Resumes Dos and Don'ts guide line for getting contacted

7lowe

It's not that outlandish. Here's where I found it:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/profile.aspx?id=7bced580-f12f-46b6-bf93-1ef6472d4dbf

I rearranged a few things and removed a few things and changed the check marks to standard bullets.

I need to figure out a good summary to add. I'm in a little different situation than most people here I guess. I'm 32 years old and I've been working in a factory and have only a tiny bit of IT experience which was about 8 years ago. But, I just completed my AAS in IT and am now working on a BAS in Network Security and Forensics. I just got my Network+ and am basically just looking to get a foot in the door and get some experience.

7

Goldmember

Why do people use objectives?

I have been contacted by numerous employers who recommended not using objectives in the resume.

I for one think they don't look too good on a resume.

keenon

i see after all this time did no one use the info i originally posted? i have had the same resume format for a few years now and always get contacted by recruiters. once you get a good format( one that gets a flood of calls), keep it updated!

Tesl

I think sometimes the idea of keeping a resume down to one or two pages is a bit over emphasized. I understand that you don't want to go overboard and have it binned before the person even starts reading, but at the same time this is perhaps the *only* thing they are going to see about you in order to evaluate you - if its me I'm damn well making sure that anything that could be important is on there. No hiring manager is going to throw away a good resume because its two and a half pages instead of two.

I think two is best actually, not worth cramming everything into a single page (and it can be printed double sided so the reader wont need to attach the other page).

The resume that got me my current job was four pages - and I was 21 at the time! I had good knowledge with Programming/Unix/Networking, and I wanted any IT guy to be able to instinctively see that I was a well rounded engineer. I was going through proper recruiters that I met and spoke to personally though and never uploaded to sites like Monster, which may be why it was slightly better received.

I actually re-wrote my resume this morning, and was able to remove most of the cruft knowing that it won't be required for my next job, as I can just highlight my work experience instead. Got it down to two pages perfectly, though I definitely wouldn't feel bad if I want to tack on a third page in the near future.

EDIT - Just as an anecdote, the longest Resume I've ever seen was 15 pages and included the guys piano lessons as a child. Now *that* was going too far (Although this is amazingly common from those applying from India)

amart83

What is the proper way to order the sections in a resume?

Are the suggestions on the original post still valid today?

rsutton

Not sure if this was covered already but if you are using Office 2k7 save your Resume as .doc instead of .docx.

There are still HR folks who are running Office 2k3< without the compatibility pack. (mine included)

LarryDaMan

Very good point. I do this.

dynamik

rsutton wrote: »

Not sure if this was covered already but if you are using Office 2k7 save your Resume as .doc instead of .docx.

There are still HR folks who are running Office 2k3< without the compatibility pack. (mine included)

I use the PDF/XPS add-on and also include a PDF.

astorrs

dynamik wrote: »

I use the PDF/XPS add-on and also include a PDF.

Don't forget a plain-text version! A lot of HR/recruiter systems will store your resume in that format, and by "pre" formatting it for them you can ensure that what you want to stick out does and that nothing is lost by some crappy DOC->TXT conversion process.

jsmith123

Hi, Thanks for your valuable suggestions, i would also like to share some resume building sites where you can create your own resume,

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]http://www.interactiveresumebuilder.com[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]http://www.eresumemaker.com[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]http://www.resume-builder.net[/FONT]

Best of luck !! :)

djhss68

I have about a year of college credits in Comp Sci but never graduated, so my education section is a little lacking. Should I put my high school and diploma on there in addition to my one year of college? Or just one or the other?

keenon

you put both.. i have some college but no degree

most see it as you started something but have yet to finish. this could be easily explained.. personal responsibilities, etc.. if you have plans to return let it be known.. no one can fault anyone for choosing the greater good over ones self

JockVSJock

Function Resume Vs Chronological Resume, which one should a person use if they are wanting to move from a help desk position to another IT type position, like network admin or a sys admin?

keenon

good question.. as someone that has done it in the past. back then i used a chronological resume as i was still learning to write them back in 00. fast forward i use something that well is a pure hybrid all the best features of both without the limitations of either ( the perfect mutant)

keenon

i have a running poll seeking some input. if you have used this sticky thread in the past from all the hits people have checked it out. take a second a provide a opinion

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/44718-resumes-dos-donts-question.html

tdean

if i post mine, could someone take a peek?

elover_jm

thts wut the thread is for, i'm happy u found it

tdean

ok, thanks... here goes. formatting is a bit off, but heres a txt version.

PROFILE: Diligent, goal-focused IT professional with proven network development and administration qualifications that include server and workstation installation, configuration, and maintenance. Equally strong skills in project planning, network management, and disaster recovery. Currently pursuing CCNA and updating MCSE certifications.

Proven strengths include:
•Ability to discuss organizational and departmental needs with users of any level and make recommendations based on their needs.
•Leading continuous system improvement efforts and industry best practices to optimize security and performance.
•Ability to prioritize and troubleshoot daily end user and network related issues in a timely manner

INDUSTRY
CERTIFICATIONS:
MCSE, Security +, Network +, A +


TECHNICAL
SKILLS:
Operating Systems: Microsoft, Cisco IOS Enterprise 12.x,
Routers/Switches/Firewalls: Cisco, HP, Sonicwall, Juniper
Software: Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, SQL, SMS, WSUS, VMware, ARCserve and Veritas backup, Opsmgr, PGP, Laserfiche, Citrix
Networking: Subnetting, Active Directory/Group Policies, VLAN, VPN, FTP, IPSec, SSL


PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE:

8/08 to current BOYLE AND CHASE INC, Hingham, Ma
Network Administrator
• Responsible for daily administration and monitoring of Windows network consisting of 4 Citrix Servers and 30 Windows servers, including database cluster and email administration.
• Responsible for implementing security best practices and updates via WSUS.
• Responsible for rollout and daily maintenance of 24/7 network monitoring system.

Selected Projects:
• Completed successful rollout of company wide help desk ticketing / inventory system.
• Sucessful rollout of Office 2007 to desktops, servers and Citrix users.
• Designed company intranet SharePoint site.
• Currently designing and deploying VMWare/SAN/NAS backup and storage solution.

9/06 to current SPIRINET TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, Wareham, MA
Network Administrator
•Responsible for daily administration of Windows and Unix network with over 300 end-users, 20 Windows servers, 10 Unix servers, database and email administration, FTP server and firewall with over 30 tunnels and 100 external client connections.
•Monitor 4 separate networks through use of Manage Engine OpUtils
•Organize group tutoring sessions and training manuals to support new application rollouts.

Selected Projects:
•Responsible for successful rollout of company wide help desk ticketing / inventory system including 24/7 Blackberry alerts.
•Planned and executed VMware server redundancy.
•Performed company wide user security audit and proposed policies to ensure HIPAA compliance.


6/02 to 8/06 NOTRE DAME ACADEMY, Hingham, MA
Network Administrator/Director of Technology
•Senior responsibility for administration of Windows 2000/2003 network with over 800 end-users,database administration including maintenance of Linux firewall and web filter.
•As Chair of the Technology Committee, developed school-wide technology plans and budgets and authorized all hardware and software purchases.
•Organized group tutoring sessions and training manuals to support new application rollouts.
•Planned and executed domain wide migration from Windows NT/98 to 2003/XP.


9/00 to Present COMPUTER WORKS, Plymouth, MA
PC/Network Technician and Founder
Manage all aspects of full service PC/network repair and upgrade company supporting all Microsoft operating systems and Office products.
•Consult small business clients on contingency and disaster recovery plans.
•Serve as lead technician in resolving advanced system issues.
•Designed and developed company web-site and e-mail infrastructure (tdean@ycwn.com).

11/99 to 9/00 Contracted PC/Network and Desktop Support Technician

CUSTOM COMPUTER SOLUTIONS and PC HOUSE CALLS
•Performed on-site and in-house troubleshooting, repairs, and upgrades in addition to designing, building, and configuring custom-built networks, servers, and workstations.

SCUDDER KEMPER INVESTMENTS
•Lead Help Desk Tech supporting Microsoft Office Lotus Notes and numerous proprietary financial applications.

1/99 to 11/99 ADVANCED CENTERS FOR TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING, Quincy, MA
Tutor
•Instructed students in lab environment and assisted teachers and students with course activities.

3/97 to 1/99 CLEAN HARBORS ENVIRONMENT COMPANY, Braintree, MA
Chemist and Senior Scientist
Performed pre-qualification analysis and quality control on incoming waste for entire company,
•Evaluated profiles to determine additional analytical testing and pre-coding of waste stream.
•Conducted and reported all analytical results to customers and other senior scientists.
•Ensured compliance with OSHA, IATA, and DOT hazardous waste regulations.


EDUCATION: SALEM STATE COLLEGE, Salem, MA
Bachelor of Science in Biology – 1996
Minor: Chemistry, Physics, Music

tdean

any suggestions?

keenon

interesting.. i have never seem anyone use a self describing profile or proven strengths for a resume.. mostly summaries and the dreaded objective.. selected projects this is interesting to me as well.. not sure on what your trying to do with these but are you getting many hits in the current format? if not change those sections mentioned to something else

tdean

not particularly.... but then, im not sure what a reasonable amt is. i can certainly change things up, doesnt matter to me. theres A ton of stuff i can do that isnt on there. i dont know how to market myself... resume or cover letter.

matradley

I was wondering about something in regards to IT resumes. Recently, I was asked to add the "environment" subsection to each of my recent positions. For example:

Operations Support Specialist
- Blah
- Blah

Environment: Support Magic, MS Windows Server 2003, MS Windows 2000/XP, MS Exchange 2003, MS Office 2000/2003, SMS, WINS, DHCP, DNS, DWAN.

Is that really necessary?

In addition, should I remove the "awards" section from my resume? That is something that followed me around since I was in high school - outlining particular awards I received.

keenon

to answer both your questions

Tdean- I would suggest rewriting it acccording to the thread figure out the order how it best flows to you and have someone else review it after your done to see if they get the gist of what your trying to convey. remember its only supposed to be enough to say " i know what i'm doing but you will have to call me to get more in depth"

matradley- sounds to me your dealing with a recruit(er/ing) thats wanting you to word specific things so they can shop you to a client. its up to you if you feel comfortable in doing this. i personally won't do rewords to fit a recruiter's view but i do regular updates and proof reads to make sure it consistently flows informatively

matradley

keenon wrote: »

matradley- sounds to me your dealing with a recruit(er/ing) thats wanting you to word specific things so they can shop you to a client. its up to you if you feel comfortable in doing this. i personally won't do rewords to fit a recruiter's view but i do regular updates and proof reads to make sure it consistently flows informatively

Thanks for your quick reply. It was a recruiter that asked me to do that. I, generally, do not have that environment section. Usually, I would explain that information in my Essential qualifications or within the section describing the position I am working in.

brooklyntech

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stephens316

I just wanted to see what others thought of my resume it can be found here

Please PM me or Email

Thanks Guys

CGN_Spec

Can please give me your opinion on the resume below. (Please forgive the formatting)


Mxxxx Hxxx
14 Hart Way  Sometown, MA  (555) 555-5555  someone@example.com

Summary
A driven IT professional with a strong knowledge and experience in networking to provide technical support, reporting, deployment and implementing IT projects. Currently pursuing CCNP certification.

Education
XYZ UNIVERSITY – Sometown, WI
Bachelor of Science in Network Technology January 2007

Certifications
• CCNA – Cisco Certificate Network Associate
• CCNP – Cisco Certificate Network Professional
• CompTIA - Networking+

Summary of Qualifications
• In-depth knowledge of the following routing protocols: EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, RIP.
• Ability to troubleshoot L2 Switching, VLANs and L3 Routing issues
• Strong working knowledge of Cisco routers and switches, strong working knowledge of WANs (T1s, T3s, Frame Relay, etc)
• Experience working with the following hardware: Cisco 7500, 7200, 3600, 2600, 2800, Catalyst 6500, 5500, 4000, 3500, 2900
• Working knowledge of Cisco 6500 switch family and associated modules, familiarity with design and implementation of new and existing Data Center network infrastructure, including the installation and configuration of Cisco Switches and Routers
• Enthusiastic and motivated; highly capable of developing and maintaining good client relations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment


IT Experience
ABC COMPANY – Sometown, MA
• Level II Helpdesk Technician, (10/2005 to 8/2006) Handled technical troubleshooting with customers expereciring internet connectivity issues. Provide technical assistance to internal call agents to help them resolve issues.

Selected Contributions:
• Answer inbound phone calls for 2wire, assisting AT&T and Qwest customers with internet connectivity issues.

ABC COMPANY – Sometown, MA
System Specialist Technician, (4/2007 - current) Part of a team of technicians who managed Network platforms in source for 30K devices of 25 Latin American and North American Businesses. Providing consistent 24x7 proactive monitoring of alarms and alerts from IP-based network devices

Selected Contributions:
• Detailed analysis and resolution of complex networking issues
• Track high profiled network projects such as code defect remediation, design flaws and adding redundancy to the network
• Coordination with telecommunications, local support and network vendors, domestic and international carriers such as ******, ****, ****, as well as utilizing all available resources for determination, diagnoses and problem resolution.
• Performed implementation, execution and logging of network configuration changes
• Single point of contact for network related problems
• Provide support , as needed , for all business
• Coordinate implementation priorities of network projects, research for the best infrastructure and ensure the execution of long term network solution.
• Primary contact for network related problems which were business impacting
• Perform an in-depth investigation of network issues to identify the root cause and gap analysis
• Oversee procedural and system flow document for audit compliance
• Generate reports for multiple business groups and senior management

Turgon

Recruiting is a bit of a mess at the moment. Many phantom jobs advertised. If your CV is too good the phone can go off the hook. Of course work on the CV but also develop telephone technique so you can assess if the agent calling has a serious job for you! They like to look busy and harvest updated CVs. Then they change your name and send them across to clients to show that they have great people on their books. A lot of agencies are cold calling companies to try and get them interested in hiring someone.

earweed

Really like this thread. I had a "pro" work on my resume and several of her suggestions are this threads "don'ts". I haven't had a serious call from my old resume. I reworked it this past week , posted it for a job thursday and got a call Friday for an interview next week.
When's there going to be a cover page sticky thread?

netn3rd

Regarding references.... Why exactly is it bad to put them on your resume?

If you have a glowing recommendation letter from a former employer, why wouldn't you want to provide it with your resume? If they want to look at it they can, but if they don't, they can ignore it. And obviously, they can always call up the number and confirm its contents if they're seriously interested in hiring you...

Honest question since I got such a letter before I left my last job...