Please help with a resume...

[Jumpem]

Hey everyone, I'm graduating with a A.S. degree in CS in December. A friend of my dad's can get me a meeting with the HR people where he works. It's Redcom if anyone is interested. I have basic experience in Java, C, and assembly language(Motorola CPU's). I'm going on to a four-year school, but am trying to sneak into a very entry level software job.

Could you guys please post your resumes(minus names and addresses, or whatever else you don't want people to see). Should it all be on one page or is two pages ok? Also, since I have no real related experince should I just list all of my menial jobs? Thanks very much for the replies!

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Do you have Microsoft Word software? If so, just use the Resume Wizard. You can do a decent entry level resume with it.

 

[Jumpem]

Yeah, I'll check that out Midnight Rambler. Should it all be on just one page?

 

[IBhacknU]

not to be unhelpful, but isn't that part of what college is for?

 

[Fuzzmuncher]

Mine is......
but don't have much experience - about same as you.
gradumacating this semester, ya baby!

1 is probably good enough.

 

[chansen]

OK, resumes. Everyone has their take. Here's mine:

Resumes are not read; they're scanned. They are looking for reasons to eliminate you. The most common ones are spelling and grammatical errors. Don't give them any.

When describing your previous work experience, no matter how menial, start each point with action words like "initiated", "prepared", "designed", etc. i.e. "Initiated Holy War through careful use of religious slurs."

OK, don't write that exactly, but you get my point.

Whenever you can, quantify these claims. i.e. "Designed dispenser which cut toilet paper usage by 20%."

One option that you may consider is a personal mission statement. Use the heading "Career Objectives" or something like that. Underneath, write your career objectives in the short, medium, and long terms. Do not use point form here - demonstrate an ability to write a concise sentence, followed by a second and a third.

These are just some ideas off the top of my head. There are some excellent books on the subject, or so I'm told. I haven't read them. Nor would I read my suggestions were I you - except the last one: Resumes are very competitive. Everyone has read "What Colour is Your Parachute". To get noticed, to get an interview, it often requires something more than avoiding pitfalls and including the required experience. At best, these will get your resume read rather than scanned before it hits the trash can. Don't be afraid to be creative, to use wit, and to catch the reader off guard. Anything to put a personal twist on something that often reads like a form letter.

Bonne chance,
Craig

Edit: Spelling mistake (one)

 

[Jumpem]

IBhacknU, yes I had a "technical writing" type class; but that was quite a while ago, and I am looking for suggestions.

Fuzzmuncher, are you graduating with an A.S. or B.S.? You're damn lucky if you're getting done with your four-year.

Chansen, a friend of my dad's has been working at this company for over ten years. He's getting me an interview, so I don't need to worry about that. I just need something concise and well layed out. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Jumpem:

Since your career is rather short at this point, it should definitely fit on one page. As pointed out, a good objective is an essential part, you would also note your education, any jobs you might have held to date, and references. Since you might be light on info at this point, you could also probably note a couple "educational highlights" under your education section of the resume. Don't list them unless they are worthy though, or somehow relevant.

The Word Resume Wizard ought to handle all of the above quite easily. They have different layouts, etc., to choose from, as well as different types - professional, entry level, chronological (for those with a long list of careers). It also will help you do a cover letter, which is about as important as the resume itself. Chances are that if you cover letter sucks, they might not even look at your resume, it can sometimes be that important. Cover letter should state your objective, why you feel you would meet their job requirements, salary expectations (if they ask you to submit your expectations - otherwise don't mention, but most companies do ask this, esp. in job ads), etc.

 

[Superwombat]

No matter what you decide to do, be sure to post it here before you submit it so we can all mercilessly ridicule (and perhaps critique)..

 

[burnedout]

Yahoo Careers

Has a couple of examples. May help you out some. Includes entry level resumes.

No matter what you decide to do, be sure to post it here before you submit it so we can all mercilessly ridicule (and perhaps critique)..

That was both cool and actually good advice.

 

[Jumpem]

Burnedout and Superwombat, I don't have a web page so I can't really post it. I could cut and paste it in here, but then the formatting would be all messed up. If you want it non-formatted, let me know, and I'll put it up.

 

[HKSturboKID]

I've the same thing. an AS on CS. Well, I've been in this field for a couple of years now. A word of Advice. If you want to go somewhere further....definitely get your bachelors. You may have a cool job now and everything, but when it comes to promotions later in the years....you'll see y!

 

[Jumpem]

HKSturboKID, I am definately going on to a BSCS at RIT. I'm just looking for a new job. I'm in a strange spot though; I'm overqualified for retail jobs, but underqualified for any real computer jobs. Could you post here or PM me about how you got started after your AS, and how it's worked out. Thanks alot!