I just finished watching a video clip on this morning’s Canada AM and was inspired to write.
The CTV breakfast show broadcast a segment with American Career Expert, Joe Takash of Victory consulting. Joe demonstrated what this hardened economy represents – an opportunity, not unlike the Chinese word for crisis, which also happens to be opportunity. In an attempt to disseminate Joe’s timely information, here is my perspective on his five key points:
1. Take charge. These days job search necessitates self-promotion (sometimes momentary, shameless episodes in extreme circumstances) to “close the sale” (convince the employer to hire you) so use this as an opportune time to express your voice with clarity and highlight your achievements.
The idea reminds me of an article I read a few years back with something resembling “eight words to say to your boss.” The strategy? You take charge by reminding the boss about your achievements and accomplishments. (All the more reason to create six month and one year milestones of what you have achieved in terms of value to the employer). My mind escapes me on the reference, but in my hobbled nocturnally infused mind, I believe it was humanresources.about.com. In a word, modesty takes refuge in a fiercely competition market for talent, not skills, employers so eagerly desire.
2. Dress for success. At first glance, this may seem like a trite or moot point, but your mind would be dumbfounded by the number of employees, job candidates and interview prospects who don’t take the time to demonstrate confidence… in the physical presence. Let us not forget that 93% of our communication is non-verbal. A well coiffed, well presented employee with amount of common sense should dictate clothes portray our brand name imaging to employers. (Younger job seekers can reference this on today’s New York Times web site on how college graduates ought to dress for the job search.)
3. Avoid gossip. Words need not be wasted on such a reckless, vicious human activity that poisons the work environment. Don’t be seduced by its venom!
4. Be creative. My longstanding refrain is the one track mind that employers have: can you make me money or can you save me money? If you cannot quantify these two precepts of business, then consider the alternatives: can you/did you improve something at work? Did you increase efficiency by doing something? Do you employer your consultative abilities and scan the workplace and envision something that needs a mainstream overhaul.
Resume tip: Make your content 70/30 (hint: Use this formula with the last point). Call me or email me for more info on how you can captivate employers’ and potential employer’s attention by following this powerful strategy.
If you are still at a loss to how you can improve the bottom line, go deeper and engage in the mindset of a consultant. Get feedback about what’s going well and what can be changed and/or improved. Engage in active listening, get some results and present them to the boss. You are responsible for your career report card. No one else.
5. Stay late and come in early. If you’re willing to make the commitment to the employer, you may well be rewarded. And this defies the idea of presenteeism entirely?
Melissa C. Martin is a bilingual career coach who specializes in offering career counseling by phone.
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44 Comments
I’ve been ripped off for $50, this low life even provided me with a fax number # 1-415-723-7491 to send copies of my previous resumes. She is a low-down SNAKE in the MUD!! I can’t wait until you’re arrested & sentence to prison for LIFE!
NEVER ASK ASG RESUME AND WRITING SERVICES TO MAKE YOUR RESUME. IT IS A SCAM!! THEY MAKE YOU BELIEVE THAT THEIR WRITERS ARE US BASED. BUT IT IS FAKE!! THEY EMPLOY ASIANS!!!
SO NEVER USE THIS SITE http://www.resumebydesign.com.au/testimonial_resume_services.html
I would first like to say GREAT article. I myself am a resume writer and I continue to tell my clients almost everything that you mention in your article. I cannot stress how important it is to dress for success and carry a confident attitude. Employers do pick up on how you carry yourself.
http://www.analyzemyresume.com
The Resume Chick Is A SCAM!!! She returns youremails until you pay then you never hear from her again But look here, I sent a pic for my resume and I hope you remember my face because you are going to end up in jail or worse and that a promise. (I look foward to seeing you on an episode of Greed:American Scams)
Should have clarified – anyone who wants to lodge a complaint with The Better Business Bureau – sorry. Unless you’re Karen Flowers/TRC, in which case – sod off, pig.
Karen Flowers/TRC – You seem to be following this thread pretty closely, so here is my story about getting ripped off by you. My name is Lisa Ramaci, and you scammed me for $50. I sent you the money, you sent me the questionnaire, I filled it out and sent it back. You claimed you never received it, so I sent it again through both Yahoo AND Hotmail. Sent to myself as well and it worked perfectly, so I doubt your claim that you never got it. Wrote a third time asking for receipt confirmation, and never heard a word from you again. You are indeed a scammer, a total bloodsucking lowlife POS, and anyone who entrusts a single dime to you will never see it again – sort of like that resume you promised me in a “48-hour turnaround”. Don’t try claiming I’m not a client, or you have no record of this transaction, or any of the other crap you’ve written in these posts – you know damn well you are a thieving waste of skin, and whatever bad hand Life ultimately will deal you, well, baby, you deserve all of it, and probably more. (Oh, BTW, the fourth and last email I sent you asking you to please contact me and tell me what was going on was dated July 25, 2011, if you want to “check your records” – heh.)
Anyone who wants to lodge a complaint against “Karen Flowers” – if such a miserable creature even exists – should do so utilizing her d/b/a/ name, ASG Marketing INC/The Resume Chick, 16 West Main Street ,
Newark ,
DE
1970. There are two closed complaints on file for this company, each for “Problems with Product/Service”. Can’t access them once they’re closed, but I’m guessing they were both for the same thing, taking money and giving nothing in return.
You lying piece of filth, how do you sleep at night?
The resume writer, resume chick, Karen Flowers, Roxy, Ava, etc (she/he goes by a different name in each state) ripped me off recently,too. I paid the $50, sent my info back to her and still haven’t received a thing! She promised to get a resume to me by August 18th, now it’s the 25th. I have disputed with paypal, sent several emails to the resume services, with no response at all. Such a bummer that there are so many people out there that are careless–like really no compassion for others at all. What a sad way to live! I feel for these people and how insecure they must feel about themselves to be so cruel to others. I am sure they think this whole scam is hilarious…wow, they’ll get a swift kick in the ass in the end!
The resume writer, resume chick, Karen Flowers, Roxy, Ava, etc (she/he goes by a different name in each state) ripped me off recently,too. I paid the $50, sent my info back to her and still haven’t received a thing! She promised to get a resume to me by August 18th, now it’s the 25th. I have disputed with paypal, sent several emails to the resume services, with no response at all. Such a bummer that there are so many people out there that are careless–like really no compassion for others at all. What a sad way to live! I feel for these people and how insecure they must feel about themselves to be so cruel to others. I am sure they think this whole scam is hilarious…wow, they’ll get a swift kick in the ass in the end!
The resume writer, resume chick, Karen Flowers, Roxy, Ava, etc (she/he goes by a different name in each state) ripped me off recently,too. I paid the $50, sent my info back to her and still haven’t received a thing! She promised to get a resume to me by August 18th, now it’s the 25th. I have disputed with paypal, sent several emails to the resume services, with no response at all. Such a bummer that there are so many people out there that are careless–like really no compassion for others at all. What a sad way to live! I feel for these people and how insecure they must feel about themselves to be so cruel to others. I am sure they think this whole scam is hilarious…wow, they’ll get a swift kick in the ass in the end!
I just found out I was scammed too. Went back to my PayPal receipt to find the company name is actually “ASG Resume and Writing Services,” even though I originally paid for the “Memphis Resume Writer.” I paid $105 for a next day delivery of a resume/cover letter combo a few months back and it was actually pretty good– some grammatical errors, but overall I was pleased, so never thought anything seemed weird.
A MONTH ago, I emailed for just an updated “intro.” paragraph and was quoted $30; I paid immediately. Two unanswered emails later and I still haven’t received anything. The phone number listed on the PayPal receipt (877-263-1552) is always busy, and after finally Googling that, I have found out it is actually a “fake” number. Be wary of “Memphis Resume Writer” or any of the “Your City” Resume Writers. The emails she is attached to (I’m sure there are many besides these) are: carrie@memphisresumewriter.com and prowritingservices@gmail.com. All of these supposed different services are apparently the same person who appears to defraud many people out of their hard-earned money. Sigh…off to PayPal to dispute the recent transaction… ********************BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!***********************
I got my 5th revisions from the Resume Chick today – I have been using the her services for about 3 years now without any problems, my resume gets revised from her original one she gave me, and I have sent it out today. I paid $230 from a ‘local resume writer’ i found on craigslist it was utter crap, the resume chick I paid $50 and got exactly what I wanted.
Go Karen!
Still going with the whole ripping people off for a living thing, eh?
The sad thing is that you do it to people who are likely already unemployed and could really use money. Can’t you at least have the decency to figure out how to steal from wealthy people?
The Google results for theresumechick scam are starting to pile up. I hope you’re making much less than you used to.
Regarding the Resume Chick…this is a total scam. I just got hosed for $70 but am disputing the transaction with Paypal. I got a crappy resume back, filled with mistakes and someone else's info! Apparently, I was the VP of a Nonprofit Organization! Unreal. When I asked for a 2nd draft, the communication stopped. I did some more research and the Resume Chick is run by the same company as Super Resume Girl and Boston Resume Writer (I suspect they have a 'Resume Girl' in every major city trying to appear local)…the company is ASG Resume and Writing Services. When you call the number listed on paypal, you get an Australian man's voicemail. BEWARE!
Please post your transaction ID so I know who you are and to figure out what went wrong. I have checked my files and can not find a ‘Jane’ during November.. Could you possible the Brain,Heather/Danielle combo.
Well I will state again… please post your transaction here and I will look into your case.
I had the same experience with her. She sounds great, but I got a resume filled with descriptions that didn't remotely match my job responsibilities and, frankly, would have been a red flag to ANY potential employer. It made the entire resume look like a sham, and I had to rework everything myself. She never responded when I emailed her regarding this. STAY AWAY!
I agree with this article. By going the “extra” mile with employers, it puts employees in a better position to get promoted. I am a resume advisor, and one of the things that I do tell my clients is less is more. What this means is keep it simple yet effective. Good article.
Dress for success and avoid gossip are favorites of mine. I recently wrote an article on my blog about dressing for an interview; what not to wear and how colors you wear can affect your interview, job, and life. You can check our my career blog for more career tips.
For resume editing, writing or cover letter help google me at greenerResume.
Dress for success and avoid gossip are favorites of mine. I recently wrote an article on my blog about dressing for an interview; what not to wear and how colors you wear can affect your interview, job, and life. You can check our my career blog for more career tips.
For resume editing, writing or cover letter help google me at greenerResume.
Great article, I work for a small organisation and managed to get a raise whilst 50% of the work force were made redundant. When I asked his reasoning he said I was putting money into his pocket whilst others were taking money out of his pockets. I added a few tips of my own at http://careersassistant.com/blog
Really helpful article. So many people it seems forget that even though the economy is gloomy, there are still jobs available, and even if you are in a job… you can still get a raise. It comes down to impressing. It may take you 15 minutes more per day… even an hour… but wouldn't it be worth it to bump your paycheck up?
Always look the part- and even better.
Without trying to be teachers pet… make yourself available… even if it means doing something outside your normal work hours. Show your company spirit.
Looking for a job? I can help make your resume stand out. Google me. I'm The Resume Chick.
Please do not Google theresumechick. While she has some decent general advice on career searches (although nothing terribly insightful), her services are a complete scam and not worth the cost. I fell for her since she posts on so many blogs and other areas of the internet and on the outside seems like a small business owner who will work for you. She is not. She will take your money and run, or worse, deliver such a poor product it's unusable for you. And never once send you a personal reply. Let the buyer beware -
I just saw this post, and I have used TRC about 4 times now ( yes I move jobs a little to often) and found her service to be excellant..a real no hassel service. I have always gotten my resume well within time. I am sure sometimes things go wrong, But as someone who uses her service often ( in fact i had my latest updated resume from her about 10 days ago) all looked good as usual.
how amazing that you saw this post, Joshua, registered for this site and commented immediately about how great her services are. Sounds a bit fishy to me. With theresumechick being so adapt to blog comments, what are they chances you are but a wolf in sheep's clothing? It would just prove my original point, now wouldn't it?
For you information I have been reading articles on this site for about 2 months now. And registered when I saw your post. Your original post sounded fishy to me . Like I said I have had nothing but great service from her, and I am sure when she sees your post she will reply ( I emailed her the link), Although judging by your comments so far you seem like a complete ass.
So for whatever the reason for your posting, I wanted to at least mention the service I had from her has been fine. If you choose not to belive this, then kock yourself out. And for you info I am no sheep.
tdp
Its funny I could say the same about you ..
Joshua has indeed been a client for a number of years with me, he actually contacted me about the comments from you and your other online persona’s
You’re really just nuts with your resume chick scam and rip off. I’m glad I’ll never know how it feels to be a parasite on your level.
TDP, that's theresumechick responding, and yes, she is a huge scam.
Many others have had the same experience with her.
Here's just one thing I read about her online
“Watch out for posting from “THE RESUME CHICK” $50 Resume's. A promise of a 48 hour turn around and a Resume you will love. She will rope you in with an ultra friendly email, once you pay her she DISAPPEARS and does not return emails! She created a resume full of mistakes, told me to fix them, sent a really rude email response telling me to make any revisions because the resume she had created was “perfect” It was FULL of mistakes, Lies and exaggerations and completely UNUSABLE!
Don't waste your time with this immature amateur writer, who will respond right away only until she has your money and then will refuse to answer emails or correct mistakes.
She actually created a resume for a position that I am not even qualified for! She ignores instructions and specific details that you ask to be included and just does whatever she wants. She uses a bunch of resume's as sample's of her work, and then tells you AFTER you pay her that she doesn't even use that format anymore! “
I had the same experience with her. She sounds great, but I got a resume filled with descriptions that didn't remotely match my job responsibilities and, frankly, would have been a red flag to ANY potential employer. It made the entire resume look like a sham, and I had to rework everything myself. She never responded when I emailed her regarding this. STAY AWAY!
Same thing Happend to me-She got me for $70-Keith
I have no Keith as a client during sept.. Fake name?
No fake name here…..and I got scammed for $75.00. Thanks for nothing, karma is a B*****, you will get yours in the grand scheme of things.
Leave a comment wherever you find her online. The fact that she’s working hard to reply to comments exposing the resume chick as a scam means it’s working and she’s losing revenue
I have to take back my prior comments. I was able to talk with someone via chat and they issued me a refund in full immediately! So, I was not scammed after all.
You know it’s not, and so does everyone reading this. How does it feel to be so crazy?
Again… as we all know this is the same person now.. post you transID so we can discuss this publicly as you have chosen this forum to post comments about me
The Resume Chick got me for $70-Keith
Again please post your transaction ID so I can look at your case.
tdp is a little vague.
TRC
Great Ideas!
We must have been on a similar wavelength because I have a similar post this week
Top 5 Things You Should Do Today to Get a Raise This Year http://actasifblog.com/?p=823
Best wishes -Joe
She nailed me for $60.. great service till u pay her then shes gone goodbye…. should be shut off paypal quickly.
Yep She got me for 70 and when I disputed it on Paypal she pointed her finger back at me. She is nothing but a scam.
JB
JB? please provide your transID from paypal. I have no client in Oct with the initial of JB
For all those who have been scammed by ASG Resume Writer (aka Resume writer, resumechick, etc) – please notify your State Attorney General’s office as I have done for investigation.
Name? see its helps when you actually have some evidence to claims
TRC
Everyone reading this is here because they were scammed (or were about to be). The really weird thing is that you know that and you post like it isn’t true. What kind of person does that?