Cheryl's Job Mailbag

This week on Fox and Friends I answered a few viewer questions. The last question didn’t make it on to the show, but see my answer below. It’s tough out there, but stay strong in your job hunt.

LETTER #1 – SPECIALTY JOBSCheryl - I have over 20 years experience in the security/intelligence field & am a U.S. Army vet. I have worked as a Security Specialist/Manager & a Counter-Terrorism/Intelligence Analyst both here & abroad. I  have experience in crisis management, risk/threat analysis, & more. I have seen the segment on companies that are hiring but have not seen anything regarding my specialty. Can you help me? FROM NEAL IN VIRGINIACHERYL’S ADVICE: *You have a couple of options here, depending on your salary requirements and willingness to move.   *The Department of Energy in DC is another option for you.  You obviously won’t have a problem getting security clearance, and the military experience could come into play there as well. *Finally, have you considered marketing yourself as a personal security expert/consultant to a company?  Whether it's protecting the CEO, evaluating for companies whether or not they should build a plant in, say, .Nigeria, or simply managing site security, you have the type of resume that gives you a bit of a chameleon status in the job world.   *You would be the perfect person for a major corporation to hire, and they’d pay you well I believe.  This type of work is usually contract, so no benefits, but it’s a great option. Take a look at:  RAYTHEON – a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world *Currently has about 1,400 positions open, with 350 college positions posted for Spring and Fall recruiting *Top Jobs: Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Supply Chain/Purchasing *Currently concentrating on hiring at East Coast facilities (MA, MD, VA, PA, FL) *Has been designated a “Best Place to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign *Raytheon leads the defense industry in international sales with 26 percent (of total annual sales) *Find out more information at  www.raytheon.com/careersLETTER #2 – EXPLAINING A GAP IN RESUMECheryl - I lost my job 2 years ago and became very depressed and unable to work. I would like to begin looking for a job again, but I am worried about my resume. How can I explain the gap? I can't say I was depressed -- can I use a white lie instead, like that I was helping a sick relative? FROM KAREN IN TEMPE, AZ CHERYL’S  ADVICE: *Taking a break from the workforce during the Great Recession is acceptable and normal *When asked about the gap, the phrase is “I decided to take a break and re-evaluate my priorities and my goals” *Don’t write anything on the resume, just list the years like you worked and when.  If they ask, see the answers above.LETTER #3 – WORKING OVER 60I'm a very young 60-year-old looking to go back to work in graphic design. I have contacted my old colleagues, but was given the runaround. I am talented, energetic, loyal & good at what I do. Is it too late for me to find a job due to my age?? HELP! FROM BENJAMIN IN MANCHESTER, CT

CHERYL’S  ADVICE: *You are 60 years old and you need to be honest about your age. *Your field is completely different than it was when you first started, and most likely, when employers see your age, they automatically think “not up to speed on current technology” *You need to get some web based freelance design jobs. I don’t care if you design a cat tree game for your grandkids, or a website about hot dogs.  There are basic and free web design tutorials out there. Then, build your own website, with examples of your work.   *You also need to make a Facebook page for your new company site. A lot of people want pretty websites, but assume they can’t afford it.