How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Therise Daniels — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:57:51 GMT

Hi Heather,

For the past 7 or more years I have work several contract positions well attending college. Also, I worked a second job. Currently I am working full-time permanent, and I need to update my resume. However, I think the contract positions I worked is a red flag for most employers. Most of the time when I am call for an interview, and my resume is truly evaluate....it seems as though I moved around alot. I have no stability. From 6 months to 1 year, but it was very convenience, and sometime hard to find permanent position. I truly prefer permannent over contract. Any suggestion on how to format my contract work on my resume?

Thanks

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Aracelis Martinez — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 21:04:00 GMT

I need help writing my resume

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Heather — Fri, 11 Feb 2005 21:05:00 GMT

Jennifer-no worries about the sentences...I have those late nights/early mornings myself.

I think you are doing the right thing under the circumstances. If you don't have date of employment that relate to the role you are seekeing, there's no point in going chronological.

Ideal scenario being that you have specific experience in the field you are entering which isn't your situation, you are doing what you need to do to at least represent your skill set.

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Jennifer Neumann — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 09:12:00 GMT

By the way...I apologize for the run on sentenses....it's late here in the east coast...about 4:15am...I'm a wee bit tired but can't sleep....dreaming of resumes doesn't make for a peaceful rest ;)

Jenn :)

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Jennifer Neumann — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 09:09:00 GMT

Hi Heather,

Great Blog! I just found your site after reading an article that included your name in it and mentioned that Blogging is a great way to find a job. I'm not here to ask you for one, but I was wondering if you could maybe forward on a couple of tips in regards to resume's?

I decided to change careers. This will be my third change - from Interior Designer of 5 years, to Outside Sales for 2 years and now after soul searching I have come to the conclusion that Marketing/Advertising/Public Relations is more my "cup of tea".

My issue is, I've spent the past couple of weeks putting my resume together (functional style) and I have done a bunch on research on the web as to what not to include and what to include, which format to use and such...well after all of that effort I have been happy with putting together a functional resume that is focused on my relevant skills from my past experience but no I am reading in a couple of fairly respectable sites from HR depts. that Chronological formats are all that recruiters look for. If I have no formal experience in the field then I'm confused as to how I can format my resume that will be relvant and be seen by recruiters as well.

I'm asking you because I have been reading your site tonight and really respect your answers and advice. i'm hoping you'll have a sec to help me out.

Cheers!
Jenn :)

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Brian K. — Fri, 04 Feb 2005 07:06:00 GMT

Thanks Heather.

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Heather — Fri, 04 Feb 2005 00:14:00 GMT

I am simply commenting on what I have seen here and on Gretchen's blog...simple as that. I didn't make any estimation of your technical abilities. I also didn't say I was afraid of competition. ; )

Good luck with your new endeavors!

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Brian Korzeniowski — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 20:18:00 GMT

*lol* Lest ye all beat me up for no reason... There was a reason I asked the question. A close friend of mine told me I make a better employer than employee. They challenged me to start my own business. And so I am. Heather's answers enabled me to see I need to be my own boss.

Regarding your comments about being part of a team - If you are commenting on my abilities technically, socially or professionally, your comments are simply dismissed. I think you are far underestimating your future competition. I think you are underestimating me. If I were you, I would take me seriously as I am a verocious competitor. And I am coming after the bottom line of some critical Microsoft product lines. How will I do that you ask? Ah now...I cannot tell you everything. :-)

Thanks for the comments though. I have a tough skin. I can take it. :-) Some good thoughts to think about.

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Heather — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 17:17:00 GMT

Thanks Rick...I've experienced some similar things on some teams I've been on here and frankly, this is where I REALLY learned to be a good team player...I guess is just comes with business maturity. Many people don't realize that being part of a successful team can be better for their career and more satisfying than being the hotshot on a mediocre team. Besides, people should want to surround themselves with others who challenge them to be better. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning...wondering what new thing I am going to learn each day. The day I stop learning from the smart people around me is the day I retire.

Anyhoo, thanks for your nice words and support!

re: How to write your resume (or a section of your resume) from scratch

Rick Bennett — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 15:35:00 GMT

Hi Heather. Can I start out and say that your advice to Brian was spot on the mark and I think that Brian should take some time to really understand your words (especially the ones about what it takes to make a happy team). About 5 years ago I use to play professional baseball in America (minor leagues) and I really had a wonderful opportunity to understand the difference between a great team and a team of great individual players. A great team (with less talented individuals) would always beat a team of great individual players when there was a really pressure game to be played. Players from a great team do what is right for the team (all the little things that amount to a lot) and a team full of great individuals players does not have anyone that wants do the little things, they only want to do the big things to help themselves look good. The question that Brian (and other people of the striving and passionate nature) really need to ask themselves is - "am I passionate or striving for the benefit of the team or for my own benefit". If people are passionate and striving for the benefit of the team then shall they never lose such a priceless skill and they are well on their way to become a success. If they are not doing it for the team then they will never find true success and neither will the people involved with them. It is great that there are people out there like you Heather that can tell the difference between the team player and the individual. With recruiters like you I think the progress of Microsoft is in safe hands. :-) Shall Microsoft always be a great team (which I think they are through the great work of their recruiters - congratulations) instead of a team of only great individuals!!!