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Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:00 pm
by (MT)Montanafowler
How do you write a Resume without looking like an asshole? I need to put something together for the Fish and Game and have no idea where to start. I've never written a resume so i'm pretty lost.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:02 pm
by ManlyMan
(MT)Montanafowler wrote:How do you write a Resume without looking like an asshole? I need to put something together for the Fish and Game and have no idea where to start. I've never written a resume so i'm pretty lost.
open up Microsoft word. There will be templates you can choose from. Choose one of the CV templates.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:05 pm
by Weston81
Google it as well, there are a lot of great format's and input on what needs to be there and what doesn't.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:06 pm
by assateague
I'm pretty good with wordsmithing. Do what Doc said, and shoot it to me if you want me to dress it up, if you're comfortable with that. I'll have them offering you a directorship, and no lies are necessary, just proper "marketing".

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:10 pm
by Mornin Beef
(MT)Montanafowler wrote:How do you write a Resume without looking like an asshole? I need to put something together for the Fish and Game and have no idea where to start. I've never written a resume so i'm pretty lost.

Don't go bragging about your post count for starters. Nobody wants to hear about how much you love to catch and kill stuff either. Show full work history using start and end dates for sure. People want to see how you've stayed busy even if it doesn't relate to the job. Beef up the description if you've actually had a job in this arena. If you have big holes in your job history make something up and list a good friend as the supervisor. Don't forget to tell your friend either!! Don't get super high on your horse about volunteer work either. Nobody really gives two shits you built wood duck boxes and hung them up on a 4-h outing.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:13 pm
by rebelp74
It's all about proper choice of words. There are some really good templates out there, as stated above, just find one and follow the directions.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:17 pm
by (MT)Montanafowler
Mornin Beef wrote:People want to see how you've stayed busy even if it doesn't relate to the job.


Hmm, never thought about that. That makes a lot of sense. I don't really have much to go off of really, essentially i've only had two jobs since i was 17, both in concrete. Both were fairly long term (3 years of employment). I guess I'm wondering how i make that sound good, and wondering if it would be better to have had 5 jobs with less experience instead. I don't have any volunteer work or anything extra to put down really.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:23 pm
by Bulldog0156
There are some pretty good examples online for sure. Make sure there are absolutely no errors (spelling, punctuation, etc.) and you keep the formatting the same throughout. Try to keep things concise so the person reading it doesn't feel like they are reading a novel.

I will say that I don't like the standard formats in Word (although I haven't used them in quite some time so they may be better now). I find that they do not use page space well. Before you send in your resume make sure to have someone review it for errors and content. School professors or past supervisors are great for this.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:24 pm
by Mornin Beef
Do you have college degrees? While assa will be the first to tell you you don't need one to be a biologist I can ensure you it helps. What is the line of work? Fisheries tech, ornithology tech etc etc?

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:25 pm
by Bulldog0156
(MT)Montanafowler wrote:How do you write a Resume without looking like an asshole? I need to put something together for the Fish and Game and have no idea where to start. I've never written a resume so i'm pretty lost.

What is the position?

I would assume that since you worked concrete in the past you will be relying on education to get this position. Make that the focus of your resume.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:26 pm
by Mornin Beef
Bulldog0156 wrote:There are some pretty good examples online for sure. Make sure there are absolutely no errors (spelling, punctuation, etc.) and you keep the formatting the same throughout. Try to keep things concise so the person reading it doesn't feel like they are reading a novel.

I will say that I don't like the standard formats in Word (although I haven't used them in quite some time so they may be better now). I find that they do not use page space well. Before you send in your resume make sure to have someone review it for errors and content. School professors or past supervisors are great for this.

And if you start more than one sentence with "I" you're dead on arrival.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:32 pm
by (MT)Montanafowler
Mornin Beef wrote:Do you have college degrees? While assa will be the first to tell you you don't need one to be a biologist I can ensure you it helps. What is the line of work? Fisheries tech, ornithology tech etc etc?


working towards a degree. This is just getting my foot in the door really, the position is basically a WMA maintenance worker that sprays weeds and builds fence. both things that i know i can do, but have to deal with this "pick me!" bullshit.

Bulldog0156 wrote:What is the position?

I would assume that since you worked concrete in the past you will be relying on education to get this position. Make that the focus of your resume.


The guy told me to get my resume to him ASAP. I think he's actually more interested that i have actual work experience and specifically the proper use and maintenance of tools. I just don't know how to dress up "poured monolithic concrete, used tools and babysat 45 yr old guys who bitched too much."

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:42 pm
by Weston81
One thing to keep in mind and others may agree is no matter how bad someone wants you to work for them be sure to treat it like you aren't a shoo in. I've lost a job that way before. Be professional and prep'd for the interview, even if you know they guy by some chance.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:53 pm
by (MT)Montanafowler
Weston81 wrote:One thing to keep in mind and others may agree is no matter how bad someone wants you to work for them be sure to treat it like you aren't a shoo in. I've lost a job that way before. Be professional and prep'd for the interview, even if you know they guy by some chance.


i don't know the guy, he just told me to put a resume in. I've never had to look for jobs this way before. actually all my jobs started as essentially very temporary work that led to me being kept on. How do you approach an interview?

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:55 pm
by Woody
(MT)Montanafowler wrote:How do you write a Resume without looking like an asshole? I need to put something together for the Fish and Game and have no idea where to start. I've never written a resume so i'm pretty lost.


The key to a good résumé and cover letter is making yourself sound awesome without seeming conceded.
Avoid using MY to much and talk mention how you can help them.

Also don't use a template (you want it to stand out) and find a keywords list (people only read résumés after a computer has scanned them first).

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:56 pm
by Weston81
I am in the corp world but it seems a lot of companys use a similar format. Each question they ask that begins with "tell me about a time" or in your past experience can you tell me about X. Always be sure to give a situation, actions took, and a result. Look at the job you applying for and then look at what you know, apply your experince where you can fit it to what they are looking for. Look them in the eye, be confident, and never be afraid to ask questions. At the end when they ask you if there is anything else you would like them to know. This is the chance to sell yourself, don't just say; "No I think I am good". Sell yourself. Just my thoughts.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:57 pm
by assateague
(MT)Montanafowler wrote:
Mornin Beef wrote:Do you have college degrees? While assa will be the first to tell you you don't need one to be a biologist I can ensure you it helps. What is the line of work? Fisheries tech, ornithology tech etc etc?


working towards a degree. This is just getting my foot in the door really, the position is basically a WMA maintenance worker that sprays weeds and builds fence. both things that i know i can do, but have to deal with this "pick me!" bullshit.

Bulldog0156 wrote:What is the position?

I would assume that since you worked concrete in the past you will be relying on education to get this position. Make that the focus of your resume.


The guy told me to get my resume to him ASAP. I think he's actually more interested that i have actual work experience and specifically the proper use and maintenance of tools. I just don't know how to dress up "poured monolithic concrete, used tools and babysat 45 yr old guys who bitched too much."



"Continued education and certification in government-mandated business practices and safety management" (building inspectors and OSHA) "Promoted ahead of peers" (old guys working for you), "Demonstrated leadership capabilities which brought increased profit to the organization, while improving efficiency through direct supervision of 7 full-time employees and 4 seasonal workers" (kept their asses busy and working, despite the age and experience difference, i.e. "leadership"), "Developed and used interpersonal conflict resolution skills to ensure increased productivity" (kept them working despite their bitching to get the job done). I can do this shit all day.

A resume's just to get you in the door. The rest of the BS is up to you.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:00 pm
by Weston81
Exactly, anytime you can give them numbers, could be supervisor role, profit's/savings, ppl eat that stuff up. I was always told to keep your resume to two pages if you can help it unless you have some kinda of PowePoint deck you want to show. Anyone else ever hear this? I know when I interview people the folks with a full two pages or more have either done a lot of things and I am impressed or they are giving me a life story of each job instead of bulllet points.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:03 pm
by Tomkat
:tk:
I hate all of this shit which normally has nothing to do with either the job offered and even less about the kind of worker you are getting. All it proves is you can get on a duck hunting web site and get advice about how to play this silly ass game.

Not making a remark about you MontanaFowler. I just hate this little game.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:06 pm
by Weston81
It's a crap shoot in the end, I've seen people who did okay in an interview and be great and the other way around. TK is right, you have a hour to sell yourself and if you are sitting on the other side of the table all you have is a piece of paper and somebody's word.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:09 pm
by Weston81
The worst thing is 90% of us have to play this game. I hate it as much as anyone.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:10 pm
by assateague
Weston81 wrote:Exactly, anytime you can give them numbers, could be supervisor role, profit's/savings, ppl eat that stuff up. I was always told to keep your resume to two pages if you can help it unless you have some kinda of PowePoint deck you want to show. Anyone else ever hear this? I know when I interview people the folks with a full two pages or more have either done a lot of things and I am impressed or they are giving me a life story of each job instead of bulllet points.


I've heard the same. And anyone with a PP deck will not get in the door.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:12 pm
by Weston81
I've only seen two, one person was dead in the water the other was a Distribution manager out of Atlanta who's deck pertained to the job and I was impressed. It was def a risky move though.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:14 pm
by jehler
just tell them you look like a young Fred Bear and include a headshot with a dead snake

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:20 pm
by Bulldog0156
What's a powerpoint deck? Just a presentation?

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:24 pm
by Weston81
Yes sir.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:30 pm
by assateague
Bulldog0156 wrote:What's a powerpoint deck? Just a presentation?


Not sure when the terminology "morphed", but it was fairly recently. Sounds stupid to me, but "PP Deck" is the new "synergy". Which coincidentally enough, also sounded stupid to me.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:31 pm
by jehler
assateague wrote:
Bulldog0156 wrote:What's a powerpoint deck? Just a presentation?


Not sure when the terminology "morphed", but it was fairly recently. Sounds stupid to me, but "PP Deck" is the new "synergy". Which coincidentally enough, also sounded stupid to me.

ppdeck :lol:
is it near the poop deck

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:49 pm
by Weston81
Hell I can't even say it without smirking, someone may ask me; "Hey you have that PP deck ready"............yes, yes I do.

Re: Writing a Resume

PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:30 pm
by Redbeard
Mornin Beef wrote:Do you have college degrees? While assa will be the first to tell you you don't need one to be a biologist I can ensure you it helps. What is the line of work? Fisheries tech, ornithology tech etc etc?
how is it we can easily read and understand your posts today?