Terminated - Job Seeking Advice and Discussion - Over 200 Posts with Advice

[db]

And db, will that make you 'anearyooper' or a 'yooperwannabe'?

The wife says we have to remain "trolls" (living under the bridge), so it appears I will be living just south of heaven! But alas! As far as consulting goes, the pickin's pretty slim up there anyway.

 

[energy]

Re: Goodness gracious!

Lucinda said:

Seems like I'm probably guilty of a few of those pet peeves!

But there's no pleasing everyone. I keep rehashing my resume to fit one's likes and then get told by someone else that I should do it another way!

Cinda,

For just $89.99, they'll do it for you and it still won't matter. I read all the tips and I'll consider them when "individualizing" the resume. It's all about luck. The dumb down idea is also mentioned in those tips. Not too technical. As I said before, these resume gurus are employed and can afford to tell you how, without the need or ability to prove it. Does everybody that lands a job call them or send them flowers because they used their resume? No! They get their cash, you keep on looking. Well, another year is started so let's see what it brings.

 

[Mike S.]

Re: Goodness gracious!

Lucinda said:

In fact, in order to get my last job, a Quality Manager position, the recruiter told me to "dumb down" my resume so that the company wouldn't be scared of me!

Sounds like the recruiter dumbed himself down!

 

[Davey]

Misery loves company

In the past 14 months, I have lost two jobs: both because the companies were running out of money and the quality department took the biggest hit.

While it is of little consolation to you right now, I was able to quickly find work both times. I am very pleased with my current situation.

With time and perspective, you may view this as an opportunity to challenge yourself to find the exact work that interests you, in a company that respects your skills and knowledge.

Chin up and press on. For now, enjoy the time with your family and friends.

Davey.

 

[JodiB]

How's this for a hoot?.....I was contacted by a recruiter for a Corporate Writer position! Bet you guys didn't know that I've written tons of marketing materials, customer response letters, training programs, etc. When I grow up I want to be a travel writer

The position would have been ideal except that it was on contract for 6 months before going permanent and the commute wouldn't have been pretty. I asked the recruiter if it were possible to do some telecommuting but she said no, it would have to be done at the corporate office everyday. So I took a pass. Bummer. Guess it means that I'm not totally desperate yet. Still looking for the stars to be in perfect alignment.

BTW, there are some QA positions being advertised in this area for anyone willing to relocate.....energy? Ready to move somewhere warmer?

 

[energy]

Not

Lucinda said:

BTW, there are some QA positions being advertised in this area for anyone willing to relocate.....energy? Ready to move somewhere warmer?

Cinda,

Too late for me. I have received some tips from people requiring pulling up stakes in pursuit of Q employment. Ah, if I were only 10/15 years younger. Maybe. Not now. I will take something, in due time. Temporary, PT, etc..In 2 years, I'm ready to pack it in. Funny, I intended to work well into retirement to keep active. I never thought it would be to survive.
Don't mind me. It's one of those days. Only been a month, just seems longer. Later, Y'all.

 

[JodiB]

RE: dumbing down

Oh yeah, that advice has come from more than one person. That particular recruiter said that my resume made me sound like I would be about $10K more expensive than the job was paying. So to water it down some in order to be considered. Others have commented that not many people understand quality management and so to lose the references to ISO. Also, that I should play up my general skills (attention to detail, critical analysis, decisiveness, mult-tasking, etc.) that exist outside of the specific jobs I've held.

It's a new year and I'm still at the crossroads. I'll leave quality if I must, but I'm still hoping to continue in the field. So why the heck should I eliminate references that those in quality would recognize? Seems like the only point in that would be if I wanted to do something different... ..

 

[Angela-2007]

On top of my duties here I get the great honor of the Human Resources dept. I recruit, interview and hire. The "dumb down" thing. I have to tell you guys that it is the truth. I'm all for hiring the most capable person. But the supervisors and managers of the dept aren't. There is always the fear that the person they hire may take their job someday. It's reality. I notice when a pretty female comes in to interview that the female supervisor finds about twenty petty things wrong with her. For instance, I have a manager here. One of those people who believe in herself "ALOT" if you know what I mean. I've noticed that all the women in her dept. are considerably older, only have a high school education, and there husband usually make substantial livings and they work because they want to.

It is an evil world!!!!!

Angela

 

[Mike S.]

That is sad, but I'm sure it is true in many places. Of course, some companies are run such that they breed fear and distrust making it unlikely that Managers will hire anyone who could potentially take their jobs. Of course, there is no good reason to hire a Ph.D. if the job is easily done by a HS grad -- in the end it is a waste of money and would bore the Ph.D. to tears -- a lose-lose situation.

I always looked at it like this (given a decent company): I try to hire AT LEAST one person who could replace me and train them to be my replacement. It makes my job easier, helps the company, gives them something to reach for/aspire to, and makes it more likely I can get a promotion and move-up if I'm not indespensible where I am. The company likes it, the employee likes it, and I like it.

 

[JodiB]

Angela said:
I notice when a pretty female comes in to interview that the female supervisor finds about twenty petty things wrong with her. For instance, I have a manager here. One of those people who believe in herself "ALOT" if you know what I mean. I've noticed that all the women in her dept. are considerably older, only have a high school education, and there husband usually make substantial livings and they work because they want to.

Angela

Oh I just had to laugh because you are spot on with that one! Whenever women come in for interviews all the other women look at her to see if she's a "threat"! There's always jealousy if she's attractive. And I'm no exception, I do it too even though I know it's silly and petty.

So not only do you have to "dumb down" the resume, you have to "dumb down" your looks too! Actually, that was a factor in my going from blonde to brunette years ago, while others my age were doing the reverse!

It's a fine line in dumbing down, whether it's the resume or the "package".