Summer 2009

Vol. 12 No 2 Summer 2009

Miles LeHane News

email: feedback@mileslehane.com
phone: 703.777.3370
In the Spirit of Change

In previous issues, we have illustrated several new directions that our business is taking during the current recession, primarily in the development of enhanced technology methods for delivering our services.  In this spirit of change, we have been passing this advice along to those we counsel and coach ‘ all our candidates –  about different approaches to work and life, developing new and refreshed appearances and rekindling the spirit of brotherhood. For instance, volunteerism is a great way to fill some of the downtime during job search, while it also enables you to meet new people adding to your personal network’”through faith-based outreach programs, social programs in your community’”local governing committees, public and private education boards, and advisory roles’”so many opportunities.  Besides reaching out to others, you will develop many new friends and networking opportunities.  Don’t forget to have your own ‘personal’ business/calling cards.

Your Resume’s First Impression

Dave Ulrich is our in-house resume expert and is contributing his expertise on how to build and maintain a winning resume.  We utilize a set of 25 criteria to evaluate and refine the resumes when counseling.  The goal is to best reflect the potential contributions to an organization based on past accomplishments.

  • Contact information: Name, address, phone number and email address. No reference here to prior organizations.
  • Grammar and spelling: Your resume must be perfect in this regard. When a resume screener is sorting resumes, a single mistake can be cause to discard the resume. This includes the envelope, names and cover letter.
  • Does the resume make sense? Is it coherent? Not just to you, but to one who is reading it to gain insight into your candidacy.
  • Is it focused on Accomplishments? It is not about what you did, but what you accomplished. Accomplishments convey Value’¦that is paramount.
David Miles in the News

Following his heroic weight loss of over 100 pounds in the past year, during the past 6 months, David has undergone three separate enhancement surgeries’”the new look is awesome. (Following additional healing, he will be sitting for new photos which we share here.) This physical change has spurred other changes as well in his fresh outlook and energy level.

Interspersed between the surgical procedures, David has had two international trips for leadership and team building coaching assignments. Fortunately he was able to steer clear of the civil unrest encountered there.  The client has indicated its interest to extend the coaching contract for another 6 months, but with sessions held in less volatile locations. Details are still being discussed at this writing.

As a totally separate possible adventure, David has been invited by the national office of SHRM to travel to India in December as a People to People Ambassador. More on that will be reported as it comes in.

David’s tenure as a member of the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission runs through the end of 2009. Further, his seat on the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board continues with his recent appointment to the Vice-Chairman position for the next two years.  Both Melanie and David strongly believe that investing their time and services in a variety of ways will help make a positive contribution.

Electronic Portfolios

In a recent newsletter issue, we introduced our ‘Eye-Face’ mini-cam technology capabilities to our readers as an alternative to or enhancement of our traditional one-on-one, in person consulting.  In this issue we have an exciting new thrust ‘web-based executive portfolios. The electronic portfolio presents the individual’s credentials in a visual and distinctive  way.  The content builds upon the standard resume but focuses on a skill set-based approach and can include tabs for Profile, Proficiencies, Expertise, Achievements, Experience, Education, and Contact information.  The standard reverse chronological resume is posted as a link.  Now  working with the developer as a licensed vendor for this service, Miles LeHane is able to provide a turnkey portfolio in a short period of time.  Several years ago, David Miles had prepared a portfolio for himself as a beta test for the new technology. Today’s version uses a different content organization and formatting, but you can still see that prototype at  www.powertalent.net/davidmiles.  In the next few weeks, we will be posting a revised portfolio for David as well as new ones for Melanie and Scott Miles. Each of the three will be prepared using a different format. Please give Melanie or Scott a call to answer questions on how we might provide this portfolio service for you or your business associates.

Up-Coming Events

Women’s Forum ‘ Wednesday, Mid-October Date TBD, 4 to 7pm, The Glenfiddich House. The Future is Theirs ‘ A Leadership Forum. Unfortunately, during this economic crisis we have experienced a decrease in overall executive level women. Fostering the next generation can never begin too early. Our usual format will be altered for this meeting as we invite several female high school seniors to represent the next generation of women to share their dreams, aspirations and fears as they move to the next plateau of their lives. This will be a panel, moderated by frequent attendees to our forum.  The students will ask questions of the moderators and of the audience at large, In turn, you will also be able to query the students.  We expect a spirited discussion. As the format for this program comes together, we will distribute more detail. Of note will be that the invitations will be extended to daughters or female friends of all ages of all the attendees.

E-Breakfast ‘ Tuesday, July 14, 8 to 10am ‘ The Stables. Rational Investing in an Irrational Time is the title of our next networking E-Breakfast program.  Thomas Quirk, a financial planner and investment counselor will speak to us about the current economic situation, its implications, offer a fresh perspective and take a look into his crystal ball.  This will be strictly for information, and not a sales pitch of any kind.  For more information, you can call us at 703-777-3370 or email at feedback@mileslehane.com.