Career Development Resources LLC

Strategies To Optimize Your Resume Strategies

A REJECTION LETTER DOESN'T MEAN YOU LOST OUT
.....OR IT'S NOT OVER 'TILL YOU'VE GOT THE JOB!

It seems, that in today’s fast-paced business world, many companies just do not practice the former levels of proper business etiquette, leaving job applicants hanging. Most of the time the only contact you will receive from your targeted company is an invitation to an interview, when they are interested in your qualifications or the announcement …” You’re hired! When can you start?” However, in a small number of cases you might receive some news, after your interview, that the employer has decided to hire someone else.

A letter of rejection isn't always the final word! Although they almost always state that another person was already hired, frequently this is not the case. Many applicants have walked away from jobs they could have had because they mistakenly accepted the rejection letter as final. Sometimes a company changes its mind after the letter of rejection was already mailed.

THERE ARE SIGNS WHICH INDICATE WHEN THE HIRING DECISION ISN'T FINAL, AND IT'S UP TO THE CANDIDATE TO GET THE BALL ROLLING AGAIN!

There are several reasons why a rejection letter is sent to an applicant who still has a good chance of getting an offer.

The most common case is where the company is all set to hire a specific person and assumes that their offer will be accepted, but for one reason or another it falls through.

In other cases, the company isn't 100% certain as to the exact requirements for the position and consequently rejects all applicants at first, and then waits and hopes that the ideal person will come along and an astonishing revelation will occur during the interview. The company gets tired of waiting after a while and decides to hire the next person who can do the job reasonably.

Other companies know exactly what they want in the candidate, but soon realize that the perfect person doesn't exist. Then they readjust their requirements and expectations.

Each of these situations presents an under publicized opportunity to the savvy job hunter: a previously rejected candidate is not in a position to be reconsidered. But many companies will almost never return to a candidate who has received a letter of rejection and the candidate must re initiate the contact.

THERE ARE TWO INDICATIONS THAT A REJECTION MAY BE REVERSIBLE.

1. The company must have been sufficiently impressed with you to have invited you back for second and/or third interviews to meet additional people.

2. You received your letter of rejection very shortly after the follow up interview. The shorter the interval, the less likely the employer has made an offer to another candidate and that it has been formally accepted.

If this has been the case, then after receiving the rejection letter, you should write an answering letter to the interviewer, telling him you were impressed with the company and why you still believe that you are the right person for the job.

Wait about two weeks. By then, something at the company may have changed. Give them a call and ask if someone has been hired. If not, restate your interest. Sound suggestive but not pushy.

BY READING THE SIGNALS CORRECTLY, YOU MAY JUST BE ABLE TO PLACE YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

Mark Berkowitz is the owner and President of CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES, LLC. Changing lives and revolutionizing careers since 1985, Mark provides one-on-one career consulting services, résumé building assistance and guidance to help each client achieve not only job advancement, but lasting and meaningful success in their career path as well. A distinguished figure in his field, Berkowitz is one of the top career builders in the country and has been quoted in nearly two dozen books and publications on the topic of career advancement.
Passionate about empowering others to realize their dreams, Mark served as an executive board member of the PROFESSIONAL ASSN. OF RÉSUMÉ WRITERS & CAREER COACHES. He has been helping clients successfully advance in, and/or change their careers for over 36 years. With a Master’s Degree in Career Development and four specialized certifications (National Certified Career Counselor, Certified Professional Résumé Writer, Int’l Certified Job & Career Transition Coach, and Certified Employment Interview Professional), he is uniquely qualified to help you improve your career situation. A recognized expert in the field, he had not only taught in Graduate Schools and led workshops and seminars, but also trained other counselors. Mark served as chairman of the Certification Board for the Professional Assn. of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches and was a founding member of the Career Management Alliance (fkn Career Masters Institute). Additionally, he has shared his expertise in effectively utilizing career assessment tools with graduate counseling students from nearby Fordham University, helping to prepare them for their future counseling careers.

Mark connects with clients locally as well as international clients via the internet. He also provides outreach to high school and college students, presenting career planning and job search strategy workshops.
• Highly regarded with résumés, cover letters, and interview strategies showcased in nearly two dozen books.
• Enjoys an INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION as a “Résumé Guru” by members of the Professional Assn. of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches.

His work appears in nearly two dozen books on résumé /cover letter writing and winning interview strategies. He has been spotlighted on WCBS television in “Acing The Interview” and has been named as the “Professional of the Year” by the PODCAST BUSINESS NEWS NETWORK.

Berkowitz has been recognized as “ … one of the leading résumé writers in the U.S. today” in Professional Résumés for Executives, Managers, and Other Administrators. Wendy Enelow, President of the Career Masters Institute has acknowledged Mark as “… one of the most talented career counselors I have ever met.”

You can contact him at 1+ (910) 833-5013 or [email protected] to find out how he can assist you in launching your career into a higher orbit.

See how you can benefit from professional expertise instead of
suffering from your career mistakes.

COMPLIMENTARY RÉSUMÉ EVALUATION & CAREER CONSULTATION

Take the next step in your career with a free, confidential résumé critique and consultation.
Our service includes:
✔️ A review of the strengths and weaknesses of your current résumé
✔️ Discussion of your career goals and target positions
✔️ Personalized strategies to strengthen your job search
To request your complimentary consultation:
📧 Email your résumé to [email protected]
📞 Please include your phone number and the best time for us to call
We're here to help you stand out and succeed.

THE PRODUCTIVE JOB INTERVIEW:
STRATEGIC QUESTIONS
THAT YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK An employment interview is not a ‘one-sided interrogation’. It is a two-way meeting; after all, your decision as to whether this position is a good move for you, is every bit as important as the hiring authority deciding if s/he is interested in hiring you. Furthermore, the quality of the questions, that you ask, will give the potential employer an inside view of your critical thinking skills. So let’s ensure a win-win for you: 1)while you gain intel, critical to your decision-making process; ... 2)make sure that you leave them with a favorable impression of you! So, to optimize the available circumstances at your next interview; try asking some intelligent questions of your own. Here are seven must-ask questions and the rationale for why you should know the answers. 1 Why is this position vacant? Was the most recent incumbent promoted, transferred, fired, or did s/he leave the company for a different job? What is the status of the most recent incumbent for this position? (If a new position: How has this job been performed in the past?) Why This Is Important: You need to know about any problems or past history associated with this position. For instance, was your predecessor fired or promoted? Is this a temporary position or a brand new one? The answer will tell you about management’s expectations and how the company is gearing to grow. The information that you gain will also help you get a handle on whether or not this position is the right move for you at the present time. 2. Why did you choose to work here? What is it that keeps you here? Why This Is Important: Although you may like this company, you’re an outsider. You need to find out what an insider has to say about working there. Who better to ask than your interviewer? This also forces the interviewer to step out of their official corporate role and answer personally as an employee and potential coworker. 3. What would be the first problem that the person you hire, has to tackle? Why This Is Important: You need to be on the same page as your new manager, as well as be clear on what the initial expectations are and that you can deliver. You want to avoid allowing yourself to be misled about the job’s requirements and end up overwhelmed and over your head after the first week on the job. 4. What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would directly report? Why This Is Important: It doesn’t matter how wonderful the company might be; your time will be spent working for a specific manager. You need to find out who this person is and what kind of manager s/he is — earlier rather than later, before
personality clashes develop. If you’re an independent type accustomed to devising solutions on your own, for instance, you’ll certainly be extremely irritated when you find you’re being supervised by a micromanager. 5. What are the company’s five-year sales and profit projections? Why Should You Ask: You need to know about the future of the company you plan to spend several years of your life working for. It doesn’t have to be this exact question. For example, you might want to ask about the company’s future plans for new products and services or any planned market expansion. Of course, you’ve done your own research, but nothing can beat an insider’s observations and insights. This also shows you’ve done your homework and are serious about this company. 6. What is the tempo of your hiring process? Why This Is Important: For your own mental sanity, you need to know if the hiring decision isn’t going to be made for quite a while. That way you won’t start feeling ‘down in the dumps’ if you haven’t heard back from them for quite a while. Additionally, it lets you know how rapid (or slow) you want to respond with a post-interview thank you letter; as the closer it arrives to decision-making time, the more advantageous it can be for you. In practical matters knowing the speed of their hiring process enables you to shift your focus and efforts on to other opportunities. If this is March and the company doesn’t plan on filling the job until Q3 and you really want to make a move much sooner, you can put this job on your back burner for now. 7. What’s our next step? Why This Is Important: This is your closing and the most important question to ask at the end of the interview. You need to know what happens after this point. Many books advise asking for the job now, but most people may feel too intimidated to bluntly do so. And with more candidates already scheduled for interviews, the company is not likely to make you an offer yet. You may also need to do some additional research on the company, making it too early to ask for the job. A good compromise: Take the initiave and set a plan for follow-up. You’ll also be able to gauge the company’s enthusiasm with the answer. Don’t forget to ask for your interviewer’s direct phone number and the best time to call. Whatt’’s My Take--Away?
As a savvy job seeker, the key to a productive interview is to find out as much about your potential employer as possible. Asking these seven questions will not only make you appear more committed as a candidate, but will also give you better insight into both the challenges and opportunities that this position may offer you. Mark Berkowitz is the owner and President of CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES, LLC. Revolutionizing careers since 1985, Mark provides one-on-one career consulting services, résumé building assistance and guidance to help each client achieve not only job advancement, but lasting and meaningful success in their career path as well. A distinguished figure in his field, Berkowitz is one of the top career builders in the country and has been quoted in nearly two dozen books and publications on the topic of career advancement. Passionate about empowering others to realize their dreams, Mark served as an executive board member of the PROFESSIONAL ASSN. OF RÉSUMÉ WRITERS & CAREER COACHES. He has been helping clients successfully advance in, and/or change their careers for over 36 years. With a Master’s Degree in Career Development and ffourr speciialliized cerrttiiffiicattiions (National Certified Career Counselor, Certified Professional Résumé Writer, Int’l Certified Job & Career Transition Coach, and Certified Employment Interview Professional), he is uniiquelly qualliiffiied tto hellp you iimprrove yourr carreerr siittuattiion. A recognized expert in the field, he had not only taught in Graduate Schools and led workshops and seminars, but also trained other counselors. Mark served as chairman of the Certification Board for the Professional Assn. of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches and was a founding member of the Career Management Alliance (fkn Career Masters Institute). Additionally, he has shared his expertise in effectively utilizing career assessment tools with graduate counseling students from nearby Fordham University, helping to prepare them for their future counseling careers. Mark connects with clients locally as well as international clients via the internet. He also provides outreach to high school and college students, presenting career planning and job search strategy workshops. • Highly regarded with résumés, cover letters, and interview strategies showcased in nearly two dozen books.
• Enjoys an INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION as a “Résumé Gurru” by members of the Professional Assn. of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches.
His work appears in nearly two dozen books on résumé /cover letter writing and winning interview strategies. He has been spotlighted on WCBS television in “Acing The Interview” and has been named as the “Proffessiionall off tthe Year 2024” by the PODCAST BUSINESS NEWS NETWORK.
Berkowitz has been recognized as “ … one of the leading résumé writers in the U.S. today” in Professional Résumés for Executives, Managers, and Other Administrators. Wendy Enelow, President of the Career Masters Institute has acknowledged Mark as “… one of the most talented career counselors I have ever met.”
Mark D. You can contact him at 1+ (910) 833-5013 or [email protected] to find out how he can assist you in launching your career into a higher orbit. See how you can beneffiitt ffrom proffessiionall experttiise
iinsttead off sufffferiing ffrom your career miisttakes..

PLAN AHEAD – JOB INSURANCE
STEPS TO KEEP YOU IN THE RUNNING THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER

If you really want to proactively manage your career, then the day you start one job is the day to begin preparing for the next. Working with a variety of possible scenarios in the back of your mind:

{Your company folding; the person above you leaving;
facing a downsizing or merger;
a recruiter calling with a job in some other location …}

…will help you survive the setbacks that are inevitable in every career and seize every opportunity that come along.

Here are some proven strategies to ensure that you keep moving ahead and upwards:

KEEP A FILE OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. You should be able to describe each in one or two sentences. Make sure to have some metrics attached {where possible} and spell out a result which shows the significance of your accomplishment. {Quantified or Qualified} When discussing a raise or promotion, your quick recall will definitely come in handy. If you’ve forgotten them, then it’s guaranteed that the boss forgot them as well!

KEEP YOUR RÉSUMÉ UPDATED. That way you’ll be prepared when a sudden opportunity ‘drops into your lap [remember the Scout’s motto] ─ you hear of a job opening at a professional luncheon, for instance. Even if you don’t have your résumé reprinted until you launch a full-fledged job campaign, your accomplishment file will make it much easier to transform your old résumé into a new one. To quote SHARKPROOF’s Harvey McKay, “Keep your résumé locked and loaded at all times!”

MAINTAIN YOUR NETWORK. Your contacts are now more important than ever. You can make connections not only at professional meetings and in the course of your regular business duties, but also at social events. {make sure that you’ve got your ‘elevator pitch’ always ready to deliver.}

POLISH UP YOUR COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS. Success depends on how effectively you get your ideas across to clients and customers, subordinates and supervisors. Besides taking business writing speech classes, enroll in courses where you can see and hear yourself on video in typical business situations.

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR FIELD AND COMPANY. Keep your professional education up to date. This means following the business and trade press as well as attending workshops in your field.

FIND OUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN about your own company and about other people’s jobs. Read the annual report and talk to coworkers in other areas. The more you know about your company, the better you can figure out where you can advance to next.

PREPARE FOR AN ALTERNATIVE CAREER. Imagine that your entire industry becomes depressed. Think about how you could use your skill in a new field. Be selective about your outside interests. Pick a hobby that could work into a business.
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Mark Berkowitz is the owner and President of CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES, LLC. Changing lives and revolutionizing careers since 1985, Mark provides one-on-one career consulting services, résumé building assistance and guidance to help each client achieve not only job advancement, but lasting and meaningful success in their career path as well. A distinguished figure in his field, Berkowitz is one of the top career builders in the country and has been quoted in nearly two dozen books and publications on the topic of career advancement.
Passionate about empowering others to realize their dreams, Mark served as an executive board member of the PROFESSIONAL ASSN. OF RÉSUMÉ WRITERS & CAREER COACHES. He has been helping clients successfully advance in, and/or change their careers for over 36 years. With a Master’s Degree in Career Development and four specialized certifications (National Certified Career Counselor, Certified Professional Résumé Writer, Int’l Certified Job & Career Transition Coach, and Certified Employment Interview Professional), he is uniquely qualified to help you improve your career situation. A recognized expert in the field, he had not only taught in Graduate Schools and led workshops and seminars, but also trained other counselors. Mark served as chairman of the Certification Board for the Professional Assn. of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches and was a founding member of the Career Management Alliance (fkn Career Masters Institute). Additionally, he has shared his expertise in effectively utilizing career assessment tools with graduate counseling students from nearby Fordham University, helping to prepare them for their future counseling careers.
Mark connects with clients locally as well as international clients via the internet. He also provides outreach to high school and college students, presenting career planning and job search strategy workshops.
• Highly regarded with résumés, cover letters, and interview strategies showcased in nearly two dozen books.
• Enjoys an INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION as a “Résumé Guru” by members of the Professional Assn. of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches.

His work appears in nearly two dozen books on résumé /cover letter writing and winning interview strategies. He has been spotlighted on WCBS television in “Acing The Interview” and has been named as the “Professional of the Year 2024” by the PODCAST BUSINESS NEWS NETWORK.

Berkowitz has been recognized as “ … one of the leading résumé writers in the U.S. today” in Professional Résumés for Executives, Managers, and Other Administrators. Wendy Enelow, President of the Career Masters Institute has acknowledged Mark as “… one of the most talented career counselors I have ever met.”

You can contact him at 1+ (910) 833-5013 or [email protected] to find out how he can assist you in launching your career into a higher orbit.

See how you can benefit from professional expertise
instead of suffering from your career mistakes.

ABOUT CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

Career Development Resources, LLC is a full-service career management firm that has helped thousands of satisfied clients with expert résumé building, job search coaching, and career counseling services since 1985. We have decades of experience providing one-on-one as well as group consulting services. Let us help you jump start your search to land the rewarding job that best fits your goals. Whether you are fresh out of college or have a CEO status, we can assist you by effectively identifying your unique value, improving your professional image and sharpening your job search skills.
Career Development Resources provides Experienced Professional, Personalized Assistance with:
• Expert Career Counseling
• Customized Career Action Plans
• Cutting Edge Résumés
• Job Search Campaign Management
• Optimized Linked-In Profiles
• Career Change Services
• Executive Coaching
• Proven Strategies &Tactics To Optimize Your Interview Performance
• Highly Effective Network Building Strategies
• Certified Résumé Writer
At Career Development Resources, LLC, we have demonstrated a track record in helping job seeking candidates accelerate their job search campaigns and maximize their career potential. We have dedicated our 30+ years of service to providing personalized career advancement services. From writing résumés and cover letters to coaching you through a successful interview and negotiating a strong compensation package, we know what it takes to help you land a top-quality job.
• Successfully navigate through a career change and transition.
• Rapidly deploy effective job search strategies.
• Identify interests, strengths, achievements, values, and operating styles to effectively target and thrive in optimal career environments.
• Develop résumés and cover letters to land critical interviews.
• Effectively utilize cutting edge interview training and strategies to consistently land job offers.
• Leverage expertise and experience to fully maximize career path planning and advancement potential.

Call now to see how you can benefit from professional expertise instead of suffering from your job search mistakes.
(910)833-5013