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Since 1993
—FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS—

Job-Search

—FAQs—

—PLEASE READ—THIS
SPECIAL NOTE

"Dr. Resume" says:

"I strongly urge EVERYONE to read these FAQs.

"Hands-on experience, over many years, from providing career-coaching and creating thousands of resumes for clients, has ABSOLUTELY PROVEN, that even if you are a senior executive such as a President, CEO, Chief Operating Officer, COO, Chief Financial Officer, CFO, or Vice President, VP, and such other managers as Director, Superintendent, Supervisor, Team Leader, or Lead, and regardless of your work being classified as professional, technical, scientific, mechanical, arts & crafts, construction, education, government, retail, wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, agriculture, or otherwise EVERY SINGLE ONE of you has absolutely some need for these guideline. It is ESPECIALLY TRUE if you wish to have a successful job-search, gain the advantage over your competition, to get the job you want—and you are in competition, so read on.

"The concepts are FREE for your use, and some of the career guidelines provided might make a DRAMATIC difference as you seek to improve your resume to make it capture attention, to expand your career options, and/or to help you create better employment opportunities. In addition, quite likely you will discover other helpful information of surprising value, so again I say 'read on.'"


"We do NOT teach career theory,
but
we Do instruct in currently-proven,
hands-on,
field-tested, job-search practices."


Q: Who is "Dr. Resume?"

A: “Dr. Resume” is a title, assumed, by Carl L. Bascom, but using the “Dr. Resume” title shows that his strongest expertise is the creation of resumes. His resume creations and most notably, the"You're Hired" series of do-it yourself (DIY) career-workshops, developed after nearly 13-years of field-testing, have achieved dramatic success, for:

  • resumes to get job interviews, that get you that job,
  • creative cover-letters, that capture attention of hiring mangers,
  • job-leads sourcing—job-search techniques that work,
  • interviewing skills, training focused on your being told “You’re Hired”, and
  • career-coaching that takes you beyond many traditional approaches, to get job offers.

His in-depth background, since 1984, in all aspects of career coaching, includes: resume writing workshops—mock, job-interview workshops—amazing cover-letters—career coaching for job-leads development—salary negotiations—networking—and career-interest surveys, which are especially useful if you are considering, or attempting to make a career change.  All of which has be captured in His do-it yourself (DIY) workbooks. 

In 1993 “Dr. Resume” began presenting various career-workshops at Career Fairs, for a mix of job-seeking executives, professionals and novices—all in the same workshop—and it worked. For several years he has been presenting career-workshops weekly, as a volunteer, at a not-for-profit Regional Employment Center, and continues to do so. Thus, it took very little editing to adapt this instruction and material to a DIY (do-it-yourself) format for distribution via the Internet. That is why ResumeWinners.com exists.

Click on “ Free Stuff” to view all of the career workbook titles. You can read, or download a comprehensive reviews of the information you will receive in each DIY workshop package, or click on“ Products” to order any of the You’re Hireddo-it yourself (DIY) career workbooks. All of them are intended to help you be a “winner.”

A final word. “Dr. Resume,” and his company AMA, have arrived at a point where their primary driving force—is helping to solve the employment and career-oriented needs of others. In other words, he is stimulated to give something back to the community, in response to the business success he has had as a professional career-coach, over the years.

The reason he established a relationship with ResumeWinners.com, is to provide free, or modestly priced programs (like the "You're Hired" series) that can help virtually everyone to—prepare superior resumes—write creative cover-letters—achieve better interviewing techniques, and—discover many clever career “tips” that can make you a “winner” in your job-search.  All using the do-it yourself (DIY) career workbooks.  Also click on "About Us" - "Free Stuff" and "You’re Hired Series" for more details.

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Q: What is the "YOU’RE HIRED" series?

A: “You’re Hired” is a Series of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) career instruction workbooks & guidelines. These workshop packages were developed and refined, over several years, in career workshop presentations. “Dr. Resume,” (see more above) envisioned adapting these workshop programs into exciting, and effective DIY programs.

Nearly 2-years of intensive field-testing—meaning actually presenting weekly DIY (do-it-yourself) career-workshops, resulted in the creation of the “You’re Hired” Series. Now, this full Series of career-coaching programs are available form ResumeWinners.com. Click on" Free Stuff" to read or download reviews of all of the programs in this series, or click on "Products." to order any of the complete, comprehensive, do-it yourself (DIY)career workbooks, filled with instructions and guidelines for your job-search, including:

  • Resumes -“your ultimate guide to creative resumes,” a proven, 7-step, DIY program,
  • Cover-Letters - “your ultimate guide to…” numerous cover-letter templates, used over and over,
  • Job-Leads – Treasure Chest -“your ultimate guide…” to finding “hidden” jobs, a 7-page package,
  • Job-Interviewing - “your ultimate guide to…develop skill for questions they ask you, and you ask,
  • Job-Searching “Tool-Box”- “your ultimate guide to…” go beyond standard job-search concepts,
  • “Your Hired—Kid”-“your ultimate DIY guide to creative resumes for 14-19 year old youth.

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Q: Why The "You’re Hired" Series?

A: Over the years, "Dr. Resume" has identified a very real, and wide-ranging need for a "do-it-yourself" (DIY) method of preparing and pursuing career goals, with special focus on resume writing. Many reasons account for this including the costs involved. He says, "

             "Most particularly, however, the job-search is generally only an occasional need. During the  typical gaps of time between the need to do a job-searche, individuals tend to forget much of the skill  developed doing the "last job-search." This means you must more-or-less, start all over again."

Creating a solution to this problem has been a driving force for “Dr. Resume.” The results are the complete  You’re Hired” Series “your ultimate do-it yourself (DIY) guide to creative resumes. The Resume Workbook System uses a step-by-step method, supported with numerous examples and templates, plus in-depth explanations for individuals interested in more details of “how, what, when, and why.”

With the "You're Hired" series, virtually anyone can create a viable resume, TODAY, using these do-it yourself (DIY) materials, yet be able to do it all over again years from now, using the same instruction. This guidance is geared for all levels, from executive, professional, technical, to the novice, and there is even a program for youth (teenagers). In fact, these “You’re Hired”  do-it yourself (DIY) concepts and materials are being used, by “Dr. Resume” for training other Career Service-Center Volunteers how to teach job-seekers to do-it-themselves.
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Q: What is a resume?

A: Think "Brochure." As a job seeker your resume is your sales brochure. A well-developed advertising brochure, or flyer captures attention by giving only enough information to make you want to know more about a product, or service.

A good brochure will stimulate your interest to: see it, try it, experience it, have it, own it, etc. Likewise your resume should stimulate a prospective employer’s interest to want to invite you to come in for a job interview. This web-site was founded to provide DIY (do-it-yourself) "winning" resume services. That is why ResumeWinners.com exists. Click on "Free Stuff" then “Resume Workbook” to read, or download a free review.
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Q: What is a curriculum vita, or CV?

A: CVs are commonly used in Europe and other areas of the world, such as Central and South America. They can many pages long, versus the 1 to 2 pages recommended for your resume. CVs tend to ramble on about your interests, your family background, and often include information that is against U.S. Federal law to ask you as a job candidate, such as your age, your marital status, your children, even race and religion information.

A CV in the U.S.A. is sometimes used by job-seeker’s searching for positions in academia and some scientific/medical sectors, where long lists of published works may be noted. However, even then, in the U.S.A., we do NOT divulge the age, etc. questions.

Actually, rarely, if ever, will you need a CV, but you will definitely need and use a resume. See the FAQs, What is a resume? and What is the “YOU’RE HIRED” Series?

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Q: What is the difference between resumes and job applications?

A: Job applications are in-company documents used to obtain information about YOUR job experience. You fill in answers to each question, on the lines, or in the boxes provided on the form. Then you sign your name to confirm that every statement is true.

A resume is different from a job application, because:

  • your resume is used to inform a potential employer of your desire for employment,
  • you can be creative as you describe your abilities, experiences, skills, and accomplishments,
  • you decide what you want to tell them, plus you choose the wording and the format, and you do not sign it.

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Q: What resume format should I use?

A: There are three basic formats, (1) Reverse Chronological, (2) Functional, and (3) a Combination of numbers 1 and 2. Reverse Chronological is the preferred format as it shows your experience in the order it occurred from the most recent job, and backward to prior jobs. Thus, a manager can determine what you did and/or what skills you developed on a particular job, at specific dates, and for whom.

The Functional focuses on groups of skills/experience, but has no dates. The Combination starts with the Functional format, followed by a reverse chronological listing of jobs, with, or without dates. Unfortunately, the Functional and Combination formats are generally NOT acceptable, because it is not clear what you did, for whom, when. In fact, many companies will NOT even consider them.

Best advice:  avoid using a Functional, or a Combination.  Do not even risk it. Instead, Click on "Free Stuff" then “ Resume Workbook” to read, or download a free review the “ You’re Hired” your ultimate do-it yourself (DIY) guide to creative Resumes, workbook.
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Q: What are some traditional approaches to resume writing?

A: Perhaps the most common approach is to write your resume using a template that came with your computer software. These templates are better than nothing, but otherwise of doubtful value. They generally are outdated formats, plus unfortunately, have very weak visual impact too. Likewise, the concepts and words you need for filling in the blank sections are NOT there.

Another approach is using template examples, published in numerous resume writing “how to” books. The majority of these lack the substance to make your resume competitive—and when you are in a job-search YOU ARE in competition. Very few “how to” resume books are truly excellent.

That is the reason ResumeWinners.com, exists. So what can you do? Use the AMA Method, 7-step, (DIY) do-it-yourself method provided in the “You’re Hired” your ultimate do-it yourself (DIY) guide to creative resumes, workbook. If you have it, use. If you do not have it, consider clicking on "Free Stuff" to read, or download a review of this Resume Workbook, or click on “Products” to get information about how you can order your own workbook.
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Q: How long should my resume be?

A: Aim for one-page. This is considered the ideal. In an "Accountemps" survey, 73% of the managers surveyed said keep it to one-page, unless you are a senior level manager, then perhaps two-pages are acceptable. How do you do this?  Easy, use only your last 10-years of experience, if you have such, or if not, just note what experience you do have.

If you are in a technical field use only the last 5-years. Remember your goal, is to create a resume that quickly shows a reader what your experience is as it relates to the job you seek. So think "brochure," as noted in What is a resume?, above in FAQs.
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Q: Should references be included with my resume?

A: NO! An employer will ask for references at the end of your interview, if they want them, so DO have them prepared, and with you. Also, they may be asked for on job applications. If so, provide them, but Do not put "References available on request" at the end of your resume. It is not necessary. Click on "Free Stuff" and read, or download "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to Reference Lists.
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Q: What is the best font type to use?

A: Ideally, use Times, Times Roman, or Times New Roman (essentially they are identical). This font is used in nearly all school text-books, and also used by the majority of newspapers. Therefore it is the easiest font to read because of our familiarity with it. Many resumes are written in the Arial, or Helvetica fonts, but they are less attractive, and not quite as familiar to our eye.

It is recommended that you use a version of Times, but above all avoid cursive fonts (these are fonts that look like hand writing versus printing), or specialty fonts. Keep to standard ones, and avoid "cute" fonts, as your job-search is not about cute.
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Q: What are the best margins to use for my resume?

A: There are no required margin settings, but setting margins, for example at .06"-.08" all around allows  for more information to be put on a single page, versus 1-inch margins all around. Your aim should be to create a one-page resume. Wider margins help you accomplish this. Likewise, set "Justify" margin  alignment for all of your text, meaning there will be even margins on the left, always, and the right ends of each line as they scroll down, will be even with the right margin.

As an example—this paragraph is set with Justified Margins. Note how it is even, left and right. Now look at the paragraphs above, or below this one and they have "Left Justification," This leaves ragged right-ending lines. So, highlight text you want to Justify then go the menu-bar and find "Alignment and Spacing" or go to the "Formatting Palette." In either case, you want to click on the icon, on the far right, that shows 5-lines all of equal length.

Click on “Products” then "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Resumes – Table of Contents.     This is a do-it yourself (DIY)program with resume template examples, with margins preformatted, as are all of the resume sections. Plus, there are loads of examples for each section, and step-by-step instructions. There are several pages of instruction, for teaching you how to develop your wording, and ideas for wording, to provide a means for you to create a truly "winning" resume, and is the reason for this web-site is named ResumeWinners.com.
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Q: What paper-color is best for resumes?

A: Studies confirm that white, off-white, ivory, wheat, or very light gray are the best paper-colors. Avoid other colors and especially avoid patterned paper stock, paper with illustrations, cutouts, or other design features. If your resume is being sent as a faxed document -use ONLY white paper.
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Q: What quality of paper is best for resumes?

A: Use 20#, 24# or 28# (# means: weight, pound, lb.).  If you choose bond paper, with watermarks optional. However if you use watermarked paper, make sure you print on the side that shows the watermark upright and facing the correct way, which is toward you when you read it. On some non-watermarked stock you may discover that one side is just slightly rougher than the other. This roughness is called the papers "tooth." You want to print on the tooth side. Be aware, too, when using bond paper with "tooth" it often will not print as clearly as on smooth bond, especially with "ink-jet" printers, as the ink tends to "bleed." Ideally, run test prints before choosing and using whatever paper you use.

Finally, to show a bit of "class," consider using 9"x12" envelopes for your resume and cover-letter (if used, and it IS recommended). You may even find envelopes that are made with paper that matches your resume paper. Click on "Free Stuff" then Cover-Letters, to get some instruction and information about Cover-Letters, plus a list of the many different types of letters included in the Cover-Letter packet; or Click on “Products” then "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Cover-Letters,to order this "You’re Hired" Series, of do-it-yourself (DIY) career workbooks.
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Q: Under "Education" do I include my GPA, Cum Laude, etc.?

A: If your degree was earned within the last 2-3-years, and if space allows use these notations. However, after 2-3-years work experience, these notations can make you appear too academic oriented. Meaning, you still seem mentally focused on your college days when you should be looking forward in your career. So unless you are seeking an academic job, it is advisable to remove them from your resume.
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Q: How do I explain periods of no employment?

A: First, when possible use just year notations like 2004 - 2005, versus month and year. For example, even if you were hired for holiday/Christmas season work, and your first day working was Dec. 10, and you worked through Jan. 5, show this as 2004 - 2005. Do this even though it was only 4-weeks work. When you are interviewed you can explain, if necessary.

Problems DO arise when you cannot cover periods of unemployment lasting more than 1-year. Certainly, you did something during that time-span, even if non-paid. If you leave the gap it could prevent you from getting a call for an interview. Remember, your aim is to get an interview. So be creative, BUT you must also be honest.
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Q: Should I note my personal interests, hobbies, etc.?

A: If you have had full employment, use that information for your resume and do NOT note any hobbies or interests. However, if your employment record has gaps in it, you may wish to use some of these points to show skills and experience that fill those gaps. Do not be concerned that you were not paid it is still real experience and worthy of note—but only use if you lack paid work experience.
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Q: How many spelling errors are acceptable?

A: ZERO – NONE - Your spelling must be perfect. Studies confirm, your resume should be the single most important document you will ever write. So, it should be perfect, no spelling errors. If you are prepared to submit your resume with even "just one" mistake, the questions arises how will you perform on the job, if they are willing to submit an imperfect resume? Use a spell-checker, have someone proofread it for you, read it a couple more times, then let it set overnight and check it again.
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Q: Do I need a cover-letter, or should I note an "Objective?"

A: An objective may be useful, but sometimes it is not. However if used, always note job-titles, but AVOID wording like "seeking a position that…" or "a career path…" or "a position where my…." What an employer simply wants to know is "what job does this person want." They do not want to know what your career goals, or other interests are. So, use specific job-titles ONLY, such as Executive Assistant, Sales Representative, etc.

A cover-letter is a far more impressive approach. It show "a touch-of-class" by taking the extra step. It also shows a more serious interest in the potential job, and in the company. In addition, it allows you to note other skills, experience and assets not noted on your resume. In fact it can become a mini, second resume.

Likewise, using a cover-letter allows you have just ONE basic resume, then you use a cover-letters to customize, or add to your presentations. Click on "Free Stuff" then Cover-Letters, to get some instruction and information about Cover-Letters, plus a list of the many different types of letters included in the Cover-Letter packet; or Click on “Products” then "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Cover-Letters,to order this "You’re Hired" Series, program.
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Q: What about using bullet-points versus paragraphs?

A: Bullet-Points are an absolute MUST, without exception. Making each point a separate statement gives it added strength that can impress a manager. It also makes each Point stick in a readers mind more firmly than the same statement buried in the middle of a paragraph.  So, NEVER use paragraphs.

Consider this. A correctly written paragraph should begin with a lead-sentence (topic sentence).  Thus, everything that follows should be relevant to that lead-sentence. A speed-reader will likely "skim" paragraphs, reading only the lead-sentence. Paragraphs may have a variety of points, yet a speed-reader can easily overlook some important points. So, DO ALWAYS USE BULLET POINTS.

Studies confirm that, typically, your resume will only be read for about 2-minutes, or less. So, make it easy to find your "hot points" by using Bullet-Points. The use of Bullet-Points is thoroughly covered in the "You’re Hired" do-it yourself (DIY) Series. Click on “Products” then click on "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Resumes—Table of Contents.
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Q: Is posting your resume on an Internet site a useful activity?

A: Sure, just click on "Free Stuff" and you can read, or download "You’re Hired" the ultimate guide to using Internet Links. These linked sites have been reviewed and identified as potentially useful resources to, help you with your job-leads search, for interviewing ideas, for salary information, and maybe more. Check them out, getting there is free, but in some cases there may be fees/charges, and/or a requirement to "register" before getting into the site.  To do this go to the main menu anc click on "Credibility Test" , for in-depth guidance.

BEWARE—BE CAUTIOUS: To help you determine if any career - job - employment - resume - job-lead type Internet Business site is worthy of your time and/or money, (including those "Links" listed on our" Free Stuff" site) do some research. You want be sure they have credibility. We strongly recommended that you search on each site for information that will help you make that judgment. You might consider using ResumeWinners.com as a "benchmark" or "standard" for measuring credibility.

CHECK FOR CREDIBILITY—are they believable? Noted below are various segments of OUR SITES insider information provided for you to judge for yourself if WE have the knowledge and expertise to help you. In other words, do we seem credible to you? Are we "the real deal?"  Do you feel you could do business with us? Do we seem to provide the kind of help you are looking for?

On our site, we proudly tell it all (in fact, there are 106 pages of Free information) although maybe that’s because we DO have something worthy of telling? More importantly, we like the idea of being "open" and instructive, plus substantive, yet easy to understand. In addition, when it is supported by years of proven, hands-on, workshops and one-on-one career-oriented activity, we believe we can rightly brag a bit.

SO, put them to the test—Below are our standards for credibility—as Career Experts—and as a Internet Business. How do those other job/employment/career-oriented Internet sites compare?

  • We have a lengthy "Company History" section. Do they? Was it convincing?
  • We have FAQs that could give you lots and lots clues as to whether, or not we are really professionals, who know about what they speak of. Do they? Was it informative?
  • We include information about "Dr. Resume." The Co-founder of American Marketing Associates (AMA), the primary source of the dynamic "You’re Hired" Series. Do they tell you who developed, or who runs their business, or where their expertise comes from? If not why not? Or if they do, are you convinced?
  • We tell you the history of ResumeWinners.com, its association with AMA, and explain why this Internet Business was established. Do they? Are they hiding something, or just don’t care about you, their prospective customer. Is their motive service and revenue, or just revenue?
  • We publish our " Mission Statement" which clearly states tells you our intent to serve your career needs. Our philosophy is taken from a movie theme, "build it and they will come." From over two decades of experience, we know this works. We’ve provided quality products and services and our business has grown, regardless of what any competitors actions. Do they have a Mission Statement? Is it service oriented, customer oriented? If not, why not?
  • We provide a "Web-site Security Statement" which clearly reads: "Any and all data provided to this web-site will be used for the exclusive use of this site. Never—will it be sold, given, or shared with any other web-site, interest, business, vendor, vendors, person or persons." In other words, you are safe doing business with us. Beware of sites that are really just collecting resumes, as a means of building name and address lists which they, sell to tele-marketing and promotional businesses, while telling you they are a source of help. You may say "HELP!" too.
  • Finally, do they provide other reassuring information that gives you confidence for using their services, that they know their business, and that they will be reliable? Put them to the test.

Q: Should I use professional resume help?

A: The quick answer is "Yes, BUT."  Generally resumes you do yourself, without professional help, can be improved with professional help—often, greatly improved. There are limitless variations of resume formats and style concepts used. Unfortunately, MOST fail to stimulate effective results, meaning they fail to get job-interviews for you—because they fail to capture a manager’s attention.

Remember, the purpose of your resume is to get job-interviews. Is yours doing a good job of getting interviews for you? If not, consider professional help. That is why ResumeWinners.com exists. Click on Products then click on "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Resumes – Table of Contents. You will note that this professional do-it yourself (DIY) workbook package also contains resume faxing and scanning instructions, rules, and templates for your guidance and use.
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Q: I Fax a lot of resumes, but never get a response. Why?

A: Most likely, your resume is not correctly formatted. The majority of Faxed resumes are NOT printed out on a Fax machine. Rather they are going directly into a computer to be "read" by specialized (artificial intelligence) software. There are a number of rules for correctly formatting Faxable resumes. See also the Fax related FAQs below, and/or Click on “Products” then click on "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Resumes – Table of Contents. You will note that this professional do-it yourself (DIY) workbook package also contains resume faxing and scanning instructions, rules, and templates for your guidance and use.
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Q: What happens when I Fax my resume?

A: Contrary to the common assumption, it is almost never printed out on a Fax machine. Typically, it goes directly into a computer that uses Artificial Intelligence based software to "read" your resume. This software searches for "KEY" words and phrases, which are called "HITS." These "Hits" relate to the job you are applying for. Hits are counted by the computer software as it reviews your wording. When a manager, decides to read these Faxed resumes they are selected according to the number of Hits beginning with the highest numbers. This is when "human eyes" finally read these resumes.

EXAMPLE: if 150 resumes are received it is likely that only 20-25 of the highest-count ones will be selected to be printed out. Then, if a few seemingly good candidates are found no others will ever get read by "human eyes." Click on Products then click on "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Resumes – Table of Contents. You will note that this professional do-it yourself (DIY) workbook package also contains resume faxing and scanning instructions, rules, and templates for your guidance and use.
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Q: I understand Faxed resumes are searched for "Hits." What’s a Hit?

A: Hits are "KEY" words and phrases found on your resume when it is "read" by special computer software. Typically, Faxed resumes are received directly by computers, not printed out on a Fax machines. Likewise, some are scanned into a computer, and they too are "read" by the software.

Hits can include, a wide mix of terms that apply to your type of work experience. Some general examples might be titles and phrases related to: management, sales, technology, computers, popular software programs, medical, construction, projects, production, and warehousing. Actually, the list is endless. Tens of thousands of "Hit" terms can be programmed into these unique, special software programs. The ultimate secret is to use as many job-specific, industry-related, business-focused word as possible when describing your job—career—employment experience. The more Hits, the better.
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Q: When I Fax my resume does in need special formatting?

A: YES! Be aware that, formatting for Faxing is FAR, FAR more critical, than Hits are. There will always be some terms on your resume that will be Hits, BUT if it is not formatted correctly it will not even be able to "read" by the software. This means your resume could be loaded with Hits, yet because of incorrect formatting, it does NOT get read. Therefore, a manager will NOT see it, and NO one will call you for an interview. Many job-seekers are not even aware of this very critical factor. Were you? If not you need to learn how to get it right.

For more information about this, Click on “Products” then click on "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Resumes – Table of Contents. You will note that this professional do-it yourself (DIY) workshop package also contains resume faxing and scanning instructions, rules, and templates for your guidance and use.
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Q: I’m relocating to another state. Do you have any job-search tips?

A: YES!

First, contact the Chamber of Commerce in the area you plan to relocate to. Ask for any job information they may have, including availability of a membership directory.

Second, ask the Chamber for the name and telephone number of the largest newspaper in the area. Then Subscribe to this newspaper to get that regions classified job-ads for potential job-leads, or if you are lucky, they may have a web-site that lists all of their classified job-ads on line. 

Third, Establish a plan, for being in that area, available for job-interviewing. Then, send a cover-letter with your resume, for the job-leads you have developed. Tell them you plan to be in the area and hope to interview with then while there.

Click on “Products” then click on "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Cover-Letters. There is a complete template for this type of letter in that packet, as well as a dozen other letter templates each for different purposes, plus instruction and guidelines. You can also Click on "Free Stuff" then "You’re Hired" your ultimate guide to creative Cover-Letters, to get instruction on the do-it yourself (DIY) workbook for writing Cover-Letters, plus a listing of the types of letters that are included in the Cover-Letter packet.
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Q: Is Direct Solicitation, or Cold-Calling effective?

A: Direct Solicitation and Cold-Calling combined are absolutely—the best ever—proven job-search technique. However, BE AWARE, it takes some serious research, preparation, and effort to accomplish.

Surveys show that about 35% of all jobs gotten are gotten using the Direct, or Cold-Call approach. When combined with Networking, the figure jumps to 50-65%. The next best method is using the classified job-ads, which get 12-18%, followed by all other methods (YEP! Including the Internet.) So, is doing the Direct thing, or Cold-Calling worth the effort? You had better believe it, definitely.

For a comprehensive, multi-page list of numerous, extremely useful directories, click on "Free Stuff" then click on  Job-Leads – "Treasure Chest" This is a comprehensive, readable online, a review of this comprehensive workbook, absolutely loaded with resources, for finding the names of individual managers, at individual companies.  With these names, you can send a resume and appropriate cover-letter directly to a manager, by name. Plus you do this without knowing if a job-opportunity even exists. It is dynamic, it works.

Sure, it takes time.  Sure iit requires research and extra effort, because the data in these directory sources are NOT available on the Internet. You can find the publishers on the Internet, but they are only there to sell their directories to you, not the information in them. The "Your Hired" do-it-yourself (DIY) workbook tells you what these resources are, where to find them, and how to use them.

Are you serious about your job search? If so, you really should consider using the Direct Solicitation, and/or the Cold Call techniques.
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Q: How can I get Direct Solicitation, or Cold-Calling job-leads?

A: First ask "Where do I find sources for job-leads,that include a managers name to contact by direct solicitation, or by making a cold call?"  This is a complex question—requiring special resources—and the Internet is generally NOT one of them, at least not for getting manager’s names. However, to be effective, you MUST have a manager’s name. Of course, when you find a company’s information, you will get an address for them, and a telephone number, for followup, but ideally, you still need to have a name of a manager to contact directly, either by mail, or a cold, walk-in call.

Fortunately, there are numerous directories that provided this information. Many are costly (in the multi-hundreds of dollars), but typically can be found at the public library. Of course, you can also purchase them. In addition, many of the directory publishers also sell CDs of the data in their directories. These too, although costly, allow a user to sort and list businesses, agencies, etc. by name, address, zip code, city, and by telephone number area codes, plus SIC Code, type of business, industry, and/or service.

Unfortunately, data from these sources CANNOT be accessed from the Internet, except for a fee, because the publishers of these directories generate their income from selling them.

The good news is, as noted in the FAQ: Is Direct-Solicitation, or Cold-Calling effective?  Your ideal job-leads will be from sources providing one, or more managers names, their job-titles, the organizations address, telephone, and fax number In addition, you can research information about the background of the business such as annual revenue, number of employees, and a description of the nature of their business.

For information about an in-depth, comprehensive, 7-page list of directories, click on “Products” then click on Job-Leads – "Treasure Chest" a do-it yourself (DIY) career-workbook.
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Q: Why do you provide so many great FAQ’s with so much useful information?

A: First, we believe you need this vital information in order to creating a "winning" resume.      

Second, hopefully, these FAQs, have, or will demonstrate—for you—the level of OUR expertise and convince you to consider using some of the do-it yourself (DIY) résumé, cover-letter, interviewing skills, and job-lead workbooks  offered at this ResumeWinners.com site, by clicking“Products” to purchase, or "Free Stuff" to review some of these do-it yourself (DIY), career-workbook contents.  You might consider signing up for “Updates” also?  To do this look just below the main menu, on the home page.
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