Posted: 7/19/2011 8:59:18 AM EDT
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I have been putting in applications and resumes for anything within driving distance that I think I can do and for things that I know I can do. The problem is that I have yet to get a phone call,e-mail or even a letter in the mail.
Here is my question how the hell do you do you stand out when a company is getting 100+ applications a day ? |
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I have been putting in applications and resumes for anything within driving distance that I think I can do and for things that I know I can do. The problem is that I have yet to get a phone call,e-mail or even a letter in the mail. Here is my question how the hell do you do you stand out when a company is getting 100+ applications a day ? If you are naked when you deliver your resume I promise they will remember you. This works better for attractive females but what do you have to lose??? I wish some of the GAHTF talent were closer. I'm thinking about expanding to another location in Eastman and I'll be needing help. TD |
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I was going to say wear a tutu. TD, if you moved closer to civilization, I'm sure you'd get plenty of business and help! In my experience, it's been who I knew. I knew nothing about my jobs when I started. I've got plenty of business however decent help is another subject. TD |
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I saw this just yesterday.
There is a lot of truth to it. I'd be happy to review your resume for you and see if anything jumps out and offer suggestions. I've helped others in the HTF with resumes and interviewing tips....I'd like to think some of it even paid off. I review a LOT of resumes and know what catches the eye and what drives it strait to the round file. Shoot me an email and I'll give you my number and offer up any help or suggestions I may be able to. |
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My resume...
RANDY S. FARLEY 745 Strawflower Ln. Locust Grove, Ga. 30248 678-898-3321 OBJECTIVE •To obtain a position within a company where I am allowed to display my skills and become an asset to my employer. EXPERIENCE Sept. 2004-PresentMcDonough CollisionMcDonough, Ga. Parts Manager •Receive parts delivered by suppliers •Document parts into computer by customer and vehicle type •Label all parts with customer, vehicle type •Store parts in bins until requested then deliver to technicians •Return any incorrect parts delivered and coordinate redelivery of correct ones from suppliers •Run “Hot Truck” to pick up any parts needed for delivery of completed vehicle. •Assisted in various “shop” functions in regards to Quality Control •Wrote estimates in front office as needed to aid in reduction of backlog. •Assisted technicians in installing both mechanical and body parts as requested •Assisted in paint department as to priming, jambing, etc. •Assisted in delivery of customers vehicles when needed •Performed customer service by assisting when customers came in and answered phones as needed Sept. 2003-Aug. 2004Reece ElectricStockbridge, Ga. •Apprentice Electrician •Assist licensed electrician in completing work orders by retrieving necessary tools, supplies to complete job. •Minor wiring, installation of electrical components •Assisted in both commercial and residential areas EDUCATION •Graduate of Eagles Landing High School class of 2003 •Completed National Fire Fighter Qualification-October 2007 •Degree obtainedFire Fighter 1 SPECIAL INTERESTS •Law Enforcement, Security, Firefighting, Sport Shooting, Fishing References available upon request. |
| At the very least make sure you don't have grammatical or spelling errors on your resume. I see a lot of resumes with horrible grammar. I am not talking about "normal" errors like ending a sentence with a preposition but really atrocious errors. If you have spelling errors on a resume that tells me you are either stupid, lazy, or lack attention to detail and your resume gets tossed. Please note: this post is not a resume so all grammatical and spelling errors are intentional and meant as an example of what not to do. |
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Doh. You beat me to it and posted your resume and cover letter.
Have you received any awards at your current job? Employee of the Month? Do you guys have metrics to measure anything like being on time or getting the right part? If so, and the metrics make you look good, include those. Also, did you change any procedures (or at least make suggestions that lead to changes) at your current job that resulted in a positive outcome? For example, something like "Standardized all parts receiving paperwork company wide leading to faster receiving and lower parts loss". |
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With as many people who are mailing or e-mailing resumes in most of them will go into a file and may or may not be looked at at all. I believe you may have better luck trying to get in front of the person who is excepting the resume. You are better off getting a interview if they see you. I know cold calling may scare some people but it shows the employer that your not afraid to ask for a job. Remember you are now competing with millions of job seekers. In my book the only way to stand out is to stand in front of them. They see you then.
Don't forget about seeking out the help of a recruiter. A lot of companies use only recruiters. They look for candidates, check the resume, check the references and background checks. Most companies that are hiring hate to do this stuff. You will not have to pay for this. The company doing the hiring does. |
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Quoted: snip Just taking a cursory glance I see this right off the bat Problem #1 To obtain a position within a company where I am allowed to display my skills and become an asset to my employer. Way to vague of an objective. And really you don't need this everyone knows you're looking for a job that's your objective. It says nothing about your career goals and really needs to be tailored to the position you are applying for. Problem #2 Assisted in paint department as to priming, jambing, etc This is jumbled and makes no sense (as to) should not be used here |
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First off, one generic resume doesn't cut it. I have a "master resume" which I may put on job boards in my profile, but I tailor my resume to each position I apply to, emphasizing those parts of my experience that match the requirements in the job posting. Drop the "Objective" line, everybody knows your objective is to get a job. My generic resume (current job not listed, some hardware from current job is): LoneWolf545 (678) XXX-XXXX SUMMARY An experienced System and Storage Administrator with over a decade of Unix administration experience, over eight years of experience concentrating on high availability and business continuity solutions, and five years of storage area network administration experience. A partial listing of operating systems, hardware platforms, and major applications worked with follows: Operating Systems: AIX 4/5/6, Solaris 8/9/10, HP-UX 11i, Red Hat Linux Computer Hardware: IBM pSeries Power4/5/6/7, Sun UltraSPARC, HP 9000/800 Storage Hardware: Brocade 12000/48000 Director, IBM ESS/800 "Shark” Storage Arrays, Cisco 9509, IBM XIV, IBM DS8100, IBM DS4300 Network Appliances 5200/5500 NAS Filers, Sun 6320 and 6540 Storage Arrays Applications: Symantec/Veritas Storage Foundation for Oracle RAC, Symantec/Veritas Volume Replicator, Symantec/Veritas Global Cluster Manager, Symantec/Veritas Netbackup, IBM HACMP, HP MC/ServiceGuard, bind (Domain Name Services), Network File Systems (NFS), TCP/IP networking, Sendmail Certifications: IBM Certified Specialist – AIX System Administration Sun Certified System Administrator for the Solaris 8 Operating Environment PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION Georgia Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science, International Affairs |
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Way to vague of an objective. And really you don't need this everyone knows you're looking for a job that's your objective. It says nothing about your career goals and really needs to be tailored to the position you are applying for. Your correct, but the larger fundamental issue with the statement is that you want to become an asset......employers want one walking in the door and that's what he has to sell. |
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RANDY S. FARLEY •Graduate of Eagles Landing High School class of 2003 There's your problem right there. JFWY- we know each other, or at least I remember you. I graduated from ELHS in 2000, and I saw you again when y'all fixed my mom's car a few years later. |
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Quoted: Ok guys all I have to my name is a high school education,NPQ firefighter 1 certificate and the only work experience I have is listed above. It's not much but it's all I got none of this is helping me find new employment. Not sure where to go from here... What types of jobs are you applying for? No offense but your lack of work experience/qualifications will limit you in your search. Are you looking for a warehouse job? Parts room supervisor? You need to revamp your resume to highlight your abilities, knowledge and to better describe your daily job responsibilities and functions. Basically the way you have it set up now it reads as if you wrote it detailing a day in the life of you. •Receive parts delivered by suppliers •Document parts into computer by customer and vehicle type •Label all parts with customer, vehicle type •Store parts in bins until requested then deliver to technicians What exactly does that show a potential employer? Honestly not much. I opened a box, put part numbers into a computer, labeled parts, put parts on a shelf until someone needs them. There are much better ways explain and detail your job functions. For example, explain how much inventory you controlled in dollar figures. "Responsible for $500,000 worth of maintenance inventory critical to daily operations for Tom Smith Chevy service department" I think your best bet is to hire a resume service. Please take this as constructive criticism. Based on your resume it's not at all surprising that you have not received a single call back. |
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none of this is helping me find new employment. Not sure where to go from here... I don't know what to tell you dude. I made a very serious offer to assist you. I IM'd you my email, I IM'd you suggestions on your cover letter. You chose not to send me your resume for suggestions or respond to my feedback. Gooch gave you some very on point feedback as well. If you really want to score a job, you need to set emotion and pride aside and be open to some hard core constructive criticism. I may not know the bullet coefficient of a 69gr SMK, but I run a $1.5 Billion business for one of the largest corporations in the world so this is one area I'm confident I could have helped you in had you chosen to take me up on my offer. Unfortunately the window of opportunity has passed as I have to get back to reviewing resumes for the candidates I'm interviewing on Thursday. 
I wish you the best of luck in your job search. |
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none of this is helping me find new employment. Not sure where to go from here... I don't know what to tell you dude. I made a very serious offer to assist you. I IM'd you my email, I IM'd you suggestions on your cover letter. You chose not to send me your resume for suggestions or respond to my feedback. Gooch gave you some very on point feedback as well. If you really want to score a job, you need to set emotion and pride aside and be open to some hard core constructive criticism. I may not know the bullet coefficient of a 69gr SMK, but I run a $1.5 Billion business for one of the largest corporations in the world so this is one area I'm confident I could have helped you in had you chosen to take me up on my offer. Unfortunately the window of opportunity has passed as I have to get back to reviewing resumes for the candidates I'm interviewing on Thursday.
I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Ouch.... Do you have any positions available for grumpy, self employed, college drop out pawn brokers.. 
I can also make some mean slow cooked ribs, butts, hams, yard birds ETC on my wood fired smoker if that improves my marketability. All you can do is offer then the balls is in their court. TD |
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none of this is helping me find new employment. Not sure where to go from here... I don't know what to tell you dude. I made a very serious offer to assist you. I IM'd you my email, I IM'd you suggestions on your cover letter. You chose not to send me your resume for suggestions or respond to my feedback. Gooch gave you some very on point feedback as well. If you really want to score a job, you need to set emotion and pride aside and be open to some hard core constructive criticism. I may not know the bullet coefficient of a 69gr SMK, but I run a $1.5 Billion business for one of the largest corporations in the world so this is one area I'm confident I could have helped you in had you chosen to take me up on my offer. Unfortunately the window of opportunity has passed as I have to get back to reviewing resumes for the candidates I'm interviewing on Thursday.
I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Ouch.... Do you have any positions available for grumpy, self employed, college drop out pawn brokers..
I can also make some mean slow cooked ribs, butts, hams, yard birds ETC on my wood fired smoker if that improves my marketability. All you can do is offer then the balls is in their court. TD I sent my resume and application to the email address that you supplied. I have not received an email back from you. Feel free to help re write it I will take all the help that you may give. |
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none of this is helping me find new employment. Not sure where to go from here... I don't know what to tell you dude. I made a very serious offer to assist you. I IM'd you my email, I IM'd you suggestions on your cover letter. You chose not to send me your resume for suggestions or respond to my feedback. Gooch gave you some very on point feedback as well. If you really want to score a job, you need to set emotion and pride aside and be open to some hard core constructive criticism. I may not know the bullet coefficient of a 69gr SMK, but I run a $1.5 Billion business for one of the largest corporations in the world so this is one area I'm confident I could have helped you in had you chosen to take me up on my offer. Unfortunately the window of opportunity has passed as I have to get back to reviewing resumes for the candidates I'm interviewing on Thursday.
I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Ouch.... Do you have any positions available for grumpy, self employed, college drop out pawn brokers..
I can also make some mean slow cooked ribs, butts, hams, yard birds ETC on my wood fired smoker if that improves my marketability. All you can do is offer then the balls is in their court. TD I sent my resume and application to the email address that you supplied. I have not received an email back from you. Feel free to help re write it I will take all the help that you may give. As someone who has done a lot of resume work and review in the past 6 months I can say that if you are not willing to put 10+ hours of work on it then it's just about not worth doing. The cover letter is just as important as the resume. John knows what he is talking about, he was a major source of support in the process for me to gain a position with the company I work for now. I can't stress what John said enough. Remove emotion from the process. Something will happen but only if you make it happen. Don't give up and don't expect it to be easy. |
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And if I did give you the wrong email, then I apologize and will still try to help out.
ETA: OK so I felt bad if I did give you the wrong email, so I spent my lunch throwing this together. This was a PITA to do not having a Word doc to edit, but try this on for size along with the cover letter suggestions I sent yesterday. As others noted you have to tailor it to the specific job you are applying to, but maybe this will help get you a base document, or at least show you the difference between what you had and what we were suggesting. LoneWolf's example is great. Use that and the below suggestions to go from there and it should help improve your chances dramatically. If you want more help, shoot me a site generated email, I'll get back to you and we can do this via email and a Word document. OBJECTIVE •To obtain a position within a company where I am allowed to display my skills and become an asset to my employer. As others noted, make this tangible and specific to the position you’re applying to/what you want out of it. Tell me more what you're applying for and I'll help dial this in EXPERIENCE Sept. 2004-PresentMcDonough CollisionMcDonough, Ga. Parts Manager •Receive parts delivered by suppliers •Document parts into computer by customer and vehicle type •Label all parts with customer, vehicle type •Store parts in bins until requested then deliver to technicians •Return any incorrect parts delivered and coordinate redelivery of correct ones from suppliers Combine every one of those bullets above into an achievement based bullet. [Again, quantify, either # of parts/wk, /month and $ volume if possible] Managed supply chain flow of XXX parts on a monthly basis including receiving, quality control checks, and inventory control [if you use an industry known system, state that] and tracking. •Run “Hot Truck” to pick up any parts needed for delivery of completed vehicle. Expedited delivery of critical parts to meet on time customer delivery. •Assisted in various “shop” functions in regards to Quality Control [Not enough info here on what you actually did….tell me more, change based on my other suggestions(hopefully you see the theme) or loose it completely. •Wrote estimates in front office as needed to aid in reduction of backlog. Created estimates for customers on an as needed basis to insure continued productivity and reduction in administrative backlog. •Assisted technicians in installing both mechanical and body parts as requested •Assisted in paint department as to priming, jambing, etc. •Assisted in delivery of customers vehicles when needed Improved understanding of the business by becoming an informal shop apprentice. Duties included, prepping, painting, mechanical repair and deliver of customer vehicles. [This one is still a little blah, but it shows you’re eager to learn and not limited in one facet, yet still has a tangible aspect of what you did] •Performed customer service by assisting when customers came in and answered phones as needed [This would be my VERY FIRST bullet] Primary customer interface for the business. Developed customer relationships that resulted in winning their business. [Again, quantify by # or $ for a given time period] Sept. 2003-Aug. 2004Reece ElectricStockbridge, Ga. •Apprentice Electrician •Assist licensed electrician in completing work orders by retrieving necessary tools, supplies to complete job. [Loose this completely…that’s what an apprentice does] •Minor wiring, installation of electrical components •Assisted in both commercial and residential areas Familiar with installation of wiring and electrical component installation in residential and commercial applications. EDUCATION •Graduate of Eagles Landing High School class of 2003 •Completed National Fire Fighter Qualification-October 2007 •Degree obtainedFire Fighter 1 [Is this really a degree, as in a formal Associates or Bachelors? If not, don’t use the word degree. This is confusing, make it clear what it is you earned] SPECIAL INTERESTS •Law Enforcement, Security, Firefighting, Sport Shooting[Just trust me, loose this unless you’re applying to a sporting goods store or GLOCK], Fishing |
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As other have said, and what I have done, have a generic resume as a template on your computer, then use it to tailor it for a specific positions. If you are using an objective, research the position and tell the employer why you can do the job; otherwise can it. Also take buzz words from qualifications desired and put in your, summary of qualifications and relevant/related experiences bullets. Correct me if I am wrong recruiters, but I always understood that most head hunters and HR use screening software to pick up on words from desired qualifications in the job posting to help sorting resumes. I think using a summary of qualifications helps because that is at the top and that is the first thing a recruiter sees and will keep that person reading.
Summary of Qualifications: - How much experience do you have in the field of your job objective, in a related field, or using skills required for your new position - An overall career accomplishment that shows you'd be good at this job - What someone would say about you as a recommendation Limit this to about four but if you have serious qualifications to boast, five at the most. Good luck with your job search, this market is a challenge! I know this is doesn't help much but try not to get too frustrated, you are competing against lots of people that want the same job and may either sell their selves better or have better qualifications. Finally, I know this is easier said than done but look at continuing your education. Getting a degree is not the only way (but I will say when I went back to school 14 years after graduating h.s., I kicked myself for waiting so long) so look at trade schools, getting a certification, an AA degree, etc. |
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Quoted: And if I did give you the wrong email, then I apologize and will still try to help out. ETA: OK so I felt bad if I did give you the wrong email, so I spent my lunch throwing this together. This was a PITA to do not having a Word doc to edit, but try this on for size along with the cover letter suggestions I sent yesterday. As others noted you have to tailor it to the specific job you are applying to, but maybe this will help get you a base document, or at least show you the difference between what you had and what we were suggesting. LoneWolf's example is great. Use that and the below suggestions to go from there and it should help improve your chances dramatically. If you want more help, shoot me a site generated email, I'll get back to you and we can do this via email and a Word document. OBJECTIVE •To obtain a position within a company where I am allowed to display my skills and become an asset to my employer. As others noted, make this tangible and specific to the position you’re applying to/what you want out of it. Tell me more what you're applying for and I'll help dial this in EXPERIENCE Sept. 2004-PresentMcDonough CollisionMcDonough, Ga. Parts Manager •Receive parts delivered by suppliers •Document parts into computer by customer and vehicle type •Label all parts with customer, vehicle type •Store parts in bins until requested then deliver to technicians •Return any incorrect parts delivered and coordinate redelivery of correct ones from suppliers Combine every one of those bullets above into an achievement based bullet. [Again, quantify, either # of parts/wk, /month and $ volume if possible] Managed supply chain flow of XXX parts on a monthly basis including receiving, quality control checks, and inventory control [if you use an industry known system, state that] and tracking. •Run "Hot Truck” to pick up any parts needed for delivery of completed vehicle. Expedited delivery of critical parts to meet on time customer delivery. •Assisted in various "shop” functions in regards to Quality Control [Not enough info here on what you actually did….tell me more, change based on my other suggestions(hopefully you see the theme) or loose it completely. •Wrote estimates in front office as needed to aid in reduction of backlog. Created estimates for customers on an as needed basis to insure continued productivity and reduction in administrative backlog. •Assisted technicians in installing both mechanical and body parts as requested •Assisted in paint department as to priming, jambing, etc. •Assisted in delivery of customers vehicles when needed Improved understanding of the business by becoming an informal shop apprentice. Duties included, prepping, painting, mechanical repair and deliver of customer vehicles. [This one is still a little blah, but it shows you’re eager to learn and not limited in one facet, yet still has a tangible aspect of what you did] •Performed customer service by assisting when customers came in and answered phones as needed [This would be my VERY FIRST bullet] Primary customer interface for the business. Developed customer relationships that resulted in winning their business. [Again, quantify by # or $ for a given time period] Sept. 2003-Aug. 2004Reece ElectricStockbridge, Ga. •Apprentice Electrician •Assist licensed electrician in completing work orders by retrieving necessary tools, supplies to complete job. [Loose this completely…that’s what an apprentice does] •Minor wiring, installation of electrical components •Assisted in both commercial and residential areas Familiar with installation of wiring and electrical component installation in residential and commercial applications. EDUCATION •Graduate of Eagles Landing High School class of 2003 •Completed National Fire Fighter Qualification-October 2007 •Degree obtainedFire Fighter 1 [Is this really a degree, as in a formal Associates or Bachelors? If not, don’t use the word degree. This is confusing, make it clear what it is you earned] SPECIAL INTERESTS •Law Enforcement, Security, Firefighting, Sport Shooting[Just trust me, loose this unless you’re applying to a sporting goods store or GLOCK], Fishing Great feedback. |
| I know it's hard out there, and can be very discouraging. I think the key is persistence, contacting the employer yourself letting them know you are serious about this position and you're not just another application. If you are applying in person, wear a suit. Doesn't matter what everyone else is wearing. The right people will see you are taking it seriously, no matter what the position is. |