Job Search Advice, Resume Writing Tips from a Career Consultant

I want to make some changes in 2006. It's hard to change! We are creatures of habit because of the comfort we derive from repeating the same behavior and rituals. I eat the same thing for breakfast every day and tend to sit in the same section, row and even seat in the movie theater if available. A friend once made me sit on the other side of the theatre, and I could barely concentrate on the movie. Everything seemed out of sync. I tend to stay in the same hotels on vacation and choose to park in the same section at the mall.

By now you are probably taking an inventory and realizing in what areas you, too, tend to be a creature of habit. What's the harm you may ask, and in the examples above there may well be none. But if we tend to find comfort in habitual behavior with life's trivialities, do we do the same thing when it comes to important decisions? You bet! I see it everyday and the results are often disastrous causing missed opportunities. Keep in mind that missed opportunities (my pet peeve) account for the greatest number tragedies that limit job search success and perhaps in life as a whole.

Here's an example:

Are you a person who makes snap judgments? Did you neighbor's aunt discourage you from applying for a job at Emko Steel because she had a niece whose babysitter didn't like her boss and therefore decided that Emko treated its employees badly? Do you often make decisions based on the opinions of others? Tough habit to change but I'd begin with this one because of its potential to sabotage your bright future.

Any position for which you qualify you should pursue as long as it's legal and moral. Heard questionable things about the company? Don't pre-judge anything. Go on the interview and see for yourself! Be willing to talk to anyone; just become highly selective when accepting a job offer.

My father used to say, "Have dinner with anyone but be careful whose breakfast you cook!" Happy Holiday and stay tuned! Within days I'll have psychic predictions for all of you!

This week someone really talented got fired. After 27 years as a Field Service Technician for a large well-known corporation, a gentleman in his 50's received a pink slip and I received a "911" phone call. Make no mistake, a Job Search Coach is much like an EMT; my availability as a comforting first responder could very well make the difference between whether a termination is put into perspective or whether the wounded, newly unemployed worker is left bleeding in his own self-doubt, ultimately spiraling into real potential for depression.

As I began to create a search plan for my new client I came to some startling realizations. My client hadn't looked for a job since 1978! It never entered his mind! He insisted that I type a one page resume that he intended to hand-deliver to employers while also seeking out classified ads from his local newspaper. He knew he was qualified and his anger, which had strangely morphed to a self-defensive form of arrogance, had him believing that he would be re-employed within a couple of weeks. His ignorance is not uncommon.

I have seen clients with one employer since 1968, 1978, 1988 and 1998. No matter when they last job hunted they are filled with misinformation and unless enlightened, prefer to believe that nothing has changed. So, much like my new client, they wage job searches much like they did last time they searched. They create recipes for job search failure; try to imagine this implication following an already traumatic termination.

You wouldn't wear your 1978 or even your 1998 interview suit in 2006. So don't wait until you need to look for a job to learn what's happening today. We in the industry believe that you should always be looking for a job, if only a little.

My webinar attendees in December brought a litany of old-fashioned myths and folk tales. After only an hour we were well on the path toward teaching contemporary search techniques. For certain they all know there is much about which to stay abreast and will continue to do so in the future. We at CareerBoard will do everything we can to keep you informed. Stick around and check in often. I'll be here!

Think way back into your past when you were in high school or maybe college... I don't mean the continuing education kind of college that we attend today.

Remember when you were a teenager and your best friend stole your first love? After my endless ravings about how I had to buy a gorgeous designer coat at the mall, my roommate Peggy got in her car, drove to the mall and bought it... for herself!

Kid stuff, right? Think again the next time a recruiter asks upon meeting you with whom you've been interviewing. If you're already in the door with any companies, your recruiter, like a new best friend, may try to retrieve information about existing job openings only to muddy your waters with his other job seekers. He can't help you get the job because he didn't initiate the introduction but he sure can hurt your odds. Would he do that? I believe Peggy eventually became a recruiter.

Every month I hold a class on power interviewing and folks travel here from all over the US. One of our most valuable activities involves relating how each job search is going, however my flock in warned not to mention company names when discussing interviews. Loose lips sink careers!

Last week I went back to Weight Watchers. After overdosing on Halloween candy in October and seamlessly partying though turkey in November I felt I'd better get back in, even with Christmas around the corner. I was tempted to do the "after the first of the year" procrastinating but I was scared to imagine what I would see in my mirror on January 1. Besides, no one starts a fitness program in December so I felt I would be unique!

Well, what to my wondering eyes should appear but a packed room full of Weight Watchers who were all getting a head start! If you know anything about human nature then you know how most of us of will use any excuse to procrastinate. So I was impressed that they had the strength and foresight NOT to wait till January 1.

What about you? Are you buying into the fact that no one gets hired in December? Is your job search on hold? Big mistake! Get your resume prepared now and begin doing your search immediately! December is the time to prepare... not January. January is the time to interview! We negotiated three job offers this week and have more people interviewing toward offers in December than I've seen since 2000. Don't get left behind!

Probably the most popular job search path today is directed toward healthcare. After decades of chasing cool new careers in science such as aerospace which was born in the 1960s and 1970s and information technology in the 1980s and 1990s, it's interesting how we're now wanting to help sick people. They've always been around!

Even more interesting is the fact that job seekers from all walks of life want to work in the healthcare and medical areas. I witness everyone from cell phone salesmen and disco bartenders to fashion models wanting to enter the profession.

Before I go too far, let me assure you that these folks are not entering medical school and do not seek to perform your heart transplant. They are all seeking to sell pharmaceuticals. What's up with that? Well I believe I know!

Candidates are under the impression that there is security in pharmaceutical sales because of an aging population. You only have to research as far as the recent Merck layoffs to learn the mistake of generalities. Applicants believe that there is lots of money to be made selling pharmaceuticals and that the hours are regular. While we all want the best of work conditions, is this alone any reason to take a job? I think not.

Employers can normally see right into the souls of the uncommitted or non-directed so have good reasons for wanting your career path! At minimum, know what they do and why you want in!

Last week I was retained by a very sharp client who, when asked to name Synthon's product line during the first interview, couldn't. Next?