Question

Topic: Career/Training

Resume Writing

Posted by Anonymous on 9/2/2008 at 10:23 AM ET 125 Points
Hi - I am in the process of starting to look for a new position. I am currently employed (or should I say under employed) and my job search will be limited to the RI South Boston area (re-location is not an option).

Knowing that I have a very small area to search in I am looking for advise on either a great resume writer/or software recommendation and a good recruiter for marketing professionals. I have 18+ years of experience ranging from product manager to director of marketing.

I have never had much luck with recruiters but perhaps that is because I never had the correct recruiter. I realize that the market is software but I thought it would be better to start looking now so as positions open up I am prepared.

I have an MBA in marketing but would also like feedback on additional certifications etc. that would help set me apart.

Any recommendations would be welcomed.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 9/2/2008 at 10:52 AM Member
    You're in marketing-- write your resume as your best marketing piece! et the book "Get Hired Now" and write your marketing plan for yourself. While of course a good resume is key-- I'd focus on potential employers. If you are serious about making a change, start calling a level above (vs HR) and get an appointment. If you are a good person and can convince the company you add value to the company-- they'll make room for you. In this case, having a narrow geographic area is a plus-- it'll be very easy to target potential employers.
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 9/2/2008 at 4:41 PM Member
    My suggestion is forget the resume and start networking. Since you are already gainfully underemployeed you are in a position to take your time and find just the right opportunity.

    Generally, the very best of jobs go to friends of friends and recommendations of trusted advisors. Start pinging your trusted friends....
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 9/2/2008 at 7:04 PM Member
    I think resume writing tools are useless (as are business plan writing tools, but that is off topic). They can help format a resume, but the content needs to be primo. And that can only come from you.

    For job postings, I like Craigslist. Start watching for positions of interest to get a feel for what is out there. And what they are asking for in skills and abilities. These skills and abilities should be ones you talk about on your resume. You don't want a resume that focuses on what jobs you held, but instead one that focuses on what you have achieved (and use sales, growth, profit, etc. numbers, where possible).

    Frank is right that networking is often key. You will need a basic resume as part of the process, so I would make sure that is made up. Marketing groups/associations and business (your industry) associations are great places to start. But even groups related to your hobbies can be useful.
  • Posted by mgoodman on 9/2/2008 at 7:06 PM Moderator
    Let me suggest you get a copy of The Potato Chip Difference. The subtitle is How to apply leading edge marketing strategies to landing the job you want.

    It will give you a number of suggestions for approaching your job search.

    The book is available through Border's and Barnes & Noble, and it's also available online at Amazon.com, bn.com, etc. Or you can order it at the website linked above. If you order on the book's website, you also get a free booklet titled "10 Stupid Things Job Seekers Do That Guarantee They'll Be Looking For Work Again Soon."

    Good luck.
  • Posted by melissa.paulik on 9/3/2008 at 11:00 AM Accepted
    Cathy,

    I'd suggest The Ladders. Like the commercial says, it is very targeted. In Boston with 18+ years of experience I suspect you're in their target market. When I was in the market, I signed up for this as well as a number of other job sites. The other job sites contained just too much garbage so I focused my efforts through The Ladders.

    I ended up finding the role I accepted on LinkedIn, but that was just coincidence. Most of the opportunities I actively looked at were listed on The Ladders or brought to me through the recruiters I introduced myself to on The Ladders.

    I also hired one of their resume writer partners to redo my resume for me. I just didn't have the time and you need a resume if you are going to be engaged in a job search. The cost was several hundred dollars, but worth it because it allowed me to get it done quickly and focus my attention on other things.

    I know there are those who say that since we are marketers we ought to be able to write our own resume. I would counter that sometimes you can be just too close to the product.

    I would add, however, that you still need to "own" the resume. I made a lot of changes to the final version to clarify things. The writer didn't understand the IT industry so he worded things a little strangely. I think I was able to add clarification without losing the power of a professionally written resume.

    I would skip the professionally written coverletter. I paid for one, but in truth I never used it. I wrote a targeted cover letter designed to appeal to whatever role I was applying to - like any good marketer would do.

    All the best!

    Melissa
  • Posted by SRyan ;] on 9/10/2008 at 4:16 AM Member
    Have you had a chance to attend or replay the recent MProfs online seminar, How LinkedIn Can Enhance Your Marketing Career? It got great audience reviews, and it helped me understand how to get the most out of a personal profile page there. Not that I'm looking for employment myself, of course. ;]

    Give it a shot!
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