Rick Saia, CPRW

Rick Saia, a certified professional resume writer, has written resumes and cover letters that have earned him many interviews and job offers over more than two decades. In print and online, his journalistic skills have benefited daily newspapers, high-tech journals, market research firms, and tiny startups.

Being an effective communicator also enhances his role as a part-time teacher. From downsizing to achieving career milestones, he has seen it all firsthand. Rick shares his real-world insight and expertise with job seekers at www.pongoresume.com.

Posts By Rick Saia, CPRW

Resumes
Hiring Managers Look for Related Experience First
July 26, 2010 (10:00AM)
Focus Your Resume on the Employer's Needs
June 16, 2010 (2:11PM)
Graduation Date on Your Resume: Yes or No?
April 29, 2010 (12:01PM)
Recruiter Reinforces Our Resume Advice
April 01, 2010 (10:20AM)
It's Spring Cleaning Time for Your Resume
March 22, 2010 (10:00AM)
When and How to List Personal Interests on Your Resume
March 18, 2010 (10:30AM)
D-OHHHHH! Here's Homer Simpson's Resume!
March 02, 2010 (1:08PM)
Looking for Temporary Work? Try These Tips
February 22, 2010 (4:00PM)
Calling All Simpsons Fans: Let's Write Homer's Resume
January 13, 2010 (3:35PM)
'Tis the Season to Fine-Tune Your Resume
December 16, 2009 (12:01PM)
Can Your Resume and Cover Letter Use a Little Passion?
December 03, 2009 (3:30PM)
Build a Long Master Resume, Then Cut, Cut, Cut
October 22, 2009 (10:00AM)
If You Say it in the Resume, Prove it in the Interview
August 11, 2009 (10:15AM)
Does Your Resume Have to Be Perfect?
July 27, 2009 (10:00AM)
Addressing a Gap in Your Resume: A Pongo Rerun
July 06, 2009 (11:00AM)
Spice Up Your Professional Summary with a Headline
May 12, 2009 (2:15PM)
Should You 'Dumb Down' Your Resume to Get a New Job?
April 15, 2009 (11:00AM)
Take the 'Cupcakes' Out of Your Resume
April 01, 2009 (10:00AM)
Writing a Resume When You Have No Experience
March 25, 2009 (10:00AM)
Job Fair Yields Cold Truths about Resumes
January 15, 2009 (4:00PM)
Resume Buzz-Kill: Dump the Business Cliches
January 14, 2009 (10:00AM)
Another 5 Power Words to Make Your Resume Get Noticed
November 04, 2008 (11:02AM)
Got Resume Writer's Block? Here Are 5 Cures
October 28, 2008 (10:00AM)
Stand Out in a Rough Job Market: Part I - Your Resume
October 15, 2008 (1:30PM)
Resume Objective or Summary: You Need One, but Which?
October 07, 2008 (10:00AM)
No Bites on Your Resume? Check These 5 Things
September 30, 2008 (10:00AM)
5 More Power Words to Make Your Resume Get Noticed
July 22, 2008 (10:00AM)
7 Phrases You Should Never Have on Your Resume
June 26, 2008 (10:38AM)
5 Steps to Writing a Resume That Can SCORE an Interview
June 17, 2008 (11:30AM)
Back up Your Soft Skills with Hard Facts
May 20, 2008 (10:00AM)
How to Build a Resume after Many Years with 1 Employer
April 17, 2008 (10:00AM)
The Resume That Never Sleeps
April 02, 2008 (10:00AM)
'So, about This Gap in Your Resume ...'
March 19, 2008 (10:05AM)
Lie on Your Resume? Don't Be Stupid!
March 11, 2008 (10:00AM)
Top 10 Things to NOT Put in a Resume
February 28, 2008 (10:23AM)
Cover Letters
Your Cover Letter Should be Assertive, Not Obnoxious
July 19, 2010 (11:59AM)
Submit a Cover Letter, Whether You Need It or Not
April 12, 2010 (10:30AM)
Opening Lines: Let Your Cover Letter Drive Your Resume
January 26, 2010 (4:00PM)
3 Tips to Avoid a Boring, Self-Absorbed Cover Letter
April 28, 2009 (1:15PM)
Write Cold-Contact Cover Letters to Warm Up Employers
September 16, 2008 (10:00AM)
Reports of the Cover Letter's Demise Are 86% Wrong
July 02, 2008 (10:49AM)
Interviews
The Secret to Answering Behavioral Interview Questions
July 29, 2010 (10:00AM)
Weird Interview Questions and the Reason Behind Them
May 06, 2010 (1:50PM)
Be a Good Storyteller at the Job Interview
November 09, 2009 (11:10AM)
3 Ways to Get the Hiring Manager to Like You
October 26, 2009 (10:00AM)
Job Interview Etiquette from the 'Experts'
October 13, 2009 (10:30AM)
What Was Your Weirdest Interview Experience?
September 08, 2009 (11:00AM)
If You Say it in the Resume, Prove it in the Interview
August 11, 2009 (10:15AM)
Interview Question: Tell Me about a Time You Failed
August 03, 2009 (11:00AM)
Why Won't They Tell Me Why I Didn't Get the Job?
July 16, 2009 (12:30PM)
Want the Job? Make a Connection with the Interviewer
June 29, 2009 (11:15AM)
Dumb Question: 'Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?'
June 17, 2009 (10:00AM)
What's Your Favorite Question to Ask in An Interview?
February 03, 2009 (10:00AM)
One Against Many: The Job Interview Gauntlet
August 14, 2008 (11:30AM)
How to Tell an Interviewer You Were Fired? Spin to Win
July 15, 2008 (10:00AM)
Talk is Cheap, Except in the Phone Interview
July 08, 2008 (10:00AM)
Stay Cool on the Hot Seat: 2 Tough Interview Questions
April 30, 2008 (10:00AM)
The 5 'Must Knows' of Job Interview Preparation
March 27, 2008 (10:00AM)
Job Seeker Tips
Is It Safe to Switch Jobs? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
July 15, 2010 (10:00AM)
Once You've Got the Job, Start Managing Your Career
June 28, 2010 (10:20AM)
A Lesson in Perseverance from an '09 Graduate
June 07, 2010 (10:00AM)
How Far Would You Go to Land a Job?
May 27, 2010 (1:15PM)
How Do You Define a Job Hopper?
May 20, 2010 (12:01PM)
Encouraging Job Search News for New Grads
May 10, 2010 (11:07AM)
Happy Earth Day! Here's How to Find a Green Job
April 22, 2010 (9:15AM)
Overqualified? Turn it into an Advantage
April 15, 2010 (2:01PM)
3 Ways to Line Up Reliable Job References
April 05, 2010 (10:15AM)
2009 Tax Tip: Job Search Expenses Are Deductible
March 08, 2010 (12:01PM)
Looking for Temporary Work? Try These Tips
February 22, 2010 (4:00PM)
Is College Still the Surest Path to Success?
February 18, 2010 (11:00AM)
Does Your Job Search Take More than 18 Minutes a Day?
February 08, 2010 (10:00AM)
Seeking Job Search Inspiration? Look to Music Lyrics
January 25, 2010 (11:45AM)
There's Only So Much You Can Control in the Job Search
January 21, 2010 (10:40AM)
5 Steps to Assessing Your Skills for a Career Change
January 18, 2010 (10:36AM)
A January To-Do List for the College Class of 2010
December 30, 2009 (10:00AM)
5 Things Job Seekers and Employers Should Do in 2010
December 21, 2009 (12:30PM)
The 3 Best Industries for Career Changers
November 30, 2009 (10:45AM)
3 Reasons to Keep Job Searching Through the Holidays
November 23, 2009 (10:00AM)
LinkedIn Meets Twitter: What It Means for You
November 16, 2009 (10:15AM)
Veterans Have Help for Transition to Civilian Jobs
November 11, 2009 (11:00AM)
Stupidity and Humor in the Job Search
November 02, 2009 (10:00AM)
Does Job Search Success Lie in Planning and Attitude?
October 01, 2009 (11:00AM)
Mini-Resume Can Ease the Strain of Networking
September 28, 2009 (11:45AM)
Follow-Up Calls: Always? Or Never?
September 24, 2009 (10:30AM)
Would You Resort to a Gimmick to Land a Job?
September 21, 2009 (11:00AM)
What You Need to Know Before You Sign a Job Offer
September 14, 2009 (10:30AM)
Want More Money? It May Be the Right Time to Get It
August 31, 2009 (10:00AM)
Social Networking Can Get You Hired or Fired
August 24, 2009 (11:25AM)
Got Math? In-Demand Jobs Call for Number Crunchers
August 20, 2009 (10:00AM)
Brag Your Way to a New Job or Pay Raise
August 17, 2009 (10:30AM)
Build Your Network and Uncover the Hidden Job Market
August 13, 2009 (10:15AM)
Why Won't They Tell Me Why I Didn't Get the Job?
July 16, 2009 (12:30PM)
When Does It Make Sense to Take a Job with Less Pay?
July 13, 2009 (11:00AM)
The Blue-Collar Job Makes a Comeback
June 24, 2009 (12:01PM)
The 3 Pillars of a Solid Job Search Strategy
June 10, 2009 (1:30PM)
5 'Best Companies' List Their Most-Wanted Skills
June 03, 2009 (10:00AM)
Jobless? Don't Let Desperation Expose You to ID Theft
May 07, 2009 (10:00AM)
The Job Security Glass Is Still Half Empty - for Now
April 13, 2009 (11:15AM)
Newsworthy Lessons about Work and Job Searching
March 17, 2009 (10:05AM)
Ditch the Gloom: Keeping Your Head Up in Bad Times
March 10, 2009 (10:00AM)
Does the Stimulus Package Include a Job for You?
March 03, 2009 (10:00AM)
A 5-Step Plan for Landing a Summer Internship
February 24, 2009 (10:00AM)
Changing Careers: 5 Famous Flip-Floppers
February 17, 2009 (10:00AM)
Can't Get Hired? Consider Temp or Contract Work
February 10, 2009 (10:00AM)
Is Now the Right Time to Change Careers?
January 22, 2009 (12:00PM)
What College Seniors Should Do over Break (But Won't)
January 02, 2009 (1:00PM)
5 Resolutions to Help You Get Hired in '09
December 30, 2008 (10:00AM)
Stats and Surprises to Help Your Job Search
December 10, 2008 (10:00AM)
Not Quite Qualified? Apply Anyway
December 02, 2008 (10:15AM)
The Value of Thanks-Giving in Your Job Search
November 25, 2008 (10:00AM)
Tips for Veterans Trying to Crack the Job Market
November 11, 2008 (12:54PM)
5 Job Search Lessons from Obama's Victory
November 06, 2008 (10:00AM)
Expand Your Job Reach by Going Green or Bilingual
October 21, 2008 (10:40AM)
5 Bits of Bad Job Search Advice
October 14, 2008 (10:00AM)
Who Are You? Answer the Question, Help Your Job Hunt
September 09, 2008 (10:00AM)
Dude! Where's My Job? 5 Reminders for the Class of '08
August 26, 2008 (10:00AM)
MVP Slugger's Attitude Provides 3 Career Lessons
August 12, 2008 (11:00AM)
Seven Lessons from a Long-Ago Layoff
July 30, 2008 (10:00AM)
5 Tips on Working a Job Fair - Real or Virtual
June 10, 2008 (10:00AM)
Take a Leap of Faith in a Job Hopper?
June 04, 2008 (10:00AM)
Going Up? Building Your Elevator Pitch
May 28, 2008 (10:00AM)
Prepare for Life after College with These Tips
May 06, 2008 (10:00AM)
Your Pongo Subscription Could Mean Tax Savings
April 04, 2008 (10:00AM)
Over 50? Your Time May Have Just Begun
February 26, 2008 (9:55AM)
Work/Life
Valuable Career Lessons from a Baseball Controversy
June 04, 2010 (1:20PM)
What Did You Learn from Your First Job?
May 31, 2010 (10:00AM)
Tell Us about the 'Wrong Turns' in Your Career
May 13, 2010 (10:20AM)
Getting Back at Employers Who Snub You
February 01, 2010 (10:15AM)
The Pain, Grief, and Shock of Being Laid Off
January 04, 2010 (12:39PM)
5 Things Job Seekers and Employers Should Do in 2010
December 21, 2009 (12:30PM)
How Often Is Too Often to Change Jobs?
September 17, 2009 (10:15AM)
Are You Unemployed and Happy or Employed and Miserable?
July 09, 2009 (11:00AM)
4 Visions of the Post-Recession Workforce
July 02, 2009 (10:01AM)
Monday Motivation: Summer's Arrival Spurs Warm Thoughts
June 15, 2009 (10:35AM)
Monday Motivation: Good News in the Numbers
June 08, 2009 (10:00AM)
Monday Motivation: A Recovery in Sight!
June 01, 2009 (12:10PM)
Wellness Programs: Good Investment or Corporate Waste?
May 26, 2009 (11:00AM)
Monday Motivation: Less Mope, More Hope
May 18, 2009 (10:00AM)
Monday Motivation: Job Market Turnaround Near?
May 11, 2009 (10:00AM)
Monday Motivation: Confidence Boosters
May 04, 2009 (10:00AM)
Monday Motivation: Job Hunt with a Smile
April 27, 2009 (10:00AM)
Monday Motivation: The Brighter Side of Things
April 20, 2009 (10:00AM)
Is 'Career Path' An Outdated Concept?
April 08, 2009 (10:00AM)
Bald Guys Are Beautiful! So Why Not Hire One?
January 27, 2009 (10:00AM)
Is the 'Dream Job' Real? Or a Mirage?
December 16, 2008 (10:00AM)
A Layoff by Any Other Name Still Sucks
November 18, 2008 (10:00AM)
Retire? More Seniors May Get to Dictate Their Futures
September 23, 2008 (10:00AM)
Think You're Ready to Retire? 6 Things to Consider
September 02, 2008 (10:00AM)
Bringing Boomers and Millennials Together at Work
August 06, 2008 (10:00AM)
Seven Lessons from a Long-Ago Layoff
July 30, 2008 (10:00AM)
Employers Try to Ease Workers' Pain at the Gas Pumps
June 25, 2008 (10:00AM)
Should Employers Play `Big Brother' with Your Health?
April 24, 2008 (10:00AM)
Gen Y Ushers in Promise of a Better Workplace
April 09, 2008 (10:00AM)
Why Employees Aren't Loyal Anymore
March 05, 2008 (10:00AM)
Over 50? Your Time May Have Just Begun
February 26, 2008 (9:55AM)
In the Workplace
If Job Seekers Can Be Flexible, Why Can't Employers?
July 08, 2010 (1:00PM)
New Grads: Survival Tips for Day 1 of Your First Job
June 21, 2010 (10:00AM)
Has the Recession Shattered Your Sense of Job Security?
March 25, 2010 (11:00AM)
What Motivates You to Do Your Best at Work?
March 11, 2010 (4:05PM)
Are Credit Checks on Job Seekers Really Necessary?
March 10, 2010 (4:00PM)
Coworkers Can Make or Break Your Job Satisfaction
March 01, 2010 (10:00AM)
You May Love Work, But Does Work Love You Back?
February 15, 2010 (10:00AM)
Why Most Workers Can't Get No Job Satisfaction
January 07, 2010 (11:30AM)
The Pain, Grief, and Shock of Being Laid Off
January 04, 2010 (12:39PM)
5 Things Job Seekers and Employers Should Do in 2010
December 21, 2009 (12:30PM)
Prepare Properly for Your Performance Review
October 08, 2009 (10:30AM)
Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job Done?
August 27, 2009 (10:00AM)
Brag Your Way to a New Job or Pay Raise
August 17, 2009 (10:30AM)
Wanna Tell Off Your Boss? Do It Here!
July 20, 2009 (1:00PM)
Are You Unemployed and Happy or Employed and Miserable?
July 09, 2009 (11:00AM)
Wellness Programs: Good Investment or Corporate Waste?
May 26, 2009 (11:00AM)
Bringing Boomers and Millennials Together at Work
August 06, 2008 (10:00AM)
Should Employers Play `Big Brother' with Your Health?
April 24, 2008 (10:00AM)
Gen Y Ushers in Promise of a Better Workplace
April 09, 2008 (10:00AM)
Can Boredom Inspire a Job Search?
February 20, 2008 (2:52PM)
The Pursuit of Workplace Happiness
February 15, 2008 (10:19AM)
Graduation 2010: Now What?
Once You've Got the Job, Start Managing Your Career
June 28, 2010 (10:20AM)
New Grads: Survival Tips for Day 1 of Your First Job
June 21, 2010 (10:00AM)
Focus Your Resume on the Employer's Needs
June 16, 2010 (2:11PM)
A Lesson in Perseverance from an '09 Graduate
June 07, 2010 (10:00AM)
What Did You Learn from Your First Job?
May 31, 2010 (10:00AM)
Encouraging Job Search News for New Grads
May 10, 2010 (11:07AM)

Rick Saia, CPRW

Resumes

Cover Letters

Interviews

Job Seeker Tips

Work/Life

In the Workplace

Graduation 2010: Now What?