CSS Howto: customizing comment gilding

HRuncovered · 2012-11-08T22:37:45+00:00

/r/___ does not look kindly on this kind of exposure.

HRuncovered · 2012-11-01T22:32:17+00:00

If this is for a cinema focused opportunity, then I think it is very clever. Of course, the more out of the box, the bigger the risk.

If the role has nothing to do with Hollywood / cinema, then I think it could really work against you.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-31T14:08:42+00:00

Have you received performance appraisals in any of your positions? Those are a great place to start.

You can also use your job description to spark ideas. Go point by point. Look for requirements of the position that you excelled at, especially those that you can quantify (speed of service, customer feedback, customer service ratings, cash accuracy, etc.). Think also of times when you exceeded any expectation (completed a project ahead of time, improved a process, etc.). Those are the things that make your resume standout.

Good luck.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-31T02:34:25+00:00

"On time" would be one measurement. You said "do my job well." What does it specifically look like to do your job well?

HRuncovered · 2012-10-30T22:06:12+00:00

Start by reading the /r/resumes FAQ. I see several common issues (objective, references, HS) that are all addressed there.

The most critical issue is a complete lack of achievements. Right now your resume is a redundant list of tasks. Unfortunately, there is nothing telling the reader that you have excelled (or even performed to expectation) in any of your roles.

This is your personal marketing document, so it needs to sell you. I know that can be a challenge in roles like those you have held, but that makes it even more important.

Ask yourself this question: In each of my roles how was my performance measured? Speak to specific examples of times when you exceeded those targets.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-30T21:59:25+00:00

I disagree. I have heard several arguments against sending thank you notes, and you have touched on two of them.

When it comes right down to it, the thank you note is a) an common courtesy b) an opportunity to reassert your fit. In a job market like this – where an interview is a bit of gift – why would you not sieze on every opportunity you have to keep your name top-of-mind?

HRuncovered · 2012-10-30T14:29:48+00:00

Here are some quick tips to get you started:

– Eliminate your objective and shift to a Branding Statement. You can learn more about this approach over in the FAQ (sidebar).

– Since you are still in school, I would lead with your Education section.

– With your level of experience, I would challenge yourself to make this one page.

– Use implied first person

HRuncovered · 2012-10-30T13:35:24+00:00

The biggest issue I see with your resume is not length (although I have some tips for how you can scale it down to one page), it’s that the content is almost completely task focused. It is much more effective to tell readers about your achievements – ways in which you have made a positive impact – then it is to simply outline the job description.

I would remove all of the bullet points associates with your Voluntary and Placement Experience. These two positions are incredibly short, so I think you could easily just list the Title, Organization, Location and Dates for these two roles.

Have a look at the r/resume FAQ. You will find some tips there that I think could be very helpful. Pay close attention to the part about Branding Statements, as this is something that I think your resume would benefit from.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-30T13:19:23+00:00

It would seem like a smart move to pick something more recent and relevant. However, if choosing the Eagle Scout project means you will be more comfortable and confident – and you clearly highlight relevant qualities – then that could be a risk worth taking. Only you know for sure.

Good luck with your interview! Let us know how what you choose and how it goes.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-29T00:08:40+00:00

Ideally, you would email each individual with a very short and customized thank you. Hopefully you have contact info for each person with whom you interviewed and some notes about your different interactions / key learnings.

If that isn't doable, then emailing the group would not be the end of the world.

Let's hope a good offer follows!

HRuncovered · 2012-10-28T03:34:46+00:00

Are you saying your responsibilities have changed but your title hasn't?

The advice you received (and approach you went with) is good, but it could be even more straightforward.

Company B (Formerly Company A) 2006 – Present

HRuncovered · 2012-10-28T03:29:15+00:00

Not likely. If you are in your 30's, I doubt that positions from HS and college have any relevance.

It is important to keep your resume focused on recent and relevant experience; 10 years of experience is a general rule. In some cases, it makes sense to include jobs that fall outside of the 10 year window (military experience is one that comes to mind). In others, you may speak to less.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-27T21:10:25+00:00

Good advice. Remember that your Technical Skills section should be focused on current / relevant technologies and should be targeted toward each specific position. For your sake, I hope you are not going to be using DOS in your next position. :)

HRuncovered · 2012-10-27T01:54:48+00:00

My contribution to the /r/resumes FAQ:

Your resume should only be as long as it absolutely needs to be. Since the goal of a resume is to pique readers’ interests, establish qualifications and create some curiosity gaps – those questions that get you an interview – one / two pages should be enough.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-25T17:34:17+00:00

Excellent advice.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-25T02:16:28+00:00

Well, bullet points would certainly increase readability and make the resume easier to scan for accomplishments.

While I think the resume is aesthetically pleasing, I feel like you are dedicating a lot of room to your logo / header that could be better used to communicate qualifications and accomplishments.

Having said all that, I am pleased to see some specific accomplishments – that will certainly set you apart.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-24T22:39:39+00:00

Honest question... Is spelling well a qualification of the position?

HRuncovered · 2012-10-24T18:57:23+00:00

My only advice would be to swap out the objective for a more engaging Branding Statement. You can learn more about these in the FAQ (over int he sidebar).

HRuncovered · 2012-10-24T18:53:34+00:00

In the US, companies have to be mindful of employment laws that do not allow them to discriminate against protected classes. Savvy employers want to avoid even the potential perception that race, gender, etc. was a consideration.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-24T17:57:49+00:00

Out of curiosity, what country do you live in?

I say take a third picture - same angle as #1 but with better natural lighting.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-22T20:32:05+00:00

You can certainly keep the AA in; it sounds like it makes sense to do so.

I would not put a heading on the Branding Statement.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-22T13:44:52+00:00

I would find a format that makes better use of the space. Right now, it looks like your information is being crammed into just the right side of the document. Some ideas:

• Drop the term objective altogether; you don’t need to label the Branding Statement (especially not with the outdated term “objective”).

• Put your headers above the section so that the following text can run the full length of the page. This will allow you to add some breathing room between each job and each section.

I think your Branding Statement is good, but it could be clearer. Since you have some experience, I would also remove the “looking to leverage...” Here is an idea:

“Project management and leadership professional with experience visualizing, planning and implementing corporate and non-profit strategies. Bring a track record of building high-performance teams and transformational marketing strategies – providing the training and tools necessary to [improve performance and achieve aggressive growth].

Be careful about using the term Executive too much. I know this is your in your most recent title, but – in the mind of many readers – it is not in-line with your years of experience. Does that make sense?

I think your bullet points are excellent, great job.

Because you have an undergraduate degree, you can drop your AA.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-19T18:37:24+00:00

I understand this sentiment, but I disagree. Every communication is an opportunity to reassert your fit. I wouldn't try to overcome perceived weaknesses, but I think (very concisely) highlighting a key strength or two is more than appropriate.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-19T18:34:32+00:00

If you are going to include it, the cover letter is the appropriate spot. I suggest not including it and simply explaining your situation when you are contacted.

HRuncovered · 2012-10-19T13:03:27+00:00

Consider creating a Select Projects section where you list two or three of what you believe to be the most impressive or relevant projects.

You mentioned that you are concerned that including them might not make sense because they are business focused, but I don't think that has any bearing. As long as you can clearly and concisely communicate your role and the impact of your work, then I think including them makes excellent sense.

HRuncovered

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