Resume opinions

[lizziegrace]

I was laid off on the 14th after working for 13 months at a real estate development company. I know the economy's tanking most everywhere. I'm at the library re-working my resume. If you were me and had temp jobs and a lay off, would you use a functional format or chronological. Or is there some hybrid you're aware of.

Links would be great. I've 4 weeks severance and I'm a nervous wreck...

Thanks.

[LadyoftheRabbits]

1. Kick...

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

2. Thank you sweetie!

:hug:

I'm at the library...

:-(

I hate this. I HATE it.

[Fran Kubelik]

3. I wish I knew

I'm watching this thread with interest, since I'm in the process of updating my resume for the first time in nearly a decade.
I hope things go well for you. Formats aside, all you have to do is convey how smart and cool and capable you are. Once your future employer sees that, it's in the bag. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

9. Thanks...

I've been told by a headhunter that I have too much experience for the market, my salary expectations are too high (I'm making $5k less/year than 5 years ago) and I'm too old...

I need to find another headhunter. ;)

[LaurenG]

4. Chronological over the past 10 years or so

Hang in there, you will get a job.

[lizziegrace]

7. How's the market where you are?

Things tanking badly?

[qb]

5. I'm no expert, but here's my 2 cents

I would use chronological, emphasizing my strengths and experience gained from each position.
I don't think they'll gig you for temp positions or getting laid off in this economy.
If they don't see a chronology and ask about it, it could be awkward. Honesty has to count for something.
Good luck!
:hi:

[lizziegrace]

10. I agree with you

I can put in parenthesis (company-wide lay off) or (temporary assignment) in order to have the reviewer keep on reading.

[LeftyFingerPop]

6. My thoughts

1) A hybrid that concentrates on your skills and lists work history briefly at bottom.

2) No more than one page.

3) Concise sentences, or even sentence fragments. The more concise, the better. Employers only spend less than a minute when first scanning resumes. Use attention grabbing verbs, as well as real world (limit buzzwords) words.

4) Stress your SKILLS, not your previous jobs.

5) Be specific. List the software you know, the type of accounting you know.

6) Use dollar amounts..."Established yearly $50M budget"

7) SHORT AND CONCISE.

8) Embellish in your cover letter, not your resume.

Good luck.

[lizziegrace]

12. Good advice

thank you! :hug:

[MANative]

8. My business provides services to the staffing industry...

and I can tell you that functional resumes are the kiss of death unless you are making a major career change and looking to highlight the transferrable skill set you wish to market. If you're staying in the same line of work, and use a functional resume, it will set off alarm bells. It's standard practice to ask "Why did you leave this position?" for every single item on your resume. Personally, I think it's a cop-out on the part of selectors rather than evaluating skill (which few know how to do), but it is the standard.

It makes them work harder when you have a functional resume, and many don't want to work that hard, so you end up on the bottom of the pile.

A middle ground is to use,as you put it, a "hybrid" that outlines skills, but then lists the places of employment along with the dates. This, however, doesn't remove the date issue - just puts it somewhere else.

[lizziegrace]

11. I've used a chronological resume

but put bullet points at the top that are customized to the particular job posting. I think I'll stick with the format I've used. Being in a support position (accounting), I've reported the financial position of the organizations but have not had the authority to institute cost-savings and other "achievements".

[graywarrior]

13. I created both and I also created several other aiming toward different

types of jobs. Creating resume's is the suckiest task ever and I have to be ina good mindset and focused to accomplish it. I am reworking some of mine now. The chronological ones seem to be what most employers are comfortable with.

[lizziegrace]

19. It does suck

I'm analytical. Writing and selling myself is one of the hardest things to do.

:(

[graywarrior]

21. Well, if you need any help let me know

I can send you a sample of mine if you want.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

14. As long as you are at the Library

check out "What color is your parachute?" It is very good for helping with the job search. Good luck! :)

[lizziegrace]

20. Thanks!

:)

[VenusRising]

15. I don't have the foggiest idea, BUT

I have lots of love and good vibes to send your way.

Hang in there, babe!

:hug::loveya:

[lizziegrace]

18. Thanks sweetie

:hug:

I may be leaving Cowtown this time. I've tried to make a life here for nearly 7 years and it's just not happening. :(

[VenusRising]

23. I don't blame you, at all.

ZI and are barely making it every month WITH a roommate. I know we'll be leaving once he gets a university position somewhere. It's scary out there right now.

:hug:

[EstimatedProphet]

16. I would definately go with functional

That will allow you to put your skills and achievements out in front. Chronological resumes will be weaker in a case where you have a lot of temporary jobs, because it will give the impression you haven't done anything "serious", or can't hold down a job. I know that's not true, but the HR people may not.

[EstimatedProphet]

17. Actually, you'd do well to use 2 resumes, so both formats.

I think functional resumes are good, and that's what I use right now. You might however want to have both. There's nothing wrong at all with going to an interview with either one, and if you've given the interviewer one copy you can give them the other one at the interview as your latest copy.

[lizziegrace]

22. I'm doing both

and sending them to the recruiter for opinions. He can decide which he'd like to present.

Give the Prophetess a :hug: for me.

:hi:

[EstimatedProphet]

24. Hi back!

[Callalily]

25. I'm so sorry that you have

to go through this. Will keep you in my prayers that your job search is quick.

I've read the responses to your question and as usual, mixed advice.

Maybe try the Career Help & Advice Group? There may be HR people in there.

Here's a link that may or may not be helpful to you.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=362x532

Again, good luck! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

26. Thank you

:hug: