An experience section should include the name of the company, a brief “what the company does” description, the dates that you worked there, your position or title, what you did there (repsonsibilities or [...]]]> The experience section of your resume only becomes important if you have properly sold yourself in the summary section and in your cover letter.

An experience section should include the name of the company, a brief “what the company does” description, the dates that you worked there, your position or title, what you did there (repsonsibilities or duties), and what you contributed.

Start by using the official name of the company and provide the dates that you worked there. Use “present” for the ending date if you are still working at that company. Put a brief line describing what the company did. Here is an example:

Widgets ‘R Us, Inc. 2009 – present
A tier one supplier of widgets
Sales Manager
Managed six sales associates covering the North American market.

- Increased widget sales by $6 million in one year.

Remember to use Action Verbs when describing your accomplishments.

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Here are some examples:

MBA, Strategic Management, Davenport University, Dearborn, MI 2010 BA, Advertising, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 2005 AAS, Electronic Engineering Technology, Macomb Community College, Warren, MI 1999

Continuing education courses, programs, training units, etc. should be listed if [...]]]> The education section should include the type of degree (without periods), the major or program, and graduation the year.

Here are some examples:

MBA, Strategic Management, Davenport University, Dearborn, MI 2010
BA, Advertising, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 2005
AAS, Electronic Engineering Technology, Macomb Community College, Warren, MI 1999

Continuing education courses, programs, training units, etc. should be listed if relevant:

- Diversity or Management Training
- Crisis Management
- First Aid Certification
- Teacher Certification

Academic honors or graduated with distinction can be included as well:

- Summa Cum Laude – “with highest honor”
- Magna Cum Laude – “with great honor”
- Cum Laude – “with honor”

Grade Point Average is important for recent grads. Use your Major GPA or your overall GPA which ever is higher.

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Keep all of the information that you collect on every company you research or come into contact with. Especially keep [...]]]> Whether you keep written records or electronic records, you must keep records.  You need to keep track of every telephone call and every message sent.  You also need to keep track of every response that you receive.

Keep all of the information that you collect on every company you research or come into contact with. Especially keep track of which resume you have sent.  Keep track of who you have sent them to and why you sent it.  Keep track of which resume you have posted on which job board or company websites.

Keep track of every chance encounter you have had where you have discussed your qualifications.  Keep track of every interview and every thank you note that you have sent.

Keep track of everything related to your job search.  Keep organized, manage your time.

Sometimes you can subscribe to the print edition and have it delivered to [...]]]> Newspapers offer a great deal of information about a location that you have chosen to pursue. Local newspapers can provide you with details about the flavor of your new community and the classified ads can provide you with job leads and housing information.

Sometimes you can subscribe to the print edition and have it delivered to your front door. A more likely option is to find the online version of the local printed edition of your newspaper.

Here you can check out some online newspapers:

• Newspapers.com
• Onlinenewspapers.com
• ipl2 (Newspapers & Magazines)

Remember to also check out the classified job ads on the Job Boards or the State Job Boards tab here at Job-Search-Center.com.

Additionally, check out the trade magazines and professional organizations.  These journals and periodicals contain the latest news on the industry and a help wanted section.  Lastly, you may wish to read some of these job search blogs.

Begin by making a list of your friends, family, co-workers (current and former), [...]]]> Who do you know?

No one can agree on the statistics but, everyone agrees that many people found their current job by connecting with someone they know. So, it is only natural to use networking as a major source of job leads.

Who do you know?

Begin by making a list of your friends, family, co-workers (current and former), teachers, etc. Think of everyone you know. Make sure everyone knows that you are looking for a job and that everyone knows your credentials and your needs.  Of course if you have a job and the fact that you are looking for a job may be a sensitive topic with your current boss then you may need to be more careful.  Only you can decide how to proceed.  Either way if you wish to find a job, networking is your best hope.

The remainder of your resume should reflect information that will enhance your image (or brand).

These items could be included:

Professional Memberships Accreditation’s and Licenses Military Service Community Activities Volunteer Work Patents and Publications Hobbies (only mention interesting, relevant, or exceptional performance) Languages Spoken Security Clearance

Remember to NOT include [...]]]> After completing the standard sections of your resume remember to include anything that is relevant to your experience.

The remainder of your resume should reflect information that will enhance your image (or brand).

These items could be included:

Professional Memberships
Accreditation’s and Licenses
Military Service
Community Activities
Volunteer Work
Patents and Publications
Hobbies (only mention interesting, relevant, or exceptional performance)
Languages Spoken
Security Clearance

Remember to NOT include any personal information or information that is typical or irrelevant.

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My company had a massive downsizing event which is a nice way of saying I lost my job. After a long drive home I had a long cry with my spouse. I was angry, I was frustrated, I was up set. I decided to jump right in and find [...]]]> I remember it like it was yesterday.

My company had a massive downsizing event which is a nice way of saying I lost my job. After a long drive home I had a long cry with my spouse. I was angry, I was frustrated, I was up set. I decided to jump right in and find me a new job. I grabbed the phone and called one of my preferred recruiters. We were going through the usual details about salary requirement and relocation options when she asked me a not-standard question. “How are you feeling?” I was unprepared for this question and paused as all of the emotion of the last few days welled up to the surface. It was at that moment that I realized that I was not yet ready to talk about my job loss. I needed time to accept my loss and time to understand my situation. I needed to get a grip.

You do too. Get a grip before you attack your job search. Talk to you family, your friends, or your therapist.

After you get a grip you will be better prepared for the job search tasks ahead.

Good luck with your search!

Either way you need to plan on how this change will effect you now and in the future.

Medical Benefits

If you are facing an eminent lay off you may want to take advantage of your companies benefits before [...]]]> When considering a job change whether it is voluntary or involuntary you need to be concerned about your financial situation.

Either way you need to plan on how this change will effect you now and in the future.

Medical Benefits

If you are facing an eminent lay off you may want to take advantage of your companies benefits before they expire. Scheduling trips to the dentist, the eye doctor, or any other medical needs before your benefits expire can help you avoid costly expenses.

Retirement Contributions

If you are contributing to a 401k plan and you know that you may be loosing your job, you may consider ending that contribution if you are worried about becoming cash poor during your job search. What ever you decide, you need to understand your retirement plan and the options available to you.

Emergency Funds

If you still have a job you should build up a savings cushion to handle emergency expenses or to help you get through times of unemployment should you loose your job.   This money needs to in an account that you can get your hands on quickly when you need it.

Plan Your Life

If you think that you are going to loose your job soon or you have lost your job you need to take a look at all of your expenses to determine what you can reduce or eliminate.  Reducing your monthly cash out flow is critical during a time of unemployment.  Consider reducing or eliminating your cable TV, canceling subscriptions, and stop eating out. Plan your activities to reduce the number of trips to the store.  Plan your meals to ensure the best use of your food and make sure that food is consumed and not thrown out. Wear more clothing in the winter so that you can turn the heat down.  Check for window and door leaks as well.  Fix your old car instead of buying a new one. Consider delaying any purchases that are not necessary. Do a thorough review of your monthly budget to see where your money goes and look for opportunities to save.  Being diligent in your planning will save you money.

Taxes

It is important to remember that your taxes will change when your job changes.  If you take a new job that pays more than your last one you will probably have to pay more in taxes.  If you are looking for a new job  your search efforts may be deductable. Remember to keep track of these expenses.

Once you understand you financial situation you will be better prepared for your job search.  You will know what you need financially in a new job and you will be better prepared to make the necessary decisions that affect your future.