I know why you are asking: the experience may not be relevant, or there may be several employers in the early years (you don't want to be seen as a job hopper)--but the most common reason is that candidates don't want employers to know how old they are. 

My advice: don't make people guess your age when they read your resume.  Getting your foot in the door of a company that ultimately wants to hire a younger person wastes your time, time you could have spent networking and interviewing for the right job.  I know, isn't it networking if I get the interview?  I might get lucky and convince them otherwise? No and no.  The person you are meeting is also having time wasted and in this market companies have decided on the profile they seek well before you even applied.   

If you feel your years of experience are eliminating you from searches where your youthful attitude would have been considered, add an "Interests" section to your resume.  Include activities that you participate in like waterskiing, running, cycling, equestrian. Be careful here-- "paranormal investigator" or "cat lover" are not ideal (yes, I've seen both on a resume). As someone who reads hundreds of resumes each month, I love this information--it helps form a picture of the person and in many cases is a great icebreaker at the interview. 

If you want to omit early jobs because they are irrelevant or numerous, there's a simple remedy:  list your graduation date from college and omit the first five or so years of experience. 

Note: Pile and Company is an equal opportunity employer. We do not make nor recommend hiring decisions based on race, religion, sex or age. The preceding opinion is based solely on experience and market knowledge.

Today is the day!  At 1:00 pm EST this afternoon, we’ll all know the truth about the worst kept secret in the tech world – what is the new Apple product?    The so-called Apple “Tablet” has caused quite a stir and nobody, except the people at Apple, know exactly what the product will be.  I’ve been trying to come up with another company that could create the same kind of buzz and excitement pre-launch.  So far, my list doesn’t exist.

Apple could have announced their new product at the Consumer Electronic Show, like most tech companies.  Instead, they wait until they have the stage to themselves and can control the event.  As someone who is new to the Apple fray having had my iPhone for only a few months, I hope the “Tablet” lives up to the hype.  This device is supposed to change the publishing, movie, TV and gaming industries.  I hope it’s true that the change will be for the positive.  I guess I’ll just have to wait until this afternoon like everyone else.

If you are an agency, it’s okay – go ahead and use us.  That’s what we are here for!  In our process, there are steps when an agency can use us to make sure they have the information they need:

·    Reviewing Criteria – if you have further questions on the client, their business or what they are looking for to make sure it’s a good fit, ask us.  Verbal discussions can often get to nuances that written words can’t.  We will answer as many questions we can.

·    Process and Preparation – if you are unclear about the expectations for a meeting or call, reach out to us.  You must be prepared and we can tell you what the purpose of each client contact is in the process.

·    Questions for the client – sometimes clients prefer to have all questions funnel through the consultant.  Take advantage of this!  Maximize your inquiries by making them concise and organized. We may have a quick answer but if not, organization will help us get a faster response from the client.

The one thing we will not do is review any work, strategy, research, etc. and respond with our opinion. Only the client can tell you if you are headed down the right path for what they need.

Although it’s the job of a consultant to help a client find a new partner, it’s also our job to help you put your best foot forward.