Resume help

[SuperBowlNachos]

I (should) graduate in December with a bachelors in Computer Information Systems, but I am going with a group to meet with a representative at Robert Half Technology which is kind of a Monster.com for the IT world. He wants us to bring resumes and the only one I've ever done I lost.

The only real IT "job" experience is me and my brother have out own little computer repair thing we do on the side out of our house. I've worked three different summer jobs at different retail outlets. Then I had one consistent job these last 4 years where I was a card dealer for those fake casino parties. I've always been lucky enough to not have to work during school.

So how do I list these out? I don't want to overload it, but then again wanna show I have experience in a bunch of different areas. Any other tips are welcome as well.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Resume help

Robert Half sucks......at least in Chicago and Indiana they did. They are no better then Monster or Careerbuilder IMO. Didn't get not one hit or lead from them at all.

But anyway back to resume, it is better to overload it then under load it. Mainly focusing on what you did to enhance the company you were at.

[EmmdotFrisk]

Robert Half sucks......at least in Chicago and Indiana they did. They are no better then Monster or Careerbuilder IMO. Didn't get not one hit or lead from them at all.

But anyway back to resume, it is better to overload it then under load it. Mainly focusing on what you did to enhance the company you were at.

True but you don't want to appear as if you over qualify for a position as well. A good rule of thumb is to have multiple resumes, one for each general position you are seeking.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Resume help

True but you don't want to appear as if you over qualify for a position as well. A good rule of thumb is to have multiple resumes, one for each general position you are seeking.

I'm not worried about that. The summer jobs were Wal-mart, champs, a hotel and Lowes...

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Resume help

Yeah since you are about to graduate, I will be looking for an internship right about now. That way you can add that too before you graduate.

[ASB37]

Re: Resume help

Yeah since you are about to graduate, I will be looking for an internship right about now. That way you can add that too before you graduate.

Yeah if you ever did any volunteer work that would help too.

Internships are great resume builders if you can afford it. Experience is hard to come by and since most people won't hire without experience and you can't gain experience unless you get hired it's sort of a catch 22. Interships are a great solution.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Resume help

Re: Robert Half - I just got a call from them a few weeks ago out of the blue with an opportunity. I had given them my name over 2 years ago when I was working with them looking. It never hurts to have your name out in as many places as possible. It's not like it costs you anything.

[cardswin2006]

Re: Resume help

Good luck with the job search. I actually work at a competing staffing firm, so I have to hate Robert Half, but if you put a gun to my head I'll tell you we all do the same thing

As for advice, there are plenty of example resumes on the internet, but for IT, you really need to list all of your certifications and ALL of the skills you studied. That is how recruiters like myself will find your resume. For example, if we need someone that can use Linux systems, that will be part of our search terms. So make sure anything you know is on your resume--just don't go overboard with a page long listing of everything that was covered once in class.

Most employers are going to be looking for candidates with experience, but you still might get lucky in that regard. The thing with staffing agencies is that you need to be signed up with multiple ones (don't tell my boss I said that ). Job matching is often difficult so don't depend on us to find you a position--keep looking on your own.

It sounds obvious, but proofread your resume. If there is a misspelling on the most important document you have in your life right now, that tells us everything we need to know about how seriously you will take your work.

Always be open minded about a job. You won't get your dream job right away unless you are the one-in-a-million-lucky bastard, but what you can get is a paycheck and some industry experience to put on your resume. Plus, those temp gigs DO turn into perm positions. Not all the time, but if you are a great worker and knowledgeable, managers won't let you leave and they'll keep finding stuff for you to do--which is GREAT when trying to find your next position.

Basically, when you get a temp job, don't just do that job...ask what else you can do if you are already done or able to handle that responsibility with time to spare. That's how you move up and get additional experience.

Be nice to your recruiter. They are the only communication between you and the employer and they are the gatekeeper for every position. If you have a bad attitude about anything they will send someone in with the same qualifications who didn't. If you can get your recruiter to like you and pull for you, you'll get a job faster.

Don't "no-show" for appointments. You will get red flagged and will never work with that company again. As fast as this industry merges, you might find yourself unable to work with 25% of the market--forever--because you were too lazy to call. Again, it seems obvious, but it happens to me or my coworkers every day.

[bkrich83]

What part of Texas are you in. We may have openings. We have a couple of sites in Texas.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Resume help

What part of Texas are you in. We may have openings. We have a couple of sites in Texas.

Dallas.

I don't graduate until December though. Just needed it ready for a sit down with a Robert Half guy today. Who do you work for?

[Cusefan]

Re: Resume help

When you have a very good resume, it becomes pretty apparent when you are looking for a job. Take me for example, I drive trucks. It's not a glorious job but I have a really solid resume so after doing some jobs I though were beneath me, I landed a job that I really enjoy and I get paid real solid money for.

Since you do not have a lot of work experience, you will want to focus on what you learned and what certifications you have. Just remember, job satisfaction and money are all secondary to experience for your first "real" job.

[bkrich83]

Re: Resume help

Dallas.

I don't graduate until December though. Just needed it ready for a sit down with a Robert Half guy today. Who do you work for?

Send me a pm. Rather not say here.