Not Chicago Bound

Got an e-mail from a corporate recruiter today, which when I saw it on the screen, knew it was not good news- he would have called otherwise, telling me I was not among those chosen for on-site interviews.

Am in a way, slightly relieved as setting myself in Chicago as a U.S. version of 単身赴任  was not appealing.  And I  am not going through the mental flagellation of 'Oh, what is wrong with me?', for having been one who has hired,  the process is not personal.  The  Good One, who lives in the Chicago area did call to offer commiseration, which was very nice.

I did follow up with the recruiter, thanking him and also asking for any advice he might have for me to improve myself to another potential employer (remember, he cannot answer why I did not go any further) and that if through his colleagues he hears of something, to kindly pass my name on. This is important in a job search, even with a rejection , don't go away empty-handed.

A bit before that, there was an unsolicited mail from a company, which probably saw my profile on-line on a website, saw how long I have not been working, and decided to offer their services.

I know there is much debate, but in my experience, there is no such thing as a 'perfect' resume. If there was there would not be so much different advice about how to prepare one.  Second, and again from someone who has sat on the other side of the interviewing table,   a resume printed on expensive paper with professional fonting and layout never did float my boat.

More damaging to me at least, was that a candidate with a professionally written resume perhaps was not disciplined enough to sit down and condense briefly their experience  and expertise as it relates to the position they are seeking.

Having gone through many alliterations  of my own resume,  I know how hard and frustrating the task is and far be for me to say my own  is perfect either.  But at least it is me as I am, presenting myself.

Last, the services are not cheap. I recall one person who would charge me well over $1,000. True it was his intellectual and mental 'sweat' involved, but that kind of money was better spent elsewhere.

And yes, the economy, sucks, sucks, sucks and I see it getting much worse.