Question:
We all know that there could be volumes written on what makes a good
resume' and that everyone has their own style and preferences. With that
in mind, I'm looking for some input.
My resume has grown to a full five pages. The first 1.5 pages are
organized columner lists of skills, then a breakdown of each consulting
project, and finally the FTE jobs I did when I was in college, and just out
of college.
The point is: my resume' is some serious reading! I think that in this
tough market the managers/pimps don't have the time or motivation to wade
through several pages of consulting projects to locate a project that
included the skillset that they are looking for.
I'm wondering about changing the format but am concerned about how it would
be received by hiring managers. I'm thinking about just putting under the
heading of "Consulting Work (March 1992 - Present)", first a list of
clients serviced, and then a bullet list of services provided,
My fear in going this route is that it may look like a buzzword resume' by
a person who really doesn't have the advertized skills. On the other hand,
to explain my background in any detail stretches out my resume' to and un-
godly length. The other concern is that I really want to have one resume'
instead of several different copies that hilite different skills. More
than one, is too many to manage.
I'm also curious if the new format would work when applying for FTE jobs
instead of consulting jobs.
If interested in seeing the old and new format then check out:
old format: prowel.com/resume/resume-old.doc
new format: prowel.com/resume/resume-new.doc
They are in MSword97 format.
I'm interested in thoughtful, respectful comments.
Besides, I thought a break from discussing how H1Bs are stealing our jobs
was in order.
Answer:
-I think resumes should be two pages at most. I think putting every company
you have worked for will work against you if there are too many. Most hiring
managers still think something is wrong with you for doing a lot of job
hopping, even if you have been contracting.
Job experience should be kept to a necessary minimum nowadays because
companies are only looking for several specific skills. Anything else you
have done they count as a negaive. Consider tailoring your resume to the
employer.
-For example: if you're applying for a Java job and you have 30 year of IT
experience, it's completely ok to say that you've been working with Java at
all these past gigs. That statement is not a lie unless you don't drink
coffey.
