writing a good resume?

[ThePig+]

how much "fibbing" can i get away with? can i say i volunteered...how about tutoring at the university...can i include that?

 

[sean1]

You can include anything you think they won't check and that you know enough about to talk through..

Remember if you lie and they find out later, they can fire.

Nothing wrong with tutoring.

Sean

 

[sean1]

I have always wondered why people don't fib more - not backing it, but wondering.

Other than residency, I've never had any other job confirm my undergrad degree, my medical degree, or my previous employment... Makes you wonder.

Sean

 

[fhmesq44]

I have always wondered why people don't fib more - not backing it, but wondering.

Other than residency, I've never had any other job confirm my undergrad degree, my medical degree, or my previous employment... Makes you wonder.

Sean

It is a risk. When I got my current job they called the references, former job and required a law school transcript. So I would have been screwed if I lied too much.

Also had a buddy once have an offer revoked when they found out he lied about his current salary. Was a little more involved than that, but that is what it boiled down to. He said he made X, they asked for W2, he refused to give it and they pulled the offer.

 

[Masxmenos]

It is a risk. When I got my current job they called the references, former job and required a law school transcript. So I would have been screwed if I lied too much.

Also had a buddy once have an offer revoked when they found out he lied about his current salary. Was a little more involved than that, but that is what it boiled down to. He said he made X, they asked for W2, he refused to give it and they pulled the offer.

Wow... That sucks. Never heard of someone being asked for a W2 but I would suppose that if you have a law degree (impressive BTW), the rules might be more scrupulous as it is a profession where you really need a good team of employees. One bad apple and a case can be ruined.

 

[JohnnyB]

Oh yeah - and expect questions.


Also, on every interview I've gone on, I brought pre-typed questions of my own.

IMO, nothing shows disinterest like ending the conversation with "Not really" when the interviewer asks if you would like to ask anything. It doesn't even matter if the topic has been covered in the interview...you can even ask something like "just to be absolutely clear on this point, could you please explain x..."

I typically brought at least 5 good questions with me (which I still have typed up somewhere on my computer and would use again, God forbid I'm in that situation anytime soon). Wanna know the best one to ask?

"When did you join the company, and what it is about this job that keeps you here?"

This isn't something you'd ask a chick in HR, but trust me; interviewers (especially executives) love to talk about themselves. You can temporarily put the ball back into their court (and probably catch them a bit off guard) so you'll have a chance to gather your thoughts without looking bad in any way.

Brilliant.

 

[ThePig+]

I have always wondered why people don't fib more - not backing it, but wondering.

Other than residency, I've never had any other job confirm my undergrad degree, my medical degree, or my previous employment... Makes you wonder.

Sean

Sean...how can they confirm an undergrad degree?

 

[ThePig+]

use a cover letter instead of an objective - everyone knows your objective and it is a waste of space. IMO, keep the resume to one page, no one looks at page 2 anyway.

Contact info at top
Depending how long you have been out of school, work history or scholastic history, then the other
Relevant Skills
Personal interests

how should the cover letter look?

 

[VIEJODINOSAUR]

Sean...how can they confirm an undergrad degree?

Ask that administrator from Notre Dame who had to resign....think it was some lady....:nono5:

 

[juice]

I know my old company ran background checks, I'm sure nothing too deep but making sure you didn't have a rap sheet or what-not.
I also know when I was applying to new places some of them had me sign something saying I knew they would run a background check as well.

 

[tkim11]

This is perfect timing. I'm also looking to change jobs and the whole PDF thing is awesome.

I need help in writing a cover letter. I posted my resume on careerbuilder, hotjobs, etc...but didnt write a cover letter. How do I write a general cover letter that can be used to for all types of positions? Most of my cover letter has been to a specific company and poisition - no generalization.

 

[juice]

This is perfect timing. I'm also looking to change jobs and the whole PDF thing is awesome.

I need help in writing a cover letter. I posted my resume on careerbuilder, hotjobs, etc...but didnt write a cover letter. How do I write a general cover letter that can be used to for all types of positions? Most of my cover letter has been to a specific company and poisition - no generalization.

You should absolutely tailor your cover letter, and if possible your resume to the position/company you are applying to.
Usually I keep my cover letters short and sweet.

Hello, my name is <name>. I came across your job listing for <job listing information (i.e., job title or reference number)> on <wherever you found the job listing>.

For the last <x> years I have been a <job title> at <company name>. More specifically, I have been <describe what you do at your job, AS IT RELATES TO THE JOB YOU ARE APPLYING FOR>. <Also maybe list some good qualities you posses, I'm a hard worker, eager to learn, blah blah>.

I believe I have the skills and experience to be a good fit at your organization. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at <phone number/email/etc>.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Other people might have a better cover letter, but that's the general approach I've taken with success.

 

[fhmesq44]

One additional thing I thought of this morning, if you have a myspace page (or similar one) shut it down before sending your resumes. Prospective employers check them out