We’ve all been through training events—workshops, seminars, and courses that didn’t affect our behavior as much as we would have preferred. And while each provides valuable information and tools for increased productivity, most of us also understand what happens after workshop is over. We return to our work, our offices, our lives—and principles we learned are swept aside by a tidal wave of meetings, projects, and commitments. If we’re motivated, we find a moment to reflect on and consolidate a couple of relevant points, but industry studies show that most new learning is lost within a few days of event—as much as 90% in some cases. So what’s solution?

Think for a moment how you learned most of truly valuable skills you possess. The fact is most effective learning comes from our relationships and interactions with others. Parents, coaches, mentors—all have had their impact on our lives. They guide us as we take steps in a new direction, and help us overcome natural obstacles that arise.

True and lasting change takes time—time to practice, to think, to commit. The accountability we experience when others are involved in our personal change process is a powerful ingredient to keep us on track. A coach can provide guidance, accountability, “mirror” for our ideas that will challenge us, help us grow, and keep us moving forward.

When applying for a position in today’s market, do you ever wonder, “Is my resume really directed to decision maker?” Are you concerned that your resume never reaches true “hiring manger” or decision maker? Worse yet, are you being "auto-disqualified” because your resume doesn't speak to decision makers needs and never makes it passed his or her screening process?

How would you know if your resume did or didn’t reach appropriate decision maker? You can truly never know for certain. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your resume does not get "auto-disqualified", or provide obvious reasons not to be hired.

There are several “mistakes” commonly made in resumes that give immediate reasons why you will not be offered opportunity to go to next step in hiring process.

The usual first step in obtaining a position is submission of your resume. Typically that is to staff in a Human Resources department.

Often, HR is given a specific group of parameters hiring manager is seeking in a particular applicant. If a resume does not reflect those parameters it is often filed away and never given to decision maker.