Let's Open The Old Mail Bag

Actually it's not really a mail bag...more of a folder in my email program...but I think Mail Bag sounds better.

We though we would do something a little different this time and answer some of the mail/emails we receive from job seekers. Here goes...

Dear CAREERFOOD,
I've heard that I should not have an objective on my resume. Is this true?
Barb S.

• Well Barb...I agree, I think objectives are useless. Everyone knows that your "objective" is to get a good job and a good salary. Instead of an objective I always coach job seekers to have a Profile or Summary. Here you can list some hard hitting facts and give the reader a road map to what they can expect in the resume. With the average reader only looking at resumes for 20-30 seconds, don't waste their time on an objective!

Dear CAREERFOOD,
I have a phone interview in 2 hours. What is the best advise you can give to succeed in this type of interview.
Roger K.

• First off Roger, I am not a big fan of phone interviews. It is hard to build rapport and get immediate feedback like you can in a face-to-face interview. So your only objective in a phone interview is to insure you get a face-to-face. Also the best tip for a phone interview is to stand up. If you stand during the interview you will find that you have more energy and your voice will project better, and believe me this comes across on the other end. Good Luck!

Dear CAREERFOOD,
I have recently received 2 offers. Both are great companies with slightly different roles. The pay is comparable for both. What should I do.
Kevin L.

• First off Kevin, Congratulations! When I work with job seekers who are evaluating multiple offers there are several methods, the old Ben Franklin, Pro's and Con's, work-life balance, etc. However the best piece of advice I can give is too evaluate both positions as if you were unemployed and just starting off your career. Which one will allow you to do the things that are most important to you? Which one can you see yourself still doing in 10 years. Money, benefits. perks and titles are all great but nothing compares to a passion for what you do!

That's all for now...

Comments

[JibberJobber Guy]

when I do a phone interview I get rid of all distractions, have the other handset by me (in case mine runs low on batteries), have a glass of water... etc. I stand, usually walk around and try and smile as much as I can.