posted
I need a job. A job would provide me with money. Money would provide me with a social life. A social life would increase my opportunities for finding a geeky, video game-loving boyfriend. At worst, it'd give me the money to buy video games for myself.
I had some good resumes. They got lost in a hard drive crash. I managed to find copies of old ones online, but they weren't the best ones. And anyway, I want another few pairs of eyes to see them first before I go scattering them about.
As you can see, I favor the functional resume. It's probably a good choice in my case, as my job history has been spotty these last few years, and I also had a slight career change. Questions:
Do I have to put the Work Experience section in reverse chronological order? For that first resume, I'd really like to put the Lead Lab Assistant first, because that's directly related to the job I am applying for.
I don't have any library experience, but this is an area I'm really interested in. Do I sound knowledgable without being over qualified? Keep in mind that these type of positions are usually your basic library clerk.
How are my objective statements? Too general?
Anything else you would recommend?
For the techie positions, I'm a bit worried that I've been out of the field for a year and a half. My XP experience is limited (one computer at my old job). Is this going to make a huge difference? Thanks in advance for your help and support.
posted
On first one -- the word "To" on second line (top) needs to be lower case because it is an extension of the sentence started in the line above it.
Do you have any certifications (Microsoft Office MOUS, A+ or other training classes) you can add?
I think (personally) it would be better if you were more specific with some of the software programs you know, instead of just saying "graphic imaging software" (you did specify on the second resume'). Which version of MS Office? 97, 2000, 2002(XP) or 2003?
I don't know if the lack of XP experience will make a difference in your area of the country. It always depends on just how many businesses (including those you are applying to) have converted fully to Windows XP. Do you have any server OS experience (like Windows 2000 Server)? If so, you didn't specify that.
If you are going for true "helpdesk" type of support -- really emphasize the people aspects (you have your "excellent customer service" kind of buried). Most shops know that they can train all kinds of people on the technical aspects of the job -- but it is really hard to find people that are good with PEOPLE -- with being nice and kind and patient with users.
Personally, on the first one, I would have your "skills" (which you have listed as 'other skills') ABOVE the more technical "Network Administration and Desktop Support information, because it encapsulates you at a glance, and brings your most positive aspects forward.
posted
On first one -- the word "To" on second line (top) needs to be lower case because it is an extension of the sentence started in the line above it.
Oops. I usually catch that, but it was late and I was tired. Stupid auto-correcting Word.
Do you have any certifications (Microsoft Office MOUS, A+ or other training classes) you can add?
I wish. I would love to get the MOUS, but I don't have the money for the tests.
Do you have any server OS experience (like Windows 2000 Server)? If so, you didn't specify that.
Hands-on experience with NT server. I did some training CDs on 2000 server, but I don't have any hands-on experience.
If you are going for true "helpdesk" type of support -- really emphasize the people aspects (you have your "excellent customer service" kind of buried).
What do you mean by "true helpdesk"? To mean, that means first-level phone support, which is NOT what I want. I'm looking to do onsite support, ideally at a school or a creative organization.
Personally, on the first one, I would have your "skills" (which you have listed as 'other skills') ABOVE the more technical "Network Administration and Desktop Support information, because it encapsulates you at a glance, and brings your most positive aspects forward.
You think? I'd be worried that they wouldn't bother to read down to my work experience. I also tend to cover skills stuff in the cover letter. But on the other hand, I could see how putting skills first might make me stand out, especially if they are looking for "soft" skills like the ability to explain things clearly, or excellent customer service skills.
Here are two of the openings I'm considering applying for:
quote: COMPUTER TECHNICIAN Full Time, available as soon as possible. Salary per schedule. Submit Application/Resume by April 30th. Attn: Robert Cieply Technology Director Cicero Public Sch., Dist. 99 2110 S. Laramie Cicero, IL 60804
quote:EDUCATION Elmwood Park SD #401 is seeking an experienced Computer Technician. Candidate should be well versed in MS Office Suite and possess knowledge of computer and network hardware components. Ability to interact well with teachers and students a must. Fax resume to Jim Nelson at 708-452-1705.
I don't want to come off as TOO experienced and overqualified in these. Reading these descriptions, do you think they're looking for a candidate with certs, or extensive networking experience, or are they looking more for someone who's friendly and knows stuff about computers?
Posts: 1805 | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
What I would do is prowl around the schools phone directory information and call the people and ask specifically what they are looking for. Say that you know they will be reviewing dozens of resumes and you don't want to waste their time by submitting one, when you don't have a good idea of whether you are qualified or not.
This also gives them a chance to see that you are taking initiative and puts your name out them so that it will jog their memory when they are looking through the resumes.
quote:Ability to interact well with teachers and students a must
That line right there in the second listing tells me that perhaps the person they had doing this job prior was NOT very good at interacting with others -- maybe why they emphasized it in the ad. Something to think about.
Well, I did originally mean helpdesk phone, but I see now that isn't exactly what you are after. However, I think the people skills are still very important. There are lots of geeky people with lots of computer knowledge that NO ONE will hire because they have no people skills.
posted
Oh, I agree that people skills are very important. And I think that's one of my strengths. I'm techie, but not too techie, if you get my drift.
I rewrote the resume for those school positions. I took your advice and put Skills at top, and added a bunch more to emphasize that I have good interpersonal skills. I changed the "Network Administration and Desktop Support" header to Qualifications, as I think that flows better with the rearrangement. I also fiddled with that section a bit. Finally, I added a section for my volunteer work, as it's been extremely important to me and a valuable experience. It also shows that I have still been doing something related to computer support recently.
AJ, that's a great idea to call them up. I did poke around their websites to see if I can find any other info. The only thing I found was that the second position is for an elementary school.
Another question I have: I'm seriously considering temporary work for a while. Something in the 1-6 month range. I think it would fit my needs and personality. For this, I'd be willing to do almost anything office related. Do I need a resume for these types of jobs, or do I just march myself into Kelly Services and fill out an application?
Posts: 1805 | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
Xnera -- I really like your re-write of it -- especially the way you "flesh out" that first part and really made it positive. And I like the fact that you added the volunteer stuff -- that is important. A personality that likes to do volunteer things means they really like what they do. You'll do great with that resume'
posted
Well, I think temp work is great. I did it for quite awhile while finishing my degree, and it sure came in handy later. In "company x" for instance, they used Excel almost exclusively, and I learned pivot tables and custom graphing and all kinds of neat advanced stuff I hadn't worked on in an actual business environment. Then you go to company "Y" and get in-depth look at how all major Word functions are used in business, or Outlook forms, etc. etc.
Then later, when you are teaching others, you know how that stuff is really used in business. You're not locked into one way of doing things.
posted
xnera, I have extensive experience in HR. I did all the hiring for my online education company - including techies. I'm worried that your resume is going to keep you from being considered for almost every position that you are qualified for.
When I was reviewing resumes, I would look at job experence first and then at education. That would determine whether the applicant would go into my "closer look" file. I wasn't interested in things like "interpersonal skills" because I would form my own impression during the interview.
Here's what I would do. Change the format of your resume. List your experience first, in chronological order (with your most recent job first). Provide details about your responsibilities. You have your volunteer work before your experience, which gives employers the impression that your previous work experience is poor. Next list your education. Change the Qualification heading to Skills and get rid of what you have under skills now.
I'm worried about doing a chronological approach because I have gaps in my employment. I'm afraid a chronological approach would make those gaps really stand out. Also, my last job had nothing to do with computers, so if I did the traditional chronological approach where you describe your responsibilities at each position, it'd be apparent that I've been out of the computer field for a while.
Do you not like the functional style? Because a lot of sites I read are really recommending the functional style over the chronological. And a functional resume got me hired to my last position.
I do think putting the work experience above volunteer work might be a good idea, for the reasons you stated.
Posts: 1805 | Registered: Jun 1999
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![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
I managed to find copies of old ones online, but they weren't the best ones. And anyway, I want another few pairs of eyes to see them first before I go scattering them about.
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I would love to get the MOUS, but I don't have the money for the tests.![[Smile]](smile.gif)
