The job hunt is really frustrating me right now.

[DCLMP]

Critique is meant to help someone improve. I welcome it.

I think I can condense it down to three pages, remove the CPT information since I'm not currently applying for Phlebotomy positions (none available in my area, haven't been for months sadly) and align the references side by side.

The lack of a health care postilion such as phlebotomy is odd. You must live in a unique city.

 

[Foxhound3857]

The lack of a health care postilion such as phlebotomy is odd. You must live in a unique city.

It's just slim pickings in general here, it seems. I've put in more than a few applications for local hospitals and bloodbanks over the last three years (including Lifestream where I volunteered and continue to donate) but never even got to the interview phase. It was always that catch 22 of needing experience for the position but not being able to get any experience without such a position.

Openings were pretty common during the height of the COVID pandemic but they're quite sparse now.

 

[ronandannette]

Critique is meant to help someone improve. I welcome it.

I think I can condense it down to three pages, remove the CPT information since I'm not currently applying for Phlebotomy positions (none available in my area, haven't been for months sadly) and align the references side by side.

Please consider deleting the references. Seriously - your resume itself is not the appropriate place for references. No prospective employer is going to proactively look at them before they have interviewed you. Trust me when I say 3 pages is WAY too long, especially if you are only listing two previous jobs. This is working against you.

 

[Foxhound3857]

Please consider deleting the references. Seriously - your resume itself is not the appropriate place for references. No prospective employer is going to proactively look at them before they have interviewed you. Trust me when I say 3 pages is WAY too long, especially if you are only listing two previous jobs. This is working against you.

Alright, I'll work on it tomorrow. It's good to know that now, I hope that hasn't been what's been getting me ghosted.

 

[Christine]

Really? What should I condense? It's at four pages total right now.

I would also suggest that you remove your employee email address from the resume. Not saying this is causing you any problems but it's generally frowned upon by employers for use on a resume. Keep it to your personal email.

Now I am not someone familiar with retail work, but I think it is a bit too detailed/wordy for the type of work you are going for. Your most recent job should be the most detailed, with the past jobs more bulletized unless there was something specific in one of them that is noteworthy for whatever job you are applying for.

I have a 40 year work history and much of my experience is dropped off. I also tailor my resume for each specific job I apply for depending on what the employer is looking for.

 

[DCLMP]

It's just slim pickings in general here, it seems. I've put in more than a few applications for local hospitals and bloodbanks over the last three years (including Lifestream where I volunteered and continue to donate) but never even got to the interview phase. It was always that catch 22 of needing experience for the position but not being able to get any experience without such a position.

Openings were pretty common during the height of the COVID pandemic but they're quite sparse now.

I've been there. I finally got experience with a crappy company, but it opened up a floodgate of offers after that.

Have you ever considered relocating?

 

[Foxhound3857]

I've been there. I finally got experience with a crappy company, but it opened up a floodgate of offers after that.

Have you ever considered relocating?

If I'm forced to take another warehouse job far away, such as Amazon in Eastvale, I'm considering it.

Cost of living is cheaper up in the High Desert than down in the Inland Empire, albeit still very high. California is in a bad way right now.

 

[Foxhound3857]

Alright, I managed to condense my Resume quite a bit, cutting out some sections completely and streamlining others to focus on skills that are more relevant to the positions I'm applying for. It's down to two full pages.

Hopefully it looks a bit cleaner now. This is the one I'll be taking to my interview today.

 

[Christine]

Alright, I managed to condense my Resume quite a bit, cutting out some sections completely and streamlining others to focus on skills that are more relevant to the positions I'm applying for. It's down to two full pages.

Hopefully it looks a bit cleaner now. This is the one I'll be taking to my interview today.

It does look better.

I would rethink using the "Skills" section at the bottom. It basically restates most of what you said above in your opening statement and it doesn't really address hard skills. You day mention there that you are skilled in Computers and Technology. That is a very vague, nothing statement. An employer will say "well what exactly does that mean." So if you have some hard skills with that say something like "extensive use of Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel." If you did use them, explain an expertise you had with them such as "Developed a temporary inventory spreadsheet for XX product and used pivot tables to summarize extensive raw data" or something like that.

 

[Foxhound3857]

It does look better.

I would rethink using the "Skills" section at the bottom. It basically restates most of what you said above in your opening statement and it doesn't really address hard skills. You day mention there that you are skilled in Computers and Technology. That is a very vague, nothing statement. An employer will say "well what exactly does that mean." So if you have some hard skills with that say something like "extensive use of Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel." If you did use them, explain an expertise you had with them such as "Developed a temporary inventory spreadsheet for XX product and used pivot tables to summarize extensive raw data" or something like that.

I have some experience with Microsoft Excel and WMS High Jump, both of those I used doing Tote Audit for my department. I also used Excel and Outlook to do some basic data entry for Lifestream during my volunteering days.

 

[Christine]

@Foxhound3857

I also decided to run your resume through ChatGPT keeping in the skills. Sometimes ChatGPT has a better way with words. I think this one works well. It bolds skills and key abilities and makes it sound better.


Here’s a more polished version of your resume. I’ve enhanced the language to make it more professional and impactful:

---

[Your Name]
[Your Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [LinkedIn Profile] (Optional)

---

Professional Summary​

Detail-oriented and results-driven professional with extensive experience in warehouse and fulfillment operations. Proven ability to exceed production goals, maintain excellent attendance, and uphold high safety standards. Proficient in using RF scanners and skilled in multitasking in fast-paced, high-demand environments. Known for flexibility, leadership in safety protocols, and strong work ethic, gained through key roles at leading companies like Nordstrom and Custom Goods LLC.

---

Professional Experience​

Warehouse Associate | Nordstrom Fulfillment Center 879 — San Bernardino, CA​

August 2020 – Present

• Trained in key warehouse functions including Stock Control, Receiving, and Packing.
• Consistently surpasses production goals, achieving perfect ratings in Attendance, Quality, and Safety metrics.
• Proficient in RF Scanner operations, with in-depth knowledge of day-to-day departmental tasks.
• Actively involved in the Safety Committee; serves as Shift Lead, conducting stretching exercises and delivering safety briefings during Start-up Meetings.
• Recognized for leadership, flexibility, and ability to perform under pressure in dynamic work environments, especially during peak demand periods.

Canteen Host | Lifestream Blood Bank — Victorville, CA​

July 2019 – August 2022

• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the Canteen area, ensuring a welcoming environment for blood donors.
• Provided excellent customer service, offering refreshments to donors post-donation, monitoring recovery, and assisting those with adverse reactions.
• Managed reception and clerical duties, including data entry of donor credentials and maintaining accurate records.
• Secured facility by locking up Canteen area and building after closing hours.

---

Education​

High School Diploma | Excelsior Education Center​

2001 – 2006
GPA: 3.6 | Field of Study: Liberal Arts

Victor Valley College​

2006 – Present (Inactive)
GPA: 3.2 | Field of Study: English Literature

---

Skills​

• Warehouse & Fulfillment Expertise: Proficient in Stocking, Receiving, and Packing operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Adept at identifying workplace hazards and promoting safety measures.
• Technology: Proficient in RF scanners and general computer skills.
• Customer Service: Strong ability to engage with customers and donors, ensuring a positive experience.
• Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail and a focus on neatness and efficiency.
• Problem-Solving: Skilled in conflict resolution and overcoming challenges in high-pressure environments.
• Reliability: Consistently punctual, dependable, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork: Performs effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Quick Learner: Capable of rapidly acquiring new skills and adapting to changing environments.

 

[Foxhound3857]

@Foxhound3857

I also decided to run your resume through ChatGPT keeping in the skills. Sometimes ChatGPT has a better way with words. I think this one works well. It bolds skills and key abilities and makes it sound better.


Here’s a more polished version of your resume. I’ve enhanced the language to make it more professional and impactful:

---

[Your Name]
[Your Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [LinkedIn Profile] (Optional)

---

Professional Summary​

Detail-oriented and results-driven professional with extensive experience in warehouse and fulfillment operations. Proven ability to exceed production goals, maintain excellent attendance, and uphold high safety standards. Proficient in using RF scanners and skilled in multitasking in fast-paced, high-demand environments. Known for flexibility, leadership in safety protocols, and strong work ethic, gained through key roles at leading companies like Nordstrom and Custom Goods LLC.

---

Professional Experience​

Warehouse Associate | Nordstrom Fulfillment Center 879 — San Bernardino, CA​

August 2020 – Present

• Trained in key warehouse functions including Stock Control, Receiving, and Packing.
• Consistently surpasses production goals, achieving perfect ratings in Attendance, Quality, and Safety metrics.
• Proficient in RF Scanner operations, with in-depth knowledge of day-to-day departmental tasks.
• Actively involved in the Safety Committee; serves as Shift Lead, conducting stretching exercises and delivering safety briefings during Start-up Meetings.
• Recognized for leadership, flexibility, and ability to perform under pressure in dynamic work environments, especially during peak demand periods.

Canteen Host | Lifestream Blood Bank — Victorville, CA​

July 2019 – August 2022

• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the Canteen area, ensuring a welcoming environment for blood donors.
• Provided excellent customer service, offering refreshments to donors post-donation, monitoring recovery, and assisting those with adverse reactions.
• Managed reception and clerical duties, including data entry of donor credentials and maintaining accurate records.
• Secured facility by locking up Canteen area and building after closing hours.

---

Education​

High School Diploma | Excelsior Education Center​

2001 – 2006
GPA: 3.6 | Field of Study: Liberal Arts

Victor Valley College​

2006 – Present (Inactive)
GPA: 3.2 | Field of Study: English Literature

---

Skills​

• Warehouse & Fulfillment Expertise: Proficient in Stocking, Receiving, and Packing operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Adept at identifying workplace hazards and promoting safety measures.
• Technology: Proficient in RF scanners and general computer skills.
• Customer Service: Strong ability to engage with customers and donors, ensuring a positive experience.
• Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail and a focus on neatness and efficiency.
• Problem-Solving: Skilled in conflict resolution and overcoming challenges in high-pressure environments.
• Reliability: Consistently punctual, dependable, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork: Performs effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Quick Learner: Capable of rapidly acquiring new skills and adapting to changing environments.

That is very nice, actually. I might have to use that one instead. Much appreciated.

 

[Foxhound3857]

It does look better.

I would rethink using the "Skills" section at the bottom. It basically restates most of what you said above in your opening statement and it doesn't really address hard skills. You day mention there that you are skilled in Computers and Technology. That is a very vague, nothing statement. An employer will say "well what exactly does that mean." So if you have some hard skills with that say something like "extensive use of Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel." If you did use them, explain an expertise you had with them such as "Developed a temporary inventory spreadsheet for XX product and used pivot tables to summarize extensive raw data" or something like that.

Okay I took the template of the one you ran through ChatGPT, formatted it in WordPad and added some minor additional details for posterity, namely the addresses of my former places of employment. That's the one I'll turn in today.

I also added to the general computer skills bullet an emphasis on Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

 

[DCLMP]

If I'm forced to take another warehouse job far away, such as Amazon in Eastvale, I'm considering it.

Cost of living is cheaper up in the High Desert than down in the Inland Empire, albeit still very high. California is in a bad way right now.

My son wanted to live in California and take online classes this Summer. He wasn't able to secure any type of job. He's only 21 and he wasn't looking for anything skilled.
There's a lot of jobs where we live in Arizona.

 

[kymom99]

I think the new format is really nice. It helps important points stand out.
My son had to have an extensive resume in a specific format for the national park service. A man my husband knows sent it to someone he knows. She made some recommendations and it was like magic. He started getting responses. I hope the same happens for you.

Good luck!

 

[texaslover]

I was going to recommend this article but looks like you were able to cut your resume down and target in on experience more. If anyone is interested:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-one-page-resume

 

[starry_solo]

Delete the years from the education.
Delete the education in general except for the HS diploma.

It shows your age

 

[Foxhound3857]

Interview went pretty well, faster paced then I was used to so I didn't have time to elaborate on many things, but it hit all the important points, especially about having an open schedule ad Stocking experience, and it included a tour of the entire store, the work floor and their operations. I'm hoping that's a good sign that they're serious about hiring for the position.

 

[kymom99]

Interview went pretty well, faster paced then I was used to so I didn't have time to elaborate on many things, but it hit all the important points, especially about having an open schedule ad Stocking experience, and it included a tour of the entire store, the work floor and their operations. I'm hoping that's a good sign that they're serious about hiring for the position.

Sounds promising, keep us updated.

 

[Imzadi]

This describes what was mentioned in a previous post. Remember, YOU are probably doing everything right. There's possibly just no jobs right now.