Do I need a Resume makeover?

I have been applying to jobs for the last 8+ months now, I have only had a 2 phone interviews and 1 face-to-face interview, in that time. I keep grinding the *on-line* pavement. But still to no avail, I am hoping that you guys/girls can provide me with some help on tweaking my resume.

Profile:
Highly knowledgeable and results-oriented IT management professional with exceptional communication skills. Demonstrated the ability to work independently or part of a team. Excellent qualifications in IT operations, support, network architecture, team building, asset management and budget development with proven ability to combine project and staff management with technical expertise to consistently exceeded corporate goals.

Technical & Professional Skills:
• Windows 2000/XP • LAN/WAN • Help Desk Management
• Windows 2003 Server • Ethernet • Staff Management
• Microsoft Office Suite • HTML • VMware
• .MSI Packaging • Active Directory • TCP/IP protocol suite
• Symantec Ghost Imaging • Technical Support

Certifications:
Comptia A+
Comptia Network+
Comptia Security+
MCP – Microsoft Certified Professional
MCSA 2003 – Microsoft Certified System Administrator
MCSE 2003 – Microsoft Certified System Engineer

Experience:

xxxx • xxxx • Oct 2004 - Present • Network Analyst
• Support and maintain Active Directory in a Windows 2003 environment
• Built 500 user accounts and groups, installed work specific software and
added computers to a Domain
• Imaged 1000+ sysprep computers with Symantec Ghost, using custom
made machine specific images
• Praised by supervisors and employees for dedicated and reliable work,
performing excellent customer service
• Accomplish in the usage of all tools in the TCP/IP protocol suite. Extensive
experience in integrating Windows into Internet and Intranet environments

xxxx • xxxx • Jan 2004 - Aug 2004 • Technical Support Agent
• Identified and implemented technologies and methods of using existing
technology to help users work more efficiently
• Assisted and supported the planning and execution of infrastructure
computerization.
• Provided quality customer service with a high volume central processing
and distribution center
• Decrease processing time of routine tasks using computers

xxxx • xxxx • Jun 2002 - Dec 2003 • Technical Support Specialist
• Promoted from technical assistant position within two months based on
technical troubleshooting skills, positive work ethic, dedication to
teamwork, and ability to communicate technical concepts to end users
Improve overall computer literacy of company through training employees
• Achieved high level of customer satisfaction through patient, methodical
approach to problem resolution, with majority of calls resolved within
company’s 10-minute requirement
• Performed system testing, script writing, and document change control in a
validated environment.

xxxx • xxxx • Jun 1997 – Mar 2001 • Customer Service Technician
• Managed multiple contracts and projects; ensured that deadlines, quality
standards, and client expectations; served as liaison between staff and
clients to ensure reliable follow-through, and clear communications
• Managed broad range of installation, upgrade, rollout, and troubleshooting
projects for Windows-based networks
• Built new computers, migrating existing applications, and customizing
configuration settings

Education:
xxxx College, xxxx Campus • xxxx • Mar 2006
• Pursuing CCNA Certification

xxxx College • xxxx • April 2002
• Undergraduate of Computer Science

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Comments

mysql1988

look for job posting with phone numbers and call them.

and convince them why they need you.

thats how I got mine

keenon

i would think you do need a resume make over.

you have more skills than are listed if you really think about it. also you have more work tasks/ duties or things you have done for your employers. I would say write down all your thoughts about each job's duties or tasks completed. think hard on how to explain them all but keeping it in a manner that is between the complete story and a summary

writing resumes is more of an art form that we all can learn or learn to pay someone to do it

bmauro

Your education section at the bottom isn't clear - that could be a problem.

Do you have a degree? It looks like you do - and if that is the case - bring that to the top. A 4 year degree will catch their eye - it might not get you the job in the end, but it could be the tie breaker.

sprkymrk

I'm no expert, but I'll just give you my impressions which only matter if you were applying for a job working for me....

If I had to describe your resume in a word, it would be this - "cliche". I have to sort through the stuff you say about yourself to decipher what is meaningful and what is not. I just hate buzz words and such. I think you probably have some good experience and education, so emphasize it without making it look like you are trying to "puff it up" artificially. Here are some examples:

Everyone that is an MCSE is also an MCP and MCSA. List only the MCSE unless you have differing versions that would indicate skill in multiple areas, like are you an MCP in something other than 2003? Otherwise it looks like "padding".

I would leave out the "praised by managers" stuff. Leave that for references to state, otherwise it just looks like patting yourself on the back. Same goes for "I was promoted because of blah blah blah". Simply list your job duties and any MAJOR accomplishments. I liked your first bullet

Support and maintain Active Directory in a Windows 2003 environment

Short and to the point. You could add something like "in a network consisting of 500 users and compuetrs". That simple statement combined with your experience and certs says all it needs to say. Your next points I don't care for too much:

Built 500 user accounts and groups, installed work specific software and
added computers to a Domain
• Imaged 1000+ sysprep computers with Symantec Ghost, using custom
made machine specific images

However, it would be fair, and I think better, to state it like this:

Additional administrative functions included building and deploying images using Symantec Ghost, installation and support of (brand xyz) software, network trouble shooting and customer service.

And so on. I agree with the other poster that your education could be listed first, then your certs, then your experience. I personally don't like a "profile" or "goals" on a resume, but that's just me. To me, having it there has never helped, but a poorly worded one can certainly hurt. Save it for the cover sheet IMO. Finally, leave out the "Technical & Professional Skills" part altogether. That looks like a novice's resume, not someone with over 8 years experience like you have.

Hope I didn't come across too hard. I have to restate that they are just my opinions and may not conform to what others think, so do what you think is best. I think you ought to be able to attract a lot more attention than you have been. I hope it all works out for you. Good luck!

IT_Admin

By no means do I take offence to any of the feedback. I very much appericate it. All the posts have been very helpful. Please keep it coming.

mysql1988: alot of places that I have been applying to state no phone calls. I usually just send a follow up email. not sure if that is a good thing or not.

keenon: That was one of the biggest problems that I have been facing was how to explain my duties and get the wording right.

bmauro: With my education I completed my 1st year of college for computer science, but alas fell on some hard family times. I have not gone back since except to complete my certifications which I am able to do in my town at a pearson vue testing center.

sprkymrk: Very insightful I thought you made some very good points, to which I plan on using. That was my fear, that my resume was too clumped together and wouldnt be clear enough to potential employers to skim through it.