Looking for a Job is a Lot Like Looking For Love

Job seekers can learn a lot about the resume screening process from the CBS reality show "Cupid." The show gives insights on how to make a good first impression -- and the top five things you can do to assure a quick rejection.

(PRWEB) July 25, 2003 -- Job seekers can learn a lot about the resume screening process from the CBS reality show "Cupid." The show gives insights on how to make a good first impression -- and the top five things you can do to assure a quick rejection.

On CBS new reality show, "Cupid," prospective suitors have just 30 seconds to attract the attention of potential mate Lisa Shannon and her two friends.

This screening process is similar to what most job seekers encounter when they look for a job: A brief introduction that will "get them through to the next round." On "Cupid," thats a trip to California and the chance to vie for Lisas heart and a $1 million dowry. In real life, its the chance to interview with someone in the position to hire you — the chance to find a "match" between your skills and the companys needs — and usually, a salary significantly less than $1 million.

The stakes are high — so making the right first impression is crucial. Job candidates can learn a lot from the "Cupid" rejects:

1. Its Not About You. Prospective suitors who focused on themselves were rejected. Successful ones quickly established rapport and common interests.

2. The Package is Important. On "Cupid," a man dressed as a gladiator was quickly dismissed. Typos, handwritten corrections, and coffee stains can get your résumé the boot as well.

3. In Your Desire to Get Noticed, Dont be Too Outrageous. Dont be obnoxious about trying to stand out from the crowd. One "Cupid" suitor tried to earn a second chance — but desperation isnt appealing. On your résumé, use bold and italics sparingly — only to emphasize key points. Stick to a reasonable font size — 11 or 12 point is best. And remember, in a cover letter, quiet confidence is more appealing than obvious desperation.

4. Dont Give the Whole Story Away. Thirty seconds is just enough time to pique the screeners curiosity. More than one prospective mate for Lisa shared too much information too soon. Too much information can be a bad thing, if it raises questions that cant easily be answered. Use a red pen and evaluate every word and phrase on your résumé. Omit irrelevant information. Tell a story with your accomplishments, skills, experience, and education — but make sure its a compelling story.

5. You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression. A compelling résumé and cover letter can help you make it to the "first date" — an interview to determine if theres a connection. But you must make it past the initial screening to get that chance.

Will Lisa find her perfect mate? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, though: Youve got to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.

The same is true for a job search — the more interviews you go on, the more likely it is youll find the perfect fit. If your résumé isnt getting you in the door, take a closer look at it.

"If youre having trouble getting interviews, enlist a ‘Simon Cowell — a professional résumé writer who can be honest and objective about your current résumé," says Bridget Ann Weide, a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and editor of Résumé Writers Digest, a trade newsletter for professional résumé writers.

You can find a professional résumé writer on http://www.CertifiedResumeWriters.com or through their industry associations:
Career Masters Institute – www.cminstitute.com
National Résumé Writers Association – www.nrwa.com

Professional Résumé Writing and Research Association – www.prwra.com
Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches – www.parw.com

For more information about "Cupid," visit http://www.cbs.com/primetime/cupid/
Thursday, July 24, 2003

BACKGROUNDER

ABOUT "CUPID"

The show, whose motto is "No violins. No roses. No Mercy" is designed to help single gal ("Cupid Girl") Lisa Shannon find and marry her perfect mate. Helping her screen out "the losers" are her two friends, Laura and Kimberly.

In the first two episodes, Lisa and her pals auditioned hundreds of prospective suitors. Each had just 30 seconds to make an impression and advance to the next round.

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL RÉSUMÉ WRITERS
Like a good friend who helps you get ready for a blind date, a professional résumé writer can help you showcase your best assets so you make a good first impression.

An objective third party, he or she can help you position yourself to find the right match, giving you ideas and advice on where to look, how to maximize your chances of making a positive connection, and reminding you to focus on the companys needs, not just your own.

He or she will also make sure there are no types or other "problem areas" on your résumé that might get you off on the wrong foot. (The equivalent of answering the front door with broccoli stuck between your teeth.)

For more information about professional résumé writers, contact Bridget Ann Weide, CPRW, editor of Résumé Writers Digest, a trade newsletter for the industry.

Success Ideas from "Cupid"

Job seekers can learn a lot from successful "Cupid" suitors:

1. Have Someone Else Vouch For You. Several men brought in their moms or family members to provide support and back up their claims. "I dont recommend attaching a note from your mom," says Bridget Ann Weide, a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and editor of Résumé Writers Digest, a trade newsletter for professional résumé writers. "However, one of the hottest trends is the use of ‘endorsements on résumés. These are basically third-party testimonials collected from performance appraisals, letters of appreciation from customers, and your references."

2. Make a Good First Impression. When you only get 30 seconds (the average amount of time that hiring professional say they give to a first screening of a résumé), youd better not waste any time getting someones attention. "Lead with your strengths — dont bury the good stuff, or you wont get a second chance to share the information," Weide adds.

3. Dont Be Shy About Expressing Interest. Several "Cupid" candidates came in clutching Lisas photo. People like it when you pay attention and come prepared. "Early in your cover letter, tell the reader why youre interested in the company. You can even attach a copy of an article you read about the company, if its relevant to your job search," Weide says.

4. Get Your Message Across Quickly and Concisely — And Invite Questions! "The best thing you can do with your résumé and cover letter is pique their curiosity," Weide says. "Invite a dialogue and an interview is sure to follow."