I am an AA with over 30 years of CEO support. I have had no success in recent job search as I think my routine resume format highlights my age while downplaying accomplishments.
Does anyone have a good format and/or samples which will help refocus my resume and get me noticed in this tough employment market?
Submitted by: Need to Refresh
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The most important thing about a resume is that it gets read. If the person reviewing your resume dozes off because it is a lengthy narrative, it is of no use. Everyone's time is limited these days and you need to make the biggest impact in the quickest way. Use a bullet format. After listing your name and address, list the company you work for and your title. Under that make some major bullet points such as skills, general duties, special projects/accomplishments, awards, etc. Use sub bullets under each of these categories to share additional information. Use this format for each organization you include on your resume. Conclude your resume with your education information and a statement about references available upon request. This is the time to really share what you do beyond typing and filing. Most people assume that any kind of secretary can do those things. Think about unique skills you might possess. Do you use a specialized computer program such as Microsoft Project? Do you perform a unique task not associated with most secretarial positions - maybe coordinate meetings for visiting dignitaries? Think about what you really do and then share that information. Good luck.
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Anonymous on
6/24/2010 9:23:48 AM
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Another suggestion, have you tried going through employment agencies? I have happily just accepted a temp to full-time job from an agency. Once you take the testing and interview process with them they fully see your potential no matter what age. They even went as far as calling with they felt they had a first match and said may I rewrite your resume? I couldn't say yes fast enough, they sent me a copy to approve and this helped get me the job I just accepted. They also know the clients and what they need for the job making their changes on the resume different for each client they sent it to.
Off course there are good agencies and ones that will never help but you will be able to tell when you meet them. I worked with two nationally know agencies and they got me more interviews than just applying singlely on the internet. However, I was only able to sign up with an agency by applying for a job they advertised i.e. Career Builders, or Monster.com.
Good Luck on your Job Search!
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Anonymous on
6/24/2010 9:17:54 AM
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Try visiting this website. It has some good feedback on what to include and what not to include.
http://www.isoftwarereviews.com/effective-resume-work-experience-listing-example-guide/
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Jdog on
6/24/2010 8:37:16 AM
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If you're using a chronological format, you probably want to use a functional format instead. This way you're emphasizing your experience and accomplishments as opposed to your length of years in the field.
Word has really good resume templates (functional and chronological) or you can Google functional resumes and see what you like best.
Good luck!
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Anonymous on
6/24/2010 8:26:19 AM
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You would need to do a non-chronological resume, which isn't too widely accepted. There are a lot of websites to find some wow-factor resume templates and tips. Check out this website: http://theimpression.biz/personal/examples.html
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Masterg on
6/23/2010 1:42:41 PM
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