Posted by goodgirl on 9/8/08 5:48pm
Msg #263606

Job Hunting

A question for anyone who may be looking for other or additional employment during the mortgage crisis:
What kind of work are you looking for
I have sent resumes in for a couple part time jobs, and have never heard a word.
A friend tells me I need to "dumb myself down" to get a simple, part time job. She said I have too much business experience and too much education. This is a slow area and there are not many jobs available around here.
Has anyone else been having this problem.
Thanks.

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/8/08 6:40pm
Msg #263616

*A friend tells me I need to "dumb myself down" to get a simple, part time job.*

Well...since you asked, gg, I'd not push to explain the self-employment mode. Self-employed can often mean you cannot take direction from others.

If I were anyone seeking full time employment post-notary gig: I would (as I did) couch my experience as a notary professional in terms of "working contractually" for _____ and _____ (selecting certain ones you have worked for in the mortgage industry) "as needed" which was nearly daily until THEIR business slowed down.

If you say you "had your own business" it sets you up big time from an employer's point of view.

You are either over-qualified and unmanageable; or
You are a business failure.

(We know you aren't either of these, but hopefully you catch my drift.)

By explaining you worked contract for certain companies as needed (plus a few others) you are describing more of an employee mentality and that's what they need to hear...not that you are a headstrong business owner (because aren't most of us?)

Dumb your self-employment accomplishments way down, your business ownership way down and stress computer skills, telephone skills, dependability, responsibility, organization, ability to take direction, and customer service skills.

It's just my opinion...take it with a grain of salt.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 9/8/08 7:09pm
Msg #263623

Having been there, done that

I wholeheartedly agree with Brenda. Also depending on the position, you might want to play down your post high school education (if you have some). If you appear too educated they think that you think you're too good for the job they have to offer and will be outa there as soon as something more in your line turns up. Also most bosses don't want someone with a better education or more experience than they have.

Reply by Mona/MD on 9/8/08 8:54pm
Msg #263636

Re: Dear Goodgirl

Last January I entered the wine business and am enjoying it greatly. Like the mortgage business things are slow here but if one has good wines and determination then he/ she can be a success. I still do settlements but only in the evenings and I still drive all opve the state to open accounts in the wine biz as well as for settlements. Both are very challenging and I do enjoy that. If you looking for a full or part- time position, than sell your capabilities. When I interviewed for this position I discussed my quick ability to learn and gave examples, my determination to open and maintain new accounts. The owner of my company hadn't planned on hiring me as I new very little about the business but I turned him around in the interview. Also, pursue the job you want. I chased this position for 1 1/2 years. Fly.....fly ......fly......

Good Luck to you. : )

Reply by Cheryl Anderson on 9/8/08 10:15pm
Msg #263653

Re: Having been there, done that

I ALMOST said..."There is no such thing as over-qualified"...and I say that because that is what I've been taught all of these years...however...I must say that I have to WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Brenda/TX on this. How enlightening! Her entire email was very thoughtprovoking, and made a lot of sense, and I, as a halfway witted, self-motivated, and headstrong business owner...get it! Thank you, Brenda/TX for that reply to "GoodGirl." Reading your post was humbling and really did make a lot of sense. Good Job!

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/9/08 5:45am
Msg #263665

You are welcome, Cheryl.

It depends a lot on the field you are shooting for, but for many of us, we aren't transitioning into chairman of the board. I made that reply with the idea that the re-entry into the job field is a "foothold" position' from what I have read people are seeking these types of jobs.

Janet is correct that there should be more than one type of resume.

If you are over 40 you can probably convey yourself as more than one type of "semi-expert".

You may have two or three types of careers to showcase. Don't try to do it all on one resume.

My resumes were split into two different types of background. I sent the appropriate one to the appropriate job. I was fortunate to find work in the kind I wanted more.

Mike's list of action words are helpful as well.

It goes without saying: Do use a spell-checker. Also, get someone to review it for misuse of commonly misused words. (Words like they're, their, there; or here and hear; lose/loose; or your/you're come to mind.)

Reply by jba/fl on 9/10/08 10:47am
Msg #263773

grammar checks too -

that will point out usage correctness, ie, advice, advise, etc. It will be slow since much on resume may be bulleted, but those small details are fingernails on blackboards...

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 9/8/08 7:22pm
Msg #263626

I agree with Brenda, I've sent my resume to a couple of companies with no response.
The other way to look at putting your contact settlement wk on the resume says your a self starter which a lot of companies appreciate. I wouldn't play it down too far.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 9/8/08 7:47pm
Msg #263628

The key these days is to not depend on one resume, but to write a different one, more or less, for each application. The conventional wisdom is to write your objective, achievements and qualifications specifically to match the individual job requirements stated. Many resumes are screened by computer for key words. Over do it, and it will screen out for that, too. If responding to a posted ad or job description, it's suggested to use as many exact words as appropriate from the ad, but don't try to "trick" the system.

You can have one master resume with a long list of as many different accompllishment statements as you can come up with. (Start each sentence with an action verb, be succinct and quantify wherever possible.) Then when you apply for a job, just include the accomplishments that are relevant to that position. These should come before your chronological listing of work history. And if age is an issue, you don't need to go back more than ten years. Leave off any dates on education, which should be at the very end, unless someone is right out of school.

If you can find any free programs that offer assistance on resume writing, why not take advantage of them? There is tons of info available. Good luck!

Reply by MikeC/NY on 9/8/08 8:38pm
Msg #263634

For those writing resumes...

Here's a site that provides a huge list of the "action words" that Janet was referring to:

http://tinyurl.com/5pbfds

Although they're promoting their own resume-writing services, the site has a lot of good information and tips you can use to write your own.

Reply by jba/fl on 9/8/08 10:03pm
Msg #263649

Great link MikeC - love that alpha listing! Thank you. n/m

Reply by ChristineHI on 9/8/08 8:30pm
Msg #263632

Wow. I am going through the exact same thing right now. I spent 15 years as a loan processor and underwriter and have a Bachelors Degree in International Business from an American University in London.
Because things have slowed down so much I have been applying for jobs as well, but not in mortgages of course. The jobs so far I have been overqualified for, but in Maui, that is not that hard to do. Mostly I have been applying for office work.
Maui is not exactly the mecca for high quality employment. My husband has suggested marketing my notary skills further, but I am worried that it still won't be enough and the only solution is a "regular" job.
I have been on my own for more than 2 years now and I don't want a "regular" job again. I am trying to find out areas where I can market my notary skills so I can stay self employed. I am thinking about marriage licenses too because Maui has a lot of weddings here.
I just feel like I am starting all over and it is frustrating.
I spent so many years in one career that is is hard to think of doing something else and I really like notary work.
I guess time will tell....I am still trying to figure it out. I am going through the same thing you are though.
thanks for the post!

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/8/08 9:50pm
Msg #263642

Counterpoint: Re: Job Hunting

If you've ever had to READ resumes...the 'standard issue' get quite boring very quickly. They all sound alike! Yes, read the advice, use the 'action' words, but, put some of YOU into it. Please understand that I am not suggesting that you do your resume on purple paper or anything really outlandish, just put something good & uniquely YOU right up front.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/8/08 9:56pm
Msg #263646

I dunno, Lee

Scented resumes used to get me alot of dinner interviews back in the 80's.

Reply by jba/fl on 9/8/08 10:05pm
Msg #263650

Re: I dunno, Lee

At least you shouldn't have to pay for those dinners and will be fed - take home the leftovers to put on own table! LOL

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/8/08 10:24pm
Msg #263658

LOL!!! But, did you get the job? n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/8/08 10:47pm
Msg #263659

Re: LOL!!! But, did you get the job?

Every one I wanted! LOL
Too bad no one is hiring for the position of "outstanding dinner companion, salary based on experience"

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 9/9/08 12:03am
Msg #263660

Re: I dunno, Lee

A scented resume never even got me an interview.

Reply by ChristineHI on 9/9/08 12:40am
Msg #263661

Re: I dunno, Lee

That is sooo funny! I didn't even know there was such a thing!
After receiving a wonderful couple of private messages today I am rethinking about getting a regular job. There are many markets out there for notaries that I didn't even know existed. I didn't even know we existed until someone came to my house to do a notary for my mortgage!
I just hate the thought of working for someone else again...might have to....but gonna check out other things now. Gonna try and open my mind.....hard to do after all these years....old dog new tricks kinda thing.
If anyone is working in any other notary markets let me know. Many won't apply in a small place like Maui, but they might! Gonna try and be open minded!
I would love suggestions...I guess I am not willing to give up yet! I like this work too much!!
Thanks so much for this post....it is very helpful!! ALOHA!

Reply by goodgirl on 9/9/08 10:16am
Msg #263674

Thanks everyone for your great responses.
I want something part time because I would still like to continue doing notary work, and a closing or two if they materialize. I could do $40 closings, but that's just not my style. My projected fear is that IF this mortgage crisis ever ends within my lifetime, these companies who have been finding and retaining $40 notaries will NOT raise their rates because they got away with the low fees for so long they figure they can keep paying low fees and it will mean more profit for them.
I now agree that presenting oneself as a small business owner is a bad idea. From now on, since I have to CMA for the last 5 years, I'll just quietly say "Notary" and end it there.
To Mistarella: Scented resume... Wouldn't do me any good to leave the dates off my resume because I wear Tabu so everyone would know I'm old.
I also deviate from leaving dates off of my resume because age discrimination is a fact of life. If a co wants some young chick, and I walk through the door, it was a waste of MY time.
Thanks again everyone.

Reply by 101livescan on 9/9/08 10:18am
Msg #263675

Hi, no shortage of good advice in response to your post. My 2 cents... In 2001 I was laid off from a hi tech firm, 911 tanked our market, wasn't considered compelling....it was text messaging! Now it's really hot. This is when I became a loan signing agent FULL TIME. My dad said that it was a great gig, GO GIRL! Alas, nothing lasts forever! Thousands of us were mentored by Lee, Hecht, Harrison to bone up, hone our interviewing skills and prepare drop dead killer resumes. In today's job market, the old jobs are gone, they'll be back but not as plentiful. Biggest job market now is in medical field, spirits, sports and security. I tried working for RE attorneys last year, bankruptcy is big and profitable, but in RE no one wants to pay their legal fees, and if they do, they are quibbling over charges and getting bills reduced, which means the attorneys are po'd they have to UNBILL the client. Makes for a hostile work environment... I have an attorney friend who left RE litigation to do nothing but BK's and he never sleeps! He's so busy and no end in sight.

Reply by Bing on 9/13/08 2:49am
Msg #264141

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