Mel Otero

Should You Toss The Resume



Posted: Monday, December 28, 2009

by
http://www.recoverfromloss.com

Most of us have heard the phrase "desperate times, drastic measures", and it may be that the current economy and job market appear "desperate". However, "drastic measures" may not be applicable. Let's substitute "creative" for "drastic". We have just coined a new phrase, "desperate times, and creative measures". As we take a new approach to the job search, this would be a good time to explore the possibility of a substitute for the resume. Although an excellent resume is usually a key tool in a job search, it may not always be true. Think about the current downsizing trend in companies and subsequent organizational transitions. The transitions may have left gaps in the staff that need to be filled to maintain company success.

Have you considered consulting or contract work? How about offering the employer your expertise and experience on a trial basis? These are situations where the creative approach of a job proposal letter would be beneficial. A job proposal letter would convey your interest in the company and your willingness to do contract work. Many companies prefer a flexible staff and do not want the risk of hiring full time permanent employees. The job proposal letter would enable you to point out how your experience and skills would benefit the company. You are exactly who the company needs. Your letter can demonstrate with honest facts how you and your skills and expertise can fill the gap and solve the company problem.

To prepare an effective job proposal letter, you need to do your homework. Research and research until you have solid information on the needs of the company and the specific steps you can take to fill the needs, solve company problems and save company money. Directing your job proposal letter to the decision maker within the company is an added key to success in this approach. Knowing the current staffing levels and status of the company will be important information as you write the letter. If you can determine whether there has been a recent restructuring of the company and if any gaps in staff exist that your expertise would fill, you have some serious ammunition. The job proposal letter should be no more than two pages in length. Using your research, state some examples of the problems and needs that exist within the company. Next, point out that you, and only you, are the solution. Provide your specific skills and experience that will solve specific problems and fill specific needs facing the company. The company wants to know that you can successfully meet the challenges that exist and produce results. What can the company expect from you? Include examples of past accomplishments that support your ability to deliver the results. Honesty is extremely important as you list achievements and state the results proposed for the company. As you write the closing paragraph, leave no doubt that you are the perfect problem solver and will be an invaluable asset to the company. State the reason the company needs you as an employee, contractor or consultant.

One of the positive results of the current "desperate" economy has been the creative approaches that have emerged. Sometimes it takes a desperate situation to get our attention. Amazing insights and creativity can be the end result of a desperate situation. Think about the open position and your skills and experience. Could this be an opportunity to prepare a job proposal as a starting point rather than a resume? If the job proposal sparks some interest with the company, you just may get an interview. You can always take your resume to the interview.

Mel Otero, author, worked in management in the mortgage banking industry and title insurance industry for over 25 years. She has started web sites and written articles to provide information, resources and inspiration during this difficult economy. She loves to write, learn and share experiences and information. Constantly researching and looking for helpful tools, the ultimate goal is making a positive difference in lives. Learning to enjoy some simple things in life – like a good cup of tea – eases the pressure during stressful times. Always searching for new tea recipes and items related to tea, this information can then be shared.

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