Discussions

After being in the same job for 10+ years, I'm looking for a new opportunity. I haven't done a resume or cover letter since I was hired in my current position, so don't want to annoy employers if I'm not providing what they currently want.  
 
I know that it needs to be professional (ie: not full of grammar/spelling mistakes, organized, etc.), but specifically, when looking at resumes and/or cover letters, what do you like to see? Short/concise vs. lots of information? What do you hate to see?  
 
Thanks in advance for anyone who can give me some tips!

Technically Write by Ron Blicq. It has a chapter on resume writing. Also helps with interview skills. I was forced to read it in college for a communications course in order to make sure I was employable after graduation. It was invaluable experience that was well worth the time to read. There may be a copy in the library or it is available to purchase online from places like Amazon. It will help you form some skills to sell yourself to a prospective employer.

a cookie cutter resume that someone was obviously coached how to do and what to say. I am tired of reading "I can work as an individual or as a team" and " I want to grow with your company". Just be honest and be yourself, but in your own words.

yes I agree, with the clutter in resumes. I want to see if you have a reliable vehicle to get to work and should be listed. Don't waste my time calling in late because your commuting buddy has a flat. Most times if you hand it in and the person behind the desk doesn't like your appearance it goes into the shredder. Don't go to an office with the wife and 6 kids waiting in the car...shredder. It sends the message that you'll be missing work because of sick kids or the after school activities etc. I don't care if you love them or not. And this team player crap I hate ... shredder. I want you to do YOUR job, not the other guys. Don't drop off your resume in sleezy tops ladies and Lulu pants...shredder See this all to often .Even dropping of a simple resume you must look at semi descent. Unless your interviewing at the Keystone. LOL Guys at least comb the beard and hair. Clean parka without the dog stains on it and cat spray.  
Leave your cell phone in the car for cripes sakes! Keep it simple, and if you have a chance to see the hiring manager always ask!If you can i:nclude driving abstract, etc do it . Go everyday and ask to see the manager or try to make an appointment. Shows your very serious about working.

For the love of all that is good, do not take anything that "Karen" says as gospel. Most places, including my office, will only accept applications/resume's electronically. If you refuse employment to someone based purely on appearance, or if they have kids, you're opening yourself up to litigation.  
 
Just keep to the basics. Make certain to be clear that you meet all the requirements, If the job requires any sort of training, education, experience, be certain to highlight that. Be very clear on your work history, and don't leave any gaps. Gaps in employment raise a red flag, and short stints also raise a red flag. The fact that you've been with the same employer for 10 years will be something worth using on your resume as an asset.  
 
Good luck on the job hunt!

Judging by your post, good use of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure has nothing to do with a good resume!  
 
Just make sure that people that apply for your jobs don't lawyer-up.  
 
But, judging by your post, you don't really operate a business that requires any real skills or training.

When you personally apply for a position, that in itself can go a long way towards being hired. When dealing with the public you will require confidence, communication skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to handle pressure, etc. An in person meeting can identify those skills and abilities pretty quickly.

I asked a series of questions related to this topic, some time ago. I received great advice, and some specific to the area of work you may be considering.  
 
Here is the thread:  
https://www.ebrandon.ca/messagethread.aspx?message_id=994337&cat_id=3  
 
I wish you all the best in your job search!

Make a cover letter and resume custom to job applying for. If driving required send drivers abstract. Any training that might apply note that. Whimis, tdg, ect. Not always transferable but shows you have completed it.  
 
Make sure it is formated correctly. Expecially if sending electronically. Easy is to save as a pdf and then format is correct. Typically any business can open a pdf. Other file types might not be guaranteed.  
 
If dropping off resume try to Atleast talk to a supervisor. Dress for the position. But at least look clean. Nice jeans and golf shirt is far Better then sweats and a hoodie. And don't come in with your stack of resumes like you are just waking the block.  
 
Guessing doesn't apply in your situation, but if supplying an email, go make one that is your name. Not your email created in high school that ends in 69 or has sexy in it.  
 
Need to make something that makes your resume stand out over everyone elses. If it looks like you took even 5 min to make it for the job and company it will show. When you go for interview same thing do some research on company so you can answer basic questions.

When I hear somebody say that if a person does not have 3 years experience in a job the resume goes in the garbage, that really bothers me, How are young employees to gain experience if managers do not want to invest in training new employees? I would rather have a young go getter that can be moulded and learn on the job than a person that is untrainable and set in their ways. I had a manager that told me once that an employer needs to invest 4 months minimum to train an employee properly and it takes treating the employee correctly and remunerate them accordingly in order to keep them. The length of time in the workforce is secondary.  
 
Edited by Tiger Barb, 2019-03-10 21:19:14

It really goes both ways doesn't it? If a company is constantly looking for help, it raises a red flag. it sounds like DELIVERYMAN has a lot of experience with resumes and calling references, which means he's spending a lot of time hiring replacements. I wouldn't send my resume to a company or a position that is perpetually looking to fill the same position, obviously there's issues with that position/organization.

Make sure that your cover letter and resume hit all the qualifications that are listed in the ad. That's a huge one, especially if applying for a government position. You won't screen in for the interview without showing that you meet all the qualifications.  
 
Personally, I look for a professional looking resume AND cover letter. I want to see proper spelling, grammar, punctuation. If you are dropping off your resume in person and we get a chance to talk, make sure when I ask what your availability is, that it's open and you can start asap (of course within reason, I know you have to give notice at your current job typically). What I don't want to hear is that you're only available on certain days or for certain hours, not in my line of work anyway. Depending on the industry you are looking at, don't assume an interview is just a formality. I have interviewed and not hired many times, even when I was short staffed. I will not hire a sub par employee just to have to let them go and start over before the probation period is over.  
Biggest thing for me is just that professional looking and sounding resume and cover letter. You wouldn't believe what I've had come across my desk that someone figured would suffice. I just roll my eyes, and then my chair, over to the garbage can.

In some professions, they say at the beginning of your career you should be changing jobs every 2 years.  
 
If an employer wants cover letters, they should be requesting them in the job ad. Not all jobs you apply for are real, so it's a waste of your time to be creating cover letters for every job you apply for. However, it can sometimes be beneficial in certain situations even when they are not asked for, you have to make the call.  
 
Your resume needs to look relevant to the job posting. Sometimes that means leaving some things out. If if you have a variety of certifications in another field, but are trying to switch fields, it might be a good idea to leave some of that stuff out. It needs to look like you're applying for the right job, and you want to look like you are a fit for the position.  
 
References are barely ever called, however if you have reference letters to submit with your resume, that is pure gold. It would be pretty hard to get one from your current employer, but if you have any previous supervisors now working with a different company, they might be able to write something up for you.