Let’s be honest, even though the unemployment figures suggest a strong job market, things are still challenging for members of our “well experienced” membership. This always being the case, many of our members consider opportunities that are well below their previous levels of responsibili...
Jun 27, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
Have you ever wondered who is that guy/gal in the mirror? I’m sure we all stare at that familiar face from time to time, but the real question is who are you and what do you do best?You would think that if you just took a few minutes and read your own resume, you could solve this one, but ...
Jun 26, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
I suppose that feeling sorry for yourself feels pretty good. The problem is that it doesn’t do you any good and doesn’t benefit you in any way, shape or form.In this era of long job searches, it is easy to fall into this pattern of self abuse. Frankly, I don’t encourage it.While the light ...
Jun 25, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
I am frequently disappointed by the lack of attention to detail by the many members who write to me. There are so many things that are easy to do, that no one seems to do.Let me start with my primary concern – the lack of outgoing signatures. Incredibly, some emails I get aren’t even signe...
Jun 24, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
There was mention in an article several years ago in The Wall Street Journal that Americans have fewer close friends. Intrigued at the time, I “Googled” and found a few press reports about the article.According to an article in American Sociological Review, in 1985, the average American ha...
Jun 23, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
I think that anyone conducting a job search would agree that to be really effective and have any chance, one must know how to read.Like anything else, reading skills exist at many levels. The purpose of tonight’s editorial is to clarify the nature of the job leads in our evening newsletter...
Jun 20, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
There are several folks who claim credit for it, but one of the things I have been heard to say from time to time that I didn’t make up is that “90% of life is just showing up.” (Okay, perhaps it is only 89%. Whatever!)As we begin the months of the so-called summer doldrums, I would ask al...
Jun 19, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
It is a sad fact that most men don’t appreciate getting unsolicited advice. That said, there are even those among us who reject advice they have asked for out of hand and in a dismissive way.The giving and receiving of advice is always a delicate balance. Even though probably 75% of my mai...
Jun 18, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
Almost all of the resumes I see are from members or new member applicants. In any given week, I go through a batch of 40-50 resumes.What is surprising is how much trouble some folks go to disguising their seniority and great skills.It is my belief and I hope to make it yours as well, that ...
Jun 17, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
90-Second Announcements Resume Writing Communicating your value
I have often wondered how actors polish their performances before the first show. With only the director and the producer in the audience it just can't be the same. Sure, you are up there on stage and perhaps even in full costume, but there is no audience clapping or talking to each other ...
Jun 16, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
I guess the old saw is that free advice is worth what you pay for it. The other popular expression I use from time to time is “consider the source.”There is a whole “guy thing” about the giving of unsolicited advice. In much the same logic as the old saw about guys not asking for direction...
Jun 13, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
Just as they should require finance and accounting courses for the members of the other professions in this world, they probably should require more marketing classes for the members of our profession.The question we are always trying to address, whether we are looking for work or currentl...
Jun 12, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
If I may paraphrase a line from the somewhat forgettable movie “My Cousin Vinny,” this is no time to blend. (With Marisa Tomei and Joe Pesci)The essence of a job search is identifying and communicating that which is unique about you to the rest of the world.It is of course normal for human...
Jun 11, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
I spoke to one of our members of long standing several years ago who joined when we only had 100 members. Yes, I know it is hard to believe that The FENG only had 100 members back in 1997, but it’s true. We have indeed come a long way!I guess I had one of my many flashbacks while I was tal...
Jun 10, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
As I mentioned in my fundraising note this past Thursday, there was an article in The Wall Street Journal entitled: The Secret to A Successful Job Search. (Exchange Section, Saturday/Sunday, June 1-2, 2024) Allow me to provide you with a few highlights.No great surprise to hear that employ...
Jun 09, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
We can all get a lot of help writing resumes. There are even lots and lots of very good books and articles on this topic.Still, the first thing most recipients read or at least glance at is your cover letter. As bad as most of the resumes I see are, the cover letters are often worse.We are...
Jun 05, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
Although this problem was more common many years ago when there were more corporate layoffs, I still from time to time see members waste the first 6 months of their job search. It’s not that they “goof off,” it’s more that they feel they have the luxury of time.As a sailor, I can assure yo...
Jun 04, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
If only those you interviewed with were legally able to tell you the truth about why you aren’t being considered for a particular job. Unfortunately, the things they are allowed to say to you are very limited. Lawyers do really run the world.If we lived in a Jerry Seinfeld world, they woul...
Jun 03, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
I know this will come as a shock to those of you who skip ahead to the leads, but The FENG is a social networking group, NOT a job listing service.Yes, I know this counter intuitive information is coming from someone sending you job leads 5 days a week, but please don’t be fooled. Only a s...
Jun 02, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
As it has been said, never put off until tomorrow that which you can do today. Of all the things one can buy with money, time is not one of them.For those who “walk among us” who are thinking that the time is not far off when they might have to look for another job, I would suggest that th...
May 30, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG
The resume has a long and established history in our country, and while from time to time I see “variations on the theme,” the standard resume format is the one I always recommend.I would hope that all of us have lamented as Chief Financial Officers about our crazy vendors. Why can’t every...
May 29, 2024
By Matt Bud, The FENG