Resume Critiques

Just recently I had my resume critiqued by a professional resume writer.  It was a free critique and of course the response was cryptic and vague in its explanation of what was needed, as all critiques are (this being so you are more likely to purchase the expensive rewrite).

In the process of reading the reply, it sounded very much like every other "free" critique and so I decided to look at this company's sample resumes.  Now I am cautiously assuming that these sample resumes are posted because they fit the "mold" that the resume writer thinks is best and I don't argue with that.  The last thing a company would want to do is post samples of bad anything, let alone resumes in this present job crisis.  So, I look at three sample resumes and guess what?  With the exception of a line or two, my resume looks like the samples!

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against resume writers, or them trying to build their business, but after looking at the samples and seeing mine is so similar I have to ask the question "Did you really look at my resume".  My immediate answer is no and in answering myself I have to wonder how many people have been led into having expensive rewrites done when there was no need?

I acknowledge the fact that there are people that have a tough time writing their resumes and need the help of professionals but how hard is it for these professionals, when doing these free critiques, to actually take the time to read my resume and compare it their samples?  I would caution anybody to be very careful about purchasing expensive resume rewrites until you've done extensive research, looked at many samples, and actually try to rewrite yours to meet the standards of the "sample" resumes.  

How Obama Is Turning America against Israel

How Obama Is Turning America against Israel

For years, no, decades, the United States has been a staunch supporter of Israel and has not been conciliatory to Islamic radicals yet, as you read the article linked here, you will find that this administration is in the process of turning that around.  Think about how this administration has been bowing to radical regimes such as Iran and condemning the actions of our strong ally Israel.  I can't help but believe we have got the wrong idea of who the real bad guys are.  Read the article and post your opinions.

Job-Locking Requires Passage of Health Care And Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in an interview by Rachel Maddow, talked about job-locking and the need to pass the health care bill.  The American Thinker has an article about that comment and it would be interesting to find out what you think.  I've attached a link to the article as well as a link to the video of the interview so you can compare.  Also, in the interview, Speaker Pelosi says that health care should be a right, not a privilege.  What are your thoughts on this.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/35828164#35828164

http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/pelosi_and_marx_on_freedom.html

Why the Rules Matter

This is an interesting article from American Thinker about the "rules" as they relate to our politicians. When reading it, remember that it applies to both political parties, not just one. We, as citizens, are required to abide and live by the "rules" set down by those in authority so why shouldn't our political parties have to do the same? Think about it.


Why the Rules Matter

The Big Lie of Health Care Reform

The Big Lie of Health Care Reform

Focus on the "Now"

 A good blog from Kevin Kermes

Focus on the “Now”

Posted by admin on March 6, 2010 · 3 Comments

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

The quote is from Buddha. While I am not sure if he experienced the frustration that can come along with a job search, I think his advice is very fitting. Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process. If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”
The Push and The Pull – Every search has a Push and a Pull. The Push is the reason you are leaving (or have left) your current (or past) job. The Pull is what is attracting you to your new job. Too often, by dwelling in the past you end up focusing on the Push. This is a lot like talking about an “ex” on a first date. A little bit can go a long way (in a bad way). Focus on the moment, which is the company you are pursuing and why they are a good fit for you.
Work in Blocks – Most people are looking at multiple opportunities across a wide array of industries – particularly if you are looking to change fields. It is typical to be left feeling a little scattered and without focus when jostling all these different positions in various stages of progress. Try breaking down your time into blocks. You can organize the time blocks by specific industry or by activity type (follow up calls, check-in emails, etc.). This allows you to get into a groove and get the most out of a set of like tasks, versus constantly shifting gears.
The Interview – Simply put, your job at each phase of the interview is to get invited back for the next interview. Do not worry about how many steps are in the process. Do not worry about compensation. Keep focused on stating your track record of accomplishments and the ROI the company will get by hiring you. This will put you in a position to not only be invited back, but in doing so you can figure out if this is the right job for you.
Patience – It isn’t a virtue, it is a requirement. The average job search is taking 211 days. Companies are taking their time to make the right hire which is resulting in a longer process than we have seen in years. Have a system to follow up and keep in touch with your prospective employer(s). Demonstrating patience will only help raise your stock, since your competition is likely not playing it as cool as you will be.
Sucking the Marrow – Be in the “now” for every call, email or meeting. You need to be constantly expanding your network, so whenever you are in communication with someone get the most out of that conversation. Who else do they know? Who is hiring? Get everything you can out of each interaction. And, always remember “give to get.”
This process is a marathon, not a sprint – particularly in this economy. Keep that perspective and focus on making forward progress every day. That may be a positive conversation that leads to a new introduction can be just as valuable in the long run as an interview.


Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to uncover the hidden job market and start pulling opportunities to you, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com

Intelligence operations of the Byzantines

This is a good article on what our intelligence operations need to do in today's world.  Some good comparisons of the Byzantines successful longevity and how we, the United States, should use our spy services.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html