by Kevin Donlin - Guaranteed Resumes - Click for Info

Your job search could be in deep trouble ... and you may not even know it. Allbecause you''re sending a negative meta message. A what, you ask?

The term "meta message" is a marketing concept referring to theoverall impression you give when communicating with others. It''s the"vibe" that extends beyond (meta) what you say (your message).

Here''s an example.

You''re sitting across from a prospective employer during a job interview. Yousay: "I''m really eager to be a part of your company, Mr. Jones. My fiveyears of experience and training give me the tools to succeed as a Sales Rep foryou." At first glance, that sounds like a convincing message.

But if you''re saying this with spinach in your teeth and wearing socks thatdon''t match, here''s your META MESSAGE: "I''m not really that eager tojoin your company because I couldn''t find time to brush my teeth or dressproperly. If you let me anywhere near your clients, you''ll be making a bigmistake."

That''s just one example of how a botched meta message can ruin an otherwisefavorable impression. To avoid this and keep your career on track, it''s crucialthat you carefully analyze all parts of your job search campaign.

Here''s a list of areas to focus on, based on my experience helping nearly 2,000clients since 1996.

Resume.
Make sure yours is concise, clear and convincing. Use high-quality stationery topresent the best possible meta message here. I recommend laser printing yourresume on ivory-colored paper.

E-mail address.
The address you use on your resume must look professional. If your currenthandle is "iluvbeer@party-time.com,"consider changing it to "SMJohnson@hotmail.com,"or something similar.

Answering machine.
Make sure your outgoing message is brief and to the point. That means nolaughing, loud music or dogs barking in the background. (I''m sure you''ve heardsillier things.)

Personal grooming.
Comb your hair neatly every day, to prepare for that one day when it has to beperfect. Clean and press your clothes, too. And never eat spinach salad before ajob interview ....

Your meta message speaks volumes about you. Make sure yours says: "Hire me.You won''t be sorry."

Best of luck to you!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes.

Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

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