What common mistakes do individuals make with their resume?

The top 3 mistakes we tend to find with resumes we review are:

a.Too focused on job duties instead of focusing on what you were able to achieve in the role.
b.Use of personal pronouns
c.Typos

How long will my job search take?

While no two career searches are alike, surveys conducted by several college placement offices of graduating seniors and the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the average job search takes 3 months.

I hate my job and I want a new one, what should I do first?

It is definitely not submitting your resignation. Take the time do a real assessment of what aspects of the position you like and dislike. The assessment should also include your likes and dislikes about the company, your boss, your peers, the company culture, your overall compensation package, work/life balance issues and the career path. Sometimes the right position could be in just making changes in one of these areas or making a move within the company to a new role that better suits you.

If you have to look outside, the assessment you do now will be the basis of your criteria to evaluate the opportunities you come across during the search. Effective career searches incorporate a method of evaluation to eliminate time wasters from the real gems.

I’m retired but I need to work and don’t want to be a greeter at a department store. What other companies are hiring mature workers?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2010 the country could face a 10-million worker shortfall. Smart companies are starting to reach out to older workers to close the gap. There are plenty of opportunities for workers over 50, though the jobs won’t be advertised this way. Pay attention to published lists of emerging secondary careers to get an idea of the types of positions that employers are open to considering for mature workers.

What advice can you give me to improve my interviewing performance?

Take time to prepare answers to the commonly used behavioral questions. Unfortunately, too many interviewees try to wing the interview and end up responding to these questions with long and fragmented responses. The interviewer is looking for specific examples and details. You will need to communicate in a way that is succinct, with an emphasis on results achieved. Preparing your answers in advance will enable you to share professional responses to the interviewer. In addition, you’ll be more relaxed throughout the entire interview. Your increased relaxation comes across to the interviewer as confidence. Who would not want to hire a confident, prepared professional who emphasizes results with each of their succinct responses?