Help! Scared about submitting resume

[MrsReber]

Yes, I know, what is there to be scared of? Many of you know my struggle trying to maintain a good work/life balance and many of you may know that I really don't like my job right now. I was working on a very large contract with this woman at another company. She said she really enjoyed working with me. She metions me to her boss and her boss asks for my resume! Yikes! It was very unexpected. Anyway, this company is HUGE and international. They just opened up an office in Raleigh and relocated some people from the west coast. They didn't relocate everyone, however, and they are trying to sort out their needs right now.

I'm a bit torn because:

a) I don't want to be the breadwinner anymore! I want to have more time with my kids.

b) We were really looking to live in VA and Raleigh seems to be getting quite congested

c) My sister lives in Raleigh and I love to be closer to her and her family.

d) This potential job may allow me more flexibility as I'd be dealing with many people not physically located in the building (i.e. I may be able to work from home more often).

Ahhhh!!! talk about fate- my dad called me last night. We haven't spoken in a while and he just happened to pick up the phone to call. When I told him about the situation, his response was "what are you waiting for? Get on it! You can always say no later."

So, any words of wisdom, advice, comments- anything is welcome. I can't believe I'm stressing about sending a resume out. It's been a while since a company called me asking for a resume (it has happened before and it sure feels good!) Also, I'm betting they have great benefits- better vacation than I have now and most likely more money. Just when I thought I was at the highest level I could reach. It's mostly scary thinking about moving. I've never moved out of NJ in my entire life.

[Jessica]

Susan, I don't blame you for feeling torn, but your dad is right. I would go ahead and apply for the position. You don't have anything to lose at this stage.

Good luck!!

[lhall]

Go for it! You don't have anything to lose.

Leigh

[engineer]

Here's a third voice for the 'go for it' group. I say hoist that flag up the pole and see who salutes and then when you know more (what the job entails, benefits, etc) you can make a well informed judgement.

[MrsReber]

Thanks, guys. I was feeling great about it after talking to my dad. But after I hung up the phone, all those fears came back.

I'm updating my resume so I can send it to my counterpart at the other company.

Question: I was recently given a certificate of recognition for my work on an environmental project. I want to add that to my resume. Do I put it in with my employment history for this job or do I make a separate section for it? And what about seminars that I attended for contract negotiation? Maybe make one section for the award and the seminar?

[lhall]

Susan,

I would do the class and the certificate under separate categories.

Maybe one for training & continuing education and another for awards.

Leigh

[mlynn]

Susan--

first off, what an ego boost to be asked to send in your resume. It sounds like you're going to do it, and I think you should.

I would create an additional category to highlight your recognition(congratulations by the way.) And another for seminars.

Don't be scared about the possibility of moving. Right now its just a possibility, and from reading your posts it sounds like there are things you don't like about New Jersey. I moved cross country when I got married and although it was scary, I never regretted it. If I'd stayed in Ohio there are tons of things I would have never tried--skiing, hiking, etc.

[HejazSunKat]

First of all Susan, this is a wonderful compliment to your skills, ability and professionalism so you should be flattered that they are seeking you out. Excellent!

Secondly, you seem quite certain what it is you want in any potential new position: One that offers you more time with family and more flexibility in the work environment that allows for that family time. There is no harm at all in taking an interview (if one is offered) to explore whether what they would be offering would fit your wish list. If it's not there then nothing's lost, you stay where you are. If you knock 'em dead and they just have to get you they may be willing to negotiate a flexible schedule for you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Go on....do it!

[MrsReber]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to email to today. My dad sent me a very nice, encouraging email this morning, too.

Linda, I was thinking of you this morning since this company does have an office in Saudi Arabia. Sheesh, if you can move there to work, NC should not be that big a deal! Don't think I want to go to the Saudi office any time soon, though.

I am definitely flattered. I kind of thought this job was the end of the road for me, not to mention the top of the salary range.

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by MrsReber
Linda, I was thinking of you this morning since this company does have an office in Saudi Arabia. Sheesh, if you can move there to work, NC should not be that big a deal! Don't think I want to go to the Saudi office any time soon, though.

LOL...trust me, you don't! There is a position opening up in my office on August 12th though - mine! What city does this company have an office in?

[Delanl]

Susan--I agree with others and would definitely add other categories to highlight your award and seminars. I am an executive recruiter and look at resumes all day long. Those are things you definitely want to stand apart from the body of the resume. Good luck!!

[MrsReber]

Linda, it's in Riyadh! No thanks!

Delanl- question for you- my last 3 jobs (work history) takes up just about a whole page. Should I not put down Hobbies and Skills (word, excel, etc.) I have the work history, the award, my continuing education and references upon request. I don't want to miss something big. It's been over 4 years since I sent my resume out and I know the competition has gotten tough.

Thanks!

[Delanl]

Are you concerned about keeping everything on one page? If so, I would leave out the "Hobbies" section and try to limit the "Skills" section to 1 or 2 sentences.

Examples: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications or Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or just simply list them.

I know there used to be a lot of pressure to keep a resume limited to one page, but most of the time its just not possible. I rarely see 1 page resumes anymore. Just make sure the content is organized and easy to read. Use bullets, bold titles, keep sentences short and concise--there is nothing worse then getting a resume that is all cramped together, written paragraph style.

On that note, I'm sure yours is FINE!! Don't worry!! Hope this helped! Good luck!

[MrsReber]

Thank you! I'm torn between wanting to add more and thinking that, should they call me, I can tell them the rest. I may not be exactly what they're looking for, but it's worth a shot. Still scared about it. For some odd reason, I usually get calls when I submit my resumes. My dad once said "you'll go on a ton of interviews in your life." It simply wasn't true. I can only think of one case where I wasn't offered the job and another case where I turned the job down.

[Canice]

Hey Susan! I know there are some great HR folks here who can advise, but I'm currently working with a certified career counselor and r�sum� writer, and he insists that absolutley no way should a professional with real experience and accomplishments push herself to limit the rez to one page. Mine's now at two (second page is a lot shorter anyhow) and it's by far the best, most compelling r�sum� I've ever had. Just tossing that out in case you're struggling to eliminate anything important or compelling. FWIW.

[mlynn]

Susan--

As part of my layoff I got to take part in a career assistance workshop. For resume writing they emphasized that a two-page resume is fine as long as you have the experience (which you seem to) and that hobbies and "References Available Upon Request" shouldn't be part of your resume. Obviously if asked you'll provide references, and they felt hobbies took up too much space unless it pertains to the positon you're targeting. A prospective Outward Bound employee may want to emphasize a rock climbing hobby, for instance.

[ErinM]

I look at alot of resumes, and let me say RARELY do I see one-pagers anymore! Those that are one page are generally people with either little to no experience.

I also totally agree with everything Delanl has to say...hey Delanl, wanna update my resume for me??? I'm having problems figuring out what to say, and I need to get it updated so I can start "looking around" and possibly get out of this rural area.

[newtricks]

Susan-

That's terrific! Life is funny isn't it.

As for your resume fears. I think it makes a difference that you've been reccomended and the boss has asked for it - he's already viewing you positively when he reads it. So no worries.

Obviously keep us posted. We're rooting for you. And may I mention that this would be a great opportunity for you to lay out a flexible work situation? You've got nothing to lose, right?

[MrsReber]

Barbara, that's exactly how I feel. I can tell them what I want since it's not imperative that I accept a job from them. Puts me in a better position.

Canice, Erin and anyone else I didn't mention- my resume did spill over on to two pages. I just feel like I'm leaving something out. I know they're mostly interested in my work history and that takes up the entire first page. Also, my counterpart asked me to submit via email because her boss is in CA right now and she wants to send it to her.

It's so scary! I honestly don't know what to do if/when they call me! I agree, it does make a difference that they asked me to submit so there's a little less pressure on me.

Oh, I did send it over this morning. We'll see what happens!

[HejazSunKat]

It's weird...it's scary to throw your hat in the ring because somehow we think all the brilliant, accomplished, supremely confident, consummately professional people work in OTHER businesses and then there's OUR office where the dirty secret is: We are nothing of the sort! Once you get in there you realize that yes, there are brilliant, accomplished, professional people here but they're just as annoying as the ones you left behind. I think that's kind of comforting when I'm shaking in my shoes and getting ready to piss myself with fright before an interview - it's pretty much the same all over. Hmmm...maybe I should be depressed about that...

[MrsReber]

Linda, you're so right. There's good and bad everywhere. I do like being in a position to say no, though. It's empowering and gives me a bit more confidence to say what's on my mind.

It's still nerve wracking. I'm thinking more of "what if they want to interview me?" The good thing about that is I'll get to see my sister and her family. My second fear is "what if they make me an offer? What do we do?" Ideally, I wanted to work part time so this is not exactly what I wanted. On the flip side, if they offer me a job and a huge salary, we can save so much money and get closer to doing whatever it is we really want to do (build a house on our 5 acres in VA- a log cabin!) Guess I can't worry about things yet when I don't have anything concrete to go on.

[brykate]

just wanted to say....
Wow - this is so exciting for you! I hope good things come from all of this no matter the outcome.

~katie

[MrsReber]

Thanks, Katie. By some odd coincidence, the woman who will be looking at my resume is named Katie. Just a lot of strange coincidences happening in the past couple of weeks. I have to wonder if this is all supposed to work out and I'll be offered a job that I can't refuse or if it'll just be more food for thought about us moving to VA.

Exciting, yes. And scary and I'm already putting too much thought into this. I mean, they haven't called or anything! All I know is that this woman has my resume. Need to relax about it. Take it one step at a time.

I'll let you know when/if I hear anything!