Anticipate A Lay-Off; Update Your Resume

"I think the majority of individuals out there are prepared mentally for a layoff especially in this economy we're going through, but very few of them are ready with a game plan in terms of having their resume updated," said Richard Deosingh, of Robert Half International, a professional staffing service.

Deosingh's number one recommendation? "Take the time, now, to do that work. Tune up the networking piece of it. Check that your references are up to date. The biggest benefit to being prepared? A prepared individual is not rushed.

"Spend time updating your written documents, your resume, making sure that it highlights all of your skill sets and accomplishments that you've accomplished over your past working history.

"In addition to that, make sure that you're in contact with your networking group, your references.

"I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is with the networking, you want to make sure that everyone you know in your networking group is aware that you're looking and what types of positions make the most sense to you. They can also help you evaluate your skill sets against current market demand and fine tune your search.

"Reach out to colleagues, maybe family members, individuals that you know are out there looking. Reach out to them. Speak to them a little bit more about what they're seeing out there.

"Gather information. Consider speaking to a company like Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, as to what's going on; how to present yourself; what type of networking ideas you may have.

"Your resume should be focused on the skills you bring to the table. Also what you want to do.
"Employers surveyed say they prefer if you list your work experience in chronological order. So list your most recent sets of experiences first. You want to highlight in detail some of the responsibilities you have. Also include some of the bottom line cost saving initiatives you were part of. Maybe some of the streamlining you were part of; any achievements that you've accomplished in your previous positions. in addition you want to highlight all your relevant skill sets that are appropriate to the jobs that you are interviewing for.

"You want to not only highlight that but also show a potential employer how you can help them increase their bottom line, especially today.

"Think about how can you help that company instead of looking at it from how can that company help you.

"Be prepared your search may take longer these days. Employers today understand there's available talent in the marketplace. They very well may be carrying on the interview process a bit longer than they did two or three years ago. The main thing to keep in mind, is not to become frustrated.

"Be sure to present yourself as professional as possible, as error-free as possible,
hence spending the time investing in how you approach it, how you present yourself.
"Most employers today, all you need is one oversight on your resume to not be considered for an opportunity, the mind set behind that, well if you can make or have an oversight in your presentation of yourself, then it's very likely you'll make careless mistakes when hired.
So what industries appear to be hiring?

Deosingh says, "from an industry perspective we are still seeing healthcare leading the charge. Not-for-profit healthcare. In accounting and finance we're seeing a 3-5 year CPA with relevant experience in general ledger processing and closing financial reporting. We're also seeing tax individuals in demand today, what with the new regulations and corporate governance, out there in the marketplace. Again, it's helping companies with their bottom line. We're also seeing a move in the financial analysis arena, especially in forecasting and budgeting. We're also seeing the technology help desk beginning to move.

" Most companies today, I should say all companies today, are concerned about business retention and how to go about getting new clients.

" In general you have to be enthusiastic about this. And companies, potential employers want to make sure they hire individuals who will not crack under pressure, especially when you're wearing many caps in today's economy."

For More Information:

Robert Half International
245 Park Ave, 25th fl
NY, NY 10167

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