Per today's show topic:
I have been unemployed since November. I've sent out at least 75 to 100 resumes. Most have been on internet websites or job boards. The companies in our area only post open positions on their website. They don't want you to come in person. Much of the information that the author gave today does not fit our metropolitan area.
For instance, I went to a couple of companies in person, to hand out my resume, and were turned away. They were offended that I tried to walk-in and provide my resume. They told me that if a position becomes available that it will be posted directly on their website or in the local media. A second company told me that walking in the door of a business and handing out resumes is a form of solicitation and that the front door clearly states "NO SOLICITATION." This does not equal the suggestion made by your guest.
Secondly, I worked at a particular company for 7.5 years. The company policy states that no current employee, especially management, can provide a reference to an employee who has left the company. In other words, once you leave the company, you cannot get a reference from any supervisor, manager, or trainer from this company. I'm sure that some of the supervisors provide personal reference, but what steps do I take to get references from these individuals in order to "network" my qualities?
It is hard to network when some of those people you know or have worked with are also unemployed. They don't want to help you or don't have the time to assist you, when they are also in need of a position. What other types of networking should I be doing in this case?
Third, I get compliments from those companies who choose to email or mail a personal response to an interview. I am always told that I have an excellent resume and cover letter, but I do not fit the requirements. The main issue the Louisville metropolitan area is that companies are using the economic crisis as a way to cheat the worker/employee. They are cutting their pay per hour.
For example, I applied for an Office Manager position that requested a person have at least 5 years administration experience. I have over 10 years experience. I was given a phone interview and things were going well, but at the end of the interview was told that the job starts at 10.50 an hour. Per Salary.com (a website I use often) an Office Manager job, with 5 or more years of experience, starts at $37,934 per year. Ten-fifty and hour equals $21,840. That is a sixteen thousand dollar difference. Suze Orman stated on her show a couple of weeks ago, that due to the economy, you can expect that some companies will offer jobs 2 to 3 dollars less per hour than normal. She stated that if the company is offering below 3 dollars under the normal pay, that they are using the economy as a crutch, and you probably don't want to work for them anyway. I agree. But for those of us unemployed, when is enough enough?
Fourth, I disagree with the authors suggestion to remove the Objective heading on a Resume. I attended the Job Jam hosted by Francene of WHAS Radio (you can go to her page and view the Job Jam via a weblink). There were many executives that spoke about the importance of the Objective. This is how most employers weed out who they want to seriously consider. Sometimes the objective can make or break your chances. You should look at the job description and cater your abilities towards that description in no more than 15 words. Without the Objective, your resume has no focus. If we choose to go your guest's route, then what else do we place on our resume to get the future employer's attention?
I encourage any responses and hope that Dr. Phil's staff also reads this message board. I would really like to know what other options we have if the author's suggestions won't work in our general area. Thank you for your time in reading my response. Have a great day!
In tough economic times, people look for ways to cut back on expenses and save more money. If you struggle to make ends meet, don’t miss this show! Jay and Erin are newlyweds who say they live paycheck to paycheck and admit money is so tight, they only eat one meal a day. They’ve only been married two-and-a-half months, but Erin says they feel like an old married couple who fights over finances every day. Erin works seven days a week, and feels like her husband is not doing enough to bring in the dough. She says he spends too much time and money on his unusual hobby. Finance expert Liz Pulliam Weston offers advice on how to live on less and where to make a few extra bucks! Then, spouses Terry and Julie are unemployed and looking for work –- but are they doing enough? Placement and recruitment specialist Tony Beshara offers tips on how to find a job. And, don’t miss the biggest mistakes you might be making on your resume! Plus, see how one couple on the brink of financial ruin turned around their bleak situation in only six months! Tune in to learn how to increase your cash flow and breathe a little easier during these difficult financial times.
