Ask Career Directions

Should I Hire a Resume Service?

2006-03-10T05:45:00.000-08:00

You’ve updated your resume, sent it out to companies and recruiters, but you aren’t hearing anything back. Is it your experience, or is it your resume? Resume writing services can improve the response you get to your resume because they know what employers look for. They can “package” your experience to present it in the best possible way.

You may decide a professional is what you need to help you with your resume. But, before you decide to hire a pro to redo your resume, take a critical look at it yourself. Here are a few easy improvements:

Check your formatting. Is the resume easy to read, is the type large enough, is there some white space?
Make sure you have an objective that clearly states what kind of job you are looking for. Make it short and clear. It’s the first thing people read.
Make sure the important things about your experience are as close to the top of the resume as possible. If you have more than 5 years experience, move your education to the bottom of the resume (unless you are seeking a position where education is more critical than experience).
Pretend you have no knowledge of yourself or your industry. Is your resume still understandable?
Consider adding a very short descriptive phrase under each company, telling what the company’s product or service is. For example, “CRM Automation Solution Company”. This helps recruiters and hiring managers better understand how your experience relates to their opening.
Use bullet points to list your achievements under each previous position. This format is easier to read and also shows what you accomplished in a position. Avoid listing tasks that were included in your job description and instead state what you achieved.
If you aren’t comfortable with your writing skills, enlist a friend you trust to review your resume for you.

Resume writing services offer a good service and generally are worth the money you will invest.Try these changes first and if you still aren’t getting the response you need, it’s time to call a professional.

Help Me Change Careers!

2006-02-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is based on a question one of our readers sent. “I’ve been in software sales for about ten years and I’m tired of it. I’ve been successful but I want a position that isn’t so ‘intense’ and that doesn’t have me traveling 3 nights a week. I don’t have a clue how to go about making a change though without starting over in an entry level position (and salary). Can you help?”

It’s not easy to give up the security of a successful career. But, sometimes it’s about work/life balance. More time at home and less stress can make taking a lower paying position worthwhile. Here are some ideas on how to find your next great, successful career:

Make a list of the things you like to do. Not just on the job, but your hobbies and interests should be listed as well. If you had a choice (disregarding money) what would you want to do every day that would make you happy?
Taking that list, do a keyword search on some of the major job boards. This will give you some ideas about the types of positions available that use these interests and skills. Do the same search on some of the search engines for even more ideas.
Now that you know some of the types of positions you might be interested in, start to refine your list. What experience do you already have that would be important to your new employer? In other words, what “bridge” can you find from where you are to where you want to be?
Use previous industry experience to find a new job in a similar industry. In our reader’s case, he has experience with a software company. Perhaps his passion is education and he might be great at a software training position.
Find companies that utilize these positions. There are numerous sites on the Internet that let you research companies to find this information. Visit their website to learn more about them and then contact them to let them know of your interest and what you can offer.
Network. Who you know is at least as important as what you know. Let your friends and business associates help you with ideas and getting your foot in the door of a new company.

Remember, it’s not impossible to change careers at any point in your life. It’s never too late to find something you can be excited about every day and truly look forward to doing!

Get Your Resume Read!

2006-02-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re sending your resume directly to a company, responding to an ad on the Internet or emailing your resume to a recruiter, there are some basics that will help you get your resume read by the right person. Take a look at these tips before you email your next resume:

Include your resume in the text of your email. Make sure when you do a cut and paste to include the document that the formatting is still clear. If you have bullet points or other formatting characters, clean those up to make the resume presentable in the body of the email. Attach a copy in MS Word as well.
Use only MS Word attachments. With the proliferation of computer viruses, many companies will either block or automatically delete emails that have .exe files, graphic files or any other type of file attached, included .zip files.
Although .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) is an acceptable resume standard, many automatic database programs used by companies can not read these attachments. If you are using this, include your resume in the body of the document and consider attaching it in MS Word as well.
Avoid fancy formatting. Companies receive a large volume of resumes and almost all of them automate the process of initially reviewing the resume. Information contained in a text box or as a graphic may not import into their system.
Don’t use headers and footers. If your contact information is in the header and footer it will be lost by some of the automated systems and the company will not be able to contact you.
If you’re responding to a job posting that has a reference number, use it. This makes sure your resume goes to the proper hiring manager for a current position and helps get your resume reviewed more quickly.
Don’t send an email with a link to your resume on the web. This requires an extra step (or two!) that many recruiters will not take.
Be sure to include a subject in your email. Due to viruses, an email that arrives with no subject is likely to be deleted without being opened.
Look over your resume to make sure that it includes keywords that would fit the job you are applying for. Automation has created more of a need for this since a keyword search often will be the way recruiters determine who they will call first for a position.
And the best rule: keep it simple. A one page resume that lists your accomplishments in an easy to read style is still the best resume to get the job!

Another Source for Reference Letters

2006-01-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

Frequently, people don’t think to ask for a reference letter until they are resigning from their job. However, a reference letter can be even more meaningful if it was written at a time when the individual accomplished something in their position.

The next time your boss compliments you on a good achievement, whether it was organizing a great project or exceeding your sales numbers, why not ask for a letter of compliment to add to your file? Don’t forget that a satisfied customer may also be a good source of a reference as well. These don’t have to be lengthy letters – just a quick note that you can save to show a future employer may help you in landing a new job down the road!

Looking Forward to 2006

2005-12-31T05:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! The start of a new year can be a time of reflection on the past year, reviewing not only our successes but also the things that perhaps we didn't accomplish. For many people, this involves their career and may result in determining that it is time to make a change. Whether you are looking for a new job in your current field, or considering changing the direction of your career, this is a great time to do it.

The beginning of the year is a time when companies are ready to make changes too and are often considering adding additional personnel. If you haven't updated your resume in a while, do it now and start exploring what exciting new opportunities might be waiting for you. A great place to start is on some of the larger career boards. Search using some keywords of things you enjoy or would like to do and see what jobs are available in those fields. It's a great source for ideas, particularly if you're looking for a new challenge.

Have a wonderful 2006!

Make it Easy to be Contacted

2005-12-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

It’s almost the beginning of another new year and for many people that means they are considering a new job as well.

Here are four quick tips to make it easier for companies to contact you after they’ve received your resume:

Include your contact information in the body of your resume. If you use a header for this information, many automated databases do not extract the information correctly. This means an extra step for the person who wants to contact you as they go back through your information manually to find your email or phone number.
Include your contact information in your signature of every email. Even if you aren’t sending a full cover letter with your resume, put your email and phone number into your signature.
Include alternate ways to be contacted. If you have a cell phone, a home phone and a business phone (and are comfortable being called at work), include them all. In the last paragraph of your cover letter, mention times that are good to reach you.
Make sure your answering machine and/or voice mail is working. When you’re looking for a new job, make sure your outgoing message is professional as well. This is the first impression your potential new employer will have of you.

The Importance of References

2005-11-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

It’s never too early to start compiling a list of references. Even if you are currently happily employed, give some consideration to getting letters of reference for future use. And, always ask for a letter of reference when leaving a job, even if you already have another position.

It is common today for companies to utilize background checks prior to hiring. While these will verify your employment, most hiring managers will still want to speak to previous supervisors, co-workers or clients in order to access your suitability for their position.

Here are a few suggestions to assist you in developing your reference list:

A reference your employer knows is the best possible reference. It isn’t always possible to have an “inside” reference, but consider who your employer might already know (or know of) in their industry and use that individual for a reference if appropriate.
Professional references in your specialty area, are always preferred with a former supervisor being the best selection. Recent college graduates should consider these individuals as potential references: extracurricular advisors, college administrators, and professors (preferably in your academic major).
Do not use relatives or your best friend as references. Employers want information on how you perform in the workplace.
Use references who are willing to take the time to help you. If an employer can’t reach your reference to speak with them it will only delay the interview process.
When requesting letters of reference, ask that they include the following information: Why they feel you are qualified for the type of position you will be applying for, their opinion of you both professionally and personally, how long and in what capacity they have known you.
Always wait until asked for references before you offer a list or letter to a potential employer. Have a list prepared that includes phone numbers (work and cell is best) along with an email address.
Be sure to call your references and let them know that they should expect telephone calls from prospective employers so they are prepared.

Answering Those Tough Questions About Salary

2005-10-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

Interview questions about salary can be among the most difficult to answer. You don’t want to rule yourself out of the chance for the position by stating too high a salary, but you don’t want to undersell yourself either. Some recommended answers include:

If you are early in the interview process, your best answer is one like this, “I’m sure your company is offering a fair salary based on the position and my experience. However, I’d like to learn more about the position and what I can offer to your company before I answer”.

If you are pressed for an answer, a good response may be to state your current salary, something like this, “I’m currently making $60,000 annually, however I’m more interested in a position that offers growth and challenge than I am in just the salary.”

If you are later in the interview process you may want to use one of these responses, "What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?" If they don't give a specific answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace. By giving a range, you are still leaving yourself open to negotiation.

If the company (or your recruiter) has given you a range for the position, your safest answer is to state that you are within the range that they are paying.

As much as possible you want to avoid stating a specific salary amount for as long as possible.

Thank You Letters

2005-09-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

Writing a thank you note after an employment interview is a must. Plan to send out your thank you letters as soon as possible (no later than the next day) after your interview. Here are some pointers to help you write a thank you note that will make you stand out in the crowd:

1. Email has become very acceptable for a thank you note. To really stand out though, follow up your email thank you with a personal, handwritten note.

2. In addition to thanking the person(s) you talked with, the thank you note reinforces the fact that you want the job. Even if it is a position you are not interested in, send a thank you note expressing your appreciation for the time they spent with you. Remember there may be other positions in the company or other people they know who may have an interest in your skills.

3. View the thank you as a follow-up sales letter. This gives you an opportunity to restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. It also puts your name back in front of the hiring manager and reminds them that you are the candidate they want to hire.

4. If you interviewed with several people in the company, make sure to individualize their thank you notes. Send them separately, don’t just cc them on your emails.

5. Remember to proofread: check spelling, grammar, typos, etc. If in doubt about the correct name, spelling or title, call the office and ask the receptionist.

Origin of the Resume

2005-08-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how resumes got started? Today’s resume began in feudal England as a letter of introduction from a Lord or Head of the local Guild when a man traveled to another part of the Kingdom. It evolved to the Curriculum Vitae and finally to what we know today as a resume.

Curriculum Vitae is Latin for “course of ones life”. It comes from the Romans who invaded old Britain in 54BC and after the breakup of the Roman Empire and independence of Britain, was brought into the vocabulary as an individual’s introduction.

Time Savers for the Job Hunter

2005-08-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for a job can be a full time job! It can be particularly challenging to find the time to conduct a quality search when you are currently employed. If you begin your search in an organized fashion, you'll not only save time but also be able to more quickly locate information that may be critical to the interview process.

Here are some ideas to help you manage your job search:

Get organized. Set up folders in your email client to sort the information you send out as well as the information you receive. If you organize folders by date it is easy to go back for follow ups. Use a notebook for notes you take during phone interviews and information you collect during an interview. Separate each company with dividers and it will make it easy to refer back to the information.
Set a time of day to check mail and do follow ups. If you’re actively job searching and waiting for interview information, you may need to do this several times during the day.
Set up bookmarks. Organize your bookmarks in folders such as job boards, reference sites, company sites, etc. This will make it quicker to check sites you want to visit frequently to see if there are updates.
Make use of automation tools. Many job boards allow you to set up an automatic “agent” that will email you new results that fit your criteria. This is much quicker than searching each site every day.
Use sites that search for you. There are several sites that compile lists of jobs on the Internet and email you the results. Some of these include www.indeed.com and www.jobrobots.com

Good luck with your job search!

Networking Tips

2005-08-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Making and keeping business contacts is an important asset in your career, not just when you are looking for a job.

Here are a few quick ideas to assist you with networking:

Check for local business groups and job seeker groups for face-to-face meetings. Many churches offer these services or have information on groups in the area.
Don’t overlook online sources for networking. There are numerous free sites on the Internet, such as LinkedIn, that can be great resources for getting right to the hiring managers and decision makers.
Remember it’s a two-way street. See what you can do to help the other party.
Don’t forget to thank every contact, even if they weren’t able to help you this time.
Get contact information and keep in touch.

Is it time to ask for a raise?

2005-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

After the economic difficulties of the last few years, many individuals remain “under” employed. If you’re thinking about looking for a job only because you feel you are underpaid, rather than leaving an opportunity you otherwise enjoy, now may be the time to ask for a raise.

It is important to plan your request so that you stand the best chance of getting the raise you want and deserve. Here are some points to consider:

Do your homework on your company’s compensation plan. Make sure you know your company’s policies on raises including any maximum amount and specific times when raises are given.
Do your research on your supervisor’s expectations. How is your performance measured? Have you had a recent performance evaluation?
Make a list of your achievements. Especially consider any of your efforts that have resulted in an addition to your company’s bottom line.
Know what the competitor’s make. Research salary information to see if other companies are paying more for a similar position.
Ask for the raise. Remember to be professional and businesslike. Being prepared with the reasons and justifications for your raise, point out the specific contributions you have made. Be prepared to state how much of a raise you should be given.
If you don’t get the raise now, ask when you might be reconsidered and if you need to do anything additional to make the answer a “yes” next time.

Preparing for an Interview by Researching

2005-08-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Prior to your interview, find out specific facts about the company: where its branches are located, what its products are, what its growth has been, and what its growth potential is for the future. Take a look at their recent press releases and find out information about their indusry and their competitors. It's hard to do too much research.

One of the easiest places to start is by checking the company's home page. Some publications and websites (available in the public library or on the Internet) providing this kind of information are:

• Company Annual Reports
• Thomas' Register of American Manufacturers
• Moody's Manuals
• Fitch Corporation Manuals
• MacRae's Bluebook
• Standard and Poor's Corporation Records
• Poor's Register of Directors and Executives
• Dun & Bradstreet Reference Book
• Hoovers
• Business.com
• SEC's database of corporate 10k statements
• American Society of Association Professionals
• Professional Associations

Spending some time learning about the company so that you can ask informed questions can make the difference between an average interview and a great one!

What Should You Know Before the Interview?

2005-07-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

It’s important to do your research prior to the interview. Nothing stops an interview dead in it’s tracks quicker than asking “So what is it your company does?” Here’s a quick checklist of things you should know before you arrive at the interview:

Understand the job: Reread the job posting, check the company’s website to see if they have a job description posted there or if you’re working through a recruiter, ask them to provide one.

Know about the prospective employer: Spend some time reviewing their website. Look for recent press releases or news articles about their company. Look at a few of their competitor’s websites too. If you’re unfamiliar with their industry, do some reading about it prior to the interview so you are able to have some good questions to ask.

Anticipate interview questions: In addition to the standard interview questions, think about the requirements that are listed in the job description and write down some ways that you meet those requirements. Consider examples that you might use to further illustrate your point.

Put your energy into things you can influence: Do your homework and forget about those things beyond your control, such as how many other applicants there are.

Relax: It's only an interview! The worst thing that can happen to you is that you don't get the job. You're still alive to interview for another job another day.

How often should I follow up?

2005-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

You’ve sent your resume to a company but haven’t heard back. Or, you’ve interviewed with a company representative and days have gone by without a word regarding the next step. You’re interested in the position but you don’t want to be a nuisance. How often should you follow up with the company and how should you do it?

Email is the best follow up unless a company has specifically asked you to call. It is less intrusive and the hiring manager can answer at a time when they are not busy.

If you’ve sent a resume and not gotten a response within ten days, it is reasonable to send a follow up email. In your email, tell them the date that you sent your resume and say that you are checking to make sure they received it. Ask them to let you know if they haven’t so that you can send them another copy. Don’t attach another resume to this email (some hiring managers are annoyed by duplicate resumes).

If you still don’t hear back from them, assume that there is no interest and move on. A company that is interested in you will respond.

If you’ve already interviewed with the company but haven’t heard back, send an email at an appropriate time based on when they said they would get back in touch with you. For example, if they told you they would get back with you on Monday, it is reasonable to send an email on Wednesday re-expressing your interest in the position.

If you’re dealing with a recruiter rather than with the company directly, base your follow ups on the level of interest the recruiter expressed as well as when they said they would get back with you. Follow up no more often than every 10-14 days via email. Remember, recruiters are on the phone all day talking with companies that may result in them finding a job for you – you don’t want to take their time away from that! Do not send a resume with the follow up emails unless you have made revisions.

Good follow up shows an interest in a company and the position they offer. Keep good notes on your follow ups so you are staying in front of the hiring managers and recruiters at the companies you are targeting in your job search and you’ll be the candidate they remember when there is a new opportunity.

Questions to Ask Employers During Interviews

2005-07-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

A typical final question in most interviews is “Do you have any questions?” If you’ve prepared properly, you’ll have written out a minimum of three questions prior to your interview so you’ll be ready for this question.

What should you ask? You’ll have spent some time researching the company prior to your interview, so don’t ask obvious questions that were addressed on their website. Those types of questions indicate you didn’t prepare properly for the interview. Instead, ask questions about things that matter to you and that you truly want to know about your potential employer.

Here are some ideas to help you formulate your questions:

Why is this position available?
How does your company compare to your competitors?
What are your company’s long term plans and how will this department fit in with that?
What are your goals for this position?
What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to be successful in this job?
Are there opportunities to obtain training to improve and acquire new skills?
Can you describe an ideal employee?
What growth do you anticipate for your firm?

And remember, if the interviewer hasn’t addressed this, your final questions should always be: “What is the next step in the interview process?” and “When do you anticipate making a decision?”.

Welcome to our new Blog!

2005-07-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

As an additional service to job seekers, we'll be adding information here to assist you in finding your perfect career opportunity. We welcome your questions so please feel free to send them to us and we'll answer as many as possible here.

Check back for frequent updates.