Need some help here...anyone in HR

[Juice45]

I've had trouble finding employment since December when I graduated, and I was hopng someone here could brifely review my resume. I think it's alright, but I just want to make sure if there is anything I could really improve on. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[demnan]

1. Don't be surprised if no one offers

Some of us get a little skiddish about doing something like this for a newbie, until you've posted awhile. No offense intended.

[davsand]

2. How about some some general comments to start with?

I worked as a corporate headhunter for a year. I didn't starve, and I was not run out of town, so I figure I am allowed to offer some general commentary--OK?

Just a few things that came to my mind about mistakes I saw on new graduate resumes...


1. NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE LONG. EVER. Under no circumstance does a good resume go longer than one page.

2. Skip the job objective. Those are the dumbest damn thing ever--you want a JOB, that is why you are sending a resume. Your cover letter will explain why you are contacting them. Additionally, your resume will be tailored to fit the particular job you are submitting application for.

3. Education first unless you are trying to break into a new arena.

4. Your name is bolded, front and center. Contact info on the resume including email AND working phone.

5. Job experience should show exactly what you did. Be reasonable--about what you claim you did. A "file clerk" doesn't re-design the entire product line, and the HR director knows that. Tell the truth and demonstrate why you are the best fit for whatever job you are applying for.

6. Think of the resume as a way to get your name in front of them. it is a one page AD for YOU. Skip the fancy graphics and skip the bullshit "colored" "textured" papers beyond buying a heavy grade of paper stock in a non-blinding white.


Congrats on your graduation, BTW. Good luck on your job hunt. This is not a great time to be looking, but it is a good time to be a new grad--they want people to work cheap.



Laura

[Modem Butterfly]

4. Respectfully, I disagree with rules #1, #2 & #3,

I like to see one page for every ten years job experience. Once people get beyond the ten years mark, cramming everything onto one page means that either your resume looks like shit or you're leaving off something important.

Job seekers should write their job objective to show how their experience dovetails with the job as advertised. Cover letters often get separated from resumes and often, never read by the third or fourth hiring manager to get a copy.

Education should only go first on a resume of a new graduate, such as the OP, who may not have much job experience to draw upon. Once you get experience, put your education at the end, just above your references blurb.

[Lisa0825]

7. I agree.

I also disagree with those rules. 2 pages is more the norm now, if you have enough experience to warrant it. Education should only go first if you don't have much experience in your field. And a well-done objective should succinctly indicate why you are right for the job. An objective should NEVER be about what the applicant wants out of the company. That is one of the most common mistakes I see. The objective should briefly state what you can do for them. As a screener, it makes me cringe, when I see objectives that are more like a wish list than anything. A "professional summary" can also be used in place of the objective.

[davsand]

9. Thus, we see why there IS no definitive book on resume writing.

I will defer to those who are currently in the industry for current expertise. I did, however, at least open up the discussion and for that I claim one good karma point. :)

Peace to you all!

Laura

[tjwash]

10. Actually, I have to read resumes all the time...

...and more than one page goes right to the bottom of my pile. When I have a stack of thirty of them to go through, I don't want fluff. The nitty gritty little stuff might look good to the author, but those little details are tedious when I have a pile in front of me, and are what job applications are for.

[Modem Butterfly]

3. I'm in HR

I have ten years experience as a headhunter, too. PM me a link to your res and I'll take a look.

[Juice45]

5. I would love to PM you...

but it appears that i do not have enough posts yet. Give me some time and I will get back to you.

[Lisa0825]

6. I am a first level screener...

and have also been an employment counselor. If you email me your resume, I will take a look at it for you. [email protected]

[Lisa0825]

8. Oh, and welcome to DU!:-)

I replied to your email.

:hi: