Get back to the BASICs
So I have some advice for anyone interested. I am a 45 year old retiring military officer. I thought that I would have a difficult time finding employment once I retired so I started early and have successfully conducted multiple interviews and have several offers that I am negotiating. So my advice for anyone is get back to the basics. Many will ask what this means...first you have to do sit down and take the time to build a solid resume packet. This includes cover letters, skills inventories, a solid resume, any certifications, salary and benefit requirements, references, and most importantly a thank you letter. There are many websites that will help you organizae this information and even provide templates with your information already input. These are great tools, but after you have a template you need to edit it and put your own touch to it. Many employers get these templated resumes and can pick one out immediately, but the ones that stand out are more personalized. Once this step is complete begin your job search. Cater it to your slills, interests, and salary requirements. Before you apply research the company, if it still interests you personalize the cover letter and provide the cover letter and resume. Allow a week then follow up. Get prepared for any interviews early, and be prepared and ready to interview at a moments notice. After the interview be sure to follow up with a thank you note, and in that note thank them for their time, highlight why you would be an asset to their organization. Also remember, ask for the job, and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. These are the basics, they are overlooked by many, and perfected by few. This strategy will work for anyone, any job, anywhere. This lost art is appreciated by any business. It worked for me and I will ultimately leave the service and go right into a new civilian career making more than I do currently in the service. Good luck to all.
I really enjoyed ready "getting back to basics". I tell my kids this all the time, from computers to iPhones to smart tvs. Everything gets back to basics. Your letter was a breath of fresh air and welcomed. Thanks P.S. I tell my kids that tv once cut off at 11pm every nite. They asked well what did ppl do after that, I said go to sleep. Rest up everyone, getting back to rest, reading a book and writing a letter instead of using your laptop will sometimes surprise you with amazing responses.
I totally agree with you, Eric; except, one issue - what do you do when you aren't given the company name ("to protect their privacy")? How can you research them, create your cover letter around them, or prepare for your interview because you know nothing about them????? I guess these jobs should go on the wayside because they aren't taking the risk to expose themselves???? THIS is the problem I'm finding on sites. I find a lot of jobs, but they refuse to expose who they are! I know they are agencies or simply the company has had issues with people showing up or calling excessively; but that is the risk you take when trying to hire emplyees. Thank you so much for this GREAT advice.
I was in the navy and didn't use a template and still can't get a job.