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How to Say It in Your Job Search

Robbie Miller Kaplan is a nationally recognized career expert and author of eight job search books, including: "How to Say It In Your Job Search" (Prentice Hall Press 2002). In this book , she discusses how in order for job hunters to be successful, they must know how to communicate their skills, strengths, and qualifications quickly and distinctively.

"How to Say It in Your Job Search," provides readers with exactly what they need to say at each point in the process. It goes step-by-step through the key components of any job search - resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

For this discussion, Robbie offered advice on job search techniques.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning everyone and welcome to our discussion on the job search. It is essential that we communicate our strengths and qualifications through our resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Let's begin our discussion and answer your questions on these key job search components.

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Anytown, USA: Robbie,

Contractorville!!! I am a longtime Information Technology contract worker seeking to make some professional changes. Now, I am seeking a full-time job (with benefits) and have started to get traction with getting interviews but seem to run into interviewers who have these "romantic views" of the contracting/consulting life and can't believe why I would ever want to take a staff job.

Any thoughts on what I can do/say to get past this obstacle. I am worn out from contracting and really need stability at this point in my life.

Thanks.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning! Do tell the interviewer that while you have enjoyed the flexibility, diversity, and challenge in your ocntracting assignments, you miss being part of an organization and dedicated team. Let them know why you will be the best person for the job by way of your experience and credentials. Good luck!

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New York, N.Y.: Hi,

What should I say if I'm asked to "describe myself" at a job interview?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Hello New York. This, or "Tell me about yourself" is a very common interview question. Make the question work for you by revealing the information you would like the interviewer to know. Discuss your qualifications (experience, training, and career progress) relevant to the opportunity and any other information that reveals your interest and knowledge in the position, organization, or industry. Good luck.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I was wondering what's the best way to get your foot in the door when changing careers with little to no experience. I'm planning on getting an online certification.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning! You will need to demonstrate to an employer that you have the skills and ability to do the job. A great way to do this is through volunteer work in the desired field. It will get you experience for your resume and you will begin to establish a network to get your foot in the door. Good luck.

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Saratoga, California: It has been rather difficult to get interviews even though I have very good experience and background - 23+ years - in computer networking. What I am doing wrong?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. I don't have enough information to tell you what you are doing wrong. Does your resume reflect your qualifications and what you can contribute to an organization? Are you using your network to flesh out job opportunities? Are you identifying potential leads and applying for them? Are you actively looking for jobs every day? It might be helpful to read a comprehensive job search book and make sure you have all your ducks in order.
Good luck.

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Richmond, Virginia: I have certificates in Office Technology, Phlebotmy, Medication Administration Training. In June, I take my finals in CPC. How can I combine all of this into a field suitable for these subjects and training, by the way I forgot to add Certified Nursing Assistant and Unit Secretary plus Supervisory positions.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: The best career decisions are informed decisions. Why did you pursue these certifications in the first place? Have you done some soul searching on what type of job would give you pleasure? If you did not conduct research on job opportunities based on these certifications before pursuing them, it is time to do so now. Read up on career literature, identify professional associations that relate to these fields, and conduct informational interviews to find out how to best integrate the certifications into available opportunities in an area you would enjoy. Good luck.

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Manassas, Va.: Good morning:

What is the best way to market around one's security clearance? Besides attending job fairs, does the mention of "security clearance" on online resumes let potential employers know that you have one?

Thank you.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. A security clearance is a real asset and should be included on your resume. You may want to mention it in your career summary at the beginning of your resume and state it again in a separate section at the end of your resume. Good luck.

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Alexandria, Va.: I would like to leave the D.C. area for the West Coast, but have no contacts (much less job contacts) in the area where I am going. I wonder if you have any strategies for finding a position before I go? Not putting my current address on my resume? Writing targeted cover letters to West Coast companies? I have 30 years experience (I suppose that makes me an elder worker) and a high level security clearance, so these are things I could emphasize. Or do you recommend I just go out there and look?

Any help would be appreciated.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. You could get a subscription for the newspaper in the town you plan to settle in. That way you can read up on the local economy and pursue job listings. You could also research their local phone book at a library here and begin to look for potential employers. Almost every organization has a website and you can continue researching potential organizations online. Once you have organizations of interest, send an effective cover letter and your resume and begin your search. Good luck.

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Arlington, Va.: One commonly dreaded interview question is "tell me your biggest weakness" or some variant. What is the best way to answer such a question? Presumably, one does not want to reveal an actual weakness (imagine answering, "Heroin!;"), so how to deflect the question without seeming evasive or cheesy?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. This is a very common question and one you should prepare for in advance. I suggest answering the question with a weakness that is potentially a strength, such as: "I am a perfectionist and I am sometimes not as patient with others who do not take their work as seriously as I do. I recognize this and am working hard not to hold everyone up to my standards." Do make sure that the answer you craft rings true to you. Good luck.

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Boston, Mass.: A guy at work actually has on his resume that he once won the Philadelphia Beer Chugging Contest. I advise him to take it off his resume. He sees it as an asset that prospective employers may see that he will be good at schmoozing prospective clients? What do you say: take it off, or keep it on the resume?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Wow - I have heard of including golf for that reason but not beer chugging. What response has he gotten from this statement? My sense would be to take it off.

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Long Island, N.Y.: How does someone who lives out of the D.C. area, get their resume noticed in the D.C. area? I often think that I get tossed in the recycle bin because I'm not from the D.C. area. I do start out my cover letter by saying how I would love to live in the area.

Thanks!

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. You might get better results if you state that you are planning to relocate to the area and will be here the week of *****. State that you will call to set up an interview while you are here. This will generate better results than a letter sounding wishful in a desire to relocate here. Good luck.

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Fairfax, Va.: Do you feel the job market is improving lately or still stagnant as it has been in the past few years??

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. I think the job market is improving in some areas and deteriorating in others. It is helpful to read the business section of the newspaper and other business journals to keep on top of the news.

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Arlington, Va.: How do you think job postings online compare with the newspaper?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: If you plan to use job postings to pursue openings, I would use both online as well as the newspaper. But also looks for leads in other places (for example, professional journals and organizational websites) and network, network, network.

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Wayne, Penn.: My son is just finishing his junior year in college as a graphic design major. He'll be home today in the Philadelphia region. What is the best way for a 21 year old to get an internship in his field for the summer? He put resumes out with a cover letter and has received "sorry" responses. Should he follow up with a visit to the personnel office or go through a temp agency and see what he might luck into? He goes to school in the Baltimore area so the school placement office has not helped him. Thanks!

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. Your son should use an assertive approach in looking for summer employment. He can try temporary agencies but his best bet may be networking. Let everyone you know know what he is looking for and follow up on all leads. He should network with his friends and their parents too. It may be a bit late but there are still lots of opportunities out there. Good luck.

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Reston, Va.: Thanks for taking my question. Career advice columns state that a resume shouldn't read as a point-by-point listing of an indivual's duties; rather, the indivual should identify accomplishments (e.g., increased sales 200% in 6 mo. period). That's all fine and good in theory, but it's difficult in practice. How should this be addressed for those of who may not have measurable or quantifiable accomplishments to highlight?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good question. All jobs and results cannot be quantified. Think of what you have accomplished despite challenges and obstacles. What have you contributed or what did you do differently that no one else did? How have you made a difference? What initiative did you take and what did you have to overcome? Employers are looking for applicants that can solve problems - make it clear how you can help them. Good luck.

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Suitland, Md.: Which areas do you feel the job market is improving in, and which is it deteriorating in?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Well, I just read that MCI was laying off over 10,000 employees and Giant Food laid off over 300. Yet I also heard that other segments were beginning to hire technical staff. So it is important to do your research and read what is going on in the local economy.

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Lansing, Michigan: I recently moved to Michigan for a job and I hate it. It was the dumbest move that i could of made. I miss the D.C. area like you couldn't believe. My question is how do I go about getting a new job to come back to the area. I'm also interested in working oversea's. What job boards do you recommend to look at for job oppurtunities or headhunters that specialize in overseas job placement.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. You can utilize the same strategies I advised when looking for a job from another city. Tell employers in your cover letter that while you have enjoyed working in a new city, you miss the D.C. area and plan to relocate back. As far as looking for overseas positions, you might try Rileguide.com or use a search engine and enter "job opportunities in foreign countries" for your search. Good luck.

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning! A suggestion and a question.

Suggestion- when I moved down here to D.C., I used a friend's address (where I'd stay when I was here) and I got a cell phone with a 202 phone number. It was easier on everyone and I wasn't being deceitful since I was definitely moving down here.

Question- I have been in the same career for almost 10 years. In the meantime, I got my law degree. I want to actually use it (and don't want to pursue my old career) but the legal market is so bad right now. Any suggestions?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Thank you for your suggestion! Once again, you really do to do your homework. You'll need to identify areas where you can use your law degree that not only appeal to you but are hiring as well. Network through your law school, former professors, their career and placement service, classmates, colleagues, anyone and everyone you know. The very best way to find jobs is through networking and you would be surprised how helpful your network can be. Good luck.

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Washington, D.C.: Is it alright to look for another job after only 7 months in my current position. I really needed a fulltime job when I took this position-but now I realize that this is just not what I want to do. I'm trying to finish my undergraduate degree and the next position I take I want to be in for a while. I've seen a couple of things that I've applied for-but I'm wondering if the timing of my search will work against me. Thanks

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. I think it looks best if you stay in a job a full year. Applicants who move around too much send up a red flag and make employers wonder how long you will stay with them.Take the time to carefully research organizations and position so you can choose a better fit next time. Good luck!

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi,

I've just started to look for a job, and I'm considering using a career management firm to help me prepare and develop a thorough job search 'campaign'. The firm certainly seems reputable (no documented complaints with the BBB), and the services they offer appear to be comprehensive and of real value. The only drawback is, of course, the cost.

Would you have any advice or insights on using career managment firms? Besides the BBB, how else can I check a firm's credentials/reputation? How important is it for a firm or career coach to be a member of the Association of Career Professionals International (IACMP)?

Thank you for taking my questions.

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. I have always thought that job seekers should manage their own job search - no one else has your best interests at heart. Jobs are found through all types of sources - online postings, newspaper ads, networking, job announcements, employer websites, organizational newsletters, professional journals, and recruiters/headhunters. I would use a variety of strategies and launch your search. Good luck.

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Anytown, USA: I have left several jobs on my own for what most people would consider good reasons. The problem I have is that I cannot explain this in the interview because I am concerned word may get around. It seems it seems to be a small world. Any suggestions on how to answer why you left?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: It depends on how frequently you are changing jobs and how long your tenure. You could tell them you the position did not hold the challenge you were seeking but if you moved too many times, that wouldn't work. Good luck.

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Fairfax, Va.: What would you advise to someone with a fairly deep background and education that wants to make a radical career change? I have 10+ years in corporate accounting & IT with a masters degree but want to leave the corporate world for education or more philanthropic organization?

I believe my skills and education are transferrable but how do I get past that "Why does this guy want to work here?" when I'm trying to follow a "higher calling" rather than money, title etc.?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. In a sense, you answered your own question. You really need to detail why you want to make this move. Once you have a good understanding, you need to convey your passion for the position or the organization and demonstrate how you will be able to make a contribution through your experience and skills. Good luck.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Robbie:

I recently quite my job in mid-level management/administrative support, and I received my masters degree from a public policy school in 1999. I have a lot of admin financial and contract backstopping experience. However what I really want to do is move into a research or policy oriented position. How do I convey in my cover letter that although I have primarily admin positions I would be qualified for research/policy positions?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. I would outline what qualifies you for research/policy positions. State in your letter that through your administrative experience you have developed an expertise, excellent skills, or accomplishments in and state those areas that are relevant to the job responsibilities. Good luck.

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Research Triangle Park, N.C.: Can you recommend any good web sites that offer sample cover letters?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: Good morning. I am not aware of web sites but in my book "How to Say It In Your Job Search" there are dozens of examples of effective and different job search letters for all types situations.

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Anonymous: There was one job interview technique that has me wondering about it even years afterwards: the interviewer asked what I chose the shoes I was wearing (they were typical workplace dress shoes) and continued with various follow-up questions on how I made the choice. Does this strike you as unusual a question as it does me, or is this some interview technique where my analytical processes were being analyzed?

Robbie Miller Kaplan: What an interesting question. I always suggest applicants take the time to think what information an interviewer is trying to find out from their question before responding. Maybe this interviewer was trying to learn your decision-making process.

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Robbie Miller Kaplan: Well our time is up. Thanks for all your questions and participation. Good luck to you all!

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