There are three marketing documents that are basic to any job search: 1) Resumes, 2) Cover Letters, and 3) Business Cards. Although every job seeker needs a resume, it is a good idea to refrain from offering your resume before it has been requested. Sending out an unsolicited resume does not assure that it will be read. There is a good chance that the recipient will not read the entire resume. Studies have shown that people who receive unsolicited resumes spend between an average of 4 and 17 seconds looking at them when deciding if they want to read it. Readers have two questions to answer at this point: What does this person want to do? Why should I read this resume?

The top half (sweet spot) of the first page of the resume determines if the resume will be read or not. Having answered the first question, “What do you want to do?” The second question is answered by listing a few of our most compelling accomplishments. These are the accomplishments that were identified in Step Two – “Assessment”. Be sure that what you list here are true accomplishments, not duties, responsibilities and tasks.

In this step, we will learn the strategic importance of preparing these documents with the proper focus.

Read These Documents	Just Do It!	Web Sites
How to Get Your Resume through the Employers Screening System A Thoroughly Modern Resume Resume Development Guidelines The Employer’s Bottom Line About Resumes Why Your Resume May Get Tossed Aside A cover letter as easy as 1-2-3 Helpful hints for writing cover letters The purpose of the cover letter Avoid cover letter mistakes Portfolios How to kill your resume Words not to use in a resume Functional or Chronological Resume	Resume Example – Chronological Style Resume Example – Hybrid Cover Letter Example Job Objective Worksheet Check List – Step Four Resume Design Tips for Applicant Tracking Systems	My e-Folio My e-Folio Example Resume Mistakes Employer-focused Cover Letters Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter Proof of Performance VistaPrint Business Cards

Your Resume

Everyone needs a well written resume that is inviting to read and which quickly highlights your accomplishments. Materials in this section will guide you through the resume writing process. Job coaches are also available to review your resume.

Portfolio of Work

For some jobs, examples of past work can be helpful to show to a prospective employer.

When you mail a resume to a prospective employer it is a good idea to send it with a cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than half a page, and written in such a manner that it sells the recipient on reading your resume.

Your “Cover Letter”

When requesting an interview by mail, and when a resume is not specifically requested, a marketing letter should be used. Much like the cover letter, it should be brief and written such that a prospective employer will want to interview you.

Your Marketing Letter

A major question is; “How do I ask for a networking Meeting?” and “What do I say when I get there?” Scripts have been provided for you use in both cases.

Articles to e-mail

A good way to maintain contact with a person who interviewed you is to send them a current article dealing with a topic discussed during the interview.

Networking Scripts

As a result of learning the job requirements during a first interview, some job candidates have developed a presentation to be used in the second interview describing what they would do to satisfy the job requirements.

Your Business Card

It is absolutely essential to have a business card printed so that you can distribute one to every contact you make while you are seeking employment. You will find a fee source for securing business cards on the next page.