It's never easy to determine exactly what is required of you when in the middle of a job search. Should you send just a resume or a cover letter too? Should you write a one- or two-page resume? And after an interview, should you contact the interviewer or wait for them to contact you?

While there is a lot to think about in regards to a job search, one thing always holds true. During your application process, persistence is key.

Why Persistence is Important

As you already know, applying for a job is something that dozens of others are probably doing with you, whether you know it or not. And of those dozens of applicants, many want the job just as much, if not more than you. In order to make sure that you get noticed in the bunch, it's important to learn to be persistent. This way, the hiring manager or recruiter will at least have your name bookmarked in his mind.

How to be Persistent

There are a number of ways to get the message across that you want this job more than other people. One way to start is by contacting human resources to see what inside track you could gain on the position. During that time, you could drop your name and let the representative know that you are very interested in the job and intend to apply for the position.

After you've gained some valuable information, you want to create a great resume. This could be done by getting resume professional help or writing it on your own. Once you've written your resume and have sent it in, there is a bit of a waiting game that you have to play. But one thing that you could do to get noticed is call and let the company know that you've submitted your resume and you are available for an interview when possible.

Hopefully, the interview is eventually granted for you and it goes well. After this is done, you could once again contact the company, but this time to say your thank yous through email, letter and phone. Also, if you know people within the company, you could have them call the hiring manager to vouch for you. Whatever it takes.

The idea is make sure that the company not only knows how much you want the job, but that you're the right person for it. So rather than sitting back and hoping the job of your dreams comes to you, make every effort to create the opportunity you want.

There are times that writing your resume makes you want to put down your pen and crawl under a rock. Unfortunately, this occurs when you are faced with situations that you would prefer not to reveal on your resume because you know at some point that they may have to be addressed during an interview.

If you know a professional who helps write resumes then you can get assistance. But if you're on your own, don't fret. There are some ways to make those situations appear a bit more appealing on the resume. So to help you out, let's look at some undesirable situations, as well as ways that you might overcome them.

1. So Many Jobs, So Little Time

If you're notorious for jumping from job to job within just a few months, this could look bad on your resume. Employers are typically uncomfortable with hiring workers that they think will skip out on them in a few months, so they tend to breeze past a resume that appears sketchy.

If you have this type of situation, it's good to not tell white lies like stretching out some employers and skipping over others. Instead, if you had a good reason for job hopping - like working temp jobs in the wake of the recession - then just explain it in your cover letter to make sure the employer has no unanswered questions to think about.

2. Sorry, I'm a One Firm Kind of Worker

Another undesirable resume situation is to have worked at only one job over a 25-year span. While on one hand this type of commitment shows loyalty, which is good to an employer, it also could represent a fear of getting out and trying something new.

A way to get around this is to highlight all of the different positions you held in the company. Be sure to note all of the title changes and, most importantly, note the major differences in your duties. Your resume needs to show growth and having been in the same company, this is probably the best way to show it.

3. Do Tons of College Classes Count as Experience?

Unfortunately, college students often have a difficult time writing their resumes because they have no work experience to list. While college classes don't count as work experience, you could list internships, part-time jobs and even volunteer opportunities that you've worked on. You could also list speeches and presentations you gave - anything to show that you were able to manage a responsibility.

4. I've Been Working Very Hard… Raising My Family

Another resume setback for many job seekers is the gap in employment. If you've taken a few years off to raise you family, this is incredibly commendable. However, the large gap in employment only leaves the employer to wonder why you didn't have a job during this time.

As with the job-hopper situation, the gap in employment requires explanation via your cover letter. If the employer needs more information, he can get it in the interview. At least you will have covered your bases by showing that your gap was indeed legitimate.

Now you see that there's no need to hide under a rock if you're writing a resume and must include undesirable situations. Instead, face the situations head on and show the employer that you're the full package, even if you have a few perceived flaws.

You need resume samples? There are tons for you at NothingbutResumes.com. Resumes of all kinds of careers and formats...it's a really useful site for all job seekers.

Shortly, I'll make them available to buy in Word format. Why is that useful to you? Think about it: how many times have you seen a great resume, loved the format but could never quite duplicate it? Even if you did manage to get it to look okay, it might have taken you forver you to do it.

Don't worry though - you don't have to buy anything. The site was built for you to have a lot of references for when creating your resume. Maybe you'll see a phrase or wording that you never thought to use but is perfect for your situation. It gets you that much closer to the job you want.

So good luck and browse around the site. I'm sure that you'll find useful.

Happy Saturday!

I wanted to point out the Job E-Course sign up here on the Career Advice & Resource Blog. It's been on ResumeLines.com for awhile but I just added it to the blog. So for those of you who aren't benefiting from the course and bonuses...what are you waiting for? I just added another bonus too so now's the time to jump in.

On that note, I'll sign off. Happy reading!

Many of you browse around the blog but never make it to the main site. That's a big mistake! You're missing out on many other great articles and other resources. Check out this link: Career Articles

Is your question still not answered? You can always drop me a line with suggestions on future article topics. This site is here to serve you...so tell me what you need!

PS - Lots more free goodies coming your way soon!

Hi there,

I decided to change the special incentive to a bonus for signing up the 7-Day Job Search E-Course. So be sure to head over and sign up now and get a 48 minute audio interview with Linda Matias, an indutry-leading interview expert. This will be part of a much bigger product that will be for sale in the near future. I'll let you know when it becomes available.

Sign up here: Job Search E-Course.

This tends to be a common question among job seekers! Resume follow up letters are important and can help keep you fresh in an employer's mind. So when do you send a resume follow up letter and what should you include in it? Here's an article to help answer those questions.

Resume Writing FAQs: When Should I Send Resume Follow Up Letters?

I’m often asked how long you should wait before following up on a resume submitted in response to a telecommuting position. You want them to know you are interested, but there is a fine line between pestering the hiring manager and showing your enthusiasm. Here are some tips to guide you.

A week is a reasonable time to wait for a reply from the hiring manager. Hiring managers will receive, on average, around 300 resumes in response to a position after just 12 hours of posting it online! Give it a week to calm down and then send your follow up e-mail (because e-mails are less intrusive phone calls).

Make sure to hit the following key points in your letter:

1. Ask if the position has been filled.

2. Reiterate your interest in the position.

3. Express your continued interest in working for their company (in case the position was filled).

4. Ask for an interview.

5. Give them your phone number again so they have it at their finger tips.

6. Thank them for their time and attention (because you know how valuable it is).

Attach and send your resume again as a reminder. If your resume was buried in the pile, they will appreciate the follow up. You will appear to be a focused and motivated professional worth receiving a second review. It might even get you the interview because most jobseekers overlook the power of good follow up!

In addition, if they decided you weren’t a match, this will obligate them to let you know that you were not selected. Then, you can either move on or continue to pursue employment with them at a later date. You never know – the new hire might not work out for them.

If you need help creating your resume follow up letter, here is a sample template I found by Heather Eager of ResumeLines.com (www.resumelines.com).

http://resumeasap.blogspot.com/2005/12/need-interviews-sample-letter-for.html

Change it to meet your needs and to make sure you hit all six key points discussed above.

Jennifer Anthony is the owner of Telecommute Resumes, a website dedicated to providing information about telecommute resume and cover letter writing techniques. You can also learn how to find legitimate, work from home jobs and you will find links to related networking forums. She also owns ResumeASAP, offering professional and affordable resume writing services.

If you have comments about this article, or if you are interested in learning more about professional resume writing, please contact Jennifer Anthony by e-mail

My friend Marcia Wieder has launched a membership service that you should take a look at. It's called My Dream Circle and focuses on helping you achieve your dreams and aspirations in life, with ebooks, live teleclasses and much more.

Marcia's the real deal. She's already helped thousands to get off life's treadmill and go after their true potential, with amazing results (just read some of the testimonials at the site)!

And if Oprah says, "Marcia's right! You have to be able to identify what you really love and what you really want before you can get it," don't you think that she knows what she's talking about?

Before looking for another job you're not going to like, take time to figure out what your dreams are...and Marcia can make them happen!

Check out Marcia's new My Dream Circle website by visiting this link:
Dream Coach

I think there's a misconception out there that all resume writing services cost a fortune and that you really can't afford it. It's true - there are companies out there that cost a little more but are completely worth every penny (just ask their former customers and read their testimonials). But there is one company in particular that is very affordable ($89.95 for any resume for any career level).

1-on-1-Resumes.com is a great service for job seekers who are on a tight budget but need a professional resume. You don't get a lot of extras or frills but what you do get is worth your while. And of course, you have a rewrite guarantee...

Take a peek at my review of 1-on-1-Resumes.com and then go to their site for even more info. If you purchase one of their resumes, come back and post here so you can help other job seekers make their decision on what resume service is right for them.

Go to 1-on-1-Resumes.com and see what they have to offer you!

In the next couple of weeks, I will be interviewing a highly certified interview coach to go over some extremely useful information. This is a ResumeLines.com exclusive interview so be sure to sign up for our free 7-day Job Search ecourse and you'll be notified when this is available. It's definitely something you don't want to miss!

It's amazing how you can seem prepared for an interview and then you walk into the room and all that you practiced completely escapes you. Interviewing is a stressful situation. Even for those who are confident about their abilities and knowledge, most job seekers are nervous before, during and/or after the interview. People don't like being judged and that's pretty much what an interview is.

Of course, you can be less nervous if you are very prepared. There's always the chance that something will come up that is unexpected but you just have to go with the flow. There's no way you can be prepared for every situation so be prepard for that!

Go get 'em!