Resume Advice

[CosmoGirl]

If you are applying online, which is fairly standard these days, there is usually a cover letter required. If you aren't writing cover letters, you're not gonna get the job. everyone has a resume, but you can have a unique cover letter that catches their attention.

Disagree. I don't even have a cover letter. I can't recall the last time I made one. And I have a 3-page resume which is down to taking out a few jobs, and cutting any extras.

My suggestion is to find a good recruiter in your search. PM me for some great recruiters and they'll do your search for you and negotiate a good deal for you.

[Davidson Deac II]

It really does depend on the company you work for. When I was last looking (1998 or so) I hired someone to write my resume. I sent it to the company I am working for now. Didn't hear from them at all. I ended up working for a temp agency, and they sent me to that same company for a few weeks. I went in, did a good job, they liked me and hired me permament.

After being hired, I ask my boss what was wrong with my resume, why didn't I get a call back before. She said that the company scans resume's into a database, and when they want to hire someone, they look for certain keywords like certifications required or application experience that they need.

So my advice, if you are looking for employment with a large company, then go heavy on applications and certifications, and not so much on telling them what a great person you are.

[PanthaSan]

In Soviet Russia, resumes update you....

In all honesty, my name is pretty much my resume. I have gotten where I am by paying dues and concentrating on the tasks, not money. The money always follows.

I get more calls from interviewers asking if I know so-and-so because they put me as a reference. If I know them, I will admit but it seems more people in my industry use my name to get their foot in the door. If I don't kow them, I admit it.

What I'm trying to say is that your references can mean as much as your skills.

Now I work for Mama-San and when I get cold calls to see if I am willing to switch jobs, I ask if they are willing to match what I get from her. Wages - check, Holidays - check, Sick days - check, Expense account - check, Vehicle - check, "Benefits" - We'll have to get back to you on that, .