resume question - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

AquaFox · 03-06-2006, 02:32 PM

just a quick little question, i'm applying for a part time job, and i'm not quite done with college yet, i'm a junior.... what all should i put on a resume? that i'm in college and what my skills are??? and should i even mention my highschool at all? like my activities and awards in highschool?

Gatorade Frost · 03-06-2006, 02:46 PM

I'd list as many college awards/achievements as possible, and then if it seems rather lacking start doing your high school achievements by seniority, unless it was something like going to State for a musicaltalent or something.

That would be my guess, at least.

AquaFox · 03-06-2006, 03:02 PM

i'm making it a technical resume, listing my computer skills.... i have no clue of what i'm doing, last one i made was for applying for college, i actually got my current job without really making one

maleficent · 03-06-2006, 03:05 PM

Rule I have always followed, and like to see in resumes -- your high school education goes on the resume - until you've graduated from college... Once you are done with college (or have any form of a college education) high school no longer belongs on a resume.

awards in high school are good
COmmunity service or volunteering you've done
any part time/summer jobs you've held (even non paying ones)

add anything to your resume that shows responsibility or anything that could apply to the job you are applying for.

asaris · 03-06-2006, 03:11 PM

As a note, it shouldn't be longer than a page. And definitely keep in mind the sort of job you're applying for. I don't list my (very few computer skills), because the jobs I'm looking at don't need any computer skills other than the very basic knowledge of Word everyone already has.

maleficent · 03-06-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AquaFox

i'm making it a technical resume, listing my computer skills.... i have no clue of what i'm doing, last one i made was for applying for college, i actually got my current job without really making one

be careful with listing too many computer skills - list only those that you have a solid working knowledge of... (If someone has too many skills on their resume -- I will make it a point to challenge that knowledge with either a skills test, or a highly technical interview-- if you have a good working knowledge you'd pass -- otherwise... later...

just be honest on your resume- it's a part time job for a college student-- you aren't expected to be an expert in anything -- just be well rounded and in the interview be open to learning.

Astrocloud · 03-06-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

How to Lie on Your Resume

We’re not talking tweaking, we’re talking overhauling—and getting away with it.

Maxim, Jun 1998
By Roy Furchgott

Were you ever beaten out of a job because a competitor padded his résumé? Let's go to the stats: In a poll of 150 hiring executives at large companies, the execs estimated that nearly 30 percent of all job candidates fudge on their résumés. It's actually worse than that, says Patricia Gillette, a San Francisco lawyer who has investigated hundreds of résumés while defending companies against former employees. "Probably 90 percent of the time, people lie on their résumé," she says. We figure that means 60 percent of the job force lies and gets away with it. Now, we wouldn't suggest you even the odds by joining the ranks of résumé cheats yourself. There are names for people who do that: Devious. Underhanded. Dishonest. Employed. Here's how they do it.

Gauging Your Prey
Even a lousy liar might be able to pull a fast one on a tiny company. But more and more large companies are using professional pre-employment checkers, such as Research Associates, Inc., in Cleveland. RAI exposed 17 percent of the 13,000 job applicants it screened last year, finding that they had lied about college degrees, credit problems, criminal records, or why they left their last jobs. Smoke out the employers that use checkers by saying, "I'd like to tell my references who will be calling. Will you call, or will you use a service?" If it's a service, liars throttle back. If not, it's full speed ahead.

Customizing Your Experience
Ninety-two percent of all employers contact potential employees' former supervisors, according to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management. So, suppose the position you're applying for requires experience in management—and not just of your golden retriever. Some résumé cheats create false references that are difficult to check. Jim Petersen, the Cleveland-based publisher and author of How to Lie on Your Resume—and Get the Great Job You Want! (Ariza Research Press, 1998), found a way to do this when a computer company he worked for went belly up. "About a half-dozen of us stood around the parking lot and agreed to act as supervisors to give references for each other," he recalls. Petersen always gave a fellow conspirator a ring before a recruiter was going to call, to make sure they had their story straight ("Jim was a model manager—although he tends to put in too many hours…").

Plastering Over the Holes
Say you spent two years "trying to find yourself" (in other words, boogie boarding in Sumatra): Petersen says you can mend the gap by claiming to have worked for a small company that is out of business, or for a now shuttered division of an existing firm. Or, he suggests, look in business and trade magazines for obits of executives, one of whom you can claim to have had as a boss. If your employment gap is only about six months, resist the urge to tack three months onto the end of the previous job and three onto the beginning of the next, because past employers gladly dole out exact years, months, and days of employment. Rather, the best cheaters concoct a good lie. "If you take time out for family reasons, most companies are understanding," says Nancy Morgan, a résumé writer in Coral Gables, Florida, who in no way advocates lying. So you can tell potential employers, "I left work for six months in 1996—family reasons. My grandfather, God bless his soul." They'll back off.

The Mail-Drop Maneuver
Petersen has also schooled people in ways to create nearly uncheckable references from large multinational companies. Create a mail drop—such as a rental box at a Postman Plus—that accepts mail addressed to behemoth organizations. "AT&T is my favorite; it's large, decentralized, and hard to track down," Petersen says. A cheat gives a recruiter the mail drop and the name and number of a fictitious supervisor. If the recruiter calls the given reference, a "secretary" he's set up (a friend who has a good poker voice) says the company's policy is to respond by letter only. Mail sent to the fictitious supervisor is forwarded to the cheater, who then writes his own recommendation. "People believe paper documentation," says Petersen. He's no bullshitter. The Society for Human Resource Management study found that only 30 percent of all people hiring verify the authenticity of references in letters provided by candidates.

TRICKING OUT YOUR RESUME
How to juice up your job descriptions so well, you'd hire you.
The key to making a junk job look like a jewel, say the experts, is in focusing not on what you did but on the skills the job required and the experience you gained. Herewith, some examples of menial tasks, the acceptable spins (actually recommended by professional résumé writers), and the very nearly fictional versions. Go with the third if you have the nads.

http://www.maximonline.com/articles/...aspx?a_id=2753

vjssy · 03-10-2006, 03:20 AM

Astrocloud, I don't mean to attack your comment, but: are either of those wise??

1.take resume advice from maxim magazine
2. lie on your resume

I would avoid both. Like the plague.

Aquafox: I'm in a similar situation putting together a resume. So far I've listed computer skills, current schooling, and just the contact info/grad. date of any hs/cc before graduating hs. The resume still looks pretty awkward, but I'm hoping to compensate for it by writing a great cover letter and having good recommendations.

tecoyah · 03-10-2006, 03:55 AM

Just a comment, when I go thru Resumes one thing I always look for (this is just a personal thing, and may not be universal) I tend to spend more time looking at those that "Pop" out at me. Often this is simply the paper its printed on, or the Font used. I know it sounds silly but, when you have fifteen applicants to consider, it can come down to the little things, the extra effort if you will.....that can decide if I call for an interview.

Glory's Sun · 03-10-2006, 04:27 AM

As an employer, if I found out anyone lied on their resume, no matter how trivial the lie, they would be gone.. immediately. I like to see one page resume's and I don't want to be bored with details. I agree with Mal about the high school thing. Also, list the qualities you have that pertain to the job you want.. not all of your qualities in the world. Most HR people don't have time to wade through every single detail of your life. Make the resume pertinant to the job you are applying for and the other skills will show up later when you're hired.

Also, I tend to go the same way as tecoyah. I am more likely to notice and call back someone who took time to print their resume on nice paper and/or used a good font. It shows attention to detail among other things.

Good Luck

maleficent · 03-10-2006, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tecoyah

Just a comment, when I go thru Resumes one thing I always look for (this is just a personal thing, and may not be universal) I tend to spend more time looking at those that "Pop" out at me. Often this is simply the paper its printed on, or the Font used. I know it sounds silly but, when you have fifteen applicants to consider, it can come down to the little things, the extra effort if you will.....that can decide if I call for an interview.

The otherside of the coin...
A lot of bigger companies have programs that they will feed the resumes into - and if you use a funky font (which annoys the hell out of me it's harder to read_) that resume will get rejected - and no one is gonna take the time to key it in m y hand.

Colorer paper and fanciness are ok if you are applying for a creative type job,, and you have a snazzy portfolio to go with it - but for a major company - make you pop out - not your choice of font.

The_Jazz · 03-10-2006, 05:43 AM

Whenever I hire someone, HR has already weeded through the obvious "not qualified" candidates and leaves me with a nice small pile. I typically look for someone to start at entry level, so I pay close attention to cover letters as well as the resume. Spelling and grammatical errors usually means that I stop reading. A few months ago, I stopped reading a cover letter because of too much use of the passive voice.

If you're looking for an entry level position, your cover letter and resume should reek of enthusiasm. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you don't know how to use a particular system or that you even really understand what is that you'll be doing. As long as you want to learn, your employer can teach you to do things their way.

Astrocloud · 03-13-2006, 03:37 PM

As far as the criticism goes of the article I posted. -I imagine that quite a few didn't read the article beyond the headline...

Second of all, I know from experience that even if you are qualified -90% of the time you won't be able to get past the gatekeepers who don't know you from their uncle mel. In fact it's uncle mel who get's the job most of the time.... (What I mean by this is that 90% of jobs are gotten through networking or on a friend's recomendation.)

So network, network network.

AquaFox · 03-13-2006, 03:44 PM

damn you guy's are helpful!!!

THANKS!

keyshawn · 03-14-2006, 05:30 AM

aquafox,

Also, since you are currently in college right now, check out if there's a career development office on campus or if you're not sure, go to the counseling dept. and see if they can refer you to the right place on campus.
I recently went to the career dev. dept. at my college and they helped me out with my resume quite a bit and were a great resouce.

catcha back on the flipside,
keyshawn

krwlz · 03-14-2006, 05:43 AM

What you say in your resume isnt half as important as how you say it. "I worked retail" as a job doesnt sound nearly as interesting as "I was involved in many customer service related activities".

Poor example perhaps, but I just woke up, so my wording isnt as prime as it could be. Make absolutly positive you have no grammer or spelling errors, and that all the formatting stays consistant, easy to read, and as mentioned "popping out" doesnt hurt either. Do NOT make it a chore for the interviewer to read.

yellowchef · 03-14-2006, 10:03 AM

paper is important, if you print your resume on some willy nilly scented pink paper, Im junking it. I want to see that you have faith in your resume and confidence, a nice heavy bond paper. Something I cant see through. If its a part time job for some extra cash dont worry about resume paper, just dont bring me a resume on tracing paper either

Grammar and spelling. 'nuff said

no silly fonts. Its unprofessional and just ugly. Hurts my eyes too.

Key words. Verbage. Its all about how you say it. Most employers have a screener or a machine that will scan the document for key words, especially when submitting online.

DONT LIE ever

it shows me you have loose morals, poor ethics and could possibly encourage others to do so. It is also an indicator of poor character, if you lied on your resume, you'd probably lie to me on the job. I dont need that hassle.

flstf · 03-14-2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tecoyah

Just a comment, when I go thru Resumes one thing I always look for (this is just a personal thing, and may not be universal) I tend to spend more time looking at those that "Pop" out at me. Often this is simply the paper its printed on, or the Font used. I know it sounds silly but, when you have fifteen applicants to consider, it can come down to the little things, the extra effort if you will.....that can decide if I call for an interview.

At one company I worked at the HR person showed me an interesting resume she received for a marketing position. It was a balloon you had to blow up to read. I don't remember if they got the job or not.

samiam · 03-19-2006, 07:31 AM

As a practical approach to resumes, begin by listing all your skills, work experience, both paid and volunteer, and education as far back as you can go. Then create a resume from that omnibus resume that addresses the requirements of the particular job and the needs of the company. That way, you appear to be interested enough in the position to have done some research and you will not have forgotten something important that is relevant.

03-06-2006, 02:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	resume question just a quick little question, i'm applying for a part time job, and i'm not quite done with college yet, i'm a junior.... what all should i put on a resume? that i'm in college and what my skills are??? and should i even mention my highschool at all? like my activities and awards in highschool? __________________ ...AquaFox...

03-06-2006, 02:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gatorade Frost Rookie	I'd list as many college awards/achievements as possible, and then if it seems rather lacking start doing your high school achievements by seniority, unless it was something like going to State for a musicaltalent or something. That would be my guess, at least. __________________ I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well." Emo Philips

03-06-2006, 03:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	i'm making it a technical resume, listing my computer skills.... i have no clue of what i'm doing, last one i made was for applying for college, i actually got my current job without really making one __________________ ...AquaFox...

03-06-2006, 03:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Rule I have always followed, and like to see in resumes -- your high school education goes on the resume - until you've graduated from college... Once you are done with college (or have any form of a college education) high school no longer belongs on a resume. awards in high school are good COmmunity service or volunteering you've done any part time/summer jobs you've held (even non paying ones) add anything to your resume that shows responsibility or anything that could apply to the job you are applying for. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

03-06-2006, 03:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
asaris Mad Philosopher Location: Washington, DC	As a note, it shouldn't be longer than a page. And definitely keep in mind the sort of job you're applying for. I don't list my (very few computer skills), because the jobs I'm looking at don't need any computer skills other than the very basic knowledge of Word everyone already has. __________________ "Die Deutschen meinen, daß die Kraft sich in Härte und Grausamkeit offenbaren müsse, sie unterwerfen sich dann gerne und mit Bewunderung:[...]. Daß es Kraft giebt in der Milde und Stille, das glauben sie nicht leicht." "The Germans believe that power must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty and then submit themselves gladly and with admiration[...]. They do not believe readily that there is power in meekness and calm." -- Friedrich Nietzsche

03-10-2006, 03:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
vjssy Upright Location: Glendale, CA	Astrocloud, I don't mean to attack your comment, but: are either of those wise?? 1.take resume advice from maxim magazine 2. lie on your resume I would avoid both. Like the plague. Aquafox: I'm in a similar situation putting together a resume. So far I've listed computer skills, current schooling, and just the contact info/grad. date of any hs/cc before graduating hs. The resume still looks pretty awkward, but I'm hoping to compensate for it by writing a great cover letter and having good recommendations. __________________ Me saepe mone.

03-10-2006, 03:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
tecoyah Illusionary	Just a comment, when I go thru Resumes one thing I always look for (this is just a personal thing, and may not be universal) I tend to spend more time looking at those that "Pop" out at me. Often this is simply the paper its printed on, or the Font used. I know it sounds silly but, when you have fifteen applicants to consider, it can come down to the little things, the extra effort if you will.....that can decide if I call for an interview. __________________ Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

03-10-2006, 04:27 AM	#10 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	As an employer, if I found out anyone lied on their resume, no matter how trivial the lie, they would be gone.. immediately. I like to see one page resume's and I don't want to be bored with details. I agree with Mal about the high school thing. Also, list the qualities you have that pertain to the job you want.. not all of your qualities in the world. Most HR people don't have time to wade through every single detail of your life. Make the resume pertinant to the job you are applying for and the other skills will show up later when you're hired. Also, I tend to go the same way as tecoyah. I am more likely to notice and call back someone who took time to print their resume on nice paper and/or used a good font. It shows attention to detail among other things. Good Luck

03-10-2006, 05:43 AM	#12 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Whenever I hire someone, HR has already weeded through the obvious "not qualified" candidates and leaves me with a nice small pile. I typically look for someone to start at entry level, so I pay close attention to cover letters as well as the resume. Spelling and grammatical errors usually means that I stop reading. A few months ago, I stopped reading a cover letter because of too much use of the passive voice. If you're looking for an entry level position, your cover letter and resume should reek of enthusiasm. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you don't know how to use a particular system or that you even really understand what is that you'll be doing. As long as you want to learn, your employer can teach you to do things their way. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

03-13-2006, 03:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
Astrocloud Apocalypse Nerd	As far as the criticism goes of the article I posted. -I imagine that quite a few didn't read the article beyond the headline... Second of all, I know from experience that even if you are qualified -90% of the time you won't be able to get past the gatekeepers who don't know you from their uncle mel. In fact it's uncle mel who get's the job most of the time.... (What I mean by this is that 90% of jobs are gotten through networking or on a friend's recomendation.) So network, network network.

03-13-2006, 03:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
AquaFox WaterDog	damn you guy's are helpful!!! THANKS! __________________ ...AquaFox...

03-14-2006, 05:30 AM	#15 (permalink)
keyshawn Psycho	aquafox, Also, since you are currently in college right now, check out if there's a career development office on campus or if you're not sure, go to the counseling dept. and see if they can refer you to the right place on campus. I recently went to the career dev. dept. at my college and they helped me out with my resume quite a bit and were a great resouce. catcha back on the flipside, keyshawn __________________ currently reading: currently playing :

03-14-2006, 05:43 AM	#16 (permalink)
krwlz Fledgling Dead Head Location: Clarkson U.	What you say in your resume isnt half as important as how you say it. "I worked retail" as a job doesnt sound nearly as interesting as "I was involved in many customer service related activities". Poor example perhaps, but I just woke up, so my wording isnt as prime as it could be. Make absolutly positive you have no grammer or spelling errors, and that all the formatting stays consistant, easy to read, and as mentioned "popping out" doesnt hurt either. Do NOT make it a chore for the interviewer to read.

03-14-2006, 10:03 AM	#17 (permalink)
yellowchef Addict Location: Shalimar, FL	paper is important, if you print your resume on some willy nilly scented pink paper, Im junking it. I want to see that you have faith in your resume and confidence, a nice heavy bond paper. Something I cant see through. If its a part time job for some extra cash dont worry about resume paper, just dont bring me a resume on tracing paper either Grammar and spelling. 'nuff said no silly fonts. Its unprofessional and just ugly. Hurts my eyes too. Key words. Verbage. Its all about how you say it. Most employers have a screener or a machine that will scan the document for key words, especially when submitting online. DONT LIE ever it shows me you have loose morals, poor ethics and could possibly encourage others to do so. It is also an indicator of poor character, if you lied on your resume, you'd probably lie to me on the job. I dont need that hassle. __________________ the voices in your head are not real--but they still have some really great ideas. always remeber you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. But..you CAN choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away!

03-19-2006, 07:31 AM	#19 (permalink)
samiam Crazy	As a practical approach to resumes, begin by listing all your skills, work experience, both paid and volunteer, and education as far back as you can go. Then create a resume from that omnibus resume that addresses the requirements of the particular job and the needs of the company. That way, you appear to be interested enough in the position to have done some research and you will not have forgotten something important that is relevant.