Blog: Pat Delmenhorst

Resumes should be considered a marketing tool for your talents and accomplishments.  It is the first thing an employer asks for and it cannot be taken lightly.  Looking for a job is a sales campaign and you have to let the customer (the employer) know what they are buying.   No matter what jobs you have held, you have provided value to the employer. Before starting your resume,  do a thorough market analysis of your talents and the results of using your talents.  For example, if your job has been a receptionist you primarily answered the phone and greeted visitors.  Your talents are being an effective communicator, multi-tasker and a problem solver.  The result of using these talents might be stated as follows: 

Excellent Communication Skills:

"Utilized strong communication skills to accurately transfer up to 100 calls each day to the correct department resulting in improved customer satisfaction surveys." 

Creative Problem Solver:

"Analyzed the needs of callers and visitors and accurately transferred calls and or information to 50 associates that resulted in fewer call backs for additional information."

Effecient Multi-Tasker:

"Answered phones, greeted visitors, received faxed documents and entered customer data into customized data base freeing up sales associates to handle more customer requests. "

Recognition and Awards:

"Recognized three times as Employee of the Month during 2007 and received outstanding review for my ability to  handle  upset customer requests."

Be sure to include quotes from your supervisor about the quality of your work.  A good source for this information is to review your performance reviews and extract the comments for your areas of outstanding performance.  Always include any awards you have won.  Marketing yourself requires that you “toot your own horn” and I hope these tips will help make it easier for you.

My name is Pat Delmenhorst and I have been the Director of Employment Services for Interfaith Older Adult Programs for 11 years and I manage a program that specializes in counseling experienced workers age 55 and over.  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s of Educational Psychology in Community Counseling.

“Speed Working” Event -- new version of speed dating except meet prospective employers. The event is designed for mature works age 50 and older.

Ilmito’s Restaurant 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
605 West Virginia Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204

Meet potential employers

a.        Wheaton Healthcare Systems, Meganne Manthei

b.        Hatch Staffing – Deb Kroeger, Branch Manager

c.         Hatch Staffing – Carla Castillo-Casas, Account Manager

d.        Astronautics -- Gwen Keller,

e.        Schneider National – Gerri Krueger, Enterprise Recruiting Manager

f.        Alverno College – Sharon Wilcox , HR Director, Alverno College

g.        Menomonee Valley Partners -- Catrina Crane, Coordinator Special Projects 

Pre-registration is required and cost is $18. You can register by phone call to Susan Beman at 291-7500.