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Monday
Sep172007

Resume Samples and Advice

resume_hunter.jpg

The Resume Hunter has quickly become one of the most hated people on the Internet. The funny thing is, he's here to help! Not too many Web sites offer a free snapshot critique of your life on paper and help teach you how to write a resume.

The bottom line is, if you're going to make your resume public, then you should have thick enough skin to handle some constructive criticism. This is an exercise we all can benefit from.

Without further fanfare, let's check out the resume of one Kenneth S. Criscione.

In Context: Right off the bat, Kenneth states that he is an "Automotive Professional." This is a great tactic to use when your resume is floating around the Web. Regardless of where it ends up, the reader knows what he's about and can quickly decide to read on or click out and bail.

Find Me: As we've seen on a majority of online resumes so far, there is simply too much personal information up on the top. Aside from the fact that anyone can show up at Ken's doorstep, with so many Web tools available, I can quickly find out that Ken's house is probably worth over $600k. While in the real world this info should be irrelevant, in reality, it could impact an employer's decision.

Summary Overload: While I do appreciate a good summary, this resume should jump into the experience section a little quicker (it's almost halfway down the page). However, kudos on using action verbs wisely. They're strong, effective and not overdone.

Use Exact Stats: Specific = Credible. Throughout the resume very specific numbers are used. "Added 223 service plans, 179 gap contracts," etc. By not rounding these numbers to astronomical heights, I tend to believe that these numbers are truthful. This lends credibility to the resume.

Use Exact Dates: While I complimented the use of numbers above, I have to criticize the dates used for each position. Ken only used years - not months. This leads the reader to believe he is trying too hard to bridge the gap between positions. Unless something is really funky, it's likely best to use months and years for date ranges.

Three Pages: Ok, we're not sticklers for the one-page resume rule. However, three pages might a bit much. There is too much info here on jobs that are 10 years old. After a while, this resume has a repetitive feel and could be - and should be - trimmed down. Each page is numbered and indicates "continued..." on the bottom. This could be made even better by including your phone number up by each heading. That way, if some one only comes across a single page, they know how to contact you.

Abbr.: Unless you are 100% sure that you only want a job within a specific industry, you should avoid abbreviations. I don't know what "F&I" is. Maybe I'm dense - but so are a lot of potential employers. When in doubt, spell it out.

White Space: Substance should always beat style. I'd like to see a little more white space on Kenneth's resume in order for it to be a bit more "readable." If you're gonna stretch it to three pages, and the third page is only 1/2 full, why not use the additional space creatively?

When push comes to shove, this is a pretty nice-looking resume. With a few minor tweaks, it could certainly move to the head of the class.

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Reader Comments (5)

Great advice! Can I send in my resume for a critique?
September 17, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterMarriane McKenner
This is such a valuable service!! I've subscribed and look forward to reading more of your blog!!
September 20, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterkdawn23
Resume writing is the primary need of any job seeker.One gets their first impression from their resumes.It plays a major role.For example

§ Your resume should be short on words but long on facts.
§ It should convey a sense of energy and purpose, reflecting your personality and personal characteristics.
§ Your resume must focus on your strengths and abilities.
§ It should deflect attention away from areas of your experience or work history that lack vigour or definition.
§ Your resume must reveal your work history through effective descriptions of your experience.
§ Your resume must be an advocate of your strengths and personal characteristics.
§ Your resume should give a flattering and factual representation of your skills.
§ It should reflect your worth as a potential employee.
§ Present a logically displayed resume that is appealing to the reader in its clarity and presentation.

Any many more tips,resume examples,resume formats,resume saples at www.formatresume.net
December 18, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterandymohan
A new job portal has been launched, where you can find only women related jobs.
A job portal which is dedicated to Indian women job seekers. To find out more Please visit http://naukriforwomen.com
April 13, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterYasmin Dureja
You covered all the bases well! I was looking for a way to encourage kids, years away from needing a resume, to think in ways that will help them focus on the career they want and to present themselves in a fashion that will allow them to get the jobs they need for that career. Sounds like pretty grown up stuff for 4th grade to 8th graders at a career fair, but in my opinion it’s pretty late to start thinking in these terms as a junior or senior in high school.
March 21, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterjobs guide

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