Make Your Resume FIT The Job

One word that you'll see a LOT on this blog is "Fit". And it's a word that anyone attempting a career change needs to remember too. The link below is to a Wall Street Journal article of a laid off construction project manager who wants to get into facilities management. Per the resume experts who reviewed this man's resume, he hadn't highlighted the skills he had that would lend themselves to facilities management. On his resume, he needed to make his skills "fit" a facilities management position.   Click here to see his resume, and the review of it.

Know Your Skills

Last week, I wrote about the out-of-work mortgage broker, and architect couple in Atlanta who were reinventing themselves. The Wall Street Journal follows in their career section a number of currently unemployed MBAs, who document their experiences and list job seeking strategies that have and have not worked for them. One of the subjects, Steve McConaughey, found that he felt more energized in his job search when he started to pursue positions that matched his skills, and not just past positions he had held.    Read his and other's stories here.

Follow The Stimulus Money!

Click here to find out who has won stimulus money for projects in the Phildelphia area, and what RFPs are in the pipeline to win money for other projects.

Where the Jobs Will Be Across the US in 2010

Business Week picked regions around the country that they predict will see economic growth in 2010.
Click here to read the full story.

Try New Things to Keep Skills Sharp

Fox had a story yesterday about an Atlanta husband and wife who lost their jobs as a mortgage broker and architect. Now, he is running a sports bar, and she is running a contest to redesign it. Their story provides some insights in the value of doing SOMETHING while looking for work that will keep your skills sharp. Click here for their story.

Job Outlook for 2010

This Michigan State University study conducted in Nov. isn't a surprise. The study says that college grads will have a TOUGH time finding work come graduation time. Advice: if graduation day is just a few months away, it's time to focus on what you want to do when you get out of school, and start thinking about your skills, talents, and experience in and out of school that support the case that YOU are the person for the job!

Resolve to Get Fit in 2010!

As you work to take some pounds off in the year ahead, also trim the fat off your resume. Make sure it's lean and that the details support the industry / position you're aiming for.

Whether economy is or isn't picking up, be prepared to interview

While economists debate whether we will have a few more years of economic winter, or recovery is just around the corner, the fact remains; there will be more competition for less jobs in the immediate and distant future. Use any available time you have to improve your skills whether through technical training, or taking on increased or different but challenging responsibilities in your current job. This will only strengthen your chances when you get the interview for the position you really want.