Resume advice

[pixy0stix]

I know this is asked all the time, but how do you shape up your resume? My life is continuing to spiral out of control and I'm finding myself needing a new job.

[jinkies]

How long has it been since you updated?

The last time I was job searching, I had a mentor who had recently used a professional resume service, and she kindly shared the format they suggested. It worked really well for me too since we were in the same industry.

But on the hiring side, honestly, I was never super interested in the resume having anything other than a clearly relevant work history. So to that end, you may want to start with thinking about the jobs you wAnt to apply for, and work backwards into what would be the most relevant way to present your work experience. I had a bunch of bullet points for my previous jobs, and I would reorder by relevance and delete some if needed based on the job I was applying for.

Askamanager.com also has great advice.

[ohgillian]

I had to make a resume last year and I hadn't made one in like 10 years before that. I leaned HEAVILY on advice on Ask a Manager. I'd be happy to email you the word file if you want something to work from. But tbh I modeled the actual layout/format after things I had seen online so you could just do that, too. It's a little bit similar to this in that it has a left hand column, but my left hand column has my contact info and links to work in my "portfolio" for lack of a better word: www.etsy.com/listing/1542720901/2023-minimalist-ats-resume-word-pages

I don't know if I answered what you were asking.

[pixy0stix]

Aug 31, 2023 19:09:21 GMT -5 jinkies said:

How long has it been since you updated?

2 years, but before that 14 and I didn't really do that much 2 years ago.

[spindle92]

Aug 31, 2023 19:03:41 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I know this is asked all the time, but how do you shape up your resume? My life is continuing to spiral out of control and I'm finding myself needing a new job.

Liking in solidarity as I am doing the exact same thing right now.
Shit hit the fan at work yesterday and I can no longer work for a company that supports such mistreatment of its female employees. 

[goldengirlz]

Keep in mind that resumes these days are often screened by applicant tracking systems so one best practice is to include keywords that match the job listing, especially if you’re applying to larger companies. Even if a company doesn’t use AI for pre-screenings, as a hiring manager, I might get 1500 resumes for a job, and I inevitably end up doing manual keyword searches.

Another good tip is to include numbers — i.e. list your accomplishments rather than just your responsibilities. And feel free to truncate your experience just to the most recent jobs you’ve had in the past several years.

I’m sorry you’re going through a rough spot.

[konapoppy]

Keep the format simple. Start with the most recent work.

Focus on what you accomplished (ie outcomes) and include metrics where possible. Stay away from just a list of job duties.

As you apply for jobs, make sure your resume includes key words you see in the listing.

Good luck!

[fryjack2]

Ditto what others have said but also network. Reach out to people you know at companies you might be interested in working for.

Two of the last few people I have hired were known to current employees who gave me a heads up that they were applying. It allowed me to ask our recruiter to find their application and screen it and send my way.

ETA: Sorry about shit hitting the fan and good luck with the search for a new position!

[W.T.Faulkner]

In my initial resume I kept it too brief. I re-did it into two pages and focused on results, used “lead, spearhead, managed” and bam. Way more interviews and 3 offers.

I hope things get better.

[livinitup]

I find this difficult but it’s solid advice - the best way to get a new job offer is networking through people who know you and/or your work. So, yes, update your resume but also lean hard into freshening your professional network. I found that I had to push myself to be “bold” just to muster being seen. But it works.

[fortnightlily]

The outcomes/metrics rather than job duties thing frustrates me because I do software engineering and management and there's not much about my particular contributions that is easy to measure quantitatively.

[CrazyLucky]

I would definitely seek advice from people in your specific industry. I work in the chemical industry and some of the advice I see is soooo not relevant. "Don't use an outdated font like Times New Roman." I can assure you that no one cares what font the resume is in where I work!

I am typically hiring operators, so may be looking for different things than if I was hiring and engineer or a manager. So I am less interested in things like "Implemented an idea that saved the company $200k" and more interested in actual skills. Ran a DCS controlled batch reaction with high hazard chemicals. Knowledgeable in lockout tagout procedures.

What kind of role are you going for?

[underwaterrhymes]

Unless you’re applying for a graphic arts or similar position, avoid resume templates that have a lot things going on (e.g. color, graphics, columns, etc.) Simple is best because a lot of companies use screening tools and resumes that are trying to be too cute cannot be read by them.)

Make sure you’re using key words from the job posting and highlight what you accomplished rather than tasks you performed when you can.

ETA - metrics don’t have to be grand. You can say things like, “supported two executives, scheduling over 100 annual meetings and domestic and international trips.” Or “Accurately and efficiently processed 10,000+ donations annually using Raiser’s Edge.”

[bittybomb]

Sept 1, 2023 8:24:04 GMT -5 livinitup said:

I find this difficult but it’s solid advice - the best way to get a new job offer is networking through people who know you and/or your work. So, yes, update your resume but also lean hard into freshening your professional network. I found that I had to push myself to be “bold” just to muster being seen. But it works.

I am starting a new job a week from Monday after being at my job for 15 years.  A friend who previously worked with me works with my new firm and hooked me up with the right people there.  I met them for drinks, and offered a resume, and they said not necessary as I had been vouched for.  I thought it was an interview but really they decided to already make me an offer and the drinks meeting was simply to discuss terms.

I think networking becomes more important as your career advances.

[pixy0stix]

Sept 1, 2023 8:58:12 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

What kind of role are you going for?

I don't work in a specific industry. First half of my career I worked for a soil lab for a university as an assistant to the director, but also did lab work, ran the day to day of an international science year and built curriculum for that, and worked with the IT dept to keep the lab computers running and updated their webpage. Second half of my career I was the admin assistant/office manager for a city government dept, and was trained in process improvement. Last two years has been a hodgepodge of bookkeeping for different entities through a small business (non-profit/restaurant/builder/property management). 

So I have a lot of diverse skills and no real industry.

As for networking, most of my contacts are in local government, and frankly I'm not sure I want to go back.

[definitelyO]

The traditional resume format is outdated and I agree that mostly to get to a person you have to get through the AI first. And so many have you just load into a portal.
100% agree with key words from then job postings to align.

bullets vs. paragraphs, list skills/accomplishments,

[yourmother]

I used a professional resume writer to build a new resume for me. It took him 2-3 business days total (with my input and review). I got so many compliments and even showed it to my boss (that I’m leaving next week).

This writer also cleaned up and improved my LinkedIn.

It was $400 ($300 for resume and $100 for LI). Best money spent. Start my new job in the next week and a half!

Anyone can PM me for the writer’s info. We did this over the phone and never met in person.