Why?

Well, this is the 21st Century. Things have changed a lot in the job market in the past few years. If you've been in the job market recently you know what I mean.

Take, for example, the expectations of employers these days. Frankly, they're just not interested in what you used to do for someone else . . . unless you can make a direct connection for them as to how your experience will impact their business.

Then, there's the question of their needs as opposed to yours. To be honest, they really could care less about what you're looking for. It's not a primary factor in a hiring decision. It's why we recommend to our customers that they eliminate an "objective" statement in their resume. Employers simply aren't interested!

Instead, we recommend you get rid of the attitude, "Take a look at my impressive work history." Replace it with a statement of what you bring to the table that can make a difference to the organization you're addressing.

The same goes for you resume. Replace the "objective" statement with a headline that alerts the reader to the contribution you can make. Of course, this assumes that you've taken the time to learn something about the organization and the specific needs of the person you're talking to. Without that sense of immediacy you're just another face in the crowd.

Which brings me to another point about job finding in the 21st Century. It's the competition!

If you haven't taken the time to develop a comprehensive job finding plan, you're dooming yourself to failure. Or, at best, a long, long job campaign.

Why is a powerful job finding plan so important? One of the most important reasons is to put you head and shoulders over the competition. For example, if you want to impress and employer so that you stick out in the crowd, then you must do your homework.

In other words, don't rely on your resume to get you a job. Employers these days don't make hiring decision based on resumes. They want you to do your homework and come forward with solutions to the problems the organization is facing. You're resume can't do that. Only a thoughtful face-to-face dialog can put you in the running.

That means you have to have a track to run on. Only a successful job finding plan can help you accomplish your job search goals. A job finding plan provides you with a success blueprint that can significantly move the odds in your favor . . . and avoid the crapshoot!