Initial caps (Connect) is fine unless the name is an acronym, and then all-caps
is a bit less avoidable. -Best, SB

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I used to work at an organization called CONNECT - yes, in all capitals.  The
organization was consistently listed that way in every official document they
put out (newsletter, website, press releases).
>
> I feel like I'm in a bind.  If I don't list it in all caps, it's technically
incorrect.  If I list correctly, readers will think I'm rude or ignorant.
>
> Your thoughts?
>

I used to work at an organization called CONNECT - yes, in all capitals.  The
organization was consistently listed that way in every official document they
put out (newsletter, website, press releases).

I feel like I'm in a bind.  If I don't list it in all caps, it's technically
incorrect.  If I list correctly, readers will think I'm rude or ignorant.

Your thoughts?

Yes, you read the situation accurately.  Great advice and thank you.

You covered so many things in the book; hope you're collecting a few of these
oddball questions to briefly address when there's a revised edition.

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "scottbennett777" <scottbennett777@...>
wrote:
>
> Yes, it is another example of dangerous territory. I take it that the first
year you were paid by an agency, not the placement site, and the second year you
were paid by the placement site, not the agency. These are two different
employers and thus two blurbs. "Converted from temp to perm based on
performance." may be a fine first line for the more recent of the two. IFF (if
and only if) no agency was involved, you can combine without risking unhappy
repercussions later. -Best, SB
>
> --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > I worked in one position for a year as a temp, then was hired on in that
same position and worked another year or so.  I'm trying to cut space and was
wondering if one blurb could cover this experience.  For instance, list total
time served, list company name something like "Company X/Employment Agency Y"
and a short line at the end of the blurb indicating the first year was through
the agency.
> >
> > ... or is this another example of dangerous territory?
> >
> > As always, your insight is much appreciated.
> >
>

Yes, it is another example of dangerous territory. I take it that the first year
you were paid by an agency, not the placement site, and the second year you were
paid by the placement site, not the agency. These are two different employers
and thus two blurbs. "Converted from temp to perm based on performance." may be
a fine first line for the more recent of the two. IFF (if and only if) no agency
was involved, you can combine without risking unhappy repercussions later.
-Best, SB

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I worked in one position for a year as a temp, then was hired on in that same
position and worked another year or so.  I'm trying to cut space and was
wondering if one blurb could cover this experience.  For instance, list total
time served, list company name something like "Company X/Employment Agency Y"
and a short line at the end of the blurb indicating the first year was through
the agency.
>
> ... or is this another example of dangerous territory?
>
> As always, your insight is much appreciated.
>

I worked in one position for a year as a temp, then was hired on in that same
position and worked another year or so.  I'm trying to cut space and was
wondering if one blurb could cover this experience.  For instance, list total
time served, list company name something like "Company X/Employment Agency Y"
and a short line at the end of the blurb indicating the first year was through
the agency.

... or is this another example of dangerous territory?

As always, your insight is much appreciated.

Thanks very much for your perspective on this.  Very helpful.

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "scottbennett777" <scottbennett777@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi, I think it would be fudging. I urge you to put the real title and clarify
your role in your carefully crafted blurb. -SB P.S. "Customer Service
Representative" is often more prestigious than "Data Entry Clerk" -- and often
better paid.
>
> --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Scott,
> >
> > You stress in the book not to embellish or exaggerate the facts, but you
also allow for adjustments that make understanding easy for the reader, such as
the example in Chapter 4 about revising the "internal-speak" job title "CSR4."
> >
> > I served for the last three years as a data entry clerk, but my official
payroll title was "Customer Service Representative."  Customer service was
occasionally involved, but it was 99% data entry.
> >
> > I don't think the title accurately reflects what I did, but I'm wary of
doing anything that might be seen as "fudging the facts."  Would it be
inappropriate to come up with a hybrid, such as "Data Entry Clerk/Customer
Service Representative" ... ?
> >
> > Your thoughts are very much appreciated.
> >
>

Thanks very much for your perspective on this.  Very helpful.

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "scottbennett777" <scottbennett777@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi, I think it would be fudging. I urge you to put the real title and clarify
your role in your carefully crafted blurb. -SB P.S. "Customer Service
Representative" is often more prestigious than "Data Entry Clerk" -- and often
better paid.
>
> --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Scott,
> >
> > You stress in the book not to embellish or exaggerate the facts, but you
also allow for adjustments that make understanding easy for the reader, such as
the example in Chapter 4 about revising the "internal-speak" job title "CSR4."
> >
> > I served for the last three years as a data entry clerk, but my official
payroll title was "Customer Service Representative."  Customer service was
occasionally involved, but it was 99% data entry.
> >
> > I don't think the title accurately reflects what I did, but I'm wary of
doing anything that might be seen as "fudging the facts."  Would it be
inappropriate to come up with a hybrid, such as "Data Entry Clerk/Customer
Service Representative" ... ?
> >
> > Your thoughts are very much appreciated.
> >
>

Thanks. Nothing to add or change at the moment. There is no action in chapter 1
that a person cannot do in this economy. -SB

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I appreciated your advice in Chapter 1 about a targeted job search.  This
lines up with my instincts quite well, but some people have suggested it's a
luxury one can't afford in the present economy.
>
> Just wondering if you had anything to add or change to your advice given the
present (atypical) economic circumstances.
>

My pleasure. Keep in mind: what's important is not the writer's taste, but the
reader's. If I'm hiring a performer, dazzle is relevant, especially when
incorporated in a specific factual example.  -SB


--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I am trying to see your point, but "schlep" and "schmooze" still seem a bit
too casual (almost slang-y) for my taste.  And "dazzle" seems like another of
those "vague claims to avoid."
>
> But thanks for answering.  I'm certainly glad I don't have to put any "zoo
experience" on my résumé!
>
> --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "scottbennett777" <scottbennett777@>
wrote:
> >
> > Hello! Thanks for reading the book so thoroughly! As far as these 4
> > words are concerned, I'll put you down as undecided. Movers schlep,
> > performers dazzle, public relations folks schmooze, and if you've ever
> > worked in a zoo...
> > Respectfully, SB
> > P.S. All the best to you on your career path.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I was surprised to find words such as "schlep" and "dazzle" in
> > Figure 5 ... what possible place
> > > do words like this have on a professional résumé?  Even "schmooze"
> > and "shovel" give me
> > > pause.  What gives?
> > >
> >
>

Hi, I think it would be fudging. I urge you to put the real title and clarify
your role in your carefully crafted blurb. -SB P.S. "Customer Service
Representative" is often more prestigious than "Data Entry Clerk" -- and often
better paid.

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> You stress in the book not to embellish or exaggerate the facts, but you also
allow for adjustments that make understanding easy for the reader, such as the
example in Chapter 4 about revising the "internal-speak" job title "CSR4."
>
> I served for the last three years as a data entry clerk, but my official
payroll title was "Customer Service Representative."  Customer service was
occasionally involved, but it was 99% data entry.
>
> I don't think the title accurately reflects what I did, but I'm wary of doing
anything that might be seen as "fudging the facts."  Would it be inappropriate
to come up with a hybrid, such as "Data Entry Clerk/Customer Service
Representative" ... ?
>
> Your thoughts are very much appreciated.
>

I am trying to see your point, but "schlep" and "schmooze" still seem a bit too
casual (almost slang-y) for my taste.  And "dazzle" seems like another of those
"vague claims to avoid."

But thanks for answering.  I'm certainly glad I don't have to put any "zoo
experience" on my résumé!

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "scottbennett777" <scottbennett777@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello! Thanks for reading the book so thoroughly! As far as these 4
> words are concerned, I'll put you down as undecided. Movers schlep,
> performers dazzle, public relations folks schmooze, and if you've ever
> worked in a zoo...
> Respectfully, SB
> P.S. All the best to you on your career path.
>
>
>
>
> --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I was surprised to find words such as "schlep" and "dazzle" in
> Figure 5 ... what possible place
> > do words like this have on a professional résumé?  Even "schmooze"
> and "shovel" give me
> > pause.  What gives?
> >
>

I appreciated your advice in Chapter 1 about a targeted job search.  This lines
up with my instincts quite well, but some people have suggested it's a luxury
one can't afford in the present economy.

Just wondering if you had anything to add or change to your advice given the
present (atypical) economic circumstances.

Hi Scott,

You stress in the book not to embellish or exaggerate the facts, but you also
allow for adjustments that make understanding easy for the reader, such as the
example in Chapter 4 about revising the "internal-speak" job title "CSR4."

I served for the last three years as a data entry clerk, but my official payroll
title was "Customer Service Representative."  Customer service was occasionally
involved, but it was 99% data entry.

I don't think the title accurately reflects what I did, but I'm wary of doing
anything that might be seen as "fudging the facts."  Would it be inappropriate
to come up with a hybrid, such as "Data Entry Clerk/Customer Service
Representative" ... ?

Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Hello! Thanks for reading the book so thoroughly! As far as these 4
words are concerned, I'll put you down as undecided. Movers schlep,
performers dazzle, public relations folks schmooze, and if you've ever
worked in a zoo...
Respectfully, SB
P.S. All the best to you on your career path.




--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, aymous51 <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> I was surprised to find words such as "schlep" and "dazzle" in
Figure 5 ... what possible place
> do words like this have on a professional résumé?  Even "schmooze"
and "shovel" give me
> pause.  What gives?
>

I was surprised to find words such as "schlep" and "dazzle" in Figure 5 ... what
possible place
do words like this have on a professional résumé?  Even "schmooze" and "shovel"
give me
pause.  What gives?

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, d.pat34 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, first of all, I really wanted to thank you for all the great advice
> in your book. I am currently looking for a position in sales or
> marketing and it wasn't until I finished reading your book that I
> really knew what to do with my resume.  However, I recently applied to
> a position that I knew I was more than qualified for, the email
> response I got from the company recruiter was that I did not have any
> of the necessary requirements because my resume indicates international
> sales rather than export.  In my industry experience the terms are
> interchangeable.  I have over 12 years of experience in all aspects of
> international sales and marketing which includes the export process.
> In addition, my educational background includes a Masters in
> International Business.  So when I read that I did not have the
> required experience, I was floored.  My questions is, at what point do
> I need to consider using job specific jargon?   I am afraid of ending
> up with an endless number of resumes that do not really highlight my
> experience or my accomplishments but instead read like a list of
> duties.  Thank you in advance for the needed advice!
>
Hi, I'm so glad you found the book helpful! It is quite unusual for an
employer e-mail message to ever specify a reason a candidate is not a
fit, so I am a bit puzzled by the premise of the question. In any
case, if an employer in your field isn't capable of recognizing the
"interchangeable terms" to which you refer, they appear not to be
interchangeable to your reader. Clarify for your readers to prevent
the problem going forward. Avoid typing jargon simply to get scanned,
but be sure to show proof of skills in action (not hollow
self-puffery). Best, Scott Bennett

Hi, first of all, I really wanted to thank you for all the great advice
in your book. I am currently looking for a position in sales or
marketing and it wasn't until I finished reading your book that I
really knew what to do with my resume.  However, I recently applied to
a position that I knew I was more than qualified for, the email
response I got from the company recruiter was that I did not have any
of the necessary requirements because my resume indicates international
sales rather than export.  In my industry experience the terms are
interchangeable.  I have over 12 years of experience in all aspects of
international sales and marketing which includes the export process.
In addition, my educational background includes a Masters in
International Business.  So when I read that I did not have the
required experience, I was floored.  My questions is, at what point do
I need to consider using job specific jargon?   I am afraid of ending
up with an endless number of resumes that do not really highlight my
experience or my accomplishments but instead read like a list of
duties.  Thank you in advance for the needed advice!

Okay I understand the concept of "keep if it adds to your pitch" but
what do you do when you want to leave a job out and then there is a
gap?  Sorry to belabor the point but I haven't done a traditional
resume in at least 15 years so I know I am out of practice!

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, scottbennettcareerguru
<no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, I'm glad to hear the book is helping. Review pp. 5-6 of the
book.
> If a position adds to your pitch, include it. Review pp. 21-55, too:
> keep each position description brief. Best wishes, SB
>
> --- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "mckeejobhunt"
> <mckeejobhunt@> wrote:
> >
> > I am just getting started seriously on a job hunt looking toward
early
> > next year.  At this point I will be staying within the same
overall
> > field but will be switching back to the private sector as the
college I
> > teach at is eliminating my major at the end of this calendar
year. One
> > of my first steps is the coversion of my academic CV to a resume
and I
> > have a question about how much to include of my job experience.
I have
> > worked both in the private sector and academia for 20 years and
have
> > held a 9 jobs, a couple of which are internships or "second"
jobs...all
> > relate to my main profession.  If I include them all then I will
> > definitely have more than a page of information just on job
> > experiences...is this a "no-no"?  If so how do I sort which to
keep
> > and which to eliminate?  I have been working my way through
your "The
> > Elements of Resume Style" which has been very helpful.  Thanks!
> >
>

Hi, I'm glad to hear the book is helping. Review pp. 5-6 of the book.
If a position adds to your pitch, include it. Review pp. 21-55, too:
keep each position description brief. Best wishes, SB

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "mckeejobhunt"
<mckeejobhunt@...> wrote:
>
> I am just getting started seriously on a job hunt looking toward early
> next year.  At this point I will be staying within the same overall
> field but will be switching back to the private sector as the college I
> teach at is eliminating my major at the end of this calendar year. One
> of my first steps is the coversion of my academic CV to a resume and I
> have a question about how much to include of my job experience.  I have
> worked both in the private sector and academia for 20 years and have
> held a 9 jobs, a couple of which are internships or "second" jobs...all
> relate to my main profession.  If I include them all then I will
> definitely have more than a page of information just on job
> experiences...is this a "no-no"?  If so how do I sort which to keep
> and which to eliminate?  I have been working my way through your "The
> Elements of Resume Style" which has been very helpful.  Thanks!
>

I am just getting started seriously on a job hunt looking toward early
next year.  At this point I will be staying within the same overall
field but will be switching back to the private sector as the college I
teach at is eliminating my major at the end of this calendar year. One
of my first steps is the coversion of my academic CV to a resume and I
have a question about how much to include of my job experience.  I have
worked both in the private sector and academia for 20 years and have
held a 9 jobs, a couple of which are internships or "second" jobs...all
relate to my main profession.  If I include them all then I will
definitely have more than a page of information just on job
experiences...is this a "no-no"?  If so how do I sort which to keep
and which to eliminate?  I have been working my way through your "The
Elements of Resume Style" which has been very helpful.  Thanks!

Congratulations on getting an interview! If by offering an updated
resume, you are correcting factual errors, then the updated resume (1)
prevents potential problems (like later charges of "willful
misrepresentation") and (2) lets you feel better when your head hits
the pillow at night. If you are concerned about the response, tell
them the real deal: you bought/read the standard reference book on
resume writing and then did the required clean-up, based on respect
for the reader. If there are no errors on your previously submitted
document, then there's no need to submit a revised one. All the best
to you at your interview. -Scott Bennett


--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "antiem80" <antiem80@...> wrote:
>
> I recently purchased your book and realized that my resume which I
> thought was so wonderful wasn't when I applied your rules/guidelines. I
> have since majorly revised/restructured my resume per your book. Here's
> my issue. I applied for a position and was invited to interview - based
> on my original, pre-revision resume. When I go to the interview, should
> I bring the new, revised resume? Or a copy of the older one that was
> originally submitted? Do you think it would be perceived negatively to
> bring such a dramatically different document?
>

I recently purchased your book and realized that my resume which I
thought was so wonderful wasn't when I applied your rules/guidelines. I
have since majorly revised/restructured my resume per your book. Here's
my issue. I applied for a position and was invited to interview - based
on my original, pre-revision resume. When I go to the interview, should
I bring the new, revised resume? Or a copy of the older one that was
originally submitted? Do you think it would be perceived negatively to
bring such a dramatically different document?

Hi Anna, I do not review resumes, and I strongly recommend that you
review item #8 on page xvii in the book. Find at least two people (a)
who routinely hire people as part of their work and (2) whose writing
skills and candor you respect. Keep in mind item #9, too. And #5, #6,
and #7. Best wishes on your path. Respectfully, Scott Bennett

--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, annachao1221 <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I have read you book cover to cover and repeatedly revised my resume
> based upon its principles. However, I still feel I need another pair
> of eyes to look my resume over. I am willing to hire a consultant, but
> am having difficulty finding one I can be confident will produce good
> feedback. Do you still provide such services? I have looked all over
> your website click4careercounseling.com, but have not found any
> specific information in this respect. Otherwise, do you have any
> recommendations?
>
> Thanks,
> Anna
>

Hi,

I have read you book cover to cover and repeatedly revised my resume
based upon its principles. However, I still feel I need another pair
of eyes to look my resume over. I am willing to hire a consultant, but
am having difficulty finding one I can be confident will produce good
feedback. Do you still provide such services? I have looked all over
your website click4careercounseling.com, but have not found any
specific information in this respect. Otherwise, do you have any
recommendations?

Thanks,
Anna

Hi Robby, Thanks for your kind comments on the book. Congratulations
on 2 replies out of 30 sent; that is an impressive response rate!
However, I hear your frustration that neither response has yet led to
the position you seek. Here are a few ideas for your consideration:

1. Do more "Sherlock Holmes" work! Go to http://www.google.com.sg/ or
metacrawler.com and search various combinations of "internship
equities research singapore" (withOUT the quotes) and see if anything
exciting pops up. I understand you when you say there are very few
firms offering winter internships; I ask you to keep in mind that all
you need is one, one reputable firm. It will be hard to find, and you
can find it anyway.

2. Forget about who is advertising open positions. If you had a magic
wand, where (at what firms) would you do your dream internship? Send
them an enthusiastic inquiry letter and your resume.

3. Remember -- you're not supposed to have experience! You're a recent
graduate.  You're enthusiastic. You're willing to learn ("I gave up my
summer holidays and the chance for an internship to study for my CFA
exams. I am interested in entering the finance industry and be a
research analyst and hence my enrollment in the CFA Program. To date,
I have passed the level 2 exams but am without any work experience.").

4. Go to Fortune and Money and similar publications' websites and
search for lists of the top financial firms. Send inquiry letters to
all the firms with the very best reputations.

I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best on your path!

Respectfully,
Scott Bennett






--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "sim_robby" <sim_robby@...>
wrote:
>
> Dear Scott,
>
> I really enjoy reading (and re-reading) your book. It covers so much
> using so little and with humor too. I am faced with a problem and
> would really like to hear your advice. I am a fresh grad residing in
> Singapore and have been looking for a job for about 3 months now. I
> know 3 months might not sound long to others and I shouldn't be
> panicking, but it doesn't help when all the friends around me are
> employed.
>
> My resume is set up according to your instructions and I have always
> tried to respect the reader's time. I kept a clear focus and only
> applied to openings which I am interested. However, replies were very
> few (2 in 30 odd applications) and I get the feeling that my resume
> and cover letter isn't doing what they are supposed to do.
>
> I get the (gut) feeling that the problem lies with my lack of work
> experience. I gave up my summer holidays and the chance for an
> internship to study for my CFA exams. I am interested in entering the
> finance industry and be a research analyst and hence my enrollment in
> the CFA Program. To date, I have passed the level 2 exams but am
> without any work experience.
>
> I badly need your advice as to what I should do; there are very few
> companies offering winter internships over here and I really want to
> do equities research. During these months, I have been learning Excel
> and VBA and reading books on equities and books by Dale Carnegie. I
> would really appreciate if you will give some advice to a fresh
> graduate like me. Thank you for your time Scott.
>
> Yours Sincerely,
> Robby
>

Dear Scott,

I really enjoy reading (and re-reading) your book. It covers so much
using so little and with humor too. I am faced with a problem and
would really like to hear your advice. I am a fresh grad residing in
Singapore and have been looking for a job for about 3 months now. I
know 3 months might not sound long to others and I shouldn't be
panicking, but it doesn't help when all the friends around me are
employed.

My resume is set up according to your instructions and I have always
tried to respect the reader's time. I kept a clear focus and only
applied to openings which I am interested. However, replies were very
few (2 in 30 odd applications) and I get the feeling that my resume
and cover letter isn't doing what they are supposed to do.

I get the (gut) feeling that the problem lies with my lack of work
experience. I gave up my summer holidays and the chance for an
internship to study for my CFA exams. I am interested in entering the
finance industry and be a research analyst and hence my enrollment in
the CFA Program. To date, I have passed the level 2 exams but am
without any work experience.

I badly need your advice as to what I should do; there are very few
companies offering winter internships over here and I really want to
do equities research. During these months, I have been learning Excel
and VBA and reading books on equities and books by Dale Carnegie. I
would really appreciate if you will give some advice to a fresh
graduate like me. Thank you for your time Scott.

Yours Sincerely,
Robby

Hi E, Thank you; I'm always SO happy to hear when someone finds the
book useful. I commend you for your willingness to examine what is
going on and how to convey it effectively to others. Here are a few
questions to ask yourself (no reply here is necessary) before
formulating what to write: 1. Did you learn anything from the six
experiences? 2. Did you add value during each? 3. If any of them were
a firing-in-layoff's-clothing, lessons valuable to prospective
employers can be learned from that, too. If you can figure out what
you bring to the table as a result of emerging alive and intact from
6 layoffs, you then will want to think about how to express it in ONE
sentence of your cover letter. (The sample sentence you mentioned is
a good first draft of such a sentence.) A sentence such as this (1)
makes the real dates a non-issue and (2) removes the need to insert
an explanatory sentence between blurbs, which may appear confusing
(which job does it apply to?, whose bankruptcy?) and apologetic. I
hope this helps. I do not "review" resumes; I encourage you to wear
the book out and refer to this message to avoid spending wheelbarrows
of cash for me to help you re-write your documents. -Respectfully, SB


--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "edyckman" <edyckman@...>
wrote:
>
> I bought your book and loved it! Great read and at times funny
because you are so honest
> and right on. I revised my entire resume just like you suggested in
the book. The problem
> I am having is I have been laid off of from the last 6 jobs in a
row!! I am in accounting and
> the managers and HR people who hire for accounting/finance
positions look first at your
> dates of employment. All they see on my resume is job hopping and I
have been at each
> job for less than a year. Then it takes me many many months to find
a job due to layoffs
> and gaps in employment. It is just a vicious circle for me. I have
been working since 1989
> and moved to another state around 10 years ago. Thats when all the
layoffs started to
> happen. I am not at the executive level, experienced (non-manager)
or manager level.
>
> Yes, I asked all the right questions when I interviewed with these
companies, but they lied
> to me or things changed once I started working there. Last one
hired, first one out rule
> always applies to me. And yes I also did my own research too. But
when you are laid off
> you need a job and it pays decent or good and it seems everything
there is fine, you take
> the job. At each job, I was recognized as doing a great job and a
go-to person. Worked
> hard long hours etc...They always say, nothing personal just a
change in business needs.
>
> So my question is how do I address the job hopping on my resume due
to only layoffs? I
> have all the experience the ads require so I know I should at least
be getting interviews/
> calls. My resume looks good and shows that. But again, the first
thing people see is the
> dates of employment per your book. They also see too many jobs,
even though I did not
> put a blurb for all jobs they are still listed. Other books have
the dates off your job
> description and title and save them for a separate section and
leave out months, like
> "Competency-Based Resumes" and other books. They are basically the
complete opposite
> of your book.
>
> I have a one sentece line under my first job blurb (my most recent
job) that says
> "Persevered through layoffs due to workforce reductions,
mergers/acquisitions, and
> bankruptcy." There is a space between this sentence and my job
blurb and the next job so
> it stands out. If you have time to look at my resume that would be
great!
>
> Please help!
> Thanks.
>

I bought your book and loved it! Great read and at times funny because you are
so honest
and right on. I revised my entire resume just like you suggested in the book.
The problem
I am having is I have been laid off of from the last 6 jobs in a row!! I am in
accounting and
the managers and HR people who hire for accounting/finance positions look first
at your
dates of employment. All they see on my resume is job hopping and I have been at
each
job for less than a year. Then it takes me many many months to find a job due to
layoffs
and gaps in employment. It is just a vicious circle for me. I have been working
since 1989
and moved to another state around 10 years ago. Thats when all the layoffs
started to
happen. I am not at the executive level, experienced (non-manager) or manager
level.

Yes, I asked all the right questions when I interviewed with these companies,
but they lied
to me or things changed once I started working there. Last one hired, first one
out rule
always applies to me. And yes I also did my own research too. But when you are
laid off
you need a job and it pays decent or good and it seems everything there is fine,
you take
the job. At each job, I was recognized as doing a great job and a go-to person.
Worked
hard long hours etc...They always say, nothing personal just a change in
business needs.

So my question is how do I address the job hopping on my resume due to only
layoffs? I
have all the experience the ads require so I know I should at least be getting
interviews/
calls. My resume looks good and shows that. But again, the first thing people
see is the
dates of employment per your book. They also see too many jobs, even though I
did not
put a blurb for all jobs they are still listed. Other books have the dates off
your job
description and title and save them for a separate section and leave out months,
like
"Competency-Based Resumes" and other books. They are basically the complete
opposite
of your book.

I have a one sentece line under my first job blurb (my most recent job) that
says
"Persevered through layoffs due to workforce reductions, mergers/acquisitions,
and
bankruptcy." There is a space between this sentence and my job blurb and the
next job so
it stands out. If you have time to look at my resume that would be great!

Please help!
Thanks.

Having someone else write one's resume is usually not the answer, as
you are seeing. I strongly suggest you either buy The Elements of
Resume Style (under $10) or borrow a copy (free) from your local
public library and create your own resume and cover letter.

There is plenty of subtle and not subtle discrimination of all kinds
out there, as you well know. The trick is (1) creating a resume that
shows through concrete examples all the skills you can bring to bear,
and (2) targeting your resume properly so you are not wasting your
time or the time of unsuitable (discriminatory or otherwise)
employers.

I wish you well on your unique path.





--- In askthecareerguru@yahoogroups.com, "thequadcities"
<indiogoa@m...> wrote:
>
> I am a mid-career senior manager/executive in the supply chain
field,
> with 22 years of experience in varied and progressive roles. I am
> struggling with my job search, having applied to numerous job
postings
> on various job sites with no callbacks. I had my resume done
> professionally done thinking that this might help including the
cover
> letter. I modify the cover letter to suit the position.
>
> I am starting to think that the problems could be I am perhaps
> overqualified for the companies I am applying to; am faced with
subtle
> age discrimination or my resume just isn't getting the job done.
>
> I am looking for advice on a different strategy and approach
because
> what I am doing is not working.
>
> Thanks,
>

I am a mid-career senior manager/executive in the supply chain field,
with 22 years of experience in varied and progressive roles. I am
struggling with my job search, having applied to numerous job postings
on various job sites with no callbacks. I had my resume done
professionally done thinking that this might help including the cover
letter. I modify the cover letter to suit the position.

I am starting to think that the problems could be I am perhaps
overqualified for the companies I am applying to; am faced with subtle
age discrimination or my resume just isn't getting the job done.

I am looking for advice on a different strategy and approach because
what I am doing is not working.

Thanks,