Resume Ideas?

[liquid]

Alright, I'm basically done my degree after this semester... and want to apply to some jobs. My resume however sucks, as I have little in the way of experience. Even the format of the resume is lame. I want something with some creativity, but that isn't overly gaudy. Do you guys have any format ideas..... anyone here have any advice as to how to spruce it up?

Also, how do I make a PDF file out of a word document?

Thanks.

[Khyron]

Re: Resume Ideas?

Use nice paper, keep it simple with no fancy ****. You have 15 seconds tops to make the person keep reading.

Khyron

[liquid]

Re: Resume Ideas?

But how do I keep them reading then. Since this is for a communications company I was thinking of using some really fibered paper, and then using photoshop.... add a background graphic.... super subtle, almost like a watermark.

[Derick]

Re: Resume Ideas?

Colin, Flourescent paper always stands out to potential employers. Also glitter.....yes, definitely glitter. Some Elmers glue and creativity goes a long way. You might also want to take some head shots and use them as a watermark on the background.

[liquid]

Re: Resume Ideas?

LOLOL.... I dont want to scare them away derick

[Aleks]

Re: Resume Ideas?

perfumed paper too.....I just used a program (resume maker) to get ideas, they have all sorts of power phrases, and statements, and neat layouts.....look into it, I ummm, bought mine, from a store called P2P......

[liquid]

Re: Resume Ideas?

perfumed paper too.....I just used a program (resume maker) to get ideas, they have all sorts of power phrases, and statements, and neat layouts.....look into it, I ummm, bought mine, from a store called P2P......

Thanks for the info. I am purchasing that product at the moment

[Derick]

Re: Resume Ideas?

LOLOL.... I dont want to scare them away derick

Haha ...... So no go on the glitter then?

For your resume, I wouldn't stress to much about it. The fact is, all resumes are basically the same. What will really matter is your cover letter and follow up phone calls. The cover letter is a chance for you to highlight your skills and achievements beyond what your resume can provide. It gives a potential employer an indication of how well you can communicate and allows you to explain how your qualifications directly apply to the job. Since you're coming out of school and don't have alot of experience, the cover letter is doubly important. As an employer, it would be easy to look at your resume alone and toss it in the pile with the other 100 graduates applying for the position. But if you have a solid cover letter, I might read it and think "Hmmm, this Colin guy seems like a pretty sharp dude"...... Bingo! On to the short-list.

You should also follow up after applying. Basically, go after the job tenaciously. Believe me, this will get you noticed.

[Simon]

Re: Resume Ideas?

What I like to do to dressup a resume is add a whole bunch of important sounding jobs, I recommend you do the same. Examples:

Human Waste Disposal Engineer (I take shits)
Advanced Consumption Analyst (I eat food (alot) )
Strategic Clothing Manager (I decide what clothes to wear in the morning)

[Derick]

Re: Resume Ideas?

You forgot Petroleum Transfer Engineer = You pump gas

[R_Ethug]

Re: Resume Ideas?

lol you guys are nuts.. colin send me a PM if you want a decent professional resume layout

[gaffer]

Re: Resume Ideas?

I have seen my fair share of resumes. Here's what I think.

- Bullets - I like lists, and I dont have to pull the info out of a paragraph. Saves me time
- Cover letter - Keep it to the point, and keep me interested. I dont like a huge letter with your life story. Tell me why I should hire you
- The first page is the key. If I am not interested, I will likely not look at the second
- Dont use those canned templates included with MS Word. I have seen too many of those & they all begin to look the same.
- Finally, if you mention something in the cover letter, provide a little more detail in the resume. I dont know how many resumes I have seen where something interests me in the cover letter, only to find there is no mention of it in the resume.

Good luck.

Andrew