I'm going to a job fair next week and am putting together a resume. Does anyone have any good suggestions for me? Someone told me that you no longer need the "objective" section.. is this correct? I also have a lot of achievements like being on the national Deans list for the last 3 years, do I include stuff like that? or will that just make me look big headed? Also, how do you put it in your resume that you worked a job on and off? I just went back to school 4 weeks ago and am working the same job that I was all last year, but over the summer I worked at the place I worked my last 2 years of high school.
Any input you could give me would be appreciated!! thanks, Leah

 

It would depend upon the type of position you are seeking. For lesser responsible positions, I expect a resume to inform me of the academic achievement of the candidate, as well as showing me that they are able to conduct themselves in the work place adequately. For more responsible positions, I expect to see all academic achievement, at which schools, and when earned. Also all related experience to the position I am offering. Usually I am not interested in anything else - All I need to see, is enough for me to offer an interview. I get about 20 resumes on my desk, every week, so only the interesting ones get my attention. I am told, by some, that this is somewhat rude of me - I do not see it that way - I offer jobs to people I select, so they have to interest me - a boring, short or otherwise undesirable resume will not interest me.

 

Superspike,

What I would do/recomend is where you are listing your previous experience, list these jobs and where you put the dates employed from list the dats then put during school year, or during summer between school amd the years you did this. This will show your future employer you where wlecomed back to these jobs, and where willing to work while going to skool and willing to work instead of parting all summer

fwiw


Hope this helps and good luck

 

Keep the resume to one page if possible. Sure, mention the dean's list...you worked hard for it, didn't you?
If you are aiming the resume at a specific employer type, then 'tune' the objective--->"Seeking an entry level staff position as an Industrial Designer with a multi-disiplined consulting office." Otherwise..."Seeking an entry level position as an Industrial Designer." I would definately include the objective, or HR might put the resume in the wrong pile. One place I worked at sorted the resumes by objective type...I would assume that's common practice.
For your job history question...I'd do it like this;

2000-2002, & Summer of 2004 Job 'A' bla bla bla worked at company Y during High School and summer

2003 & 2004 Job 'B' bla bla bla worked at company X while attending classes at college

Good luck

MR

 

You might want to do a search on the net for resumes that have been written by professional companies for people and then tailor it to your needs. If you find a good one, it is amlost fill in the blank. I spent 4 days making, trimming, and editing my last resume, and it paid off, every company i submitted it to called me for an interview. Just take your time, remember you want to give potential employers a reason to call you in for an interview, so make sure to point out some of your accomplishments, but make it clear there is more to you, and that if they want to know what they are...theyll set up an interview. What type of job are you making this resume for? Make a list of references to accompany your resume aswell, with the same format of the resume. If you would like a copy of the one i just typed up....you can contact me on here with your e-mail, i will send you a copy. Good luck.

---JOHN

 

I use the resume wizard of microsoft word, and it seems to work well, all of mine have been very successful for me.

 

I go to WSU and am in the Apparel, Merchandising, and Textiles dept. with the Merchandising option. I like the field I'm majoring in, but at this point, I'd be happy to get a job doing most anything when I get out of school, just to have a job. Companies like Federated (Macys, Bloomingdales, Bon-macys), Cold water Creek, and JCPenney will be there, and I want to have a good resume so I have a chance for an interview. I really don't have much experience in the field, but I have LOTS of job experience. I ran my mom's Health Food store entirely on my own for 2.5 years (this summer and junior and senior years of h.s.), I worked for my parents at their cemetery/funeral home doing all sorts of things, I worked for my boyfriend's mom during spring break doing data entry and secretarial type stuff, and at my job at school I work before and after my classes cleaning plant samples to obtain seeds for research (takes a lot of patience, and you have to be very thorough and attentive!), I do construction type work, and I hoe weeds/plant/harvest experimental crops.
I was wondering how far back to list my achievements? Just do the more recent ones? Also, in the job I'm hoping for it takes a lot of math skills, and I did math team for my school district for 6 years (yeah, I am a geek) and I've taken a crapload of math courses in community college and high school.. where would I list stuff like that? Where should I put my GPA and honor roll information in the resume?

 

If you are going to a job fair - I would include an "objective" or similar line just below you name & address. It sets the parameters for the type(s) of job(s) you are looking for. Even with an accounting degree, lots of accounting experience and a stated objective to find a financial position I was shocked by how many businesses called offering me sales type jobs - I couldn't sell ice water to people in Hell if my life depended on it but still the calls kept coming.

List jobs in chronological order with the most recent first - par them down to fit on the one page. Short term jobs might not get listed or only breifly mentioned in a "personal history" section.

If you are just out of (or still in) college the one page resume (with cover letter) is the standard. The Dean's list is a good academic accomplishment to have listed in the education section, along with any publications in school periodicals - this is also where your GPA and other school accomplishments (math team) would go. Modesty is good in person, but the resume is the place to "professionally" brag.

 

Cover letter? Didn't even think about doing one of those... what all do you put into them?

 

Not much, the "meat" should be in the resume. Cover letter example:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find enclosed for your consideration a brief resume of my qualifications for the position of Bottle Washer at (company name). I will appreciate the opportunity of a meeting at your convenience to discuss the position and the reasons I can meet the high standards I am sure you require.
I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Joe Blow
(123) 555-1212
e-mail address

Good luck!
Dono

 

Dono has got the right idea, and an equally brief thank "you letter" (or email) is a good idea for those who spent a little "quality" time explaining who their company was and what they do (usually only to those you are interested in). Shows a certain degree of professionalism and reminds them that you are waiting for them to get back in touch with you.

 

If it would help... you can PM me with yours and I will give you some suggestions.....
or… it could be just fine the way it is!!!

 

Yes, always send a cover letter and a following thank you letter is a good idea. I know of a guy that made around 100 phone calls to a company after an interview. He got the job. But I don't think I would do that.

 

Whatever you do, DON'T use that avatar!

 

I don't know what you're talking about! SpongeBob is the coolest!

I made some revisions to it, thanks to all your suggestions.. I'm going to email it to my department advisor and see what she thinks...