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Resume Help/Questions Answered by Expert Torski Dobson-Arnold
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Carrer Selection | 1/24/2012 |
| Q: I am faced with the choices of choosing between Microbiology and Chemistry. Which of these offers ... A: Can't you just double major and take up both disciplines? Also, what is your ultimate goal for ... | |
| Follow-Up: Spinning My Wheels? | 1/3/2012 |
| Q: Sorry about the vagueness of the original question (quoted below). I was wondering if you could ... A: SPyder, I would suggest you do more networking and informational interviews in this area to ... | |
| employer question | 1/3/2012 |
| Q: Torski Dobson-Arnold I applied for a job as a web developer a few days ago. I've put a list of ... A: Jay, Well, you can't lie and say that you've built additional websites and you haven't. I would ... | |
| Follow-Up: Spinning My Wheels? | 12/29/2011 |
| Q: Sorry about the vagueness of the original question (quoted below). I was wondering if you could ... A: Spyder, Your inquiry continues to be very vague. Specifically, with a Masters in Education, what ... | |
| Temp Job | 11/15/2011 |
| Q: I am currently working a temp job that I got through a temp agency. It is about a 2 month assignment ... A: Sarah, If you like the job that much, I would express your excitement for the job with your ... | |
| resume | 9/19/2011 |
| Q: Someone is keeping my resume on file, they emailed me, but since then, I have learned and am ... A: You could put it under a "Special Project" sub-section under Education and explain the value behind ... | |
| resume | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: Someone is keeping my resume on file, they emailed me, but since then, I have learned and am ... A: Demetrius, I would suggest that you revised your existing resume to include those skills, but don't ... | |
| finding a job | 8/24/2011 |
| Q: I got my MPH 6 years ago and started working in public health research. I was laid off a year and a ... A: Kristen, The fact that you have been successful at generating interviews and even 2nd interviews ... | |
| Writing resumes | 7/30/2011 |
| Q: My hours at work have been reduced from a 50 hour work week to 15 hours a week. I can't support ... A: My best advice for you is to hire someone who knows what they are doing to get you in route to a new ... | |
| Health issues cause job history confusion.. | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: ! I have a solid 25+ year job history of clerical support, customer service and, most recently, ... A: Dona, May GOD bless you and your journey! I am not sure of your spirituality, but I felt that based ... | |
| Large gap in CV | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: I studied finance and management in london but came back to India in june 09 for work,my academics ... A: Simran, I would suggest that you look into a functional resume format to showcase your skills and ... | |
| Resume help | 5/14/2011 |
| Q: I am a Post Graduate in Human Resource and working with an IT firm as a recruiter. After passing out ... A: Tiara, Even though there are pieces of your question that I do not entirely understand, I am going ... | |
| On Probation - how to handle well? | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: I am seeking information for a client of mine. He is 18 y.o., with limited basic labor experience ... A: Steve, I am assuming you are the young person's probation officer. Thank you for doing your due ... | |
| Resume | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I have been unemployed since May 2009 after two major surgeries. I would like to revamp my resume. ... A: Nicole, It is very important to both qualify and quantify your accomplishments on your resume. As a ... | |
| Should I Relocate First?? | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: Ok...here is my question, I am a 29 year old female, single, and no children. I attained my Bachelor ... A: Keri, In this lagging labor market, I don't know that relocating first would be a very wise move. ... | |
| job offer earlier than expected | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: Torski Dobson-Arnold I've applied to a position with the expectation of getting an offer in 2 - 3 ... A: Jake, Just because you got an offer after a few days of the interview does NOT mean you have to ... | |
| Is my resume hurting me? | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: Ms. Dobson-Arnold, My name is Mike Ogulnick. I just wrapped up a stint as Regional Communications ... A: Mike, Does you current resume speak with the same verbiage in the advertisements that you are ... | |
| Is my resume hurting me? | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: Ms. Dobson-Arnold, My name is Mike Ogulnick. I just wrapped up a stint as Regional Communications ... A: Mike, Like most job seekers that I meet, there are in my professional opinion, clear shortcomings ... | |
| certificate of achievement | 2/7/2011 |
| Q: which certificate is better to get from my boss. 1. certificate of appreciation or 2. certificate ... A: Tirumala, In the bigger perspective of things, I don't think it matters which type of certificate ... | |
| I have no resume. | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: I recently graduated high school, and i didn't go to college. I have not been able to find a job ... A: Bauler, Without formal paid work experience, you need to look to leadership and volunteer ... | |
| ? | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: i was laid off earlier in the year and i am desperate to just accept any job. i do have a college ... A: West, Most of the information you wish to know more about regarding benefits, 401K, etc. should be ... | |
| online graduate school | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: I recently asked how to include my graduate school in progress on my resume. I should have been more ... A: Catherine, No it is not necessary. Certainly today more than 1 in 5 students take courses or the ... | |
| Carrer transition and interview | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I am currently a motorcaoch operator for the last twelve years.I want to make a career change.I ... A: Nestor, It appears that you need to rehearse and practice on answering interview questions with a ... | |
| graduate school in progress | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I am in progress of my first semester of graduate school, and I wanted to know how I would notate ... A: Catherine, Congratulations on going back to graduate school! That is a huge task and I applaud your ... | |
| Guerrilla resume | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you're familiar with "guerrilla-style" job hunting techniques, but I had a question ... A: Dave, As a professional resume writer and career coach, I am familiar with the guerrilla styled ... | |
| going from professional to part-time retail | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I am a Certified Management Accountant with approximately 10 years of accounting experience. We ... A: Crystal, You need to rewrite your resume to target the type of cashier, retail-related ... | |
| Question Regarding Cover Letter | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: I recently graduated from college in August 2009 and was fortunate enough to find work quickly. I ... A: In short, NO, don't EVER mention the lay-off in the cover letter and YES, only bring it up IF they ... | |
| Recent college graduate wanting to switch job fields | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I am a young male 23 years old and graduated from college in August of 2009. I got a job at a land ... A: Chris, Fortunately, having a 6 months hiatus in employment right now is the norm amongst those who ... | |
| I Need Help Figuring Out What's Wrong With My Resume | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I have had my resume professionally written twice and after four months of applying to jobs, I have ... A: Wilma, I would respectfully disagree, I think if you dig deep enough you will find measurable ... | |
| I Need Help Figuring Out What's Wrong With My Resume | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I have had my resume professionally written twice and after four months of applying to jobs, I have ... A: Wilma, What I am saying is simply...Determine who you are marketing and selling your skills and ... | |
| I Need Help Figuring Out What's Wrong With My Resume | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: I have had my resume professionally written twice and after four months of applying to jobs, I have ... A: Wilma, It is usually not enough just to have a well-written resume, but to also have a plan of ... | |
| résumé | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: I wonder if you would consider reading over my résumé and giving me your opinion? Thank you A: Absolutely! I would be happy to provide you my customary 12-second critique. That's being generous ... | |
| Visa status in resume | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I'm Working here in US on h1b visa. My current employer is closing there plant, and I'm looking for ... A: Aqueel, I believe that you should continue to discuss this issue in the cover letter. If an ... | |
| Graduating college | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: Crap, I'm in a bind. I graduate from college soon. I'm 100k in debt and have a degree I can't even ... A: Kayla, Right now I think you are spending too much time focused on what you can't do instead of ... | |
| Resume Help | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: My name is Glenn and I am an unemployed factory worker since Feb. 2009. I have alot of questions ... A: Glenn, These are all valid questions. I am glad you asked them. In regards to including ALL of ... | |
| referrence from prior employer | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: Should I allow potential new employer to contact employer. I am a porfessional who was fired by my ... A: Brian, As the job seeker, it is 110% your job to find and provide prospective employers with ... | |
| Career change - Painter to Bookkeeper | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: I was a self-employed painter of 15 years who is half-way through a career maneuver. I have prepared ... A: Peter in Sydney, Australia, Thank you in advance for stepping out on faith and making a change to ... | |
| School Counselor Resume | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I am at the final stage of a master's program for School Counseling. I will begin applying for jobs ... A: Lou, Thanks in advance for asking such a great question. I think the resume format to be used ... | |
| Resume Help | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: I have an Associates Degree in Fine Art and I recently graduated with my BA in Social Science with ... A: Franklyn, You should include those job and volunteer opportunities that would best match and ... | |
| Career change resume help | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for career change after working in IT company for 2 years. I want to make a new career ... A: Syed, Both your resume and cover letter are very basic in nature and would not do much to "move" a ... | |
| Merging Job Titles | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: With job titles like sales manager, business developer & head business planning, how do i merge all ... A: Nonye, I think it depends on what you want your focus to be in your job search going forward and ... | |
| Career Change Resume | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I am a former nanny/house manager (for the last 13 years) and I am looking into floral design. There ... A: Kelly, Career transition resumes are indeed not offer "one size fits all" solution. In order to ... | |
| Resume review | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I am a recent graduate with a Bachelors in Health Sciences and am looking for a job on the ... A: Pat, Without needing to look at the actual document, the issue is clear here. Your resume does NOT ... | |
| work history | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: My husband has been a police officer for 16 years, 9 years ago, he made a error in judgement and was ... A: Melissa, You confused me there for a minute. At the beginning of your question, you speak about ... | |
| Getting a job while on probation | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: I recently plead no contest on a charge of traffcing stolen property (basically my roommate bought ... A: Ken, It is unfortunate that at times we make poor decisions that affect us long after we make that ... | |
| Salary question | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: Torski: I am applying for job within the company's website and they are requesting me to include ... A: Chuck, I think you should include a salary range that represents where you are educationally and ... | |
| Do you have to be a college student ot intern? | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping you can please help me. Do you have to be a college student to intern? I didn't do that ... A: Jason G., The benefit of interning when you are in college is to get the "inside look" at job ... | |
| Inspiring employees | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Do you know of any inspirational stories, that would motivate people at work, would really ... A: TJ, Before you offer inspirational stories, I would get some feedback on the reason behind the lack ... | |
| Employment History verification | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for a site that will give me free information on my employment history instead of ... A: Ken, I don't understand why you need an online service to verify your work history. If you file ... | |
| Career Transition | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I have been in the environmental field for over 30 years. I have been downsized twice in the last ... A: Martin, I work as a motivational speaker with Monster.com where I go into high school and colleges ... | |
| Relocation | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: How can I tell a future employer on my cover letter that I'm available for relocation to Canada? I ... A: Will, You can identify your availability for relocation several ways. As you mentioned, you can ... | |
| Past Job Information | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I have several questions and I hope you can answer them all. 1. When I fill out job applications ... A: Stephany, Thank you first off, you ask some great questions. Here are my professional advise as ... | |
| Not much work experience | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I will start this message by thanking you in advance for taking the time to read my e-mail and I ... A: I would start with.....YOU! What is it that you want to do? What type of work would you like to ... | |
| Job Transition | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: My questions is......I am, was in the finance field at an entry level position and found out it ... A: Steven, It is my professional opinion that you need to pull from what you have done professionally ... | |
| College? | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: I'm 13 at the time and I make straight A's,only for B's this year,I'm getting ready to go to high ... A: Corrina, First off, let me apologize for replying to your inquiry so late. I want to ... | |
| How to write a career change resume? | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: How do I write a career change resume, can you please offer me tips on how I can best write a career ... A: Tim, In writing a career changing resume, you'd need to focus on the transferable skills that would ... | |
| Returning to work after medical leave | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm a 33 years old male who had to resign the position of Software Lead Engineer in 2003 because of ... A: Roberto, If I explain this medical leave at all, it would definitely NOT be on the resume. I would ... | |
| career | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: mr.Dobson i m doing my electronics engg.frm a private college in nagpur,this is my 2nd year.i want ... A: Suraj, Where I am not knowledgeable extensively in your career area, I think that you should pursue ... | |
| Job search with relocation | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: I currently live in Arizona, but am looking to relocate to North Carolina. I have been applying for ... A: Larry, I think that is one idea to get employers to notice you. Another might be to take up a ... | |
| Resume help, Objection | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I am having a hard time with my objective for my resume. I will get my degree in Business ... A: Lynn, Congratulations! I know that degree has been a long time coming with a lot of commitment and ... | |
| Foreign Language Skills | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I studied Russian for 2-3 years while in college (as well as took Russian literature and other ... A: Steph, I might mention the foreign languages you've studied on the resume as a foot in the door for ... | |
| resume | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: I am hopeful that perhaps you could take a few minutes to read over my resume (below). I know the ... A: Jason, How long have you been looking? I can see from review of the resume that you left the last ... | |
| brick wall | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: I feel like I am at a brick wall when it comes to getting a job in Raleigh. I live in Virginia Beach ... A: Maid: I think you need to do what your gut tells you to do. The fact that you have ONLY been out ... | |
| do i take this job? | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: I've been offered a job that I am supposed to start Monday in Virginia Beach. It's a great holding ... A: Mermaid: I suggest that you determine where your true goal lies. It seems as though that this in ... | |
| RESUME | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: 1.How can I state to and employer that I would like to relocate back to that state. 2.And also ... A: Tarance: In regards to your inquiry, a lot of that depends on the situation under which you left an ... | |
| Resume | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: My old resume is horrible and I haven't a clue what is appropriate for today's market. Is there ... A: Sheri: As a reputable resume writer, I price each package according to where the client is in their ... | |
| job search results... | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: Torski, I had a "strange" call with a Recruiter yesterday, which got me thinking that maybe it ... A: David, Even given our economic decline all over the country, that is EXACTLY what that recruiter is ... | |
| Advice | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I am currently actively employed, but was thinking about trying to look for another job to further ... A: Dave: Professionally, I do NOT think it is necessary to put that you are "actively employed" within ... | |
| question about rehire | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: I worked for a company for 3yrs and left that company on good terms. I then started working for a ... A: Gary B, I would have to wonder why you would be interested in returning to a former employer and ... | |
| Need to Make a Smooth Transition | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: After 12 years working for the same sales company, I've decided to look for new employment. I've ... A: Cynthia: Your request is COMPLETELY reasonable. If you are not a top contender for a position in ... | |
| Resume question | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: I've lost my job recently. I created accounts at Monster. com and Careerbuilder.com and for the last ... A: LLiyana, Given the fact that unemployment is at an all-time high since the Great Depression, there ... | |
| Will a misdemeanor hurt me getting a job? | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: I am going to be unemployed soon. My company is going under. Now I am considering doing something ... A: Mary: I think your answer is based on a few things. Number 1, what state you are considering on ... | |
| Fired from last two jobs....relevent experience | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: I have been fired from my last two jobs but stayed with both companies for a fair period of time...I ... A: Christopher: I would have to understand the specifics behind your terminations to be sure as to how ... | |
| Writing | 12/25/2008 |
| Q: I am a first time job seeker - entry level and am strapped for cash after my studies. On my Resume, ... A: Dave: I don't think a list of your college courses are even relevant on your resume. Instead, I ... | |
| resume question | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to update my resume, and I want to make it the best possible. I have been working with ... A: Ellen: If all of these positions were promotional opportunities and show an increase in ... | |
| resume help | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: do you know any websites that will post my resume online? A: Danielle: I do not specifically endorse or promote companies that will post your resume online ... | |
| no calls in five weeks | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: I've gone five weeks without a call from my resumes. I am sending out 20-40 a week. I've been told ... A: Debra: LInkedIn.com is a very valuable tool to do exactly what its name implies - link in to other ... | |
| no calls in five weeks | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: I've gone five weeks without a call from my resumes. I am sending out 20-40 a week. I've been told ... A: Deb: Unemployment hit an all-time high today for the first time since 1994. We are living in a ... | |
| Career Transition Help | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to make a drastic career change into the field of research and have been unable to do ... A: Dolly: Without actually reviewing the resume for a critique specifically, I will attempt to provide ... | |
| Nine jobs in 18 years | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: Since graduating from college in 1989, I have worked at a variety of positions in sales, account ... A: Karen: First of all, congratulations for stepping up and having your resume professionally done by ... | |
| Salary History | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: My husband recently interviewed for a position with a company in another state. The interview went ... A: Jo: As a former HR professional, this is very common and I have even requested this information ... | |
| Bartender needs help with resume | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I am in college and and since the day I started I have been bartending, while going to school full ... A: Jackie: What you may want to do is market your transferable skills that you have acquired as a ... | |
| last job only six months | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. My last company went out of business. I was only there six months. Should I ... A: Debra: Because you had no control over the company remaining in business, I think this job should ... | |
| Resume Building | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I have a quick question about resume building, the thing is there are some college clubs that I'm ... A: Albina: Listing these clubs on the resume is fine, but let me ask you a question. What have you ... | |
| Work History | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: How far back do I need to list employment? I have been with the same company for 13 years, should I ... A: Shari: Your current role is fine in regards to speaking to your value added and worth to your ... | |
| Re-entering Workforce | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a BS in Computer Science and over 6 years experience as a computer programmer. I had to quit ... A: Michelle: Congratulations on being proactive in your desire to re-enter the workforce in the ... | |
| Employment Verfication | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: I have just recently graduated firefighting school in Florida and I am a Paramedic. I plan to look ... A: Mike: From my experience as a HR professional with the state of Virginia, we primarily used the ... | |
| Employment Verfication | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: I have just recently graduated firefighting school in Florida and I am a Paramedic. I plan to look ... A: Mike: Your dilemma is not an uncommon one. My suggestion to you is to scour your mind and work ... | |
| pitiful employment history | 8/29/2008 |
| Q: I am preparing my resume and have a few issues... for the last 10 yrs I did not have to work I was ... A: Samantha: You have not mentioned how old your associate's degree classes are, but if they are ... | |
| poor work history | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: While I was in school from 2003-2008 I had a poor work history and only worked jobs whenever my ... A: If you have completed a 4-yr bachelor degree, then you need to sell your educational experiences and ... | |
| resume help | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: I would like some help updating and redoing my resume. I am looking for a new job and my resume is ... A: Angela: Without reviewing your resume, I would be simply shooting in the dark to answer this ... | |
| poor work history | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: While I was in school from 2003-2008 I had a poor work history and only worked jobs whenever my ... A: You mention that you were in school from 2003-2008. Was this high school or college? The reason I ... | |
| direct study | 8/13/2008 |
| Q: In college, I took a few courses called direct study. While doing a research project, I interviewed ... A: I think given that information, you could list it as a professor assistant job title maybe and list ... | |
| direct study | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: In college, I took a few courses called direct study. While doing a research project, I interviewed ... A: Initially, your inquiry sounded like an internship or externship, however, the more you described ... | |
| qualifications brief | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: What do you think of using a qualifications brief instead of a resume? Can you give me any ... A: Demetrius: The two resume formats I was referring to is the functional resume or the chronological ... | |
| College On Resume and Applications | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: I'm currently trying to apply to some police departments. I have stumbled upon the part about ... A: Chris: As it relates to applications, you will need to list all schools and/or colleges attended ... | |
| Criminal history question | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: My question pertains to the criminal history question on a job application. I am a professional ... A: Susan: It it my belief after 10 years of progressive HR generalist/mgmt. experience and seeing some ... | |
| GED | 7/27/2008 |
| Q: I am 18 yrs old and just recently passed my GED and have some experience doing a contract position ... A: Justin! Let me first congratulate you for taking that step to complete your secondary high school ... | |
| Resume Question | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: I am in the process of trying to make a career switch. I am currently working as a corporate travel ... A: Melissa: If you want to go in a specific direction as you indicated in your question, you've got to ... | |
| Work History on Resume | 7/9/2008 |
| Q: I'm very confused about how far back I need to go for work history. My resume does not look pretty ... A: Tracy: You don't reference how many jobs that you've had in the past 3 years. If you are speaking ... | |
| International Career Development | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: I recently graduated from university with a Management:Global Business degree and my long term ... A: Seth: Given the fact that you have said you are interested in considering a ... | |
| Quitting my job? | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: If I quit a job after about a year, would that look like job jumping on my resume? The job ... A: Sean: The answer to your question depends entirely on whether or not, your previous job history is ... | |
Resume Help
Answers by Expert:
Torski Dobson-Arnold
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer questions in regards to resume development, career transition, career planning, salary negotiation, the interview process, networking in a job fair/trade show environment, telephone screening and practically answer issue as it relates to career planning. With 10 years of being on the front lines of the applicant and recruitment process as a strategic human resources professional, I have the "insider track" to what sparks the interests of hiring managers to what top ten things you need to avoid when applying for new opportunities.
Experience
10 years in private and public strategic, professional human resources roles. 2 years as a professional resume writer, career coach. Own and operate an elite firm specializing in resume writing and other career services, Your Career Confidence, LLC (www.yourcareerconfidence.com)
Organizations
NAAAHR (National Association of African-Americans in HR)
NRWA (National Resume Writers Association)
AORCP (Association of Online Resume and Career Professionals)
SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management)
Education/Credentials
BA, Marketing Management, Mary Baldwin College, VA
MS, Human Resources Management, Troy University, AL
PHR certification (awarded in 2006)
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