The Career Doctor Blog
Empowering job-seekers to conquer college, career, and job-search ailments.
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Don't Provide References Unless They Are Requested
Kimberly writes: I was just reading the article on your site, Avoid These 10 Resume Mistakes. In this article, one of the mistakes to avoid is to not put references on a resume. What is the reasoning for that rule? I can’t figure out the problem with it. The Career Doctor responds: References do not belong in the resume phase of the job search and should not be provided unless the employer asks for them. References are checked between the time the employer decides to interview the... |
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Take Fresh Donuts to a Job Fair?
Bea writes: Would it be professional or a good idea to take a fresh box of donuts to the job fair? The Career Doctor responds: I think that would be OK. People in the booths are often stuck there, and we advise job-seekers to stand out by offering to get them a beverage, so donuts would work, too. Might be a little awkward/messy to carry them around, though. |
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Breaking into Pharma Sales is Harder to Do Now
Chandler writes: How can I break into pharmaceutical sales? The Career Doctor responds: Our article, So You Want to Get Into Pharmaceutical Sales…, may help, but the scenario has changed somewhat since that article was published. Here is more current advice from our colleague Craig DeLarge, who works for a large pharmaceutical firm (though not in sales): Understand this is a shrinking pool where there have been dozens of thousands of layoffs of experienced reps. They are standing... |
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How Big a Role Should Soft Skills Play on a Resume?
Michael writes: I don’t think my “soft” skills are a big enough part of the resume. I feel like those skills should have a lot of value in my industry. What do think about “soft” skills being on a resume? The Career Doctor responds: When my partner researched a book on executive resumes, she was surprised that hiring decision-makers don’t find listings of soft skills very credible. Yes, they are important, but to make them more credible, attach them... |
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Getting Feedback from Hiring Managers
Aaron writes: I have read your article on Quintessential Careers regarding under-qualified applicants and how to make yourself stand out to potential employers. I found the information to be quite helpful. However, as I am still having issues with getting companies to respond when I apply, I am trying to see what else I may need to do. I contacted a potential employer for advice after they rejected my application. They mentioned that, while I met the requirements for the job, they found an applicant... |
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Following Up and Cold Calling
Marsha writes: I am a recent graduate of George Mason University and I have been spending the past several months struggling in my job search. I recently found your article entitled, Sleuthing Out Hiring Managers Is Key to Job-Search Follow-up and found it very helpful in follow ups. However, I did have some questions I am hoping you could answer. A couple of weeks ago I applied for a job that I am very excited about, and I would like to do everything I can to set myself apart from other applicants.... |
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Yes, Bullets Make Cover Letters Reader-Friendly
Kelly writes: I have been talking with some colleagues about cover letters, and I suggested that sometimes using bullet points can be effective in a cover letter. A few colleagues disagreed. What’s your opinion? The Career Doctor responds: Bullets make a cover letter more reader-friendly by breaking up big blocks of type. See our article Special Cover-Letter Formats Can Grab Employers’ Attention, which has links to a bulleted letter and a bulleted section of a letter. |
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Post-Interview Followup Shouldn't Annoy Employer
Shayla writes: I had a job interview a month ago. I sent my first follow-up email that week. I then sent a letter about two weeks later. Do you keep sending letters of interest, or will it come across as annoying? The Career Doctor responds: The frequency with which you are following up should not annoy anyone. Have you tried calling? At this point, it would be wise to call and ask where the search stands and whether you are still under consideration. |
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How to Start a Business While in College
Neal writes: I attend the University of Texas at Dallas, and I am about to become a junior. Over the past few weeks I have really had a sudden urge to start up a business so that I can build equity, gain experience, money etc., and not to mention starting your own business looks extremely good on your college resume for grad school! With that being said, I really do not know how and where to start. I have a couple ideas, but they are just ideas. For example one idea is actually opening up and... |
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Address Absence from Workforce in Cover Letter
Kathy writes: How do I address the following situation in a cover letter? I have 15 solid years of work experience in accounting/finance field, the last 10 with the same company. I was successfully promoted to positions of increased responsibility; my last position as VP finance. Unfortunately, while visiting family in the north during winter, I slipped and fell on the ice. Due to injuries sustained from the fall, I had to give up my position. I have spent the last 18 months working very hard... |
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How to Spotlight Skills on Resume's First Page
Lenn writes: After polishing my resume, I realized the majority of marketable skills I’ve honed through employment appear on the second page. Is that a problem? Is there an acceptable format that would get my stronger work history on page 1? Am I worrying too much about page 2? The Career Doctor responds: I would suggest either adding these marketable skills to your Summary of Qualifications, or better, create a keyword section called something like Core Competencies, Key Proficiencies... |
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Best Ways to Portray Liberal Arts Education on a Resume
Stephanie writes: What is the best way to present a liberal-arts degree, such as a degree in philosophy, on a resume? The Career Doctor responds: In terms of the degree itself, my advice is pretty much the same for all majors. Assuming your degree (as opposed to your experience) is your best selling point, list Education before Experience. I recommend this format: [name of degree] in [name of major] [with honors, if applicable], [name of school], [city, state of school], [grad date (month... |
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Trends to Watch for in Job Search
Peg writes: I haven’t had to look for a job in a long time, but in the current climate, I’d like to be prepared for possible job loss. What trends on hiring and job search should I be aware of? The Career Doctor responds: Here are the trends I see: Gravitation of job search and recruiting to mobile devices. Social-media sites as the future of job search and recruiting, largely because they are less expensive for employers. Employers can learn more about candidates and... |
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Optimizing Online Networking
Sakina writes: Is it a good idea to network online, and if so, are there sites out there that you would recommended? The Career Doctor responds: Online social networking is unquestionably important. I would characterize this type of networking as excellent supplemental networking. The two mistakes I see are spending too much time networking online at the expense of the more effective face-to-face networking and failing to eliminate or counteract “digital dirt,” negative or controversial... |
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Tips on Finding a Mentor
Phillip writes: I have read your article, The Value of a Mentor: Find Yourself a Mentor, and I am wondering how I would be able to find a mentor. I recently moved to LA. I have great aspirations, and I know I will be successful in whatever I do but I need some motivation and inspiration. I would love to start my own business. I always have ideas of businesses to start and also have ideas on how to innovate everyday items and processes. I have a lot of goals, including starting a successful... |
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Questions about Resume, Interviews
Randy writes: I have several questions about my current job search: Due to my age, I am only going back 15 years on my resume — some say 10 — but should I leave all those jobs completely or just list them without dates? Currently I list months/years on my jobs, which is fine overall except for my previous job, where I worked approx 8 months because I was terminated for not bringing in enough business. During interviews I’m not sure to to address any questions about... |
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Top Job Sites for Executives
Deborah writes: Can you tell me some of the top job sites for executives? The Career Doctor responds: Sure. Here you go: 6 Figure Jobs: Portal for $100K+ jobs. hundredK.com: Center for $100K+ job search and recruiting. futurestep: A Korn/Ferry company providing outsourced recruitment for middle management professionals. BlueSteps.com: Online global community of senior executives and career-management service that provides executives with exposure to search firms. ExecuNet:... |
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Attire for a Second Interview?
Dana writes: I read an article on your site on dressing for interviews and I have a question. I wore a skirted suit for my first interview, and I have been invited for a second interview over lunch. The position I am interviewing for is executive assistant to Co-CEOs for a well-established small company with about 40 people. When I arrived, everyone was in capri pants and sandals. The CEOs were men and were in khaki pants and golf shirts…very casual. This was totally unexpected. Now I... |
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Send Thank-You Even When No Job Interview Is Offered?
John writes: I sent a resume to a startup company. They say that they won’t be doing any hiring for several weeks but they will keep my resume on file. Is a thank you/followup appropriate? If so, what should the timing be? The Career Doctor responds: A thank-you might be a bit unusual, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt: “Thank you for keeping me in mind for future openings; I’d appreciate leaning about them as they develop.” Followup is always appropriate. It... |
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Should He Try a Video Thank-You After Interview?
Kevin writes: My wife suggested I tape a video of myself thanking a company for the interview and then sending it as a clip embedded within an email. What are your thoughts on this? The Career Doctor responds: Interesting idea. I think I’d be inclined to stick with a straight-text thank you. Whenever I see an opportunity to click on a video, I usually avoid it because it will be time-consuming, even if the video is very short. I could maybe see a video thank-you if it’s a... |