A prominent east coast newspaper recently reported important employment insights from one of the nation's top job-search professionals.

This 2005 article highlights important information consistent with EEI's recommendations. It's a reality check and a wake-up call for anyone serious about getting ahead.

* In a tough job market, those looking for work need to set themselves apart. Nothing does this as well as a face-to-face meeting.

* 'Many people have a hard time getting out of the starting gate in their search,' says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a top outplacement consulting organization.

* 'There's an illusion that there has to be some agent, some source out there that has a pool of the best job opportunities,' he says. 'And this agent will go to employers and market my candidacy for me.'

* But the hard truth is that job hunters must be their own advocates.

* 'Even the most self-assured CEO doesn't like to go out and ask for a job and get rejected,' Challenger says. He suggests using 'some aggressive or unconventional techniques . . .'

* 'The goal is to contact an action person who will see candidates and extend the offer. Human resources personnel seldom make hiring decisions.'

This article confirms the 21st Century changes in employment marketplace expectations. They require "aggressive and unconventional" alternatives instead of old-fashioned methods.

Executive Excellence International is the world class authority on alternative job search strategies and nin-traditional career advancement techniques. EEI anticipated these changes by several years. We've successfully armed our customers with the sophisticated and assertive tools they need to be winners . . . guaranteed!