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March 12th, 2010
Right before Christmas of 2009, my best-friend- in-the-world, Becky asked me to write a résumé for her sister, Jill. Now, I try hard not to work for friends or relatives – because it usually doesn’t work. It is like telling one of your siblings what would be right for him/her. Doesn’t work does it?
A stranger selects me; because of something that I have said on my web sites, over the phone — some connection out there has just clicked. They pay me, and in that magic moment of trust there forms a bond that begins our process, our journey together that I really love so much, by the way, –begins.
What has created such a bond of trust, I’m never quite sure. I just know it happens. But when someone has selected me for someone else – in this case Becky for her sister, it is just a little harder to form that bond.
Because Jill had worked for herself for the last few years, it was a challenge to pull together a résumé that would get through human resources. HR, by the way, totally has no imagination, so a résumé must really be well written for them to “get it.”
(Sorry, HR’s  They like to fit square pegs in square holes and they forget we’re people with lives that are sometimes hilly.
And then there is Jill – living in the state of Washington, who has an interesting history of accounting for corporate, working for a nonprofit – YMCA, renting her own residential properties, rezoning an entire block from residential to commercial, and working constantly for her church (maybe we should say “running” the Methodist Church in Redmond. (Preacher’s kid – what can I say?)
How do we fit all that into a résumé that will appeal to the HR behind Microsoft (who just happens to be in her neighborhood)?
We went to work and brought together a functional résumé. I really like this style because you can emphasis your skills before HR counts years and dates; a particular thing that they love to do.
I have always known in this business that where you think it will come from, it doesn’t. And when you least expect it Wham-o it happens!!!!!
Jill sent out a résumé in January for a position with the government along with the résumés for Microsoft. She waited; she got discouraged.
And then a call for interview came in March from the government job. Guess what? They need someone who can handle numbers, construction, administration, people, causes, and mission “impossibles.”
March 2 she interviewed; March 11 – yesterday – she was offered— and accepted the job!!! She can motorcycle to work if she wants.
Sorry Bill Gates, you lost a good one.
Oh – we did form that bond. I think that I might even have made a friend. Mary Ann
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March 10th, 2010
We hear these words over and over don’t we? They have become so much a part of this 21st Century culture that we hardly even flinch.
They are sterile words, meaningless words, that is, unless you’re part of the Recession Package of today. I’ve promised to tell you a few stories that I have encountered – so here goes the first one.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a résumé for a mechanical engineer working in manufacturing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Reason – Layoff.
As she described what had happened to her it made me cringe. The lady is African American and although that really doesn’t make a difference to the story; it does. She earned her degree in 1985 – not only a mechanical engineering degree, but another B.S. in Applied Math – graduating cum laude.
I think for any women this would have been an accomplishment. I asked her why she happened to enter that discipline – one that is usually for men (at least in 1985 it was). She told me that her home economics teacher was the impetus. Saying to her home-ec teacher that she wanted to be a teacher like her, the teacher answered that she had more smarts and needed to go into higher education with even higher goals. She did just that and graduated with high honors.
Then she entered manufacturing – a hard row to hoe for a women in a man’s field, let alone a black woman in a white man’s field. But she did just that and you know what? She was and is well liked and received.
She grows on you, this woman. You can feel her steadiness and character. No wonder they liked her.
Now about the layoff part: for the past year her manufacturing company has let people go. As theydid so they have asked her to take on more and more assignments – same pay scale – that of course – didn’t change.
Also, they asked all employees to bring a box or backpack to work in case they got fired that day. No, they didn’t use the word, “fire. ” That is too emotional; they use the more sterile words that are politically correct in this recession – you know layoff, downsize, reengineer. Something that doesn’t carry emotions.
But think about it. How would you like to go to work every day – take on the workload of three people and all the time your empty box is sitting there waiting for your belongings to be plopped in quickly while you vanish from the work force.
That my readers is the real hurt behind the sterile words of this recession; the real demeaning of our colleagues who work hard, overcome obstacles everyday, and earned their way with a cum laude, overcoming racial issues, overcoming gender issues, but not able to overcome the empty box issue. Mary Ann
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March 8th, 2010
Dear Friends – Old and New,
While you go on Spring Break, I’m packing-up my Indiana household and office for a big move to Denver, Colorado. I will close the office for about a month and reopen as a virtual office – April 15.
Since I moved back to Indiana from San Diego in 1994, I have always had clients coming to me from California, and since living in Indiana have serviced clients coast-to-coast. But I have always had all of you coming to my home-office in Indiana too.
Moving to Denver, I will miss that association, but I assure you my work for pilots heading to Iraq (flying C130’s), a recent client in the state of Washington (who by-the-way is going for her second interview with a company this week), and many, many others who are really pleased with my long-distance work – as pleased as you in Indiana, even though they have never seen me on a face-to-face meeting.
I will however, for those of you who want more visual, put in Skype.
For clients who want to get in touch with me or schedule beginning April 15, my email remains the same: maryann@midlifecareers.com or maryann@resumecounselor.com. Also, I will return phone calls. I just must slow down to be able to get out of town — I think, don’t you that these words could be a good beginning to a country western song?
If I can get everyone’s email entered on my website – www.midlifecareers.com, I will send you a personal message too.
Also, while all this happens, I would like to begin to tell you about some of the things that I have learned from all of you, about the heroes among us, about some of the really harsh things that have occurred for those who have experienced layoffs, and about funny things that have happened along my way and your way, as well.
And maybe in some small way these stories will help you as you are out there wondering if you are the only person discouraged and need something to relate to that is a little more personal than the sterile word of recession that covers up so much.
So keep tuning in and I’ll keep writing. And please someone, somewhere, comment and ask me stuff or tell me what’s on your mind.
Mary Ann
Posted in change | No Comments »
February 28th, 2010
Most frequently asked questions are: How’s the job market? Or – are people getting jobs?
Next biggest question is: will my age hurt my chances out there?
My answers:
I see a big serge on the job market. I heard from someone last week who had secured a job in South Florida. He has promised me a testimonial and I will get that on my site as soon as it’s available.
I think the construction people and people that surround that industry are still in a struggle. Outside of this industry, I see this new serge. Since the beginning of the year, I have written for lawyers, medical personnel, sales, manufacturing executives, engineers, foundations, IT, and nonprofits. All of these people have new jobs since January.
Because of the rush at this time of year (yes the résumé business has its seasons), I asked all my clients for a 7-10 business day turnaround rather than the 5-day. They all agreed. And then without exception, I was called to hurry up because they had heard from a recruiter or seen the perfect job. So you see – it is happening!
Now about age:
I think the same about age that a did a year ago and in earlier years past:
Age does not hinder you. (Period) Strangely enough I am asked this – no matter what age someone is. :) You would think that the world is run by 17 year olds. But you know it is not. The best employees are seasoned – the way you are.
What is wrong is how you pull your résumé together. Employers want confident people who know their stuff. That is what you need to market you. Go back and re-read my statements about branding. Differentiate yourself from everyone else at the top of the résumé by opening up the document with YOUR BRAND. Make a compelling statement and then back it up with facts. No, no, I do not mean TOP PRODUCER – type statements, but rather a statement that defines you differentiates you from every other candidate out there.
You say you can’t. Ask your wife. Ask you husband. Ask a trusted friend. And when you hear the same statement more than once about what makes you great – aha you are on to your brand.
That folks will sell you every time – no age problem either. Because your brand goes with you – it is portable job to job. It is part of your life and no one has exactly the same experience, wisdom, temperament, etc. that you do. Mary Ann
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February 4th, 2010
Yesterday, we linked www.resumecounselor.com website to Mary Ann’s Blog. So there are now more of you to read and listen to advice, comments, and gripes, whatever.
A little history:
www.Resumecounselor.com was actually my very first website brought together by Kevin Skarritt of www.Acorncreative.com – way back in the 90’s and is still to this day a successful website – delivering the information for information about my résumé services.
The recent new button on the site that leads to this blog was developed by Emily Bloss of www.websitecleanup.com. Emily is the behind-the-scenes genius in all we do here on the Internet.
The Future
In coming months the blog will offer not only helpful advice, but actual booklets to specifically help in guiding you to success. The first that will appear soon is a booklet on Retire, Re-Create, and Restart based on a Webinar with four panelists. Again the cover is by Acorncreative.com and the entire process will be available because of Emily Bloss’s genius.
Think this is a strange beginning in a recession year. No, because one of the best elimination tools for corporate is to offer early retirement. I hear from many of you who ask, “What do I do now?”
Following this will be a series of “How To” résumé writing booklets that will be added throughout 2010. So keep coming back to visit. I think you will like what I am going to add and it will help you in your own career pursuit.
So you see we are busy here and committed to making your career change or advancement easier.
If you have a request, interest in a special area, comments – please speak up.
Again welcome to résumé counselor visitors
Posted in Welcome Resumecounselor.com | No Comments »
January 9th, 2010
Interesting enough, as much as I see clients who have lost their jobs, I see more who have jobs, but are just not satisfied. Since the recession of the early 90’s, employer’s have parted ways with the employee and have opted for the bottom line. And in return, the employees just no longer have the loyalty or trust in their company that they once did.
There is something else that seems to me very prevalent today and that is job dissatisfaction. Some of this is about people having two to three jobs added to their job descriptions, but some of it is finding out that where they are headed is not where they want to go.
I often look back on a résumé to see what people took in college and to see how far away from their selected major that they have drifted. Sometimes it’s a good thing. Many of my CEO’s have Psychology or Anthropology degrees. They have had a curiosity about people that somehow actualized into leading a company and negotiating between the board and senior management.
But on the other hand, there may have been a left-behind dream that is far from being actualized, and if so, that may indicate a problem. They have a job, but they do not have a career. There is a Big Difference.
We usually select what we want to do in life because of our dreams or awareness of ourselves. Later that stops whenever the pursuit of money becomes the essential estimate of one’s worth.
Even in a struggling economy, however, I find many of my clients struggling more to see what is missing in their lives. A recent press release from www.conference-board.org says that U.S. Job Satisfaction is at the lowest level in two decades.
“While one in 10 Americans is now unemployed, their working compatriots of all ages and incomes continue to grow increasingly unhappy.” Says Lynn Franco, Director of the Consumer Research Center of The Conference Board. “Though both economic boom and bust during the past two decades, our job satisfaction numbers have shown a consistent downward trend.”
I’ll offer one explanation. We are a very free people. We dare to dream. Yet we find ourselves strapped with high interest rates on credit cards and the belief that the future will take care of us – and all of a sudden realistically find – it isn’t so. We become aware of passage of time, finding ourselves in a place that we never meant to go, and all of a sudden, stopping in our tracks to appraise a life that is going in the wrong direction.
Thus, dissatisfaction. Mary Ann
Posted in Jobs, Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 31st, 2009
Here I am back, again apologizing for not writing. I have been to Denver for 10 days. Wonderful! I have a month old grandson there and a 3 year old acting out, but very smart and very fun to watch.
I think when I move there I am going to donate some time to National Jewish Hospital to help teach asthmatic children. That is a personal goal.
I also have a personal goal to write my very best for you and help each and everyone of you gain momentum in where you want to go. I am good at this, so take advantage, please. And if you think you can’t afford me, you can at least write me and gain some answers to a question or two that might spur you on your way.
I had a client recently who is extremely competent – one of the best in his industry, but his self esteem has bottomed because of a work situation in which his superiors are poking around and diminishing him.
Has that happened to you? If it has, you need to move out of that situation, because no one needs to be diminished in their career. If they are or you are then it is a job to sustain you. It is not your career.
A career is about actualizing, being thrilled with what you do. Doing what you love, what is easy for you, because it is part of your DNA talent.
Yes, work needs to feel easy and fulfilling, not hard. I don’t know Bill Gates, but I bet if he had to work in a mill, it would feel hard to him. He may do it well, but it would be a drudge. No one pokes around at him, but I bet they have tried. But, you see, he has operated from the power of his innate talent and no one can touch that. Not Bill Gates and not you.
Life can’t wait for you to find yourself. You must do that on your own. Then when you feel the momentum and feel light as air – skip a little bit, then you are in your zone, in your talent base. Remember that the next guy isn’t so comfortable in your zone.
We forget this. We think if it is easy for us, it is easy for anyone. THIS IS NOT SO.
So look for what you love to do and what is easy for you and start off your goal for 2010 ( that is fun to write – try it) finding what is fun, interesting, challenging and moving away from people who do not appreciate you as you are.
Happy New Year —-Mary Ann
p.s. And write me. Complain to me. Ask me questions. Sometimes I feel that I am writing to an empty Internet. It is like singing in the dark.
I’ll answer too.
Posted in Personal | No Comments »
December 20th, 2009
I have to say that the last week was hectic. My gift to my future year is to keep down all the busy-ness of this past week. Calm but sure that’s my mantra for next year.
So, those coming to me with dire emergencies are going to have to wait in line!
And so can it be for you too.
Begin by enjoying this holiday at whatever point you find yourself and relax. Because it is getting better and no matter what you read out there I can tell you that the business world is moving again.
January is going to be a good hiring month. I know of more hiring right now – and I work across country, not just Midwest — more hiring than I think the entire rest of the year combined. That says a lot. And believe me, I am not going to say something on this blog that I don’t believe is correct.
My thoughts for you is to work with what you’ve got to make it a beautiful Christmas. Give gifts of yourself not $$$ gifts. Have fun; laugh a lot. Take walks. Play with the kids. Turn off TV or turn it on if that makes you happy. But just take in the moment.
Because that is exactly what I am going to do. I may blog again next week – because that makes me happy. But I am stepping back from the business and just enjoying the week with my Denver family – 3 year old girl and 23-day old boy<):
And while I do this, I am going to began to journal about how I can help you more. I think remaining calm and refusing emergencies is a beginning. I will attend a very important conference of all the leaders in this industry that I admire and learn from — that is not until March.
What I want to do most is bring to you all that I know, plus a calm encouragement of what I believe is true for each one of you. Help you see that you can rely and believe in yourself again.
The work is ahead of us – we both know that. But it is now the time for stopping, not worrying, looking at each family member and friend as a treasure. That is all – nothing more.
So, enjoy the season, each other and just know that if you really decide to restart your life, get back to work, do something new — it will happen.
A beautiful Christmas everyone, Mary Ann
Posted in People who need resumes | No Comments »
December 7th, 2009
The most important thing about writing a good resume – and that is one that works! Is getting clear about what it is you want.
Do not have two focuses — you are just going to either confuse the reader or sound undecided. One focus per resume.
It is easy.
The body of the resume doesn’t change very much, but the top is where it counts.
Expertise: Sales / Sales Management — or
Strengths: Customer Service / Relationship Management
Do you see what I mean??
If not write me your questions and I will answer them through the blog.
Best, Mary Ann
Posted in Resumes | No Comments »
December 6th, 2009
Here are the reasons: I have had a new baby – no, not me, but my daughter-in-law in Denver. Because of this, there has been a whirlwind —and only those who have had new babies understand.
Then, when I came home from Denver, there was a rush of new business and it is just today (Sund Dec 6) with two pieces of writing to go that I even feel that I can come up for air.
You are my first consideration — and next my bills.
What I am noticing with this rush of business is that everyone is primed for change and rightly so. I think that a few more weeks here might lag and it always does this time of year. But new business – and that means new jobs are on the horizons.
So, if your not ready – get going. If you’ve been depressed – get over it, because at the start of 2010 you are going to see budgets that are looking for new hires – at all levels.
This is an early trumpet call to bring it on! Mary Ann
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