Of course, weve all been bought up to think, practically from childhood, that the way to find a job is to start by writing a resume. But then, we were also taught that Santa is for real.

The 21st Century job market requires us to rethink the old ways of doing things. Things have changed since the last time we looked for a job . . . especially since 9/11 and Katrina.

Just take a look at the dramatic changes that have occurred in the last few years:

1. Changing jobs every three years is no longer frowned upon.

2. Lifetime employment went out with the dinosaurs.

3. Corporate loyalty to workers in terms of job guarantees is dead.

4. Employees are now totally responsible for their own careers.

When we re-examine todays job market we find that expectations are a lot different than they used to be.

For example, employers are much more savvy about who they want to hire. Frankly, they could care less about what you used to do for someone else, no matter how proud you may be of your work history. They want to know what you can do for them!

And, most likely, your expectations are different as well. Salary isnt everything, anymore. Benefits mean a lot more than they used, especially with exploding health care costs, womens issues, child care, financial planning, etc.

So a resume is no longer adequate, if youre at all serious about finding a job thats just right for you . . . and in the right organization. You have to be prepared to show employers how you can live up to their expectations.

To do that we recommend you write a PROPOSAL instead of a resume. Show an employer that youve taken the time to learn something about him/her and the organization. Then, write down several very specific ways you can respond to the needs of the employer.

Show how you can add to their bottom line through cost saving ideas, marketing strategies, improvement in office procedures, sales increases, just doing things more efficiently, opening doors to new business or alternate suppliers, making introductions to people who could influence the business, etc.

If you then want to attach a short resume confirming that you have the capability of doing all those things, of course, thats just the topping.

This prize strategy is part of the amazing alternate job search approach that is gaining so much momentum these days. Why? Because it works. You can be entertaining job offers in a little as two weeks!