Why Not Earn an Associate’s Degree?

An article in The Dallas Morning News in the Sunday, June 27, 2010, edition, “Why An Associate’s Degree Could Be a Good Option” by Liz W. Robbins, states that individuals with an associate’s degree earn $400 or more per month that individuals with only a high school diploma.

We are fortunate in the US that there are many community colleges that provide convenient schedules and reasonable tuition. Nursing, radiology, and respiratory therapy are representative of the many occupational opportunities in the health care industry.

I encourage high school graduates to consider attending a community college to enhance their skills and earning power. Please share your experiences how additional education has enabled you to become employed and increased your earning power.

Thanks! Glyn

A Smooth Exit Leaving No Bridges Burned

An article in The Dallas Morning News in the Sunday, June 20, 2010, edition, “Discover the Right Way to Leave a Job” page 1J by Metro Creative Connection, suggests that regardless of the circumstances of our departure from an organization, you should leave the job with dignity and grace.

Recently while serving as a job counselor, I had several clients who had lost their jobs because of failing to report to work as scheduled.  They stated that they did not realize that they were scheduled to work the day that they were a no-show. 

So I asked them what type of reference would this employer provided them?  I think that you and I know the type of reference that they would received.  What lessons are to be learned?   Jobs today are difficult to find, and if you have a good job, you must protect it by your continued and consistent outstanding performances. 

Please share your experiences in leaving one job for another with readers of this blog.

Thanks!    Glyn    

Getting First Real Job or Any Job!

An article in The Dallas Morning News in the Sunday, June 13, 2010, edition, “How to Land Your First Real Job” on page 1J by Metro Creative Connection, provides ideas for getting your first job or perhaps just for getting a job.   While I do not think these ideas break any new ground, I have listed them below: 

1.    Don’t rule out temporary positions.  The idea is to earn some money, and temp jobs meet that need and may lead to a permanent position.

2.    Consider a different job section.  You should fish where the fish are biting! 

3.    Continue networking.  Whether you have a job or not, you should always be networking and increasing your circle of contacts.

4.    Be on top of your game. Your resume should be concise, focused, honest,  and error free; you should rehearse responses to typical interview questions; your shoes should be polished and cloths clean and pressed; please remove all attaching hardware and cover-up body art.  

5.    Don’t get discouraged. A positive attitude is very important.  Interviewers are very perceptive, and no one needs an unhappy employee.

Please share your ideas concerning resume development with readers of this blog.

Thanks!    Glyn    

Tailor Resumes to Fit the Job

An article in The Dallas Morning News Sunday, June 6, 2010, issue, “Tailor Resume to Fit the Job” on page 1J by Cliff Garinn, discusses ideas concerning your resume.  Here are some of the suggestions: 

1.    Employers do not want to figure out or interpret what are your skills and how they are related to their work needs.  You should, therefore, develop a resume that answers the question what can I do for the hiring organization.

2.    Employers are not proofreaders; consequently, your resume should be error free, concise, and easy to read.

3.    The one size fits all resume is not a good idea.  You should tailor your resume for your target audience – the hiring organization.

4.    The article suggests that you include only the last 10 years of experience in your resume.  I do not agree; you may have relevant experience that occurred some time ago. Of course, I am a bit long in the tooth and am pleased with some of the earlier days in my career.  

5.    You should list only completed academic accomplishments beyond high school.   Memberships in professional organizations if they are relevant to the organization’s focus should be included.

6.    Hobbies typically are of no interest to the hiring organization unless they are in some way work related.

Please share your ideas concerning resume development with readers of this blog.

Thanks!    Glyn    

Dear Abby’s Advice to Job Seekers

The “Dear Abby” column on page 2E on May 22, 2010, of The Dallas Morning News, by Jeanne Phillips, responds to a letter written by “Trying to be Helpful of Tumwater, Washington”, provides sound advice to job seekers.

According to the letter, the writer’s organization posted an opening on the state’s unemployment job board. The ad detailed simple but specific instructions that included asking the applicants for a cover letter to address certain questions. It stated in large letters that the applicant must follow the instructions.

Of the 133 resumes received, 76 did not contain the required information requested and were not considered for hiring. Many of the rejected applicants were qualified for the open position. The writer asks Abby to “Please advise your unemployed readers that there is a job is out there for them, but they must follow instructions”. Abby, emphasizes that applicants must proofread what they have written especially checking for spelling errors.

Once I was looking for administrative assistant, and after interviewing several clients, I called the candidate I had selected to give her the good news. However, the telephone number on her resume was a disconnected telephone. Needless to say, the next candidate got the job.

Please make sure that you proof all information that you provide to hiring organizations! You may never know if errors on your job application may eliminate you from being considered for a job opening.

Thanks! Glyn