Phil Cooke

Phil, point #6 – Create different resumes for different jobs – is absolutely crucial. Don't send out a "one size fits all" resume. Create 3-4 different resumes based on the types of jobs you're going after. Be flexible. Look hard at the job posting, then tailor an individual resume for EXACTLY, SPECIFICALLY what the job description states and what the employer is looking for. Even put the job title as your job goal. One needs to target market oneself. They say you have 10-15 seconds for the HR person to scan your resume and either put it in the Candidates pile or Discard pile.

Also, keep in mind that competition is FIERCE these days and that the process takes time. I targeted a job in May that received over 300 resumes for the position. The employer culled that down to just 3 candidates who got interviews. (I was fortunate to be 1 of the 3.) The job required 3 key "call back" interviews with 5 Emmy winning producers over a 4 week period. What got my resume into the top 3? First, I had the right experience for a very demanding job. But truth be told, I also looked very hard at what the job description spelled out and wrote a brief cover letter (every word counts) stating how my experience matched the job. (The first producer told me it was the cover letter that first caught his attention.) I also stated what "value" I'd bring to the position. That's important. The employer wants to know what you bring to the job that will make a difference, i.e., why should we hire you?

Lastly, I kept my resume short and to the point. Having been in tv for some time, I also "dumbed down" my experience in this specific resume and didn't got back more than 15 years. The goal: get the interview. That gets you the chance to present yourself. Mission accomplished. In the interviews I kept my answers short and to the point. Didn't ramble. Was upbeat. Made eye contact. Smiled. Listened. Didn't ever, ever interrupt the interviewer. Came prepared. Did research on the position and the tv show. Asked intelligent questions. At the end…I asked for the job. ("I'd love to join your team.") After 3 interviews – got it.

Thanks.

A couple brief asides: 1. I was applying for a demanding job where the Exec. Producer is 63. My age – 51 – didn't matter. That's very, very rare for tv production companies. Age was never an issue. It was all about compentency.

2. I made sure to remember names and write them down. When I returned for follow-up interviews I called the receptionist (Andrea) by her name. She gave me special treatment thereafter. (Little people mean as much as the big people in my book.)

3. Every person who interviewed me got a hand written Thank You note sent to them within 24 hours. Made sure to mention how much their time and consideration was appreciated. There were 2 other competitors for the job. So it's the little stuff that often makes a difference. People like it when you say Thank You.

The best solution for a Logan's Run culture that no longer values wisdom and equates a "hoary" head with diminished brain capacity, is to start your own venture(s). Barring that, yes, by all means, go on your job interviews looking your best–that's just good stewardship of your "temple", but speaking personally I can tell you that I have absolutely no interest in trying to compete with 20-and 30-year or even 40-year olds. Not only is this catering to a "sibling society" unbiblical, it's energy best spent elsewhere–like getting on your knees and asking God (and actually waiting around for the answer) what part He wants you to play in His Kingdom work.

Something tells me He's not going to tell any of His children who happen to be in their 40s, 50s and beyond, to try and look and act a decade or so younger so they can snag a job.  Where, I ask is the faith in that approach?  Trust God, walk uprightly, keep your youth renewed like an eagles by keeping your faith fresh and He will give you the favor you need for the assignment He's given YOU.