CV/Resumes - Who looks over yours?

[SilentJay]

With a good number of people still looking for jobs out there, I figured I might make a post looking for tips on how to polish and refine resumes and cover letters. Personally, i'm not having too much luck with mine, as I've gotten a handful of responses out of quite a number of attempts :P

I believe MK works in/with HR so maybe she can help out, but if anyone else has something to add, it's more than welcome!

[prinsesa]

resumes should be two pages long only, and always address which job you're applying for by referencing the number if applicable.

always make your font arial or times new roman and make sure that the employer can view the resume (compatible with all versions of word)

always put your name,address,phone number, email on top of each page

[SilentJay]

Check, check, and check :)

I actually PDF my resume to ensure that formatting is undisturbed, regardless of which version of word-processor they're using.

[S.F.W.]

I have read many resume's and CV's before, as I have been in various management roles throughout my career. I find too often, people "fluff" or glorify minor portions of previous roles. I can spot this very easily, and in turn put said resume in the shredder. Make sure your introduction paragraph is very focused on the job you are trying to secure. When I see a focused intro versus a generic...I often do not even finish reading the generic resume.
Also, often times directly applying for a position will not get you anywhere. You need to network, and develop contacts within the company or division that has the position. Often times manager have to interview external candidates, but have an internal already in mind. However, if you are referred by someone who know the hiring manager, your odd go up significantly.

[SilentJay]

^^ Good tidbits. I've been a hiring manager and have sifted through hundreds of resumes as well - its hilarous when you see things like "Expert level: Netgear".

[prinsesa]

it also depends if youre applying for a non profit org, private companies or the government.

[mazdabetty]

resumes should be two pages long only, and always address which job you're applying for by referencing the number if applicable.

always make your font arial or times new roman and make sure that the employer can view the resume (compatible with all versions of word)

always put your name,address,phone number, email on top of each page

Actually, if you're not including the cover letter, resumes should not be 2 pages long... try your best to keep it to one page only. Put only what's significant to the job you applied for, most of these hiring managers are just skimming for the important info anyway... and really, no one cares if you worked at Harvey's for 5 years. (:chuckle)

Also, in regards to the typeface comment (if I could be a snooty designer for a minute) Don't limit yourself to just Times New Roman *shudder* or Arial *double shudder* But stay far far away from any retarded decorative typefaces... YES, ESPECIALLY COMIC SANS, PEOPLE... :chuckle :gone

[SilentJay]

^^ I kinda like Tahoma...

[Cozwell]

Ill have to agree with Ami fully - owning my own marketing agency you can only image what crosses my desk on the daily.

IM way out of the norm but if i were to conduct a "Normal" Interview cut to the chase..

1. Cut to the chase - this is what i did and these are the results i achieved
2. NO FLUFF - i dont care that you networked your own house - keep it on the real is that additonal line on your resume really going to help me decide to hire you?

For me the bottom line is that as soon as you start im not going to have to wait 3 months for me to see who you really are just so i can fire you...I want people to save me the trouble...

LOL

Here is how i dream to conduct a group interview one day


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvICN8DNMpY

I know my view is a hard line but again im totally not the norm...

[prinsesa]

I love Tahoma too but I've never used other font faces other than Times New Roman or Arial.
I had my resume and cover letter looked over by Toronto's labour market manager, and he said 2 pages for resume and 1 page for cover letter, I think that might be what teh government is looking for, also never put "References Available Upon Request"

I think for private companies, they would want a shorter resume and more cut to the chase type of thing.

BTW LOVE THAT VIDEO LOL

[M3-ZOOM]

boiler room is a sick movie lol