Resumes

Lizkins · Post by **Lizkins** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:31 pm

the only things i know are:

- either use dot points or paragraphs to describe the tasks you have done in a job (i.e. if you have pages and pages for your resume probably try and describe in paragraphs) . Try be specific with anything technical that maybe job specific (i.e. in-house systems).
- keep the significant jobs or achievements, no need to have every job you have done since you were 16. If you want all of the stuff you have done, keep the other stuff to the last page.
- get someone to check over you spelling and grammar, don't rely on spellcheck.
- break up the resume if you are finding it hard, like Technical, Achievements, Client support, whatever really.

ummm i hope that helps

Lizkins · Post by **Lizkins** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:32 pm

oh and another tip, have you name in big bold letters on the top of the front page. I have been told that draws their attention to your resume.

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:35 pm

use lots of clip art! and colours

looks real professionil

a1studmuffin · Post by **a1studmuffin** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:42 pm

Keep it short - 1 or 2 pages only. Use bullet points instead of paragraphs - you can elaborate in the interview. Break it up into logical sections, and include plenty of white space. Don't include irrelevant information (this includes a photo, unless you're going for a modelling position) - tailor your resume to the position you're going for. Don't mention your age, just your experience. If in doubt, ask some friends for their resumes as samples.

Hardy · Post by **Hardy** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:58 pm

a1studmuffin wrote:Keep it short - 1 or 2 pages only. Use bullet points instead of paragraphs - you can elaborate in the interview. Break it up into logical sections, and include plenty of white space. Don't include irrelevant information (this includes a photo, unless you're going for a modelling position) - tailor your resume to the position you're going for. Don't mention your age, just your experience. If in doubt, ask some friends for their resumes as samples.

Nailed it.

I do a lot of hiring for our company, and this is the best advice that can be offered.

youthful_implants · Post by **youthful_implants** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:40 pm

a1studmuffin wrote:Keep it short - 1 or 2 pages only. Use bullet points instead of paragraphs - you can elaborate in the interview. Break it up into logical sections, and include plenty of white space. Don't include irrelevant information (this includes a photo, unless you're going for a modelling position) - tailor your resume to the position you're going for. Don't mention your age, just your experience. If in doubt, ask some friends for their resumes as samples.

this - keep it brief. 1 page ideally.

shabana · Post by **shabana** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:49 pm

this link has a long list of resume tip sites http://www.hg.org/empresume.html

don't use any fancy clipart, colour and shit just keep it simple and short 2 pages at most
As you've not had experience in the field you're looking for you will need to use a skills based resume
normal format is name at top then educational history most recent first (note that U.S. has it at the end which is not the format used in Oz) then listing of jobs in descending order with skills in dot points relating to the skills needed in the field you're targeting
also ALWAYS include cover letter that uses the skills you've identified in your cv but IN RELATION to what they've specified in the ad, if they've asked specifically for you to address specific selection criteria this will have to be done in a separate section but in more detail than in the cover letter which would be the same points but done in summary fashion

finally, check your spelling!, you made multiple spelling mistakes in the first post on this thread alone and if you do so in your cv they'll probably stop reading it at that point

trust me, i work in a Careers office i have to help students with this shit everyday

p.s. i sent you a copy of my resume and cover letter to your gmail account

good luck blud!!

xxx

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:54 pm

FoundationStepper wrote:use lots of clip art! and colours

looks real professionil

plus make sure you have a cool email address contact like [email protected] - always worked well for me. a pic of you passed out at a party or someshit also helps to show you are a fun guy to have at the office.

and a final tip from a pro - use comic sans as your main font, with IMPACT (in caps) for the bullet points

nic · Post by **nic** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:00 pm

I agree with everything foundation stepper has added.

Also put a donk on it.

A few words about your extra curricular activities also goes down well, captain of social netball roster (shows leadership) can smash 18 pingaz at a bush doof and still turn up for work etc.

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:18 pm

oh and organisations you belong to (right to lifers, secret bretheren, liberal party etc) and favourite websites and forums - shows you have diverse interests.

try to present it as about a half page (no less) introduction written in the third person

and if you have mistakes on the printout - dont worry, just white them out and write over - show them you care about detail but you aren't like anal or nothing

Kirts · Post by **Kirts** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:48 pm

What are peoples thoughs on cover letters???

And list history/achievements from current to past not the way most people do it, Past to present.

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:01 pm

seriously though I think the cover letter/selection criteria is very important and you should take time to craft it well.

I tend to start by pasting all the bullet points selection criteria into a doc and then craft relevant paras under each one, trying to draw on specific projects or tasks/jobs which demonstrate experince in the area. constantly refer back to thier desired points when writing and try to drop the key words they use within the para you write. and dont meander or duplicate referernces to tasks where possible. reduce words and keep sentences succinct. the final stage should be that you can remove the key selection points and the reader will still understand the reference to the criteria. close with a "an oppurtunity to be a ditch digger will enable me to further my dirt managment experince in a smelly and filthy environment" type statement

this takes time - but if done well shows attention to detail and writing/reporting skills. you dont want too much personal voice, just a little to dont appear to clinical

Post by **system** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:44 am

shabana wrote:this link has a long list of resume tip sites http://www.hg.org/empresume.html

don't use any fancy clipart, colour and shit just keep it simple and short 2 pages at most
As you've not had experience in the field you're looking for you will need to use a skills based resume
normal format is name at top then educational history most recent first (note that U.S. has it at the end which is not the format used in Oz) then listing of jobs in descending order with skills in dot points relating to the skills needed in the field you're targeting
also ALWAYS include cover letter that uses the skills you've identified in your cv but IN RELATION to what they've specified in the ad, if they've asked specifically for you to address specific selection criteria this will have to be done in a separate section but in more detail than in the cover letter which would be the same points but done in summary fashion

finally, check your spelling!, you made multiple spelling mistakes in the first post on this thread alone and if you do so in your cv they'll probably stop reading it at that point

this tbh (as well as lizkins and a1studmuffin previously).

the cover letter is an important thing to spend the time crafting to fit the specified requirements. if you're looking to go into network/systems admin, remember that you'll be competing with 'nuff spotty level 10 warlocks. show that you can be articulate and technically capable - potential employers and recruiters will love that.

Blaxter · Post by **Blaxter** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:07 pm

Good luck Steve.

witty_pseudonym · Post by **witty_pseudonym** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:48 pm

i farkin HATE updating my resume but have vowed to do it as soon as i start new jobs from now on. trying to write the whole thing on reflection is really difficult. i feel for ya stevey.

i don't know about the one page rule. mine is three or four pages, but that's because i've had a fair bit of diverse work experience. i think it's really important to be succinct but include everything you feel is relevant to the position you're applying for.

ugh...i'm almost dreading starting a new job and having to update the resume.

Fents · Post by **Fents** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:49 pm

ac23 wrote: wicked wicked

thanks for all the input

gave me direction

bigup

the manager bird from hungry jacks just called and said to say sorry you didnt get the job.

Blaxter · Post by **Blaxter** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 4:16 pm

Fents wrote:
ac23 wrote: wicked wicked

thanks for all the input

gave me direction

bigup
the manager bird from hungry jacks just called and said to say sorry you didnt get the job.

You could of put in a good word to your boss.
Help a brother out.

same o · Post by **same o** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:43 pm

dont do nything that ny 1 has said as i dont think you should get a job.

FoundationStepper · Post by **FoundationStepper** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:29 pm

i think that putting it down tells people you think it is important (in a negative sense)

I've just left it out and hoped no-one asked. I was suprised at the level of jobs I got when in early 20's - and reckon telling them my age would not have helped

shabana · Post by **shabana** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:26 pm

na it's not standard, not unless you're going for a job at Goldfingers

actually there you go, maybe that's an opening you haven't thought of, heheh

a1studmuffin · Post by **a1studmuffin** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:20 pm

FoundationStepper wrote:I've just left it out and hoped no-one asked. I was suprised at the level of jobs I got when in early 20's - and reckon telling them my age would not have helped

That's exactly it. Your age and racial background should be irrelevant for most jobs - it's your experience and skills for the job that are important. I reckon if you put your age down, it can only work against you.

ghetto kitty · Post by **ghetto kitty** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:33 pm

i put my hometown as san fran cause it gives me more cred.

but yes my resume was shite recently, had like a billion jobs on there casue in the arts you are lucky to get any jobs hehehe
so i cut it down to two pages, only five jobs on there, and personal achievements which is the more dubious art stuff...

ive been writing a load of cover letters recently and each time they get better and better..
the ones from only a couple years ago i cringe at now.

i laff at the ones with photos and 'hobbies'

same o · Post by **same o** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:35 pm

ac23 wrote:is it a defonate no-no to put ur age/D.O.B on a resume?

im 22, im hoping thats a good thing

ahhh 22 i remember when i was 22.

god ur a young cunt

ADD_Boy · Post by **ADD_Boy** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:40 pm

it is illegal for an employer to ask you your DOB etc ...

a1studmuffin · Post by **a1studmuffin** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 6:50 pm

One interesting thing to note about a lot of Australian employers - they love people that have traveled, but if English is your second language, they can get a bit apprehensive - even if you're fluent and they don't openly state it. My girlfriend noticed it when we came over from London (she's German). In Europe, nobody even thinks twice about accents, but over here it's suddenly the informal focus of the interview, and because people are less used to it they'll often wonder in the back of their mind whether you'll be able to handle the job and if you have a permanent visa or residency (despite the fact half of Europe speaks better English than most English people). She eventually figured out it was better to just mention she was bilingual and not mention that she was on a permanent visa (even though it would have meant NOTHING to the employer, as it's a spouse visa and not a skilled migrant visa - often employers just see the words visa and assume it's going to be a hassle for them). Once she did that interviews came in thick + fast.

Mysty · Post by **Mysty** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:25 pm

yo stevey baby i work pt in recruitment. the best way to get a job you want is to go directly into the place
First find out the name of the manager & take in your resume & and let them meet you face to face. Even if they dont have a job coming up, your resume will be right there when something becomes available. it can be hard to go in (and time consuming) but worth it
80-90% of jobs are never even advertised...

dont bother putting your age on resume - they can usually tell from your work exp anyways. and dont put your schooling unless its the only quals you have
definitely only put in skills you have that are directly related to the type of role you are applying for
i see 30-40 resumes every time i work. i love the ones with photos. I swear people always look like theyre straight outta a porno - so make sure you include your photo. email me a copy of yours if you want me to quickly look over it

same o · Post by **same o** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:15 pm

dont let georgie help u she doesnt know what she is talking about.

Mysty · Post by **Mysty** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:17 pm

dont trust the bear.. he thinks hes a kangaroo

same o · Post by **same o** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:03 pm

Myst wrote:dont trust the bear.. he thinks hes a kangaroo

quiet u

i think like a bear

portal · Post by **portal** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:46 pm

You'll be VERY VERY lucky to get a network admin job straight out of uni/course. I don't know anyone in the industry willing to take that risk, let's face it, there is nothing like experience on the job.

You are better off applying for level 1 helpdesk jobs and moving up the ladder from there.

Good luck!

flippo · Post by **flippo** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 3:25 pm

write your CV in lolcat for internet related jobs

same o · Post by **same o** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:37 pm

flippo wrote:write your CV in lolcat for internet related jobs

man knows

mixtress · Post by **mixtress** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:28 pm

Very inneresting thread at this point in my non-existent career.

Question: I have quite the laundry list of companies I've worked for...some for a short time (a few months) and some for a few years. How do I put it down so that I can show the stuff I learned/did in short termed jobs without it looking like I jump from one to the other?

I had an interview with a recruitment guy yesterday and he gave me some excellent advice (to put your experience and training above employment history etc) but I still don't know how to put down the employment history in a glowing way so I don't look like a looooooooser.

spiral · Post by **spiral** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 1:51 pm

mixtress wrote: I still don't know how to put down the employment history in a glowing way so I don't look like a looooooooser.

put down the jobs that show your best/ most employable skills

mixtress · Post by **mixtress** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 2:10 pm

Thanks matey. And thanks Cal for the PM.

Resume completed

Gonna re-send it to all the places I've already sent to...we'll see if the difference makes all the difference.

Sociopathic · Post by **Sociopathic** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 10:18 pm

As everyone else has said keep it short, 2 pages MAX.
I've had the fun task of looking over prospective resume's occasionally when they get handed in at my current job and at a couple of my previous ones, nothing worse than being handed 5 pages of mindless dribble and half of the jobs listed done hold ANY relevence to the job they're applying for.

First page just list your "Deomstrated skills and abilities" as dot points
eg.

* Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed sales targets
* Excellent negotiation skills including the ability to resolve customer disputes to achieve mutually favourable outcomes
* Strong communication skills including training and mentoring new staff
* Proficient computer skills
* Demonstrated high level of attention to detail with the ability to work quickly and efficiently

Then only go on to list the work history that is relevent to the position you're applying for, no point putting down you worked at that bar down that lane on saturday nights for a month when you're applying for a job as a receptionist.

I've also got all my contact details in the header and then my name and phone number in the footer with as mentioned my name in rather large font so it does stand out

Leave your referneces out though "references available upon request" gives them a reason to call you.
Mine has 3 main headings "demonstrated skills and abilities" "Computer skills" and "relevent employment history
With my relevent employment I've got max 5 dot points explaining what I did at the job.
Excluding the headings and your name make sure everything is in ONE FONT SIZE and one font style I've had resumes handed to me that were 5 pages long and went through about 5 different font styles and sizes it looks messy.

Try and keep it short and simple then you can elebaorate on the points you want to stand out more in your cover letter.

Oh another biggie if you're using the MOST CURRENT version of office make sure you save it in office compatibility mode, barely anyone I've found whilst looking has the most recent and therefore can't open the attachments cause they don't convert over.

Good luck with it, I FINALLY just found a job and finally told cotton on to take this job and shove it

Sociopathic · Post by **Sociopathic** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 10:19 pm

Oh quick tip start thinking NOW about what your major strengths are in regards to the industry you're applying to and think about what your weaknesses could be, try to make them something that can very easily be turned around into a positive thing, they almost ALWAYS ask that when you get to the interview.

Sociopathic · Post by **Sociopathic** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 10:24 pm

ac23 wrote:is it a defonate no-no to put ur age/D.O.B on a resume?

im 22, im hoping thats a good thing

Honestly it doesn't really matter, most people can figure it out by looking at the things listed on your resume, The job I just scored managed to roughly guess my age based on the relevent jobs I'd listed on my resume they narrowed it down to a 2 year difference and I left out every single one of my hospitality jobs and there was times when I was studying without working also.
it's really not that important though.

mixtress · Post by **mixtress** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 11:10 pm

demonstrated skills and abilities...fucking perfect, thank Socio

Post by **breaksRbest** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 10:22 am

I'm struggling with what to write on both my Resume and my Application Letter about my business going under or the reasons for it.

I'll be applying for a job at a large promotional products company but I want to at least get an intetrview, worried they'll not give me one due to concerns about my business

retzie · Post by **retzie** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 10:40 am

I'd just go for the honest angle bRb: harsh economic client, it was the sensible, business-like thing to do. I dunno why this would be a problem for anyone. What would be a real concern is if it went under because you ripped people off or did a crap job, neither of which are true. In fact, I'd go so far as to pitch it as 'forward-looking pragmatism'.

Disclaimer: I have no idea how real jobs work.

Best of luck with the application :fingerscrossed:

Sociopathic · Post by **Sociopathic** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:52 pm

breaksRbest wrote:I'm struggling with what to write on both my Resume and my Application Letter about my business going under or the reasons for it.

I'll be applying for a job at a large promotional products company but I want to at least get an intetrview, worried they'll not give me one due to concerns about my business

I'm confused, are you applying for a position as an employee with them or are you applying for a contract from them.

If it's a position as an employee I don't really see why you would need to explain yourself in your ap letter or your resume in regards to your business going under, thats something you can explain face to face if you start putting stuff like that in your resume or letter it'll start taking up valuble space where you could be explaining why you're the best person to hire.