JOB HUNTING TIPS

Keeping an eye open to opportunities makes a lot of sense in today's business world. Profit/loss, Wall Street and consumer demand all have an impact on today's businesses. And ultimately, that impact plays havoc with people's lives.

The Pharmaceutical industry is a segment of the economy where stability is something that is often taken for granted. The aging of America ensures us that the Pharmaceutical industry will continue to grow. But that growth may be somewhere in the future and might not pay for today's expenses. So, keep an eye open.

Watching the job market in the industry is really a simple task. The best way is to maintain contact with former co-workers and supervisors. A call once every 6 months or so, a card for the holidays or an email can pay off down the road when you might need to contact someone from years past.

It is also a way to listen to the pulse of the industry. Everyone receives calls from Head Hunters; sometimes two or 3 a day. Listen closely and keep your resume up to date.

GETTING ACTIVE
Your first task (because you've always kept your resume updated) is to start a "Job Diary". Any time you send out a resume, log it by date, recipient and response. If you decide to work with a recruiter, make absolutely sure that they are not to send out your resume without your express approval for a specific role. You don't want your resume "hanging in the wind". There have been all too many times when we have made contact with a client and made a presentation about a specific candidate, only to find out that the candidate has already been submitted. At that point, the candidate might never have existed, because no company will put themselves in a position where they might be liable for two fees.

RESUMES
Productivity in the US is higher than it has ever been for the simple reason that time is a commodity that is difficult to come by. If a resume is simply a long list of tasks and accomplishments, the 15 seconds or so that might be spent on an initial review will never have the desired result: an interview. Build your resume from the Top Down; in other words, summarize your career with a few sentences at the top, then explain your roles in the light they deserve. Make sure that your summary tells readers why you are qualified for the role; then show them.

If you need help, try Gilbert Resumes, a premier resume service, directed by the former president of the National Resume Writers' Association. RESUMEPRO.com