Job Search News From the Trenches

Last week, while sitting on the set of JobQuest at Blue Ridge PBS, I was placed right next to a headhunter as we both manned the phones, helping callers with their job search questions. The show's anchor Julie Newman informed me she wanted to interview me on live television about the state of the job search. "What's it like out there? And what are you hearing from your clients?" I was like a deer in the headlights trying to think of what I would tell her in a concise elevator speech of less than 30 seconds (Broadcasters hate it when you take too long to answer a question.)

Thankfully, the headhunter sitting next to me came to the rescue! He had told me only a few minutes prior that he published a vacancy announcement for an administrative assistant in the Sunday Roanoke Times and within 24 hours had 100 resumes. 100! I asked him how many of those resumes were good enough to pass along to his client. He told me ONE. That's right -- 1%.

The fact is it's taken longer to find a job in today's market than it did a few years ago. There are fewer positions available and more people applying for them. The U.S. government reports that for every opening, there is something like 6 unemployed people out there to fill them.

If candidates want to find work, it is available, but it's up to them to compete effectively. That resume from 5 years ago just won't cut it, just like the IRS won't accept deductions and tax credits from rules that applied to an earlier year that may no longer be applicable. The point is, if you're trying to save money during this tough economy the last place is with a do-it-yourself resume. In the long run, how much will it really cost if it takes you LONGER to find a job?

--Susan Geary, CPRW / 1st Rate Resumes

Why did you Leave Your Last Job?

I hate that question. I think it's about as personal as asking someone "why did you get a divorce?" Is it really anyone's business? Yet if you quit for your own reasons, especially in a crappy economy, it seems that as soon as the word gets out--strangers, acquaintances, and family members want to know the dirty details. The official word from the company seems to always be "it's a personnel issue, and we can't discuss it." But if you were to use that response it sounds like you did something wrong, like you were caught sleeping under your desk or something else sinister that you don't want anyone to know about.

Maybe the passion is gone, and the two of you are no longer in love. Maybe promises on either party were not kept. Maybe there are trust issues with the relationship (business or marital.) The point is, as a society, I think we need to start a new style of etiquette that dictates the topic of why someone lost their job is off limits.... like politics, sex, and why you are getting a divorce.

Remember that the next time you learn that someone has severed their employment. Whether it was their choice or not. Ask instead what you can do to help them along their career path.

--Susan Geary, CPRW / 1st Rate Resumes

Stuff to add to my Resume

Eighteen months ago I approached my employer about putting a radio show on the air that would help job seekers put their best foot forward during a brutal recession. After sitting on my proposal for 4 months, I was shut down and told "now is not the right time" in December 2008. Two days later, our PBS station in town announced the launch of JobQuest. I immediately contacted them to provide insight on the job search and resume advice. One year later, JobQuest has been recognized wtih 2 national awards, and I'm told more will be announced soon. They also got a nice grant from the CPB as well.

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"JobQuest" wins two national awards for Blue Ridge PBS, partners

"JobQuest," the popular Blue Ridge PBS advice and information program for job seekers, has won two prestigious outreach awards from the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). The awards, which were presented Jan. 14 during NETA's annual conference in Henderson, Nev., recognize "JobQuest" for community impact and effectively coordinating community resources.

"These awards would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of many community partners," said James Baum, Blue Ridge PBS President and CEO. "This is truly a statement about what can be accomplished through a collective commitment to public service."

When the economy took a downturn in late 2008, Blue Ridge PBS joined forces with regional media colleagues and other community organizations to create the monthly broadcast- a one-hour live program.

"The bond we all shared was the desire to help the community in some way as the unemployment rates soared in our region," said Molly Bell, marketing manager for The Roanoke Times." 'JobQuest' evolved into an impressive and creative production, with interactive, multimedia resources for job seekers in a large and often under-served portion of Virginia."

Each "JobQuest" episode features 60 job listings from across the region, along with expert insights to shorten the job hunt. After a year of broadcasts and expanding online job hunting resources, "JobQuest" can measure its success in many ways, including some individual success stories.

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So a huge thank you to the folks at Blue Ridge PBS who took the risk to launch an innovative program. I appreciate all you do! Congratulations on your success!

When Twitter & Linked In Collide

Social networking seems to be taking over our lives and now to make things easier, you can coordinate your Twitter Feed to be delivered over your LinkedIn network, but is that really a good idea? Twitter is considered to be an informal means of communication, while LinkedIn is for staying in touch with those who can help you find work. Imagine my surprise yesterday when I opened up an email with the following LinkedIn update from one of my connections:

"(I) have a date with a smokin' hot piece of man meat tonight"

At first I thought, this woman is off her rocker to send this out to her LinkedIn connections. And then I noticed that it originated on Twitter. Chances are she was unaware who was really seeing it. Besides, there are some guys out there who would be highly put off. If this tweet came from a guy remarking about a woman, there would be hell to pay because it's considered sexist. But that's another story for another day.

I don't recommend connecting Twitter with LinkedIn for any reason if you plan if you want to keep your personal life separate. And by the way, Twitter is VERY PERMANENT and anyone can see it. Including future employers. Be careful what you shout to the world about your activities.

Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Be Careful What You Wish For

(also known as How to Pray for a Job)

Going on job interviews for the perfect opportunity can be exciting. Especially when it's a job you REALLY want, or at least you think you do. I've been through enough job interviews to realize that not all is what it appears and learned from the experience how to pray for the right job. There have been several times when I thought it was PERFECT until I worked there a few months. It's also happened to clients. They take a job only to find out the company is bankrupt, or it was misrepresented, or the boss is bi-polar... you name it. Worse, is how to deal with it. Do you stick around for 3 years so you don't have a nasty blemish on your resume? Or if the company goes belly up, then that's decided for you.

So what's a job seeker to do? Pray! But pray the right way. Instead of "Praying for the job" ask your higher power to give you the job only if it's in YOUR best interest. And if it's not, then "let it go." That way it's a win-win situation. Not every job is meant to be, accept that. Forcing the issue can cost you. I've seen broken relationships, health, etc because of crummy jobs. They are just not worth it.

Be patient, and pray. The right job will come along, just make sure you're specific with what it is you want.

--Susan Geary, CPRW / 1st Rate Resumes

Don't Cry at Work

Today on "The View" the round table discussion turned to crying on the job and how it can get you fired. Whoopi and Joy mentioned that Barbara Walters had confirmed that people (okay, women) have been canned for such behavior. No one wants to see tears at the office.

Employers will find any excuse to put a reprimand in your file if they are looking to get rid of you. I've seen it happen to a co-worker. What's worse is that this woman's boss even lied that it was a reason for dismissal. But it was right there in her file. It was the old "lie and deny" routine. And of course we were told it was a "personnel issue" and could not be discussed.

We all go through sad times. If you can't compose yourself, take a day off to decompress and call it a sick day or whatever. Just don't show up all blubbery and tell the entire office you had a fight with your boyfriend. While it may get you temporary sympathy, you'll also get noticed as someone who is highly emotional.

The Generic Resume - Don't waste your time

Every once in awhile I come across a client who isn't sure what they want to do next and want to pay me to write a "generic" resume so they can apply for just about anything. I tell them "don't waste your money or my time" because they just don't work, unless of course you want an entry-level job.

Resumes need to be specific. If you present a generic resume to a recruiter with the perception they will find a job based on your background, think again. They want candidates who already know what occupation they are going after, and recruiters certainly don't want the responsibility to choose one for you.

If you don't know for sure what you want to do next, it's time to evaluate your transferable skills and your passion and start there. I recommend the book "What Color is Your Parachute?" to launch the process. It's an easy read, and you don't have to read every chapter. Just the ones that pertain to you. Make sure you find a current copy, since Dick Bolles updates it every year.

--Susan Geary, CPRW / 1st Rate Resumes