Jim Why do you bother?

Jim, I realize that this is “old news” but preparing a resume is a 2-fold benefit. Most people have no idea what they’ve accomplished “on the job,” nor for an employer. It’s crucial that they have a process that will help flush out their skills and accomplishments not only in their careers but for employers, and learn how to quantify such results (“increased response time … X% in X amount of time … ,” etc). Most people are amazed when they see what they have actually accomplished, written “on paper.” That being said, you are right - one must speak up, and get out and network with friends, family, people they know in businesses they feel an affinity to work for, and keep it up. So, knowing ones strengths is crucial, especially when it comes to negotiations on a job offer (such will often give a few more coppers to the hire offer). Moreover, it is important to realize that in times like now, with high unemployment, finding a “job” is a matter of sheer numbers. People who’ve had high-paying responsible positions have little chance of finding same, because those job lines are just not “out there,” so they must churn out the resumes, and do the “foot work.” The more “out,” the greater the odds of a response - it’s sheer numbers. It isn’t them, it’s the numbers of positions open. Therefore, it is crucial that someone is teaching people how to move into consulting, or contract employment, and how to utilize the tax system and other employment options to one’s best advantage. RSVP helps with such courses, and most chamber of commerce now have minority business incubation centers that offer excellent mentoring, training, and networking so those in the incubator can sell to one another to bring in some early business, and have a place from which to operate, surrounded by a support system - ideal for women and minority-owned business owners. (I loved my work with those early incubators.) It also helps to contact corporate executives, and directors and ask for an “Informational Interview” to find out about the company, and what type of employees they are looking for. One might find alumni from an Alma mater, for example, and contact each one - most people want to help “grads” from their own universities if they can. One important function of such meetings is to ask how each person “got” into their position, and what their own career path was like - people love to share successes, and few are actually interested enough to ask. (Knowing how to get “in” or through on the phone helps, too - I do know how to help with that … ). After each meeting it may be helpful to ask those people who they would suggest be contacted in the industry, and then if one feels an affinity with anyone, ask if they will be a mentor during a job-transition time. It never huts to have mentors “out there.” That, also, is a 2-way street.

Thanks M. I really hope it will help. It is already turning out to be quite the venture. I have quite a number of requests and haven’t officially posted the notice of my intent to help yet. It’s making the rounds by word of mouth. That’s a good thing because I really do want to be of some help, but it’s also bad because it is a barometer to the number of people out of work. Martha Stewart could probably make a cake blind folded, because it is what she knows best. For me its writing and resumes are my forte. I just want to make a difference for those in need. Pay it Forward…..