Readers: Dr. Randall Hansen, a nationally recognized career expert, is the Career Doctor.
Discover more about Dr. Hansen, read about the purpose of this column,
and find previous issues of this column at the home of The Career Doctor.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis. If you have any college, career, or job-related questions or comments that Dr. Hansen could
provide valuable assistance with, please
feel free to email him at: careerdr@quintcareers.com.
Ashley writes:
I have read a lot about the potential of networking for people who are looking for a new job.
One of my goals for this year is to expand my network because I want to consider finding
a new job later in the year, but I really have no idea how to do it. I mean, I think I
understand the concept of networking, but I just don’t know who to do it with, or how to
find them. Can you help?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Don’t be too hard on yourself. I think networking is probably one of the most
misunderstood concepts of job-hunting, which is bad because it is also one of
the most important.
Because the vast majority of job openings are never advertised, job-seekers need
to have a network of contacts -- a career network -- that can provide support, information,
and job leads.
So what is networking? Networking is simply connecting with people -- establishing
some sort of rapport so that they will remember who you are. Networking can happen
anywhere, from business to social events and from in-person to online events.
Yes, there are some events labeled specifically as networking events, but any situation
where you are interacting with people can become a networking event. And you just
never know who you are going to meet at that wedding, chamber meeting, or airport.
You can even build your network online, as there are quite a few networking Websites.
So, set a goal for yourself in the number of people you want to add to your network
each week. Develop a plan. Remember that people in your network will not necessarily
get you the job, but because they know other people, the chances that someone in
your network knows someone who is looking to hire a person just like you are strong.
Finally, remember, networking is a two-way street. Once you become part of a network,
you should work to make sure that you are not always asking folks in your network for
favors -- that you are returning them as well.
I am now writing my resume and cover letter based on your online advice.
I am a student and will get my PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering soon.
My resume is slightly more than one page. Do I have to compress it into one page?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I’m glad you are thinking ahead and working on your job-search materials.
What do you plan to do after you receive your Ph.D.?
Do you plan to go into business/industry? If so, then you probably do want to
write a resume. In this case, I would guess your resume will be longer than a
page -- just based on your education alone. I believe it’s almost always best
to go to a two-page resume than to reduce font size and margins (and
readability) just to get your resume to fit on one page. Remember the rule
that if you go to a second page, that the second page should have enough
content to fill at least half a page.
Or do you plan to go into academia? If so, then what you really need is a
curriculum vitae, which shares some attributes with a resume, but which tends
to be longer because there is more information is included in a CV. An academic
CV would include information beyond your education and experience, including
scholarly contributions, professional development, teaching, and service.
That said, the goal of a resume and CV is the same. These are marketing
documents designed to help you get to the next step in the job-search process --
the job interview.
Mark writes:
I have been with a company for 6 years, in which time the owner has made
frequent changes to the direction of the company. I have had 4 job/titles and
assignments during this time. I would like to leave this company, but I am
concerned that a potential employer will negatively look upon the frequent
changes in job assignments/title. My title has always included the word "manager"
of such-and-such program, but my assignments were very different.
I have wrestled with how to best portray this "busy" work history with this
company on my resume. Can you offer any advice?
As a side note, I was with another company for over 20 years prior to taking a job
with this company. In those 20 years, I held 3 positions.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I would not worry at all that prospective employers might think twice
about your different job titles. Over the last couple of years, many organizations
have reorganized at least once, and numerous workers have had new or
multiple titles to compensate for employees who were fired and not replaced.
I think your resume will show two strengths: the first that you are someone
who management at your two employers greatly respects, and the second
that you are a loyal, long-term employee.
The only problem I see with your situation is that your resume might look a
little cluttered if you are not too careful. You have two options. You can have
separate bullet points for each of the four job titles you have held with your
current employer, or, you can simply show the different job titles and do one
set of bullet points for your entire tenure there. The method you choose will
depend on how different the jobs are -- and how different the work and
accomplishments are.
You can also showcase your versatility in a qualifications summary section
that goes at the top of your resume (after your contact information). The
qualifications summary includes the three or four things that make you a
better candidate than anyone else -- your competitive advantage. I like to think
of the qualifications summary as the “executive summary” of your resume;
another way is to think of it as your key selling points.
Finally, remember that someone with your experience can obviously have a
two-page resume. And remember to leave off the dates from your education,
and do not include any other job or employer other than these two -- because
they are already dating you.
Ivy writes:
I just resigned from my job. I had been there 5 years. I'm having a difficult time
with my boss. He is extremely angry that I leaving. I gave 2 week notice and told
him I'd stay and clean up the work I needed to. We are a small 3 person group
with no handbook. I have a week and 3 days left of vacation time. He is refusing
to give me the money. He said due to me resigning I lose the benefits. We disagreed
and things weren't good. I read your article on strategies for Resigning with Class.
Is there a state law that says he must pay me that time? Can you lead me in the
right direction to find out that answer?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Your situation is unfortunately what happens to some job-seekers who
are simply trying to do the right thing by giving their current employer fair
notice. I just had another job-seeker tell me she is close to resigning her job,
but has to wait a few more weeks so that she will receive her 2005 bonus
because the employer does not give it to employees who quit earlier in the month.
That said, I still think most employers are ethical and willing to give you what
you have coming -- bonuses, vacation pay, etc.
I’m not a lawyer nor do I specialize in labor law issues, so my best suggestion
for you is to contact the state’s employment office as well as consult with a labor
attorney -- if your employer does not have a change of heart.
