The Career Channel

No More than a Boxful

2009-12-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

Does your cubicle at work look like it would take a U-haul to get everything out of there if you were suddenly terminated? If that’s the case, then it’s time to clean up your workspace. Perhaps you’ll uncover some achievement awards you forgot about, or a letter from a satisfied customer. You’re going to need these items when it’s time to update your resume. Sad but true, many of my clients have left important items behind when they were shown the door. That is THE worse time to have to start boxing up your stuff, or rent a moving van.

In all of my previous jobs I never got too comfortable leaving more than a “boxful” in my workspace. A boxful is pretty much all the time you get or want when the pink slip arrives -- or when you finally get up the nerve to quit. The emotions can run high, especially while you’re piling the last 20 years of your life into cardboard boxes.

And that boxful should contain the least important of your stuff. In other words, if the building where you work burned down, could you live without the items in your cubicle? I’ve heard the horror stories of showing up to work and finding the doors locked. That’s why you don’t leave the most important things in your life at the office. A box of tissues, chapstick, and Excedrin can easily be replaced. Your Emmy Award cannot.

The same goes for lockers, company vehicles, private emails and phone messages on your PDA, office computer, laptop, etc. Once you leave, your employer has complete access. And usually, you get no time to wipe out items on your computer because the company doesn't want you to erase or copy what is rightfully theirs. Usually computer access is the first thing disconnected when you sever ties with your employer

Leaving a job after pouring so much of yourself into it is difficult. And it doesn’t matter whether you leave on your own accord or you’re terminated. Don’t make it any harder than it has to be. Clean out your desk and leave only a boxful of what you really need to do your job.

--Susan Geary, Certified Professional Résumé Writer / 1st Rate Resumes

Think Before Bragging

2009-12-10T17:25:00.000-05:00

This morning as I was whizzing past the television, I caught a glimpse of one of Tiger Woods' alleged mistresses conducting an interview on one of the national morning shows. The first thing I thought to myself was "good luck in your future job search." I hope she invests any money she makes off this news event, or plans on self-employment. That's because she might have a really difficult time getting a job. Don't get me wrong, it is possible. But consider this. Recruiters will conduct a background check which also includes an internet search engine. What do you expect to come up? I SLEPT WITH TIGER WOODS AND TOLD EVERYONE ABOUT IT!

In today's digital world, it's easier than ever to track down information on anyone. Keep that in mind before you brag about your transgressions.

--Susan Geary, CPRW / 1st Rate Resumes

Are Cover Letters Becoming Passe?

2009-11-30T18:18:00.000-05:00

I peruse the career egroups from several HR associations, Resume Writing Groups, and Recruiters and I'm finding a lot of noise lately about cover letters. Apparently there are a majority of recruiters who don't like them, and won't even read them. That being said, they won't rule you out for sending one, they just won't read them.

While I can't remember where I read this, or if it's even true, statistics are being published that only 50% of hiring authorities want a cover letter these days. That kind of bums me out, because writing cover letters is my favorite part of my job. And I rarely have to go back and re-write them. My clients seem to like them.

Back to the egroups: the consensus among my groups agree that it's still better to send a cover letter and risk having it "not read," then to send a naked resume when a cover letter is desired by the employer. At least you have better odds at getting your resume read.

Good luck in your job search!

--Susan Geary, Certified Resume Writer / 1st Rate Resumes

Holiday Gift Suggestions for the Unhappily Employed

2009-11-25T11:46:00.001-05:00

Are you living with someone who hates his or her job, but they're afraid to quit because of the economy? There's an old saying, "People don't quit their jobs, they quit their supervisors." While there's little chance you can change the situation, you can help your partner cope a little better. Here's my short list of holiday gift ideas:

1. Books / $25 or less. Here are my 3 favorites for the job hater, just don't give them to your co-workers or boss this Christmas:

"Working with You Is Killing Me" -- Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work by Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster

"Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers, and Other Office Idiots" -- 201 Smart Ways to Handle the Toughest People by Vicky Oliver.

"Tangling with Tyrants®: Taming the Tyrant. A Toolkit for Reclaiming your Power at Work" -- by Tony Deblauwe.

2. A one hour massage / $75 -- Help your mate chill and destress from it all

3. A bottle of wine / $10-30 -- Nothing takes the edge off like a glass of wine.

4. A professional resume / $250-$750 -- Writing a resume is a drag and induces a lot of stress on its own. Help your spouse get out of a bad job by jump starting her job search with a new and improved resume.

Disclosure: I guess the government wants me to disclose if I got paid for including recommendations in my blog today. I did not. Although, I am a certified professional resume writer.

Happy Holidays. Don't let your job search take a vacation!

--Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Beware of the JobFox Scam

2009-11-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

About a year ago, I outed the Ladders for their practice of ripping apart professional resume writers' work, and now it appears that JobFox.com has stolen a page from the Ladders playbook.

JobFox has a website where you can post a resume. But without even asking, they will go ahead and critique it for you, using a cookie cutter template that looks the same as everyone elses' critique. A few of my colleagues were burned. I haven't received one yet, but I'm sure I probably will. Thus my rant today.

If you're doing your due diligence on JobFox, then make sure you visit this website first: http://www.jobboardreviews.com/Job_Search_Engines/Jobfox.com.html

There you'll find opinions of others who have already wasted their money with JobFox.

Dressing for a Job Interview

2009-11-01T08:59:00.000-05:00

I never thought I would need to tackle this topic on my blog, because let's face it, it's been beaten to death a zillion times in newspapers, books, etc. Doesn't everyone know you're supposed to dress "appropriately" to a job interview? Well, apparently not everyone knows what the definition of "appropriate" is, so let me give you two examples.

I was flipping through the TV channel the other day looking for something to watch when I happened to catch Tyra Banks doing a segment on job interviews. She was running an experiment on whether telling the interviewer "you're hot" would help get the job. It doesn't. However, the man who conducted the interview did reveal that he was opposed to open-toed shoes on females. Even the little peek-hole kind. Take note: closed-toe shoes are considered appropriate for a job interview.

Next, an example from many years ago when I worked with a freelance employee at our firm. When I decided to leave the company, she applied for my job. My company flew her to the home office for an interview. Mind you, they had never met her in person before, but were impressed enough by her work to want to consider her for full-time employment.

My boss was shocked at what she was wearing. A leopard mini-skirt, matching blazer, and leopard pumps with black stockings. It was not even Halloween! So, even though this woman had all the experience and work ethic to do my job, it was her sexy attire that cost her the job. Ouch.

Don't let this happen to you. Not only must you dress for the job at an interview, you need to continue to do so after you get the job. Because after all, every day IS your job interview.

--Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

I am not a Miracle Worker

2009-10-28T19:29:00.001-04:00

Much as I believe that I help open doors for candidates looking for a job, I need to explain that I am limited by what my clients have produced. Those who are most successful using my services are already successful in their career. They just aren't good at expressing it on paper. That being said, I can only help those with a spotty background so much. As one of my colleagues recently remarked on an egroup, having a nice resume with little content or accomplishments is much like having a shiny new Mercedes without an engine. Sure looks pretty, but it won't get you very far.

What makes it easy for you to get a new job? Keeping track of your accomplishments, for one. Staying with your company at least 3 years is another. OK, I know that may not be easy in this economy, but here's a common problem I see a lot: Job seekers jump on the first job that comes along, continue to look for another, quit the new job after 3 months to take the better job, only to hate the culture, supervisor, or get laid off after 6 months. That's a dent that can't be quickly removed.

If you want the best looking resume possible, you'll need to maintain your own career performance. I can't do that for you. I can only write about what you've accomplished.

--Susan Geary, CERW / Certified Resume Writer

Best Advice for JobSeekers

2009-10-15T12:32:00.001-04:00

If you're having trouble figuring out who gives the best advice for the job search industry, let me help shorten your search for free tips that are spot on.

1. QuintCareers.com -- They sell resume and coaching services, and while I don't know these folks, I am certainly impressed with the amount of free help they offer! From salary history sheets, to follow up thank you letters, and questions to ask for informational interviewing, chances are you will find answers to your questions, and get an idea of what it takes to be successful in your jobsearch.

2. TheCareerClinic.com -- Maureen Anderson is a Broadcast Journalist specializing in careers and the job search. Her show is fast paced enough to keep a topic (that is typically dull) interesting and engaging. The Career Clinic airs over the air in Northern Minnesota and Portland, as well as shorter vignettes on radio stations across the nation. Each show is streamed online, and updated every week.

3. LinkedIn.com -- Whether you're actively searching for a job, or trying to stay in touch with colleagues throughout your career, this site is a must. Poke around and learn about the groups, job vacancy announcements, and all the bells and whistles available.

4. BlueRidgePBS.org -- On the first Tuesday of each month, JobQuest offers all new content, including resume tips, worksheets, interviewing, job fair ettitquette, and a calendar of upcoming events. For the audience in the broadcast viewing area, there are even 60 new jobs every month. Click on the JobQuest link and view video segments from past shows.

5. Careerealism.com -- Great, trendsetting advice. Enough said.

Resume Writing as an Industry

2009-10-01T17:44:00.000-04:00

I attended a professional resume writing conference last week in Annapolis, Maryland, hosted by the National Resume Writers' Association. It was my first conference with this particular organization, and now, (as far as I am aware)I have attended conferences from all the major career coaching/writing associations. You didn't know there was more than one? Yes, I work in a fractured industry with 5 major associations (NRWA, PARW, CDI, CMA, AORCP) that represent and coach us. Add to that the Resume Writers Academy which teaches resume writers tips and tricks of the trade. Scattered among these associations, there are 16+ certifications, and a handful of awards bestowed. The NRWA is the only non-profit group, the rest are for-profit.

Now I'm not advocating which one is better than the other. Each has its own attributes and deficits. But for professional resume writers trying gain visibility and credibility, it can be awfully confusing to the public. My case in point: Professional Organizers are represented by one organization: NAPO. We have 5! And the issue with that is that there are countless other fakes with similar names and alleged certifications that fraudulent resume writers post on a website. Buyer Beware! I've already heard the horror stories of job seekers ripped off by those claiming credentials as a professional resume writer on Craigs List.

One of the often heard complaints I heard at the NRWA convention was there are too many associations for our industry, and there needs to be consolidation. It would certainly be helpful to us. Peruse the member listing of any of these organizations, you'll notice that more than 60% overlap with memberships in at least one other association. Is all this duplicity really necessary?

Bottom Line: If you are seeking a professional resume, the following sites are helpful and credible: CareerDirectors.com, PARW.com, TheNRWA.com, and CMInstitute.com. And no, I don't belong to all of them (anymore).

What's the Deal with Video Resumes?

2009-09-06T08:25:00.004-04:00

I'm fortunate enough to know a lot of people in the job search industry so I'm always asking questions and picking the brains of experts about anything related to the job search. Most recently the topic of video resumes cropped up. I first learned about video resumes several years ago at a career conference. It seemed to me at the time that the only folks excited about video resumes were the people selling them.

Besides, I spent a good deal of my career in broadcasting and I know firsthand that most people just don't look that good on camera without a lot of coaching and practice. (I know I still have a long way to go on this myself) So perhaps it's not in a job seeker's best interest to produce a video resume unless they are a talented actor or news anchor/reporter or product spokesperson.

And to add fuel to my argument against video resumes, here's something I recently learned from my network. Apparently HR folks are not too pleased with them either. The consensus is that they can unintentionally cause discrimination during the hiring process, because the recruiter can see if the candidate is too old or young, racially diverse, or speaks with a foreign accent, before determining if they have the qualifications. That can spur lawsuits. And that's what scares them.

Think twice before including video/photos etc with your job application. And you also might want to go back and check out your LinkedIn and Facebook photos to make sure they don't reveal too much.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor this holiday weekend.

Susan Geary
1st Rate Resumes

SEPTEMBER IS UPDATE YOUR RESUME MONTH!!!

Money Saving Tips for the Unemployed

2009-08-23T13:44:00.002-04:00

If you're unemployed, or just need to stretch your budget during these recessionary times, here are some tips that helped me while I was building 1st Rate Resumes over the past decade.

1. Need a haircut or manicure and don't have $50? Try a local beauty college. I've been able to get a cut and color for around $20 when I was living in Denver. And if you do your homework, you can even find out when they have slow days. That means you might get an even bigger discount.

2. Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops for gently used clothing. Or look for deep discounts when business suits are on sale. This week, Macy's has woman's suits marked down to $50!

3. Clip coupons and use them! I stay organized using the Couponizer and have saved more than $600 this year alone while shopping at Kroger, which doubles coupons up to 50 cents. The cashiers cringe when they see me coming.

4. Print on both sides of the paper. OK, maybe you don't go through as much paper as much as I do, but I print, proof, and shred when looking over resumes. Now I use both sides of the paper and cut my paper costs by 50%. Of course for official use, applications, etc, I only use one side. But that's not often these days.

5. Do your own dry cleaning. Dry cleaning kits from the supermarket are far less expensive than visiting the dry cleaner every week.

6. Check out the library for free video and DVD rentals. If you're looking for the latest releases, your local grocery store or Walgreen's are now offering video rentals for a buck. That's a lot less expensive than a trip to the movies with the family.

7. Instead of a pricey family vacation or winter ski trip, consider local hikes with the family or even a trip to the roller rink. A family of four can skate and eat for less than $50. A trip to the slopes will set you back about $500 when you throw in gas, rentals, lunch, etc.

Have a money saving tip to share? Let me know and I'll post it here.

Turning Rejection into Opportunity

2009-06-18T19:41:00.004-04:00

We all know by now that you should send a follow up thank you note after you attend a job interview, and the sooner the better. But how many of you send a thank you note after you get a rejection letter? I know what you're thinking.... "why would I do that?" Why? Because it shows you handle rejection with grace, and you never know if their first choice doesn't work out. That's why you should always follow up, even if the company says, "sorry, we're interested in someone else."

It works! Write a letter and express your disappointment, but let them know you're still interested in working for the company, so if a position opens up in another department, to feel free and send your resume over to the hiring supervisor. It's a great way to keep your name in circulation. Just because you're not their first choice, doesn't mean you can't be their best choice. I've seen it happen.

Good luck in your job search, and remember that gratitude goes a long way.

--Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

Crutch Words and Phrases that can Hurt Your Job Search

2009-06-07T10:57:00.003-04:00

Most of my day is spent interviewing clients, writing resumes, and returning calls to critique job search documents and quote fees for our services at 1st Rate Resumes. From time to time I come across very accomplished people, with decent documents who are getting callbacks for interviews, but not getting the job. Usually by the end of our conversation, I know why. They overuse crutch words and filler phrases, like ya know, uh, I mean, uh, well, they just come across as, well, um, how do I say, inarticulate and unintelligent.

I tend to pick up these words and phrases as well. Lately, I say "actually" a lot. "Basically" is also another fill word that doesn't add much to the conversation. Neither does "just" or "very."

Growing up, I used bad grammar and similar terms in high school to fit in, or sound "cool." My step-dad, Colonel Geary constantly brought it to my attention. At the time it annoyed me. Today I'm thankful, for I would have never made it as a radio announcer saying "me and Sarah went to the beach."

Telling clients they need to clean up their diction is not an easy task. Most folks are unaware of their crutch words and phrases unless someone brings it to their attention. Therefore, I highly recommend Toastmasters. This group helped me to slow down, pause, practice, and concentrate on what I want to say. You can find a group in your area at toastmasters.org. Best of all, the semi-annual dues are dirt cheap. However, you do not need to join. You can attend as a guest for as long as you like. And the networking opportunities can also aid in your job search.

So if your resume is generating callbacks, but you're not getting past the phone interview, you may need to examine how you answer questions. It's not only what we say that matters, but how well we say it.

Wishing you success in your career.

--Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Sometimes It's Cheaper to Call a Professional

2009-05-28T06:14:00.006-04:00

I love the John Tesh Radio Show. This morning on his show he cited an article in the NY Times about how in our troubled economy more people are trying the "do-it-yourself" route rather than call a professional. One lady tried to install a toilet and after the water leak caused it to crash through the ceiling from her handiwork, she ended up paying far more than if she had just called a professional to begin with.

Many things are not as easy as they appear, and that includes writing a resume. People who have never hired a professional resume writer may balk at our rates, but consider this: How much would it cost in lost wages if after 6 months of job hunting you did not get any bites on your job applications? Seems to me that an investment of a few hundred dollars on a good resume and cover that moves you to the front of the line would make you money if you're back to work in only 3 months. A professional resume can yield more job interviews, competing offers, and in some cases a higher salary. Yes, it's still possible even in this economy depending on your background and occupation. And the best part? Expenses related to the job search are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Here's the link to what John Tesh has to say about hiring a pro and how it can SAVE you money:
Sometimes It's Cheaper to Call a Professional

Posted using ShareThis

Wishing you success in your job search!

==Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

The Art of Networking

2009-05-14T13:03:00.003-04:00

Networking is more than meeting people, exchanging business cards, and working a room. It's about establishing relationships. Unfortunately most folks don't take networking seriously. We know who they are. They are the people you only hear from when they want something. When all is going well, they disappear. That's NOT networking.

Networking is about helping others, rather than "what's in it for me?" It's not about using people, it's about giving something of yourself.

If you're not sure about how to network, start with the book, "One Phone Call Away, Secrets of a Master Networker" by Jeffrey W. Meshel. Jeffrey teaches how to overcome shyness, grow loyalties, and improve your reputation. Jeffrey's best advice, "Dont change who you are, change the way you think." And that's good advice for all areas of your life.

Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Comment of the Day

2009-04-28T22:06:00.003-04:00

This weekend I was watching an obit on Bea Arthur on CBS Sunday Morning. Ms. Arthur launched her career on Broadway and spent 30 years on the stage before getting discovered by Norman Lear for a walk-on role on All in the Family. From there, she played Maude, and a leading role on the Golden Girls. Bea still performed on stage after Golden Girls ended.

One of the quotes in the CBS story really struck me. Bea Arthur admitted why she was still working into her twilight years. She said, "People retire from jobs they hate. I still love my job."

I never really thought too much about retirement. My family thinks I'm crazy that I'm not better prepared for it. But then I think it's crazy to work in a job I hate. Thank you Bea Arthur for the many laughs, and your words of wisdom.

Resources for Roanokers

2009-04-28T12:50:00.005-04:00

Here in the Roanoke Valley, we are fortunate to have numerous community resources for local job seekers. For my out-of-town readers, I'm hopeful you have a similar list to help you. Many of these resources are interactive where job seekers can ask experts in person or in online chat rooms, attend free resume writing workshops, and determine strengths for career changes through free assessment testing. You can even commiserate with other displaced workers in search of a new gig. Help is available!

Here's what struck me about the people who take advantage of these resources. They find jobs more quickly, because they understand the multi-pronged approach is sure to produce better results. Here's what I recommend for Southwest Virginians.

1. Visit the VEC to apply for benefits and learn how to navigate their website for job openings. They have a fairly decent list of openings at www.vawc.virginia.gov.

2. Polish your resume and interviewing skills through several free workshops offered by the Roanoke Higher Education Center, every other Wednesday from noon to 12:45PM. Click Here to find out more about the Lunch and Learn Series. You DO have to pre-register. The RHEC also offers free assessment testing if you are thinking of changing careers.

3. Watch JobQuest on Blue Ridge PBS which airs once a month. The next episode is Tuesday, May 5th with interviews, an interactive chatroom, and at least 60 job openings. I'll be giving tips on cover letter writing on our next episode.

4. Attend a networking sessions for the unemployed. Back on the Path meets at the Cave Spring United Methodist Church, every Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 9:00PM. While BOTP is not a job service, they have helped many of its members over the past nine years find meaningful employment.

5. Another networking group worth attending is sponsored by the City of Roanoke. Every Monday, Stuart Mease moderates a forum for job seekers beginning at 4PM.

6. Online job boards such as Jobs.Roanoke.com, BlueRidgeHelpWanted.com, JobZCafe.com, and ReturnToRoots.org all offer postings of job vacancies in our area. They also host job fairs from time to time to put you face to face with your next employer.

7. Community Colleges. Employers and Tobacco Money are providing re-training programs that teach new skills for careers that are in demand. Financial Aid is still available and in some cases the tuition is paid for. Check out the various programs in our area.

8. WSLS NewsChannel 10 is offering "Resume Thursdays." Email your resume to resumes wsls.com. You could win a free video resume package. (and probably a bunch of free TV exposure which might help you land your next job.)

If you don't have the time or fortitude to write your own resume, or you just need to quickly "get to the front of the line," consider hiring a professional resume writer. Find a writer, not a typist, who will interview you about your background and career. Don't skimp on a decent resume, as it can help you get back to work more quickly. And in the long run, that's money saved rather than a salary lost.

Susan Geary

What's Your Specialty?

2009-04-22T19:41:00.006-04:00

As a professional resume writer I have the inside track on many jobs openings. Over the past 25 years I've had the good fortune to work in some really fun and interesting industries, including broadcasting, tourism, and marketing. Today, there are very few jobs that capture my interest enough to quit what I'm doing now, with the exception of two. And I'm convince these 2 jobs won't be advertised in the paper. I need to find the decision maker and state my case that I can drive revenue to their organization and then follow through with results. So what are these 2 coveted jobs of mine?

1. Radio Talk Show Host specializing in careers. There's already a plethora of real estate shows, gardening experts, lawyers, computer gurus, etc yakking up the airwaves every weekend. It's time someone jumped on board to blatantly tell the masses what mistakes they continue to make while looking for a job, or the nutty things they do to derail their career. I majored in broadcasting in college and have nearly two decades of experience on the air. Plus I've made my own share mistakes which I'm not afraid to admit.

2. Roller Skating Rink Marketing Consultant. Yeah, this is a weird one, I know, but I like to skate and it's sad to see rinks around the country closing their doors due to lack of business. There's a lot of things rink owners can do to bring in more business on a shoestring budget.

You'll note these are not "run of the mill" jobs. One thing I've learned from my career as a professional career coach is that people with a specialized niche are far more employable than those without. In a good economy administrative assistants can easily find work. That is no longer the case. I've seen Recycling Plant Managers and Funeral Directors find jobs faster than Office Managers. That's because there is less competition.

Do you have a niche that few people can fill? Don't fear that "there are no jobs out there." Specialize and Capitalize. Don't wait for a vacancy announcement to fulfill your dream.

--Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Do You See What I See?

2009-04-18T07:14:00.004-04:00

Probably not, unless you work in HR or hire people, but let me clarify where I'm going with today's blog. The job search is a stiff competition. But unlike most competitions, it's one where you rarely get to see what you're up against. Professional athletes understand that in order to succeed, you can't just read a book and go out and perform if you expect to win. You need a coach to study what you're doing right and wrong. The coach also knows what the competition is doing, and then develops a strategy on how to win.

How can you do that, when you have no idea what you're up against? Or what you're doing wrong? Or even what the rules are. In the job search, the rules are constantly changing (online job boards ring a bell?) If you're doing it yourself, without a coach, it will take you a lot longer if your goal is to get a job. Take a lesson from Olympic Ice Skater Michelle Kwan who fired her coach one year and tried to do it herself. The results were not stellar.

I've been to numerous job fairs across the country, and have critiqued thousands of resumes and cover letters. So I see what the competition has to offer. Rarely do I find career documents without issues. During the critiques I'll point out about 3 problems with the resume. These 3 things will make a slight improvement, but probably not enough to make you stand out against my own clients. That's what they're paying me for. To win the job.

Throughout my 8+ years as a professional resume writer I hear the same comments from ignorant people on a regular basis. Comments such as "oh, my resume looks fine. I just need to add a few things to it." Or, one of my favorites, as told to my husband, "why would anyone pay to do something they can do themselves?" I'll admit, these comments used to irk me, as if I was out to take their money for something as "simple" as "typing" a resume and cover letter. But now that the economy has truly taken a turn for the worst, I no longer feel that way.

That's because it's a lot easier to compete against the under-performers than those who do their homework, practice, and undergo professional coaching. And with fewer jobs available, and a greater number of applicants who can't present themselves well, it's a cinch to help my clients stand out and win interviews. Resume Writing is a combined art and science that is highly under-rated.

So for all the folks with self-written resumes and cover letters -- thank you. You really do make my job a lot easier.

-- Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

Hey Denver, It's Auction Time!

2009-04-09T09:59:00.005-04:00

For the past several years I've been donating a resume package to Rocky Mountain PBS in Denver (KRMA-TV) for their annual Spring Auction. It's a way for me to support a station that I really like, even though I no longer live in the Mile High City. During the month of April, KRMA will broadcast their live on-air auction where an announcer describes the package and provides the donor value. Thanks to Internet Technology, now supporters can bid online, and you don't have to live in the Mile High City to win the resume package.

Here's the link to find out more and place a bid. Good luck, and remember 100% of the proceeds benefit Rocky Mountain PBS.

--Susan Geary, CERW / 1st Rate Resumes

Employee Surveillance

2009-03-01T15:24:00.000-05:00

Advances in Internet and computer technology have brought about increased surveillance in our lives, especially the workplace. Employers have the right to read our email, check what we’re surfing, and listen to our voicemails, without ever telling us. And that’s not the only place they’re watching.

Think about it for a moment. You arrive at work, put your security key card in the door and then sign in. Cameras watch and record you as you walk throughout the building, and how you interact with each other. Employers know how many photocopies and print outs you make a month (you have an employee code don’t you?), along with faxes, and long distance calls from your extension. They know if you’re in the building on a Saturday updating your resume on a company computer. And they can monitor everything you do with your handheld personal digital assistant, if they own it.

It seems that everything is being recorded in our lives. This includes, what we buy at Kroger, what we drive, where we shop, what we read, and where we work. Outside of the workplace, surveillance is a bit more voluntary. No one is forcing you to sign up for a Kroger Card, subscribe to LinkedIn, or Twitter your whereabouts. That’s your choice. But you need to know Twitter and MySpace make it much easier for your boss to track your personal activities.

Add podcasts, blogs, media coverage, government records, judgments, and death notices; and it’s clear to see that all of us will leave some sort of digital record behind after we depart the planet. It’s no wonder detectives track ATM, cell phone, and computer use, along with surveillance video to solve homicides. These folks can easily determine what we were doing just prior to getting whacked.

Don’t forget that anything you publish on the Internet (or in any form of writing for that matter) can come back to haunt you at a future date, especially during a job hunt. You are branding yourself; use careful consideration about everything you publish.

--Susan Geary, CERW / 1st Rate Resumes

Hate your Job? -- Practice Turtilism

2009-01-31T05:59:00.001-05:00

Last year while reading the daily e-list from Career Directors International, I came across a new philosophy from CDI's President, Laura DeCarlo. Laura plans to include it a soon to be published career management book. In it, she shares this piece of valuable advice on how to survive a hostile work environment while searching for a new job.

Laura says, "practice turtilism"...be the turtle." In other words, stop sticking your neck out asking for more work and trying to make a good and visible impression, which might intimidate and frustrate the good old boy’s club network within your company’s management. Instead, tuck in close – head down, do the work necessary to the best degree possible, and try to become invisible (just a shell, not worth noticing, undermining, or attacking) until the day you can tender your resignation with a new job waiting in the wings.

When the writing is on the wall that you're unappreciated, and you no longer love your job, then you should consider becoming the turtle. Laura does note that "turtle mimicry will NOT help you survive a fire in the workplace; it will also not help you successfully avoid a confrontation with a boss who is at this very moment yelling at you for reading her book (or this blog) at your desk during work hours."

But be careful. Turtle mimicry can be habit forming and lead to invisibility, lowered job satisfaction, lack of growth, and career stagnation. Only practice it when you need to temporarily remove yourself as a moving target from an employer’s radar while you seek a better, safer, and more fulfilling job match. Turtilism will help get you by but it will not help you fly unless you take additional, more aggressive steps to find a new environment that doesn’t make you want to crawl inside your shell and hide.

Use turtilism as a last resort and you need to hang in there just a little bit longer!

--Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

Favorite Job Search Books

2009-01-17T11:11:00.005-05:00

I've been writing resumes professionally for 8 years now. That means for 8 years, I have derived an income from it. Prior to that, I wrote resumes free for my friends because I liked doing it, and I had a job that paid well.

When I first launched 1st Rate Resumes I went to the bookstore and bought a bunch of resume books, thinking I could learn what I needed to know from a few books. The only problem was, I didn't know which books were better than others. And of course, I bought books I thought would be helpful, but contained a lot of outdated information. I also made the mistake of purchasing resume books from used book stores and library book sales. Talk about out of date!

If you're getting into the resume writing business, or just seeking out the very best books, let me save you from the same mistakes I made. First and foremost, find something very recent, and from a certified resume writer. The credentials will be either a CPRW, CERW, CARW, or NCRW. The credentials are different because there are several governing resume writing associations: The Professional Association of Resume Writers, Career Directors International, or the National Resume Writers' Association. Earning a credential means the writer has been tested for knowledge and writing competence and meets the standards set.

The book you'll find on just about every resume writers shelf is "Resume Magic" by Susan Britton Whitcomb. It's a comprehensive manual that contains just about any challenge for professional writers. I also like "Designing the Perfect Resume, 3rd Edition" by Pat Criscito of ProType in Colorado Springs. It contains nearly 200 resume samples, with more than 100 contributions from members of the National Resume Writers Association.

Avoid those books that consistently show resumes with the word "Objective" at the top. They are out of date, even if it was published recently. We don't use that term on a resume anymore.

Most of all, remember that learning to write a resume takes a lot of time. I can honestly say that I didn't really come up to speed until about Year FOUR. You really can't be accomplished at something until you do it over and over again.

Susan Geary, CERW
1st Rate Resumes

The Most Overused Phrases/Words on a Resume

2009-01-07T16:33:00.004-05:00

I critique a lot of resumes and I see a common theme. Most look like they were copied out of a book, or are just badly written to begin with. Amateur writers make the mistake of overusing certain words. Here's my list of words & phrases that WON'T make your document stand out from the rest.

1. SUCCESSFULLY did this or that. Of course you did. Tell me by how much instead and what the end result was.

2. RESPONSIBLE FOR. This is the most boring phrase on your resume. We all have job responsibilities. The question is... were those responsibilities fulfilled? What was the result?

3. DUTIES INCLUDE. See #2.

4. OBJECTIVE. Yes the objective is for you to find a job. But the truth is, no one cares about your needs. The reader cares what you can do for them. Use an attention grabbing headline statement instead.

5. MANAGED. I see this one repeated over and over. Pull out a thesaurus and you'll find great synonyms including directed, led, supervised, championed, spearheaded, controlled, guided, etc.

Jobs are There, but Work Ethic Isn't

2008-12-24T11:28:00.005-05:00

One of my colleagues in Career Directors International is hiring a Director of New Business Development. Don Straits of Career Warriors recently posted his frustration on our private egroup with finding the right candidate. Don gave me permission to share, as these are issues you need to know about if you're seeking a job. Don has hired hundreds of people throughout his career, and says "it never ceases to amaze me at how many job seekers just don't get it."

He continues....

"I have been looking at dozens of resumes, or perhaps a couple of hundred..and
as we all know, that is a nightmare by itself. But something else really struck me. With all of the prospects I have identified and scheduled for phone interviews, or personal interviews, there is a common thread. I emailed links to each of them for my five websites (Corporate Warriors, Conferencing, and Blogs) for their review, prior to the interview. WITHOUT EXCEPTION, every prospect failed to do their homework and review the sites. When I asked them why not, they all had a list of excuses as long as your arm. A couple of them gave one or two of the sites a quick overview, but none of them had an in depth understanding of what we do or had any
questions. They wanted me to tell them what we do. AAARGH."

As it turns out, Don didn't hire any of the prospects during this attempt at securing a Director of New Business Development. He's apparently looking for candidates with a work ethic and research skills.

Let this be a lesson to anyone lucky enough to be called for a job interview. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Merry Christmas.