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.