How to write a resume?

[Sam_2.0]

This is going to sound dumb, but I've never really written one. I got into my current company through the Call Center and didn't need it there, and have worked my way around since then. There's a spot opened up that I am interested in and I need to get a resume ready for the application. The last 9 jobs I applied for were all rejected without so much as an interview, so obviously I am doing something wrong there. I just don't know what.

Any good resources on how to write one? Google is too overwhelming so I thought I would ask the experts

[alabamagal]

It is a hard thing to start from scratch, but I have used the templates on Microsoft Word, and they have some specific situations there too.  Like when my DD graduated college, there was a template she used that put an emphasis on school work.

After you first shot, I would ask friends/colleagues to review it and comment.  Only those friends/colleagues who you don't mind knowing you are writing a resume, of course.

With my kids, I remember telling them that a resume is like bragging about your accomplishments, and you have to put effort into it.  Like when DS didn't put that he was an Eagle Scout on there.  I told him adults are impressed by that.

[emma1420]

If you do a google search you'll find lots of sample resumes.

My biggest piece of advice is to tailor your resume for the position and to focus on outcomes.   I'd also make sure that you have multiple people proof read your resume and your cover letter.

[bean29]

If you have access to a library you can check out books on how to create your resume.  I did that many years ago when I was looking for my current position.  Just check the date on the tile page and make sure the resource you use is not more than a few years old.

I have that on my own to-do list b/c my own resume needs updating and things have changed in the last 7-8 years.

[jkapp]

Jul 24, 2014 14:03:12 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

If you do a google search you'll find lots of sample resumes.

My biggest piece of advice is to tailor your resume for the position and to focus on outcomes.   I'd also make sure that you have multiple people proof read your resume and your cover letter.

  Definitely tailor the resume and cover letter to match the job details.  I had a MUCH better response in my job search after I started doing both (I used to just tailor the cover letter, not I do both since apparently not as many people look at the cover letter anymore).

Just whatever the company lists as requirements/preferences, be sure to list as much of your own experiences that match to it.  Don't be afraid to leave stuff out of your resume that doesn't match up to the job description.

[emma1420]

Jul 24, 2014 14:13:37 GMT -5 jkapp said:

Jul 24, 2014 14:03:12 GMT -5 emma1420 said:

If you do a google search you'll find lots of sample resumes.

My biggest piece of advice is to tailor your resume for the position and to focus on outcomes.   I'd also make sure that you have multiple people proof read your resume and your cover letter.

  Definitely tailor the resume and cover letter to match the job details.  I had a MUCH better response in my job search after I started doing both (I used to just tailor the cover letter, not I do both since apparently not as many people look at the cover letter anymore).

Just whatever the company lists as requirements/preferences, be sure to list as much of your own experiences that match to it.  Don't be afraid to leave stuff out of your resume that doesn't match up to the job description.

I'd also make sure to use the keywords that they use in the job ad.  That way it's clear that you've read the ad, you are addressing what they want, and if there is software program that screens resumes/cover letters it is more likely your materials will end up with a real person.

[happyhoix]

Well, years and years ago, back before the internets, I used the book 'what color is your parachute' to help me write my resume. I'd submitted literally dozens of them with no response, took this book out of the library, upgraded my resume and got the very next job I applied for. Of course, my interviewing skills sucked, too, and this book helped that tremendously, too, so I don't now which had more of an impact.  Don't know if it's still in print but your library might have a copy. Very useful and motivational.

As mentioned above, research the company and job you're applying for and figure out what, in your work history, makes you a match for that job, and then tailor your resume to highlight those things.

I've seen ten page resumes (didn't read them), resumes that had tiny fonts, or with odd fonts. Resumes that listed lots of non-work things like sports achievements or religious activities. Had one guy that tailored his resume to point out what a close personal friend he was of my boss (I didn't hire him either). Even a few resumes that included too little - listed just a previous job title, without explaining what, exactly, he did in that role. I am also not a fan of resumes that are obviously over inflated "I managed the entire Purchasing department for all five of my company's manufacturing facilities" when the job title was 'account data entry clerk' for instance.

[Sam_2.0]

I know this *shouldn't* affect my chances at the job, but it's with the same company and everyone in that dept knows I am pregnant again and due soon. But this is also the job where the boss called me to ask if I was interested, so I am hoping that won't affect his decision at all. I just heard someone else is also applying, and it's kind of relit the fire under my bum to get this app in

[Tennesseer]

Sam-On your resume, do not go into detail of any jobs more than ten years ago. Focus on skills you have attained within the past 10 years that directly relate to the position you seek, the more recent jobs and skills the better.  Skills attained and not used within the past several years may not be considered.

Keep it short-no more than two pages.

[Sam_2.0]

I think I got it. I've been here for 9 years, only job before that was cashier/unloading trucks at Target. I did make sure to point out skills I've learned so far with my tenure here that would apply directly to the job I am looking at. The good news is that I know the business well, it's just the technical part of the job that I don't know and would need to be trained on. Even that shouldn't be too hard since I used to do technical training in the same systems, just different parts (customer service instead of billing). So I know the basics. Trying to step outside my box here and go for it even though I bet right now I could only do 50-75% of the job. But that's what training is for and where growth opportunities come in, right?

[wvugurl26]

I would still apply especially if someone asked if you are interested. Job descriptions are often a wish list that is only going to be fulfilled by the perfect candidate on the 5th Tuesday in March facing the east. Don't hold yourself back because you don't know all of it.

[raeoflyte]

Jul 28, 2014 11:05:05 GMT -5 wvugurl26 said:

I would still apply especially if someone asked if you are interested. Job descriptions are often a wish list that is only going to be fulfilled by the perfect candidate on the 5th Tuesday in March facing the east. Don't hold yourself back because you don't know all of it.

X1000

Good luck!

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using proboards

[Sam_2.0]

Thanks to @nuttinhoney for some help with getting it finished, and dad for checking it over, resume is now submitted. I also put on the application a higher starting salary than where I am now and figured they would work down if they wanted but it didn't seem an unreasonable amount to ask for given the salary range for the position (close to the mid point).

[Sam_2.0]

My dad suggested that I shoot the hiring manager an email to let him know my application was in. I did, and he seemed to be happy and said interviews would be in 2-3 weeks. Hoping I get the chance to at least interview for this one!

[bobosensei]

Jul 28, 2014 10:28:30 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Sam-On your resume, do not go into detail of any jobs more than ten years ago. Focus on skills you have attained within the past 10 years that directly relate to the position you seek, the more recent jobs and skills the better.  Skills attained and not used within the past several years may not be considered.

Keep it short-no more than two pages.

I agree with this.  If you have years of experience no one needs to see a half page on your entry level jobs out of school 20 years ago where you toot your horn about how you "answered a multiline phone system" or "revamped the file system" or "streamlined the mail sorting process" but if you are applying for your third job ever and those facts are relevant to the position then you would want to make sure that you mentioned these points in a way that shows what you did (so you need to show how you revamped or streamlined) and why it was important (was it innovative, did it save money, improve efficiency etc.).

It can be hard to pull a resume together for the first time.  For some career paths it simply isn't enough to describe your day to day job details using a couple of fancy phrases,  you really have to show how you go above and beyond.  I've had luck using my extra work on different committees and special projects to highlight my skills on my resume.