It's So Much More Than A Résumé...working with a professional résumé writer

It just happened again!

I sat down to call a client; reviewing her resume draft was on the agenda. She remarked at how she had really lost touch with her professional accomplishments and seeing herself now on paper, especially through my eyes, infused great energy and enthusiasm into her future job search.

So often, really understanding one's own unique value proposition (or what it is that makes someone a solid candidate) can be elusive. We get caught in the weeds, focusing only on job tasks and responsibilities and not on the results and how we impacted our departments, coworkers, bosses, and/or clients.

But a great résumé writer, one who conducts an in-depth interview to FULLY understand your career path to date AND where you're headed, provides a fresh perspective that is incredibly valuable. This new perspective will impact your interviews, networking, and more, and provide new and fantastic ways to describe your experience and accomplishments.

When someone reaches out to me about my writing their résumé, I explain that while they will be very happy with what I create for them, the new insight into their career, strengths, and accomplishments is like getting two things for the price of one. 

When I get to hear how thrilled they are - and how their confidence has increased, I feel so lucky to get to do this work!

Another 'What Not To Wear At Your Age' Article!

Recently, I've had a couple of calls that share the same theme.

"I know my age is working against me, and that's why I'm not getting any offers," is the gist of these conversations. Full disclosure: I do not live under the illusion that there is no such thing as age discrimination. I know it exists, sometimes subconsciously, and I work with clients to make their career documents and job search strategies more 'perennial'.

While I have lots of strategies and tips up my sleeve regarding ways to project vibrancy and relevance, there is a basic question that candidates must consider.

What is MY truth about my age and stage of life? 

In other words, what do you really, REALLY think about where you are and where you're headed?

Are you up to date on your field's technology and emerging trends? Or are defying hiring decision makers to extend an offer, telegraphing that learning new things isn't, ahem, on your radar?

Are you referring to yourself as not being as energetic as you used to be...even if it's just in jest?

I've actually heard these kinds of things with my own two ears. And they make me feel like this...

Huh?!? What?!?

I suggest that these mindsets are not all that different from walking into an interview wearing a sandwich board that says "I'm tired, rigid, and just want a paycheck. Hire me!"

It's important to add that I've also worked with plenty of candidates - many older than me - who are continual learners, infuse optimism into their search, and understand that they're being assessed by their potential to contribute, solve a business challenge, and become a trusted and connected member of a team. And there are lots of us - me included, God willing  - who plan to work for quite a long time!

So I challenge mature job seekers to objectively assess the message they're sending in their job search. Are you metaphorically wearing the sandwich board I mentioned earlier? Or are you transmitting your unique value proposition - including your energy, enthusiasm for learning, and optimism?

Of course, there are changes that come with age, and I'm not downplaying them. For example, I try not to burn the candle at both ends two days in a row or I feel sluggish, low energy, and unfocused. I also sometimes have to take an extra deep breath to summon additional patience and 'good cheer' during interactions that even a few years ago would have been 'all in the course of a day.' Be aware of what you need to do to feel on top of your game and proceed accordingly.

If you've been wearing the prior-mentioned metaphorical sandwich board while working on your job search, it's time for a makeover. Break up the sandwich board toss it in the trash; it is most definitely on our what NOT to wear list! Start doing the work to build your resilience, increase energy and vibrancy, and develop the skills your target market considers to be in demand.

In wild support of your success,

Carol
www.lookingfortheonramp.com
www.camerinoconsultingllc.com

*If you have a disability that impacts employment, please visit
https://www.careeronestop.org/ResourcesFor/WorkersWithDisabilities/workers-with-disabilities.aspx for helpful information.

Talent acquisition a la 2017...

Employers, take notice!

You may be missing out on a game-changing talent pool...and you can thank me later for bringing this to your attention.

Allow me to share a recent experience.

Upon moving to a new area, I had the incredible good fortune to be seated next to a dynamic and engaging septuagenarian at a social event. As we chatted, she told me about an organization that she's been part of for many years.

As she described how the organization supports women, I realized its mission was closely aligned with my work. I wondered aloud to my new friend Liz whether there might be an opportunity for me to volunteer my career services insights to the group's clients.

Liz's enthusiasm was contagious, and she said she'd be happy to make the connection for me. Imagine my surprise and delight upon receiving an email from a staff member of the organization the very next day, inviting me to stop in for a meeting to discuss my potential involvement.

As I mentioned, Liz is engaging and dynamic...and before I knew it, I was not only a member of the organization, but also a co-chair of one of the group's major fundraiser events that brought in a great deal of money every year through its live auction, silent auction, raffle tickets, dinner, music, and more. I witnessed, first-hand, the flawless execution and attention to detail that has made this event a spring staple in the area's social calendar!

So what does this have to do with talent and hiring?

Well, it is with not even a teensy stretch of the imagination that I share that this was one of the finest teams I've had the privilege of working with!

These women marketed, procured, convinced, communicated, leveraged, organized, networked, set up, broke down, planned, detailed, motivated, managed, recruited, and data-based like they were newly minted MBA from the finest business schools.

Except...

Did I mention that I was one of the youngest volunteers...at 50-something?

YES!

The group of mostly retired women delivered an incredibly successful and lucrative event not in spite of their age, but BECAUSE of their age, acumen, and life experiences.

I witnessed exemplary teamwork, meticulous planning, grace under pressure, high-stakes decision making, best-in-class time and project management, effective budgeting, and sales and marketing skills that were second to none.

If they had a product to pitch on Shark Tank, I wouldn't be surprised if all of the sharks wanted in...they know talent and a sure bet when they see it!

So now I pose a question for your consideration, employers:

How might your organization be shortchanging itself by making assumptions about older workers, second-acters, on-rampers (women and men returning to paid employment after some time away), and other non-traditional candidates?