Question:
I've sent my resume out probably 20 times by now, and have had 1 response.
I'm not sure if it's because of the market right now, or if it's because my
resume is written up wrong, or what. I'm looking for an entry level job, and
have just been having a hard time finding anyting other than a teaching
position. I'd really appreciate it if some of you could offer some tips on
what to include/exclude. Short/long? etc... Or even better, if you could
take a look at mine and tell me what you think. I don't mind sending it to
you through email. Preferably people who are serious about helping me out. I
realize many are paranoid about letting anyone look at your resume, so I
won't ask to see anyone's. Would def like some tips though, since I need a
job!
Answer:
- it's a tough market out there. I don't have a tip for your resume as
mine needs improvement as well. But I was thinking, how about looking for
work at your school? I know that schools may not pay much but it's a start.
If you know professors or staff at school, perhaps they can serve as
references.
- Well as it turns out at the moment, I could either try that, or do maybe an
internship or something that pays out the butt, but that would give me some
experience. Or I can take this 40K teaching position. I have a feeling that
after teaching, I'd be right back where I am now, but I'm just not sure.....
- It's probably the lack of experience to match your certs. With so many
lay-offs there are lots of people WITH experience AND certs looking. If you
take the teaching job (teaching what?) you may have the chance to make more
contacts in the business, plus have an income!
Someone without experience will have a better time competing if they have an
"inside track". Leverage your contacts with friends working in the business
already. A recommendation from someone already working there may get your
resume a longer look in HR.
Also...
If you are looking for entry-level work, try and "dummy-up" your resumé...
If you were the hiring manager you wouldn't be likely to hire an MCSE, CCNA,
YaDa YaDa for an entry-level job because you want someone who will stay in
the job for a while. They may think you are going to dump them the first
time you get a better offer. If you do not emphasize your extensive
certification then you "fit the profile" better to at least get an
interview. Hiring managers hate turnover so they won't consider you if they
think you are "over-qualified", or at least "over certified". Try making a
new version of your resumé that is more appropriate for the job you are
looking for.
Think about it like this....
You run a little medical lab that does blood testing for doctors &
pre-employment drug screening. You need someone to perform these tests,
take samples, etc.(entry-level) You have a stack of resumés a foot high on
your desk for the opening. Would you hire someone that has a PhD, and
graduated from med school? No! (that person can DO the job, but won't stay
for long). They person you are looking for isn't "super" educated
(certified)
Remember: No interview = No job. If you are applying for an entry-level
job, have an entry-level resumé. When you meet interviewer face-to-face,
THEN you can dazzle them!
