Posted: 5/25/2015 7:51:15 PM EDT
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So I need to make a resume,never needed one before. What type of things do companies look for?
Quick background, I'm 37 only had two "real" jobs,both in the same line of work. Looking to make a change and go into something different. I did take some classes to help me get into something else. And what about cover letters? Thanks for any advice. |
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Try to keep it on one page. Use a normal, readable size font.
Put your name and contact info in the header Include a few sentences on your core competencies, specialties and what sort of position/environment you're seeking. Professional history -List your job title, the company and duties. try and include one or two instances of major accomplishments (increased productivity by 15%, finished project under budget, etc) Development -Put any colleges you attended, degree attained and date of graduation if applicable. Since you're 37 years old don't bother with GPA or honors or any of that nonsense -Also include any professional training, development, seminars, courses etc. Skillset -bullet points of your skills and competencies. As far as cover letters, unless you're applying to something very specific or someone introduced you to the recruiter, it's probably not necessary, wont get read and may be a waste of time these days. Remember your audience and taylor the resume to the job you're applying to. |
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I don't even read it the first time I go over it. First, I look for typos or bad grammar. Any errors and I toss it.
Then I look at relevant experience and job history. Large unaccounted for periods of time are instant red flags, as is having 10 different employers in 5 years. Then I check with references. No contactable employer references is a red flag. (I never understood why anyone would ask for or give references that were not work related.  )
What should be compiled depends a lot on the industry, position being applied for etc. |
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Depends on what industry and how big a company you are sending them too. I hire and read resumes. I prefer someone who says something rather than list a bunch of titles that get handed out like candy nowdays. Project manager could be a billion dollar project or a janitor nowdays. I actually read them and cover letters. I normally learn more from a cover letter than a resume. If it's a corporate type environment you have to approach it differnet. We only have 400 employees total and are privately owned. When I sent mine in the president of the company read it and it called. Personally I wouldn't stick references on a resume. Kind of sticks out like a sore thumb. If they want them they will ask or if the industry is pretty tight they'll just call around without asking for a reference. |
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Quoted: So I need to make a resume,never needed one before. What type of things do companies look for? Quick background, I'm 37 only had two "real" jobs,both in the same line of work. Looking to make a change and go into something different. I did take some classes to help me get into something else. And what about cover letters? Thanks for any advice. One of the classes they give for free is on writing resumes, completing applications, and cover letters (letter of interest). They talk about different resume formats, targeting a resume for a specific job, how to apply previous experience and word it, etc. I've also written a few and had them give them a once-over. Probably something similar in OH. |
| I just interviewed for a job and they never looked at the resume. Not once. I referred them to look at it and they glanced. Felt like I wasted my time. Hopefully they call me this week. With an offer, but I am overqualified for the job. Oh well. Maybe my NACI comes back this week and I won't have to worry then. |