career-limiting moves

[smilingcat]

These days all you need to be screened out by HR is to be unemployed for a period of time. Doesn't matter how good your credentials and experience are.

This mentality is just beyond me. I am more than acutely aware of the "damaged good" attitude toward the unemployed. However, if I were the hiring manager, I would be more than eager to hire the 99ers. The reason behind is quite simple. They are GLAD they got a job and you know what? They are going to be the best employees an employer could have. Being unemployed for a time is the greatest motivator for them to work hard and be the best possible. They don't want to be let go/fired the next time around.

I for one, am retired at a very young age. early 50's. Retired yes; but, I'm not idling. Quite busy in fact.

I get so annoyed by hiring managers with all their silly hangups. The resume isn't the format they want to see. mono fonts instead of Times Roman. Wrong size margin. Did/didn't have some personal info. More than a page long or two pages. Didn't list out all the publications... I've heard lots of stupid reasons which could cause you to pass on a really good (worthwhile) person for the organization. One of the biggest peeves I have, is I don't want to hire that person because of bad grammar. Engineers on the whole are really bad with comma splice. If I were looking for an English major that is one thing. But for an engineer, I'm more concerned about do they have enough/right knowledge and experience for the job. I don't care if they have written a best seller, have tatoos or body piercing.

Just don't lie and make stuff up on the application. Seen several resume with falsified information about college degrees. I'll give you a chance to explain.