It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

[halfwaytree]

I don't want to date myself but the last resume I sent was years ago via snail mail. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

I need help!!!

- When sending a resume via email is it acceptable to use other colours to highlight lines such as "Education:" etc... or should it just be black and white?

- I seem to remember in English class many moons ago, that the teacher told us to underline the title of a book if we were to use its title in any writing that we did. If I am applying for a job at a newspaper should I underline its name when using it in the cover letter portion of my email?

- Do I really need to include interest outside of work (ie. which sports I play etc... .)?

- Should I include references of people who know me outside of work or should I just mention references upon request or are references of people outside of work really important to include any more? Keep in mind that I am over 40 years old now.

[pattywattup]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

Originally posted by Milo Man:
[qb] I don't want to date myself but the last resume I sent was years ago via snail mail. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

I need help!!!

- When sending a resume via email is it acceptable to use other colours to highlight lines such as "Education:" etc... or should it just be black and white?

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I think black and white is most professional. I would maybe "bold" it. Unless you're going for a creative job - then they might look for that extra little something.

- I seem to remember in English class many moons ago, that the teacher told us to underline the title of a book if we were to use its title in any writing that we did. If I am applying for a job at a newspaper should I underline its name when using it in the cover letter portion of my email?

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I don't think so, but maybe someone else knows for sure.

- Do I really need to include interest outside of work (ie. which sports I play etc... .)?

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] No - you don't. I never have.

- Should I include references of people who know me outside of work or should I just mention references upon request or are references of people outside of work really important to include any more? Keep in mind that I am over 40 years old now.

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I put a little blurb at the end that says "references available upon request" - but do have them ready. I usually just keep them on a separate page (formatted just like my resume) in case they do ask for it. Then you're ready.

[/qb]

Good luck Milo Man!!

[Suesumba]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

to be on the safe side be as conservative as possible. i would not use colour to highlight anything as it may come across as frivolous.

the headings on your resume may be bolded, eg.

EDUCATION
followed by a list of educational achievements

WORK HISTORY
followed by a reverse chronological listing of employment

INTERESTS
yes it's safe to list outside interests such as

rock climbing
atom splitting
suicide bombing tutor

REFERENCES
vailable on request.

when writing the name of a newspaper it is acceptable to refer to it as The Globe & Mail italicized. that is acceptable.

never list your references on your resume. save it and should the potential employer inquire that is when the names are supplied. the last thing you need is a bunch of wing nut employers calling your references "just because". and your references will get annoyed.

good luck

[Guest]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

I agree with what Sue said, except I would switch education-work history. As you're not a recent graduate, your degrees are less relevant than experience.

Good luck!

[halfwaytree]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

Sue:

rock climbing
atom splitting
suicide bombing tutor

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

Hmmm! I wonder if I should list doing "The Nasty"


Thanks Patty and Miss B! Good points!

[Gen]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

Milo Man...

the general consensus when sending a resume via email....as an attachment .....is to keep it simple....


no colors...no fancy fonts....just plain text

to add to this....when you sometimes send a resume in the body of an email....it arrives at the recipient's inbox all twisted....i.e....the format gets whacky...

the general rule is to send it as a "text" attachment if not specified.....and some places will specify as a "word" attachment....

when sending as a text attachment....keep it simple...no underlines, bold, italics etc...just a simple asterik for bulleted sections....

If you have volunteer work I would put in on the resume....not really necessary to place hobbies on the resume...

references are furnished upon requests...

last but not least...please keep it to 2 pages maximum....since you may have more experience as you are older...

you can PM me with any other questions you may have...

good luck

[Night Nurse]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

Moooooooooooooooving to "Tomorrows people" or "Business/Professional Connection". [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[Gen]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

oh ..if you send as a word attachment...then by all means ....bold the headings and use bullets/italics if you want ......

[Night Nurse]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

Originally posted by geneva:
[qb] oh ...... [/qb]

Hey?

Whaddup widdi ting? Shi tell mi sey yuh nat even beng pan har. Whattagwaaaning?

[Tigrrr]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

If you want to use color on your resume, I would suggest bright yellow construction paper, and the 16 pack of Crayol Crayons (don't try to use a cheaper brand of crayons because it will make you look unprofessional.) [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

EDUCATION
list the last grade in elementary school that you completed.

PRISON HISTORY
followed by a reverse chronological listing of felonies - no need to list misdemeanors.

INTERESTS
volunteer work is so boring let them know that you are a trekkie, that's much more interesting.

REFERENCES
available on parole. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

Seriously, Microsoft Word has several resume templates you can use. When you open Word, click on the "file" "new" and a box of templates should open (Win 98-2000)*. Go to the resume tab. The style you choose depends on the type of employment you are seeking.

*For Win XP Look to the right of the screen and there whould be a templates option.

[halfwaytree]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

I don't have word nor XP. I'm still in the stone age up here! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[Wendy]

Re: It's been a long time since I had to write a resume. I need help!!!

All these are good pointers Milo.. except in today's age you ommitt interest unless it is directly related to the job.