This document summarizes a Lean Six Sigma project to improve the job search process of a client. Key metrics such as the number of daily job contacts and defect rates in cover letters and resumes were measured. Analysis found the number of daily contacts increased by 48% and defect rates decreased after implementing improvements like thorough second reviews. The client now receives higher quality job applications and has a higher probability of receiving responses from potential employers. Process improvements are expected to provide sustained benefits going forward.

1. How Lean Six Sigma
Helps You Get A Job
Project Storyboard Example

2. Operational Definitions
• Daily Job Contacts – mail, in-person, or phone contacts that are documented
in an ongoing Job Search Log
• Minor Phone Defect – 1/3 phone numbers on cover letters was defective. This
phone number is infrequently used by potential employers
• Phrasing Defect – wordy, incorrect leading verb
• Previous Style – changing from use of ‘…’ or ‘etc’ to complete phrases or
thoughts
• Punctuation Defect – incorrect punctuation
• Spelling Defect – spelling defect noted after letter or email transmittal
• Trailing ‘&’ Defect – a trailing ‘&’ is at the end of phrases
• Trend Lines – used to show decrease in quantity defect (when relevant)

3. Project Results Summary
Project Wins
• Improved number of daily contacts from an average
of 3.3 to 5
• Decreased phone number & punctuation defects
from .GT. 40% & 12%, respectively, to .LT. 5%
• The client, perspective employer, received a higher
quality cover letter & resume. The probability of
receiving a job related contact increased

4. DMAIC Approach
• Root causes were identified using reviews of job
related correspondences as well as feedback from
potential employers
• Defect rates and submittals were measured by
reviewing, electronically scanning, and counting
submittals
• Change was driven by implementing a thorough
second check to increase removal of defects and
increase in submittals on a daily basis

5. Define Phase
• Problem Statement #1: Number of daily correspondences were decreasing
and quality defects were increasing; customers expect zero defects in cover
letters and resumes
• Goal #1: Increase productivity, quality, and effectiveness of job
correspondences
• Problem Statement #2: A decreasing number of high quality employment
correspondences is causing a low response from potential employers
• Goal Statement #2: Simultaneously increase the:
• Number of correspondences
• Quality of correspondences
• Use of more effective marketing channels

6. Measure Phase
• Defect rates, number of job submittals, and % direct
mail were measured
• Baseline data existed in electronic files
• Defects were identified and tabulated
• A baseline was established
• Trend line fits of data was completed for 2 major
defects

7. Measurement Graphs

8. Analyze Phase
• Analysis of data after implementing improvements showed
several key findings:
• Number of daily job contacts increased at least 48%
• Style change in correspondences was implemented
faster
• % direct mail is associated with over 50% of the
increase in interviews
• Pareto charts, histograms, and scatter charts are the
tools utilized

9. Analysis Graphs

10. Improve Phase
• Customer Realizations
• Targeted & higher quality job correspondences
• One less resume in the reject pile
• Higher prospect yield for time spent
• Job Seeker Realizations
• Less rework of incorrect correspondences
• Increase in employer responses
• Closer job match and more Interviews

11. Control Phase
What’s next?
• The sustained improvement will continue into the future.
The number of submittals and number of defects will be
continuously tracked and are part of an improvement
plan. The goal is to use direct mail for at least 1/3 of
submittals
• The relationship between faxed job correspondences and
interviews needs additional clarification
• Many of these studies are expected to verify known
effective techniques for job hunting

12. Get Project Details
• For the full project details, visit our website: https://
goleansixsigma.com/how-lean-six-sigma-helps-
you-get-a-job/

13. Start Improving Today.
Get your free Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training by visiting
goleansixsigma.com/free-lean-six-sigma-training/
Register For Your
Free Lean Six Sigma Training