13 Points to Remember When Looking for a New Job or Promotion in 2013

As a resume writer, job search advisor and Career Rocketeer blogger, I need to stay current on all aspects of career services to help my clients and readers in their job search efforts. So here are a few random thoughts (in no particular order) for you to consider while job hunting in 2013.

1. Resumes are not “One Size Fits All” so avoid using boilerplate templates to write one.

2. Be strong but flexible in negotiating a job offer; know what is important and what is negotiable and never talk or act without thinking about the consequences of your words and actions.

3. It is not the sheer number of connection you accumulate on LinkedIn that will help you succeed in a job search; it is the quality of the connections and the efforts you put into turning connections into relationships that will land you a new job.

4. It might sound foolish but don’t answer a call from an employer while driving or when you are in a place that’s noisy or where you cannot speak freely. Better to lose the call than take a chance in turning the caller off.

5. Don’t ask or take job search advice from someone who has no hands-on experience reviewing résumés or interviewing and hiring people. They may be well-meaning but for the most part they are uninformed.

6. Always dress for success when in public, you never know who you’ll run into or be introduced to when out and about.

7. When recording a message on your answering machine and/or voicemail keep the message professional and include your name and phone number so callers who missed you will know they reached the proper party and will leave a message or call back.

8. Your resume should focus on who you want to be rather than on who you’ve been in the past.

9. Get your elevator pitch down pat and keep refining it as it applies to the job/s you’re after.

10. Don’t go into a job search without a coach or support group to help you stay focused, make unbiased decisions, and get over the hard times.

11. Resumes are all about achievement and accomplishments and not rote responsibilities.

12. Don’t overstate your value and worth, and don’t underestimate your ability and skills in your resume, during an interview, and when negotiating an offer.

13. Before you decide to change careers make sure it’s the career and not your current employer that is driving your decision.

As always I am available to review your resume at no cost if you email it to perry@perrynewman.com

Perry Newman

Perry Newman CPC/CSMS is a nationally-recognized career services professional; an executive resume writer and career transition coach, certified social media strategist, AIPC certified recruiter and charter member of the Career Rocketeer team. Passionate about all things related to career management, Perry has been critiquing Career Rocketeer readers' resumes at no cost since 2009. For a complimentary critique, email your resume to perry@perrynewman.com.