Resume... new grad

[carla]

So tonight I decided to sit down and start on a resume and I'm already stuck, lol. I've honestly never had a resume.. the two "real" jobs I have held have been attained through inside connections and a VERY simple interview just to stick to the rules. My other two jobs have been childcare.

So I'm having a hard time.. thoughts? LOL

[gabhainn]

I know that office works has a resume template ( how I did mine), and I am sure you could find other template online, good luck.....Kevin

[lovesfortune]

i can't remember what it's called but it's a certain kind of resume style that lists all of your skills, etc. first and puts more focus on that then work experience. i will try to google to find it for you.

[lovesfortune]

here is a link:
http://www.money-zine.com/Career-Development/Resume-Writing/How-to-Write-a-Resume/

[MontysGirl]

You can also put down places that you have voluntered at.

[carla]

Thanks, guys. :)

gabhainn- I do have the templates, it's just filling them up that I'm stuck on. Of course, this is my first night working on it, so it's not surprising. If I had a potential employer tell me they needed one by 8am tomorrow, I'd have a killer one by 2am. :hysterical: Just how I am...

loves- thanks! I'll definitely check out the link.

A little elaboration, since I was in a hurry earlier obviously:

I think one issue is my past employment. I graduated HS in 98. Got my first "mentionable" job with an ambulance company in June '99 and worked there until Sept '02 (when I had my child). My next "mentionable" job didn't come until October of '05, because I stayed home with The Boy and just worked here and there between two daycare centers (NEITHER of which is still in business now that I think on it- another thing), and then watching kids at home.

I just can't stand that gap in there, but then don't really want to say "well I worked six months here, six months here and then watched kids at home for 18 months.."

Know what I mean?

[Miracle Whip]

Well they say that being a stay at home mom requires organization, supervision and other types of office skills. Do you want office work or other types of work? You can also mention any awards or honors that you received in college - dean's list, g.p.a., president of any clubs, even if you worked part time and went to school, that is worthy of mentioning someplace. I don't really remember my resume much. I had worked in nursing homes and the dining center. I wrote for the college newspaper and I mentioned that. I had a few volunteer experiences.

I do know that I had several resumes depending on the type of job I applied for.

I had a practicum experience also that was probably on my resume.

[Miracle Whip]

What types of computer programs do you know? That should be on there.

[carla]

Thanks, MW. Forgot to add.. I graduated from nursing school, so that's what I'm going for. True, the organization and care would be a good point, but I just don't like the "disorganization" of that whole time span, you know?

And I received no rewards, held no job, and did no extra-curricular activities in school, lol. I was working on passing, and being a wife/mom while keeping my sanity at the same time lol. So none of that to add...

I do know that I can use my clinical rotation hours as some background though..

[JackieB]

Thanks, MW. Forgot to add.. I graduated from nursing school, so that's what I'm going for. True, the organization and care would be a good point, but I just don't like the "disorganization" of that whole time span, you know?

And I received no rewards, held no job, and did no extra-curricular activities in school, lol. I was working on passing, and being a wife/mom while keeping my sanity at the same time lol. So none of that to add...

I do know that I can use my clinical rotation hours as some background though..

I wouldn't worry about what you perceive as these drawbacks (gap in your resume, lack of extracurricular), Carla. For some people I think it could be more of an interview red flag, but not for you. Seriously.

Your stellar performance in college should land you the all-important interview. Then, you can simply tell the interviewer about how it took you a little longer to figure out your career path, and had your son during this time as well.

If you represent yourself in an interview in the way you have on this forum (working on your school projects and so on), you'll be just fine. I can definitely imagine the interviewer thinking "Well, her resume is a little bit lighter than some I've seen, but this candidate has tremendous potential."

Put your Educational Experience on the top of your resume, of course.

So, I can understand why you might be bothered by what you consider to be holes in your resume since you are so detail-oriented and organized, but you've got more than enough qualities and potential to compensate.

Oh, and don't forget "Professional Lunging Instructor" when you get to work qualifications. You've helped countless horse owners get started with your "Lunging for Success" videos and could play them for your interviewer as well.

All best wishes!

[cheval]

I agree, don't worry about the gap. If they ask, just be up front and tell them what you were doing. Employers see people re-entering the work force all the time.

If you know what you are applying for get a detailed job description and base your resume on that job description. Computer experience, public relations, writing, office work, ability to work without supervision, etc.

[42many]

When you find a specific job opening that you want to apply for, make sure to "tweak" the resume a bit to reflect any key words that are noted in the offering. The person who writes it is looking for something very specific, and some of that will show up in the offer itself based on the words they choose to use in describing the position or requirements.

[carla]

Oh, and don't forget "Professional Lunging Instructor" when you get to work qualifications.

Aww JackieB - I can always count on you to kick me when I'm down. Well, maybe just poke at me with a sharp stick anyway.. :hysterical:

Kidding, of course. :D :p

On a more serious note, I really appreciate your reassurance.. what nice things to say, and they really helped me to feel better. Heh, I guess I do get a little obsessive with details on things like this (and papers..lol). But really, I appreciate it and I see what you mean. I've just never been on the receiving end of apps/resumes, and I don't know what is an automatic turn-off and what is not.

Cheval, thanks! I'm glad that you agree as well. I guess I'm probably not the only person to have a gap in their work history.. it's the only-child complex, it sneaks up on me. :D

42many- great point, and I definitely will tweak to fit specific jobs. Thanks!

Thanks again, everyone. I didn't have a chance to work on it today, but I really hope to get to look over some stuff this weekend. I also made myself a new email addy, because I realized taht the one I've had for years now has a certain "redneck flair" to it that I don't see being a selling point sitting front & center on the document.. :hysterical:

[JackieB]

On a more serious note, I really appreciate your reassurance.. what nice things to say, and they really helped me to feel better. Heh, I guess I do get a little obsessive with details on things like this (and papers..lol). But really, I appreciate it and I see what you mean. I've just never been on the receiving end of apps/resumes, and I don't know what is an automatic turn-off and what is not.

You are most welcome, Carla. I have been on the receiving end of the resumes and I'm quite sure that your job search will go well.

Good idea with changing the e-mail address as well. That's important in some cases, but not something that a person might automatically think to do.

Good luck with the job search, and keep us posted. Oh, and we're still patiently waiting for the pinning photos.

[carla]

MEE TOO, JackieB!! Sunday's Man has them alllll on his camera, and I was PROMISED pics when he got back from his business this week.































(psst! he got back yesterday! :whistle:)