ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 3, 1995 TAG: 9512010073
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: G-2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Working It Out
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q: The shortest I can get my resume is two pages. I'm afraid to take anything out - what if I leave something out and don't get the job because of that?
A: Dale Furbish, director of counseling at Virginia Western Community College, believes if a "person has a lot of experience - 10 to 20 years - it's acceptable to go over to a second page, but a second page is as far as one would go."
Furbish finds resumes of one page practical because "most employment managers spend 30 seconds looking at a resume. When they have 50 in front of them, they don't want to take more time. They are looking for focused and concise."
We could, as Furbish says, "pad resumes, but still not satisfy the needs of potential employers." Instead, "take a look at what the employer is looking for. Customize resumes to certain kinds of employers. Show the actions and achievements the employer needs." Focus the reader's attention on the truly important.
Furbish suggests that winnowing a resume can be done by identifying "the most significant achievements and experiences in line with an employer's needs. Expect to spend a minimum of a week" on the resume process. He recommends having others read your resume, then asking them if it will get you hired.
Furbish finds the "resume is only a door opener; it gets employers intrigued about your background and gets them to call for an interview. In the interview, you can give greater detail."
As you revise your resume, Furbish recommends using cover letters for the flexibility a resume doesn't allow. They are, he says, "a good place to expand on significant achievements."
Q: At the end of staff meetings, our supervisor asks for questions. I hesitate to ask questions because I'm afraid they'll sound stupid.
A: Questioning keeps us better informed. Questions can also be the catalyst for new ways of thinking about problems; unexpected questions cause us to think differently.
Others often have the same question, but are afraid of looking foolish. So, too many questions go unasked.
Write down your questions. At the end of the meeting, choose the most important. Ask them. You may find co-workers thanking you for asking questions they, too, were thinking.
If you are uncomfortable voicing your questions, stop by your supervisor's desk after the meeting. Say you've been thinking about the meeting and now have a few questions.
You'll have answers as well as a reputation for caring about company matters and thinking about corporate problems. It could be a strengthening move in your career.
Q: Lots of workers have been downsized out of jobs; I've no reason to think this can't happen to me. How should I prepare?
A: Operate under the adage, "There's no such thing as luck; it's a matter of preparedness meeting opportunity."
John C. Norcross, in "The Five Stages of Personal Change," identifies the first stage, precontemplation, as lack of awareness of problems. Employees who recognize the possibility of future unemployment have reached the next stage, contemplation. The third stage, preparation, involves taking small steps toward a goal. Action is the stage of executing one's plan for change. The final stage, maintenance, is where upkeep or staying current occurs. With the exception of those in tenured jobs, all employees should be actively in stage three.
In "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen R. Covey identifies the first habit as "be proactive." Whenever a possibility for change exists, you should be looking for opportunities before the event happens.
The remaining habits Covey recognizes are: begin with the end in mind (identify specific career goals); put first things first (do you need to take courses to prepare?); think win/win; seek first to understand then to be understood (continually evaluate your organization and the job market); synergize (creative cooperation with your co-workers and friends to build your opportunities); and sharpen the saw (self-renewal means ensuring you keep yourself energized and up-to-date).
Norcross and Covey's ideas will prepare you for changes. In addition, remaining prepared includes updating resumes, reviewing career plans, receiving on-going training, remaining positive, updating networks, updating personal image, and saving as much money as possible.
It also requires maintaining self-esteem.
LENGTH: Medium: 85 linesby CNB