Career & Coffee

2009-04-07T22:56:00.002-04:00

MOVED

I wanted to remind everyone that I've moved!

My newer and fancier blog is at: http://careerandcoffee.wordpress.com

GO THERE to read more posts!

Thanks.

:)

2009-04-01T23:19:00.003-04:00

As I was sipping my piping hot, freshly ground Starbucks House Blend, I thought, “ahhhh”. I’m not sure what it is about coffee, but I love it. Caffeinated or not, I love coffee (hence the blog name). The smell, the taste, the culture. I need it, have to have it, would hate to live without it.

I am from a family of huge coffee drinkers. My parents always had a pot of it going. I loved the smell, but hated the taste of it (they drank it black). When I was 19, my boyfriend at the time drank it and, wanting to impress him of course, I started as well. My love affair with coffee continued long after college and long after the boyfriend. What a wonderful courtship it has been. I’ve always been happy to drive out of the way to hit a new coffee shop or try out a ‘flavor of the week’. When a Starbucks moved into my sleepy little farming town, WHOA!. You would have thought they put a mega mall in town the way everyone was talking about it.

Besides the wonderful smell and strongly bitter taste, it DOES have some good health benefits. Did you know that some health experts say that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease? WebMD also goes on to say that it “lowers your risk of diabetes, cavities and colon cancer. It can uplift you and treat headaches. There’s also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable. Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful,” says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies.

So there’s that.

The reason why I named this blog, “Career and Coffee” is because it seems my career has revolved around coffee. I can always rely on my faithful cup of joe to get me though the next resume, next article, next blog post, and so on. Every job interview I’ve been on, there was a stop to pick up a coffee beforehand. Every workshop I’ve done was with coffee in hand (or somewhere in the room).

Career and Coffee seem to go hand in hand in my life. So, here’s to you coffee!

2009-04-01T23:18:00.000-04:00

Career & Birth Order

I came across a few articles lately about how our birth order affects our careers and found the answers most interesting. Especially for the youngest born children. Apparently, according to birth order expert, Frederick Leong, we are fun-loving, artistic, and well, not quite as driven as our elder siblings.

In Science Daily, it states, “A child’s place in the family birth order may play a role in the type of occupations that will interest him or her as an adult. First born and only children may be more interested in cognitive pursuits than younger siblings. Whereas later born children are more interested in artistic or outdoor-related careers.”

Rachel Zupek at CareerBuilder.com said there are a few characteristics similar in each role.

Firstborns are more ambitious, rule-followers and confident, while secondborns (or middle) are the easy-going, diplomatic peacemakers. Firstborns are determined to succeed and tend to follow through with higher education. Middleborns tend to lean toward ‘negotiation’ or ‘helping’ professions like nursing, law enforcement and machine operation.

Youngest are charming and creative and are often found in administrative, journalism, sales or athletics.

As the youngest of three daughters, I wasn’t given much responsibility until I was probably nearing my teens, and by then both sisters were in college. As I got older however, I longed to be the ‘dependable’ one. I strove to work hard and prove my worth by working full time through high school and college. I’ve been working hard ever since, juggling marriage, kids, family, a farm, and my career.

So, does our birth order really have anything to do with our success in life? Are we doomed, as middle children, to make a low income every year (as stated)? Or perpetually goofy and non-serious as the youngest? Will firstborn forever fear ‘losing rank’?

I think our success has everything to do with our own thoughts and how we feel about ourselves. I don’t know if my being the youngest made me strive to be successful, or if that was always just my own inner desire. One thing I know for sure is that if we put any sort of ‘label’ on ourselves, it will hold us back from what we really want to do.

2009-04-01T23:12:00.002-04:00

How to Fight the Unemployment Blues

It starts quietly.

You hear rumblings about it from colleagues; it's all anyone can talk about. Company morale is low and people are getting panicky. Suddenly, they let go of 25 people in your department with more layoffs expected. 2 months later, you get your pink slip. You don't have any prospects in sight, everyone you know is laid off, and your resume has been severely neglected.

What do you do now?

For starters, you need to release some emotion and frustration, so plan on going out with your friends and/or family the weekend after you are let go and HAVE FUN. Forget about the job for a day or two and just try to relax. You can't expect a response from anyone if you apply for a job on a weekend, so there is no sense in worrying.

Next, start contacting old friends, colleagues and relatives to let them know you are on the market. Start social networking-- join LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Plaxo and/or all the other social networking sites available, set up your profile and let people know you are job searching.

Go to business lunches, job fairs, trade shows and join any associations in your field. Keep your entire job search organized by using jibberjobber.com (one of my favorite sites for job search management--oh how I wish I had jibberjobber back when I was job searching... I was using folders, little pieces of paper that I would lose, notepads, ugggh). JibberJobber takes care of that for you. Get your resume, cover letter and references in order so you aren't in a panic if you see a job you really, really want.

Doing these things will make you feel productive and will keep the blues at bay. The busier you are, the better you will feel. I notice that clients of mine who are sitting around waiting for the right job have the hardest time. But it's not only keeping busy with job search, but with other things as well. When was the last time you read a book? Painted? Played golf? Planted a garden? "Interim Time" as I call it (time in between jobs), is a great time to start a hobby you've always wanted to do. I read a great article by Brazen Careerist's, Penelope Trunk who put it perfectly, "5 Things to do when you are unemployed. Hint: it's not job hunting". I loved this because it makes sense. Penelope talks about starting a blog, or launching a company, or doing something you've always wanted to do.

Before I got the job at the career center, I had 6 months of job search. Yuck. But I took it as an opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do: cross stitch. There is something about a beautiful work of cross stitch that always moved me. It looked so tedious, but at the same time, challenging. So, I went to the cross stitch store, bought a pattern, thread and canvas, and began my work of art. Talk about time consuming! It became my treat to myself, my reward, after sending out my resume, going on interviews, or making connections that day. It was tedious, hard on the eyes and tiresome, but I loved every minute of it. It also distracted me, which kept me from obsessing on the fact that I didn't have a job.

Make small goals, keep yourself busy and then being unemployed won't be so depressing. Besides, you'll be working before you know it and then you'll wish you were out doing some of the things you could be doing now!

Erin Kennedy

www.proreswriters.com

2009-03-30T09:22:00.002-04:00

I've MOVED!

Hello folks!

If you have been looking for me, you can find me at my new home: http://careerandcoffee.wordpress.com

I had been thinking about leaving Blogger for a while, and finally made move this weekend!

Why did I switch to Wordpress.com? They offer more features and I love the layouts. Clean, simple and easy to use.

So, thank you, faithful readers, and please mark my new blog as your new place for all things career, resume writing and job search.

See you there!

2009-03-26T23:52:00.006-04:00

Daily Disciplines for Effortless Success

Today's post is from my all-time favorite motivational speaker, Jack Canfield!!

Most of you know I am a huge fan of the Law of Attraction. I have used it in my life for about 2 years (on and off) and have seen my income triple. Seriously.

I was initially drawn to him by the movie/book, "The Secret" and liked what he had to say. I started following his basic LOA (Law of Attraction) principles and was shocked at how quickly improvements were happening everywhere in my life. It's all about our thoughts. I'm telling you people... it works.

Read for yourselves and tell me what you think.

And now I give you: Jack Canfield

Daily Disciplines for Effortless Success
by Jack Canfield

Hand’s down, one of the most popular questions I’m asked by students is this… “Jack, what are your most important daily actions that you correlate with your success.”

In fact, Oprah Winfrey asked me a similar question just days before appearing on her show. She asked me to come up with some easy-to-apply steps for her viewers to start applying The Law of Attraction in their lives.

One of the basic first steps is to determine, write down and talk about what you do want, not what you don’t want. Be as specific as possible. Once you have clarified what you want, do the following each and every day.

1. Morning Intention, Visualization and Releasing

As soon as you wake up in the morning, take about 5 minutes to focus your mind on your desires, goals and intentions. Start by sitting in a comfortable position, closing your eyes and visualizing your desires and goals as already being fulfilled. Spend 30 seconds to a minute on each of your core desires and goals. You can also take a few moments to visualize your day going exactly as you would like it to.

When you do this, you will often find negative limiting beliefs that are the result of negative programming from your childhood will come up. You may hear thoughts like “I could never afford that,”“there’s no way I’ll ever get that,” or “who am I kidding?” coming up. If you do, use one of the many releasing techniques that are available (see the list below) to release the negative thought. Don’t fight or argue with the thought; just release it.

Remember to also spend several moments feeling the feelings you would feel if you had already manifested your desire in your life. The intensity of the feeling is what fuels the intensity of the attraction.

If you're interested in learning a powerful releasing technique, check out the new documentary movie about the emotional freedom technique (EFT) I use, Try it On Everything; I highly recommend it.

2. Use External Images to Keep you Focused on Your Desires and Goals

Keep yourself focused on what you want to manifest by surrounding yourself with visual images of the things and experiences you want to create in your life. There are many tools you can use for this, including creating a Vision Book from our Dream Big Collection

Cut out pictures of the things you wish to own (like your ideal car or home) and pictures that represent the experiences you want to have (like the perfect relationship, your ideal job, perfect health, being at your ideal weight, more joy, inner peace or balance in your life) to remind yourself of how you want it to be. Put them somewhere where you will see them every day—on the mirror, the refrigerator, or in your Vision Book.

For even greater impact, combine your pictures with words that reflect your desired outcome, such as abundance, romance, fun, vitality, etc. I think you get the picture.
When you look at any of these pictures, do what Bob Doyle, who is featured in The Secret teaches— think the thought, “THIS IS MINE NOW! THIS IS WHO I AM!”

3. Think a Better Feeling Thought

Start paying attention to the many times during the day that you have emotional responses (to other people, experiences, or your own thoughts) that are not in alignment with having or producing your desires. Pay special attention to when you feel disappointment, resentment, frustration or anger about your experiences and circumstances.

Remember, it’s your feelings (which are created by your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs) that are creating your current circumstances. You must make a shift by changing your thoughts to ones that make you feel better (i.e., raise your vibration). Remember that you must become a vibrational match for the things and experiences that you want to attract into your life.

It is especially important to focus your thoughts and behaviors on things that cause you to feel joy. Focus your thoughts on thoughts that bring you joy (your lover, your best friend, your grandchildren, your favorite vacation spot) and your actions on doing the things you love to do (pet your cat, work in your garden, listen to your favorite music).

4. Have an Attitude of Gratitude

It is critical to take time each and every day to focus on what you are grateful for! Some people do this in the morning before or after they visualize their desires; others prefer to do it in the evening. Focus on all of the things in your life (most of which you take for granted) that you are grateful for—your health, your children, your job, the nice weather, electricity, running water, a nice stereo system, your flower garden, your pets, your friends).

No matter what your situation, there are always things to be grateful for. The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the more things and experiences you will attract to be grateful for. You may wish to carry a “gratitude rock” like the one Lee Brower talks about in “The Secret”, or log your findings in a Gratitude Journal.

5. Take Action

There are two kinds of actions you can take. Obvious actions are things like, if you want a better car, going to test drive all of the models you are interested in and choosing the exact car you want to have, and saving 10% of your income in a “car account.” If you want to be a doctor, apply to medical school.

There is also what I call “inspired actions.” Once you begin to do the things described above, the universe will start responding by sending people, resources and opportunities you need to manifest your desired result. You are going to find that you have inspired ideas; you must act on them. You must follow those gentle proddings from the universe. Often these intuitive impulses will have no seeming connection to achieving your goal, but if you follow them, they will lead you down a path of wonderful fulfillment.

Here’s a quick way to know if the actions you’re taking are taking you closer to the fulfillment of your dreams and desires.

If you are feeling joy while you are doing them, then you are on the right path. Remember, joy is your internal guidance system, just like the GPS system in a car, telling you are taking the right actions. Follow your joy.

6. Acknowledge That it's Working

If you start to see something change for the better, acknowledge that it is happening. Appreciate it. When you find the perfect parking space, acknowledge it. When you get the table you want in the restaurant, acknowledge it. When you receive unexpected income, acknowledge it. When you meet someone who can help you achieve your goal, acknowledge that Law of Attraction is working. The more you acknowledge that it’s working, the more it will work. It’s that simple.

If you are attracting things into your life that you don’t want, remember that the Law of Attraction is still working. Instead of thinking or saying, “It’s not working,” ask your self, “What am I focusing on, thinking about, talking about, feeling or doing that is bringing this into my life?”

If you want to know what you are thinking about, notice the results you are producing in your life. To change those results, you will first have to change your vibration by changing your thoughts and feelings.

When you make a commitment to take these actions each day, you’ll start to move forward, with confidence, in the direction of your dreams. Believe that they are not only possible, but that they are already in progress.

I'll be back in two weeks with another edition of Success Strategies. Until then, see if you can discover ways to immediately implement what you discovered from today's message into your life.

***

Jack Canfield,

America

's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

2009-03-22T16:38:00.005-04:00

The Use of COLOR on Resumes... dare we?

Folks, a new day has dawned.

I never thought I'd say it or believe it, but color is here. Hopefully to stay.

Way back when I started my resume writing career (10 years ago), color wasn't used. I was trained by an executive resume writing firm almost 6 years ago, and at that time color wasn't even something we would say out loud! It was only on resumes that most certainly WOULD NOT land the job.

But times have changed, finally, and color can come out of hiding and proudly show itself.

Now, when I talk about this, you don't want to have every header and subheaders different colors. What I mean is, color in small doses is good. Perhaps a deep red or navy blue for bullets or subheading titles.

An example can be like this:

JOHN SMITH.............Business Development Executive

or in a branding statement like this:

John Smith
Provide Leadership through Innovative Marketing Styles and Strategic Business Sense
(see just a hint of Navy Blue?)

I will also use it to emphasize a value-added bulleted list. I never overdo it and use it sparingly. Too much of a good thing can be just that-- too much.

So, good people of the job seeking world, REJOICE, and add a touch of color to your resume.

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW
www.proreswriters.com

2009-03-18T09:10:00.008-04:00

What to Do if you Don't Know what you Want to Do

I was talking to my sister recently about her son who is a freshman in college. Now he not so sure he wants to keep his major in Mechanical Engineering, even though it has been his dream for years to design and work on cars. I think college kids have it tough because it is a hard decision to make at 17, "What do you want to do for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?" I didn't even realize what I wanted to do until I was about 26, so I feel for the younger kids who are pressured early on to 'pick a major'.

So, it got me to thinking about our choices when we are adults. What happens if we change our mind? What if I don't want to write resumes anymore, but I'm not really sure what I want to do? What would my next step be? Here are a few simple ideas to help you get started:

1) Well, for starters, if you really have no idea WHAT you want to do, I would suggest enlisting the help of a Certified Career Coach. A career coach is trained in helping people figure these things out! The will gather your likes/dislikes from you, coach you on possible positions, and work you through the pros and cons.

2) Take an assessment. The internet is loaded with lots of free sites where you can take behavioral, career, and personality assessments. I just recently took one and was surprised by what it said. It was so true, but the info it contained hadn't really occurred to me. An assessment will highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and also may offer insight into which jobs might be a match for you. They are quick and easy to take. Fun, too!

3) Do what you love! There is a saying that goes, "Do what you love and the universe will support you", or in other words, do what you love and success will follow. I did not love sales and I was not good at it, therefore success didn't follow me (not one bit). However, I always loved writing, always loved helping adults with career transition/job search, and discovered I had a knack for resume writing. Presto! I love it and I make a nice living by doing it. What is your hobby? Can you make money from it? Give it a whirl. You never know.

4) Research Occupations. Do your homework and look up jobs that have always sounded interesting to you. I always felt that another calling of mine would be event planning. I know my organized, anal retentive, attention-to-detail side would be perfect for it, and who knows? It could be a back up job. I did my research on the different characteristics and strengths needed for the job and found a match. Look up occupations that interest you online, read the details and see if you match up.

Figuring out what you want to do is no easy task for most of us, so go within yourself and find out what you would truly enjoy. Look it up online and see if there is a calling for it anywhere. This is the fun part. The world is full of possibilities, so go grab yourself some!

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW

http://www.proreswriters.com

2009-03-13T14:55:00.009-04:00

How to Network if You are on the Shy side

I am the first to admit that networking with a bunch of strangers is not easy when you are shy. Early in my career, I was in sales (seriously) and would literally have to force myself to cold call. It was daily torture. I finally admitted to myself that maybe I was in the wrong field, and no, it was not hereditary (many family members were in sales). I was never that suave, chatty, BS'er-type that seemed to dominate my lineage.

Networking when you are shy is worse than a root canal.

I understand this first hand. So, when you would rather scrub your toilet then walk into a company that has never heard of you, here are a few different things you can do to help you cope with and overcome this predicament.

1) Join LinkedIn. The fabulous benefit of LinkedIn is that you can literally cold call without ever having to be face-to-face with a living being. Simply look up a company in the directory and send your resume to whoever is in charge. How easy was that?? Now, what I would really advise would be to find someone in your network, or one of your connection's network, and ask them for the name of someone first. Then send that person an email and begin a dialogue. I can go on and on about LinkedIn. Most of you know I am obsessed with it. If you would like to know more, send me an email go here.

2) Join a Local Business Organization. The beauty of a joining a local organization (either business or volunteer) is two-fold. Or maybe tri-fold. Is that a word? Yes, but for a closet door. Anyway, I will make it work in this situation.

A- You can go and sit at a table and have a nice breakfast/lunch/dinner where minimal attention will be paid to you (unless you stand up and introduce yourself, and c'mon you can do that) and still get to know the organization, feel productive, and get excited because you got out of your comfort zone.
B- Once you are in that comfy place, you will start talking with people and slowly begin making new contacts/acquaintances/friends that you wouldn't have made sitting at home in front of your computer posting your resume on the useless Monster.com.
C- Now that you are talking with people, you can tell them what you do for a living, find out what they do and see if you connect anywhere.

On a personal note: I joined my local Optimists organization when I got out of college and worked for the career center as a Career Counselor. Within a year of initiation, they recruited me to be President of our Chapter, which encompassed two cities. Talk about being nervous... (but that was with public speaking, and I had to get over it quick... that is a whole different story).
Let me tell you though, the contacts I made during that time were with professionals I still talk with to this day.

3) Tell everyone you know that you are job searching. Even if you are embarrassed about it or don't want anyone to know that either you lost your job or your job is in jeopardy, or whatever the case may be, tell them. People like to help and you really never know who may know someone that you need to know. The stories my clients tell me about who helped them get their jobs are always priceless. Your dry cleaner? Your mail person? Your colleague? Yes, I've heard of all these great stories and more.

Networking is the #1 way to get a job, so even if it hurts a little, get out there and tell them who you are.

Erin
http://www.proreswriters.com

2009-03-09T09:33:00.004-04:00

40 Diverse Companies

These companies are listed as the nations most diverse, being on the forefront of employing women and minorities, celebrating diversity, and creating positive work environments.

It's about time, I say!

To view the full list, go here.

2009-03-07T08:16:00.002-05:00

FED EX offers FREE RESUME PRINTING

Need your resume printed out?

On Tuesday, March 10
Federal Express is offering FREE Resume Printing at any one of their 1,600 offices nationwide.

Take advantage of this generous offer and save yourself some $$

2009-03-02T13:54:00.003-05:00

The Importance of Learning

"The more you learn, the more you earn" -- Brian Tracy

I heard that quote recently and thought, 'wow, how true'. I mean, we all know that, right? If you don't have your high school diploma, you'll earn more if you get it. Then you earn more when you get your Bachelors, then your Masters, and so on.

I was thinking of my hoards of clients who continually improve themselves by taking a training course or getting an advanced degree. Any type of Professional Development is only going to improve your earning curve, whether it be in your current job or the next one. And really, in some jobs training is as important or more so than an advanced degree.

I've just begun some training on certain aspects of resume writing and I'll tell you, I am SO EXCITED about it! I'll be able to offer clients something different and it will improve my skills even more. Will I raise my prices due to this training? Well, that will depend on the resume. This is for special types of resumes, so perhaps for those, I will. And I should. It will be an enormous value for clients and will improve their chances of landing dream jobs even faster.

Have you had any training lately? Have you updated your resume with that? If not, do it now. It adds to your income earning potential and makes you more employable.

Whenever you get the chance, take that free training offered at your company. It adds tremendous value to you.

Until next time...

2009-02-19T22:53:00.006-05:00

YOUR BRAND

Do you have a brand? Do you solicit it? Do you use it to promote your goods/services? Or are you not really sure what your brand is at all? Don't worry, if the latter is your answer, you are not alone.

Creating a brand for yourself is a fantastic way to ensure you always leave a lasting impression to whomever you are communicating with. It points out very quickly what you specialize in, what your niche is, and what you are "known" for.

Take "Campbell's" brand soup for example. "Mmm Mmm Good!" Does it bring back childhood warm and fuzzies? Daydreaming of tomato soup and grill cheese sandwiches? Well, then. The marketing team's job is done. You know the brand, can hear the jingle, and it elicits an emotional response from you.

Don't worry that your brand has to elicit an emotional response from your reader, but consider having a tagline in your resume that will help you stand out and keep you fresh in the reader's mind. For example, if you are a Senior Executive of an IT company and want to keep your focus on what you know best-- Business Development-- than THAT could be your brand and what you could add to your tagline. Something like: John Smith::: Business Development & Channel Management Executive, IT INDUSTRY... that could be a possible tagline to showcase your brand.

Think about what you are known for at work, what you excel at, what people depend on you for and make that your brand.

2009-02-11T08:51:00.006-05:00

TOP 10 "GREEN" JOBS

A big shout of 'THANKS' to Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International (www.careerdirectors.com) for posting this link from GreenCollarHiring.com.

The Top 10 Green Jobs

2009-02-10T23:59:00.003-05:00

SOAK UP THE SUN

As I was loudly singing in my car to the Sheryl Crow song, "Soak up the Sun"-- much to the dismay of my 5 1/2 year old who was rolling his eyes in the back seat (what is THAT all about??), I was thinking what a beautiful, sunny day it was here today in Michigan. Everyone seemed happier, nicer. I've read that there is a direct link between lack of sun and depression. A disorder that affects more than 35 million Americans is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This can affect moods, eating and sleeping patterns, and no doubt, job search enthusiasm.

I know that I am much more productive on sunny days. And on the days when the clouds cover up the sun, I blast on every light I can find in my office to keep myself productive. Otherwise, I tend to feel... sleepy.

If you are feeling the effects of too little sun and too much winter, you might want to turn on a few more lights in your house or office, and listen to Sheryl Crow. I guarantee you will feel more productive and will get the zip back in your job search.

What do you do when suffering from too little sun? Talk to me...

2009-02-06T15:52:00.008-05:00

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT HIRE A
RESUME WRITING SERVICE

If you live in Michigan, or anywhere else in our country, let's face it. The economy stinks. People are getting laid off and companies are closing down or outsourcing to other countries practically on a daily basis. So, what good would hiring a professional resume service do for you? EVERYTHING.

It's understandable to be cautious about hiring a resume writer, especially online where you can't visually shake a hand or see an office full of certificates, awards, books, or anything else that might prove credibility. Here are a few reasons you SHOULD hire a professional resume writer:

1- PROFESSIONALISM - A professional resume writer knows what he/she is doing. I've had clients tell me over and over that having it professionally written got them the job. They had sent in the old one previously, and at my urging, resent the new one and got the job!
Make sure whomever you hire is CERTIFIED. If you are unsure whether or not your writer is certified, go to www.parw.com and type in their name. If they are certified, it will come up as such. A certified writer has gone through extensive training and was tested on it, ensuring their work meets the standards of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. If you are going to spend the money, you want the best.

2- BRANDING/PR - A professional resume writer acts as your personal cheerleader, your brander, your public relations firm. You want someone who knows how to present your qualifications in your best light. They will gather the relevant information (career goals, experience, training, etc.) to create a professional image for you. Something you will be proud to hand out to a hiring manager.

3-GHOSTWRITERS- A professional resume writer knows how to craft content that gets people interested. They create a resume that sounds and feels like YOU. A professional resume writer constantly updates their skills and abilities by keeping up with the latest in career news, and attending webinars, teleseminars and conferences.

4- FORMAT - How bored are you when you see a resume that is bullet after bullet of a position description? Would you call that person back? Neither will the hiring person. Professional resume writers are TRAINED in creating unique documents with appealing fonts, borders and styling that is all YOU.

5- RESOURCE CENTER - Your professional resume writer is a career one-stop-shop! Chances are they have a wide range of resources to offer during your job search. Many are also Certified Career Coaches and remain well informed of career events and other services helpful to their clients. Many times employers will contact resume writers for suitable candidates.

Reasons NOT TO HIRE a professional resume writer:

1- They offer you a resume package for $19.95. Most likely this company is a printing or secretarial service that will rewrite everything you gave them, or dump your info into a pre-written template.

2- They tell you they are certified, but you check on the PARW site and they are not. WRONG. Turn around and go back. They are misrepresenting the truth and God knows what they will do with your money.

3- They offer a 30-day guarantee if you don't get an interview. I know this is a touchy one, because many of my colleagues do it, but here is my beef with that: with each client, I put my heart and soul into the resume. I am already writing a resume that I think will knock the socks off any reader. So how can I possibly offer a rewrite on that? I already wrote a killer resume and I stand behind it. I would rather sit down with the client and go over job search because I guarantee that is where the problems lie.

So, to sum it up, it's important to find a solid and reputable resume service. Check for memberships to professional career organizations with writers that are certified.

A professionally written resume is a good investment and is worth it's weight in gold, not to mention it will get you noticed immediately.

Have you hired a resume writing service? What was your experience? I'm interested to know what you thought. Talk to me...

2009-01-28T10:29:00.006-05:00

MY 10 YEAR Rez-I-Versary!

I woke up this morning and thought, hmmm, what's different? Then out of nowhere came a flash of memory-- 10 years ago this month (Jan. 12 to be exact, but forgot about it on the date), I started at the Career Center and everything in my career life changed.

Up until then, I had been in college and worked as a manicurist at a salon (and at home). It was great money and put me through school... well that, and many, many, thousands in student loans. Not saying college wasn't worth the money, because it was. That is where I discovered my interest in careers, job search, and resumes. It's just a lot of money, as many of you know. But I digress.

So, January of 1999 is when I started writing resumes. I admit, when I first started I was not great at it. It was a good thing that I was working for a non-profit center and no one had to pay for my services. I helped people, or "walk-ins", who had just been laid off from their jobs and had to come in and put their resume on the "talent bank" in order to get compensation from the State. Most didn't have resumes, so we started from scratch. I was great at putting everything in order chronologically, but not great at career summaries--still in the mindset of "objectives". Ewww. I would then go very heavy on bullet points. Bullet after bullet of whatever they did, not just accomplishments. Not great, but learning. This process grabbed my interest, so I started rifling through our many resume books we had at the Center. I was "wow'ed" by so many of the resumes that I saw that I just devoured the books, joined the PARW/CC (Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) and was off and running, honing my skills and practicing like crazy.

One day a fellow came in and showed me his resume. He said, "I just paid $250.00 for this and the one YOU did for my friend for FREE was so much better!". Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather. I could GET PAID FOR THIS? OHMYGOSHHHHH! Those weren't my exact words, but you get the drift. I set up a website (in 2001), quit my job at the career center, put out my shingle, and here I am today. I've earned my certifications, gotten my work published in best-selling career books, been nominated for several awards, and have written thousands of resumes since then.

So, that's my story. Happy Rez-I-Versary to me! Hmmm. How shall I celebrate? Maybe I'll start by finishing up this CV for a Professor that I have been working on, and then get started on the VP of Business Development resume that is next on my list... and so on.

Still learning, still loving my job, and still helping job seekers land the jobs that they want.

I've always felt like I sort of "fell into" writing resumes. Many of us fall into our jobs, or they fall into us. Do you have any upcoming Job-I-Versary stories you'd like to share? Did you fall into your job? I'd love to know. Talk to me...

2009-01-22T12:50:00.005-05:00

THE LADDERS...

Lately, I have become more and more disillusioned with "The Ladders", the source for $100,000+ jobs and $100,000+ candidates.

It all started with the critiques. I had been getting clients that were coming to me saying they had gone to The Ladders who had written a scathing review of their current resumes, but would happily remedy that for a mere $1,000 (some were more, some were less). So, for the cost of an average mortgage payment they would turn it around AND THEN find you a job for $100,000 and up. The thing was, I was having clients say, " I don't like this resume at all--can you fix it?". I had one fellow who paid upwards of $900.00 for his resume that looked like something my 5-year old would write.

But, it didn't start out that way. Back when it first came onto the internet scene, The Ladders really was busting out some nice resumes. They had qualified, certified resume writers. People were happy and everyone was talking about it. I was one of the first to jump on The Ladders bandwagon, telling my clients what a great site it was. Then we see commercials about it. Wow. It's big time, now.

Then, things started to change. It was first pointed out to me through my professional association (PARW/CC) about the negative critiquing and not-so-good resumes coming out of that place. I was very optimistic though... not me, I still love it. Still believing in the dream. After all, the majority of my clients are senior-level execs, so I was thrilled to be able to have something promising to tell them. "Just go to The Ladders... they have $100,000+ jobs there".

Soon I started hearing about false advertising, jobs that were way under $100K, barely starting at $30,000, sometimes The Ladders did not even know the pay range of the jobs they offer.

I don't mean to bash another company in the careers industry, but I am leary about The Ladders now-- and am hoping the founder, Mark Cenedella, will dump some of the writers he scrounged up, get some honest-to-goodness $100,000 jobs back in there, and restore it to it's former glory.

What have your experiences with The Ladders been? Talk to me...

2009-01-20T22:05:00.005-05:00

CHANGE

Today the United States of America made history. We elected the first black President.

In the 1860's, President Lincoln said it would take 100 years to undo the crimes of slavery and he was right. In the 1960's Martin Luther King took our country down a new path, a path of change-- promoting, no, demanding equal rights for all races. And now, today, 40+ years later, here we are. Our great country proved we could change and we could savor the taste of hope again. Despite our splits, despite our different views, today we made history. I am so very proud to say I live in the U.S. Especially now. Change is a good thing. Sometimes it is painful or uncomfortable, but it also helps us to grow.

What changes have you made in your life lately? Have you left your comfort zone, even a little? For me, it is this blog. It is painful to me to be anything but immensely private about my life, but I have realized that it is in sharing that you build relationships. I have always been very, very private, so believe me when I say that even blogging about this is pretty uncomfortable. This is one of my "Small Attainable Goals" for 2009-- to get out of my comfort zone and open up a bit. I know I can grow from it. I know it will create deeper relationships with friends and clients.

Another thing I did, which is equally as big of a deal to me, is I cut my hair. OK, guys you may be groaning here, but for women, IT'S A BIG DEAL. I cut 8 inches off my hair. I've always had long hair, but this year felt different. Something was in the air and I kept hearing, "A New Year, A New YOU" in my head. So I did it. It was pretty scary, seeing 38 years of my life floating down, gently drifting toward the floor, but it was also a feeling of, "Ahhhh!". Now, here is the new me... sassy and stylish. The best part is, I feel really good about it. I walk past a mirror, expecting to see my staticky hair down past the middle of my back, but WHOA! who is that fun-looking person? Oh yea, that's me!

Think about something you would like to change. It could be as big as quitting smoking or as small as taking a new route to work. Change is good. It helps you grow and learn new things about yourself, "Hey, who knew I would get up my nerve to stand up in front of 22 students and teach a night course in Economics?" Great things can happen when you change. You will meet new people, experience new things, and take a different path perhaps leading you to something new and exciting.

What change would you like to make? I would love to know-- and to know how you feel now that you DID IT (or at least made up your mind to do it). Talk to me...

2009-01-18T09:20:00.003-05:00

"Cover Letters for Dummies" is here

The 3rd edition of this recognized brand, "Cover Letters for Dummies" is finally here. 10 years after the 2nd edition!

I just got my copy of it in the mail from the publishers and yours truly is on page, um... let's see, OK, here we go... Page 194!

It is a wonderful compilation of cover letters for every scenario including: job ad reply letters, networking letters, broadcasting & prospecting letters, resume letters, and thank you and follow up letters.

Grab a copy of yours at any bookstore today. Very valuable to have on hand, ready for any situation you are applying for.

2009-01-16T00:03:00.002-05:00

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER B.S.

Alright. I'm just going to admit it and put it out there. I hate New Years Resolutions. Just those 3 words make me feel like a failure... I know that I'm going to say I will do something and then after 2 days of effort, quit doing it and be mad at myself. Like dieting, or blogging, or not swearing (my vice). I just know I am going to fail.

This year, I've decided to try a different tactic. This year I will set up some SMALL ATTAINABLE GOALS. Now, those are 3 little words I can deal with. Small attainable goals implies that I can really do it. I can meet small goals. Little groupings of goals. Like, instead of "I want to lose 20 pounds by January 31", I will say, "I will lose a pound or two a week until I like how my jeans are fitting". Doesn't that feel better? I like it. I can handle a pound or two a week. I can blog a couple of times a week, versus my "resolution" of every day. That is too much and frankly, feels unattainable deep down. So, I know this now and will take a different route.

People put way too much pressure on themselves this time of year. "I will job search every day and find the perfect job by Jan. 15". That is a lot of pressure especially if already in a job, and really don't have the time to search that much. Maybe you could say, "I will do my best to put the word out every few days that I am looking for a new job. I will remember to tell my barber, the people at the coffee shop, the guy in the elevator, and will update my LinkedIn profile and make a huge effort on that site" etc. Don't you feel better already? In my experience, small attainable goals are the ones I really have achieved. So, sit down and make a "SMALL ATTAINABLE GOALS" list and be happy with yourself.

2009-01-02T23:52:00.003-05:00

Job Fair News for 2009!

Get ready to get hired because National Career Fairs and Monster.com have joined forces to put together over 350 job fairs in 77 cities. Now is the time to dust off your nicest outfit and update your resume. Head on over to the nearest job fair and talk with an employer who is looking for YOU! Don’t let another job pass you by. Click here, or copy and paste the link into your browser:

http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/

2008-12-01T22:49:00.000-05:00

Job Searching in a Recession

The first thing I am going to tell you is this: DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE. COMPANIES ARE STILL HIRING EVERYDAY!

That said, dust off your portfolio and get out your resume and cover letter. When was the last time it was updated? Is all information current? Do you have a .txt version or ASCII version of your resume? You will need that version for your online job posting. Read over your cover letter, does it still say everything you want it to say? Does it reiterate your strong points and showcase some of your accomplishments? If not, you will need to add those things. If you are unsure, send me an email and I can look it over.

Your job search must be your full time job. Get up every morning, TURN OFF the news, and start returning emails. Set up a LinkedIn account and connect with old colleagues and friends. Let everyone know you are job searching. The number one way to get a job is through networking!

Keep looking locally even if everyone around you tells you no one is hiring (there is always SOME PLACE interesting that is hiring). Go to local business mixers and get to know folks in your area.

Stay positive and hopeful. Work on your job search every day. I guarantee you will find a job you love.

Until next time...

2008-11-05T16:07:00.000-05:00

Road Warriors get a Break!

Good News for Job-Related Travel!

According to www.compensation.BLR.com, "The Internal Revenue Service has raised the standard-mileage-reimbursement rate for the final six months of 2008, citing recent increases in gasoline prices.

The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.

The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. This is an increase of 8 cents from the 50.5-cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008."

To read the full story, go to: http://compensation.blr.com

2008-10-30T08:57:00.002-04:00

BLOOPERS: What NOT TO DO when writing a Resume or Cover Letter...

I recently stumbled across a blog called, "Dumb stuff I read on resumes" started by a recruiter. He is a bit mean-spirited at times, but when reading some snippets of resumes/cover letters he's posted, it does lead one to say to themselves, "What were they thinking?"Here are a few examples of WHAT NOT TO DO OR WRITE ON YOUR RESUME:

"My hobbies include regular attendance at my local gym and swimming poo" (OK. ick.)

"I have developed a healthy work-life balance" (this from a fellow who had ONE part time job...)

"6/2007 - Present - Supermarket Sales Assistanti as a online shopper .our dept,its called grossory online.i m a shopper,n do all the work in absence of supervisour n manager.managing the dept well.i.e doing paper work,making sure tht we have enough shoppers n drivers 2 make sure the deliverys is on time,allocating vans to drivers n work to shoppers accordingly." (this is not a text message... need I say more?)

"Successfully handled money. Received money from customers.And successfully issued the correct amount of change back to the customers" (we get it. a bit redundant...)

--You may wonder why I request you to this at our behest and this is due an inner feeling in me which tells that you a woman who believes in human bondage, not to re-mention compassion and kindness. I am often told by others in the manifold spheres of my activities that there is a mystic in what I do." (ummm- ahem... errr... ok...a little too much info here.)

"For the past 3 months I have also been living at home with my brother as my parents have gone on holiday for 3 months as a retirement presents. I believe this experience has matured me as a person, as I have had to look after the house, shop and generally do a lot more tasks for myself. This has given me a new outlook on life and what I want to do with my life in the future." (Good boy... and this has to do what with the clerical position you are applying for??)

"wonder, I have no money, but again, although being "loaded" is commonly used as a measure of being successful, this does not apply to my view and it is not a true measure of "success". Personally I'd rather be a poor free man, rather that rich slave. Strangely it may seem, but I've noticed that what I am doing today, others do couple years after.Instead of being a follower I prefer to be a leader. I never fail to do what I believe is right and I don’t care what other people think about me. also easily bored so I prefer chaotic environment, no wonder admin is not quite my cup of tea.I guess I prefer to work with people that can inspire me, both creatively and spiritually (although I am not a religious person). (your cover letter is not a blog... it is meant to help you get a job...)

"interests and hobbies none at present" (huh? no interests or hobbies??)

"I have a wide variety of skills and experience, some of which I have taken for granted and cannot readily recall". (huh?? just put the pen down and walk away)

Well, I can go on and on here, but I think you get the drift. If you think you are adding too much personal information, then you probably are. Keep both the rez and cover letter about the job and you should do just fine.

Until next time.

2008-10-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

FACEBOOK & NETWORKING SITES

I admit, at first I thought the idea of Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and other networking sites were, well, silly. It seemed juvenile and strange... not to mention an invasion of privacy. Why would anyone put pictures of family members on a site where virtually EVERYONE could look at them? I didn't get it and poo-poo'ed the idea.

Clients begun sending me "invites" to "connect" on their different sites and boy, are there a lot of them.. Plaxo, LinkedIn, Fast Pitch, Tagged, and Twitter, just to name a few. Not wanting to seem rude to my clients, I finally broke down and started an account with LinkedIn. I found it to be very professional and a great way to have an online bio that perspective clients and colleagues can read to have a better idea of what it is I do.

Finally, after hearing my nieces and nephews talk about Facebook all summer long, I decided to cave and start an account. I did one for business and one for personal. Once I got the hang of it, it was like a giant light went on and suddenly, without warning, I was hooked. The first two weeks I was like a fiend, "connecting" with old friends and family in my personal account--catching up on what everyone had been doing, who was having children, where were they working, who had moved, married, etc. I had to keep checking. It was like a drug. Who was doing and posting what? After about a week and a half, the dazzling draw of it started to wear off. Thank goodness.

I realized a few things in my networking journey so far:

1) You can control your privacy settings, so only your "friends" can see what you posted... not the whole world.

2) With my business account, it is a fantastic way to see what my colleagues are doing, what articles they find useful, clients or projects they are working on, etc.

3) You don't have to invite EVERYONE in your address book (my first mistake when joining-- I invited everyone to join me). Invite who want to hear about.

4) Use these sites sparingly at work--remember, many companies ban the use of these at work due to loss of productivity and the system resource drain. Your job could be in jeopardy if use them without permission (although, c'mon who ever really asks their bosses if they can Facebook while at work?). Save your networking for home.

5) Pick and choose your networking forums. You don't need to join every one. It gets to be too time consuming trying to keep up with more than one or two.

I still check my Facebook everyday. Although maybe just one account or the other, and only about twice a day. Who has the time? I am still catching up from the work I missed while on my Facebook high.

If you are contemplating joining one of these sites, read my 5 tips first and be ready to enjoy yourself. As a former skeptic, it's easy to get hooked.

Until next time...

Erin Kennedy

2008-10-01T10:28:00.000-04:00

UNUSUAL JOBS

A special thanks to Laura DiCarlo of Career Directors International (CDI) for sending this over to me. Thought I'd share it with you!

+++++

CareerBuilder.com released a new survey on Unusual (and Fun) Jobs A to Z. They asked 8,700 works and the following are the top entrants, A to Z:

A - Autopsy assistant
B - Bartender at the Liberace mansion
C - Cat nanny
D - Donkey trainer
E - Elf at Santa's workshop
F - FBI fingerprint examiner
G - Grave digger
H - Hurricane hunter
I - Ice sculpture carver
J - Junk mail machine operator
K- Kitty litter box decorator
L - Laser tag referee
M - Magician's assistant
N - Nuclear electrician on a submarine
O - Opera singer
P - Parachute tester
Q - Quality control/taster for chocolate factory
R - Romance specialist
S - Scratcher (scratched backs for patients)
T - Turkey wrangler
U - Undercover vice decoy
V - Video game tester
W - Wallpaper peeler
X - X-ray technician for zoo animals
Y - Yawn counter at a sleep clinic
Z - Zamboni driver

2008-10-01T00:25:00.001-04:00

EXECUTIVE MBAs

Considering advancing your education even further? Executive MBA programs are known for turning managers into full-fledged executive and c-level leaders, showing you how to think strategically, motivate staff, and expand business.

In an article in the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal, these are the top 5:

1. Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management
2. University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School
3. The Thunderbird School of Global Management
4. University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business
5. University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School

To read the full article, go to:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122244975223379303.html

2008-10-01T00:20:00.002-04:00

Resumes versus CV's-- What's the difference?

I get asked often by clients if they need a CV. Then the next question inevitably is, "What IS a CV?"

A CV is a Curriculum Vitae. It is generally used by college professors, physicians, researchers, lawyers and any profession where lists of information are required. Examples include publications, presentations, conferences, residencies, education, etc. They can even be over 20 pages long in some cases.

Internationally, in some areas of the world resumes are called CVs, but they really are resumes. Other countries require a CV type of a format (lists) from candidates. Those are usually the countries where pictures on resumes are required as well.

If you are planning on staying in the United States and do not plan on going into medicine, law or academia, chances are you will only need a resume.

2008-09-16T22:14:00.002-04:00

SEPTEMBER IS INTERNATIONAL "UPDATE YOUR RESUME" MONTH

Not only are the kids preparing to go back to school, but it's time for the "grown ups" to prepare, too-- for unexpected opportunities! Is your resume ready to be viewed? Is it loaded with everything you've accomplished? Would you hand it out to a stranger (i.e the Hiring Manager) tomorrow?

IF NOT, YOU NEED TO UPDATE IT!

What would you do if you were told about a fantastic opportunity that seemed tailor-made for you, but you only had a day to submit your resume to the person? Are you ready? Worse, what if you look at it and realize, it doesn't need to just be updated, it needs to be REWRITTEN! I don't know about other resume writers, but I am booked up for at least a week in advance.

What have you accomplished since your resume was written? Certifications? Training? Career advancement? Continued education? A job move? 2? 3? Yikes! What are you waiting for?

Be prepared for the golden opportunity-- update your resume today and spare yourself the pain of missing out it tomorrow.

--Erin Kennedy
www.proreswriters.com

2008-09-11T08:32:00.003-04:00

CAREER SUMMARY

Take a look at your resume. What does it say at the top? Does it accurately describe your strengths and skills? Does it grab you? If you were the hiring person, would you read it and say, "Wow! Who is this person?", or would you put the resume in the circular file?

The top half of your resume needs to be fantastic in order to catch the attention of a hiring manager. If they have 200 resumes to look at a week, they will put aside the dull and uninformative ones to get to the more eye-appealing and exciting ones.

If you are still using an objective, say for example: "To obtain a position where I can use my education and experience to achieve a high-paying position with room for advancement"... BEEP! Wrong answer. If your resume says that, crumple it up and throw it out. It's not doing you any good, in fact it is hindering you from landing a great position.

Your career summary needs to have action words and action phrases, along with a keyword summary of some sort, to stand out and put yourself above the competition. It needs to have tangible statements of what you've done and what you can do for the company.

The quickest way to land an interview is having an effective resume, if you haven't been getting calls, you should consider having it rewritten... and watch the calls come in!

------------
Erin Kennedy

2008-09-05T09:29:00.001-04:00

PERSONALITY/BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENTS-- THE NEW HIRING TOOL?

These days, just because you have your Masters or Bachelors degree from the right school with the right major, doesn't necessarily make you the right candidate for the job. More and more companies are requiring potential employees take a personality or behavioral assessment to help identify a candidate's work style and behavior.

According to an article in the CareerJournal, more than 80% of midsize and large companies use personality and ability assessments for entry and mid-level positions as part of a pre-employment or new employee orientation tool, says Scott Erker a senior VP at Development Dimensions International, a global human resources consultancy. Where they were used mostly in retail positions, they have now spread to other industries including finance, technology, health care and operations.

The main goal of these assessments is to help a company hire a specific type of person for a job that may require particular traits, or rule out traits that are most likely to lead to job failure. Further, some companies are using them to screen candidates as they apply; candidates won't even get an interview unless they reach a certain score or result.

There are a few things you can do to be prepared for a personality assessment, namely understanding the organization and why they use that particular assessment. Do your research to give you more insight into the company's rationale behind their assessment choices.

Another idea is: TAKE YOUR OWN ASSESSMENT WITH YOU. Go straight to the interview armed with your own behavioral assessment. For example, our company offers a variety of Behavioral Assessments that help you expand upon your work habits, interview preparation, communication style, management style, customer service, sales skills and more. We've had clients potential employers ASK for our numbers in order to be able to give these assessments to their own employees! For a minimal cost, you can have a complete portfolio of assessments at your disposal to impress a hiring manager and get a leg up on the competition.

Companies see the assessment as opportunities for individuals to better understand themselves and their value to the company.

For more information on the behavioral assessments we offer, call 1-866-793-9224 or email me at: ekennedy@proreswriters.com

Until next time,

Erin Kennedy

2008-08-22T00:18:00.001-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW
Professional Resume Services
Lapeer, MI 48446
(866) 793-9224
ekennedy@proreswriters.com
Http://www.proreswriters.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER AWARDED INTERNATIONAL WRITING CERTIFICATION

Erin Kennedy, President of Professional Résumé Services, has been awarded international certification as a Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW) by Career Directors International (CDI). She has demonstrated her superior knowledge and experience in resume writing and career development through an intensive examination, professional writing and professional development process to assess and demonstrate her industry knowledge and resume writing skill. Recognition as a CERW sets Ms. Kennedy apart from the competition and distinguishes the high caliber of her credentials in assisting clientele with professional resume and career coaching services.

Professional Resume Services offers expert resume writing and career coaching services to entry-level through executive clientele in the global marketplace. Their expertise is in empowering clients who wish to transition either within their existing career fields or to another industry. Ms. Kennedy is a recognized national expert, author and multiple T.O.R.I. award (Toast of the Résumé Industry) nominee with over 9 years of assisting clients to meet their career goals. Samples of her work have been published in eight resume writing and cover letter compilation books. To learn more about Professional Resume Services, visit her website at www.proreswriters.com.

CDI is an international association that provides proactive resources and assistance to empower its members in the undertaking and application of career development, resume writing and employment practices.

# # #

2008-08-11T10:36:00.000-04:00

COVER LETTERS FOR DUMMIES, 3rd Edition

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, has been chosen to have samples of her work published in the new upcoming career book, "Cover Letters for Dummies, 3rd Edition". The "for dummies" brand is internationally known and books become instant best sellers.

The new book hits stores as early as January of 2009.

2008-08-11T08:58:00.001-04:00

OLYMPICS and JOB SEARCH

I was reading this morning through the blog of Adam Kreek, a member of the Canadian Olympic Row team (I've been into rowing this year because of my niece who was on Michigan State's Crew Team last year), when I read about the training that he puts in to get to where he is today.
Here is an excerpt: “The pain experienced while rowing is similar to middle distance running, biking really hard or speed skating. Your legs burn and scream for oxygen, while your lungs wheeze with your heart struggling to transport renewed blood to the complaining body parts. Suffering is the best word to describe how I feel in a race. The after-effects of competition are exhausting. My body aches and I have depressed energy and drive for weeks after the event.”

Or, the US Boxing Team who leave the comforts of home for 10 months to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in intense preparation for China.

What does this have to do with job search? It is a job. Job search is a full time job. Similar to Olympic training, it has to be your number one focus. A person can't expect to land a dream job after posting his/her resume on 5 job sites. It has to be worked on daily. The good thing is, there are lots of job search activities you can do without leaving your house, and will keep you busy for hours.

When you get up in the morning, what do you do? Consider putting on nice clothes, not just your sweats. This makes you feel productive and gets you into the job search groove. Check your emails and respond to offers (with monster.com you will get hundreds of those that should end up your junk mail). Let all old acquaintances, family and friends know that you are job searching.

Go to companies you've thought you'd like to work for and research them online. Most companies offer hoards of company information, press releases, employment opportunities, etc. Get to know the companies well. Create a folder with information on the companies you like and organize it alphabetically, by industry, or however you like. When the time comes that you get invited for an interview, you will be armed with an arsenal of information that will impress even the most straight-faced hiring person. Know your stuff.

Join online networking groups like LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo, etc. It is a great opportunity to network with old co-workers, friends and strike up conversations with people from companies you would like to work for. The possibilities on these sites are endless.

And, as always, getting out and going to local business mixers and job fairs are excellent ways of getting your name out there. Be prepared and have your resume, references and any other documentation ready to hand out.

Job search isn't something you do once a day for a half hour or hour. It's a full time job. Not only will it keep away the anxiety of not having a job, it will keep you feeling productive while getting your name out there for potential employers to see.

Keep at it, stay the course, be positive, and watch great opportunities come your way!

Until next time,

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

2008-07-29T15:29:00.001-04:00

Lapeer, MI Resume Writer Nominated for International Award

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, President of Professional Resume Services, was nominated as a "best of the best" resume by Career Directors International in their annual Toast of the Resume Industry™ (TORI) competition for 2008.

Recognition is based upon creativity, clarity, and visual appeal in professional resume development, with submissions judged by an international panel of professional resume writers.

Each year in May, CDI selects up to five nominees in various categories who represent the top echelon of resume writing worldwide. Awards will be announced at the annual conference in October 2008.

2008-07-21T08:32:00.000-04:00

DEVELOPING YOUR 2-MINUTE COMMERCIAL

At some point in your job search you will be asked to tell something about yourself.

Focus on what you have to offer. This is like a television commercial about you. A commercial sells products. Therefore, you should emphasize those strengths and qualifications most suited to the position you are pursuing.

Watch your language and presentation style. Use the formula: language + motivation = outcome. In other words, positive language + positive body language and behaviors = a positive and favorable outcome. This means there is absolutely no room for negativity. When you see advertisements, you will notice that they emphasize the positive outcome you will gain from the product, not the downside.

A sample two minute commercial may include information such as: personal qualifications, technical skills, relevant education, training, certifications and achievements.

Look at this sample two minute commercial from a corporate accountant:

"I am a CPA with over nine years of corporate accounting and financial reporting experience. In my most recent position, I was selected to lead several special projects which included strategic planning, forecasting and corporate treasury functions.

I was recognized last year as Manager of the Year for my ability to develop my accounting staff and provide training in many facets of customer service, auditing, time management, problem solving and other key functions. I have an MBA and am active in both the National Management Association and the Space Coast Chapter of the Florida CPA's Association."

Developing a fluid, confident and natural sounding commercial takes time and practice.

Good Luck!

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

2008-07-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

Quote of the day:

"All that we ARE, is a result of all that we have THOUGHT"

-- Buddha

2008-06-25T23:33:00.000-04:00

The Importance of the Thank You Letter

I've been asked many, many times, "Do I really need to send a Thank You letter to the employer?"... and the answer is always, "Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Okay, so I am a bit uptight about Thank You letters. I know that--especially after a wedding or birthday. But do we need to do it after an interview? Does the employer really care? Does it really make a difference?

YES!

When in the job search process, a little bit of manners goes a long way. A Thank You letter can literally boost your chances of beating out other candidates, according to a new study on HR.BLR.com, a human resources website.

In a recent online poll taken, a question was posed to HR managers “Are you more likely to hire someone who has sent you a post-interview thank you note?”. 61 percent answered either “yes” or “perhaps”, where 39 percent said “no” or “probably not”.

With fierce competition out there these days, HR professionals are looking at more and more criteria to help them decide on the best possible candidate. The right thank you letter can give a hiring manager additional insight on your intelligence, manners, and written verbal communication skills, as well as your desire for the job. Guess it’s time to dust off the box of thank you notes.

Studies repeatedly show that candidates who follow up the interview with a thank you always get chosen before their peers. Sending a customized thank you note gives you an edge. It helps remind the interviewer who you are. Many recruiters of Fortune 500 companies admit that some candidates get lost in the shuffle, only to rediscover them when receiving a thank you note.

A thank you note reiterates your strong points. It reminds them why they should hire YOU.

Here are a few tips about writing a thank you note:

1- Proofread. Double check and make sure that not only is your thank you error-free, but that you are sending it to the right employer!

2- Restate Your Strong Points. Hiring managers state that a thank you note is "literally the last chance candidates have to sell themselves to an employer". Remind them why you are the best candidate.

3- Impress Them With Your Listening Skills. State something in the letter that relates to the conversations you had at the interview. Show them you really were listening to them, not daydreaming about what the benefits and compensations are going to be.

4- Thank Everyone. If 3 people interviewed you, then they each get a thank you. Not only will they be impressed, but they may show it to each other in an attempt to get the others to want to hire you, too. Just remember to customize each letter. A letter that is not well-thought-out (or the same to each) can only hurt you. If you are stumped on what to write, just think about the topics you discussed during the interviews.

It only takes about 2 minutes and a stamp to make a lasting impression.

2008-06-19T00:37:00.002-04:00

Thought this was too cute to pass up. Sent to me by CDI's, Laura DiCarlo

2008 Horoscopes - Salary Negotiation By Sign

By Shanon Lyon, Special to PayScale.com

We'd all like more money, but how you approach a salary negotiation depends largely on your personality and work style. These 2008 horoscopes provide a bit of insight on how to approach your next salary negotiation.

Career Horoscope for Capricorn
December 23 - January 20

As a Capricorn, you work hard for your money. And, since you're ambitious and patient, in most cases, you'll likely get what's due to you without having to ask. If you fear you're being passed over, approach your salary discussions in your usual practical, no-nonsense way.

Career Horoscope for Aquarius
January 21 - February 19

You're original and inventive, but you prefer to fly solo. Unfortunately, your lone wolf approach could cost you a promotion or a raise. Before entering a salary discussion, make sure you've demonstrated your ability to work well with others. And let your boss lead the negotiation. Suppress your impulse to throw out the first number.

Career Horoscope for Pisces
February 20 - March 20

Trust your intuition this year. If you think you deserve a little more cash in your pocket, you probably do. But, as a quiet fish who's in danger of getting stepped on, you'll have to speak up. Know exactly what you want before you ask, then ask with confidence. If your employer doesn't meet your needs, consider looking for better opportunities elsewhere.

Career Horoscope for Aries
March 21 - April 20

You're cool and confident, but you can also be impulsive and impatient. The salary negotiation tactic that will serve you best is a well-made plan. Know exactly what you plan to say and make sure you schedule a meeting for the discussion. Don't approach your boss at the end of a meeting or in the hallway. You're a great champion for a cause, so, with a plan in place, you should have no problem making a convincing case.

Career Horoscope for Taurus
April 21 - May 21

You're not one to stir the pot, but, you won't get a raise unless you ask. Realize that "no" is the worst that can happen. Use your natural business sense to approach the discussion in a straightforward, business-like way. And if your request is denied (or your raise isn't as high as you'd hoped), don't let your occasional hot temper flare. Ask for suggestions on how to improve and get to where you want to be.

Career Horoscope for Gemini
May 22 - June 21

You love to talk, and your eloquence and charm can come in handy when it comes to money. Make the conversation less about you and your needs and more about what you have done and will continue to do for the company and your boss. And, as hard as it might be, let your boss do most of the talking. You'll get more information this way and be better able to negotiate. Silence can be a very effective strategy.

Career Horoscope for Cancer
June 22 - July 22

Though you're outwardly thick-skinned, on the inside, you're a sensitive person who takes negative feedback to heart. Your cautious and non-confrontational ways could keep you from approaching your boss about a raise, but, remember that business is business. Keep your emotions out of it, and you'll be able to handle the discussion with grace and ease.

Career Horoscope for Leo
July 23 -August 21

As the king of the zodiac, you're self confident and self-controlled. You know what you want and how to get it, which sets you up for a successful salary discussion. It's in your nature to shoot for your stars, but make sure you do your homework first. Find out if there's a salary scale for your position and then assess what others in similar positions are making. Aim high, but be realistic.

Career Horoscope for Virgo
August 22 - September 23

Don't let your worrying ways get the best of you when asking for a raise. Before approaching your boss, write down all your accomplishments and contributions (better yet, keep track of them throughout the year). You're often reluctant to take credit for a job well done, so ask for some peer input as well. Review your list several times before discussing your salary with your boss.

Career Horoscope for Libra
September 24 - October 23

As a Libran, your sense of justice and fair play is remarkable, but your reluctance to ruffle feathers could prevent you from making more money, even if you deserve it. Be assertive and ask for what you want. If you get what you think you're worth, great. If not, perhaps you don't belong there anyway.

Career Horoscope for Scorpio
October 24 - November 22

Because you dislike (and can easily detect) superficial flattery, you prefer to see the fruits of your labor in the form of cold, hard cash. Your straightforwardness will fare you well, just don't get impatient. Temper your typical bluntness with diplomacy and keep a lid on your emotions when you discuss your salary with your boss.

Career Horoscope for Sagittarius
November 23 - December 22

You're adept at social situations, so use this to your advantage when negotiating a raise. As a natural born traveler, you're also a perfect candidate for alternate forms of compensation. Be flexible and willing to consider other options. Perhaps an extra week of vacation would be more valuable than money?

2008-06-19T00:13:00.001-04:00

Background Checks and Candidate Research-- Hype or a Reality?

For the last few years we've been hearing more and more about celebrities or high-powered executives being publicly cast as liars after being caught lying on a resume. Why did these people do it? Didn't they know they would get caught? Well, probably hoping they wouldn't be discovered, and "back then" we didn't have the internet and other public information at our fingertips.

This leads me to another related topic.... being aware of our actions. For example: a picture of you marching down a main street protesting a political party, or posting a picture of yourself for your friends to see of you chug-a-lugging it at a football game, might seem okay or fun to you, but casts a shadow of doubt to the hiring person. They want to know, are you the candidate for them? I've had to tell a few clients to use a different email address because, on a hunch, I did a search on the email address and pulled up 2-3 pages of links to a few different blogs and message boards all containing controversial topics not at all suitable for an employer to read in a potential candidate.

Most checks are for criminal records or education verification, driving records, credential verification, sex offender registry, reference checks, Patriot Act search and credit reports. Some employers use several different kind of checks while most use one kind and look for extremely bad reports.

While it may seem like a scary inconvenience for the employees trying to get a job, they might want to keep in mind that a search on potential employees might just benefit not only the company itself but also the current employees in the long run.

Food for thought...

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

http://www.proreswriters.com

2008-06-12T07:54:00.001-04:00

Using simple Feng Shui tips to create more Wealth and Career success in your life

Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) is the Chinese Art of Placement that has been practiced for over three thousand years in China with the belief that positioning one’s things released vital energy, or Ch’i, that would create a harmonious flow in human life.

I’ve had an interest in Feng Shui for about 15 years. I try to use some of the tips when I remember to (which isn’t all the time, I admit). I know that some things really have worked. A few little changes here, a major one there, and I could truly tell a difference in the energy around that area. Here are a few things to remember:

The water element is a strong force in activating career luck. However, do not worry if you cannot act upon every tip. More is not always better. Balance if vital. Sometimes just energizing one method or activating one direction can be sufficient. When you find yourself becoming very busy, it is a good indicator that your Feng Shui is working.

The direction Southeast is considered the corner of the home or office that represents wealth. If this corner has good Feng Shui, then the wealth aspirations have been actively energized. If it the corner is bad, it may lead to loss and failure in business. It is vital to remove any negative energy from the southeast corner of your home or office. Only keep healthy thriving things there. If there is something old, stale, or give you bad memories/vibes, GET RID OF IT. To create good energy, you need to apply the theory of the 5 elements: fire, wood, water, metal and earth. Here are some simple tips you can try:

- Placing a plant in the southeast would be excellent wealth Feng Shui, symbolizing wood (avoid pants with thorns or spines, like cacti or bonsai, as they are thought to be inauspicious).

- Wealth and prosperity colors include blues, reds and purples.

- The number “9” is said to be enormously auspicious because it represents heaven and earth.

- Place a mock money bag containing a $10.00 bill in a rice urn. It is supposed to enhance family wealth.

- Keep an aquarium with goldfish, or a small artificial waterfall in the garden to activate the water element.

- Add any valuable possessions to your wealth area including collections, antiques, art, coins, crystal, etc.

- Chinese coins are believed to be an auspicious tool in attracting wealth and luck. Place three Chinese coins (or any type of coin will do) tied together with a red ribbon in your wallet or change purse and you will see your wealth luck changing. The coins can also be hung on the doorknob, facing the room.

- Brighten southeastern walls and corners to attract wealth. To ensure productivity and activation of your wealth area, get rid of dark rooms. Dim lighting increases uneasiness.

It doesn’t have to be a gaudy display of everything at once. You can place these things on either floor of your home—1^st floor, 2^nd floor or basement will work, too. For example, on my first floor, I have a small shelf in the corner with three coins tied with a red ribbon and two thriving plants. On my 2^nd floor which also happens to be my bedroom, I have a plant and a couple of red candles with holders, representing the color of prosperity. You can really have fun and be creative with it.

According to Chinese traditions, these are some simple and fun ways to increase your wealth and prosperity. However, I’ve only listed a few. To get more ideas and Feng Shui tips, I would suggest doing an online search and buying a few books. Feng Shui also works for every other area in your life to create balance, harmony, love, and prosperity in your environment.

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

http://www.proreswriters.com

2008-06-09T23:41:00.001-04:00

Hey Bragger... yeah, I mean YOU! or Why Talking Yourself Up on Your Resume is a Good Thing!

Are you bragging about yourself enough on your resume? I don't mean bragging in an obnoxious or fictitious sort of way, but in a "look what I can do" sort of way.

One of the main things I notice with my clients and their existing resumes is that they don't BRAG enough about their accomplishments. They don't talk enough about what they've done above and beyond their daily responsibilities.

My worksheets are very C.A.R.-oriented. The C.A.R. methodology is this Challenge, Action, Results. What Challenge did you face? What Action did you take to rectify it? And lastly, what were the Results? It is a very accomplishment- focused method and works wonderfully every time I have a client who doesn't talk enough. When I send these out to clients, I am amazed at the achievements that come pouring out. Why did it take sending a worksheet to get this VITAL information out of them? I ask each client. The response is generally the same-- either, "I didn't know how to word it" or "I didn't want to sound too braggy". Many of us were raised to be humble about our accomplishments, not to be boastful. I know I was. Not that we couldn't be PROUD, but it was just kept a little on the quiet side.

Here are a few tips about bragging in a non-braggy way on your resume to get yourself noticed:

1) List your daily responsibilities clearly in your narrative under the job title. Even the ones you think aren't worth being mentioned. If there are too many for more than a 5 or 6 line paragraph, then summarize.

2) Think of each thing you did in that made a difference, something you were praised for, something that saved the company money. Readers LOVE to hear how you saved the company money or drove revenue by 43%, etc. For example:

** Currently implementing a new sales method that will eliminate 6 trucks from the road and save company $45,000/year.

3) Add the accomplishment, even if it has a negative undertone or you were fighting challenging conditions. For example:

** Despite negative sales growth in Michigan's harsh economic climate, met the challenge of producing positive topline growth successfully while managing net revenue and contributing to margin gains.

See how this one sounded? Even though my client struggled the last 2 years and saw a -2.2% sales decrease, to her company this was a good thing because of Michigan's dismal economic climate.

4) Your resume is the place to SELL YOURSELF. Think of yourself as a product. What would you buy? The new 'OKAY' car model that has all the basics and does it's job but has nothing super special about it? Or would you buy the 'WOW, THIS CAR IS AWESOME' car that is fully loaded, has a mini fridge in the dash, and wings to automatically make you airborne if traffic looks too heavy? The 'WOW' car may cost you a bit more, but isn't it worth it? The same goes with your salary... but that is an article for another time. You have to sell yourself and turn yourself into the 'WOW' car. You have what it takes, you just need to put it on paper.

I hope this helps you rethink that bland little 'OK' statement, "streamlined processes and increased productivity" with something more 'WOW!'. Let's face it, we all want the WOW! car.

So does the employer.

Until next time,

Erin Kennedy

http://www.proreswriters.com

2008-06-04T07:13:00.000-04:00

For the Executive on the move....

I've recently added an exciting new service to my site called, "Executive Recruiter Distribution" (http://www.proreswriters.com) .

Whether you are actively seeking a new position or just monitoring the job market, the most effective way of getting a new position is to work with a recruiter. I can get your résumé in hands of select recruiters who are most likely to be looking for you. Quite unlike a typical "resume blast", my database content is specifically targeted and based on your unique preferences and project parameters. Updated quarterly, my database consists of 15,800+ recruiters. I attach your résumé to a recruiter targeted letter in PDF or MSWord format. Upon completion you receive a Microsoft Excel file with the names, addresses and contact info for each recipient. The database is comprised of retained and contingency recruiters, and major recruiting firms such as Korn Ferry, Boyden, Heidrick & Struggles, Egon Zehnder, Christian Timbers, and more. We also have a database of more than 3,000 Venture Capital and Private Equity firms that we can distribute your résumé.

Don't miss this great opportunity to get your name out to the most prestigious recruiting firms! Act now!

To learn more, call 1-866-793-9224 or go to my website at http://www.proreswriters.com for more details.

2008-06-04T07:11:00.000-04:00

How People Are Finding Jobs

Some interesting statistics are in from a couple of trusted Internet sources, WEDDLE's (www.weddles.com) and Salary.com, on the topic of how people find jobs.

WEDDLE's 2008 Source of Employment Survey ran from March 2007 to March 2008 and generated responses from over 15,600 individuals. The respondents were 65% male, 35% female; they had a median age of 40-45, with more than 60% describing themselves as managers, mid-level professionals, or executives.

When asked to identify where they found their last job, the respondents listed the following sources as their top ten (not all sources are listed so the percentages will not total to 100%):

· 13.3% An ad posted on an Internet job board

· 7.0% A tip from a friend

· 6.8% Other

· 6.3% A newspaper ad

· 6.2% They posted their resume on a job board

· 6.0% A call from a headhunter

· 5.8% They were referred by an employee of the company

· 5.2% They sent a resume to the company

· 4.9% At a career fair

· 4.8% By networking at work.

Survey Source: Weddles.com

Salary.com released its recent Employee Job Satisfaction & Retention Survey, where a total of 7,482 individuals and 245 human resource or other company representatives responded. Among the individual employee respondents, 7,101 were employed and provided valid responses. Of those, 57 percent of employees indicated they are “somewhat” or “very” likely to intensify their job search in the next three months, down slightly from last year's 62 percent. The most popular job search activities that employees are involved in, in order of preference:

· 46% are surfing online job postings

· 42% are updating their resume

· 32% are reading classified employment listings

· 32% are networking with friends/colleagues

· 27% are posting or emailing resumes

Survey Source: Salary.com

If you combine WEDDLE's "tip from a friend" and "referral by an employee of the company" you get nearly the same number as the #1 response "an ad posted on an Internet job board," which implies that networking should receive the same amount of attention as surfing online job postings. The questions that arise are these: Are you spending an equal amount of time networking? And, if not, how can you make that happen?

Source: Career Coach Academy

http://www.proreswriters.com

2008-06-04T07:08:00.001-04:00

Government Hiring on the Rise

According to the USA Today article, Hiring leaps in public sector by Dennis Cauchon, "Federal, state and local governments are hiring new workers at the fastest pace in six years, helping offset job losses in the private sector.

Governments added 76,800 jobs in the first three months of 2008, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's the biggest jump in first-quarter hiring since a boom in 2002 that followed the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. By contrast, private companies collectively shed 286,000 workers in the first three months of 2008. That job loss has led many economists to declare the country is in a recession."

2008-05-21T08:25:00.000-04:00

Don't Fall Prey to Negative Influences

With the economic downturn, unemployment rates rising and the job market seemingly getting tighter, it is easy to get depressed about your job search. Being from Michigan, I am inundated daily either via the television, radio, internet, or newspaper with gloom and doom about our economy at it's worst in 30 years, etc. It's easy to get sucked into the attitude 'no one is hiring'.

I'm here to tell you THAT'S NOT TRUE. People are getting hired every day. My clients send me feedback all the time with good news. I'm not saying that the economy/job market is super... what I'm saying is it is in your attitude.

Attitude plays a key role in your job search. Think about some of your best days when you felt like you were on a roll. Maybe you woke up and it was sunny outside. You checked your email and you got a response from a resume posting. Feeling excited, suddenly you get a phone call from an old pal who says his co-workers wife's company has a position opening up that would be perfect for you. And so on. Suddenly, life is wonderful, the world is full of opportunities, jobs are everywhere, and YOU ARE IN DEMAND. See how it was a domino effect?

It's all about energy. When you are feeling positive, you are sending out positive transmitters, "Hire me... I'm perfect for the job!". When you are feeling negative, what is the domino effect you transmit? "No one will hire me. There are NO jobs out there. I will never get a job, unless it is some fast-food place for minimum wage..." etc. You are putting out your own frequencies. Think about your best and worst days-- it doesn't have to be job related. See how it happens? Keep that in mind when job searching. Don't let yourself fall for the general attitude about job searching these days-- stand out from the pack-- be positive, keep your thoughts focused on the outcome, send out those "I'm Great and the One You Want" frequencies, and watch what happens.

Erin Kennedy, CPRW
http://www.proreswriters.com

2007-10-11T06:15:00.000-04:00

POPULAR DEGREES FOR JOBS WITH FLEXTIME / SALARY SURVEYS BY DEGREE
From Payscale.com

These numbers report the most popular degrees and median salaries in the US for people who report flextime as a benefit:

Master of Science (MS), Computer Science------------------------ $83,391
Master of Business Administration (MBA)------------------------$82,314
Master of Science (MS)-----------------------------------------$75,858
Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science--------------------$70,486
Bachelor of Science (BS)-------------------------------------$64,979
Bachelor of Arts (BA)--------------------------------------$58,796
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting---------------------$58,564
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)----------------$57,816

2007-10-11T06:05:00.000-04:00

ANSWERING THE QUESTION: "WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY REQUIREMENTS?"

Let's look at what you should do if salary comes up in the early stages of the interview:

"First, YOU SHOULD NEVER BRING THE TOPIC UP! Never, never, never bring up salary questions until you have a JOB OFFER! But, if they bring it up, you have to address it, even Though it is inappropriately early. In the early stages of the interview, wanting to know your salary requirements is simply a 'screening tool.' In other words, they want to know if your salary is realistic for the position - is it too low, meaning perhaps you aren't as qualified or appropriate as you seem, or that you are higher than the salary range they had set.

Now, if you are higher, you are probably thinking that you would want to address this early on and not waste your time - no! Stop for a moment and think, have you ever bought something that cost more than you set out to spend after you heard about its value? Perhaps a car with added features or a house or even a washing machine? Three positive outcomes could come out of this interview even if you are out of their price range:

A. You could convince them that you are worth the extra investment.
B. You could create a new niche for yourself.
C. You could be put into another position other than the one for which you interviewed.

So, why burn your bridges with a straightforward answer that might ruin your chances for consideration? You must play the salary game. Here are a few ways you might offset this question being asked early in the interview:

A. 'At this early point in the interview process, I don't feel that either of us has gained enough information to value my skills for the job yet. Could we please address this at a later point in the interview process?'

B. 'What's important to me at this point is not so much the salary, but whether I am the right person for the job. I am certain if we both end up agreeing that I am the right person for the job, we'll be able to come to a fair agreement, don't you think?'

C. 'I'm negotiable, what do you have allotted for the position?'

With answer 'C,' you are likely to experience one of two answers:

A. 'We haven't determined that yet. . .'
B. 'The range for the position is $XX to $XX. . .'

With the above, don't feel that you have to commit to a number in the range. I once dealt with a student who, in interviewing for a job, used answer 'C.' The employer responded with, 'The position pays between $12 to $15 an hour.' The applicant thought for a moment, decided that she was too experienced for $12 but not experienced enough for $15, so she said, '$13.50.' She was hired at $13.50. The next applicant we sent a few months later was coached not to feel she had to pick from that range. She kept her mouth shut and was offered $15 with the same level of skill as the first applicant!

At this point, the interviewer might accept your brush-off answer, or they may decide to push for a commitment. You might next be asked, 'You must have some idea of your financial needs?' or 'Certainly you have a range in mind?'or even, 'hat's the least you'll take?' Well, you can't get around this. What you must do is have a range of pay to offer the employer with a very limited commitment to any particular dollar amount. In order to do this, you have to do your homework first on salary issues including:

A. Your financial requirements (wants and needs).
B. What the market will bear (range of pay for this job in this marketplace).

''A' should not be too hard; you just need to do your budgeting. Never go into an interview without some kind of concept of what you want to make, need to make, and how realistic that amount is for your market and level. For instance, you should not be interviewing for a receptionist position in a small office in Florida if your salary requirement is $22.00 an hour. The most you could reasonably expect to make in this position is probably $9.00, and that could be on the high end.

A. Salary Survey and Pricing Yourself

Determining rates of pay for the position can be a little more complex, unless of course the company published a range. Some of the methods you can utilize to determine salary is:

A. Competitive research: Visit competitor's websites to see if they post salaries.
B. Professional associations: If you are a member of a professional association for your industry, contact your local chapter. To join or gain information, visit your public library and ask the Reference Librarian for The Encyclopedia of Professional Associations.
C. Visit salary information Web sites such as http://www.salary.com/ and http://www.payscale.com/.

Once you know your needs and what the market will bear, you are more prepared to handle this question. Stick to a range. Never, never say, 'the absolute least I'll take is. . .' or 'my ideal salary would be. . .' Trust me, you could very easily have just undersold or oversold yourself too early in the interview process!

Stick with a non-committal answer such as:
'As I mentioned, at this point I really don't feel I have enough information to commit to a dollar amount. However, based on my knowledge of salary ranges for this position and my personal salary requirements, I am expecting the position pays somewhere in the $40s. . .'

or

'I'd prefer to leave this topic until we're more certain about my appropriateness for this position. However, I am expecting that the position will be somewhere in the $60s. . .'

See, that isn't too hard. Again, it is just a matter of doing your homework and knowing your
guidelines so that you don't sell yourself out of the job.

Also, if an employer asks you, 'Would you accept $XX,XXX for your salary,' you MUST counter with, 'Is that an offer?' If it is not an offer, refer back to one of your earlier answers about not being sure yet, etc. You are just being tested."

--An excerpt from Career Directors International Employment Interviewing Course

2007-08-08T10:24:00.000-04:00

WEATHERING THE WEATHER
... how the weather really does affect our moods and ability to work.

According to a recent survey of more than 6,000 workers by Careerbuilder.com, "employees tend to be less productive on gloomy-weather days--with rain cited as the condition that most negatively impacts demeanor (21%)."

"When asked which weather attribute most affects their moods or productivity negatively, workers pointed to rain (21%), cold (14%), heat (13%), darkness (9%), and snow (9%).

The good news (not part of the survey) is that we can keep our finger on the pulse of our moods and be aware to monitor according to the weather to make sure we are staying upbeat and not letting something external dictate our mood!

Better keep your lights on full blast at your desk!

2007-08-08T10:19:00.000-04:00

** Found this very interesting and true, here is an excerpt from an article called:

A CAREER KILLER CALLED STRESS

According to the Globe and Mail article, A career killer called stress by Wallace Immen, "Almost one in four Canadians believes stress has kept them from moving ahead at work, a study finds. A survey sponsored by Toronto-based Multi-Health Systems Inc., and conducted by Leger Marketing has found that one in four Canadians believes stress has kept them from moving ahead at work.

Quoted in the article, Dr. Steven Stein, stated, "People have longed talked about the effects of stress on our physical and emotional well-being, but the study shows it can not only make work difficult and less satisfying, it can also literally impede a career."

Further, the poll found that almost one in four - 22 percent - of Canadians believes stress has kept them from moving ahead in their organization, 30 percent say it has prevented them from being recognized for their contribution at work.

Among the factors behind those numbers: 56 percent of the 1,729 office workers surveyed said they feel that stress regularly prevents them from being as productive as they would like; 52 percent said it negatively affects their relationships with co-workers; and 51 percent said it cuts down their decision-making ability. Over all, 82 percent of respondents said they experience stress in their work and home life, and 41 per cent said it is frequent."

This leads to a wide range of career-dampening problems:

"Physical symptoms: Respondents blamed regular headaches, indigestion, constipation, fatigue and insomnia on stress."

"Psychological problems: Anxiety, defensiveness, irritability or anger toward co-workers or family and feelings of being helpless were also blamed on stress."

"Behavioral traits: Impatience, procrastination, temper, withdrawal or a reluctance to take on more responsibility came with the stress territory."

However, all does not have to be lost to stress. Career experts say that if you get more in tune with your natural inclinations of style and approach to work, your job will naturally become less stressful for you - and that will clear a path for advancement.

You can read the full article at: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fg5didcab.0.hhdsidcab.erbwnvn6.927&ts=S0265&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FLAC.20070801.STRESS01%2FTPStory%2F%2F%3FpageRequested%3D1

2007-08-04T22:57:00.000-04:00

Informational Interviews get a bad rap from job seekers

--This is a great article for high school or college students wondering about their career choices, as well as for job seekers--- Erin Kennedy, CPRW

For many job seekers, information interviewing seems too much like groveling. "Who am I kidding?" says one unemployed chief financial officer. "Everyone knows that I'm looking for a job. It's bogus to pretend that all I really want is information."
Informational interviewing gets short shrift from candidates for this very reason -- they feel that calling contacts and asking for appointments to gain information is a sham because what they actually want is a job.
What job hunters fail to realize is that this type of networking is not exclusively the domain of the unemployed. Exploratory interviews are a critical part of networking, while in transition and while working. In other words, everyone does it and knowing your ultimate goal is a job doesn't offend employers.
Pamela Peterson, an employed executive in Chicago, conducts information interviews whether she's working or jobless to ensure that she keeps building her network of contacts and her career focus on track. Then, when she does decide to look for work, she has a network in place to help her uncover leads and refer her to potential employers.
"Never, never, never ask for a job," says Ms. Peterson, currently director of business development for IPSA International, a risk-management consulting firm. "This is the cardinal rule of information interviewing; you are there only to gather new knowledge and validate your focus. Eighty percent of the time people are delighted and willing to meet and to help, primarily because they recognize the value of networking as well the satisfaction that comes from being able to help someone."
Lose the 'Begging Bowl' Mentality
Informational interviewing is a focused form of networking that revolves around learning new things and relationship-building. To use this particular job-hunting strategy effectively, it's absolutely crucial to lose the "begging bowl" mentality. No employer is going to hire you because you desperately need a job. Employers hire people because they add value by helping to solve problems and address challenges.
Some job hunters think exploratory interviews put them in the awkward position of appearing to ask for favors, but they're discounting the value of these meetings. Just because an employer doesn't need you now doesn't mean it won't in the near future. It also doesn't mean that the company can't or won't create a new position after meeting with you.
Although job offers should not be the goal of informational interviewing, they can become an unexpected benefit when the timing and chemistry are right. When he was between jobs, an executive who had headed several global midsize companies as president and chief executive officer met to have lunch and network with a former subordinate and her husband. When the husband heard the exec was seeking another senior-management role, he arranged for him to have breakfast with a board member of his employer, a capital-equipment company in Chicago. The board member, in turn, introduced the former president to the company's CEO.
The executive, who asked that his name not be used, and the CEO hit it off right away. Knowing the executive could help him solve several pressing business problems, the CEO called him the following day and asked him to work as an interim vice president of sales and marketing, a position that didn't exist before they met. The former president took the job and stayed on for nearly a year, helping the company until it merged with a European competitor.
"It's always better to make an in-person impression versus a paper or phone impression," he says. "No matter how good a resume or profile is, it's difficult to convey a person on paper. It's the whole package, not just the accomplishments."
This is particularly true, he says, for senior-management assignments, where personality and "cultural fit" will be deciding factors in hiring. An additional motivation in seeking these meetings is to counter his resume, which says "over 50."
"When I can get in front of people and demonstrate high energy level, enthusiasm, 'youth,' I find a much better chance of being remembered positively," he says.
Scheduling Meetings
Edward G. Maier, CEO of Maier Consulting Group LLC, an executive-coaching and leadership-training firm, believes there's an art to setting up informational meetings. "Often, the people you want to interview are very busy, and it's hard to get their attention or on their schedule," says Mr. Maier, a former senior partner at Arthur Andersen in Chicago. "Clearly, a referral from a mutual acquaintance is great."
Coach referrals to present you in ways that make decision-makers want to meet you, he suggests. "If you're going to ask someone for a referral to an executive to establish an informational interview, get your referrer to mention some specific aspects of your skill set that could pique the interest of the executive you want to meet."
Before she begins exploratory interviewing, Ms. Peterson lists 10 to 20 companies where she wants to develop contacts. Next, she makes sure she has the skills and experiences these employers value. When calling contacts, she uses a "30-second goals-and-objective statement" to say why she's phoning and the kind of information she's seeking. She asks for a face-to-face meeting because they allow her to create rapport and demonstrate her fit.
In closing, she always asks about the professional organizations the person belongs to and for names of others she can speak with. Along with writing a sincere thank-you note, she keeps contacts apprised of the outcome of her meetings with their referrals and occasionally calls to report her progress. This strategy allows her to remain in touch and build relationships.
The View From the Other Side
To understand the value of information interviewing, it may help to see how a hiring manager uses the technique. Bill Colaianni, a former vice president and general manager for Coca-Cola Co. and Monsanto, uses informational or exploratory interviews to find potential rising stars. During his tenures at Coke and Monsanto, he frequently conducted exploratory interviews to get to know talented people and define or refine solutions. Then, when new positions developed, he had candidates he liked "waiting in the wings" to work for him.
"This was particularly useful when I was managing new or rapidly growing businesses, and when we had well-established ones that needed fresh thinking. [Often] I didn't have an immediate need when I first met with these people, but felt they were worth knowing [for] when the need arose. Then I wouldn't have to scramble," he says.
Since leaving Coca-Cola in 2002, Mr. Colaianni has discovered the value of informational interviewing from a job seeker's perspective as well. A face-to-face meeting helps him to create a unique impression of what he can do for employers now rather than what he has done in the past for other companies.
"It enables me to learn more about prospective employers, understand their needs, and build good professional relationships. At this point in my career, it's important to find the right fit. Exploratory interviews are a great way to test out whether there's a good match," says the executive, who is now president of a consulting firm that provides executive leadership to private companies.
Not every employed executive is open to informational meetings, but rather than butting heads with those who don't value this kind of networking, focus your attention and energy on identifying and building relationships with people who share your perspective.
"People who are resistant to informational interviewing are also resistant to networking," says Ms. Peterson. "They don't appreciate the value of building relationships."
For her, informational interviews are never a waste of time. They help her to understand the business marketplace, expand her referral base, and build good will.
If you're currently job hunting, exploratory interviews are ideal ways to stay connected and energized while quite possibly opening the door to viable job offers. They also can boost your self-confidence by reminding you of who you are, who you know and what you have to offer.

--From Career Journal

2007-08-04T22:51:00.000-04:00

How To Find Balance In Your Work At Home Career And Your Personal Life

Work at home moms face challenges that are very unique. The decision to work outside the home or stay with your children is difficult, with each option having advantages and disadvantages. If you stay home you may lose income and you will lose interaction with fellow employees, and if you work outside the home you live with separation from your children and pay caregiver expenses. Many women are choosing to work at home and finding the right opportunity is the first step in finding success as a work at home mom.

You could use the knowledge and skills you have and become a consultant, develop a career in design or writing, telecommute to a job, or start a home-based business. The opportunities are endless.

It can be difficult for a work at home mom to balance home, family, and career. Even if you are not a parent it is hard to find time for a personal life when you operate a home-based business. It is very easy to become consumed by your work when you work from home and it can be a challenge to find time for yourself and your family.

To successfully balance a home and career you must create a work schedule. Decide what hours will be set aside for work and try hard to stick to that time-frame. It very beneficial to create a boundary between work and home. Setting a work schedule will give you a routine to follow.

To give yourself the opportunity to socialize and meet new people, try getting involved with community or other volunteer activities. If you do not get out of the house regularly you may begin to resent your work and your family obligations.

During your workday, take short breaks to get up and move around. A simple stretching routine or a short walk will do wonders for your outlook. It will be necessary for you to deliberately schedule time for personal activities such as reading, picnics, or exercise. By adding these activities and free time to your schedule you will ensure that you get some much needed "mommy" time and that your family spends quality time together. You will find that if your leisure and family time suffer too much, your relationships will suffer as well. Make time for the fun things and times shared with children and family.

If you implement these ideas into your life as a work at home mom, you will be better able to achieve balance between work and your home life.

About the Author:

Aurelia Williams is the mom of four busy children, a Personal Life Coach http://www.reallifecoaching.net/ and the owner of http://www.reallifesolutions.net/ which is an informational site that also offers products, articles and a great newsletter. You can also hear Aurelia daily on the http://www.wahmtalkradio.com show, she is the Resident Life Coach.

2007-06-25T22:57:00.000-04:00

GREAT NEW SITE

indeed.com: A New Vertical Search Engine

A new federated search tool that allows users to simultaneously search job listings from hundreds of sites.

"Indeed.com includes all the job listings from major job boards, newspapers, associations and company career pages - and we continue to add new sites every day."

The site is: clutter-free with a simple interface, you can sort results by relevance or date, search term refinements are available on results pages, job listings are available via RSS and/or e-mail, jobs are ranked solely by relevance or date, and indeed.com does not accept money for placement.

Related articles about indeed.com at: http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/001300.html and http://battellemedia.com/archives/001140.php

Let me know if you've landed your new job through this site!

Until next time...

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

2007-06-11T10:09:00.000-04:00

(off topic).. thought you might like to read something different...

from Wikipedia.com

DID YOU KNOW?

...that Elsa Eschelsson, the first woman both to finish a doctorate in Law and to teach in a university in Sweden, was denied the right to serve even as acting professor because of her sex?

...that the test for enrollment at Germany's Helmut Schmidt University involves not an intelligence test, but military training and troop procedures?

...that Charles Macartney, who set a record for the most runs scored in one day, first learned to bat with apples from the family orchard?

...that thermal vent ecosystems have been discovered in the Aegean Sea, in the caldera of Kolumbo underwater volcano?

...that motorsport announcer Ken Squier coined the phrase "The Great American Race" for the Daytona 500?

...that St. Patrick's Church was the first Catholic parish established in New Orleans outside the French Quarter, so that Irish immigrants would have a parish that was not dominated by French-speaking Creoles?

...that the Roman general Barbatio was beheaded for treason after his wife's indiscreet letter was intercepted by Emperor Constantius II?

...that Tropical Storm Helene of 2000 struck Florida just five days after Hurricane Gordon?

...that Daylight Saving Time was first legislated in North America in June 1917 by the former country of Newfoundland?

Enjoy your day!

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

2007-06-11T09:50:00.000-04:00

TARDINESS AT WORK

Taken from CareerBuilder.com

~~~Stats~~~

Tardiness at work -According to a recent CareerBuilder.com/USA Today survey that found 16 percent of workers arrive late to work at least once a week. The survey, conducted in the United States from February 15 to March 6, 2007, included responses from 6,823 employees in the private sector and 2,591 hiring managers and HR professionals with significant involvement in hiring decisions. Some of the findings:

-25% of employees admit to faking an excuse for their tardiness

-31% cited traffic was the top excuse for showing up late

-16% admitted falling back asleep

-8% had problems getting their kids on their way to school

-41% of men are less likely to be late, compared to 37% of women

-22% of men are less likely to fib about why they are late, compared to 28% of women

-44% of hiring managers say they don't care if their employees are late as long as their work is completed on time and with good quality

-One in five stricter hiring managers would consider terminating an employee for arriving late two or three times in a given year

Read full article: http://www.shrm.org/hrnews_published/articles/CMS_021684.asp#P-8_0

Until next time,

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

2007-06-07T20:27:00.000-04:00

40 IS THE NEW 30?

You know how we all keep hearing, "40 is the NEW 30!"?-- well, I'm not quite sure how much of that I really believe, maybe it is in Hollywood-- but it doesn't stop me from lathering on the wrinkle cream every morning and night in hopes of stopping the increasingly apparent (and depressing) aging process happening on my face.

However, good news in on the rise to the 40-somethings!

It used to be that the main candidates for corporate relocation were 30-somethings looking to move up the corporate ladder. Not anymore. According to Robert Scally of Workforce.com, "Companies are now asking 40-somethings and seasoned veterans to relocate. It's a development paralleling another workplace trend: the demand for high-skilled workers. From 1973 to 1987 about 12 percent of transferees were over 40, according to Atlas Van Lines' annual coprorate relocation surveys. Today, the figure is around 30 percent. In addition, the demand for quality workers has emerged as the highest external factor affecting corporate relocations. Here's another trend that emerged from the survey: Health benefits and full insurance coverage aren't the only benefits being scaled back by employers these days. Over the past 40 years, reimbursement packages for trasferees and new hires have been shrinking from full reimbursement for travel and moving expenses to partial reimbursement and lump-sum payments. However, perks such as spousal job assistance is up. It's just one way companies are going above and beyond to lure top talent. Thirty years ago, most companies fully reimbursed transferees--in fact, the figure was close to 86 percent. Last year, slightly more than half offered the perk. It's also a benefit few small companies are able to afford, and more large companies dish out. Other trends include an increase in international relocations and outsourcing, as well as the demand for a more skilled workforce".

Getting older has its perks after all!

Until next time,

Erin Kennedy, CPRW

2007-02-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hello,

My name is Karen D’Anna and I have been collaborating with fellow writer Erin Kennedy, owner of Professional Resume Service for over a year. I first began contributing to Professional Resume Services when I realized the extraordinary standards and high-caliber services offered.

I myself have changed careers several times since leaving college. I realized that there was a process that I went through each time I was ready to move to another challenge. I thought I would share some interesting information about what triggers us to begin a new job search.

Is it time to make a career change?

Do you feel restless at work? Are your values being met by the job or the environment you are working in? Do you answer “yes” to any or all the following questions …..?

· Do you feel down on Sunday as Monday looms nearer?

· Has your work become routine and predictable?

· Are you drained of energy after a day at the office?

· Does work lack a sense of importance or purpose?

· Do you see little or no room for advancement?

· Do you think there is work you would be better suited for but you just don’t know what it is?

These are indicators that you are discontent in your career. It is inevitable that you will periodically re-evaluate your occupation. Your job is constantly evolving. Corporate politics, economic shifts, mergers and personnel upheavals can cause unexpected changes. At the same time the world is changing you are also experiencing shifts in your internal life. Your values, needs and life expectations develop as your life evolves.

You have goals that are not met, both personal and professional, your job has stalled and you feel the loss internally. You think to yourself, “there must be something better out there.” Fear of change often stops us from taking the step to start the job search process.

Many times you sit by passively thinking things will eventually get better but when they don’t you begin to explore the opportunities that exist with other organizations. Facing your fear of the unknown can result in a rewarding career change. Be pro-active and anticipatory and look at this as a new beginning.

It might be time to invest in your future and consult with a professional career coach. A career coach can give you necessary tools to access your current position and evaluate your future goals. Mapping out a game plan will allow you a positive approach to a job search and give you the ability to find the position that will meet your personal and professional goals.

2007-02-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

NETWORKING

A friend of mine recently asked me what was the hardest part of job search for most people. The answer? NETWORKING.

Networking can be as unnerving as standing up in front of an audience for some people. Of course you have others, like most of my sales cleints, who can get up in front of anyone and speak for any amount of time. But for most, just the thought of having to meet new people makes them wince.

Here are a few pointers to help ease your way into the networking circuit:

1) Tell everyone you know that you are job searching. You never know what doors may open for you. While in college, I told a client of mine (I was a Nail Technician!) that I was looking for an intership that would be accepted by my university AND be relevant to my degree. Guess what? As the Director of Human Resources at the time (now she is President/CEO) of an international non-profit organization, she had the federal funds to open a new career cneter and guess who was going to be interning there? All of my worrying about finding the right PAID internship, and it (she) was in front of me the whole time.

2) Get together with other professionals you know. Start your own networking "club" with friends/family/colleagues. Keep as current as possible on your own company's job openings, too. It never fails, there is always someone who will let you know of a job opening a their place of employment.

3) Hit the job fairs. It may sound scary, meeting ACTUAL human resources people from the companies you admire, but remember, they are there to meet YOU. Their job is to take resumes and potential candidates back to the company for review becuase they NEED employees! So, dust off your best outfit, take clean copies of your resume, and head out the door to the nearest job fair.

4) Remember, you are qualified! If you are second guessing yourself as you are about the introduce yourself to a possible contact, remember that you ARE qualified for the position. Take a quick moment to remind yourself of all the RIGHT reasons that you shold be hired.

5) Visualize. This is one of my favorite tools for every area of my life. I've used it in job search, interviews, and presentations. Picture yourself having an interesting conversation with a contact. Picture them responsding to you in a favorable way, seemingly taken with whatever you are saying. Play our the scene in your head. What are you saying? What are they saying? How are you describing yourself, your abilities, your training/education, etc? Visualize them writing down your number or taking your card, later calling you in fo ran interview. Not only does thsi make you feel relaxed, but it helps you when you actually begin speaking with the person because you feel more prepared and not as tense when they ask you about yourself.

These simple steps will help reduce the panic and stress of meeting new people and networking. Good luck!-- Erin Kennedy

2007-02-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

I recently came across an interesting article about failure. I know how many times I've failed at something and thought, "why did I even try it to begin with?". But the jewel of failure is that along the way, we usually end up discovering our hidden talents. Read below...

WHY FAILURE IS GOOD

How do you view failure? Do you see it as something negative that you don't want to be associated with or do you see it as something positive? Most people in the world don't like failure. Fear of failure is the main reason why more than 80% of people in the world are not prepared to change their circumstances. Why do people fear failure so much? The reason for this is because people don't understand the dynamics involved in success and failure.

Everything we do in life has either a right way of doing it and a wrong way of doing it. When we do it the right way we meet with success. Needless to say that when we do it the wrong way we are unsuccessful.

Understanding this is important because it puts failure in its proper perspective and removes the fear around it.

When someone who doesn't understand this dynamic meets with temporary failure he gives up thinking that he is not good enough or that he will never make it. But is this really what it is? Does the fact that you didn't make it the first time mean that you are not good enough?

Does it mean that you'll never make it? Not at all! All it means is you have not found the correct method yet!

So what do you do next? You go back and try and find out where you went wrong. Then you try again this time employing a different method. When this doesn't work you go back and look at everything you have done so far.

Talk to successful people who have made it in this area. Think of what you might have left out and try again. Why do you need to do this? Because, "Every failure, every adversity and every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit", says author and mentor to many great men, Napoleon Hill.

Failure contains the seed of victory and of success. Failure teaches you what works and what doesn't. When you study the reasons for your failure and learn from it, you'll find the key to your success. The great inventor Thomas Edison knew this truth more than anyone else. It took Edison 8000 trials to perfect the Edison battery? Afterwards he uttered this famous quote, "At least we know 8000 things that don't work".

Every successful person has had to overcome temporary defeat at one time or another. Know this! You haven't really failed until you accept defeat. Do you envy those who got success easily? Don't! Success earned in spite of earlier failure is so much sweeter than if you would get it otherwise. Those who earn success in this way know the road to success. They are not afraid of losing what they have because they have learned how to become successful.

Those that easily got success don't know the road. They got there so quickly that they didn't bother to look around. Let me use the following analogy to illustrate. Take two guys traveling to the same destination, with this difference. The one is going by airplane and the other by car, but the one arriving by car had a few breakdowns along the way.

If you take these two guys back to their original position and ask them to find their way to their destination, who do you think is going to remember the road better the next time? Surely the guy who had a few breakdowns and spend some time on the road, because he had the opportunity to look round.

Let temporary defeat no longer be an obstacle but an ally and you'll be on your way. You have many hidden talents, so start working towards realizing your dreams. Don't be put off by the fear of failure. Failure is an ally because it contains the seed of success. ----Written by Jimmy Roos

Until next time,

Erin

2006-10-30T20:02:00.000-05:00

Quitting your job (without burning any bridges)

Do you daydream about the day you get to tell your boss everything that he is doing wrong? How you could do his job ten times better with your eyes closed? Then, after you’ve read him the riot act, you arrogantly say, “Oh, and I QUIT!”

Too often we speak before we act and then regret it later. Whether it is a spontaneous decision to leave, or a well-thought out conclusion, quitting a job can be a struggle. Another point to ponder is that with downsizing, job-hopping and mergers common, you never know when you may run into your old boss again. “Leave the emotional issues at home” advises Mark Katz, managing partner at a Detroit-based executive search firm. He recalls a woman who learned the consequences of burning bridges the hard way. When quitting her job at an advertising agency, she told her boss everything that he, and the company, were doing wrong. “She just felt that the organization didn’t know what they were doing and told them so,” he says. Her tone was “very condescending and hostile”.

Two months later he received a call from the woman: “You have to find me another job and fast!” she said, according to Mr. Katz. Her old agency just announced it was buying her new one. Worse yet, her former boss would likely be running her department again. She feared he might lay her off or fire her. If not, she was certain her hasty and hostile departure would make a future relationship very difficult. She was back to square one, looking for another job… again.

This is a reason Mr. Katz suggests to clients not to alienate co-workers or former employers. Even when you know you are in the right, restrain yourself. There are several different reasons you could give, for example: even though you’ve enjoyed working at the company, you want to take on different challenges, expand your potential at ABC Company or given more responsibility. Even better, if ABC Company happens to be located near your family, you can almost guarantee that your boss will understand and even give you a reference. Emphasize the lure of the new company, not the flaws of the old one. Above all, make sure to avoid blaming your boss and the company for your departure, even if you have to bite your tongue not to say what you really feel. Thank your boss for providing you with a rewarding experience and emphasize how much you’ve learned from the job.

You may want to either write down what you want to say to your boss, or role play with a family member or spouse. Take notes if you need to and bring them to the meeting. It’s important to be upfront and let them know you are leaving. Give everyone involved a copy of your resignation letter. This signals your determination to quit and lessens the likelihood of a counteroffer.

What happens if they counteroffer? Chances are, your reasons to leave will outweigh what the company may offer you. Further, it may not be such a good idea to stick with a job where the boss thinks you want to leave. Consider the case of one of Mr. Katz’ clients, a sales rep. After he told his boss his decision to leave, the boss countered with an offer of promotion and small raise. The client decided to stay and soon after regretted his decision. His boss immediately started to take over some of his top accounts and developed a relationship with them. He feared that even though the man said he would stay, he might still quit--taking their larger accounts with him. The boss began reassigning his accounts and shrinking his responsibilities. What happened next? You guessed it. The promotion never happened and the client was left much worse off then he was when he decided to quit in the first place. He couldn’t go back to the company that hired him in the first place and he could no longer boast of a large account base to potential employers. The moral? Stick with your gut instinct. If you are fed up enough to go, then follow through with your decision and leave.

Lastly, be sure to wrap up any loose ends you may have at your current company. Offer to train your replacement and show them the ropes. Do not bad-mouth the company to any new employees or other companies. Word travels fast and you never know when you may need a reference…. even if it’s in 10 or 15 years!

Until next time,

Erin Kennedy

2006-07-26T14:43:00.000-04:00

TO VACATION or NOT TO VACATION...(that is the question)

Are you daydreaming of pina coladas on a sandy white beach, but know you will never get there? Do you have weeks of vacation days saved up but haven't taken any? Are you completely stressed out, but know now is not the time to take a vacation?

Whether you are a self-proclaimed work-aholic or feel guilty about taking time off, DON'T!

Many employers think the fear of taking a vacation is unfounded. "People need vacations" says Mark Needham of Jones, Jones & Associates, a PR firm in the midwest. "There are certain people who just won't take vacations and I tell them they need to for their own sanity. The only time you shouldn't is the first 100 days of a new job. They are crucial in terms of establishing yourself within the company and getting in sync with your coworkers" he says. "You can't gain momentum if you are not there".

The should-I or shouldn't-I answers lie in your own heart. If you know you consistently pull your weight and handle a great deal of responsibility, then go. "However, if you are in the bottom 20% of performers, you are at risk any time you take a vacation" says Mr. Needham. Still, he says, few people get fired for taking a few days of which they are entitled to by company policy. "If you're going to get fired, you're going to get fired, so you might as well take your days off and enjoy yourself".

Food for thought...

--Erin Kennedy

2006-03-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

Did You Know?

Hi, my name is Kris Plantrich and I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer and currently I contribute writing services to Professional Resume Service owned by fellow writer Erin Kennedy. As this is my first entry to the blog I thought I would stay in the spirit of the name Did You Know? and delve into this question a little further.

Did you know Tuesday is the most productive day of the week?

Did you know as many as 35% of employers are now using your credit report history as a means of judging personal responsibility, especially in occupations dealing directly with money?

Did you know 65 to 70% of jobs are gained through personal referrals or networking connections – so get networking!

Did you know only an average of 36% of those job hunters interviewed regularly send thank-you notes while 75% of employers like or expect the notes?

Did you know that over 90% of employers seek their assistant’s opinion when interviewing and making hiring decisions?

Did you know business cards are a great way to network - plain and simple or with a photo works best?

Did you know having a mentor can be also be a great way to network?

Did you know 60% of large companies do salary planning in the fall – a great time to ask for a raise!

Did you know that while the average job hunt takes 19 weeks, 40 – 50% of job seekers give up after just 2 months?

Take these facts to heart while preparing, searching, and interviewing for your next job.

Bye for now,

Kris

2006-03-18T19:25:00.000-05:00

The Importance of the Thank You Letter

I've been asked many, many times, "Do I really need to send a Thank You letter to the employer?"... and the answer is always, "Yes! Yes! Yes!".

Okay, so I am a bit anal about Thank You's. I know that. I get pretty irritated if I don't get one after spending gobs of money for showers, weddings, birthdays, etc. It takes about 1 minute to write a thank you note. It's a nice way of saying, "Thank you for spending one of your precious days/nights off work with me/us and driving almost 3 hours round trip to get here.-- it means a lot". But do we need to do it after an interview? Does the employer really care? Does it really make a difference?

YES!

Studies repeatedly show that candidates who follow up the interview with a thank you always gets chosen before their peers. Sending a customized thank you note gives you an edge. It helps remind the interviewer who you are. Many recruiters of Fortune 500 companies admit that some candidates get lost in the shuffle, only to rediscover them when receiving a thank you note.

A thank you note reiterates your strong points. It reminds them why they should hire YOU. Here are a few tips about writing a thank you note:

1- Proofread. Double check and make sure that not only is your thank you error-free, but that you are sending it to the right employer!

2- Restate Your Strong Points. Hiring managers state that a thank you note is "literally the last chance candidates have to sell themselves to an employer". Remind them why you are the best candidate.

3- Impress Them With Your Listening Skills. State something in the letter that relates to the conversations you had at the interview. Show them you really were listening to them, not daydreaming about what the benefits and compensations are going to be.

It only takes about 2 minutes and a stamp to make a lasting impression.

Cheers!

Erin Kennedy

2006-03-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

ARE WOMEN STILL EARNING LESS THAN MEN?

Being a woman, you can imagine how I felt when I recently read an article stating that women are STILL earning 12% less than a man in a comparable position. This is an important issue because at some point in our lives, 80-90% of all women will be solely responsible for their own finances, whether it be because of divorce, death, disability of a spouse, or just deciding to remain single.

Sure, sometimes, depending on where you work, might contribute to the "good old boys club" or gender discrimination theory. But after reading on, I found that some of what the author was saying to be true, we may be responsible for adding to this dilemma. The question is: Are we UnderEarners?

If you haven't had a raise in over 2 years and don't want to ask for one for fear of "rocking the boat", you may be an underearner.

If you have a hard time telling your clients you are raising your fees, or consistently underbill them, you may be an underearner.

If you don't market yourself, or "toot your own horn" either within the place you work, or with networks outside of work, you may be an underearner.

If you put so much time into volunteer activities that you just feel lucky to be employed and content to remain where you are financially, you may be an underearner.

Some of this sounds like you, so, what do we do, you ask?

1- Identify your financial needs, have a clear picture of what you need to earn and where you want to be (including identifying all expenses and any "incidentals" like car repair, home repair, etc.)
2- Research the position and your own qualifications within the industry. If they don't meet your needs, then prepare to negotiate for a pay increase, or start looking for a job that will pay what you deserve.
3- NEGOTIATE. This is the key to showing the employer what you are worth and that you are committed to getting it. Have an up-to-date copy of your on-the-job accomplishments ready to show your boss what you have contributed as a back up for your request. Most importantly, be confident. You've earned it and you deserve it!

For further reading on these subjects, check out Mikelann R. Valterra's book, "Why Women Earn Less, How to Make What You're Really Worth", or Nicholas Reid Schaffzin's book, "Negotiate Smart: The Secrets of Successful Negotiation".

Until next time,

Erin

2006-03-06T19:57:00.000-05:00

Big News!!

Just got word today that some of my resumes will be featured in a new resume book published and coming out in the fall:
"No-Nonsense Resumes: The Essential Guide to Creating Attention-Grabbing Resumes That Get Interviews & Job Offers" by Wendy Enelow and Arnie Boldt.

Also included in the book are resumes from one of our other writers, Kris Plantrich.

To quote the authors Wendy and Arnie, "We are thrilled to be able to include your excellent work in this new publication."
Congratulations Kris & Erin!

Be sure to grab a copy of this book when it comes out!

2006-03-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

WELCOME!

Welcome to Professional Resume Services first ever BLOG! We have finally ventured into the age of blogging!

My name is Erin Kennedy and I am the owner of Professional Resume Services. My goal, and the goal of the writers here, is to create a blog that is very useful for the job seeker with information written in an easy-to-read format. We don't want to load it down with long pages per post, rather just short, simple and useful tools for the job search journey. We want to share all of the articles we study, conferences/seminars/webinars we attend, and industry knowledge we become privy to.

We are dedicated to helping ease your transition to your next job by creating powerful resumes, cover letters, cv's, and bio's that grab the employer's attention and get you the job you want.

If you have any questions or comments email us at info@proreswriters.com, or have difficulty viewing this blog, please let our moderator know at help@proreswriters.com.

Be sure to copy this link to your home page for future tidbits of useful career change, resume writing and job search info.

Until next time,

Erin