Antithesis Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 Recent problem I've encountered in looking for a job is the fact I've spent most of my life working in construction. This wouldn't be a problem if I were looking for work in construction, but I went to college and got a degree mainly to get into something else. Unfortunately my degree is in Philosophy/Political Science, so there isn't anything I can really 'talk up' in going for a sales or management job. I suppose some things I can stress are people skills, like being able to work with others to accomplish a goal, making sure the client is happy with the job. Etc. Should I stress my study in Ethics? That I am honest and trustworthy? Or is that something an employer would just assume is bs? Maybe I can bring up the fact that I am a computer hobbiest, and wouldn't have trouble using various software platforms associated with a job? Since I am about to apply for a large number of jobs at once, I can't really write a resume specific for each. So it has to be largely general, though with enough specifics to possibly impress people. If I just list my past employers and work experience, that will take up all of half a page. I guess what I am asking is, what else can someone do to present themselves in the best possible light to potential employers?
Thomnipotent Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 <p>Hit up soyouwanna.com and go to the jobs/professional area. That site will tell you what to throw down for resumes and cover letters, it does a pretty good job.</p><p> </p><p> One thing I'll tell you is that it'd be best to make resumes specific for each <em>anyway</em>. Total pain in the ass? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.</p><p> </p><p> Let's see... things you can bring up regarding your degree. The Ethics thing would be a good call; relate it to customer service, etc, etc. Also remember that getting through college requires a good lot of <em>critical thinking</em>, <em>problem solving</em>, <em>time management</em> and <em>attention to detail</em>. No matter your degree. These are good things to toss on the resume as well.</p><p> </p><p> Use your construction experience to paint a picture of your endurance and reliability.</p><p> </p><p> Being a computer hobbyist makes you a hotshot in most circles; use this to your advantage. Cite familiarity with whatever you can think of that may apply to the position, ie Microsoft Office, internet experience, casual to expert coding experience, words per minute, 10-key experience... all of that.</p><p> </p><p> Essentially, you'll want to play to your strengths and highlight them as much as possible. So just throw the "Keep Strong" tag on your pros and "Protect" tags on your cons. You should be all good. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>
darthsiddus2 Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 you also need to fit it on one page. Tom hit it right on the head.
Thomnipotent Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 <p>One page is acceptable, yeah, although if you <em>really really really</em> need to, a two-page format is passable. One page is preferred, two pages is passable. Oh, and number the second page with all of your information at the top once again just in case it gets lost in the shuffle of paperwork. And for the love of all that is decent, do not paperclip or staple the two together.</p><p> </p><p> Also recommended: resume paper. Nothing overly fancy, unless you're looking at a job which praises creative skills. I have some off-white paper, no design, that I use to print my resumes on. I had some marble-pattern paper which worked fairly decently as well. Plain ol' white junk paper isn't going to cut it, though.</p>
Imarevenant Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Antithesis" data-cite="Antithesis" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="20871" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Recent problem I've encountered in looking for a job is the fact I've spent most of my life working in construction. <p> </p><p> This wouldn't be a problem if I were looking for work in construction, but I went to college and got a degree mainly to get into something else. Unfortunately my degree is in Philosophy/Political Science, so there isn't anything I can really 'talk up' in going for a sales or management job.</p><p> </p><p> I suppose some things I can stress are people skills, like being able to work with others to accomplish a goal, making sure the client is happy with the job. Etc.</p><p> </p><p> Should I stress my study in Ethics? That I am honest and trustworthy? Or is that something an employer would just assume is bs? Maybe I can bring up the fact that I am a computer hobbiest, and wouldn't have trouble using various software platforms associated with a job?</p><p> </p><p> Since I am about to apply for a large number of jobs at once, I can't really <strong>write a resume specific for each.</strong> So it has to be largely general, though with enough specifics to possibly impress people. If I just list my past employers and work experience, that will take up all of half a page. </p><p> </p><p> I guess what I am asking is, what else can someone do to present themselves in the best possible light to potential employers?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Know it's a pain, but the bolded should be done. I suggest making a plain Resume with just work experience and education stuff on it. Then working in KSA's (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) you have that are specific to the job you are applying for. </p><p> </p><p> Also, just because you worked in construction doesn't mean you haven't built up the skills a future employer might be looking for. If you are going for a sales position; did you ever have to interact with clients while working construction? Did you ever have to manage other employees? If so, play that up a bit. </p><p> </p><p> The computer hobbiest thing is definitely worth mentioning as well (though don't say you are a hobbiest). Just note amongst your various skills that you are proficient with MSWord, Excel, DOS, etc etc. If the skill you have is pertinent to the job you are applying for list it, regardless of how you gained the skill.</p><p> </p><p> Also, did the college program you enrolled in require any outside work with businesses in your community. In my graduate program we helped construct and administer a large scale survey to the city's library workers. The experience, even though part of a class assignment, was valuable, and helped get me the job I now have. We also provided Organizational Development assessments to various businesses as well. Although Minor these things helped flesh out my resume, which was lacking at the time in real world experience.</p>
Imarevenant Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Thomnipotent" data-cite="Thomnipotent" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="20871" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>One page is acceptable, yeah, although if you <em>really really really</em> need to, a two-page format is passable. One page is preferred, two pages is passable. Oh, and number the second page with all of your information at the top once again just in case it gets lost in the shuffle of paperwork. And for the love of all that is decent, do not paperclip or staple the two together.<p> </p><p> Also recommended: resume paper. Nothing overly fancy, unless you're looking at a job which praises creative skills. I have some off-white paper, no design, that I use to print my resumes on. I had some marble-pattern paper which worked fairly decently as well. Plain ol' white junk paper isn't going to cut it, though.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Indeed.</p><p> </p><p> Also, Cover Letters, don't ever underestimate their importance. If you are applying through Email. Don't just attach your resume and hit send, it's cold and will get you overlooked without fail. Play to your strengths, you are a good writer, flaunt that in your cover letter.</p>
Thomnipotent Posted December 27, 2008 Posted December 27, 2008 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Imarevenant" data-cite="Imarevenant" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="20871" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Indeed.<p> </p><p> Also, Cover Letters, don't ever underestimate their importance. If you are applying through Email. Don't just attach your resume and hit send, it's cold and will get you overlooked without fail. Play to your strengths, you are a good writer, flaunt that in your cover letter.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, absolutely. Soyouwanna.com will guide you through writing a cover letter. It's definitely important.</p><p> </p><p> Also, if you're sending your resume as an attachment, you'll want it to be a Word .doc file more often than not. Anything else is either less than compatible with what most offices will have or will look like ass formatting-wise.</p>
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