A client of mine just got back from a job fair. This was their first ever excursion into the world of meets and greets as an event.

Their first impression was that they had landed on a rock full of penguins. With few exceptions, every man was in a black suit, white shirt, and red power tie. The women were in their version with pantsuits. Their faces reflected their desperation. Many tried valiantly to give the “pageant” smile when they reached the recruiter but the murmuring heard throughout the line was already noted. There were broad strokes of pleadings in the place where one would normally explain their expertise and value. Another piece of information to consider is that many had their résumé folded up, hidden away, dog-eared as though they were handing in a late paper to a disgruntled English teacher. Maybe it is because they felt it had let them down too many times before and was not worth much. 

Before we go further, this article is not written to promote a sense of – ‘that is all right, it will all go away soon.’ Like you, I did not always appreciate what my mother told me I needed to change or that I was wrong. I do thank her every day I take breath that she loved me enough to make me better. This is written to be informative, to help those who are in need of change. If what you are doing is not getting results then you need to have a second look at the process.

The next impression the client received was from the recruiters giving him thumbs up on his résumé and bio. These people must have waded through a mountain of same-old – same-old paperwork and found his to be impressive, and refreshing. Yes, others had obediently followed the lots of white space, format it, and keep it to one page. This client did not have a one-page résumé but it was a more compelling read. He is an experienced professional and his résumé reads that way. We all know the dry textbook is not as interesting, though it may be more informative, than the page-turner of a thriller novel.

We are also doing something different with his business cards and it paid off big time. Every recruiter enthusiastically commented on it. The remarks indicated that their jobs would be so much easier with this type of résumé and card from everyone. Need I say that this client now is grateful for all the hard work it took to get that résumé and bio done? He was not nearly as happy about the writing and editing that took place. Nor was he particularly pleased with having to modify or ramp it up to be more in line with the job descriptions for the companies applied online. Ultimately, he is decidedly feeling good about his upcoming interviews with those companies who have now responded back to him.

To those who go through yet another round of “sorry” we cannot help you, my heart goes out to them. Yet, I note that in the blogosphere we burn up millions of words trying to help them to understand the rules of the recruitment world. When you do not know what the rules are, you cannot make a judgment call on being an exception to them. One point to make here is that an experienced person can definitely get by with more documentation. I well remember a young man whose entire claim to fame in the job market was being a dishwasher and a part time ‘dj’ –but his résumé was on the best paper and went on for pages as though he were applying to be the CEO of the company. Can you see for yourself now what the difference might be?

If you cannot afford, or do not have personal help, there are library shelves to the point of buckling full of career information and how-to-do. There are articles in newspapers, and every newscast at some point during the day has a segment on career basics. Your coach does not always have to be certified. It is amazing what good common sense can achieve. Run your information through a friend or relative who has a good head on their shoulders. Someone you would trust with their ability to make good decisions.   One of the most important in your camp of advisors should be someone who is good at spelling. People who normally would be willing to ignore a “typo” are now putting these in the reject pile for lack of initiative or attention to detail. They have so many to choose from that they can afford to be picky in those they screen. 

Have you thought about the way you represent yourself at one of these events? Do you slouch? Do you have a résumé you are proud to show? Have you heard that recruiters can smell fear and dejection a mile away? Do not give up hope! Life is in the details and a new job can be a mere detail away from being won.