Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Are Job Markets Improving?

The short answer is NO. We hear about new job creation and lower unemployment. However, this data is usually skewed. Here are some real facts that are impacting Americans. 

  • Companies are reducing hours to make more employees go from full-time to part-time to avoid cost of health benefits.
  • Many of the new jobs being created are part-time.
  • Many college graduates are working in positions that are far below their skills.
  • Older and senior level professionals are being downsized to reduce salary expenses.
  • Less and less people are getting pay increases.
  • Organizations are flatter and leaner with less career growth.
     
  • Taxes are increasing at local and state levels and employees are picking up more of their healthcare cost which is reducing disposal income.

These realities can only be offset by working with a Career Coach who can provide the type of guidance needed to point your career in the right direction. A good Career Coach can make you look better on paper, guide you towards jobs and industries experiencing growth, and develop strategies to help you move up the corporate ladder.

Call 203.268.5636‎ in CT or 910.444.2466 in NC  -  Visit our website at www.resumeetc.com

Monday, August 18, 2014

Will Video Resumes Replace Traditional Resumes?

The Short answer is very unlikely. There are a number of reasons that make video resumes impractical and risky.  The average employer will spend about 60 seconds reading a resume.  It is highly unlikely that a video can communicate the same information in 60 seconds, and executives do not have the time to review lengthy videos.  Companies are unlikely to invest in software that can scan videos for key words, which they presently do with traditional resumes.

Videos can be very risky because employers can reject a job candidate for any number of reasons that are evident on a video, but not evident on a traditional resume.  A video conveys far too much information including age, height, weight, personal appearance, body language and so on.  Any single negative can cost you an interview, whereas these risks are mitigated with a traditional resume.  In all likelihood, the traditional resume will remain constant for the foreseeable future. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give us a call at (203) 268-5636 or visit our website at www.resumeetc.com.

Alfred Mariani

President


Resumes Etc

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

How & When to Ask for a RAISE!

           Asking for a raise can be a very risky proposition if it's not planned out correctly.  As a general rule, employers believe that they are paying their employees fair market value.  Therefore, the odds of getting more money are usually against you.  The best approach is to establish credibility with your immediate Supervisor by consistently exceeding expectations.  You're in a much better bargaining position when you have a history behind you.  So, timing is critical.  You need to spend the time necessary to develop a reputation as a results-driven and highly valued employee.  This approach can take six months or several years because you need to have the opportunity to show what you can do.  If the opportunity doesn't present itself, you need to take on increased responsibility to demonstrate your skills, work ethic and value to the organization.  Once you have established a reputation of consistently adding value, your odds of negotiating a pay raise is much improved.

            The approach is also critical.  When asking for a raise, you must never demand or insist; diplomacy is crucial.  It is always good to begin by reinforcing your commitment to your Supervisor and to your employer, while also thanking the company for the opportunity to acquire new skills and to demonstrate your abilities.  You can then talk about the financial pressure you are facing including inflation, tax increases, tuition increases, unanticipated expenses (e.g. home improvements), and other factors.  This approach indicates that your reasons are due to events that have simply overwhelmed you, and your reason is not based upon the greed factor, but the survival factor.

            When you close the discussion, make it clear that you will remain a loyal and committed employee even if the answer is no, but that you would appreciate any consideration.  If the answer is no, it is a clear indication that your company many simply lack an appreciation of your efforts.  This is good information to have, since the culture of your company is unlikely to change in the near future, and you can now exercise your options.  If the answer is yes, you have won.  However, the company will now expect more from you and you will have to deliver.  Finally, never discuss your plans to ask for a raise or the final outcome with anyone, and I mean anyone.  Companies do not want to be in a position where your success will lead to a rush from other employees looking for pay increases.

Monday, September 16, 2013

10 Biggest Career/Resume Killers



10 Biggest Career/Resume Killers

1.      Letting a friend or relative do your resume.
2.      Job hopping and never staying with any employer for more than 3 years.
3.      Becoming over specialized so that your skills are not transferable.
4.      An ambiguous and confusing resume where the reader can’t understand what it is you actually do.
5.      Having a career that is all over the map, a jack of all trades and master of none.
6.      A resume that reads like a job description and not a marketing piece.
7.      Not including a cover letter, or repeating the same info on the cover letter that’s on the resume.
8.      Weak interview skills.
9.      A lackluster, non aggressive job search.

10.  Selecting a resume writer based on price not expertise.

Monday, September 9, 2013

SAMPLE COVER LETTER - Resumes Etc.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER



Dear,

            I am writing in response to your ad for the position of Marketing Coordinator.

            During the past ten years, I have been employed in this role with Reliability Marketing Consultants, a provider of multi-media solutions and advertising to Fortune 500 clients.  My core responsibilities include the coordination of all multi-media projects working with internal and external resources, as well as value clients.

            I have won numerous awards and commendation letters from my clients, and I attribute my success to several key factors.  My project management skills are used to establish goals, performance metrics and critical path scheduling, keeping all project stakeholders focused and on-target at all times.  I facilitate cross-functional teams to build consensus and support for positive change and shared goals.  I ensure that all creative teams and stakeholders meet with clients' expectations, resulting in long-term trust and loyalty.  In addition, I use performance metrics and feedback as a baseline for continuous quality improvement, and to take a proactive versus reactive response to problems and opportunities.  Finally, I view a good job as a privilege, not an entitlement.  Therefore, I strive to add value to my clients and my employer on a consistent basis.

            I have enclosed a copy of my resumé for your review and consideration.

                                                                    Respectfully,







Enclosure

Monday, August 19, 2013

How Important is a Cover Letter?

                                                 How Important is a Cover Letter?


            It is as important as a resumé!  You many find this surprising, but many companies value likability as much as skills, experience and education.  You can't market likability on a resumé, it's not designed for that.  You can market likability in a face-to-face interview, but you have to get the interview.  In other words, you have to market likability on paper in order to get in front of an employer.

            Companies want to hire people who have character, a positive work ethic, and can contribute to the vision and values of the organization.  At Resumés Etc., we use the cover letter to briefly describe your background, while focusing on you as a person.  As a result, 50% of our clients have been told that they were interviewed because of their cover letter.  I have included a sample cover letter to demonstrate how our cover letters humanize you to a prospective employer.

            For more information you can give us a call at (203) 268-5636, or visit our website at resumeetc.com




                                                             Alfred (Fred) Mariani
                                                                       President

                                                                   Resumés Etc.