Writing your job objective for your resume

What is your strategy for writing a job objective statement on your resume?
Your Rant: A friend says that a resume should contain an objectives statement, stating what your goal is for a new job. Is that true? And what goes into a good objective statement?
911 Repair,
If you are a travel junkie like me, you’ve probably [...]

How to get the most out of your references

Dear WW: A job interviewer asked me for references. Is it best to approach people first, or is it as waste of time because they probably won’t be contacted anyway? GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Dear GHOST,
A friend of mine was driving her car with her three-year old. She asked if he’d like to go to Herfie’s, [...]

How to write a resume as an executive

Dear WW: I’m a C-level executive who never has written for career advice. But I’ve got a bet with my wife that a resume for someone in my position is a waste of time. RESUME-FREE
Dear RESUME,
Your email reminded me of the quote by hotel magnate Leona Helmsley about who pays taxes, “It’s only the little [...]

How to look for a job if you haven’t looked for a job in a long time

Dear Readers: Most of us believe that our knowledge about job hunting is up to date. After all, we’ve landed many jobs this way. A reader recently wrote to me saying that her job hunting skills were obsolete and how she profited from getting them current. She raises a great question that we should all [...]

Cover me, how to write a cover letter

 What is your strategy for writing a cover letter?
Your Rant: I’ve always thought cover letters were a waste of paper. But recently I talked to a friend who said that he hired someone based totally on what they said in their cover letter. Am I off base?
911 Repair,
Have you heard of “The Swan”? It’s [...]

Interview Lester Rosen on bad references

911 Repair: Blanche Dubois depended on the kindness of strangers and anyone looking for work relies on a kind appraisal when strangers ask for a reference. According to my email, many references are anything but. We turned to Lester Rosen a lawyer, president of Employment Screening Resources (ESRcheck.com) and co-chair of the National Association of [...]

Ahhhh! Help! Resume update time.

How do you update your resume?
Your Rant: It’s been years since I’ve updated my resume. I recently got laid off and I need to get my resume up to date. TIME WARP
911 Repair,
Your letter got me thinking about my favorite episode of “All In The Family.” Edith went to her high school reunion and someone [...]

Key words, the key to an effective resume

What are your strategies for using key words to make your resume stand out from the crowd?
Your Rant: I’m looking for a job as a sales associate. I have a lot of experience and I’ve sent out a lot of resumes but I’m not getting many interviews. Do you have tips on how to make [...]

Writing a reference for fired employee without a lawsuit

What are your strategies for writing a reference for an employee you fired (without getting sued)?
Your Rant: I just got a call for a reference concerning an employee I fired. My first inclination is to rip the guy apart, but I heard a story about a guy who got sued for libel by an ex-employee [...]

References are shooting me in the foot!

What’s your strategy for questionable references?
Your rant: My current boss and I don’t get along. I want to get out of there but I’m scared that every job I apply for will have to go through him for a reference
911 Repair
Recently the Salton Corporation, primarily known for its indoor and outdoor grills, paid $137 million [...]