With various sectors of our economy falling apart left and right, many businesses are closing, or cutting back at the very least. As a result, thousands of employees each month are being let go.

Some of the businesses that have been around longer are handling the need to let employees go by asking them to take a voluntary buyout package, which usually involves a hefty compensation package. Depending on the person, this could be good or bad. If you have been, or are about to be, offered a voluntary buyout package, take some time to learn the pros and cons. This way, you won't feel side-swiped by the request.

Are They Offering Enough Money?

Not that you're setting out to be greedy, but they are asking you to leave the company, right? This means you need to make sure that you and your family will be well taken care of until you can find another job. Some companies offer employees two week's pay for each year of service. For some, this adds up quite nicely. But does it measure up to the amount you could receive if you just stuck around and retired (that is, if your job will last that long)?

If you really think that leaving might be the best option, but you're not sure if you like the buyout amount they're offering, you may want to inquire about additional money owed. This might include making sure that you have money equivalents for unused vacation and sick days thrown into the package. Depending on what you have leftover, this could beef up your package quite nicely.

Will You Lose Your Seniority?

Another question to ask yourself when contemplating whether to take the buyout package is will you lose your seniority? Some companies will offer a large sum to employees they would like to buyout. But the downside to that is that when the employee tries to acquire another job, they will have to start at ground zero. For someone who has put in over 25 years at one establishment, this prospect can be very disheartening. This is especially true when taking into consideration that your job downsizing may mean the rest of the industry may be doing the very same thing. You want to make sure that the money you receive will be worth losing your seniority at best, and eliminating your prospect of a new job at worst.

Is It Worth Sticking Around?

Finally, before you turn down a buyout package flat, think about whether it's worth sticking around. If the company is going out of business soon, and stock prices are falling, you may want to snatch the amount they offer before you lose your chance at such a high amount in the future. Determining the fate of the company will take some research on your part. But it will be well worth it to gather the insight you'll need to make the best decision for your financial well-being.

Before you agree to accept any type of voluntary buyout package, you will want to consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you decide whether leaving is worth it. And also show whether the numbers that the company is offering (which may seem impressive) are really enough.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need a resume writing service? Compare the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 30, 2009 at 5:07 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I just found out about a new website called Hard2Hire.com which is just what the name sounds like: its for people who have a hard time getting hired and for the employers who are willing to give them a chance. Right now there are more than 100,000 potential employees with profiles on Hard2Hire and more than 2.8 million job listings on the site. Pretty impressive numbers I think for a new website.

Originally, Brian Poe, Founder and CEO of Hard2Hire.com and author of A Guide to Expungements and Pardons, set up the website to help ex-offenders find jobs once they had served their time. He has expanded the site to offer jobs for other non traditional folks like the elderly, disabled workers, and laid off workers.

"Hard2Hire.com is a marketplace that benefits everyone," said Brian Poe, founder. "What employers don't necessarily realize is that these candidates bring more than a positive attitude and relevant skill set. In some cases, employers who hire a candidate are eligible to receive federal and state subsidies. Ex-offenders in particular are supported by federal bonding programs to provide a measure of protection to the employer. The vision behind Hard2Hire.com was to create a win-win situation for everyone involved."

For ex-offenders, employers provide specific feedback about criminal backgrounds they will consider including the nature of the crime and how long ago it took place. Hard2Hire.com has developed similar intelligent matching processes for the other categories as well. For example, employers will provide information about the physical requirements of the job in order to help match disabled workers. This transparency results in a faster, more efficient hiring process.

I was perusing the jobs that are available in a couple of zip codes (78726 and 95954 if you are wondering) and I found a total of 6,714 jobs available within 25 miles of both of those zip codes. What I noticed is that most of the jobs on the site are what I would call "less skilled". Having said that I also saw some non-profit jobs that sounded like they could be very interesting to people with a wide range of skills. For example, ACTIVE Life (formerly Youth InterACTIVE), an Austin-based nonprofit organization, posted a job for VP of Business Development. There are also quite a few volunteer positions posted so if you are looking for a way to give back this site may be a great way to find some volunteer opportunities.

H2H is free to both employees and employers. The site is supported by advertisements and the company actively solicits companies for positions that could be filled by non-traditional employees. H2H says its committed to helping 1 million people find jobs in 2009. That sounds like a pretty big and impressive goal to me - I hope they do it!

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on January 30, 2009 at 1:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As the economy declines and layoffs continue are you concerned that, if your company downsizes, your position may be eliminated because of age discrimination? That's on the minds of many people in the workforce today.

If you are not aware of it, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provides employers with specific guidelines when they are offering severance packages to their employees.

Mildred Culp's recent column (Workwise) offers helpful points to be aware of regarding potential age discrimination and your rights. According to Attorney Andrew Milne, whose practice specializes in employment, business and technology law:

• If you are terminated, but not part of a group of layoffs, you are given by law at least 21 days to think about the severance package. Don't be forced to sign on the spot a release of claims when offered the package.
• If you sign it, you must be given the option to revoke the waiver in the release of claims - in writing - within seven days.
• You have 45 days or more to make your decision about your package, along with the seven-day revocation provision, if your severance is part of a group layoff or early retirement program.
• Your employer is also required to provide you with written information about other employees in your group. This information will help you determine how many are being laid off or offered early retirement by job classification and by age. If you need advise, you can then take this information to an attorney to determine if there is any targeting of employees over 40 years of age at your organization.

Whether in a good economy or not, with or without layoffs looming, remember that effective career management is in your care. Nurture and take steps to manage your career proactively so that you stand apart as an indispensable member of your organization. This can help you in surviving layoffs.

Article by, Louise Garver and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Candice Arnold on January 29, 2009 at 9:13 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Every once in a while, you may do something you said you would not do: return to an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, dive in the deep end of a swimming pool, or maybe eat frog legs. But for some, doing something they said they would not do falls into the realm of returning to an employer after leaving many years ago.

If you've thought about returning to a former employer, it's definitely not the end of the world. In fact, it could be the beginning of a new one. So if you're serious about boomeranging back to a former employer, here are some tips to consider before doing so...

Remember the Contributions You Made

The thought of returning to a company that you once worked for can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. On one end, you may be excited about the prospect of returning to an environment that was once very familiar to you. But on the other end, maybe thinking about what employees and managers thought about you leaving the company in the first place. You may also be thinking about how the environment you once knew so well may have changed since you left.

A good way to feel more comfortable about the pursuit of your return is by thinking of the contributions you made while there. If you left the company in good standing then it is likely that the company will be more than willing to welcome a knowledgeable and reliable employee back with open arms - even if you're now coming into a different position. They will likely have more faith in your abilities than a stranger's, which actually puts you in a better position than most others up for the same position. So if you're a little nervous, remind yourself of these contributions to help build your confidence.

Sell Your Knowledge of the Company's Culture

Another area of comfort that you can carry with you when looking to return to a previous employer is knowledge of the company's culture, mission, and what it values. This is a big deal since every company can be vastly different - and it takes time to get comfortable in a new one. Because you already understand how the company works, and what is expected of all employees, you have a better shot of sliding past your competition.

As for selling this point to the company, you can do it both in your cover letter and interview. If you are facing a recruiter who has entered the company since you've left, selling your knowledge will be especially important. Think about it; unless you were a dynamo, the recruiter will not likely be familiar with what you contributed. But that's okay; this is where you can explain that catching up will be like riding a bike. Essentially, all you'll need to do is learn new skills and begin to apply them.

Returning to a former employer can definitely bring with it great rewards. If you decide to return, take it as a positive experience. By rekindling old friendships and building new ones, you can make the return a great experience for everyone involved.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 24, 2009 at 1:03 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Sometimes it may feel that your time in your current career has just about run its course. It may seem that you've contributed all that you can and are now looking for new ways to make contributions to society; ways that involve you using different aspects of your creativity. If this is the case then it may be time to change careers.

But there are some careers that are easier to transition into than others. So if you're looking for a change, but don't quite have an idea of what the change should be, take a look these career options.

Jobs Resistant to Offshoring

While your career transition should have more to do with you wanting to make new and exciting contributions in another realm, and less to do with money, in the wake of a suffering economy, you should always remain financially realistic. There are some jobs (i.e. auto industry positions) that are simply not stable at this point. However, there are some that are more resistant to bankruptcy or offshoring. In your search to find a new career path that cultivates your interests, it doesn't hurt to browse careers like these.

Some jobs that fit into this category include genetic counselor, mediator, curriculum/training specialist, and user experience specialist. The same goes for ghostwriters. Any business that wants brochures, newsletters, TV or radio ads, or websites and would like their material written by someone needs a ghostwriter. If you have a passion for writing, that someone could be you.

Non-College Careers

There are many non-college careers that are now being considered great transitional careers. Why? Well, for starters, many of the professional jobs are being sent overseas for offshoring, leaving not much for recent college grads. Also, Baby Boomers who have recently suffered huge blows from the economy - many even losing most of their retirement in the financial/401k crisis - have had to return to old jobs or find new ones. As a result, many blue-collar jobs are now in demand. A few that may spark your interest include firefighting and plumbing, as well as becoming a hairstylist, locksmith, and biomedical equipment technician.

Healthcare

If your desire to contribute to society falls into the realm of making unhealthy people healthy again, then you might want to consider switching over to healthcare. Because there are many more aging Baby Boomers, as well as a larger number of immigrants needing healthcare, there is more of a requirement for help. This is especially true in the areas of patient advocacy, health informatics, and wellness coaching. So if making a difference in this way is ideal, you may want to consider traveling this route.

Of course, this is only an introduction to the possibilities transitioning into a new career can bring. You will definitely want to conduct more research, not just on what options will make the most sense financially, but also emotionally. But after creating a list of ideas that truly interest you, you may find that these or other easy-to-transition-into careers fall in line with your agenda. So continue to study what's out there, choose wisely, and carefully transition your way into the new career of your dreams.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. If you're in need of a resume writer, compare the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 23, 2009 at 11:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The challenges faced by businesses and their employees these days has got me thinking about the tough decisions that are being made in companies all around the world. It is hard to be in a non-leadership role in the volatile economic environment in which we find ourselves because non-leaders are often limited in the information they can access. In other words, employees in some companies are just playing a waiting game to see what happens next.

A wise person once told me that "When faced with decisions try to look at them as if you were one level up in the organization. Your perspective will change quickly". There is another saying that "Incompetence always begins one level above you". The point of both of these quotes is that you need to learn to think like your boss. What are his/her goals? What pressure is senior management placing on your boss? When you change your perspective from simply focusing on your own issues at work to learning what is driving your boss's behavior and decision making process you will find that you are able to be a stronger contributor. You will also become much more understanding of decisions that can be difficult to deal with from an employee-perspective.

Many senior leaders learn this experience as they rise into higher and higher positions of responsibility. It is very illuminating to step out of one's own role and to look at the world from the perspective of your own manager or your managers boss. As you see the world from a higher perch you take in more of the landscape and from this vantage point your role within the organization as a whole becomes clearer. You should be able to see how you can contribute more effectively to the goals of your organization.

In troubled times I think it essential for good employees to understand the big picture so that they can (a) contribute at the highest level possible so the company performs its very best, and (b) get a realistic picture of the potential for job security or, alternatively, possible layoffs. The more you know about what is going on in your organization the less likely you are to be blindsided if layoffs or restructuring changes become a reality.

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on January 21, 2009 at 8:49 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you're just graduating from college, or deciding to enter the workforce after spending your adult years involved in other projects, then you have the benefit many others don't: building your career from the ground up.

For some, this prospect may sound scary - especially if they're in the midst of a career that has been rocky all along the way. But if you take your time to plan your prospective career - as well as alternatives - before you get started, you should be able to make rather smooth transitions along the way until you reach your ultimate goal. Let's look at how you can get this done ...

Decide What You Like

One of the most important ways to obtain fulfillment in your career is by first deciding what it is that you like. Many people have no idea what they would like to do with their lives, and this is totally understandable. Some people have always obediently followed the decisions of their parents. Others may have been forced to choose a path in college after too many years being "undecided." Luckily, no matter the predicament, it is never too late to choose.

The easiest way to decide what you like is by creating a list of the things you love to do for no money at all. If you're having a hard time coming up with a list, you can complete personality tests like the Ansir Self-Perception test, through which you will answer questions to help you determine your strengths. It will also offer careers you may be best suited to take on.

Choose Your Career(s)

Once you've created a list - or completed a personality test - your next step is to see what careers fall in line with your passions. For instance, you may absolutely love math and find that being an accountant, bookkeeper, or even math teacher may fall in line with what you love. Or you may love animals and find that you may be able to work in the veterinary world, on a farm, or even as a zookeeper. If your college degree is not compatible with your passion, that's okay. It will just be your job to determine what steps you'll need to take to make your dream a reality.

Create Your Plan - Get Where You Want to Be

Once you have determined more than one option for your career path, your next step can be to look more thoroughly at each one then create a plan that determines how far you want to get on each path (Director of Public Relations, Vice President of Sales, etc.). Next you would look at potential routes you can take to achieve your goal, including the number of years you would invest in each position along the way. You can research the strongest employment opportunities and history of economical strengths with each option. And of course, make room for flexibility in the event that you become dissatisfied with your career or want to make plans around your family.

Developing your career from the ground up can require a lot of soul searching. But it's a great way to find yourself - and your career. So don't be afraid to tackle this task. You'll find that your career success will likely be much easier to obtain with a plan in place.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 18, 2009 at 11:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Whether you're looking for a new job or trying to make financial gains at the one you're at, you may find that at some point you'll need to make a salary negotiation. But how can you do it if you never have before?

It's not as difficult as you may think. In fact, in many ways it can be similar to any other business transaction. So if you've been thinking that it's time to get a raise, or ask for a specific salary with a new job, take a look at some ways to get it done.

Approaching the Employer

Probably one of the most challenging prospects of negotiating your salary is deciding how to approach an employer. It can feel very intimidating to tell a company how much you want them to pay you. But this task is easier if you keep in mind that you're simply expressing your desire to be paid based on your skills and ability to perform.

So when is the right time to make the approach? If you're in the process of accepting a new position, then the right time is when you reach that point in the conversation. However, if you're looking to ask for a raise with your current employer, you'll want to make sure that you've explored the reasons that you feel it's time to increase your pay (years employed, responsibilities fulfilled, etc.). When you're ready to approach your boss you can simply ask for a meeting to discuss your salary. Then openly and honestly discuss the reason you feel it's time to increase your pay.

How Much to Ask For

The amount you should ask for will vary widely based on your field and the position you're in/seeking. This means it will be important for you to conduct some research to determine how much individuals with your level of education/experience in the position you're in/seeking are typically paid.

Also, the city you live in can make a difference. For instance, someone living in New York City might expect to make much more working as a Human Resources Recruiter than someone living in Nashville, Tennessee. There are a number of books and websites that can help you get an idea of what you might want to ask for within the parameters of your specific circumstances. So be sure to conduct your research to make sure you're not asking for too much or too little.

What Else You Need to Know

If you find that the salary you hoped for is not agreed upon, you don't have to give up hope. There are other factors like healthcare benefits, additional vacation days and bonuses that you may be able to adjust to create a financial equivalent. But if you are surprised with an offer that equals or surpasses what you planned to ask for, don't be afraid to still negotiate. You may find that you may be able to sweeten the pot even more.

Engaging in salary negotiations can seem like a fierce battle, but they typically are not. If you go in with an idea of what you want to make and the reasons why, you will most likely come out making more than you thought you would.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 9, 2009 at 11:21 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

When searching for employment, you will find that most employers will at some point ask you to provide a list of your references. This may seem like a simple request to fulfill, but in actuality, choosing references is something that should be done with care. So before you throw your own list out there to employers, let's take a look at some ideas to keep in mind.

Why Provide References

Employers usually ask for references during the course of an application process for two reasons: 1) they want to verify previous employment, and 2) they want to know what they're getting themselves into. Most likely, they have determined that you're a great candidate based on your resume, cover letter and interview, but it always helps to have some additional sources step in to confirm your qualifications.

So when should you disclose your references? This can vary depending on who you're applying for. Some may request a list of references in the job posting while others may have you list three or four while filling out their application. A good rule of thumb, however, is to hold on to your list until you're asked for it. Just be sure to choose wisely the references you disclose, because while some employers may simply want to verify your employment, others may go further to ask specifics about the type of employee you were.

Choosing Your References

One of the most important ideas to remember when choosing your references is making sure they will say good things about you. If you're not sure what they might say, then you can have a friend call on your behalf and get a reference, asking simple, professional questions just to gauge the responses he or she might give.

Typically, the best people from which to request references include past or present supervisors, co-workers, professors, customers, vendors, and even coaches and friends. However, when the references are more of a personal nature and they were not specifically requested, you may want to list them after the most highly-regarded professional references. This is because, for the most part, the employee is more interested in your work ethic than your personal behaviors. And with additional resources available like social networking sites, many can do more "realistic" research without needing to gauge your characteristics from a personal friend.

Asking for Permission

One of the biggest rules of thumb when selecting references is to make sure that you ask their permission before submitting their names to employers. Failing to complete this task can offer unfavorable results all the way around. Think about it, if you don't tell your references you've offered their names, when the employer calls they may be thrown completely off-guard, having to come up with specific details on the spur of the moment. This could result in you not receiving the thorough recommendation you'd hoped for. So to ensure that it goes your way, make sure ask your references if you can use them in this way.

Choosing the right references to offer to prospective employers can mean the difference in you being hired for a position. So choose carefully, making sure each reference is someone you have a good relationship with and who truly has your best interest at heart.

About the Author:
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. If you're in need of a resume service, compare the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 8, 2009 at 10:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Happy New Year...long time no post. For the first time in several years I took some actual time away from work, writing, and blogging for the holidays. It was a little difficult to stay away from the computer but I know my husband, family, and friends appreciated it. It felt great to take a break but it also feels good to get back to work.

I found a website, Sparklist, that is really for reviewing newsletters for words that will trip up the spam blocker feature on most email programs but it occurred to me that it could be used for resumes too. Try cutting and pasting your resume into the review section of this site to see if there are any words in the document that might cause it to be tagged by spam blocker when you email it to a recruiter or hiring manager. I have never heard of a resume being blocked but you never know and this website is easy to use and free so it couldn't hurt to check.

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on January 7, 2009 at 3:40 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

One of the most challenging dreams to realize for many people is identifying then fulfilling their goal to acquire a great career. Sometimes it can seem that it will take a lifetime to actually get a foot in the door. But if you have an idea of what you would like to do in your professional life, then your next step is to begin making your dream a reality.

For many people, the route to starting their dream career will vary, but there are a few steps anyone can take to set them on the right path. Let's look at a few ...

Start Where You Are

Whether you're working for a temporary agency or at a job you've been at for years, if you want to step into the career you're really interested in, you can do it. Many suggest that a good way to get this done is to start right where you are, even if it's not ultimately where you want to end up.

Why? Starting at your current job helps propel you to your intended career because you can easily take advantage of advanced roles and responsibilities. For example, you may be working as a customer service representative but are very good at working on computers, and actually carry a degree in relation to information technology. You notice that your computer is operating differently and realize only a few tweaks are needed to enhance its performance. You bring this to the attention of your supervisor who calls a technician, from whom the few tweaks suggested are identical. It is then that you can reveal your education. With this type of disclosure, or the nerve to inquire about other additional roles and responsibilities, you may find that your desired career can start right where you are.

Constantly Update Your Resume

This is probably one of the most forgotten tasks among individuals wanting to step into a career - but it's an important one. Anytime you take on any new tasks, it is crucial that you update your resume immediately. This way you can better articulate what you've accomplished because it's fresh in your mind. Also, by updating as it happens, you can not only pick and choose the accomplishments that best suit any new job you're applying for, but you can also analyze the list to see what roles and responsibilities are missing from that list that you can take on to better your chances of qualifying for your career.

Study the Field

When trying to step into your desired career, it's a good idea to study the field your career is nestled in. Ways that you can study include looking at who is hiring and firing, what educational background is required, and which jobs will best get you to your peak goal within your career. Some resources available to help you follow trends include trade publications, newspapers, and even web blogs.

Stepping into the career you most want is something you can do if you take the right steps. So study your field, take on new roles and responsibilities at your current job, and update your accomplishments constantly. Your hard work can take you straight to the career you want sooner than you think.

About the Author:
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. If you need a resume writer, compare the top companies in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 3, 2009 at 10:19 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

College can be an exciting time. You have the opportunity to mature as a person, develop great friendships, and start determining what you want to accomplish in your life.

As you make this determination, it is important to acquire experiences along the way that can help develop your career. One of the best ways to get this done is through an internship. If you're looking to open the door to some great internship opportunities, here are some tips to get you started.

Conduct Research

As with any other job, when seeking an internship, it's important to conduct research on the companies you want to work for, as well as the responsibilities they can offer to foster your development. While working for a Fortune 500 company is good, it doesn't help you much if you only make copies for your manager. The more you can be involved in the ins and outs of the field you want to pursue, the better.

This is why it is a good idea to research the needs of multiple companies, whether they're currently seeking an intern or not. By learning what a company prefers, you can determine what contributions you can make. This way, in an interview, or even when making a cold call, you can entice employers with free services that may ultimately get you the experience you need to excel when your career starts.

Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviews

Another part of the internship-seeking process is getting your cover letter and resume together, as well as preparing for interviews. If you've never done any of these things, don't feel intimidated. This is just your opportunity to develop your skills.

To get started, you can look for resume and cover letter examples online to help with the formatting and wording of your document (be careful to only use them as guides, not templates). If you feel you are lacking the necessary experience you can list community service projects or church events. And if you don't have those, but still have a strong desire for the position, you can utilize your cover letter to express these sentiments. Then at the interview, reiterate what's in the cover letter.

Taking Advantage of Your Resources

The great thing about looking for internships (or any job) while attending college is that you have so many resources to turn to. One of the best is the career center, which has tons of books, CDs and DVDs, as well as counselors present to give you advice. Additionally, you can talk to your school advisor for tips on how to get started. And if you're close to any professors in your major, they can help you with references, great insight based on personal experience, and more.

Top Internships in 2008

If you're interested in knowing which companies are great to intern for, CollegeGrad.com created a list of the top 200 intern employers of 2008. Some of these employers include Walgreen Company, KPMG, General Electric, Ernst & Young, and Target. Within the list, you also receive access to their hiring plans.

An internship can be a wonderful preparatory experience for your career. So take the time to find the right opportunity for you. Your effort can undoubtedly lead you to your next great career move: your first job.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top resume writing services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Posted by Heather Eagar on January 3, 2009 at 9:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The U.S. housing crisis has led to a mass exodus of mortgage professionals from this industry. With foreclosures and defaults skyrocketing, lending guidelines tightening, and home values plummeting, opportunities for commissions are scarce and layoffs are increasing. It's tough to make a living originating mortgages when lenders and their loan products are dwindling and qualified borrowers are difficult to locate.

If you're a mortgage lending professional and considering a career change, here's some good news: armed with a powerful career change resume, you can successfully break into a new industry. Here's how to make your resume shine:

1. State your goal. Remove guesswork for employers by clearly stating your career goal towards the beginning of your resume. There are several ways you can do this. My favorite is to create a resume title that spells it out succinctly -- such as "Career Goal: Medical/Pharmaceutical Sales." Another option is to write an objective (but make sure that your objective focuses on employers' needs and not just on what you want). A third choice (which I often use in conjunction with a resume title) is to incorporate your goal in a powerful opening profile summarizing your key strengths. (See #3, below.)

2. Emphasize your transferable skills. Loan officers bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to the workplace that are transferable to many industries. Examples include consultative selling, customer needs analysis, risk assessment, relationship building, presentation/communication skills, inside/outside sales, and computer proficiencies. But you have to spell out these transferable skills on your resume -- don't assume that these skills will be considered a "given" by employers outside the mortgage industry. You can incorporate your transferable skills into virtually all areas of the resume, including the qualifications summary, an "Expertise" (or "Key Skills") list, and the "Experience" section.

3. Profile your most marketable strengths. A qualifications summary is a must for career changers. Written as a brief paragraph or a few bulleted statements, it gives you the opportunity to tell employers why they should interview you. For example:

"Multimillion-dollar producer motivated to leverage six-year record of commended sales performance to transition into new product lines and industries. Fast learner of complex products; 'power user' of MS Office; and expert prospector, negotiator, presenter, and closer. Consistently deliver quota-surpassing results, and excel in building rapport and enduring relationships with key accounts."

4. Turn negatives into positives. The ability to survive during tough times is something to tout on your resume. If this is your story, consider adding a bulleted accomplishment or two highlighting this track record. For example:

• "Generated steady referral business despite the severe collapse in the industry. Found creative ways to structure deals and meet client needs while adhering to lending guidelines and preserving company profitability."

5. Use comparisons, pipeline metrics, or previous production numbers if your current sales have declined. "What do I use for accomplishments when the mortgage industry has tanked?" is a question that was recently posed to me by a loan officer client. You have several options, and depending on the specifics of your situation, at least one of these should be relevant and applicable. Use comparisons to your peers if this presents you in a favorable light. For example, you may have only closed one deal last month, but if that tied for first place in your office then you can truthfully report that you achieved top ranking despite the industry's decline. Or maybe you've been successful in generating a healthy pipeline even though some of these deals may not survive underwriting. Again, highlight the positive. And even if you haven't received any sales awards this year, include previous honors. (Just remove references to the year that you received these, as in the last example, below.)

I've included a few sample bulleted accomplishment statements below. Not all of these may be applicable to you, but I hope it gives you a jumping-off point to create your own accomplishment statements:

• "Harnessed previously built relationships to continue bringing in deals and closing sales during period when few peers were able to achieve these results."


• "Consistently led the office in sales volume, earning top rankings for production during periods of high growth as well as market decline."


• "Maintained a strong pipeline (with over $4.5M in current pending deals) despite dwindling prospects and product availability."


• "Honored with numerous awards during five-year tenure, including repeated 'Top Sales' distinction for record-breaking production (six months in a row of $1M+ volume)."

6. Minimize industry-specific terms. The widespread negative press the mortgage industry has received, including the largely unpopular bailout plan, has the unfortunate residual side-effect of "guilt by association" for hardworking professionals on the front-lines of this industry. Combat this problem by minimizing industry-specific terms on your resume. Now is not the time to be connected to Fannie or Freddie, and any mentions of "sub-prime," "Option ARMs," "Alt-A," and even the term "mortgage" (use euphemisms, like "finance" and "financial services," instead, wherever possible) should be used sparingly on your resume.

I hope this helps! If you need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you'd like to explore having your resume professionally written.

Best wishes.

Article by, Karen Hofferber and courtesy of Kim Isaacs and ResumePower blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on January 2, 2009 at 4:46 PM | Leave a Comment (0)