I am reading your blog and was hoping that you might be able to offer some input on how to have my resume stand out to companies that I email to.
Here's my challenge- I have worked in a couple of unrelated fields (education, sales and horticultural management), so I worry that future employers don't see my potential.
Also, although I have gone back to school and am finishing my business degree and have ambitions of starting an on line business within the next couple of months and getting my real estate license, I am challenged to get even an administrative position with a company.
I am under the gun because the agency I work for will be restructuring and it is not know if jobs will be cut.
I am trying to network and have gone for a couple of informational interviews, but am feeling frustrated.
Thank you for advice/recommendations that you can offer.
--MFD
Dear MFD,
Thanks for reaching out to me. I hope you're finding the blog useful, confirming some of your own thoughts and expanding others.
The biggest problem I see is financial staying power--your ability to sustain a lengthy job search while looking for something "ideal" (I got that from you saying you were under the gun).
Without staying power, I would encourage you to simplify your resume and get "a job" so that you can earn money while looking for something ideal. You could have many different resumes focused on different elements of your experience (make sure you track what version you sent to home and for what job) but without the ability to sustain a longer search, you will damage your financials while gambling on a great outcome.
Generally, gamblers don't get dealt an inside straight (I hope you know that metaphor; if not, few people win MegaMillions).
Now, another way to think of this is to explore consulting or temporary work in one of these disciplines while looking at better options. Consulting keeps you working, frequent assignments no longer are seen as damaging to a person's long term prospects and, in some cases are seen as superior.
I hope I've offered some ideas you can implement. If I misunderstood your circumstances, please write back.
Jeff Altman
The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
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