To win a new job, do things differently.

Horses don't win by being like all the other horses. Something sets them apart. The same thing is true about job candidates.

Differentiation is the key to rising above others. When it comes to job searching, the winner is the one who is clearly different from the competition.

Differentiate your resume from the others.

Focus on the results of your work, how you made things better. You'll get interviewed because of your results, not just your responsibilities.

Tell the hiring manager how you can help fix his/her problems, not what you want. 

Make your resume easy to read. Use bullets, not paragraphs.

Cite keywords about the job and use them in context.

Don't waste space talking about your objectives. The job you are applying for is your objective.

Avoid the 40+ ATS parsing killers.

Be crisp and concise. No one will read a biography of your experience.

Don't appear careless. Watch your spelling and grammar.

Make your resume look professional. Appearances count. 

 Differentiate your search tactics from your competition.

Do what others won't do. Don't rely on others to do for you what you should do yourself.

Talk directly to the hiring manager before you apply. It is the most effective way to get a job. Applying on job boards is the least effective.

Get referred by an employee.

Network effectively. It's not just about me, me, me.

Find out how recruiters work and are motivated. Don't rely upon them.

Create a complete LinkedIn Profile. It's a valuable, free inbound marketing tool. Make it possible for people to find you by making it complete.

Readers are likely to pass over profiles that don't include a picture. A Picture sets the readers mood to liking you. Upload a smiling head shot of you, just you, in your profile. They are not interested in your child, motorcycle, friends, etc.

 Differentiate your search skills.

Want to really be different? Learn how to identify hiring managers, how to make informal voice contact with them and how to get past their gatekeepers.

Learn good interviewing technique., for instance, don't monopolize conversations.

Master salary negotiation.

Because you are seeking a job you need to sell the reasons for being hired. Learn closing skills. 

 Differentiate your cover letter.

Always write an individualized cover letter that addresses the hiring manager's needs.

Direct it to the hiring manager by name, never "To whom it may concern" or something else equally impersonal.

Don't ask for an interview, say why it is important.

Establish rapport with the company and manager by aligning yourself  with them.

 Differentiate how you job search:

Procrastination is a killer. Don't let jobs go stale.

Plan your day each day. Do different things and set aside time for each. 
Stay healthy and invigorated; spend some time on yourself.

Focus on not being part of the herd.
Strengthen your weaknesses through practice; role play, live; videotape; make mistakes when it doesn't matter.

Visit bit.ly/1TEqj93 and send your resume to kl@hoochresumes.com for a FREE analysis Today!

Show me a consistently successful leader who is a pessimist.

Pessimism paralyzes. It paralyzes business. It impacts human interactions. It infects the workplace. It stymies finding solutions to problems. It kills interviews!

Nobody wants to be near a chronic pessimist. They're not fun to be with.

Optimism is the elixir that keeps things moving forward. Optimists are resourceful. They have positive attitudes. They are more likable, more fun to be with. People like to be near them. Optimists generate optimism in others. They motivate. Optimism fuels positive interviews!

Optimistic job seekers are much more likely to compete successfully and win the new job. Interviewers are sensitive to a candidate’s personality; they will be looking for optimists. Given two equally qualified candidates, the pessimist will be the loser! It follows that when business requires reduction in force, given two equal employees, the pessimist will be the first to be laid off.

Unfortunately, pessimistic job seekers do not always view themselves as being pessimistic. There are signs one can see in themselves. Do people tend to gravitate away from or toward me. Do they listen intently or dismissively. Do I usually smile or frown. If the signs of pessimism are there, it would be smart to consciously work on building an optimistic attitude.

Visit bit.ly/1TEqj93 and send your resume to kl@hoochresumes.com for a FREE analysis Today!