Resumes Dos and Don'ts guide line for getting contacted

techwizard

how do you get away with not telling a potential employer your age? what I mean is, if for example, I say something like this for a summary:

"Summary: Professional IT technician with 8+ years of experience in user desktop support, 26+ years of customer service experience, and 10+ years of software installation and maintenance. Proficient in troubleshooting multiple vendor hardware and software configurations in production environments."

The issue here is, a potential employer might think "ok, how old is this guy? lets see...add 8yrs, 26yrs, and 10yrs, thats 44yrs!" lol, and that might set myself up for age discrimination. What is the best way to phrase it so age isnt an issue?

Danielm7

techwizard wrote: »

"Summary: Professional IT technician with 8+ years of experience in user desktop support, 26+ years of customer service experience, and 10+ years of software installation and maintenance. Proficient in troubleshooting multiple vendor hardware and software configurations in production environments."

The issue here is, a potential employer might think "ok, how old is this guy? lets see...add 8yrs, 26yrs, and 10yrs, thats 44yrs!" lol, and that might set myself up for age discrimination. What is the best way to phrase it so age isnt an issue?

I don't really look at that as separate time frames, I'd try to combine some of it. By that I mean when I read that I don't think... "he did 26 years of customer service, then left, did 10 years in software installs, and then left again and finally did 8 years in desktop support" If I see desktop support I just assume that includes software installs and customer service. I don't know what level of role you are going for, but if it is in desktop support, then maybe just show that and highlight strong customer service skills vs listing each number. Maybe something like, professional IT technician with over a decade of desktop support experience with very strong customer service skills, etc.

DoubleNNs

"8 Years of desktop support and 10 years of software installation and maintenance experience, and a strong customer service background."

Or if you want, word it so you don't even need to list numbers at all. You're not putting down and detailing 40 years worth of experience in your Work Experience section, are you?

lrcasey17

Great write up thank you.

Technoracer

LinkedIn has a great tool to build resumes from the LinkedIn Profile. It is called the LinkedIn Resume builder. I think It made my resume look a lot sharper than just by using Word.

yzT

From the point of view of a recruiter, do you prefer to read a list of skills or an explanation about the skills? Let me explain myself.

For example:

- Networking: subnetting, DHCP, DNS, IPv4, DLP, IDS/IPS, NAC.
- Programming: C++, Java, Python, Perl.

vs

- Networking: designing of large networks and set up of security measures like DLP, IDS/IPS and NAC systems.
- Programming: C++, Java and some exposure to scripting languages like Python and Perl.

MAC_Addy

One thing I'd like to add. Don't lie on your resume. It WILL come back at you. This isn't coming from my own personal experience, rather an ex-employee. He filled in the gaps with knowledge of networks, linux, unix, and windows... Turns out, he knew nothing about anything. Well, I say that... He knew enough to impress in an interview by just skipping the surface on some subjects. But when it came down to it, he couldn't produce the results.... Not even a tiny bit.

samboypasag

Need some suggestions guys, I'm a graduate of B.S. Nursing but working now as IT Specialist in our hospital. I'm actually assigned in an admin post but worked my way up to being the lead IT specialist. I have my certifications like MCP, A+, and Network+. I'm planning to apply to another company. should i put my degree in nursing in my resume or just leave it out. I'm thinking my degree is irrelevant in my current career now. I've finished short online courses like Intro to ComSci in Udacity, Saylor and currently enrolled in edX-Harvard ComSci. i really need some advise guys.

yzT

Is it a bad idea to abbreviate a degree's name in order to make it fit in a line?

I don't have any problem with the English version of my resume, but in Spanish the degrees' name are very lengthy and they jump to the next line. However, if I abbreviate them, there is no problem.

For instance, assume that "Master's Degree in Information Technology" wouldn't fit in a line. Would it be appropriate to write "Master's Degree in IT"?

Zomboidicus

Would it be useful to note the fact that I've attended cisco network academy during my highschool years, even if that is ages ago, and I've only obtained CCNA in the last year or so?

kohr-ah

To me I would care more that you have your CCNA, than where you got it.
Wouldn't matter to me if you self studied, NetAcad, or however.

DANMOH009

Can Anyone help me with my profile/summary? I have a combination of two here and i just need one that sort of puts across my passion for career progression and the networking industry, but at the same time try to let them know i have experience (all be it only a year).

This is what i got so far.

An extremely passionate Network Engineer, with extensive experience in networking and troubleshooting that has been gained within an award winning ISPs. Knowledge gained in the Service provider Industry as well as corporate, having worked in a Managed Network environment.
An all-round ICT developed Individual. Passionate about career progression, driven by success and highly motivated when faced with challenges. Exceedingly developed interpersonal and organisational skills. Effective communicator at all levels within an organisation, dedicated to maintaining high standards.

keenon

Here's how i would summarize this:

Experienced Network Engineer with (insert years) working in Service provider industry, corporate enterprise and managed network infrastructure.
Highly motivated and success oriented professional willing to accept challenges, while maintaining high standards. Effective technical management and interpersonal skills able to l communicate within levels within an organization.

simple and effective

Sfost

Thanks for this info really helpful!

congerking

So I read on one of the Dos and Donts, you guys said not to put Certification Logos on your Resume. I have quite a few, probably too many to put on, but when you do, how would you put them on. Attached are some examples I found online

http://workbloom.com/resume/resume-sample-example-template-image/microsoft-certified-systems-administrator-01.jpg
http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/34036512.png
http://i59.tinypic.com/30nal1k.jpg

There is MCP, MCSA, MCSE, A+, Server+, Network+, Security+......just don't know which ones to put on there.

keenon

I think the overall thing is not to overload your resume with logos, like i have a few certs myself but i don't use any logos but if i was to do so i would pick the highest of them and not the lowest. so i'm working on IE when i get that one i will add that logo

srabiee

Leave the logos off. It's a resume, not a sponsored race car.

If you want to add a dash of color here and there, that's fine.

Clem25

Got a quick resume question, I'm working on getting into IT and currently searching for my first full time job. I've already got a BS from Clemson University, but it's a non IT degree. I plan on attending WGU and pursuing another BS in IT-Security. I'm currently waiting to hear back which of my classes will transfer over. On my resume for education, should I add that I plan on Attending WGU in the next few months to start on another degree, or just wait? Thanks.

srabiee

Instead of obtaining a second bachelors degree, have you considered obtaining a masters degree in IT? With a masters in IT on your resume, no one is going to care that your bachelors degree is in a different field. Might be time better spent pursuing a masters, and you'll have a graduate-level degree to show for it. Just some food for thought.

yzT

@=Clem25
As srabiee said, double bachelors don't worth, you better go for a master.

About adding it to the resume, I started my master on March and since January I was adding it to my resume at the education section, with date March 2014 - Current.

keenon

@=Clem25

finish the degree , modify it as needed to fit IT and work on getting certs ( this is the harder part than anything as you need to pick something you like or have a desire to learn, picking something you don't have any interest in is a sure fire way to waste time and not be happy with it at all)

mawbkk

Hey Guys,

I am looking for some suggestions on how I can improve my resume. I am looking for an entry level networking position and this will be a career change for me. Any constructive feedback will be appreciated.

John Smith
js@gmail.com
0xxxxxxx

Highly motivated and success oriented professional willing to accept challenges, while maintaining high standards. Seeking a position that will allow me to enhance my skills and grow as a network professional.

CERTIFCATIONS
§ Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
§ Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

KEY SKILLS AND COMPANENCIES
§ Solid Cisco switching and routing skills
§ Ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical colleagues
§ Excellent knowledge of fault finding and problem diagnosis
§ Able to work autonomously with minimal supervision or with a team.

EDUCATION
B.Sc.(Hons) Multimedia Technology
Random University

CAREER HISTORY


Computer Networking and Data Communications Instructor
Random College
May 2010 – Present
Developed entry-level and advanced curricula on a wide range of topics, consistently meeting tight deadlines. Subjects included:
§ Networking (protocols, architecture, Cisco IOS)
§ Programming (Python)
§ Database Management (MySQL, PHP)

Technical Duties
§ Install, configure, and maintain network services, equipment and devices
§ Cisco switch configuration in particular VLAN configuration/troubleshooting
§ Active Directory installation and management
§ Apache installation and management (PHP learning platform)
§ Perform troubleshooting analysis of the routers and switches
§ Manage Wireless Connectivity by setting the Channel, SSID and Security

Web Design Firm
August 2009 – December 2009
Diagnosed and repaired issues while following systems and procedures of company standards to ensure customer satisfaction.
§ Assisting clients with project alterations and technical issues
§ Troubleshooting and resolving desktop issues

mawbkk

Any thoughts?

ratbuddy

Saw at least two misspellings in the first four seconds. At least run spellchecker, then post up a new thread of your own and you'll get more responses.

ewright27

What is the best way to list experience if you've held multiple positions in the same organization? I was hired by a museum as a general Museum Specialist, then promoted a year later to IT Coordinator, then promoted again five years later to Director of IT. My IT duties were basically the same, with the only differences being a raise and a very small staff.

Is it better to list the organization, positions and dates first, and then bullet-point the duties, or to use the normal chronological format even if that means there will be some repetition and/or overlap?

Thanks!

keenon

I think chronological order would be best

hpardo

I have been in the military going on 8 years and I am preparing to get out. I have recieved responses on my resume but still feel it needs work, it is also rather long due to multiple positions I have held over the last 8 Years in the Army. Any help or assistance would be greatly appreciated thanks guys.


Professional Profile
A U.S. Army Veteran and I.T. Network Professional with over 7 years’ experience, and an active Top Secret SCI clearance. Currently looking for a position as a Networking Professional with a fast pace company.
• Experienced in austere and stressful environments.
• Extremely adaptable to changing situations with a solution oriented mentality.
• Certified Professional that is always staying current within the industry.
• Highly motivated, driven, and goal oriented with a true passion for knowledge.
• Strong understanding of network concepts, and technologies.

Education, Honors, and Certifications

B.S. Information Technology Network Administration
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT. 2016(expected)

Honor Graduate Information Technology Specialist
Fort Gordon Signal Center for Excellence, Fort Gordon, GA 2007

Professional Certifications
• Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA) - Routing & Switching 2010
• Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA Security) - Security 2013
• CompTIA Security+ Certified 2010
• CompTIA A+ Certified 2013
• CIW Web Foundations Associate 2013
• CIW Web Design Specialist 2014

Certifications in Progress
• Cisco Certified Network Professional - Routing & Switching 2014(expected)
o 642-813 CCNP Switch exam COMPLETED April 11, 2014
o 642-902 CCNP Route exam Scheduled for October 3, 2014
o 642-832 CCNP TSHOOT exam no later than December 2014

Key Qualifications
• Redesigned 2 Army tactical networks to effectively support unit missions.
• Affected a Division wide change on the integration and implementation of an Army Intelligence local area network and systems.
• Collaborated, planned, designed, and implemented 24 WAN connections to remote sites, as a tactical service provider.
• Designed an efficient Mobile Tactical Network, which provided quicker unit movements and redundancy resulting in 100% availability of LAN services and 98% availability of WAN services.
• Managed over a combined 72 Cisco ASA firewalls, 122 Cisco Routers, and 144 Cisco Switches.
• Trained over 40 primary users in security awareness; resulting in 99% success in preventing penetration testers attempting to gain access to the network for over 2 months.
• Implemented, maintained and operated 5 Cisco Unified Call Managers with over 100 end devices.
• Established, maintained, and operated DHCP and SAN Drive services running on Windows Server 2008r2.
• Managed over 5 Active Directory OU’s with over 1,000 users combined.
• Trained, led, and managed a combined 17 Army Signal Soldiers in Network Operations, Systems. Administration, Security Management, and Help Desk operations.
• Experience in holding additional roles as an Information Assurance Security Officer, Telephone Control Officer, and Help Desk Manager.
• Maintained 100% accountability for over $6,000,000.00 in property & equipment.
• Experienced in establishing, operating, and maintaining various satellite systems.
• Experience working additional roles as a Systems Administrator, Information Assurance Technician.
• Designed and conducted over 10 training sessions on implementation, basic networking, and special systems.
• Experience writing Security & Operational standards, guidelines, and procedures in accordance with Army policies.

Skills
Cisco Routers 1800 series, 2600 series, 2800 series, 2900 series, 3800, 3900, & 7200 series; Cisco Switches Catalyst 3750G, 3560, 3550, & 2950; Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances 5510, & 5505; STP, PVST+, & Rapid PVST; GRE, IPSec, Dynamic Multipoint VPN Tunnels, PPP, ISAKMP, VPN; OSPF, OSPFv3, EIGRP, RIP v1 & 2, BGP; AES, NHRP; ACL; HSRP, VRRP, & GLBP; DHCP; VoIP; IPv4, IPv6; SNMPc; Network Design & Optimization; Network Security Management; Cisco Unified Call Manager(CUCM), Cisco Call Manger Express; Inline encryption devices Point to Point and Point to Multipoint; Fiber Optics Termination; Satellite Transportable Terminals; Very Small Aperture Terminals; VMware ESXi; Windows server 2008 Active directory; Life Cycle Management & Planning; IP Engineering; Network Administration; Strong Leadership and Mentorship Abilities.

Employment

Baseband Network Engineer | U.S. Army
Division Signal Company, 25TH Infantry Division
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
August 2014 - Present

Network Operations Team Leader | U.S. Army
1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
July 2012 - August 2014

Senior Information Technology Specialist | U.S. Army
563rd Aviation Support Battalion, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade
Forward Operating Base Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan
June 2011 - July 2012

Communication Chief S-6 | U.S. Army
563rd Aviation Support Battalion, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade
Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan 42223
December 2010 - June 2011

Senior Local Area Network Manager | U.S. Army
563rd Aviation Support Battalion, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
Fort Campbell, KY 42223
December 2008 - December 2010

Local Area Network Manager | U.S. Army
563rd Aviation Support Battalion, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade
Fort Campbell, KY 42223

November 2007 - December 2008

Dallas1981

updated

IIIMaster

I have a qualifications area and it never hurt me. I just put my resume out earlier this week and i have half a dozen voice mails and emails requesting an interview. Of course I never follow up with anyone and dont plan to.

Yup had a friend who has a bachelor's in the field. That didnt work for him so he got a masters in computer science and an A+. Fast forward 3-4 months later he was hired on as a NOC.

IT-Fella

Hi!

I created a separate thread with my resume trying to get some valuable feedback from the community here http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/105365-switching-management-role-resume-critique.html

If anyone don't mind looking at it, please do. I received mixed feedback from different online resume critique websites so now I'm lost.