Resume Help

[kss]

[?][?]Does anyone know of a good resource for updating/creating a better resume?  Mine bites

[TulsaFan-inTexas]

You may want to look at Craigslist for Tulsa, or just do a google search for the Tulsa area on resume help. Here are a few pointers though.

Be concise. Nobody wants to ready your life story. The point of a resume is to pique the reader's interest enough to want to speak to you in person. Tell them just enough to be interested, but not enough to allow them to check you off the list.

Don't use fancy fonts. Many resumes are scanned before they get to the next level. An off-beat font will cause errors and some of your resume will end up being unreadable. Use Arial.

Provide and introductory paragraph, or an objective. After your name, address, and contact information (which should be in the header of the document, not the body) provide a three or four line paragraph that introduces you or states and objective, or combination of both, such as "Twelve year veteran ______ with a strong background in _______. Expert in______ and exceptional leader. Blah, blah, blah.. Keep it short.

Don't state things that are irreleventSuch as single or married, number of kids, or any of that. It has NO bearing on the job and it is fact illegal for anyone to ask such questions either on paper or in person.

A proper format is important. I've found the following to be best.

Name, address, phone, email (in the header of the document)

Objective/Introduction

Professional Experience (last job first)


03/1999 - Present
LJL Industries, Cooperstown, CA
Lead Technician
Describe responsibilities. Use present tense on the first one if you are still employed.

12/1997 -  02/1999
ABC Motors, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mechanic
Describe responsibilities. Use past tense, such as "Repaired motors for a full line of ..."

List all of the jobs you've had for the past 10 years or so - enough to show you're qualified for the job.


Education
List all degrees, and corporate sponsored training..

Certifications/Special Skills


Keep it to one or two pages if possible.

You don't have to list references. If the potential employer wants them they'll ask for them.

Good luck.

[cannon_fodder]

Some places actually mandate an objective be on the resume, but I cant stand it.  It encourages people to put crap like "I gain entry into an exciting and rewarding career."  The objective line has absolutely no point at all, I hate it.

Also, if you have more education than experience - put that first. If you google it, you can find many fine examples.  I'd link to mine, but for some reason the file is offline.

[TulsaFan-inTexas]

I hate the standard objective as well. I guess the best word for the part that comes first would be a "summary" of what you bring to the table. If it's worded correctly, and gets to the point, it can be very effective. The old "seeking a career with the potential to yadda, yadda, yadda" is bull and should never be put on any resume. If one can't think of anything that summarizes their skills and experience to their advantage, it's best to leave that part off the resume.