Turning Rejection into Opportunity

We all know by now that you should send a follow up thank you note after you attend a job interview, and the sooner the better. But how many of you send a thank you note after you get a rejection letter? I know what you're thinking.... "why would I do that?" Why? Because it shows you handle rejection with grace, and you never know if their first choice doesn't work out. That's why you should always follow up, even if the company says, "sorry, we're interested in someone else."

It works! Write a letter and express your disappointment, but let them know you're still interested in working for the company, so if a position opens up in another department, to feel free and send your resume over to the hiring supervisor. It's a great way to keep your name in circulation. Just because you're not their first choice, doesn't mean you can't be their best choice. I've seen it happen.

Good luck in your job search, and remember that gratitude goes a long way.

--Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

Crutch Words and Phrases that can Hurt Your Job Search

Most of my day is spent interviewing clients, writing resumes, and returning calls to critique job search documents and quote fees for our services at 1st Rate Resumes. From time to time I come across very accomplished people, with decent documents who are getting callbacks for interviews, but not getting the job. Usually by the end of our conversation, I know why. They overuse crutch words and filler phrases, like ya know, uh, I mean, uh, well, they just come across as, well, um, how do I say, inarticulate and unintelligent.

I tend to pick up these words and phrases as well. Lately, I say "actually" a lot. "Basically" is also another fill word that doesn't add much to the conversation. Neither does "just" or "very."

Growing up, I used bad grammar and similar terms in high school to fit in, or sound "cool." My step-dad, Colonel Geary constantly brought it to my attention. At the time it annoyed me. Today I'm thankful, for I would have never made it as a radio announcer saying "me and Sarah went to the beach."

Telling clients they need to clean up their diction is not an easy task. Most folks are unaware of their crutch words and phrases unless someone brings it to their attention. Therefore, I highly recommend Toastmasters. This group helped me to slow down, pause, practice, and concentrate on what I want to say. You can find a group in your area at toastmasters.org. Best of all, the semi-annual dues are dirt cheap. However, you do not need to join. You can attend as a guest for as long as you like. And the networking opportunities can also aid in your job search.

So if your resume is generating callbacks, but you're not getting past the phone interview, you may need to examine how you answer questions. It's not only what we say that matters, but how well we say it.

Wishing you success in your career.

--Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Sometimes It's Cheaper to Call a Professional

I love the John Tesh Radio Show. This morning on his show he cited an article in the NY Times about how in our troubled economy more people are trying the "do-it-yourself" route rather than call a professional. One lady tried to install a toilet and after the water leak caused it to crash through the ceiling from her handiwork, she ended up paying far more than if she had just called a professional to begin with.

Many things are not as easy as they appear, and that includes writing a resume. People who have never hired a professional resume writer may balk at our rates, but consider this: How much would it cost in lost wages if after 6 months of job hunting you did not get any bites on your job applications? Seems to me that an investment of a few hundred dollars on a good resume and cover that moves you to the front of the line would make you money if you're back to work in only 3 months. A professional resume can yield more job interviews, competing offers, and in some cases a higher salary. Yes, it's still possible even in this economy depending on your background and occupation. And the best part? Expenses related to the job search are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Here's the link to what John Tesh has to say about hiring a pro and how it can SAVE you money:
Sometimes It's Cheaper to Call a Professional

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Wishing you success in your job search!

==Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes

The Art of Networking

Networking is more than meeting people, exchanging business cards, and working a room. It's about establishing relationships. Unfortunately most folks don't take networking seriously. We know who they are. They are the people you only hear from when they want something. When all is going well, they disappear. That's NOT networking.

Networking is about helping others, rather than "what's in it for me?" It's not about using people, it's about giving something of yourself.

If you're not sure about how to network, start with the book, "One Phone Call Away, Secrets of a Master Networker" by Jeffrey W. Meshel. Jeffrey teaches how to overcome shyness, grow loyalties, and improve your reputation. Jeffrey's best advice, "Dont change who you are, change the way you think." And that's good advice for all areas of your life.

Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Comment of the Day

This weekend I was watching an obit on Bea Arthur on CBS Sunday Morning. Ms. Arthur launched her career on Broadway and spent 30 years on the stage before getting discovered by Norman Lear for a walk-on role on All in the Family. From there, she played Maude, and a leading role on the Golden Girls. Bea still performed on stage after Golden Girls ended.

One of the quotes in the CBS story really struck me. Bea Arthur admitted why she was still working into her twilight years. She said, "People retire from jobs they hate. I still love my job."

I never really thought too much about retirement. My family thinks I'm crazy that I'm not better prepared for it. But then I think it's crazy to work in a job I hate. Thank you Bea Arthur for the many laughs, and your words of wisdom.

Resources for Roanokers

Here in the Roanoke Valley, we are fortunate to have numerous community resources for local job seekers. For my out-of-town readers, I'm hopeful you have a similar list to help you. Many of these resources are interactive where job seekers can ask experts in person or in online chat rooms, attend free resume writing workshops, and determine strengths for career changes through free assessment testing. You can even commiserate with other displaced workers in search of a new gig. Help is available!

Here's what struck me about the people who take advantage of these resources. They find jobs more quickly, because they understand the multi-pronged approach is sure to produce better results. Here's what I recommend for Southwest Virginians.

1. Visit the VEC to apply for benefits and learn how to navigate their website for job openings. They have a fairly decent list of openings at www.vawc.virginia.gov.

2. Polish your resume and interviewing skills through several free workshops offered by the Roanoke Higher Education Center, every other Wednesday from noon to 12:45PM. Click Here to find out more about the Lunch and Learn Series. You DO have to pre-register. The RHEC also offers free assessment testing if you are thinking of changing careers.

3. Watch JobQuest on Blue Ridge PBS which airs once a month. The next episode is Tuesday, May 5th with interviews, an interactive chatroom, and at least 60 job openings. I'll be giving tips on cover letter writing on our next episode.

4. Attend a networking sessions for the unemployed. Back on the Path meets at the Cave Spring United Methodist Church, every Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 9:00PM. While BOTP is not a job service, they have helped many of its members over the past nine years find meaningful employment.

5. Another networking group worth attending is sponsored by the City of Roanoke. Every Monday, Stuart Mease moderates a forum for job seekers beginning at 4PM.

6. Online job boards such as Jobs.Roanoke.com, BlueRidgeHelpWanted.com, JobZCafe.com, and ReturnToRoots.org all offer postings of job vacancies in our area. They also host job fairs from time to time to put you face to face with your next employer.

7. Community Colleges. Employers and Tobacco Money are providing re-training programs that teach new skills for careers that are in demand. Financial Aid is still available and in some cases the tuition is paid for. Check out the various programs in our area.

8. WSLS NewsChannel 10 is offering "Resume Thursdays." Email your resume to resumes wsls.com. You could win a free video resume package. (and probably a bunch of free TV exposure which might help you land your next job.)

If you don't have the time or fortitude to write your own resume, or you just need to quickly "get to the front of the line," consider hiring a professional resume writer. Find a writer, not a typist, who will interview you about your background and career. Don't skimp on a decent resume, as it can help you get back to work more quickly. And in the long run, that's money saved rather than a salary lost.

Susan Geary

What's Your Specialty?

As a professional resume writer I have the inside track on many jobs openings. Over the past 25 years I've had the good fortune to work in some really fun and interesting industries, including broadcasting, tourism, and marketing. Today, there are very few jobs that capture my interest enough to quit what I'm doing now, with the exception of two. And I'm convince these 2 jobs won't be advertised in the paper. I need to find the decision maker and state my case that I can drive revenue to their organization and then follow through with results. So what are these 2 coveted jobs of mine?

1. Radio Talk Show Host specializing in careers. There's already a plethora of real estate shows, gardening experts, lawyers, computer gurus, etc yakking up the airwaves every weekend. It's time someone jumped on board to blatantly tell the masses what mistakes they continue to make while looking for a job, or the nutty things they do to derail their career. I majored in broadcasting in college and have nearly two decades of experience on the air. Plus I've made my own share mistakes which I'm not afraid to admit.

2. Roller Skating Rink Marketing Consultant. Yeah, this is a weird one, I know, but I like to skate and it's sad to see rinks around the country closing their doors due to lack of business. There's a lot of things rink owners can do to bring in more business on a shoestring budget.

You'll note these are not "run of the mill" jobs. One thing I've learned from my career as a professional career coach is that people with a specialized niche are far more employable than those without. In a good economy administrative assistants can easily find work. That is no longer the case. I've seen Recycling Plant Managers and Funeral Directors find jobs faster than Office Managers. That's because there is less competition.

Do you have a niche that few people can fill? Don't fear that "there are no jobs out there." Specialize and Capitalize. Don't wait for a vacancy announcement to fulfill your dream.

--Susan Geary / 1st Rate Resumes

Do You See What I See?

Probably not, unless you work in HR or hire people, but let me clarify where I'm going with today's blog. The job search is a stiff competition. But unlike most competitions, it's one where you rarely get to see what you're up against. Professional athletes understand that in order to succeed, you can't just read a book and go out and perform if you expect to win. You need a coach to study what you're doing right and wrong. The coach also knows what the competition is doing, and then develops a strategy on how to win.

How can you do that, when you have no idea what you're up against? Or what you're doing wrong? Or even what the rules are. In the job search, the rules are constantly changing (online job boards ring a bell?) If you're doing it yourself, without a coach, it will take you a lot longer if your goal is to get a job. Take a lesson from Olympic Ice Skater Michelle Kwan who fired her coach one year and tried to do it herself. The results were not stellar.

I've been to numerous job fairs across the country, and have critiqued thousands of resumes and cover letters. So I see what the competition has to offer. Rarely do I find career documents without issues. During the critiques I'll point out about 3 problems with the resume. These 3 things will make a slight improvement, but probably not enough to make you stand out against my own clients. That's what they're paying me for. To win the job.

Throughout my 8+ years as a professional resume writer I hear the same comments from ignorant people on a regular basis. Comments such as "oh, my resume looks fine. I just need to add a few things to it." Or, one of my favorites, as told to my husband, "why would anyone pay to do something they can do themselves?" I'll admit, these comments used to irk me, as if I was out to take their money for something as "simple" as "typing" a resume and cover letter. But now that the economy has truly taken a turn for the worst, I no longer feel that way.

That's because it's a lot easier to compete against the under-performers than those who do their homework, practice, and undergo professional coaching. And with fewer jobs available, and a greater number of applicants who can't present themselves well, it's a cinch to help my clients stand out and win interviews. Resume Writing is a combined art and science that is highly under-rated.

So for all the folks with self-written resumes and cover letters -- thank you. You really do make my job a lot easier.

-- Susan Geary, 1st Rate Resumes