Annie Said:

Can anyone else get a job in Michigan?

We Answered:

Have you tried the West Michigan (Grand Rapids/Holland/Muskegon) area?. West Michigan is totally different than the rest of Michigan.

West Michigan job market expected to grow
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.…
"This region has the healthiest economy in the state, and the outlook appears relatively rosy for future hires. That's the consensus of Manpower Inc. and its analyst, Joe Ross.

"Michigan's got two economies right now," Ross said. "One is West Michigan, and the rest of the state."

Ross sees it this way: "If it were a summer movie, we would call it 'Revenge of the West Side,' " Ross said. "West Michigan still is the bright spot in the entire state.""

Industrial market shows promise
http://www.mlive.com/business/grpress/in…
"Donald Shoemaker, principal for Franklin Partners, said he bought the Siemens Dematic facilities, 4147 and 4247 Eastern Ave. SE, because the regional market has been strong.

"We're asked all the time, 'Why would you go to the worst economy in the nation to do business?' But that's with the east half of Michigan added in," he said.

In West Michigan, the outlook and demand are considerably different than the Detroit area, he said."

East meets west
http://www.mlive.com/mbusinessreview/wes…

Arnold Said:

A question about my job resume.................?

We Answered:

It could use some polishing, but it's not a 2 out of 10.

This... "utilizing acquired education and experience in professional settings" is awkward.

This... "resulting in a 97% satisfaction record" is... I don't know, boastful or something. It just doesn't sit right with me.

This... "Manages safety program" is the only phrase not in the past tense. It should be "managed."

It's dry, but not a horrible resume, and certainly deserves much better than a 2 out of 10. I'm a lawyer and occasionally conduct interviews and hire assistants and law clerks, and if I were looking for an HR person I wouldn't chuck your resume in the trash. Keep the faith, but it never hurts to network. ;)

Dwayne Said:

how do I handle this situation with my "new" boss?

We Answered:

Yes, you are justified feeling this way. But, all the work you have done in the past to make the company run more efficiently is not lost. I am sure an employ higher up realizes what you have stated.

I would not be surprised if he feels threatened by your contributions, and his shortcomings. It will come out one day. Hang in there and you will get your just rewards.

Anita Said:

Embellish skills on resume? Or not?

We Answered:

You have many excellent accomplishments that will impress a future employer. You need only find a way to get the truth across in your resume.

If I'm understanding you correctly, you are completing training in medical billing and coding and you are hoping to acquire an assistant managerial or supervisory position in that field? To be honest, I don't know if you can realistically expect a supervisory job right out of school, but you don't have anything to lose by trying for it.

This is what I would do. I would create a hybrid resume. This is one that combines your skills and abilities with your work history. You wil word each entry in such a way as to showcase your achivements in that area.

So, something like this;

1. Name, Contact Information

2. Objective: To acuire an assistant manager or supervisory position in a thriving medical records environment.

3. Education

4 Skills and Abilities

a. Customer Service Skills
-- acquired through employment in the retail industry. Received excellent performance reviews regarding my ability to serve the public in a friendly, professional and courteous manner.

b. Computer Skills.
-- acquired through academic training Demonstrated ability in (name software applicatons, etc.)

c. Teaching Skills
-- acquired through teaching children ages three to four. Demonstrated communicaton skills, provided support and encouragement, offered feedback land guidance leading to behavior change.

d. Ability to Learn Quickly and Adapt to New Situations
-- Functioned independently in a new department after three hours training. Provided training to new associate entering the team.

5. Work History. Make this brief.

6. Commmunity Involvement and Volunteerism
include this category because it shows you have experience working in a team and that you are a good community minded person. Pay special attention to any volunteer work that shows you did something particularly well and that ability would be useful in the job you are applying for

7. Awards and Recognition. Include any that are appropriate

In your accompanying cover letter, sum up the qualities you have that would make you ideal for this job. Just state them plainly as you did in this Yahoo! post and let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

Good luck.

Susan Said:

I am considering a degree in business. HELP!?

We Answered:

Anything is possible! I served in the military (overseas in Korea, 9th Infantry Division Fort Lewis WA, Fort Belvoir Engineering School etc) though one distinct advantage I had was college degree in good area in short supply (BS Finance) plus I was able to work at the General Officer staff levels as well as handle Procurement/ Acquisitions and contracts that made my transition after military much easier.
You and anyone with Determination have that "chance of a lifetime" though some important skills you might have overlooked are the ability to write and prepare good resumes as well as staffing/decision papers that can communicate and convince the other party that the company who hires yours or awards a contract that they got a fantastic deal and there is minimum risk. Most likely you have good technical skills based on your many years of experience but in all honesty I believe you have the wrong impression about private sector office guys doing nothing bec it's definitely wrong and no one company can afford to pay some manager a nice $alary if what work he performs on a daily basis does NOT contribute and add to the company's bottomline in terms of profit$ bec if so, he would most likely be the first to go when going gets tough unless of course your're the owner or have some close relationship. I recommend you take some college courses and get some expert to help you craft your resume, then once you get "in" certainly jump in with both feet and demonstrate to your boss, his boss and the owner that they will not regret their decision to hire you. Keep track weekly of YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS bec when your performance review time comes up, it will just as important as volunteering and working late to MAKE and KEEP that GOOD IMPRESSION that hopefully your bosses will know you are underpaid and if they don't do something about it, a competitor will sweep right in and make you a deal you can't refuse. Hopefully my brief thoughts were understood rather than challenged bec much of life and how far and high you happen to go is determined by attitude and mental perseverance which is something anyone who served has in their bloodstream! Best of Luck!