Author |
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Lyra
Member
01-01-2005
| Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 2:31 pm
I'm not currently working, and my last job ended (contract) at the end of March of this year. After that, I decided to do some travelling (away for almost 3 months); then decided to bum around and enjoy the rest of the summer off as well. So, I have this considerable work gap, which brings me to my resume question - what is the best way to explain this on my resume? I'd like to put a sentence somewhere to the effect of "work gap due to 3 month trip. Currently doing volunteer work.' I do have a separate volunteer section, but it doesn't come until page 2, (page 1 is all work experience), and it doesn't make sense to me to make a person view page 2 to see what I'm currently doing, right? I'm thinking move my volunteer section to the front, since I'm currently doing volunteer stuff, then the work section. So, should the sentence explaining the work gap come before the heading for 'work', or above my last job info? feedback appreciated.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 2:46 pm
IMHO: 1. Your resume should be 1 page long. (But don't worry, my dh disagrees with me about that. So do what you think, depending upon your career. If a big deal kind of positions, it can run longer; if not, keep it at one page, though.) 2. You should NOT address any gaps in your resume. That is something you should answer in an interview, if they are interested. Do not think you have to account for every minute of your life. You don't. They only want the details that pertain to the particular position. And, I doubt they will pick up on the gap. But I'd ready an explanation and polish it up a bit to remove any feeling that you just kinda lazed around (even if you did). Couch it in terms of gaining/honing certain skills that were important to you. Or giving back to your community or something. 3. No on the volunteer section to the front--unless you are really young. (If you are a recent college grad, then that might work.) Btw, I'd be very glad to work on it for you--critique what you have and edit it for you if you like. (I'm a former Eng Dept head and head marketing writer for my company for several years--before I retired.)
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Lyra
Member
01-01-2005
| Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 2:59 pm
Thanks for suggestions, I am (somewhat) a recent grad - 2003. I don't know about cutting it down to 1 page though, but maybe that's more prevalent in the US (I'm in Canada). My university had a co-operative education program that I took advantage of, so I do have work experience that I gained during my school years - the 2 jobs I've had since graduating were not my first jobs. But I think I will leave off mentioning the work gap, thanks.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 3:13 pm
Ok, I have a better idea of who you are now. And yes, that's pretty much a standard in the U.S. So go by what you know is the norm for Canada. What the employer wants to see is that you are a fit for the position. So the closer you are in mirroring the skills needed for the position --and keeping your resume as succinct and easy to read as possible, the better. I wouldn't bother listing anything that does not help you fulfill the job you are seeking (or shows you have skills beyond that job--for climbing the ladder). If work samples are important in your field, and you have some that's a plus to mention in your cover letter--and will help to snag you an interview. Also, never list references in your resume unless specifically requested to do so. You supply those only when the company shows interest. If you know an important client or employee, you should definitely mention that person in your cover letter (after getting approval in advance from that individual). Good luck!!
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Taterheadtwo
Member
09-29-2005
| Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 8:21 pm
dont get mad but the kiss method works best. kiss = keep it simple stupid, dont get mad , but a short resume , clean and orderly loos and get sbest results, maybe add a small card stapled to it, stateing for any needed info for references, more detailed job history and and time frames ,please ask will be happy to go into details for any... but a chopped up resume that has sections missing are referenced to another section, anything to make someone go back and forth to turn the resume into a puzzle, most will just trash can it, not consider it. its the clean, well presented ones who catch their eye and then they will look deeper harder and if wanting to know more will contact you are ask, hence maybe a call back, second interveiw ( maybe then had a second portfolio to show are drop off detailing more info...' what im trying to say is if it gets to where you start having to explain the resume youve lost the job already probably
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 2:53 pm
I am applying for a different job within the County and I have to answer a few questions with my ap. I am drawing a blank on how to say what I want...actually I am drawing a blank on getting the first sentence LOL I am asking if anyone has some key words I use to help me get started 1st question I need to explain my knowledge/ability in tech writing and prep of correspondence, along with my knowledge of Microsoft office I am great with Word (set up mail merge letter docs all the time) ok with Excel, can do simple formulas I write letters to cust. requesting completion of forms TIA...Mods you can delete this thread at end of day today ..ty
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Vee
Member
02-23-2004
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 3:13 pm
Most of the text books that I have on resume writing say to use action verbs to begin skill summaries... Developed... Administered... Designed... Implemented... Modified... Established... Initiated... Formulated... Created... Revised... Updated... Conducted... Maintained... Directed... Introduced... Is this the kind of information you are looking for, Pamy, or something else?
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 3:15 pm
Great! Thx Vee!!
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 4:23 pm
Don't be afraid to push the exaggeration envelope a tiny bit. Puffing okay, false representation not.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 4:27 pm
Any other ideas on words I can use to describe my knowlege of something I have no knowlege of?? LOL I need some good fudge lines. lol
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 4:33 pm
I've taught workplace readiness in the past. You should list those strong points that fit the description for the job. Pull out those things that best describe your skills and that match what they are looking for in a candidate. Look at the actual job description and use THOSE words in your resume. Vee's action verbs are absolutely necessary. www.monster.com has excellent resume information.
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Karen
Member
09-07-2004
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 4:42 pm
Juju's right about pushing the exaggeration envelope. If you use the words that Vee listed above, and keep it vague, you sound impressive enough on paper to get their attention -- without misrepresenting youself -- and then you sell yourself in the interview. Pamy, here's a coupla things cut and pasted from my resume... don't know if it helps... you don't need to just focus on your ability with MS Office, etc... you've got to sell yourself, too!! Throw in a good descriptive word about yourself as you tell them what you're capable of. * Knowledge of Windows Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and Project, with the ability to learn new programs quickly and efficiently. * Capable of working comfortably in a group setting or individually; able to prioritize tasks and manage time well. * Well spoken with a strong command of the English language. * etc... Again, don't know if this helps or not. Good luck!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 5:10 pm
Great advice! Thx Karen and Twiggy!!!
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Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 5:37 pm
karen, if you weren't my cyber-daughter, i'd hire ya!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 6:13 pm
Ok done...thx again!!! Mods you can delete this thread, I dont want to take up any needed space THX!
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Tabbyking
Member
03-11-2002
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 6:24 pm
make sure that if they ask you "where do you see yourself in 5 years", you say still with them! i can't tell you how many people i interviewed who would say, "i hope i am back in school next year and married with a family in 5 years, cause i really don't want to work that long" LOL....the company wants to know that you are going to be a long-term, valuable employee!
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 5:03 am
Just don't exaggerate too much. I lost track of the number of times that I hired people who were "experts" at something and it turned out that they knew almost nothing about it. There is a huge gap between "expert" and knowing almost nothing. I was not a happy camper when I found out. So push the envelope a little, but not too much.
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Jimmer
Moderator
08-30-2000
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 7:35 am
Rather than delete all of this good information, I moved it here.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 10:13 am
Good luck, Pamy! Twigs was absolutely right about using the EXACT words/phrases found in the job description within your resume. The more you mirror the job description, the better the chance of your resume resting in the 'keeper' pile. Remember, white space is essential in a good resume. It makes it look clean, efficient and readable. So when you can, cut any clutter words and keep descriptions to the point. They do not have to be full sentences. But whatever you do, punctuate all lines the same. (As you know, in tech writing, you have license to add periods where you wouldn't in an English class.) I'm sending you my last resume (via email) because your occupation and my former one are similar. Plus, I KNOW I will no longer be pursuing employment in the field.
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 4:42 pm
What if Pamy submits HP's resume and HP gets the job???

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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 5:33 pm
LOL!!! Thx again for all the great advice!! I just wish I could tell them, 'try me for a week for free, if I am not more than you expected, then let me go.' I will know if I qualified to be interviewed in a week or so.
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Goddessatlaw
Member
07-19-2002
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 5:56 pm
Pamy, you asked about resumes but I'm answering about cover letters. I review multiple resumes and cover letters per week. Anyone who writes about how they are "excited" and "energized" and other non-specific, uninformative, cover-letter boilerplate language automatically find their paperwork meeting my trashcan. Talk about your talents and training and your knowledge of the business to which you apply, and how your talents best suit their needs. Three, maybe four very specific paragraphs. And then sign off with your warmest regards. That will catch their attention faster than a flawless resume. Articulation and precision cannot be underestimated. Good luck with your interview!!
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 6:08 pm
ROTF, Juju! Pamy, we'll be rooting for you!! Let us know how things go. Good points, GAL.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Monday, May 15, 2006 - 6:42 pm
GAL, great advice! Thx HP!
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Texannie
Member
07-16-2001
| Friday, June 30, 2006 - 9:30 am
ok..need your help with both a resume and cover letter (I so agree with GAL's comments) Today, I got a chance to talk to one of my custmers outside of work and asked if his company was hiring. It's a Lexus dealership and alot of the employees happen to come into the store. He immediately said yes and for me to put something together and he would be happy to make a presentation on my behalf because he could think of several departments where I would be good in. Regarding cover letter, was thinking.. Dear S, Thank you so much for offering to present my resume. I think I would be a tremendous asset to X Lexus. I believe I have a real flair for customer service; being able to help a customer analyze their needs and then help them to attain them, is something that I truly enjoy and quite frankly, very good at. Along with my customer service skills, I bring a strong background in finance and organization. Thank you again for taking the time to help me. Sincerely, annie Do they still head a resume with an objective? Since I don't really know which departments he was referring to, how would I word my objective?
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