Functional Resumes

I just read an interesting article on functional resumes and I want to share a comment with you. They don't work. Reporters (like employers) what to know the what, why, where, when, and who. This is exactly the same as recruiters.

All the articles I've read contend that the candidate has "something to hide" by putting together a functional resume. If your work is recent, great, discuss it. If your experience (in your chosen field) is 10 years old, that could mean your methods of accomplishing tasks could be that old as well!!

Please consult with a career counselor (like me for example) to determine the best formatting for your resume.

Contact, Contact, Contact

Be ultra sure to update your phone numbers. If it changes...change it on your resume!! Very important as I tried to contact a candidate today and found the cell phone had been disconnected. If you're seeking employment, that's the last thing you want your (hopefully) next employer to learn.

Agencies

I've gotten several emails from several people who were "advised" to sign up with an agency for a specific job. Therein came several run-arounds. Several of the members came to me and felt they'd been mislead. I will start having agencies go directly to our web site. Several agencies have asked me to find people for them. I have helped several in the past, only to learn that they submitted the candidate and either never heard back from the user company (hence the candidate never found out) or the candidate got the job, the agency got their fee, and ProNet was either never given credit nor a donation from the agency or the recruiter who "recruited" the candidate. Again, from now on agencies will be encouraged to go to our web site.

Use (and abuse) or keeping a person at the company posted!

I just got an email from a ProNet member who is about to apply for a position at a company for whom he used to work. He has a buddy there and wants to know if he should use him, though he knows that the person was "used" only recently and treated poorly.

My response was that he should apply for the position and advise the friend that he's doing so. That does not obligate the friend and at the same time it does keep him advised of his intentions. If the buddy wants to put in a good word, that's his option. If he prefers to keep a low profile and not aid in your candidacy, that, again, is his option.

It is a sign of deep appreciation to advise your friend and not use him or his position. Give him the option of taking whatever stance he/she wishes. Don't use or abuse a friendship to get a new position. Keep them posted though!!

Numbers Misleading???

I read in the paper the other day that unemployment data is getting down there...to 9.9%. Just think how many have taken on seasonal positions, how many have taken a position just to "put bread on the table" (no where near their needed salary), how many have run out of unemployment! No where does it say that there are support groups out there. What sells newspapers? You are in the right place at the right time. Reenergize and be "up" as often as possible. Keep truckin' my friends.

If you're over 40, here's a web site that may be of use

Interns over 40 has some good information: http://internsover40.blogspot.com/2009/09/100-tips-tools-for-job-hunters-over-45.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InternsOver40+%28Interns+Over+40%29

Observations from the CFEC Job Fair 5-18-11

I gave my "disclaimer" often: If you go to 12 different people (friends, relatives, and yes...even experts) you will get 12 different perspectives....hopefully some will have concepts in common.

The biggest contradictions were:

Theory: You must have a 1 page resume
Fact: If you are an experienced professional, you cannot put enough leading statements on one page so you are forced to do 2 pages with an 8 or 10 font....recruiter and hiring manager can't read it. Next!

Theory: Objectives tell the recruiter what you want to do!
Fact: They don't care what you want to do....the question is - Can you do what they want you to do? Can you provide a SUMMARY or PROFILE?

Theory: Profile is everything you bring to the table.
Fact: The difference between a "skill" and an "attribute" are profound. A skill is a factual piece of knowledge or talent. Examples: Passport, MS Word or "Negotiation of major contracts with International firms", Notary Public. Attributes are your personal "soft": Motivator, team builder, Positive, always smile, I am detail oriented, I am a great learner. If you don't want to type as a major part of your job....leave out words per minute (wpm). Do you believe in cliches? Recruiters hate them.

More to come!! Stay tuned...register for this blog!

The biggest problems!!

Went to the CFEC Job Fair the other day. The biggest problems (deselectors) for resumes? Here they are:

1. Everyone said they needed a 1 page resume, so they sacrificed readability for this and the font was a 10 font. I couldn't read it!!
2. Typos - Many put Orlando FL 32888 and omitted the comma after Orlando!

Did it Again!!!

The turnout at the LinkedIn Seminar was outstanding. All walked away feeling they had achieved a certain level of success in attending. I went to the officials and we scheduled the next one for June 14th. If you'd like to attend, or know someone who would benefit, send resumes to hra246@gmail.com ASAP.

LinkedIn Seminar

The LinkedIn Seminar at City College was, as expected, a tremendous success. We had legal assistants, HR, IT and a host of other professionals in attendance. I also set up the date of June 14th as the next session.

One of the main focuses of the seminar was updating the profile. Your picture is essential as is your contact information, including your email address.

Placing the word "(Available") beside your "headline" is also critical.

I want to thank all those who were kind enough to give ProNet Career Resources a donation. This will enable me to provide at least one person with a $30 gas card next Monday evening. If you would like to donate a dollar or two, please send it to me at 246 Hanging Moss Circle, Lake Mary, FL 32746. If you send a check, I will send a receipt for tax purposes. Cash is always welcome as well :)

Hope to see you Monday evening. Our topic will be "ABC's of Government Contracting". Have you ever thought of becoming a contractor to local, state or federal government? This may have an impact on your career!

See you there. Howie

ProNet Career Resources and LinkedIn - No "Hidden Agenda"

Someone the other day asked me why I do free seminars. I do ask for a $1 donation, but it's not required. The answer, my friends, is simple: This is from the HEART! My monthly meetings? Again, from the HEART. I get emails all the time from those expounding on the wealth of knowledge they got at the seminars and monthly meetings. As stressful as life seems to be, we are NOT alone in our plight. We want to succeed.....and we will!

LinkedIn Seminar

Just a quick reminder, I have several seats available for the LinkedIn session on May 17th. I will help you uncover the contacts you need to conduct a strategic search for that new position. Write me at hra246@gmail.com if you'd like to attend....City College from 3-5pm.

April 25th Meeting

We're all set for our upcoming meeting on April 25th. Hope to see you there. Motivational speaker Mike Mataraza will be presenting. Networking, gas card, and more.

LinkedIn Seminar

Join us at our next LinkedIn Seminar on April 15th at Centura Institute, 6359 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32810 or email me at hra246@gmail.com and we'll save you a seat.

Resume Hint - KISS

Not sure what number this is....but, many continue to ask me the crucial question about resumes. Do NOT put a vague objective at the top. Better to put your Ideal Job Title.....which should be the exact job for which you're applying!

Paragraphs are out.....bullets are in!
Reference line is out
Abbreviations are OUT!
3 page resumes are reserved for MBA (or allied)
1 page resumes will do you no justice
Less than 12 font will knock you out (glasses plus a magnifying class!)
Post Office Boxes are OUT (cozyness is too drastic and implies transient)
Full addresses are in (they may want to mapquest you to see if they'll need to pay you more)

Remember, the recruiter FIRST looks for ways to deselect you and THEN pays more attention in an effort to provide management with the BEST resumes.

Need help, come to our meetings or contact me personally.

ProNet Monthly Meeting

Our next meeting is tomorrow evening at the Central Branch Library in Casselberry (215 N. Oxford Road). Join us!! Our guest speaker will be Tim Ricke a reknown motivational speaker...will speak on "remotivating your search for a new position"

LinkedIn Seminar Anyone??

If you're interested in attending a highly focused strategic LinkedIn session, I now have a new location....Centura Institute, Edgewater Drive in Orlando. I can have one in as few as 2 weeks. It will probably be on a Friday. Write me at hra246@gmail.com if you're interested.

Create a WOW Resume and increase your chances!!

If you feel your resume is not "action oriented" and getting you interviews....email it to me at hra246@gmail.com and I'll review it for you. I am an expert resume writer and pride myself in hearing clients say, "I got the job!!!". I'm here to help!

LinkedIn Meeting is Filling Up!!

If you're interested in creating a strategy using LinkedIn, please email me right away at hra246@gmail.com. The class will be 2/10 at City College in Casselberry. RSVPs are required.

Fantastic Meeting

We had a great meeting last night. Were you there? Our meeting consisted of a presentation from Maro Onokpise, Brenda Sanford, and great "elevator speeches". The "Charity Challenge is now on. Write me and I'll give more information to you.

Update, Update, Update

First, we have been granted Tax Exemption by the IRS and effective immediately, all donations may be deducted from your taxes next year.

Second, a reminder that our next LinkedIn class will be January 13th at City College. Please help me get the word out. This is FREE.

And, finally, our next meeting will be January 24th at the library. Maro Okospise, Founder and CEO of JobTrak and Jux-ta-pose.com will be our guest speaker. Looking forward to seeing you if you're still on the market. Please let your friends know.

Happy New Year to one and all.