I need help writing a resume

[daughtersrus]

I honestly have never done it.

It's looking more and more likely that DH is going to loose his job. He's worked a the same place for almost 27 years in a blue collar job. He graduated high school, attended community college for classes in his field, his employer sent him to "Ford School" so that he's certified by them...The last time either of us applied for a job, you filed out an application and that was it.


I'm hoping that 26+ years of experience and being a loyal employee with help him stand out.

Any suggestions?

 

[dngnb8]

I honestly have never done it.

It's looking more and more likely that DH is going to loose his job. He's worked a the same place for almost 27 years in a blue collar job. He graduated high school, attended community college for classes in his field, his employer sent him to "Ford School" so that he's certified by them...The last time either of us applied for a job, you filed out an application and that was it.


I'm hoping that 26+ years of experience and being a loyal employee with help him stand out.

Any suggestions?

I currently work in HR and have been on hiring committees.

Here is my suggestion

You never have 1 resume. Many companies have an employment section screen the resumes first. This typically means someone who doesnt have job knowledge. They look for key words etc.

My advice is to create a resume that is simple and easily adjustable. What I do when I am hunting is

I surf the net for jobs, read job description and alter my resume to use their language. I save the resume with the job description and date so i know which resume to take to the interview.

Looks something like this

Head is name address and phone. Usually centered and in 14 font size

Opening paragraph. Something about 3 sentences long that give a quick overview of skills and personality. Something like

A 25 year professional with specific training in (list several). I am a team player, quick learner and have my own tools (blue collar reference) yadda yadda yadda

Then, I would in a table 4 columns across list the skill sets their job description asks for. Add things like has tools etc.

Since he has taken college courses for skill sets, in another table, list the certifications he has.

Then list 3 things he has done. Just a paragraph with the first word bolded. Something like

Designed procedures for removing radiator at shop. New procedure emphasize safety and speed yadda yadda yadda

Lastly, job history. Never say you were fired. Use terms like Job Reduction, Reduction in Force, Furthered career etc.

The big keys are

1: Clean and simple. If I had to read a dissertation, I was less likely to put in the effort. Especially in todays job market where there could be 300 apps for 1 job. The faster they can glean information in a simple format, the better for you to be seen. EDIT: Also, use a thicker bond of paper. When they have a stack, it tends to get picked because the papers separate based on bond. An off white also stands out a bit. You want to be seen.

2: Typos really do matter. Spell and Grammar check. Have another set of eyes look at it.

3. Use their Job description language. The person screening your application may not be aware of slang, or different terminology for what they need.

Hope this helps. The big key is to try and keep it 1 page. We just dont have that much time to have to search the resume for information. Also, dont fib! If he is asked, he better be able to answer. Always send a thank you letter about 7 days after your interview. It gets your name in front of them again. Mention something in the interview, highlight something quick so they recognize it wasnt a form letter thank you.

 

[Aisling]

What great suggestions!

The "key word" suggestion stands out to me. My cousin who's a teacher was looking to get into a different field, to get out of teaching. She saw an opening with the Dept. of Agriculture in administrative work that she liked. It just so happened that during her teaching years she was involved in a few student projects that were funded by the Dept. of Agriculture, so she put that down on her resume, even though she had no specific dealings with them. She was called in for an interview and was told that her Dept. of Agriculture reference was what stood out, so key words are very important. She didn't get the job, though, but at least it got her in the door for an interview.

OP, I hope and pray your DH gets a job. Remember, he has to sell himself, so to speak. Something as simple as mentioning he has his own tools and has designed something (or whatever he can mention that would make him stand out, even if he only did it once in his job) will make the hiring person more interested.

Again, great hints from the previous poster! I'm going to pass this on to my son for future reference!

 

[shortbun]

The only advice I have is to make a basic resume then taylor it to each job he's sending it to. Also, keep it fairly simple and not flowery. I saw a resume Sunday that was five pages long-ridiculous and desperate. This guy had the same information on there at least three times in different formats. I told him he needed to get it down to at least two pages. No one is going to take the time to read five pages unless there is a very specific reason for a specific job.

 

[daughtersrus]

Thank you all for the help!