Looking for resume feedback

[Leland Pate]

For the first time since I was washing dishes at Denny's I am faced with the challenge of marketing myself. I've got what I think is a pretty good draft resume. I've passed it around the office as well as having my inlaws look at it. I am hesitant to post the entire thing publicly but if some of you manager-types out there wouldn't mind taking a look at what I've got ... I'd really appreciate it. Just shoot me an email and I'll send it asap.

For everyone else, please feel free to throw out tips, advice, or funny stories. I'm just a little nervous. I'm entering the private sector after ten years of military service. It's daunting and exciting as hell at the same time.

FYI, my background is primarily in law enforcement, security, counter-intelligence, and explosives.

[Dantilla]

And a nefarious "plot" that many Pelicanheads will be familiar with.

[Rot 911]

Leland exactly what is it you want to do when you get out? A resume really needs to be tailored to fit the job you want. The nice thing about the military is most civilians have no idea what really goes on so you have the ability to get a bit "creative."

[M.D. Holloway]

Leland - feel free to send it to me: mhollowa@nch.com. I would be happy to take a look at it. Please provide the job you are looking at as well as the potential employer. Often, one should taylor the resume to the company that they are going for. General resumes for a barrage, carpet bombing are marginal. You need to have a strategy. Cover letters are important as well as phone interviews and sit-downs.

[Joeaksa]

Kurt is spot on. You need several resumes, each one tailored for what you are looking for.

If you want to send me a copy will be glad to look it over. I did the hiring at my last 3 companies and seen a lot of them. A good one will get you hired while a not so good one goes in the round file.

BTW, funny story along this subject. I was hired by this company in Dallas just after PSC'ing back to CONUS. After a while started helping with the hiring. Heard about some wacko who was sending his resume in every week on day-glo yellow, orange, red and so on colored paper. When his resumes came in, it really got everyone's attention. Boss finally gave up and called him in for an interview.

He came in on the date and sat in front of the chief pilot. Jon W. threw a wad of paperwork about 3" thick, all different colors, right in the trashcan. He then announced "That's what I think of your resumes. Now that you are here, what in the hell should I do with you?"

Without blinking an eye, the prospective employee opened his briefcase and handed him a new resume (on normal paper this time) saying "Looks like you need a fresh copy of my resume!"

The chief pilot started laughing (the rest of the office around him as well because we were all watching this interview) and then said "Get your a$$ out of my office, you start work next week!" The CP said that he could not deal with the day-glo paper anymore and had to hire the guy. The FNG turned out to be a very nice guy and good worker.

Also, this will work at a company where the people are somewhat loose and have a good time at work. Would not try this approach at IBM, Intel, or GM...

[M.D. Holloway]

An article in a recent issue of The Economist magazine dealt with the necessity of each person to be able to carry on good conversations. The article went back to 44BC when the Roman philosopher, Cicero, decided to write a list which dealt with the abilities to be a good conversationlist. He set down the following rules:

Speak clearly; speak easily, but not too much, especially when others want their turn; do not interrupt; be courteous; deal seriously with serious matters and gracefully with lighter ones; never criticize people behind their backs; stick to subjects of general interest; do not talk about yourself; and above all, never lose your temper.

These are 2000 year old reminders that each of us can use to be more persuasive in our day-to-day conversations. Let me add that Cicero lacked two important points:

1) Remember people’s names
2) Be a good listener.

Important to remember when you have your sit-down.

[Aerkuld]

I went through the whole resume writing & interview process a little while back. Don't underestimate how useful a good recruiter might be. The guy I worked with has turned out to be a good friend, but the advice he gave was incredible. I imagine the way this guy works is probably not typical of most recruiters, it may take you a while to find one that will be as useful. This guy talked with me for ages, got to know my background, what I was looking for, and generally got to know me very well. He then vetted my resume and suggest changes for general use or changes to tailor it for a specific job. He then coached me with interview technique, conduct practice interviews and then gave de-briefs following interviews.
I learned a heck of a lot which in turn helped me in my present job when I occasionally have had to interview candidates.
Finding a good recruiter like this may not be easy, but I am sure it will be well worth it.

[Aerkuld]

Lube - Is it a good idea posting your e-mail address on a public forum?

I'd be worried about being inundated with crap.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by Aerkuld
Lube - Is it a good idea posting your e-mail address on a public forum?

I'd be worried about being inundated with crap.

Thats a work e-mail - has a great spam guard on. Its public knowledge to a million plus hits a month anyway to all that go to www.manufacturing.net .

[Moneyguy1]

1. There is no such thing as a universal resume.

2. A resume only opens the first door.

3. Personal impression trumps any resume.

4. Candidates should do homework on each prospective employer.

5. It is most important to say what the candidate can do for the company rather than the other way round.

[holtjv]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
That is key. Here's another tip. When interviewing people, I ask them what type of car they drive. Then, I take a break (and have someone else talk to them), while I go into the parking lot and look at their car. If it's clean and neat, it's a huge plus. If it's a freakin' mess, well, then I have second thoughts. People will dress up and put their best face on when in an interview, but they don't typically clean and wash their cars - the car is more of a real-world example of how they are...

-Wayne

Funny. You're the first person I've met who does this besides me. But I take them out to lunch and happen to forget my keys. Getting them on neutral ground can be useful, too.

I've always had a lot of respect for a candidate who asked probing, knowledgeable, and even slightly uncomfortable questions about my business. Kind of makes the interviewer think that the candidate is choosey as well as well prepared.

+1 on listening. But to listen, you'll need to ask a lot of questions. To ask a lot of questions you'll need to go in prepared.

Regarding the military background, this is tough; you are probably hearing all the advice to transfer the roles and experiences into civilian speak. I understand the meaning behind this but it seems like the results are ackward.

Have you tried one of the agencies or recruiters who place former military?

I'm happy to look at it if you like, PM me. Jack

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
That is key. Here's another tip. When interviewing people, I ask them what type of car they drive. Then, I take a break (and have someone else talk to them), while I go into the parking lot and look at their car. If it's clean and neat, it's a huge plus. If it's a freakin' mess, well, then I have second thoughts. People will dress up and put their best face on when in an interview, but they don't typically clean and wash their cars - the car is more of a real-world example of how they are...

-Wayne

What if they took public transportation or a cab?

[JeremyD]

Wayne - that's a potential issue for a discrimanation claim - I'd delete your post - if I were you.

If I don't get hired by you - and I'm a minority - I can come back and sue you - and say it's because of the car I drive - the lack of car - it can be argued that minorities are not properly - adequately represented in the types of cars you sell parts for - therefore - there is a desparate impact. The burden of proof would be on you to prove you didn't use this tool as an economic indicator- look it up - you'll get the idea.

Leland - shoot me your resume - I'd be happy to critique it - I run a staffing company in Florida - you have helped me in the past - j dot dixon at a1temps dot com

I'll also second the find a good recruiter/headhunter that specializes in law enforcement - check careerbuilder and monster yahoojobs and craiglist (no kidding)

[Aerkuld]

Jeremy - I think you've taken that the wrong way. Wayne isn't saying that he judges people on what type of car they drive, rather the condition in which someone keeps their car may be an indication of the attention to detail or general standards that the individual has.
It could be a 20 year old Hyundai, but if it's clean and not filled with junk etc. then that person is probably more conciencious than some one in a brand new Lexus filled with week old sandwiches, newspapers and bubblegum wrappers.

There may be exceptions I suppose...

[Fishcop]

A good resume is essential to get you through the first filter.

We tend to recruit in groups twice a year - and process is lengthy enough to require an overnight stay. It's an opportunity to 'observe' closely.

There's no substitute for an evening on a few beers to work out if you like a bloke. An interview is a 40 minute performance, a whole evening with some lubrication soon identifies the misfits...

I'll add that I also respect non-drinkers. I'm smart enough not to drink at work functions. Learnt the hard way

Good luck Leyland

[oldE]

A funny interview story:
About three decades ago, I had give two weeks notice at my job as Assistant Manager at the 'Golden Arches' and heard about a job as a Route Supervisor for a dairy. I had managed to get my hands on an application form, added a (short) resume and planned to drop it off Thursday AM before I went into work. (I still had four days to finish out)

That morning, bad news: flat tire and one more on the 'spare'. Since the car needed winter tires anyway and there was a tire store a couple of miles away, I took the two flats, strapped them to a backpack frame and walked to the store, waited for them to change one, humped it home and drove to the store for the second.
By now, as you might guess, I'm dirty (brake dust) and sweaty and thinking about the other things I have to do today, so I drove to the dairy to drop off the application & resume. To my horror, the guy at the loading dock said "The Boss wants to see you."
Nothing for it but to go in looking like crap. Once the guy got over the shock of my appearance, we ended up talking for about an hour about the hands-on parts of the job. He was looking for a fellow with management experience who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. (Boy oh boy had he found one!) When I walked out, I knew I had the job. I worked there for close to 25 years.

Your attitude is SO important. Good advice above. Find out about the company you want to work for and be prepared to talk about how you see your strengths going to work for them.
When I iterviewed someone, that's what I needed to know.

Good luck
Les

[Leland Pate]

Thanks so much for the feedback guys.

I've sent my resume to those who offered.

[JeremyD]

I know what Wayne meant - and basically in this world you can get sued for anything if you run a business. This is my business (sourcing, recruiting and placement) and I'm a little more in tune with what can and does happen (about 10 lawsuits in the past five years concerning our company or our client companies that we have been a part of, all employment related)

I'm just trying to give a little advice based on experience. You may use car/dinner behavior/appearence/grooming/ , etc for screening purposes - but I would neither talk about it - nor write about it... your mileage may differ.

Back on subject - Leland - some tips

Whether you are seeking a job with a staffing firm or a Fortune 50 company, the process is pretty much the same. Start by crafting a compelling résumé. This will help you identify your marketable skills. Then, before you apply for a job, make sure that your skills match what the company is looking for. If so, prepare an effective cover letter and send it to the prospective employer along with your résumé. If you get an interview, get ready for it well before you go. There may be more than one. For example, your first interview may be with a staffing firm and your second one with its customer.
Craft a Compelling Résumé
Unless you have more than 10 years of experience, your résumé should be no longer than one page. Use a simple layout.
1. Know what you want. Compose a clearly stated job objective. State what you want to do, for whom, where, and at what level of responsibility.

2. Stand out from the crowd. Instead of just listing your job skills, describe the benefits and results of your performance. For each permanent job or staffing assignment, develop a list of major accomplishments, placing the most emphasis on your recent achievements. What problems or challenges have you faced? What actions did you take to overcome them? How did your actions benefit the company? Keep in mind that most companies value workers who enhance profits and save time and money.

3. Sell yourself. You only have one shot to make a great impression. Your résumé is a word picture of yourself. Showcase your strengths and one or two outstanding skills or abilities. List your education, training, and any relevant awards.

4. Never list the reasons for termination or leaving a job on the résumé. The reader can find negative connotations for even the best reason. You’re far better off explaining employment lapses in person.

5. Make sure the résumé and the cover letter are error-free. Proofread, and have others proofread them, too. Make your résumé understandable by avoiding jargon and using plain English.

Prepare an Effective Cover Letter
A cover letter allows you to personalize your résumé. Its main purpose is to emphasize your strengths and assets in a way that will interest employers in interviewing you.
1. To attract the reader’s attention, the cover letter must look good and be easy to read. Pay particular attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, spacing, paragraph length, and margins. Address it to a particular person by name, making sure that the spelling and title of the individual are correct. A good cover letter is not too long, so try to limit yours to a single page.

2. The first paragraph should arouse the reader's interest. State some particular knowledge you have of the reader's business, or comment on a “timely” issue relating to the company’s operation.

3. The body of the cover letter should explain what you can do for the company. Put yourself in the employer’s position as you write. Present facts that will be interesting and that accurately describe your assets and qualifications. Your prospective employer will be interested in your ability to make or save money, conserve time, and effectively assume and delegate responsibility. Do not stress weaknesses, such as lack of experience.

4. The last paragraph should request action. Ask for an interview, and state specific times and dates when you will call to arrange an interview (allow at least three business days from the day you send the letter). In all circumstances be courteous, but be direct.

5. The letter should end with the formal salutation “Sincerely.” Below the salutation, type your name and then add your signature.

Sending Your Résumé and Cover Letter Via E-Mail
As a 21st-century jobseeker, it’s important to have an electronic cover letter and résumé to send at the click of a mouse. Here are some steps for converting your cover letter and résumé from Word or WordPerfect documents into electronic ones.
1. Remove all formatting, including lines, boxes, bold, italics, and underlining. Change the font to Courier, size 12. Convert your page margins to 1 inch on the left and 3 inches on the right. When you save the cover letter or résumé, choose “Save As” and change the type to “Text only with Line Breaks.” A warning box may come up informing you that you might lose some formatting. Click “OK” or “Yes.”

2. Launch Notepad (PC) or SimpleText (Mac) to reformat and clean up your résumé. Move all centered items to the left margin, and make sure all text is flush left. As you scroll through your document, remove all Tabs, replace all bullets with asterisks (*), and change bolded words to all caps. Increase white space by hitting Return twice between sections.

3. Make sure your cover letter and résumé are e-friendly. Do not send them as attachments, but, rather, pasted in the body of the e-mail. Practice sending them via e-mail to yourself as well as a friend who uses a different Internet service provider—to ensure the documents are clean and professional-looking. Once you’ve made any required adjustments, your cover letter and résumé are ready for a prospective employer’s inspection.

4. Words matter. Always include keywords in your résumé. Recruiters use keywords to search for résumés. So choose some of the basic, important keywords in your field and pepper them throughout your résumé. For example: Web designer, account manager, communications specialist, to name some.

Deliver a Knock-Out Interview
Your carefully prepared cover letter and résumé paid off. You’ve landed an interview. Get ready—in advance—to make a good impression.
1. Confirm the interview appointment. Do this one day before your interview. Know the date, time, and location of the interview. Try to find out how long you’ll be there. And make sure you have your contact’s phone numbers in case you have to call.

2. Clear your calendar. If possible, keep your schedule free of any other commitments. The interview might run over or you could be asked to stay longer. Explaining that you have to be somewhere else could create an awkward situation.

3. Say their names correctly. If you know the names of interviewers in advance, confirm the pronunciation and spelling.

4. Be on time. Don’t arrive more than 10 minutes early and, most important, don’t be late. Arriving late not only labels you as rude, it also makes you seem unreliable. If unforeseen circumstances arise and you must be late, do everything you can to call ahead of time.

5. Dress to impress. How embarrassing to come to an interview and discover you’re underdressed. If possible, find out in advance what attire works. If you’re still not sure, wear a suit. There’s no such thing as overkill when dressing for an interview.

6. Let them know you’ve arrived. Walk up to the receptionist, smile, shake hands, introduce yourself, and state that you have an appointment. Offer your résumé or business card and wait.

7. Shut off the cell phone. Unless there’s a bona fide crisis, turn off your cell phone or pager.

8. Use your mouth for talking only. Unless the interview is scheduled with a meal, nothing should be in your mouth but words. Drinking, eating, smoking, and chewing gum don’t work during an interview.

9. Prepare a short information statement. Be ready to answer the dreaded question, “Tell me about yourself and your background.” Your statement should include some information on the types of companies and industries you have worked for, your strengths, your transferable skills, and some of your personal traits. Practice saying this statement until it feels natural.

10. Be prepared to talk about your successes and experiences. The employer will want to find out about your past experience—successes and failures, your work ethic, and your track record. Be able to amplify every item on your résumé.

11. Be nice. Everyone you meet during your interview—from the receptionist to the interviewer—should be treated with respect and courtesy. The receptionist might not be conducting the interview, but his or her opinion of you might be solicited.

12. Follow up. Send a thank you letter within a day of the interview. Provide any documents that might have been requested, such as references, an employment application, or samples of your work. A few days later, call to express your continued interest and to see if you could offer more information.

[M.D. Holloway]

You must take the first step to win any race.
The first step will take some effort and maybe some pain.
But after that, everything you have to do is real-life movement.
Once you're moving you must keep moving.

Create a definite plan for carrying out your desires
and begin at once, whether you're ready or not,
to put your plan into action.

If you can get up the courage to begin,
you have the courage to succeed.
You can only fail if you fail to start.

Winning starts with beginning.


Feeling good, second cup-o-joe is kick'n in!