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[entremet]

You seem to be quite knowledgeable on the subject so I'll ask you. Where would I begin if I was looking into getting into the IT field with no prior experience/education?

First, get an education.

Luckily, if you have internet access you can easily study on your own. There's tons of Youtube videos, books and guides online.

Become a learning machine and learn as much as you can. The MS certs are quite useful.

Volunteering at non-profits is a great way to get experience.

Look for entry level help desk jobs. They will get your foot in the door. Most of these just require basic computing knowledge and skill, which most young people tend to have through osmosis, unless you grew up without a computer.

 

[Arrogant Bastard]

Super happy right now, no longer a adjunct professor (horribly underpaid, no academic freedom) just got a full time teaching position. To make it even better my wife just got hired as a an intermediate math teacher. Huge life change for us, best of luck job seeking GAF. We put in a combined 100+ applications, so so many automated rejections.

 

[Bacon]

First, get an education.

Luckily, if you have internet access you can easily study on your own. There's tons of Youtube videos, books and guides online.

Become a learning machine and learn as much as you can. The MS certs are quite useful.

Volunteering at non-profits is a great way to get experience.

Look for entry level help desk jobs. They will get your foot in the door. Most of these just require basic computing knowledge and skill, which most young people tend to have through osmosis, unless you grew up without a computer.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Captain.Falafel]

First, get an education.

Luckily, if you have internet access you can easily study on your own. There's tons of Youtube videos, books and guides online.

Become a learning machine and learn as much as you can. The MS certs are quite useful.

Volunteering at non-profits is a great way to get experience.

Look for entry level help desk jobs. They will get your foot in the door. Most of these just require basic computing knowledge and skill, which most young people tend to have through osmosis, unless you grew up without a computer.

I'm also interested in this. Let's say you grab an A+ cert, maybe another one (you tell me!), already have a college degree in an unrelated field and some minor work experience within the field, what would you say upward mobility looks like?

 

[Captain Tuttle]

Thanks guys.

At first I was hesitant on doing just this, but after thinking about it for awhile, I think this is the best route to take. I just graduated last month and all of this is new to me.

I guess I'm too nice of a guy sometimes. The idea of just leaving a job (the bank) to go to another one didn't seem like a good idea to me a little while ago, but after seeing your replies and talking with some people, I think that's the best way to go. The pay is, still not great but much better than where I currently am, and there's growth for a position in business development.

Of course I really, really, REALLY want that QVC job.

Bank then QVC if it comes.

QVC is a great employer, good company to work for, they're one of the biggest employers in my county, drop everything if you can get in there

Good luck!

 

[TrounceX]

I'm also interested in this. Let's say you grab an A+ cert, maybe another one (you tell me!), already have a college degree in an unrelated field and some minor work experience within the field, what would you say upward mobility looks like?

That's enough to qualify for a tier 2 help desk in the state government where I'm from. That would be roughly $25 / hour starting. Positions like that are open all the time. From there you could look into networking, system administration, security, application development, project management.... the sky's the limit as long as you're willing to keep learning.

And most job postings I see just say "a degree", not anything about a degree related to IT. Also work experience matters more than your education or certifications after just a few years. Just get in the door and stick around a few years and you'll have the same upward mobility as anyone else. You could also get into a union and your seniority will carry you up the ladder with very little competition.

 

[entremet]

I'm also interested in this. Let's say you grab an A+ cert, maybe another one (you tell me!), already have a college degree in an unrelated field and some minor work experience within the field, what would you say upward mobility looks like?

A+ is noob level, just using geek terms. It will get your foot in the door.

If you're built a gaming PC and set up a wireless network, you probably could pass it blind. It's very basic.

Upward mobility is good as long as you continue to learn and learn.

You just need to treat it like a craft--learning more and more and getting better.

 

[Arol]

I have an interview in two weeks.

They told me to dress casual attire. They emphasized it as well. I tried asking what they meant and they just said casual.

I'm having a hard time deciding what casual is.

For the record its a government job working the warehouse.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

You can learn many of those skills on your own, so don't lose heart.

The degree is just to get your foot in the door. We all are responsible for developing our skills these days.

Paid professional development is a rare thing nowadays.



Have you tried getting a certification? You don't need college degree for it. Just get a book, study, and take the test.

GAF has a huge IT community that could recommend the best ones for a novice like yourself.

what kind of cert, and would that be enough to get my foot in the door?

would it be hard to study for one, and what kind of book?

edit-nm. I just need to find a job in my degree field

 

[Bacon]

I have an interview in two weeks.

They told me to dress casual attire. They emphasized it as well. I tried asking what they meant and they just said casual.

I'm having a hard time deciding what casual is.

For the record its a government job working the warehouse.

I'd probably go khakis and a button down. That may be a step above casual though I dunno.

 

[vypek]

Wish me luck GAF, I have an interview in about 13 hours. Its relatively well paying considering everything and also has a very easy commute. Right now I'm the lead candidate so hopefully I can land the job.

 

[Borgnine]

Was laid off after 14 years in the same office admin/sales support position. Was out of work for about a month and a half but just started this week at a new company doing the same thing. Wasn't actually that soul crushing. I'm probably the more experienced guy you keep talking about that gets your jobs. gg.

 

[ZackieChan]

Just curious - anyone in here who hasn't been able to find a "job" considered starting a business, instead? Since I became an entrepreneur, I've wondered why so many are content relying on others to deem them worthy of employment, rather than spending some if that time building something (or many things) of their own.

I never thought I wanted to work for myself, but now that I am, I can't imagine working for someone else ever again.

 

[Slo]

Just curious - anyone in here who hasn't been able to find a "job" considered starting a business, instead? Since I became an entrepreneur, I've wondered why so many are content relying on others to deem them worthy of employment, rather than spending some if that time building something (or many things) of their own.

I never thought I wanted to work for myself, but now that I am, I can't imagine working for someone else ever again.

I have been recently. A lot. I found out after being laid off a few years ago that I'm very employable so I'm not terribly insecure about it, but every time my company goes through a down quarter or is rumored for an acquisition I wonder why I let myself be dependent on someone else deeming me worthy of my salary. If some accountant decides to make the Quarter 2, 2017 numbers look a little better, I'm out on my ass and looking for work.

I feel like I should be able to create more control over my income than that. Seems like I should be able to feed my family without having to convince somebody to keep shoving dollar bills in my g-string and slapping my ass every other Friday.

 

[flaxknuckles]

After a terrifying month of flunking interviews and feeling like I really should have gotten more than an A+ cert in my 3 years of working IT, I finally got a job. They were pretty desperate and scheduled me to start tomorrow. My concerns are that the pay isn't terribly bad nor good, the commute is 40 minutes long without traffic, and the guy at the staffing agency said the contract is a week long with a chance of going further (which even if it does, if I don't get hired permanently or told I'm good for 6 more months I'll be really stressed the whole time hoping every day isn't my last).

I've learnt my lesson and will be lazy no longer. If I can hold onto this gig for a few weeks I'm enrolling in WGU.

 

[Necrovex]

What's the job market like for someone interested in EMT for a few years? I want to get my feet a little wetter in medicine as I work towards becoming a PA but I don't want to spend six months getting my EMT certification if it isn't worth it. Employment-Gaf, I want your sage-like wisdom in this future situation (and any good alternatives for someone who will have two years of community health experience).

 

[Captain.Falafel]

What's the job market like for someone interested in EMT for a few years? I want to get my feet a little wetter in medicine as I work towards becoming a PA but I don't want to spend six months getting my EMT certification if it isn't worth it. Employment-Gaf, I want your sage-like wisdom in this future situation (and any good alternatives for someone who will have two years of community health experience).

I don't work as an EMT but I am in the Emergency Medicine field. The question I'd pose to you would be: why EMT? It's a long process, it's a lot of work, the hours aren't great, the stakes are high, it isn't particularly forgiving. If your answer is to build the necessary medical-field hours to continue your work towards becoming a PA, then the follow-up question would be: how big of a factor is money for you? Would you trade $4 or $5 per hour less for a more comfortable position? Or do you have some sort of passion for becoming an EMT for a while?

Everyone's path is different. One of my friends spent a solid 6 months busting his ass, working volunteer for an ambulance while studying to get an EMT certification. He was taking overnight shifts, weekend shifts, doing what he had to to find his way in that field. My colleague, who is also on her path to becoming a PA, took up a Medical Scribe position. It's not as glamorous sounding, granted. There are different Scribe positions depending on the healthcare setting or institution you choose: some require patient interaction, some literally are only hiring you as a typist. The former I think is a great way to build hours: she interacts with patients, she shadows a new physician every day, works with the resident PA, and therefore is getting an inside look at the field she's interested in while making contacts with people established in that same desired field. It has its excitement in her case because she's in the ER, she helps doctors and liases with patients, but she also has a desk, a chair, a computer, and sees first-hand the entire medical decision-making process.

I know that was a jumble of text but feel free to shoot me a PM if you'd like to talk about anything further or need any clarification.

 

[brerwolfe]

I have an interview in two weeks.

They told me to dress casual attire. They emphasized it as well. I tried asking what they meant and they just said casual.

I'm having a hard time deciding what casual is.

For the record its a government job working the warehouse.

Slacks and a polo/golf shirt are what they're looking for.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

For those that have experience, can anyone tell me if there's anything wrong with my resume?

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Political Science University of South Florida
Superior Academic Achievement; Major GPA 3.62
Graduation date: August 2011

Intern
United States Secret Service – Tampa, FL (Part-Time/16 Hours per Week)
01/2010 to 04/2010

-On average, successfully analyzed and verified 30 counterfeit note reports and counterfeit currency sent from local banks and police departments; processed with 100% accuracy; identified and labeled each counterfeit note, and date stamped counterfeit note reports

-Compiled and filed investigation reports for office administrator

-Analyzed police reports by gathering pertinent data and highlighted important information pertaining to ongoing investigations

-Prepared and organized reports

-Assisted and researched information for Special Agents conducting an operation

-Discussed sensitive information with special agents and administrative officers on counterfeit note reports, presidential detail, and undercover operations

-Received letter of recommendation recognized and written by the Administrative Officer

EXPERIENCE

Sr. Sales Associate
Sports Authority – Clearwater, FL (Part-Time/28 Hours per Week)
03/2007-01/2008, Part-Time; 10/2010-01/2011, Seasonal; 03/2011-Present, Part-Time

-Communicate effectively with customers by regularly answering their questions in person-to- person situations or by phone, analyze their problems, educate them on store products and determine appropriate products or services

-Resolve problems or disputes involving returns and exchanges, faulty products, and work orders

-Coordinate and assign duties to associates

-Assist, train, and present technical or complex information to other associates on how to use in-store computer programs

-Employee of the month for September, 2014

-Only one of two sales associates to achieve perfect SCALES more than once

-Ranked number one within the store for signing customers up for our Sports Authority’s The League Program

-Nominated as team sales leader to maximize sales during the holidays in 2011

-Comply with OSHA rules, regulations, and written guidelines

KEY SKILLS:

-Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Outlook, and moderate knowledge of Excel

-Type at minimum 40 words per minute

-Knowledge of domestic and international socioeconomic and political structures

-Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills

-Excellent customer service and communication skills

I've been looking at a lot of city, state, federal jobs that revolve around clerical or administrative positions. I've also applied to legal/paralegal positions, but no bite.

 

[Pancakes]

Posting picture of a PDF with important details blurred out would probably help. Gotta see what format you use.

 

[Sayah]

I wouldn't say "on average" in a job description. You analyzed 30 counterfeit reports. Was that on average daily, per week, per month? How am I supposed to know?
Also, your Internship has everything listed in past tense while your Sr. Sales Associate job has everything listed in present tense. Stick with one format maybe?

 

[sometimes i game]

This is a bit confusing in layout.

I wouldn't distinguish internship and experience.

Instead I would suggest you start with the experience (company as first line, then position), then show the internship, then show education at the bottom.

Anything not current can be made past tense, and inclusion of hard numbers or stats is always impressive

Don't bother saying Proficient in word etc. If you disagree, ok, but definitely don't sell yourself short and say moderate in Excel. No one knows everything. That's what google is for.

Prepared and organize reports also is not specific enough, expand that.

 

[Necrovex]

I don't work as an EMT but I am in the Emergency Medicine field. The question I'd pose to you would be: why EMT? It's a long process, it's a lot of work, the hours aren't great, the stakes are high, it isn't particularly forgiving. If your answer is to build the necessary medical-field hours to continue your work towards becoming a PA, then the follow-up question would be: how big of a factor is money for you? Would you trade $4 or $5 per hour less for a more comfortable position? Or do you have some sort of passion for becoming an EMT for a while?

Everyone's path is different. One of my friends spent a solid 6 months busting his ass, working volunteer for an ambulance while studying to get an EMT certification. He was taking overnight shifts, weekend shifts, doing what he had to to find his way in that field. My colleague, who is also on her path to becoming a PA, took up a Medical Scribe position. It's not as glamorous sounding, granted. There are different Scribe positions depending on the healthcare setting or institution you choose: some require patient interaction, some literally are only hiring you as a typist. The former I think is a great way to build hours: she interacts with patients, she shadows a new physician every day, works with the resident PA, and therefore is getting an inside look at the field she's interested in while making contacts with people established in that same desired field. It has its excitement in her case because she's in the ER, she helps doctors and liases with patients, but she also has a desk, a chair, a computer, and sees first-hand the entire medical decision-making process.

I know that was a jumble of text but feel free to shoot me a PM if you'd like to talk about anything further or need any clarification.

Money isn't a huge factor considering I currently make $300 a month in rural South Africa. A medical scribe seems like a solid gig for someone who'll be getting his pre-reqs done on a part-time situation (and for someone who'll be transitioning back to the states a few years after living a slow-paced life). Any other possible medical gigs you can think of? I'll have the needed clinical hours done (4000+) when I return to the states, I imagine it'd be ideal to continue gaining work experience as I get my science classes done.

 

[Sayah]

I wouldn't distinguish internship and experience.

Also this.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Ok, thanks.

Layout of resume is basically bullet points. I capitalize and bold education, experience, and skills. I also bold my position title, like Sr. Sales Associate/Intern. I italize the company and dates.

I'll put my internship under my current employment, and I'll list my education on the bottom.

I honestly don't think that'll make a big difference? I'll expand a little more on 'prepared and organized reports'.

 

[Lightning_Roller]

Had an interview at a fast food joint yesterday and I got the job! Unfortunately, due to getting my wallet stolen, I can not start immediately because of my ID and such. But knowing that when I get them I can start makes me happy as a pig in a blanket.

 

[Slo]

For those that have experience, can anyone tell me if there's anything wrong with my resume?



I've been looking at a lot of city, state, federal jobs that revolve around clerical or administrative positions. I've also applied to legal/paralegal positions, but no bite.

Hope this helps.

1) Why are you specifying 16 hours a week, or 28 hours a week, or part time at all? I'd drop those specifications. Don't highlight a negative. If I read your resume I'd assume that you were working full time, except that you told me you weren't. I immediately start wondering why not?

Your resume is not the time for you to be modest. You've gotta get past an HR lackey before your resume will even get to a hiring manager. Beef it up.

2) This is a nitpick, but as far as accolades that you list, I like this format:

-Employee of the month for September, 2014

much more than I like this:

-Only one of two sales associates to achieve perfect SCALES more than once

The first says "FACT: here's an award I won" the second one strikes me as "I'm totally one of the best guys on the office kickball team." I'd just reword it a bit to make it stronger. I only mention it because a couple places in your resume struck me as a little off key and under-professional.

3) Frankly, your skills are lacking. 40 wpm and moderate MS Office knowledge? Self proclaimed analytical and people SKILLZ? You're not knocking my socks off. I'd beef this up a bit, with formal documentation of your skill set if possible. If you're having trouble beefing that up, that should tell you that you need to improve your qualifications.

4) What have you been doing IN YOUR FIELD since you graduated? Have you just been selling sneakers at Sports Authority this whole time? You should be demonstrating that you want to work your industry, even if no one is paying you to do it. I'm a Software Engineer so whenever I'm unemployed I should be working on open source projects. My wife is a social worker, whenever she's unemployed she should be volunteering at the local woman's shelter. Artists draw, athletes train. What's the equivalent in your industry? What makes you more qualified than the average human to do the job you're applying for?

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I mean, yeah. Since 2011 I've working at SA. I've been trying, but can't find anything.

skills? What am I suppose to add? I have PC application and can type. I don't really know how working at SA developed any skills?

 

[Makonero]

Just got a job offer! WOO! 2 months of unemployment and I'm definitely ready to work. And it's a job right up my alley at a smaller company. This should be good!

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES COME ON

 

[entremet]

Just curious - anyone in here who hasn't been able to find a "job" considered starting a business, instead? Since I became an entrepreneur, I've wondered why so many are content relying on others to deem them worthy of employment, rather than spending some if that time building something (or many things) of their own.

I never thought I wanted to work for myself, but now that I am, I can't imagine working for someone else ever again.

I'm not unemployed, just a job hopper lol.

I've thought about it, but I've known a few entrepreneurs. Work life balance it is not.

I think everyone should have multiple streams of income. Depending for your job or business to be your sole source of income is a fool's game.

I do have some ideas. I'd like to get involved with startups.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Here's my federal resume. It actually goes a bit more into detail. I've read there are people with 5-7 page resumes. Mine is only two, though:

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Political Science University of South Florida
Superior Academic Achievement; Major GPA 3.62
Graduation date: August 2011

WORK EXPERIENCE

INTERN, 01/2010-04/2010
The United States Secret Service, Tampa, FL
Salary: Unpaid
Supervisor: Ms. Nancy,111-111-1111; may contact

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Processed incoming and outgoing mail containing counterfeit note reports. On average, successfully analyzed and verified 30 counterfeit note reports and counterfeit currencies sent from local banks and police departments; processed with 100% accuracy. Identified each counterfeit note report by examining the currency’s serial number, serial date, note number position, Federal Reserve number, and plate number. Then, the counterfeit note reports were organized by the currency’s serial and year, and then date stamped and rapid printed. The second copy of the counterfeit note report is mailed back to the banks or police departments.

FILE MANAGEMENT: Office room containing counterfeit note reports were compiled and filed by alphabet. Then, the files were consolidated and shelved.

ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH: Analyzed police reports involving counterfeit currency and highlighting the date the incidents took place on and the names of the suspects. Incidents that took place at a business, the employer’s name and address were highlighted.

PREPARE AND ORGANIZE REPORTS: Provided administrative support to Special Agents in making copies of files and creating binders for investigations. On average, 50 to 100 files were copied, arranged in order, hole-punched, labeled with colored tabs, and set into a binder.

COMPILE FILES: Organized and made copies of applicants’ files that were applying for the United States Secret Service. If needed, applicants’ files were analyzed for information pertaining to their date of birth, selective service registration number, finger prints, and college transcripts.

INITIATIVE AND TEAMWORK: Ran errands for Office Administrator and Special Agents. Traveled to local post office to mail documents. Dropped off or picked up subpoenas at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Other errands included picking up documents from the local police department.

Key Accomplishment:

•Received letter of recommendation from Office Administrator


Sr. Sales Associate, 03/2011-Present
The Sports Authority, Clearwater, FL
Salary: $10.42/hr
Supervisor: Sam Adams, 333-333-3333; may contact

COMMUNICATION: Communicate effectively with customers by regularly answering their questions in person-to- person situations or by phone. Compose correspondences intended to communicate with other Sports Authority stores on store-to-store transfers.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Resolve problems or disputes involving returns and exchanges, faulty products, and work orders. Successfully remain polite while dealing with customer problems or complaints. Analyze customer problems, educate customers on store products, and determine appropriate products or services.

TEAM LEADERSHIP: As a senior sales associate, coordinate and communicate both written and orally with team members to help complete workload in a timely manner, and within budget.

MULTI-TASKING: Multiple duties performed and accomplished on weekends by pulling the previous week’s ad and setting up the new week’s ad (consisting of at minimum 50 signs), maintaining the department’s cleanliness, and helping to promote SCALES to customers.

INTERPRET RULES AND REGULATIONS: Comply with OSHA rules, regulations, and written guidelines whenever an accident or spill happens within store. Take new online courses whenever the company’s rules and regulations are updated. Report unethical behaviors to chain of command.

INITIATIVE AND TEAMWORK: Taken the initiative to learn new skills and product knowledge outside of department (team sports, footwear, outdoors, and cashier). Ability to work outside of department without notice for indefinite period of time. Coordinate with team members on office supplies, lunch breaks, and covering one another’s department.

EXPERTISE: Assist, train, and present technical or complex information to other team members on how to use in-store computer programs, effectively dealing with customer issues, and work orders.

Key Accomplishments:

• Employee of the month for September, 2014
• Only one of two sales associates to achieve perfect SCALES more than once on a weekly basis
• Ranked number one within the store for signing customers up for our Sports Authority’s The League Program; on average, 5 customers sign up for The League per shift
• Nominated as team sales leader to maximize sales during the holidays in 2011
• Frequently receive favorable feedback from customers and supervisors

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Outlook, and moderate knowledge of Excel

 

[Jpop]

Had a 2nd interview today with the owner of the firm and at the end he said I got the job and just email who I interviewed with the first time to get everything set up.

 

[ollin]

Just got laid off/fired from my job. I only worked there for close to four months. They said job performance was the reason I got fired but I just think the company was too cheap and didn't want to pay for my health insurance.

 

[Slo]

Had a 2nd interview today with the owner of the firm and at the end he said I got the job and just email who I interviewed with the first time to get everything set up.

Congrats!

 

[CaptainZombie]

This interview process is such a real pain. Yesterday I had my 7th interview with the Director of the group I'd be working with at the place I used to work at 7.5 years ago. When I asked her what the next steps are, she told me that it's down to me and one other person at this point, she needs to circle back around with the hiring manager to make a decision. This waiting game really stinks and after so many interviews over the last few years, I really hope this is it as I really need to get out of the current job I am in. Wish me luck guys, hopefully I hear something in the next week.

 

[Manmademan]

Here's my federal resume. It actually goes a bit more into detail. I've read there are people with 5-7 page resumes. Mine is only two, though:

This is way, way too long given what your actual experience is. Looks like you're trying to inflate nothing into something.There is no way it should be this long.

In addition its not common to list your oldest position first with your most recent position last.

The best advice I could give is that recruiters and hiring managers might spend 30 to 60 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding to move on. I start reading this and my eyes glaze over.

 

[Rich!]

My CV is just under two pages long with a LinkedIn address and other such contact details. I've been a store manager in four companies, QA tech in one and a business development coordinator for another. Also went to university.

If the CV grabs them, they'll look into my experience further. Thats how I see it, and how I look at potentials in my company. My CV is only as long as it is because I can't squash it together more than it is. I would have it one page if I could.

 

[Jpop]

Congrats!

Thanks it pays $15/hr with a chance for me to learn from the head interior designer on the team and move up if I do well.

The owner is really chill too! Now I just need to save enough money for a security deposit and first month's rent so I can get off my friends couch.

 

[elrechazado]

Here's my federal resume. It actually goes a bit more into detail. I've read there are people with 5-7 page resumes. Mine is only two, though:

Someone with your experience should never have more than one page. That's not an insult, it's a hard truth that 99% of hiring managers and hr people won't even look at page two and or will hold it against you.

Revise to one page, it's easily done and you will be better served by it.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

This is way, way too long given what your actual experience is. Looks like you're trying to inflate nothing into something.There is no way it should be this long.

In addition its not common to list your oldest position first with your most recent position last.

The best advice I could give is that recruiters and hiring managers might spend 30 to 60 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding to move on. I start reading this and my eyes glaze over.

again, this is a FEDERAL resume. Its normal for it to be that long.

and again, my 2 pages is nothing compared to other people with more than 5 pages.

my sister said my private sector resume should only have 3-4 bullet points per job. How are you suppose to cram your duties into that?

 

[LosDaddie]

Stupid life. There's an engineering company I've been trying to work at for YEARS now, applied multiple times over the years, and no response. Not even a rejection email. No sweat, as I've been able to obtain gainful employment at other places.

What happens once I start working at one of their competitors? 3 interviews (2 phone & 1 in-person) in the span of a week, and I expect a job offer early next week. I rocked the Revit skill assessment test, and the 3-person panel interview. At this point, i'm not even sure if i'll take the job if they do offer. I'd be burning the bridge with my current engineering firm, and the drive to the new office would be about 15min longer (~40min total).

As the old saying goes; Be careful of what you wish for. sigh...

My CV is just under two pages long with a LinkedIn address and other such contact details. I've been a store manager in four companies, QA tech in one and a business development coordinator for another. Also went to university.

If the CV grabs them, they'll look into my experience further. Thats how I see it, and how I look at potentials in my company. My CV is only as long as it is because I can't squash it together more than it is. I would have it one page if I could.

Have to cut it down to 1 page.

 

[entremet]

Stupid life. There's an engineering company I've been trying to work at for YEARS now, applied multiple times over the years, and no response. Not even a rejection email. No sweat, as I've been able to obtain gainful employment at other places.

What happens once I start working at one of their competitors? 3 interviews (2 phone & 1 in-person) in the span of a week, and I expect a job offer early next week. I rocked the Revit skill assessment test, and the 3-person panel interview. At this point, i'm not even sure if i'll take the job if they do offer. I'd be burning the bridge with my current engineering firm, and the drive to the new office would be about 15min longer (~40min total).

As the old saying goes; Be careful of what you wish for. sigh...





Have to cut it down to 1 page.

How would you be burning the bridge? If a new opportunity comes up with a better upside, you take it.

If you're not getting any call backs, just treat it like dating, move on. They're not interested, so it's their loss.

Go to the place that will notices your contribution and skill set.

Remember, there is no loyalty in the private sector. I've seen people go to competitors for better positions, mass employee poaching, and so on.

You're a merc. Think like a merc and maximize your income and growth potential because these companies have no loyalty to you either.

 

[Manmademan]

again, this is a FEDERAL resume. Its normal for it to be that long.

and again, my 2 pages is nothing compared to other people with more than 5 pages.

my sister said my private sector resume should only have 3-4 bullet points per job. How are you suppose to cram your duties into that?

It's really not. This is not a good resume. I work in state government as an HR manager. I've worked in private sector as a recruiter for 4 years. If you would like my linkedin page I'd be happy to send it to you.

no one sane puts together a resume like this. You have a full page dedicated to an internship you held for 4 months.

you can have "3 to 4 bullet points per job" when those bullet points are relevant to the position. If it comes off like padding, it's going to the trash. and I can guarantee you I have a lot more hiring experience than your sister does.

Someone with your experience should never have more than one page. That's not an insult, it's a hard truth that 99% of hiring managers and hr people won't even look at page two and or will hold it against you.

Revise to one page, it's easily done and you will be better served by it.

exactly.

 

[elrechazado]

again, this is a FEDERAL resume. Its normal for it to be that long.

and again, my 2 pages is nothing compared to other people with more than 5 pages.

my sister said my private sector resume should only have 3-4 bullet points per job. How are you suppose to cram your duties into that?

Federal jobs are all about the application and narrowly tailored resumes. No offense, but having read your well documented job struggles, you might consider changing course and considering some of the good advice here. Your resume is quite poor, as the other poster pointed out. If you don't believe us, I'd echo the suggestion on the last page regarding resume services. Just the most recent job being last indicates you're way out of step with what employers are looking for.

 

[LosDaddie]

How would you be burning the bridge? If a new opportunity comes up with a better upside, you take it.

If you're not getting any call backs, just treat it like dating, move on. They're not interested, so it's their loss.

Go to the place that will notices your contribution and skill set.

Remember, there is no loyalty in the private sector. I've seen people go to competitors for better positions, mass employee poaching, and so on.

You're a merc. Think like a merc and maximize your income and growth potential because these companies have no loyalty to you either.

Yeah. Of course I know this. I just.....like my current engineering firm. They treat me very good, pay is great, and I know they need me. But the new firm is bigger, works on bigger/better projects, and offers everything my current firm does + more.

It's a tough spot to be in. I guess I just have to wait & see what their job offer is. I told them that i'd be burning a bridge at my current firm, so they'd have to make it worth it for me to come onboard.

Someone with your experience should never have more than one page. That's not an insult, it's a hard truth that 99% of hiring managers and hr people won't even look at page two and or will hold it against you.

Revise to one page, it's easily done and you will be better served by it.

I'll echo this.

Jason, if i'm reading your resume correctly, then you've only had 2 jobs, correct? 1 internship and 1 retail job. Is that right? And it's 2 pages long?

Bro, no way should your resume be that long. In fact, you should be STRUGGLING to fill out 1 page with such little experience. Not trying to be mean, but that's the truth. I'm sorry for your employment struggles & all, but you need some help. Maybe the career path you're looking for isn't going to work out for you. How much $$ do you have saved? Maybe it's time for you to go to a community college and earn some certifications, at the very least.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

People seem to be getting federal jobs with a 7 page resume from what I've gathered on a message board called federalsoup.

I went back to my private sector resume and put my current job at the top, then internship, and education last.

 

[entremet]

Yeah. Of course I know this. I just.....like my current engineering firm. They treat me very good, pay is great, and I know they need me. But the new firm is bigger, works on bigger/better projects, and offers everything my current firm does + more.

It's a tough spot to be in. I guess I just have to wait & see what their job offer is. I told them that i'd be burning a bridge at my current firm, so they'd have to make it worth it for me to come onboard.




I'll echo this.

Jason, if i'm reading your resume correctly, then you've only had 2 jobs, correct? 1 internship and 1 retail job. Is that right? And it's 2 pages long?

Bro, no way should your resume be that long. In fact, you should be STRUGGLING to fill out 1 page with such little experience. Not trying to be mean, but that's the truth. I'm sorry for your employment struggles & all, but you need some help. Maybe the career path you're looking for isn't going to work out for you. How much $$ do you have saved? Maybe it's time for you to go to a community college and earn some certifications, at the very least.

I'm just not getting this burning a bridge talk.

Usually when people talk about burning a bridge it's doing stuff like this:

--Not putting a notice with your current position that you are leaving so they can redistribute your work or you train someone new.

--Just stop showing up at your current job after you accept the offer.

--Not putting bowties on projects or responsibilities before you leave.

People go to work with competitors all the time and they still remain cordial with former managers and coworkers.

Unless there's some crazy cultish rivalry aspect where you work at, it's hard for me to see you burning a bridge in this day in age of employee mobility.

 

[Manmademan]

People seem to be getting federal jobs with a 7 page resume from what I've gathered on a message board called federalsoup.

I went back to my private sector resume and put my current job at the top, then internship, and education last.

its important to realize that a resume is not a college paper. more words and more pages does not equal a better resume.

the best resume is the one that gets your point across succinctly, and without a lot of bullshit. When I said we spend about a minute looking at a resume that's being generous.

it is very, very, very, rare to see a 7 page resume for anything. I can't think of any position I have that would justify it, and I hire doctors, and used to hire C-level executives. you're getting some bad information on whatever board you're going to, and could use some fresh information.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I don't want to do IT work. I'll be bored out of my mind doing coding.

id like to be closer to DC, but I only have a little over a grand saved, and I help my mother financially with the bills since she has arthritis and can't work.

maybe there are certs for accounting jobs that dont require an accounting degree?

im starting to feel like shit now. Everyone telling me I have a dead end job that's not helping me with finding a career.

Now I go into work tomorrow where it'll be busy as shit due to fathers day, and our district manager wants us to set next weeks ad until we close, which will be at 10pm. It'll take us at least 2 hours minimum to set it, thus being there until 12am or later.

 

[Necromanti]

Conciseness is a valuable skill.