From 1986 to 1990, Dolores Hall worked with me, leaving just a few days before her second son, Joey, was born.  I’m thrilled to announce that she has rejoined us as my Marketing Director with a new name and work times designed to meet her growing family’s needs. Her email is Dolores@Briles.com and she’s in the office by 9 Mountain time.

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If you like the movies, make sure you sign up for JB's Movie Spots-they're quick, snappy and let you know if a Gramma would be comfortable. Rating scale is the Golden Egg-one's a dud, five, drop everything and get ye to the theater!

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New Articles Posted on Website

Several new articles have been posted on Judith's website -- they are free and easily downloaded.  Go to www.Briles.com and click on the Articles link in the left border menu.

Or go directly to the Articles Index.

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Judith's Take; Fluffy Resume's are in the Midst

It’s not uncommon to get the career itch in the summer…is it time to move to where it’s not so hot (or cool)?  I’m sick of the mosquitoes, give me the desert or I can make more money on the West Coast. Or maybe you just can’t stand the new CEO. 

If you decide it’s time to see what’s out there and determine if the grass is really greener, make sure that what you put in print is squeaky clean.  It’s easy to fudge sometimes about what you created, contributed or earned.  Don’t.  The magnifying glasses are out when looking at management and leadership candidates. 

Early this year, the embattled President and CEO of RadioShack finally tossed in the towel and resigned.  Why?  Resume padding, simple and bold. 

“Resume padding,” you ask -- what’s that?  Plain, old-fashioned lying.   

RadioShack’s David Edmondson’s resume claimed that he had received two degrees from schools that stated they had no record of his graduating.  Records showed he had attended a couple of semesters, but never offered degrees in the areas that Edmondson claimed he had earned one in. 

With public rumors circulating about Edmondson’s credibility, RadioShack decided to launch an investigation by researching his resume.  With the heat on, he resigned. 

Some may think, “Well, so what, he was doing a great job for RadioShack—what’s a degree anyway, it’s results that count.”  Others will disagree.  “If they lie on a resume, what else will they lie about?” 

RadioShack’s Board agreed with the later…they felt that it was critical to restore the company’s credibility.  Edmondson was out. 

Lying on resumes isn’t an exclusive of the corporate workplace.  It happens everywhere, including sports and academia. 

A few years ago, the newly hired basketball coach of the University of Louisiana was given the pink slip.  The school learned that Glynn Cyprien’s claim of a degree from an accredited university that was claimed on his resume was a myth.  Ditto for George O’Leary who was exposed just a week after he was hired as Notre Dame’s football coach. 

It’s not just a guy thing.  Sandra Baldwin stepped down as president of the U. S. Olympic Committee after it was learned that the PhD in English she claimed on her resume didn’t exist, nor did she graduate from the Colorado school she claimed she had. 

According to www.ResumeDoctor.com, a resume advisory service, over 43 percent of resumes have inaccuracies in them. Some can be a wrong date; others claims/credentials that are non-existence.   

It may be viewed that exaggerating a tad will move you up the ladder faster, or get you hired ahead of others.  There’s a belief that you won’t get caught -- similar to athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs. 

What’s a manager to do if she suspects an employee (or potential) isn’t all what was initially presented?  What’s an employee to do who’s boosted his or her resume a bit? 

For managers, don’t accept all that is written.  Get out the phone and call references, check claimed degrees, credentials, writings and awards.  Let the Internet by an ally, especially with young people. 

Do a “random testing” of employee’s resumes…even those who’ve been with you for five, even ten years. Most employers don’t put enough teeth in their policies.  If something is amiss, it’s time for a one-on-one.  If you determined that they lied, they don’t belong on your team.  Be gone. 

The Internet can be very revealing about a potential employee, especially the under 25 crowd.  Websites, such as www.MySpace.com, www.Facebook.cm, www.Tagged.com, www.Bebo.com, www.Bolt.com and www.Friendster.com should be routinely checked for blogs and comments that could be viewed as negative or risky. 

As the largest, www.MySpace.com has over 65 million digital subscribers.  Over 150,000 new users register each day.  They chat about anything and everything…maybe it should be called BlabSpace.com.  Many have not made it past the interview process because of questionable postings that have been put up when checked by a manager or HR professional. 

Your next senior executive is not going to be found on one of these sites.  But, on the plus side, recruiters have also sought out entry-level and mid-level managers.  Recruiters have also learned that this is a great way to “remote” recruit new hires. 

For employees and job-seekers, be smart with any postings that you put on the Internet, especially if you are ticked about something.  With search engines, it’s not hard to find out what someone’s position is. 

When completing a resume, many job applicants don’t hit the mark because they fail to target their resume to the employer.  Instead of making 500 copies, do some customization.  You’ve got a computer or access to one—personalize it.  Tweak it so that your background fits with the company.  You want that piece of paper to say, “I’m what you are looking for and here’s my background to support it.” 

Forget about fluffing up a resume.  After all, if the shoe was on the other foot, would you hire someone who lied on their resume?” 

Most who fudge on their resume don’t find their names and deeds on the front page of the business section of the newspaper.  But they could lose they job they prize the most.  Don’t you.

©2006 Dr. Judith Briles

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BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!

Money Smart Alert: Judith has an all new program based on the book AND the official launch date is next month, October 17-23. We will be sending out a special notice with information on how you can save 20% by buying it through any one of three book stores—the Tattered Cover in Denver, Barnes & Noble.com or Amazon.com.

Read a Chapter   |  Order Yours Now!

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All New Program is a Big Success!
Money Smarts Debuts in the Spring with Rave Evals

Money Smarts is an interactive workshop ranging from 90 minutes to half a day. Ideal as a breakout program and perfect for anyone who plans community programs in a Girl’s Night Out format.

The average person spends 10,000 plus days working and making money during a lifetime. Few hours, much less days, are committed to what to do with it and make it grow. Participants will learn the basics of financial independence and success in this practical program.

Money Smarts -- Personal Financial Success in 30 Days! wins an EVVY -- the esteemed book award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. First place in the Business/Financial books.
Money Smarts is a great program for anyone, any group. Call or email for details. If you are average, you work 10,000 during your career making money; why not dedicate 30 days to what to do with it?
 

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