It occurs to me that I haven't needed a resume for the last 15 years or so. When I was self-employed there was no point; I got hired for my current job over lunch.

Any suggestions? Or should I just write up the pertinent stuff and let the headhunters handle it?

 

Go see a headhunter. You'll have the pleasure of having some 25 year old kid tell you everything that's wrong with your resume, your experience and your approach as he(she) promises you the job that you've always dreamed of at more pay than you ever expected.

Headhunters are worthless.

Have a resume written by a professional resume writer (make sure they write what you want and that it sounds like what you want it to sound like) and find your new job for yourself.

 

You might want to think about doing a resume that is more than a bullet listing of your skills. While important, it's just as important to put something of yourself into it.

For example, I saw this job posting a week ago. (Made me think of moving to Milwaukee....)

http://jobs.joelonsoftware.com/default.asp?107

Sometimes I think I should redo my resume with that kind of attitude. I don't want to work for companies that are too uptight to post a job description like the one above.... You probably don't either.

JonasM

 

You're right. My problem now is it's been so long since I've looked I'm not sure how to develop an efficient plan short of using an agency.

 

I've worked in cubicles and offices.....have to say....doesn't matter to me. OTOH, the backhanded way it was handled was not professional.

Right now I have a large workstation [aka cubicle] with a great view of the Chester County countryside out of 4 windows. I'm the highest position in the small (20-30) company that doesn't have a closed office. There are only 2 private offices. As long as they pay me, it's not important to me. OTOH, I agree with Rob that job satisfaction is more important than office type/ size.

Most companies these days (we do a lot of space planning and interior design) only provide private offices for those who have a bonafide reason for that extra space and expense.

 

Mike, send me your email in a PM and I'll share mine with you. I have both a short form (1 page) and longer version (2 pages).

I was in a similar position when my own company split up in 1998. I worked with a good consultant who volunteers a 'career direction' seminar at our church. He gave tips on how to present one's experience in a way that focuses on your abilities and accomplishments....not just a bunch of facts/ dates/ etc. I keep my resume updated every couple years.....never hurts to be ready for an opportunity.

If you're at all good with words, I would certainly put together the resume by myself as a first step. It's a good confidence builder....to see on paper the things that you've made happen.
The other tip that has worked for me a few times over the past 8 years: Keep your network alive and use THAT in the job search. Former collegues, consultants that you've hired in your job, vendors.....all of these can be helpful to 'spread the word' that 'Mike is looking for a new opportunity....'

Good luck with your search

 

Lots of really solid advice so far. I'd say to just see how it works out for a little while. Se how it feels. To use a technical term, things are sucky all over unless you're one of the top bastar...ah folks.

 

I retired last year after 35 years and now work for the competition as a contractor. My decision came after I had been moving around for many years and finally was transferred to Louisville. After 6 months, they brought me back to the home office in Connecticut. The wife said that she was happy living in Louisville and she wouldn't move back to Connecticut, but I took the position for 2 1/2 years until, this opportunity came up. The day after I got the offer, I returned to my office and took retirement. Eventually an opportunity will come.

 

Networking is definitely the key...the +1 has been job hunting and it really pays off. Yesterday, on his run, he saw a guy who lives in our building and they were chatting. The guy told him to give him his resume - he works for a major consulting company here that the +1 hadn't thought of/didn't know about. So you never know where you will get that break you need. Call up everyone you know and tell them you are job hunting. Now is no time to be shy.

You can try a headhunter, but what you really need is someone who is good at writing resumes to help you design yours. You have two choices - a date-driven one or a skills-driven one. They are used for different purposes. Sounds like Jerry can help you out. Keep it to one page and make sure to include your results-based accomplishments. Good luck!