In case you haven’t heard, September is National Update Your Resume Month and I wanted to give a quick reminder to anyone who still hasn’t updated their resume. Competition is tougher than ever because unemployment rates remains very high.

Recruiters and hiring managers are getting bogged down with the number of incoming resumes they are receiving. In order for you to stand out, you need to have an updated resume that is rich in relevant keywords and provides the reader with a really focused picture of your skills, achievements and the value you offer their company.

If you are not sure if you are in need of a resume, see if you fit any of the categories below.

If the resume you’re using was typed on an electric typewriter … you might be in need of a resume update.

If you’re still using your college graduation resume 13 years and 3 jobs later … you might be in need of a resume update.

If you have an Objective Statement or “References Upon Request” on your resume … you might be in need of a resume update.

If you’re tired of getting no response from your current resume … you might be in need of a resume update.

And finally

If the list of bullets on your resume reads more like a to-do list than marketable achievements and past experience … you might be in need of a resume update.

“Between Wyomings” is one man’s journey of coming to terms with his past through memories, travel and communion with God. The book looks deep into the struggles of learning to forgive oneself for the sins of the past while staying faithful to God.

Ken Mansfield takes his readers on 2 journeys simultaneously. The first journey is stories of his exciting past as a Grammy-winning record producer and his life of fame, fortune, stars and drugs. The insight from Ken gives us the B side of the music industry and shares details of momentous events as only few people can.

Ken’s second journey is inward and challenges the author to deal with his past and accept God’s grace and love.

He has done a great job articulating deep and stirring thoughts that often come when conversing with God. It reminded me that God is always there waiting for me with open arms and a plan. The book was very rich in content and description, making it a book not easily skimmed.

I recommend “Between the Wyomings – My God and an iPod on the Open Road” to anyone who has made their own journey to better understand his inner struggles and finding peace through his walk with God.

Friday’s Free for all

Taking off early and heading to the lake for the weekend. Nothing better to reenergize than spending time having fun with those you love. For me that is spending time with my family. Always a good time – what ever the weather.

Hope you all have an awesome and energizing weekend and will connect with me next week refreshed and ready for your job search! If you have questions or want me to touch on a specific, career-related topic please send me a note or comment.

Shine on Jobseekers!!

Tuesday’s Tip

Good wake-up and reminder to all. When you take something from someone else…it is wrong. In the eyes of the law and God it is wrong. Today, I found out someone took something from me. It does feel violating. Even if know one harmed me physically, broke into my home, office, car or even computer, it still feels violating.

Today I discovered a person posing as a resume writer has taken the liberty of using much of my home page content on her website. To many it may not seem like a big deal, but I wrote the content for my website myself.

I remember very clearly because my family had taken a 2 week vacation out west and during our car (minivan) rides between Sedona, the Grand Canyon, the Teton Mountains and Yellowstone I wrote the pages of what is now my website. It is probably not the best copy out there, but it is mine.

So, I will deal with this plagiarist – hopefully without much confrontation and use this as a reminder to job seekers. When you are writing your resume be honest with your information. Technology is a wonderful thing but it can find out lots of information whether you want it found or not.

It is really important to “toot your own whistle” so the reader will know your unique value, but embellishing, falsifying or down right lying will only hurt you. Also make sure you don’t use other peoples information or copy someones resume. Not a good idea! As my mother-in-law always says, Cheaters never Prosper!!

~~~ As Paul Harvey Always  Said, “Now for the Rest of the Story” ~~~

For a quick update. I confronted the person who had my content on her resume website through an email. I was a little proud of myself in that I didn’t get too caught up with emotions when I wrote it. I received an almost immediate response of what sounded like genuine surprise and a genuine apology. Apparently the site was developed with the help of a friends  friend – for free.  Later that day I received a second longer letter of apology and notice that the content had been edited.  I am going to assume the best in that she didn’t do it on purpose and let it go.

Just a reminder to job seekers though. She was able to undo the damage without penalty. If you are dishonest on your resume documents, references or during your interview – there will be no second changes.

Shine on and stay honest!

Friday’s Free for All

Today is Friday and for tweeters on twitter that means it is #FridayFollow …my favorite twitter day of the week!

On Friday we take a little time to say thank you to those special people we follow daily. Sometimes it is just because they have a friendly or cute avatar, other times it is for the support, wisdom, friendship or their brief but heartfelt morning prayer that you appreciate them. So we let others know about these great people by displaying their usernames and reminding others to #FridayFollow (#FF) them for short.

I love this little ritual – reminds me to be appreciative, grateful and thankful for my friends. Tomorrow our country will be doing the same thing by observing Independence Day. It represents our freedom and that despite the troubles our country is currently having, it is still a pretty awesome place to live. Take the time to share in the celebration and appreciation for living in Freedom in the United States.

Enjoy the fireworks, celebrations and your freedom!!!

 Friday’s Free for All

Today was a fun, new experience for me. I was asked to take part in two interview pieces for our local Fox network. The first interview was completed on Wednesday when I went into their studio and participated in a live plug for a career fair I’ll be at next week. It was quick, easy and hopefully helpful. I was thankful I wasn’t nervous and it was only a few minutes long.

The Career Fair is sponsored by Fox 2 and will be held at Lawrence Tech University on Wednesday, June 17 from 9 am to 1:30 pm. It will be in the Don Ridler Field House. For more information check out this link to the Fox2 Job Shop.

I was also asked to be part of a piece the local network is putting together for air later this summer. It is on the entire job search process. They asked me if I would be interested in helping with it. Of course I said Yes! They wanted a sample before and after resume to exhibit and also wanted to talk with and interview a past client of mine. I called a client of mine I knew would be perfect for the interview and he thankfully accepted.

Earlier today I had Robin Schwartz, a Fox 2 news anchor and reporter, at my office for about an hour. She came with one cameraman. The interview went very well and was primarily focused on resume development; with many of the common questions asked regarding length, order, online applications and focus, and objective statements. There was great information exchanged but unfortunately our interview was 45 minutes and the program will be only 30 minutes with me being just a small portion of it. 

Well, it was fun and I appreciate the opportunity to get a little air time in and hopefully help job seekers in the process. It won’t air until sometime in July …will keep you posted on the outcome. Enjoy your weekend and Shine On!

Friday’s Free for All

Little humor to help start your weekend off right! First off, I don’t claim to have a good voice but I love music – all music. I can’t help but sing, tap, or do something when I hear music. My youngest daughter is the same way. I remember her at 9 or 10 months old, she’d be in the high-chair kicking her legs or bobbin her head to whatever music I had on the radio as I fixed her lunch.

So, this past week, I was driving her (now 13 years old) to a friend’s house and we were shamelessly belting  out an old tune, one you might know…”I love Rock n Roll” by Joan Jett. And when we got to the chorus we both started… I love Rock n Roll so put another dime in the …juke box right? Well, my daughter belts out ‘put another dime in the juice box baby’.

I looked at her to see if she was joking, realized she was serious and asked her to repeat the verse, which she did. Trying not to laugh I told her what the correct word was and she didn’t know what it was!!! Can you believe it, am I that old that that she didn’t know what a juke box was? Well, technically she later said she’d seen one on TV before but didn’t know the name for it.

Finally I couldn’t hold it in any longer and ended up laughing all the way to her friend’s house. I think I laughed because she knows the old music so well and also because she had never heard of a jukebox and the word she used was a replacement from her generation.

It also brought back Phoebe from Friends when she sang “Tony Danza” instead of “Tiny Dancer” …classic!

I thought anyone over 30ish would get a kick out of our singing, I know I sure did. Next time you hear Joan Jett I bet you’ll laugh too. Enjoy

Friday’s Free for All

You never know where or when opportunity will come knocking…so be ready! Have you ever had an event you had to go to that you dreaded for a month and then ended up having a fantastic time or meeting someone that helped you in your business, work, or personal life? Seems that’s been happening to me my whole life. Now when I am dreading something I think…I’ll probably have a blast or meet someone really interesting. Usually, that is what happens.

Today I received a phone call for an exciting opportunity to participate in a few events happening in June. I need to get details and confirmation before spilling the beans, but I was called because I was someplace a few weeks ago that seemed pretty uneventful at the time and now could become an incredible marketing opportunity.

I don’t believe in luck, good or bad. Everything that happens – does so for a reason, and is all used for good by God. So, feeling very thankful that dull events have once again have turned into something pretty cool, I’ll keep looking for more dull events to attend to!

Next time you have to do something big or small and you aren’t looking forward to it, know that it is for your greater good – so do it with a smile and a glad heart!

Have a blessed weekend everyone!!

Shine On -

Monday’s PMA

Memorial Day is a day to remember and show our gratitude for the soldiers that have served and even died for our country, for our freedom, for our liberty, for our happiness and for me.

What better examples of a positive mental attitude than the attitude of a soldier! What an example! Soldiers learn to develop and maintain a winning attitude that helps them stay focused, stand strong and move forward, confident of a positive outcome because of their positive attitude.

Thank you so much – to the soldiers that keep me and my family and my country safe and free. Thank you to the families of the soldiers for supporting them in their efforts. Please know that my gratitude and prayers go out to you and every day. God Bless You!

Friday’s Free for All

I missed Thursday’s blog – first time I’ve missed since revamping the Career Essentials blog and implementing the content calendar schedule. Sorry to those who regularly read the blog. I suppose that will happen from time to time….that’s life.

Since it was a post for Thursday’s Review, I had planned on reviewing Toastmasters.org and comment on my own thoughts of the organization. My plan was to research their site or talk with other members and groups. Instead, I think I’ll just give you my quick personal overview.

For those unfamiliar with Toastmasters, it is an organization member’s join to improve their confidence and ability in their public speaking. I      joined Toastmasters International in October of 2008 after being asked repeatedly to assist in outplacement work, and conduct workshops and seminars. I had turned down several really great opportunities because I was not comfortable (actually more like scared to death) in front of an audience and not really confident I could hold the attention of job seekers if I was a presenter.

My experience when I joined, and I have heard similar stories from many others, was wonderful. The first meeting was easy, friendly and fun. I actually started learning about presenting at that first meeting. When first joining you receive a booklet that describes 10 themes for 10 speeches, you can work through the book at your own pace and you are given positively presented, honest feedback that really helps. After you complete the initial book there are many others to choose from that are specific to what you’ll be working on such as seminars, motivational, comedy, and more.

I have completed 3 speeches and have had to take a break because of conflicting schedules but plan to return in the next month or so. The meetings are weekly and last about an hour. If you go to the Toastmasters website you can find a listing for local meetings in your area. They are everywhere and extend globally; I had no idea until I started looking myself.

I can happily say that I have improved 100% already in my speaking abilities. I’ve learned that it is OK to be nervous or even feel scared – but that most of the nerves I feel inside are never seen by others. I have also realized I can help others by offering my knowledge and expertise through presentations and seminars, and I won’t collapse  with fear in doing so. I can help others by not focusing on me but focusing on how I can help those listening to me speak.

There are many more things that take place at the meetings, they are really an effective way to improve your public speaking and presentation abilities. The local clubs have speaking competitions, and even have elected officers. If you are unsure, look online for one near you and check it out, visitors are always welcome!