Help Again----Need resume writing help

[Krischaser]

Hi I have worked in the same business for 20 years and now I have an opportunity to get another job from word of mouth and they want a resume asap. I haven't written one in 20 years and they need one right away----Help. I don't know where to start since they seemed to change since then. Also do I send a cover letter with it? HHHHEEEELLLPPP

 

[mackeysmom]

As a current job seeker - here's some stuff that might help:

1) Does your current position have a job description anywhere? Sometimes an employee handbook or HR office might have one. If so, you can use that as a starting point.

2) Even though you've worked at the same place for 20 years, have you held various positions there? Have you ever been promoted? You can separate each of those different positions out - almost as if you were listing 3 or 4 jobs at different companies.

3) Some people like to put an "objective" statement at the top of the resume. A brief description of the job you are looking for and how your skills relate to it.

4) Google "resume templates" to get an idea of the layout you like. Just don't make it too "busy".

While you are there - Google "cover letter" and get a template for that. Even if they don't ask for one - I personally think a nice cover letter can go a long way.

Good luck

-- Laura

 

[Sagginit]

if you go to monster.com/careerbuilder.com or any other site like that they will have great articles and advice on that topic. there is also a forum where you can post and get a critique i believe. there is plenty of free advice online so i wouldnt stress, it will be a breeze if you do your research.

 

[Gigi22]

As someone who has read hundreds of resumes, I would like to encourage you to be brief (2 pages is a good length), avoid acronyms, be clear in describing what you did, your skills and knowledge. Use spellcheck and proofread your resume too--spellcheck is good, but not goof-proof. Be prepared to give 2 or 3 references, and have accurate up-to-date contact information for your references. Best wishes and good luck!

 

[resumeformats]

Just make sure that you updated all the important details in your resume such as addresses, contact numbers as well as work experience and references with contact numbers.

 

[Psychodisney]

I recently read something about "modern" resumes. One thing I remember was don't list a bunch of contact numbers......just cell phone. I think the article was in the recent Money magazine.

 

[prncess674]

What type of position do you currently hold/looking for? is it professional? technical? admistrative? Cover letters are nice for cold calls, but if the resume was specifically solicited then you are probably going to just attach it to an email. A quick paragraph stating that you are excited about exploring opportunities at XYZ company and look forward to talking to ABC persons about your past experiences at GHJ current company may be a value to XYZ.

I disagree with 2 pages. I say keep it to 1 page unless you are applying to become CEO. The point of a resume is not to list out every nauseating detail of your life for the last 20 years, it is to highlight and showcase your specific and relevant talents for the job you are applying.

 

[tar heel]

A cover letter is essential. Keep the resume brief and avoid acronyms and jargon. Emphasize skills and experience relative to the new position.

 

[SaraJayne]

The OP is a year old, but good advice for anyone currently looking for a job.

When I recently updated my resume, the web and friends were invaluable in helping me tweak it.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

A cover letter is essential. Keep the resume brief and avoid acronyms and jargon. Emphasize skills and experience relative to the new position.

I was reading articles on careerbuilder and theladders and the cover letter is no longer essential. Its more likely to get your resume thrown out because its just another thing that mistakes can occur with. In an economy with many people looking for jobs having something they can glance over quickly and put you in a keep vs not keep pile is easy.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/15/silverman.cover.letters/index.html?iref=allsearch

I know when I was in charge of hiring of summer interns - half of them wrote cover letters and half those got thrown out because of mistakes with the letter.

 

[tar heel]

That's interesting dis_Yoda, but certainly not always true. When my organization filled its most recent position, resumes without cover letters were not looked at. My boss felt like that indicated poor decision-making on the part of the applicants.

 

[prncess674]

I was reading articles on careerbuilder and theladders and the cover letter is no longer essential. Its more likely to get your resume thrown out because its just another thing that mistakes can occur with. In an economy with many people looking for jobs having something they can glance over quickly and put you in a keep vs not keep pile is easy.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/15/silverman.cover.letters/index.html?iref=allsearch

I know when I was in charge of hiring of summer interns - half of them wrote cover letters and half those got thrown out because of mistakes with the letter.

The cover letter is so antiquated and rarely do you mail in a resume these days. Everything is electronic. If the company is large the resume goes through HR first who scans it to pdf and then electronically files it. The resume is then sent to the interviewer if you have passed the initial HR questions. HR folks read hundreds or resumes and I seriously doubt they bother with the cover letter. I know, as someone who frequently interviews
people interested in working for my consulting firm I have never been given the cover letter from HR.

 

[tar heel]

But aren't most American businesses still small, likely without an HR department? 95% of our applications were electronic, but my boss expected a cover letter. I don't mean a formal bs letter attached, but something to say who you were and what you were applying for. Our resumes went to a dedicated email box (xxxmanager@xxx.com). People sent resumes without even a note on the email, and they were not looked at.

I don't think adding a well-done cover letter can be a mistake, but omitting one can.

 

[resumetemplates01]

If you have time, try to write your own resume. Look for a good resume format or template. But if you do not have time, Look for a resume writing services in the internet.

 

[resumetemplates02]

Find a good resume writing service if you do not have enough time but if you have time make your own. You just have to find a good resume format or templates.

 

[SarahKate]

I believe cover letters ARE important to many businesses who are accepting applications. It can give your application a more personal feel.

Here is a resource I created last year, which has some tips and tricks for resumes. These are based on experiences I've had with looking at others' resumes. I've not been the person who has hired people myself, but I've looked at a LOT of resumes and have seen the ones that get peoples' attention, the ones that go to the bottom of the stack, and then the ones that get no look whatsoever.

There is NO exact science to creating resumes. Just put your best food forward!

http://springfieldmoms.org/resume-tips-and-tricks/