For these reasons and more, you would not say yes these questions: 

Are you generic?  Do you have no experience that relates to the job you are applying for?  

However, if you use the same general resume for every application – your resume may be saying yes to those questions for you. 

If you find a position you want, take the time to tailor your resume to fit it.  Here are some quick tips to make your resume relevant

1.  If you have a long list of old positions, unrelated to the one you are applying to, remove them.  These positions are clutter and will do nothing to support that you are the right person for the job. 

2.  If you have long lists of duties that are unrelated to the job you are applying to – refine the list to emphasize the skills, knowledge and traits specifically listed in the job description. 

3.  If you were to remove the objective from the top of your resume – would a person be able to tell what it is?  Make sure that your objective is both clear and supported by the every detail of your resume.  Even if you are applying to a new field and the jobs on your resume are not the same as what you are looking for – if you emphasize the skills and traits that are transferable and support your objective, your career goals will be clear. 

If the job is unique, and you are a fit – bring your resume in line and your chances of success will improve!

(Quick Jobing.com Tip – Save up to ten unique resumes using your My Jobing! account so your relevant resume is ready-to-go!)]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=14507&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=15685&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea On Jobing.com you have the ability to make your resume searchable, confidential, or hide your resume from individual employers. 

Here is an easy step-by-step list of how to adjust/view the privacy settings on your resume:

1. Log into your My Jobing.com Account.

2. Click on the Resume tab.

3. Click on the Update icon next to your Active Resume

4. This will lead you to a page that has a section named "Resume Availability". In that section there are four options to choose from that determine how you want your resume viewed

A. searchable by employers on Jobing.com only

B. searchable by recruiters on Jobing.com only (i.e. – staffing and temporary agencies)

C. searchable by employers and recruiters on Jobing.com

D. confidential – viewable only by employers you submit your resume to

E. individual employer block (which is located at the bottom of this section – where it says "Click here to hide this resume from specific employers/companies" – follow instructions on page for this feature).

Get your resume out there to as many or as few employers as you want.  Best of luck to you in your search for your next great employer!]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=15685&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=19731&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea • How long will the process take?
• Do you need a degree or do certificates or graduate programs exist?
• Is there demand for the job, once you are educated?
• What is motivating your change? True passion or a fleeting interest?

Education is a commitment, and one you must take seriously. When considering the time the program will take, you must be confident you are happy in your current job. Will you have the patience to wait until the end of your program before you are working in your new a career?

Considering the education options, what is truly needed? Is a full 4 year degree necessary, or will a 2 year degree help you get into the industry? Often passion and enthusiasm for the job will set you apart from others who have formal degrees. Using teaching as an example, you must be certified, so you much complete the degree. Yet, going from business to HR may simply require a certification. Investigate what is truly necessary to get your foot in the door.

As you embark on your change, is there a future for it? Fleeting interest fields often see a rise in people in the market and a drop off of demand. This was evident in crime scene investigation, due to the popularity of police shows. Not only ensure that you can gauge a demand for your career once your education is complete, but that you have a true passion for it. A fleeting interest or a fad will not last long.

The resources Jobing.com has to offer to help you find a great educational program include JobingEducation. Additionally, if you are seeking the benefit of a graduate degree, Grand Canyon University offers adults great online opportunities.

Use education to make a career change – for life.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=19731&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=18435&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea Toastmasters is an organization that has been around for a long time.  There are chapters in all major cities that hold meetings, events and even competitions.  Take a look at www.toastmasters.org to find a chapter near you.  We write a lot about networking and this is a great place for it.  My experience with Toastmasters has been wonderful.  The people are great and you'll learn a lot.  Check it out!]]> Wed, 4 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=18435&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=17432&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea   Do you know how the economic stimulus plan affects H1 visas or COBRA coverage?  Which applicant tracking program do other recruiters really like? 

Previously we relied on our education, books and colleagues when there was a subject for which we needed more information.  Now, we can just type our question/subject into an online search engine and get everything we need.  But…don’t just wait until questions come up.  Find a couple blogs that you enjoy and are relevant to your specific field.  Check them out each morning while you sip your coffee.  I liken it to watching the nightly local news before you go to bed.  Sign up for notification emails and newsletters.  

A few of my favorites include www.recruitingblogs.com, www.cheezhead.com, and www.renegadehr.net.  Search on your own and find a few you like.  Enjoy!]]> Wed, 4 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=17432&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=12189&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea "You're kidding, right?" "I can't believe it!" "Whaaaaaaat!"...And the list goes on. These are typical responses to topics too hot for the workplace water cooler. So where is this so-called water cooler and what could possibly be wrong with getting the latest updates from the "411 operator" of the office; aka the Office Gossip?

The present day water cooler takes on many forms. Most water cooler conversations happen in places where employees feel casual and safe. Designated smoking areas, restrooms, elevators, e-mails, text messages and seemingly deserted corridors are the unassuming planks from which many a career has been tossed to the sharks. The more informal the environment, people tend to erroneously presume an increased sense of security. Countless professionals from preachers to politicians will remorsefully attest to the fact that the microphone is ALWAYS ON. Emails should be written with the knowledge that all electronic communications are just a point and click away from the front page of every media source in the world.  Be aware that as long as you are in the workplace, there are policies, procedures and laws that govern employee communication. Even if you work from home, be conscientious of the nature of your work-related e-mails and telephone conversations.

While being open to communication is essential to being perceived as a team player, many employees blur the boundaries between their personal and workplace appropriate conversations, often resulting in situations that create issues with morale, confidentiality and integrity. It is also important to understand that organizational leaders have a duty to act when issues that may constitute a violation of civil rights or that constitute a potentially hostile work environment are exposed in the workplace. So even though you are just casually "sharing" with your supervisor (who is also your personal friend) regarding another co-worker's reluctant affair with her manager, your supervisor may have a duty to act upon the information you casually shared. The result could be several careers overboard.

So what are the guidelines for positive and productive workplace communications? Here are five simple tips to keep you from going overboard at the water cooler.

• Establish personal ground rules for workplace communication that address issues which may not already be covered in your organizational code of conduct. Issues such as religion, personal finance, race and ethnicity, physical features such as hair, baldness, birthmarks and skin tone; gender based lifestyle and personal romantic relationships. Discussion of these and other sensitive issues may cause co-workers to feel uncomfortable and may be factors in contributing to a hostile work environment. Remember that everyone may not share your level of comfort on highly personal topics and no employer wants to defend against allegations of a hostile work environment.
• Understand that the workplace is never as casual as it might seem. Those who bring gossip to you about other co-workers usually maintain their low standard of confidentiality when your personal information is available for dissemination to the masses. Yes, simply put they gossip about you too! Still, it is important to be social and not to alienate co-workers. A great way to manage the gossip and remain engaged as a trusted team member is to simply change the subject to the job or task that should be the gossip's primary focus at the time. Some people simply respond to the gossip, "That's T.M.I." (too much information). Gossips usually get the message and ship off to more lucrative dumping grounds.
• Beware of over-sharing your personal matters with workplace confidants. In this time of economic uncertainty it can be tempting to divulge personal information that would usually be relegated to the confines of the family table. After all, we sometimes spend more waking hours with our co-workers than we do with our own family members. Information on topics such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, marital or extra-marital problems and sensitive health care issues can pose potential damage to a person's career. Be very careful of placing your career at risk by exposing the details of private matters in the workplace. Hot potatoes are hard to hold onto and in the end you will have to consider how you contributed to the story of your life being placed on Front Street.
• Respected professional reputations are built on trust. You must decide whether the  momentary adrenaline rush of broadcasting the latest tidbit of gossip throughout the workplace is truly worth being branded as the leak that is sinking the Titanic.
• Before you take the plunge at the water cooler, count up the cost and remember the Golden Rule.

1.  You are actively looking for new employment – now.

2.  Your information:  address, phone number, salary rate, and employment history are current and accurate.

3.  You are ready to interview, and perhaps even start your new job on a reasonable timetable. 

Go ahead and brush the dust off your resume every two weeks.  Your information may not be changing that often – but there are always improvements to make.  If you need ideas on how to keep your resume fresh: use feedback and ideas from your friends and peers, use tips from online articles and books, or maybe even just reorganize your existing info.  Whatever you do - keep your resume fresh – and keep it on the top of the stack!  ]]> Wed, 4 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=14501&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=22389&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea
Job Searching Tips - Your Job Search and Your Resume
Many job seekers have discovered that today, it really does take a little more (effort, patience, skill, time - you name it) to get a job.  Let's explore each step of a job search in the short job search questionnaire below and find the opportunities you have to try new job searching techniques.  You could end up finding the right job fit for you.

Job Searching - How are you looking for jobs?

    * a.  When I search for jobs, I use the same job search criteria each time.
    * b.  I don't get email job alerts- the jobs aren't what I would pick anyway.
    * c.  I don't belong to any professional associations because I am not currently working.

If you are using one of the approaches above -what are the opportunities for you to get better results from your job searching?

1.Make a habit of searching for jobs in a variety of ways.  There isn't one way to describe a job (or any limit to the creativity of job titles) so branch out with your job search so you can improve your chances of success.  Try different job categories, companies, and keywords and see what search results you get.  The trick here is to mix  your job searching method up frequently and stay on top of your industry or field-related jargon.  Sometimes to find the right job, you really have to dig.

2. Set up as many job search alert agents as you can.  That way, you get more relevant jobs delivered right to your inbox instead of going to them.  You can also use twitter or  RSS feeds to receive jobs and job search information.  Become efficient in your job search and let relevant content come to you.

3. Join a local or national professional association and get to know your peers.  If you can, find a mentor in your field - someone who has achieved the success you want and can help provide the guidance you need to make the right career moves (including meeting the right people and avoiding common pitfalls in the field).  Staying connected to your field and your peers is especially important when you are unemployed.  If you stay on everyone's radar, you are much more likely to get a job referral.  So stay active and stay top-of-mind while job searching.
 
Resume - How well are you marketing yourself with your resume in your job search?

    * a.  I think if an employer could just meet me, I know they'd hire me.
    * b.  If I am honest about my resume, I'd have to admit - I have a hard time selling my relevant skills and prior job experience in writing.
    * c.  Sometimes I think, “Maybe it isn't me, maybe it's my resume”.
    * d.  I think my resume is fine - but I am not getting any calls.

If any one of these statements rings true to you - it is an indication your resume may need some help.

With the large number of resume templates out there and all kinds of career advice on the web, there is a strong tendency for people to tackle their resume with a do-it-yourself approach. This approach is fine; however, if you are going to  write your resume yourself - be sure to have the same standards with the end result as you would if you hired professional resume writing services.  For example, if you decided to hang your front door instead of getting a carpenter - you would still want to keep the expectation that the door could open and close properly.  The same is true for your resume.  If you don't get the job search results you want with your resume - keep working on it or get more help.  Help can be a a professional resume writing service like we offer at Jobing Career Services, a community service provider, or even reaching out to friends and family for resume feedback.  Whatever resume help you think will benefit you in your job searching efforts, I urge you to go get it.  Don't be satisfied with a marketing tool that isn't working!


My next blog post will uncover opportunities for improvement in Interviewing and Networking...

Karen Austin is a Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and resume writer for Jobing Career Services.  For more information about Jobing Career Services or to get professional help writing a resume - email resumereview@jobing.com or visit our information page at www.jobing.com/careerservices
 ]]> Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:17:53 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=22389&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=22386&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea
Many displaced boomers are being told that career transition is the answer to their unemployment problems. And it can be, if they learn the dynamics of the current job market and how they should approach the career transition solution.  Let us look at a typical example of a displaced Marketing VP other positions of course can apply. 

Our VP has a 20-year career with an office technology company and has launched many successful campaigns bringing products to market. The question; can this VP of Marketing be successful in marketing medical software?  Our VP of Marketing has mastered the science and rules of marketing and has the skills to bring virtually any product or service to market.  The skill set is transferable but what about the experience?  As our VP of marketing will discover while looking for a job, especially on the Internet, they have the skills but not the experience so they hit a major barrier.  This is where frustration results, “I can do the job with my eyes closed but I don’t have the experience.”(Almost sounds like the recent grad)  Most résumés will not get past the computer, or résumé screener, especially with the Internet positions.

# Does our boomer really need the industry experience to be successful as a VP of Marketing in a software company?
# How do you get the necessary experience? 
# How does the transitioning boomer get around that barrier? 

The answer to question one is determined by the market (the hiring companies) especially on published positions.  If you read “medical software marketing experience required” in the posting and you do not have the specific experience do not even apply for the job.  In general, the transitioning baby boomer will have little success finding a job in the published market because they are competing against those with skills and industry experience.

Can our VP of Marketing get necessary industry experience and become competitive in this job market?   Probably not at the VP level, one option might be to take a lower level marketing position in that industry to gain that experience.  Of course that opens a completely new problem set; you are now overqualified and will run into the “you are too qualified for this position” rejections.

Will attending an industry related certification program give you industry experience?  No, experience is just that, experience.  Obtaining industry related certifications will add value to your résumé and show that you are interested in the industry but never be a substitute for industry experience.  This is the biggest problem with the baby boomer and the published market, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, occasionally it might work but it is never a good fit.  As a baby boomer, you must develop a job search strategy that will get you in front of people who appreciate your skill set and accomplishments and that understand that industry experience, for the most part is overrated.

Tactics and strategies exist that can be employed by the transitioning boomer to make this process happen sooner rather than later.  The secret is lower your expectations of the published market if you are conducting a career transition search.  It takes a focused approach to be successful in your search.  The Internet and job boards will not be helpful to these individuals because they are competing with those who have current experience in that arena.  Getting in front of the right people and presenting yourself as the best solution for a problem a key decision maker is having is what networking is all about.  Future blogs will discuss why a baby boomer needs to have a very structured and executable networking strategy to be successful in using a career transition strategy.]]> Mon, 2 Nov 2009 15:28:56 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=22386&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=22375&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea
In order to be the best, you have to know that you’re the best, and that means you have to do your homework. That’s right, education. There are many jobs out there but you may not have the right background. Well get it. You may be busy with a job that you don’t really want, but it pays the bills. Or you may be collecting unemployment for the time being, but that won’t last forever. Take a big tug on those bootstraps and earn the education that you need to better position yourself, professionally.

Going back to school… the idea is quite inspiring, really. But where will you find the time? You have it… you just need to carve it out of your schedule. The good news is that you live in the day-in-age of the Internet and what an awesome tool that is. Because of its widespread access, there are some really great online education options out there that offer you the opportunity to study wherever and whenever you want. The fact of the matter is, online education is booming right now and because of the competition, you have some excellent options.

So here’s the drill: finish your bachelors, get your masters, differentiate yourself with a specialized certificate in an up-and-coming field like Sustainability Leadership, Software Engineering and Networking, or go global with an international business doctorate. Do your homework. Research your options. You may be surprised at the educational opportunities that exist today within our pivotal global economy.

Sell yourself with confidence, knowing you have the right education. Research your educational opportunities at JobingEducation to learn more.

Amanda M Holt, CMP | Senior Director 
4747 N 22nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
toll free 866.396.1202
c. 602.628.5678 |  d. 602-200-6829 | f. 602.297.6829
www.Jobing.com]]> Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:53:21 GMT http://orlando.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=22375&utm_source=jobing&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=blogarea