Jobs and Careers
Category: Business & Finance
Expert: Terri CarpenterTerri Carpenter of Sacramento Works Inc. offers advice on job hunting, retraining and career counseling.
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Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 10 of 172 (Page 1 of 18)Q: When submitting a resume electronically, is it okay to send it or attach it in a pdf format? Will a pdf file work with the keyword search that an employer's Applicant Tracking System would use?
A: George,
You should always post your resume in the job board system and or company job posting system if that is what is required. If the company requests that you email a resume then they are most likely not using a keyword search system so my advice is to email a Word version along with a PDF version. The rule of thumb is to always follow the employer's specifications for submitting an application/resume.
Q: When is the correct time to use letters of recommendation? Should I attach them with the application and resume, or should I bring them with me to the interview to distribute to the interviewers? I am thinking of attaching them with my application, but that seems like a thick initial packet (cover letter, application, resume, LORs) to get through and prospective employers may find it to be too much. Thank you.
A: Zak,
Provide reference information/recommendation letters when you are asked to provide it. If you reach the interview stage and have not been asked for references, you may offer your reference list/recommendation letters.
Generally do not send reference information/recommendations letters with your resume unless it has been specifically requested.
Q: I have started looking for work after taking a few years off to care for a special needs child. I have some private sector work experience and my general college degree from CSUS. I am looking for customer service work; however most companies skip me over for more consistent years of service. What can I put on my job applications to explain my gap and how it won't effect my work performance?
Dave
A: Dave,
The first thing I would do is change your resume format to a functional style, which focuses on your experience and skills, versus a chronological history of your employment. For more information about the functional resume, visit http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writing-tips/Chronological-Resume-or-Functional-Resume/article.aspx
I also think you would benefit by taking an interviewing workshop, which will provide you the opportunity to rehearse your response to difficult interview questions and improve your ability to market yourself to employers. Sacramento Works provides free interview workshops. For more information, visit sacramentoworks.org and check out the master calendar of events on the home page.
Q: Hello,
I am a new grad RN and am having a lot of trouble trying to land a job as all of them seem to require at least 1 year of experience. I've tried to apply to grad programs but they are so competitive since thousands of us new grads are trying to get something and only a couple of positions are offered at a time. Do you have any advice about trying to break into the RN job market as a new grad with no RN experience? Thank you so much in advance for your time and help!!!
A: Stephanie,
Have you considered skilled nursing facilities? Many times recent graduates just think of working in hospitals but there are many nursing opportunities with long-term care and assisted living facilities. Additionally, many of hospitals have volunteer programs. Volunteering can get you in the hospital environment and allow you to make connections with other Nurses and staff. Often times it helps to know someone inside the organization who can assist you in how to manuever through the hiring process.
Q: Hi: I have an MBA, 8 years of part time grant writing experience and about 2 to 3 years of volunteer and paid healthcare administration experience. I recently had a fairly major surgery and am recovering well. I accommodate myself with voice activation. I am LEAP certified, and would love to get a fulltime state job. I have applied for several jobs with no response yet. I have been openly discriminated many times and have even won in court once. I want to work in healthcare administration. I have the skills and ability and keep up-to-date by reading. My resume is impressive (checked by several professional employees with Kaiser, etc.). Do you have any suggestions for jobs in the interim until I finally get a LEAP job with the state?
A: Jana,
Have you thought about registering with a staffing agency that specializes in placing individuals in temporary jobs which can often time lead to permanent employment? There are three agencies that specialize in placement for the Healthcare industry: (1) Interim Healthcare (http://www.interimhealthcare.com);
(2) Maxim Staffing (http://www.maximstaffing.com;
(3) Pacific Staffing (http://pacificstaffing.com/)
Additionally, I would contact the various non-profits in the region with your previous experience in grant writing you should be able to continue your part time work in this area.
Q: Dear Ms. Carpenter,
I too went back to school in 2008 to train as a Pharmacy Technician. I have a California License. I was an ON-LINE Teacher's Assistant a few times at the School but the Regular Assistant Job went to someone else. Never found a JOB. I also recently got a Paralegal Certificate ONLINE from University of California-Santa Cruz. After my Mom died ( I was her Caregiver), I moved to Portland, Oregon. Oregon requires that you take the PTCB exam and have lots of work experience. Right now, I am Volunteering at the local Senior Center as a Receptionist and as a Client Intake Person for their Law Program. Being an OLDER Person, it is very, very hard to find a Job ( I contacted Experience Works they are not in Oregon and Easter Seals and they cannot help). I would appreciate any help that you can give me. I just have lots of education (Masters).
A: Rita,
I would suggest that you utilize the program called Worksource Oregon, a free program which provides individuals like yourself skill training resources, workshops and tools all designed to help you find a new or better job in today's competitive job market. For more information visit http://www.worksourceoregon.org/
Q: I am in the process of completing an Office Technology Certificate of Achievement online program. My next planned step is to apply for Office Tech. State of California positions. I am thinking about actually moving to the Sacramento area, so that I can access the State Workshops (Ken Mandler and etc.) I may eventually move somewhere else in (Northern California). I would like to know if this would be a good strategy for obtaining an entry level state job. (I am in my late 40s, no health issues.)
A: Cathy,
I would expand your employment goals to include various city and county government jobs as well. There are many government agencies that have various departments needing office technician/administrative personnel. All post their positions on-line and you usually have to pass an exam to get ranked and then you will be placed on a hiring list that is good for one year. As positions become available you could be contacted for a hiring interview. I also think you should not discount the private sector administative opportunities. For government jobs with the state, city or county, check out Real California Jobs at http://www.realcaliforniajobs.com/ Lastly, your relocation decision should be based on where you find employment. I think you could continue to job search from where you live now and be successful in obtaining a position without moving to the Sacramento area to obtain a state job.
Q: Hello,
I'm a recent college graduate with a Bachelor's in Animal Science. I'm looking for a job that involves working with dogs. Do you have any advice on finding jobs that are admittedly in a specialized market? Thank you for your time.
A: EKS,
I would suggest applying for the County Animal Shelter, Kennels, and local Veterinaries. You might also consider applying as an Animal Technician with UCD Vet Hospital. If you want to broaden your scope and not limit yourself to working with dogs, you could apply for research and technician positions with federal government departments such as USDA.
Q: Hi,
I am a professional, more exactly an engineer with experience in different fields, looking for a job at this time.
Are you able to assist me in crafting several versions of resumes based on fields requirements.
Thank you,
D
A: Dan,
We have many qualified staff at the Sacramento Works One Stop Career Center who assist individuals in resume preparation. The Career Centers also have free workshops where you come away with a professional resume. I would be more than happy to assist you as well. Visit sacramentoworks.org for more information.
Q: I'm 61, a retired Fed. employee since 12.31.10 with 30+ years of IT, administrative and clerical experience. I've registered/posted resumes on Monster.com, CareerBuilders.com, SnagaJob.com & others without any success so far. (1)Besides online jobs sites, what other avenues/approaches to finding a job do you recommend? (2) Is my age a critical factor? Thanks for any advice.
KAK
A: KAK,
Your problem may be as simple as changing your resume format. If you are using the chronological resume format and including a 30 year list of work history,this could be contributing to your lack of response. Many employers may see you as over qualified. With your work experience, you may want to consider a functional resume format which focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your employment history. Visit this website for more information about functional resumes http://www.quintcareers.com/functional_resume.html
I think that you also might benefit from talking with a Career Coach at your local One Stop Career Center in Roseville. The services are free and the staff can assist you with your resume revisions, brushing up on your interview skills and employment referrals. For more information call (916) 865-2440 or visit goldensierrawib.com
