficult to find the adequate time to job hunt, therefore you should put aside the time for your job search as it becomes available.

Analyze Your Craft

You should know your craft. Know the skill you hold and the level at which you best perform. Rate yourself fairly, do not underrate your talent. Know your worth, but better know the least (salary) you are willing to accept.

It is important to know your skill set. Knowing this information will help you better asses the position which you are seeking. Getting a job isn’t only about the employer finding the perfect fit, it is also for you to find the perfect fit. Research the salary for your position, such as Salary.com, SalaryExpert.com, and PayScale.com. Once you are familiar with the salary you should stay at least $5,000 within that range (e.g. if the salary for the job is expected to be $45,000 then you should seek opportunity within the range of $40,000-$45,000 or $45,000-$50,000, depending on your level of skill for the position).

Prepare Your Resume

You should update your current resume or create a new resume. Your original resume should be generic, but keyword-rich. The generic version should NOT contain any formal greets to any particular party. Basically, you should be able to apply to any job with the generic version without any editing. It should be readily available for fast access and quick apply. The generic version will be used to post on job boards, for employers to view when searching the database. Editing your resume for formal greets should be done at the time of applying to a job.

You want your resume to be keyword-rich because when employers/recruiters search databases for resumes they usually use keywords to find employees. If your resume has the proper keyword density and strategy then your resume is more likely to be returned within the search results (e.g. if the job you are searching for is ‘customer service’ then your resume should focus on the keyword ‘customer service’).

Many argue that a one-page resume is the best resume, but in my experience a one-page resume doesn’t provide enough information for those with extensive backgrounds. In this case I suggest not exceeding 2 pages, unless the job you are applying for is information technology related or relies on extended details within the industry, then it is (sometimes) best to list or add every product, program, service, and technology which you have touched, worked with, or have knowledge of. Even still do not exceed 3 pages at this point, and that may be too much. Though, I must admit I have seen 5-page resumes which are highly detailed and keyword-rich that receive a very high response rate.

Never boast or brag on your resume. Be truthful and list your objective, skills, professional experience, education, and knowledge.

If you do not have the ability or time to create an award-winning resume then it may be worthwhile to invest in a professional resume writing service.

Build Your Contacts

The best way to make contacts is by calling the employer or recruiter directly. Usually this information is made available when applying for a job online. If you are at a job board site such as: Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, or a niche-based job board such as: DataCenterLife.com then more than likely the contact information is found on the job post page. If you are applying through an employer site then more than likely the contact information can be found under the “Contact Us” page usually found on the sites’ navigational bar. Respect the wishes of employers and recruiters who state NOT to contact by phone.

You should create a contact for any job you apply for.

Manage Your Contact List

Every employer or recruiter you make contact with directly or indirectly should be added to your contact list. Your contact list should include the company name, contact name, email address, phone number, and position title. You should also have a field or method which denotes the last time you spoke with or contacted each contact. This is important so you do not make the mistake of contacting someone you spoke with days earlier as well this helps you manage your time between each contact. You should follow-up with your contacts at least once every week or every 7 business days.

Out of Work. Out of the Loop.

Just because you are unemployed doesn’t mean you need to fall behind in your industry. You should still stay familiar with your industry and spend your time wisely. Study your industry market and know the new technologies being used inside your job industry. Stay afloat, use your resources such as: the internet, newspapers, media, friends, and ex co-workers to know what is going on in your job industry. If you are out of work for months and have no idea of a new application that is being used by all professionals in your industry, then it will look bad in an interview when you have no clue what they are talking about and you are claiming to be a skilled professional in the industry. Keep your eye on the prize and know your stuff. Even if you are not an expert at it, at least have the basic knowledge.

Don’t Answer That Phone

You only have one chance at making a good impression, do not blow it! Do not answer the phone if you are too busy to talk, if you see a number that you do not recognize assume it is an employer or recruiter and you should not answer the call, if you are too busy. There is nothing worse than a crying baby in the background, a large bulldozer from a nearby construction site, the sound of a flushing toilet, a third-party conversation going on in the background, or being in a drop-call zone when an employer or recruiter calls. You should be focused, relaxed, calmed, and ready to answer all questions swiftly without any interruptions when the phone rings, otherwise allow your voice mail service to get the call and return the call later when the time is more convenient.

Give Yourself a Break

I also suggest taking off Friday, don’t do any job hunting or interviewing this day, enjoy yourself. Have yourself a 3-day weekend. The only reason you should schedule Friday for interviewing is if the employer or recruiter schedule it, never inconvenience your interviewer unless it is life-threatening or extremely important. Also, you should still answer your phone on Friday when you have the time, if you are too busy or unable to answer your phone then make sure you have a voice mail service set up.

Interviewing

Getting an interview is what you worked hard for. Having a successful interview is just as important as getting the job. This determines everything. Preparation for your interview should begin the minute you are scheduled for your interview. You should study the background of the company. You should be familiar with what the company does and their procedures. Most of this information is usually found on the company’s website (sometimes buried within the site so you may have to do some digging). You should prepare questions which you may have for the interviewer about the company and/or position. You should familiarize or refresh yourself with the requirements/qualifications of the position. And most importantly you should have a good night sleep before the interview, at least 8-10 hours of rest.

You should have at least 2 business suits/attire for interviewing. If you have a second interview you should have the ability to switch to a different suit. Your suits should be only of the three colors: black, navy, or gray. Make sure you are well groomed for the interview.

You should arrive to the interview between 10-15 minutes early. You should never come to an interview empty handed. You should at least have a business folder with notepad paper, a writing pen, and a hardcopy of your resume.

When interviewing you should relax and be yourself. You should be focus, articulate well, and be keen. Make non-offensive eye contact with your interviewer. Ask questions about the company and the position. Ask the interviewer about their position and the length of time they been with the company. Ask the interviewer why the position is available and why did the last person leave the company? Ask the interviewer how soon do they hope to fill the available position? Ask the interviewer for a business card or way to contact them if you have any questions later.

Just remember to be yourself and remember that the interviewer is only human just like you. If you don’t get the job then try and try again, until you get a job. Many times an interview is a display of your personality and character. If you have truthfully and appropriately represented your skill set on your resume, then the interviewer already know you are capable of handling the job.

You’re Hired!

Resume Submission: The Importance of Cover Letters

Are you interested in changing careers? If you are, will you soon start examining all open jobs in or around your area, if you havent already done so? Once you are able to find one or more jobs that meet or exceed your expectations, you will likely start submitting your resume. Before this point in time comes, you will want to place a focus on cover letters.

Speaking of cover letters, do you already have a cover letter developed? If you do not, this is one of the first things that you will want to do. Unfortunately, many job seekers do not realize the importance of cover letters and the impact they may have them. For more information on why cover letters are so important, as well as tips on how to make the perfect, cover letter, you will want to continue reading on.

As for the importance of resume cover letters, you will find that there are a number of different reasons why they are needed. Cover letters are most commonly used with resumes that will be mailed in. When you submit a job application in person, you are able to introduce yourself to the individual who is collecting them. This introduction is not possible when you simply mail in a resume. That is what cover letters are used for. They give you the opportunity to quickly introduce yourself before your resume is read.

Resume cover letters are also important, as they can serve as a backup plan. Although resume cover letters come in a number of different formats, you often introduce yourself, outline how you learned about the job, why you would like to have it, and why you are qualified for it. If properly written, a resume cover letter can act as a backup plan. This is important, as not all resumes or perfect. If your resume is difficult to read, employers should be able to use your cover letter to determine whether or not you should be contacted for a job interview.

As outlined above, resume cover letters are important and there are a number of benefits to using them to your advantage. As nice as it is to know how cover letters can assist you with landing a job or at least getting a job interview, you may be curious as to what constitutes a good cover letter. A previously stated, cover letters come in a number of different formats. With that in mind, they all have the same goal. That goal is to sell you as the perfect candidate for the job. When an employer reads your cover letter, you want them to turn the page to see your resume with excitement.

When creating a resume cover letter for yourself, will want to first introduce yourself and mention the job that you are applying for. You may event to outline where you learned about the job opening. Many employers like hearing this information, as it gives them reassurance that their marketing tactics are working. You will also want to outline your work experience and state why you feel you are qualified for the position in which you are applying for. When it comes to listing your qualifications and work experience, it is important to only site a few examples, as this information can also be found on your resume.

If you are planning on applying for multiple jobs, you will want to create multiple resume cover letters. This is important, as not all job opportunities are the same. You can create a resume cover letter template, but be sure to customize that template each time before submitting it to prospective employers. Customization and personalization is important, as it can help your resume and cover letter stand apart from all of the rest.

As previously stated, you are advised to submit your resume with a cover letter. This is particularly important if you will be mailing your resume in, instead of submitting it in person. In fact, you will see that many employers are now starting to require cover letters for mailed in resumes and job applications.