v-six

If I get the time, I'm thinking about putting together a guide for making a strong résumé. Would this help anyone out? or not alot of interest?

Spatcher

I could use a guide for when the time comes......

v-six

well hey, if it helps one person, i'll do it

yustr

While I'm surely no expert, I have read many hundreds of resumes and hired any number of people. There are some keys to look at:

#1 - there can be no spelling or grammatical errors – period.

#2 – it should be specific to the job to which you’re applying.

#3 – it needs to be very clear that you have the skills and experience they’re seeking. Say these right up front. For example, if they’re looking for CAD expertise and you bury your CAD experience three jobs down in the resume, the clerks or staff may never read that far.

#4 – there should be no gaps in your work experience. If there are either explain that you took two years off to sail the world or don’t use a chronological type resume.

#5 – don’t exaggerate. I just read one where the guy went from being a maintenance mechanic to managing $19 million worth of facility upgrades – in one promotion. Highly unlikely.

#6 – fitting into an organization is as important as your experience. Mention things you’ve done to make the place run more smoothly.

#7 – nobody cares that you’re “Looking to apply your education and experience to benefit a company that …..” You want a job. An objective statement should only be included if you have very specific requirements…”I have always wanted to work for one of the Big Three automakers”. Otherwise, use the space for something useful to the reader.

#8 – do some homework about the company. It’s OK to say in the cover letter that “I was excited to see a job posting for Acme Supply in the school newspaper. I am impressed by Acme’s rocket packs and have an appreciation for the state-of-the-art engineering that the Road Runner undoubtedly enjoys.”


Six, I’d be glad to look over what you’re developing and give my 2¢.

v-six

Yustr, perhaps we'll make it a joint effort. My guide would have been primarily pertaining to the layout, with editorial issues secondary. In the field of graphic design and typography, if the layout doesn't look good, you don't get the job... even if you have more credentials in your field than Bill Gates. I spent twenty minutes with my class (I'm TAing a class on Typography) evaluating the resume of an MFA graduate from Yale. It turned out that the 300 level class knows more about typographical style than Yale does. Anyway, we should put something together... (then publish it and we'll all be rich )

Chevy

Other tips I got from my transition assistance course when i was leaving the military:

1 - Resume + Cover Letter = 3 pages. No more, no less

2 - Be ready to write several resumes, each focusing on a different aspect of your desired job

3 - While clean formatting is important, a little flair is good too, as it gets the resume noticed. For example, on my contact info at the top I included my nickname. It removes some of the anonymity while still looking professional.

4 - If you know someone in the Air Force (one who writes Elisted Performance Reports), get them to teach you proper bullet staements. A very efficient way to convey good information - easy to read, shows action and impact, helps quantify your successes.

Here's a link to my resume (a little out of date), but may be a good reference for some.

v-six

My two cents...
1: 3 Pages is ideal, but if you can consolidate your resume in one page without making it cluttered, even better. At two page resume is ideal in that you can fit alot of information about yourself without it being too long. Sometimes one page is preferred though, especially if there are alot of applicants for the job. Often all you're getting is one quick glance, so it turns out less is more. Not on their best day will an employer read every page of 100 applications.

3: Absolutely. You want to make yourself stand out, while still making your work look professional.

**edit, another resume if anyone wants to take a look. This is a condensed version I did for a client (no contact info etc, since that's already on his website). It was set up as a pdf, but he wanted it to load without adobe, so here it is in gif version!

Resolution

Sometimes I like the "objective" part on the resume. It helps if you aren't sending a cover letter. I think the best way to write an objective is to make direct statements that more or less tell the employer "Here is what I can bring to the table". For example, I have a resume with an objective that reads...

v-six

Objectives are a funny thing in that they require you to be slightly psychic and know how the employer would feel about it. Some think that they're a really nice touch to a resume, especially if there's no cover letter, as you said. Some think they're redundant... you are applying because you want the job... why else?

Resolution

Sometimes it isn't known as to which job you are applying for, and other times you may just want to walk into a building and hand the HR department your resume in hopes of getting some type of position that is related to your objective.

v-six

very true. I still like chevy's objective

Resolution

So do I, but I'm afraid I'm not that bold, and I think I will wait until I have Chevy's qualifications to try that objective in real-world settings.

yustr

I've said for many years that if I (as the manager) aren't the least valuable member of my team and work less than everyone else, that I haven't hired the right staff. Said another way, the only thing wrong with Chevy's objective is; why am I hiring him...if not to do MY work... ??? We all can't be the boss.

elf

Hey when you get this made, link me to it. I already have a rough draft of mine, and I just want to fine tune it a little before sending it out...

Chevy

The "Objective" isn't what I would use on my actual resume ... I just put it in there for s&g's ....

v-six

Itll probably be another 2 weeks till I get to it... I've been asked to put together something on the art nouveau and poster design, so I've got some research to do. If you want to send me what you've got, I'd be happy to pull out the red pen for you
-Six

mgoldb2

I need to start working on my resume soon. I am graduating college this spring. It going to be nice to finally have a computer science college degree. I would love to see some pointers on making a resume directed at tech/programming jobs. I plan to start sending my resume out to places this november to get as much of a head start as possiable in getting a job.

A little off topic but I just notice your sig
I made that mistake once had to redo most the program the next day but I was on the ground laughing at the comments I wrote on the code while I was drunk.

Bob Barker

I would LOVE to have help with building a strong resume :)

yustr

If you would like me to take a look at your resume, PM me and we'll make it happen. Even if its just a draft.

elf

Hey bob you should make waltside do it for you