HELP!!! i need to write a resume....

[stev0]

should i just use the built in resume builder in ms word?! i've never really written one so i'm not all too sure... any advice would be appreciated

 

[BamBam215]

god no the resume builders in MS word suck arse. If you don't have a friend to show you a sample, try searching for a resume sample on the web somewhere.

Couple of things to remember though.
1. make sure your name, address, contact info etc. is spelled right. No employer will hire you if you're not competent enough to spell your name correctly.
2. make sure you keep it to a page. The only time your resume should be longer than a page is if you're righting a curriculum vitae, or if you're applying to be a ceo of some company.
3. try to list experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying to. A good friend of mine said that no two resumes you send out should look alike. Each one should be tailored to the specific job you're looking for.

My resume is about 2 pages long, but that's with everything listed. I cut it down based on which job or position I'm applying for. If you really need a sample to look at... shoot me an email and I'll send you mine.

Good luck!!!

 

[amnesiac]

Here are some tips, and things I look for when hiring. I don't know what kind of position or field you're applying for, so there may be exceptions in your case.

1. Proofread.
2. Misspellings are bad, whether they be from ignorance or neglect. It's called "spell-check."
3. Grammatical errors get on my nerves.
4. Have your friends proofread.
5. Keep it to one page *unless* you have EXTENSIVE experience in the field or are applying for a research position. Rarely do you need 2+ pages to show you can work. Excess fluff just wastes my time and makes it look like you're padding.
6. Make sure all your contact information is right. I love calling someone back for an interview and getting a wrong number.

7. Don't use templates. Everyone uses templates and it shows a lack of creativity. If you want it done right, get it typset by a professional.
8. You generally don't want to list the last 8 temp agencies you worked for. That doesn't instill faith.
9. Provide references and salary information only if requested.
10. Don't badmouth previous employers.
11. Have your momma proofread.
12. Cover letter is optional but helps if any sort of writing skill is required in your job. Shows you can make coherent sentences.
13. Superfluous information such as GPA and physical statistics are not necessary unless requested specifically.
14. Proofread it again.

That should help a bit.
If you want someone to look it over or if you need some help wording your 1337 skillz PM me and I'll be more than happy to critique or tweak your resume.

*edit*
BamBam215 brought up a very valid point. PLEASE tailor your resume and cover letter to each individual job. Make sure only relevant work experience is shown. I get people applying for secretarial positions who list job experience at the ZOO taking care of ANIMALS, and others listing house-sitting and nanny qualifications. Heh.

 

[Nocturnal]

my girlfriend submitted a ms word made resume and her prof and class went over it and they knew it was a template and said to NOT EVER USE ONE! she is applying for internships and i guess they dont like it when you use a template.

so try to stay away from the templates if this is for a professional job.

 

[stev0]

alright, i think i've got it, i'll report back if i have some proplems.... thanks!

 

[GTaudiophile]

I just had my resumes critiqued by people who have been in the industry for years. If you'd like to see them, visit my web site (see signature).

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I just had my resumes critiqued by people who have been in the industry for years. If you'd like to see them, visit my web site (see signature).

What is the deal with that link to threewood.com on your resume? Is it something for professional purposes? If not, get rid of it.

 

[stev0]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0
Here are some tips, and things I look for when hiring. I don't know what kind of position or field you're applying for, so there may be exceptions in your case.

1. Proofread.
2. Misspellings are bad, whether they be from ignorance or neglect. It's called "spell-check."
3. Grammatical errors get on my nerves.
4. Have your friends proofread.
5. Keep it to one page *unless* you have EXTENSIVE experience in the field or are applying for a research position. Rarely do you need 2+ pages to show you can work. Excess fluff just wastes my time and makes it look like you're padding.
6. Make sure all your contact information is right. I love calling someone back for an interview and getting a wrong number.

7. Don't use templates. Everyone uses templates and it shows a lack of creativity. If you want it done right, get it typset by a professional.
8. You generally don't want to list the last 8 temp agencies you worked for. That doesn't instill faith.
9. Provide references and salary information only if requested.
10. Don't badmouth previous employers.
11. Have your momma proofread.
12. Cover letter is optional but helps if any sort of writing skill is required in your job. Shows you can make coherent sentences.
13. Superfluous information such as GPA and physical statistics are not necessary unless requested specifically.
14. Proofread it again.

That should help a bit.
If you want someone to look it over or if you need some help wording your 1337 skillz PM me and I'll be more than happy to critique or tweak your resume.

*edit*
BamBam215 brought up a very valid point. PLEASE tailor your resume and cover letter to each individual job. Make sure only relevant work experience is shown. I get people applying for secretarial positions who list job experience at the ZOO taking care of ANIMALS, and others listing house-sitting and nanny qualifications. Heh.

the position is at a lan center/gaming center, i know the owner personally, so that should help a bit... although I'm not too sure on the duties of the job, i can assume that it would be working a cash register, helping people with hardware issues, simple things like that.

as for education, currently i'm going to a technical college for CIS: Web Design, so would i just put "spring of 2002 to current" since i am a freshman? what about putting high school on there?

as far as listing experince that is related to the job... I've built computers, so I suppose that would be considered basic computer hardware knowledge? right? what about putting experice with the games? or would that not be a good idea?

edit: what should i be putting for my job adjective if it just to sit there and take money from kiddies comming in to play vids?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: kherman

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I just had my resumes critiqued by people who have been in the industry for years. If you'd like to see them, visit my web site (see signature).

What is the deal with that link to threewood.com on your resume? Is it something for professional purposes? If not, get rid of it.

Do you work for an HR department? Why should I get rid of it?

I would like to hear your opinion, but I have no intention of removing the "SWP" logo/URL on my resume(s). That logo has meant the difference between getting a job and not getting a job in the past.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: kherman

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I just had my resumes critiqued by people who have been in the industry for years. If you'd like to see them, visit my web site (see signature).

What is the deal with that link to threewood.com on your resume? Is it something for professional purposes? If not, get rid of it.

Do you work for an HR department? Why should I get rid of it?

I would like to hear your opinion, but I have no intention of removing the "SWP" logo/URL on my resume(s). That logo has meant the difference between getting a job and not getting a job in the past.

It's a good resume. I like it.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: kherman

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I just had my resumes critiqued by people who have been in the industry for years. If you'd like to see them, visit my web site (see signature).

What is the deal with that link to threewood.com on your resume? Is it something for professional purposes? If not, get rid of it.

Do you work for an HR department? Why should I get rid of it?

I would like to hear your opinion, but I have no intention of removing the "SWP" logo/URL on my resume(s). That logo has meant the difference between getting a job and not getting a job in the past.

It's a good resume. I like it.

Thank you!