ADVANCED CAREER SOLUTIONS (ACS)

​For many, not so great. For others, it’s terrific – they still have their job, got promoted, or landed a new one!
 
There is no question that if you follow the federal government’s, monthly ‘unemployment rate,’ the percentages have dropped to (supposedly) the lowest point in recorded history. Presently, 3.6% of Americans are unemployed through May 2019. Really? There are several different formulas the government could use, however generally the one provided to the media, etc. is the lowest percentage of those truly unemployed and those actively looking for work. I have greater trust in other formulas at their disposal.

Unless you are not paying attention, the national economy, job growth, and employee compensation have risen in the shortest amount of time in my lifetime!
 
A number of industries, cities, and states now find that they are willing to pay all, or some portion of relocation expenses, closing costs, and sign-on bonuses for skilled workers to join their team. They have more jobs available than qualified applicants!! Nationally, at present, there are more job openings than the number of people receiving unemployment benefits!! NOT IN MY LIFETIME DO I RECALL THAT HAPPENING!
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As a former VP/GM and hiring authority, I’ve been looking at resumes since 1970. 1970! There were no PCs, laptops, iPads, cellular phones, handheld calculators, Internet, flat screen TVs, cable TV, less than a dozen U.S. car manufacturers with, perhaps, only about five different models, FM radio was just broadcasting in a few cities, no CDs, no websites, no computer software, no apps, no Google, no InstaGram, no Facebook, and on and on. Yet the resumes sent to me today look and read, for the most part, just like those in 1970! …and people wonder why they are not getting any responses, or interviews? “The Times They Are A-Changin' ” – Bob Dylan (1963). Not quickly enough for resumes  apparently! (Résumé, by the way, is French for ‘summary’)

​Having coached clients and employees for more than 40 years, I suppose there are a few reasons IF they were well thought-out.

A great résumé has only a sole purpose – to gain the interview. Only great interviewing will gain ‘The Offer.’ Now, how fair is the Offer? Research based upon job title, industry, and zip code (of where you will be based) is easily accomplished through a simple Internet ‘search.’ You should have done this in advance to be sure the salary and potential bonuses are satisfactory to you before continuing your career search campaign. You’ll surely be asked verbally and/or on the Application for Employment what is your expected salary and yes, you do need to provide a number! (This number is not etched in granite. Travel, bonuses, etc. could cause that initial number to increase, or decrease to be fair to all)