The #1 Must-Have, Right Now

In Texas, where I live and work, we are hearing reports of new unemployment records being set. Not surprising news. In recent months I have been talking with clients, friends and others in my network to find out what their greatest needs and what people need to be doing and have in place when/if you find yourself back in the job market. Besides the obvious need of having a financial cushion in place, there are some other basics you should have at the ready whether or not you are presently in the job market.

The number one thing I find that most people DON'T have ready is a good, updated resume. And having to scramble to put one together when you are abruptly placed back in the job market is not the best time to begin this process. Many people losing jobs now have been in the same place for several years and are way out of practice in marketing themselves. And when you're out of practice, you tend to lack confidence to put a really good resume together. Add to that the stress of being laid off or downsized and the emotion of a transition and your search can get off to a really bad start.

If your resume is not current and/or does not give an immediate snapshot of your qualifications and experience, do not delay. Get on it this week. If you don't have one at all, begin by making a chronological list of all of your work experience starting from the present and working backward. Then under each job list first your responsibilities then your accomplishments. Under accomplishments, quantify any successes you had anything to do with; any time you can say you added dollars to the bottom line or improved efficiency by x% which added to the bottom line (get the idea?) you must do so. The purpose of the resume is to get you an interview. Period. Think of it as a marketing piece, not just a list.

If you need objective help to give impact to your resume, I am now offering resume critique. You may find more information on my products and services page, http://coachgwen.com/cch . There are also resume writing services in most cities and online if you don't even have a basic one from which to build. I cannot stress enough the importance of your resume. Do not neglect this critical item!

Next post: The importance of cover letters.