FIRE YOUR RESUME!
Military Edition
Tom Stein, USMC Retired and Greg Wood, CCMP
Copyright Tom Stein and Greg Wood, 2012, All Rights Reserved
Published by Premiere Projects (the “Publisher”) at Smashwords
Book 2 of TheHireTactics™ Job Search Series
This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher or the author.
eISBN: 978-1-4524-4237-2
This eBook edition is published by Smashwords.com. All copyrights, trademarks and service marks and claims thereto are the properties of their respective owners.
Unless otherwise expressly noted, none of the individuals or business entities mentioned herein have endorsed the contents of this eBook.
The Authors and Publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for the readability of the eBook as well as the hosting and delivery through Smashwords.com and related devices, apps and sites. The Author and Publisher do not warrant or guarantee that any website or any server that makes this eBook available is free of viruses or other harmful programs.
ePublishing & Digital Marketing
Henderson NV 89002
GoogleVoice 24/7: (702) 900-2176
Disclosures and Disclaimers
Sorry but no one – including the author and publisher - can guarantee you a job or any particular job. Your success will depend on numerous factors outside our control including but not limited to your effort, experience, education, location, and match to an employer’s needs.
While care and diligence have been taken in preparing the information contained herein, neither the authors nor the publisher guarantees its accuracy. It is sold and used by the reader with the understanding that the authors, contributors, publisher, and sales outlets are not engaged in rendering legal, financial or other professional advice. The reader is provided with guidelines, strategies and ideas that may or may not be applicable or appropriate for the reader’s situation.
Laws and practices vary from state to state and if financial, legal or other technical expertise or assistance is required, the services of an experienced and competent professional should be sought. The author, contributors and publisher specifically disclaim any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the contents of this book and system.
This book and the related materials are adapted from TheHireRoad™ system developed by the author, Greg Wood, CCMP, and proven in over 11 years of use by individuals, small businesses, corporations and trainers worldwide.
FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD!
"12 STRESS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS"
One of the most popular sections of TheHireRoad™ Interview Audio is the “Stress Questions" section. These are 12 questions that are designed to be deliberately “uncomfortable” for you as the job seeker. These “awkward” questions are becoming more and more common as a way to separate candidates from the large number of job applicants.
To say “THANK YOU” for buying this book, visit the website and enter your eMail for immediate free access to the MP3 download.
TheHireTactics™ Job Search Series
TheHireChallenge™ Series designed just for Military Veterans!
Welcome to TheHireTactics™, the best-selling series dedicated to helping military veterans succeed in their job search mission. These four books are designed to be short and sweet so veterans can quickly begin using this proven job search approach. All four books are available in both eBook and paperback format. The eBook editions are available through both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. The paperback is available through Amazon.com and your nearest bookstore.
Book One – “VETERAN EMPLOYMENT TACTICS! – Packaging Yourself for Job Hunting Success” The first book in TheHireTactics™ series introduces military veterans to the tools you need to brand yourself to ensure you separate yourself from your competition. In this book, you will learn how the job search system really works and how to use your tactical advantage as a military veteran!
Book Two – “FIRE YOUR RESUME! – Tactics for a Successful Job Search in the New Economy” The second book in TheHireTactics™ series is one of our most popular. In it veterans will learn how to avoid turning a job search into C-R-A-P (Clicking, Reviewing, Applying and Praying). Learn why it is mission critical to get the intel and package it so you can successfully penetrate the hidden job market. Learn how to educate employers about the value of your service and values you bring as a military veteran!
Book Three – “LOCK AND LOAD! – 24 Job Interview Questions Military Veterans Need to Know!” Being asked to take an interview means you are 80% of the way to accomplishing your mission. The interview is where you “seal the deal” and preparation is the key to success! In the third book in TheHireTactics™ series you’ll learn how to demonstrate the value you bring to the table by conducting a tactical and strategic interview that will greatly enhance your chances of winning the job offer. Additional questions general to all job interviews can be found in Greg Wood’s book, “Nailed It!”
Book Four – “PAY DAY! – Negotiating Your True Worth, Not Just a Salary” Let’s face it, military veterans are not used to negotiating their pay! A table from the Pentagon listing your rank and time in service pretty much sets your paycheck and benefits. In this fourth book in TheHireTactics™ series, you’ll learn how to evaluate whether or not a job is worth taking and then, if it is, how to negotiate the difference between what you’re offered and your true worth to the organization.
TheHireChallenge™ Book Series
Welcome to Greg Wood’s best-selling series on the new job search reality. These are designed to be short and to the point to introduce you to the 4 milestones and the tools you need for a successful job search. All four books are available in both eBook and paperback format. The eBook editions are available through both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. The paperback is available through Amazon.com and your nearest bookstore.
Book One – “PACKAGE YOU! – Standing Out to Be Outstanding. The New Job Search Reality” In addition to a professional resume and cover letter (which every job seeker uses), the first book in the series introduces you to the tools you need to brand yourself so you can separate yourself from your competition.
Book Two – “FIRE YOUR RESUME! – Tactics for a Successful Job Search in the New Economy” Don’t let your job search turn into C-R-A-P (Clicking, Reviewing, Applying and Praying). Learn the strategies and techniques that can help you penetrate the hidden job market by broadcasting your value to the business community and not your need for a “job”. Learn how to educate employers that you are THE choice to solve their problems and NOT a piece of paper with antiquated formatting.
Book Three – “NAILED IT! – 52 Job Interview Questions You Need to Know!” The hiring manager already knows you can do the job because it’s right there on your biography and resume. But you still need to differentiate yourself from the competition. The interview is where you “seal the deal” and preparation is the key to success! In the third book in the series you’ll learn how to demonstrate the value you bring to the table by conducting a proactive, strategic interview that will greatly enhance your chances of winning the job offer.
Book Four – “CASH IT! – Negotiating Your True Worth, Not Just a Salary” If you’ve been out of work for some time you’re obviously going to be feeling a great sense of relief when you finally receive a job offer. It can be tempting to accept the offer as is and start the job right away. In this fourth book in TheHireChallenge™ you’ll learn how to evaluate whether or not the job is worth taking and then how to negotiate the difference between what you’re offered and your true worth to the organization.
http://www.TheHireChallenge.com
Table of Contents
It’s Not About Career Planning
CHAPTER ONE – The “Traditional” Approach to Job Search
Who REALLY Posts Jobs on Boards
CHAPTER TWO – Eight Reasons NOT To Send a Resume
Reason 1 – Resumes End Up in Human Resources
Reason 2 – Resumes are Used to Screen You Out
Reason 3 – Resumes are OLD News
Reason 4 – Resumes Do Not Differentiate You
Reason 5 – Resumes Pigeonhole You
Reason 7 – Resumes are NOT Value Propositions
Reason 8 – Resumes Have a 90%+ Rejection Rate
CHAPTER THREE – Human Resources, AKA HR AKA “Hiring Resistance”
CHAPTER FOUR – It’s Time to Change Your Mindset
Resource 1 – Internal Candidates
Resource 2 – Referral/Recommendations/Word-of-Mouth
Resource 3 – Posting a Job Opening
CHAPTER FIVE – Employment VERSUS Emplotyability
CHAPTER SIX – The 7 Tactics for a Successful Job Search in the New Economy
Tactic #2 – Target Companies, Not Jobs
Tactic #4 - Target the Hiring Manager
Tactic #5 – Get Referred to the Hiring Manager
Tactic #6 – Broadcast Your Value, Not Your Resume
The Strategic Job Listing Letter
CHAPTER SEVEN – Closing Thoughts
THEHIREROAD™ Job Search System
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Tom Stein, USMC Retired
Tom Stein is an author as well as a public speaker. Prior to entering corporate America, Mr. Stein was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps specializing in the subject areas of Contract Business Development, Information Technology, Logistics, Operational Threat Analysis, World Wide Contingency Planning, Education, and Aviation. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds numerous degrees and certificates in Aviation, Education, and Information Technology. As an executive program manager he has held some of the highest achievable positions and designations in his fields of expertise throughout the world.
He is an Associate Professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a member of the faculty staff since 1998. Mr. Stein instructs and develops programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Mr. Stein is a board member on the Orange County Veteran Employment Committee holding the position of Treasurer. He teaches classes nationwide to assist veterans in transitioning from military to civilian careers.
To contact Tom for keynotes, corporate talks, training, and consultations:
Tom Stein
TheHireChallenge™
8502 E. Chapman Avenue, Suite #157
Orange, CA 92869
Office: (714) 356-2239
A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
CAGE/NCAGE: 6KBY4
To Contact the Author: Tom.Stein@earthlink.net
Greg Wood, CCMP
Greg Wood is a Certified Career Management Professional (CCMP) who has experienced firsthand the challenges and anxiety of being unemployed several times during his 30+ years of business experience. With more than 13 years of experience in both outplacement and executive search, Greg earned his reputation as a pre-eminent career counselor through the creation of TheHireRoad, an innovative, strategic approach to job search. His unique program takes job seekers step-by-step through the entire job search process, providing all the resources and tools necessary to achieve differentiation and shorten their time in transition at a very critical time in their lives.
An excellent trainer and presenter, Mr. Wood is a frequent guest speaker at a variety of professional and career transition support groups in Southern California. In 2010 his unique perspective on job search was the topic of discussion when he was interviewed by talk show host Bill Handel on KFI 640AM radio in Los Angeles (CLICK HERE to listen), one of the top news/talk shows in the country. Greg has also appeared on the “Job Seekers Clinic Show” on KFWB News Talk 980AM.
Greg’s corporate background includes domestic and international experience in a variety of industries including executive search, publishing, high-technology and healthcare. He has held senior management positions with mid-size as well as major Fortune 500 corporations.
To contact Greg for keynotes, corporate outplacement, and one-on-one consultation:
Greg Wood
4340 E. Indian School Road, Suite 21
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Office: (602) 237-5366
Contact the Author: GregW@TheHireRoad.com
Information on TheHireRoad™ System visit our website at
http://www.TheHireChallenge.com
We don’t think this is a surprise to any job seeker but the world of work has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. And that is even truer for military veterans.
When you’re working for someone else, it no longer matters how hard you work, how committed you are, how dedicated you are, how many hours you work, how much money you make for the company or how much money you save the company. The days of working forty years and retiring with a gold watch are gone.
Gold watches and pensions were your father’s (or maybe your grandfather’s) World War II generation. And believe me, those days are not coming back! And people wonder why there’s no such thing as company loyalty anymore? Give me a break!
Unless you own the company, are an immediate family member to the owners, or you’ve been given a written lifetime employment agreement (which nobody ever gets), YOUR JOB IS IN ALWAYS IN JEOPARDY.
Because of that fact, you as trained military actually have an unfair advantage. You understand real jeopardy and you have been trained how to react and survive. So consider “Fire Your Resume – Military Edition” your survival handbook for the world of civilian job hunting and successful employment!
Who Are You?
Veterans are 1% of the current population. That means only 1% of job seekers can claim they have served or are serving in the military. And since the draft is no longer in place, the wars and conflicts have been fought by volunteers. So no matter what your status is currently active, retired, reserve, or disabled - you have attained special status and have skills virtually no one else can claim in the job market.
Duty, Honor, Service, Commitment, and Sacrifice. These are more than words to you and represent the codes of conduct you have embraced for this Country. These can be transferred to the workplace but, because the odds are your employer will be in the 99% who did not serve, you need special strategies and tactics for finding civilian employment!
Note – the advice in this book is applicable to all veterans looking for a job. However, if you are rated as a disabled veteran, there are additional services available for you through the VA for training and placement. Talk to your local VA or a local advocacy group like The American Legion or the VFW for more information.
“Everyone Loves a Vet But . . .”
“Everyone loves a vet, but not everyone wants to hire one”.
That’s what we hear over and over again from frustrated veterans looking for a job. And guess what, THEY’RE RIGHT!
No one hires you because you’re a veteran! Being a vet means nothing to most employers because they don’t know what being a vet brings to a job! So your mission is to use what you have learned in the military to separate yourself from the rest of the job applicants.
So how do you translate and more importantly communicate your unique 1% value to someone who has never served?
The authors know from first-hand experience translating your military experience and skills into civilian terms can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Words have different meanings, work environments are different, chain of command is different, and friendships, teamwork, and coaching are not even close to what you experienced in the military. For example, remember in boot or officer training where you were taught “team was first” and to take care of each other? Quoting a veteran working for a large corporation who got downsized, “No way in hell is Corporate America like that, just no way. It’s all ‘what’s in it for me?’”