Tracy Press

Too much criticism and not enough constructive advice left a local woman dismayed after a city-sponsored career event.

EDITOR,

On May 1, for the first time since living in Tracy, I visited a job fair, which was at the Holiday Inn Express. I met some lovely, friendly people who were happy to speak to me about services they offer to help those looking for employment, as well as employers looking to fill open positions.

The only sour note was my visit to the city of Tracy table, which had two consultants to help “critique” the resumes job hunters brought with them. While I waited to be helped, I listened to one of them tear down someone’s resume. 

When it was my turn, I spoke with the woman, who seemed friendly enough, but she only quickly scanned my resume. Then she asked me questions about experiences that were clearly stated in my resume.

The other consultant had not looked at my resume for five seconds before he started tearing it apart. Without actually reading it, he gave me the same “critique” he gave to the person in line in front of me. He went on to say that my resume would not get me more than 20 seconds of someone’s time. In the end, the only compliment he gave me was the type of paper I used for my resume.

I did not get to inform them that I have found success in the past with all the resumes I have created. The last time I used the resume, I was given a position as an inside sales rep at a software company, making just shy of a six-figure salary.

Although I appear youthful for my age, I have quite a bit of experience in life and career, so I will not take to heart the negative feedback I was given. I do feel bad, though, for the young people at the job fair, almost half my age, whose resumes were also being torn down.

I have my own critique I would like to give to these two. First, if you are going to critique someone’s resume, please read it first. Second, if you are in a position to help someone, lift them up rather than tear them down.

— Linda Marshall, Tracy

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written by I was there also , May 08, 2008

I was there and experiances the exact same issue. I appears the city of tracy is closed minded and is only there on political correctness. I noted that Tracy is catering to the black community mostly.

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written by Fed Up , May 10, 2008

Too bad you experienced this but hopefully they will take your critique to hear.

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written by Kathi , May 10, 2008

Job fairs in the Tracy area are a huge waste of time. I have relatives who went to every one possible for a good 2-3 years in the Tracy and Stockton area. The only thing it ever got them was emptier wallets for all the money wasted on printing resumes and buying gas to get there. The last one they went to was a real eye opener. About the only group of people not there were Mexicans because they had jobs. It was nearly all white and black men there looking for work. That is why people are leaving the area for other states, to get work.

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written by ACE Train commuter , May 10, 2008

Why don't you spend you money on a ticket? Go west! There's gold in them thar hills! Hey you lazy ding dongs could go get a piece of cardboard and stand in the WalMart parking lot.

Need a job
Please help

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written by Nuts and Bolts of Economics , May 10, 2008

We need a Togo's in Tracy. That's the nuts and bolts of it. People could get threaded into the idea of getting a job at a sandwich shop where you won't get screwed with some Union dues, or something.