I Don't Owe You Anything.

Normally I tend to write blog posts that attempt to be positive and informative. This is not one of those posts so if that is what you are looking for you should probably skip this one because it's a bit of a rant.

Do you remember that line in the movie, Pretty Woman, when Richard Gere, driving his friend's Lotus, gets lost in Hollywood and asks a prostitute, played by Julia Roberts, for directions? She told him it would cost $20 for directions. He was shocked and outraged by the high price for directions and asked Julia Roberts how she could charge him just to point him in the right direction. Her response was, "Well, I ain't the one who is lost now am I?" Sometimes that is what I feel like saying to potential clients who try to negotiate a lower resume writing fee, question what I charge to write a resume, or just plain lie about the amount of experience they have. I feel like many people just don't understand the skill and time it takes to create a great resume and, therefore, undervalue the price of a really good writer.

I have had it with clients and/or potential clients who misrepresent the amount of experience they have in order to qualify for a lower resume rewriting fee. It's ridiculous, disrespectful, and rude. Don't they realize that I am going to figure it out once I start interviewing them?

I have a current client who initially told me that he had less than 20 years of work experience and since his old resume had his work experience beginning in 1994, I believed him. The fee I currently charge for someone with less than 20 years of work experience is $375. I found out, once he had paid me and I began work on his resume, that he graduated college in 1982 but he just doesn't list his work experience prior to 1994 on his resume. Had this client been honest with me he would have paid between $500 and $650 for the resume because that is what I charge for someone with that much experience.

The problem with this particular client is that he is taking up a lot of my time as do most clients with a lot of experience. Whether a new client believes it or not at the outset of the process, the more experience you have the more there is to discuss. It doesn't matter if you include all of your work experience on your resume or not -- inevitably the past comes up in conversation and takes up more of my time. Furthermore, clients with more experience also have more revisions than clients with fewer years of work experience. I would imagine this is because the longer you have been in the workplace the more opinions you have which is why I charge more to write resumes for people with more experience.

I have many terrific clients but there are also those like the one I mention in this post who seem to think that I owe them work at no charge. Or maybe they think my time isn't valuable. I really don't know what they think but I am getting fed up with folks who attempt to take advantage of my generosity. Once I agree to work with a client I give 110% to make sure that he/she looks like a rockstar on the resume no matter how long it takes or how many conversations we need to have to clarify information. I don't think it's too much to ask that clients pay for the time I spend working on their behalf.

I go out of my way to give free advice to people whom I know cannot afford to pay for a resume and/or who are connected to individuals in my network simply because I have always felt that if you are kind to others it will come back to you in a positive way. Sometimes that is true but there are some people really seem to go out of their way to take advantage of those who are kind to them and it leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.

Writing is a skill and resume writing is a particular niche within the writing field. Just because you are a good technical writer or journalist doesn't mean you are a good resume writer. There are a lot of resume writing services in the world but very few are particularly good at it. I have a lot of respect for a very few resume writers like Barbara Safani, Louise Fletcher, and Susan Ireland.

Anyone who really knows how to write a resume knows that it takes more than a pretty format and a list of key words to create a compelling document that will be noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

If you hire a resume writer just remember that it's hard work and nothing is for free. I don't owe you anything just because you don't feel like paying the full fee. If you want a discount or a cheap product please take your business someplace else. If you want a great resume and you are willing to pay for it I am happy to help you but please don't lie to me or take advantage of my good nature.

To paraphrase Julia Roberts: just remember, I am not the one who lost.

Interesting and Innovative Job Search Resources

I have recently heard about some really interesting online job search resources and tools that I thought might be helpful to job seekers.

15 Second Pitch is a free website that guides you through the creation of a 500 word pitch for you/ your services. I think this is a great tool for any job seeker because you need to have your elevator pitch ready whenever someone asks you why they should hire you. I heard about this tool from Susan Ireland and posted my 500 word pitch in the comments section of her blog as did many other people if you want to see what others' pitches look like.

Alliance Q is a job board created by and for large corporations. Don't put your resume on Monster if you want to work for ADP, Hewitt, or Avery Denison to name a few. Post your resume on Alliance Q instead.

I recently met a CPA/VP Finance job seeker who swears by RiteSite as a job search tool. I gave it a cursory glance but don't know much about the site. One thing he liked about it was that you can create resumes without your name on it that are searchable by recruiters so if you don't want your employer to know you are looking you can get your resume posted anonymously.

Liz Ryan recently wrote a post on Yahoo! Savvy Networker and I wish I had written it myself. She listed some key phrases to NOT include on your resume. And these are:

• Results-oriented professional
• Cross-functional teams
• More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
• Superior (or excellent) communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Met or exceeded expectations
• Proven track record of success
• Works well with all levels of staff
• Team player
• Bottom-line orientation

And finally, I want to address Video Resumes which haven't really taken off but some companies pitch to job seekers. While I can appreciate the benefits of a video resume for some people I can't imagine busy recruiters taking the time to load and watch a bunch of videos when its faster to just skim resumes. Also I read an interesting article about the legal pitfalls of video resumes which makes it pretty clear that if recruiters at large corporations listen to their attorneys they wont be watching video resumes to make hiring decisions.

Who Should You Listen to for Resume Advice?

Once you embark upon a job search your resume, perhaps previously gathering dust in a file drawer, will become the most important document you own. Job seekers have a tendency to show everyone they know a copy of their resume; many of them seem to weigh each opinion equally and continuously edit the resume based on the most recent "great advice" they have been given.

It seems like everyone has an opinion about what you need to do to create a good resume. In fact, if you do a quick Google search you will find that there is no shortage of resume writers in this country. If you look in your local yellow pages you will also probably find "resume writers" who a really typists who can format information for you. So, whose opinion counts when it comes to resumes? How do you know if you are getting good advice or not?

First of all if you are going to ask for advice on your resume you need to make sure you know what questions to ask. Are you asking for input on the formatting and general appearance? Do you want input on the content and appropriateness of the language used to describe your jobs? Or do you want to know if the resume does a good job of selling your unique skills and accomplishments? If you just ask someone, no matter how knowledgeable they are, "what do you think of my resume?" you aren't asking the most useful question. Make sure to ask very specific questions in order to elicit the most specific and helpful responses.

If I were going to ask for an opinion on my resume one of the most important criteria would be the knowledge, education, and qualifications of the person whom I asked to review the document. Here are a few thoughts on whom I would recommend that you ask and whom you should not ask for opinions on your resume.

Good Sources of Resume Critiques:

Hiring Manager in your field or desired employer. These can be some of the best people from whom to get feedback on your resume. These are the people who will make the final decision about whether or not they want to consider asking you to join their team. Their feedback on content is especially helpful. You will find that hiring managers are most interested in reading about your specific skills and accomplishments in areas that affect their bottom line. If that information isn't in your resume you need to do some edits.

Human Resource Professionals (in-house recruiters) in your field. These are the ultimate resume reviewers because they read, screen, and decide the fate of hundreds (sometimes thousands) of resumes every day. They want to see clearly written information about your jobs and accomplishments that is formatted in an easy-to-read but not overly fancy manner. They need to be able to rapidly assess whether or not its worthwhile to screen you for possible interviews with the hiring manager.

Elite Retained Recruiters: If I were going to ask for an opinion on my resume the first person I would ask would be one of the few really top recruiters I know. Some of the best recruiters in the country are well educated, have been in the business for years, and are trusted partners of their Fortune 500 and/or Private Equity backed clients. These recruiters are the best of the best and they know exactly what they and their clients want to see and how they want to see it presented on a resume. In my opinion these people offer some of the best resume feedback you can get.

NOT So Good Sources of Resume Feedback:

Your spouse. Unless your spouse has unique knowledge of the recruiting/hiring industry it is good to get an outside opinion on the overall content and look of the resume. On the other hand, your spouse or significant other can be very helpful in reminding you of key accomplishments or projects that you have forgotten about but should be listed on your resume. Use your spouse's knowledge and expertise wisely.

Junior Level Contingency Recruiters: "Contingency" recruiters get paid only if they fill a position within a client company. Many contingency recruiting firms will literally hire just about anyone with a pulse because they are paying them 100% commission; if they fail they get fired and if they make money for the company they can stay. These people often get no special training and are not required to have any particular level of industry knowledge, education, or background for the job other than a willingness to relentlessly cold call any company that might have a job opening they can try to fill. If you have a friend who just started a recruiting job they may not have really learned what hiring managers want to see in resumes yet. Weigh their resume feedback carefully before making changes.

Employees of your dream employer who don't know what you do and don't work in the area in which you are seeking employment. Just because you have a friend at Dell (for example) does not mean that he/she knows anything about resumes, your unique background, the department you seek to become employed by, or how to you should present yourself on paper. However, you should absolutely network with anyone you know at your dream employer - you just may not want to change your resume based on his/her feedback. Again, weigh feedback carefully before starting to edit.

Large resume writing companies that employ junior writers and who ask you to fill out comprehensive surveys. Resumes are personal. They are the ultimate marketing material for the most important product in the world: You. The experience, education, and background of the resume writer you choose to assist you is what matters most if you are going to pay someone to help you write your resume. A good resume rewrite involves in depth conversations between you and whom ever is creating the document for you. No surveys or questionnaires are needed.

Resumes should be clearly written, simply formatted, and should describe each of your jobs and accomplishments along with relevant dates. You should list your education, board memberships, volunteer positions, patents, publications, media appearances, and anything else that appropriately demonstrates that you are a star at what you do. Keep it simple and remember that this document only has to do one thing for you: market your skills in such a way that you get an interview. Once it lands you the interview the new "most important" document will become the paycheck you receive from your fabulous new job!

5 Things Humans Can Learn From Puppies

Boy, its been awhile since I posted. I have been extremely busy and have really let the blog slide so I need to get back on track!

I just got a new puppy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whom I named Oliver. He is so adorable and sweet. He spends most of his day keeping me company on a pillow that I have placed next to the computer on my desk. When he isn't sleeping he is running around the house, playing with my other dogs, exploring, sitting on laps, and generally spreading joy and fun wherever he goes. As I watch him grow and learn it occurred to me that adult humans can learn a thing or two from puppies.
1. If you fall down, get back up and keep going.

Oliver is very quick and spry; sometimes I don't even hear or see him coming until he has smashed into a door I am opening. The other day he ran head-on into a door just as I was opening it. I don't know how he didn't get a concussion. He didn't cry or whine. He just got up, wagged his tail and followed me out the door. As we get older I think most of us indulge ourselves in some time to complain or be upset about things that go wrong - maybe we should try to bounce right up and keep going instead of wasting precious time feeling sorry for ourselves. Easier said than done of course.

2. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Oliver pops out of bed every morning with an excitement and enthusiasm that makes me smile even though I am in desperate need of caffeine before I can start my day. I can't help it. He is excited about the day so I start my day with a smile. People who walk into a room with a genuine (not fake) smile and who seem happy tend to elicit the same attitude from those with whom they interact. It can be difficult sometimes but happy spreads happy.

3. Forgive and forget.

Oliver and my two other dogs, Rusty and Kodiak, are adjusting to each other. There is a lot of toy and rawhide stealing going on in the house now. Sometimes Kodiak, who weighs about 90 pounds, just walks right up to Oliver and takes a toy out of his mouth. Oliver always looks confused but he doesn't get mad and he continues to try to become friends with Kodiak. And Kodi is warming to him and is spending less time playing with Oliver's toys and more time playing with his own. I am not a believer that anyone should take a lot of crap from anyone else but in certain situations taking the high road is a really good way to go.

4. Every day brings the possibilty of new adventures.

Every time we try a new activity like riding in the car, walking to the park, or meeting a new person, Oliver reacts with all the enthusiasm you would expect from a puppy. It's just good to remember that every day we are alive we have the option to enthusiastically take on new adventures, challenges, and activities with a positive attitude.

5. Opening showing those you love how you feel is a good thing.

What can I say? Puppy hugs and kisses are fantastic and make every day better. Make sure the people you care about realize their importance in your life every day because life is short. Oliver's obvious love for me makes me so happy every day even when I am having a crummy day.

This One Is For The Troops: Translating Your Military Experience Into Civilian Terms On Your Resume

Happy Memorial Day! I hope that you were all able to have a wonderful and relaxing day and that you remembered that it was made possible by all the soldiers who, since the Revolutionary War, have been making sure that the U.S. is a safe and free country where we can live our lives in peace. I am very grateful to all the members of the U.S. Armed Services and, over the years, I have also had the opportunity to help many former soldiers to create resumes for use in the civilian world.

So, today, in honor of our soldiers I thought I would list a few tips for describing military service in terms that make sense to civilian employers.

1. Explain the military acronyms on your resume.

Instead of assuming that a civilian will know what FOB, PB, or JRTC means write out the entire word and follow it with the acronym in parentheses. Forward Operating Base (FOB), Patrol Base (PB), Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC).

2. Where possible explain your military duties in simple terms that make sense to civilians.

If in doubt, describe what you did to your grandmother; if she can't understand what you are saying you need to go back to the drawing board and simplify.

3. Be specific about results; don't just list your duties.

All resumes (military or non-military) should describe the scope of your jobs and should emphasize your accomplishments. Every job is about delivering results in one form or another but the trick is to try to describe your military results in terms that are applicable in the civilian world.

For example:

Accountable for the readiness of four highly sophisticated Bradley fighting vehicles, associated weapons systems, and experimental equipment.

Responsible for the training, discipline, health, and morale of a 36 member Brigade Combat Team

The above bullets describe a few basic duties but they have little to do with most civilian jobs. So you need think about what kind of skills might be important in the civilian world while also demonstrating that you were good at your job in the military. Everyone wants to hire superstars. If you were to expand on those bullets you could write the following which demonstrates you held a responsible job (managed a staff and expensive equipment/budget), that you have knowledge of strategy and logistics, and the ability to remain calm under pressure:

Led a 36 member Brigade Combat Team with full responsibility for the training, discipline, and morale of a team responsible for staying prepared to deploy on global missions in a wartime environment. Responsible for combat readiness for 4 Bradley fighting vehicles, weapons systems, and experimental equipment valued at more than $8 million.

Developed and led one of the most effective platoons in the Brigade as defined by senior officers observing combat training exercises at the Joint Readiness Training (JRTC) in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

• Led a 36 member mechanized infantry platoon which supported the 101st Airborne Unit during combat simulation exercises at the JRTC.
• Led team through an assault training mission which required team to travel long distances on foot and in combat vehicles and required numerous real-time modifications to strategy and formation.
• Methodically analyzed, communicated, and accounted for multiple variables affecting mission logistics including terrain, unique skills of individual team members, weather, and enemy capabilities.
  

Another example:

Planned major training exercises, force modernization and transformation, and integration of a Chemical Battalion, a pipeline company, and fire fighting detachments into the Brigade’s organization.

What we don't know is what is a "major training exercise"? In other words how many soldiers are involved. What does "transformation" mean? How many people were integrated from the other battalions?

Led, planned, and executed operations for the 1,200 member Engineer Brigade. Planned training exercises, led force modernization, and merged other units into the Brigade. Merged and integrated 150 soldiers in the following units into the Brigade: a chemical battalion, a pipeline company, and a fire fighting detachment.

By enhancing the description you can demonstrate that you have managed a large number of people and that you understand how to merge and integrate other divisions into an existing team. Integrating and training new employees is a skill that all managers need.

4. Describe the reason(s) you received medals, awards, promotions, or special assignments.

Most civilians have no idea what the criteria is to be awarded a Bronze Star, Silver Star, or to be selected as an aid to a General. They all sound impressive but I have found that sometimes the underlying reason for a special award or assignment is what helps demonstrate your unique skills or attributes.

5. Use words like logistics, procurement, supply chain, and distribution to describe obtaining and moving equipment and supplies.

At times I have seen military resumes that say "planned and executed the relocation of equipment during a deployment". I don't think that really does justice to the amount of work involved with transporting large numbers of soldiers, equipment, food, and fuel either overseas to across domestic bases.

This is an example of an effective description:

Managed procurement, supply chain, distribution, and utilization of more than $20 million in building materials to support general construction and force protection in Iraq.

The military offers incredible training and experience that is very relevant to many jobs in the private sector. The key is to learn how to translate your military experience into meaningful phrases that those of us non-military folks can understand and that will help you to land a fantastic job.

Are You Gracious?

According to Merriam Webster dictionary the word gracious means "marked by kindness and courtesy; marked by tact and delicacy; characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding."

At times I am shocked and appalled by the lack of graciousness that some people demonstrate and at other times I am just as surprised when someone is unexpectedly polite, kind, or generous. I hope that I am always gracious and well mannered to everyone I know but I have no doubt that I make mistakes sometimes when I am in a hurry or not just not paying attention. I think that being well mannered and kind pays dividends in every part of your life and, certainly, when you are searching for a job.

Lately I have personally witnessed and, in other cases, heard from friends some amazing stories about selfish and self centered individuals who demonstrate few, if any, manners. These clueless souls are burning bridges and destroying relationships but they are too self centered to realize it. So, I have put together a short quiz about graciousness:

Do you send thank you notes or, at a minimum, emails to a colleague, co-worker, or potential business associate when he/she pays for your lunch?

Do you remember say thank you (note, phone call or email) when someone you know professionally recommends you for an honor, award, speaking engagement, writing assignment, or something similar?

Do you follow up with colleagues of whom you have asked professional favors if/when you decide you no longer need the favors? Or do you forget about it and let them work on your behalf and then say something like, "Oh, I forgot to tell you I no longer need that."?

Do you send thank you notes and, if appropriate gifts, for professional referrals?

Do your thank-you methods reflect the size of the professional favor or courtesy you have been given?

If someone performs a random act of kindness from which you benefit do you show your appreciation in an appropriate and timely way?

Do you RSVP to both social and business events and follow through by either showing up or not showing up depending on what you said you would do?


It should be obvious that if you answered "no" to any or all of these questions that you need to work to increase your graciousness quotient. Don't be so self absorbed...do what you say you will do, say thank you frequently, and show appreciation. The person to whom you have just been rude may be angry with you or have gotten his/her feelings hurt and rudeness that results in hurt feelings is almost always avoidable.

When in doubt show more rather than less appreciation. No one has ever lost friends by being too gracious but poor manners ruin relationships every day.

Fascinating Yet Depressing Blog - Real Layoff Stories on How I Got Laid Off

The guy who writes this blog, How I Got Laid Off, got in touch with me awhile back and asked if I wanted to write about his blog. I said yes and so that is what I am doing now. This blog has some personal stories that are real bummers but if you want to hear stories that will make your personal situation seem less awful this is the blog for you. I have heard some sad stories about layoffs but this blog has posts from folks all over the country and some of them will really shock you, make you sad, or make you want to boycott certain companies. Also, if you want to share your layoff story you can do so on this blog.

Crummy employers beware: How I Got Laid Off is exposing your nasty ways of laying people off. Whatever happened to treating people with dignity and respect?