WorkWise Q&A: Out of business

Q: Dear Dr. Culp, My search has stalled. Two companies I worked for went out of business; so I worked there a short period of time. I feel like that’s being held against me.

I’ve also run my own business off and on since 2001. I’m not sure how to explain that or make clear that if I’m hired full time, I will close it.

How do you get them to call? Letting you know that they’ve filled the position would be nice, too. It’s bad news, but it’s better than no news. Wondering

A: Dear Wondering, Your real problem seems to be failure to pick up the telephone. While you want to get employers to call, build a successful campaign by expecting them not to call. Do the calling for them. That requires following through repeatedly with numerous calls and lots of list management. Take charge by committing yourself to more calls than you’ve ever made.

Although your resume shouldn’t disclose reasons for leaving a company, this situation could merit a note, such as “business closed.” Read previous columns to learn how to handle the fact that you’re a business owner. mlc

Q: Dear Dr. Culp, Do companies and recruiters really scan in only the first page of a resume and the rest of our history is gone and never evaluated? Rumored

A: Dear Rumored, While there might be a little truth in every rumor, you’re wise not to generalize. Some employers and recruiters are thorough. Others are not. You can’t predict which ones will be.

However, don’t let this be an invitation to write a long resume. Here’s what to do:

• Differentiate yourself.

• Prepare for an inspired resume the way you prepare for inspired interviews.

• Think!

Identify the most important points to cover: results. Results materialized because of your work. Write them down. This process takes effort and concentration. If you can’t figure out what to say, it’s as if you didn’t work there in the first place.

That’s not the case, is it? Try again later. Then try again. What made people comment or compliment you? Standing out in the information you communicate in person and on paper requires mental effort, concentration and time. You won’t stand out by doing what other job seekers do. mlc

Dr. Mildred L. Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2010 Passage Media.