Résumé’ assistance requested. - Diesel Forum

lonesome7.3 · 05-25-2009, 07:01 AM

I know there are some intelligent and professional members on this site. So I figured this would be a good place to ask for assistance. I have had about all I can stand working over here and I am looking for a new state side job. The resume I used to get this job and promoted twice worked well here, but I know stateside it will not work. What is the current trend or lay out are both government and privately owned agencies looking for right now. Also, I have never had to write a cover letter. I simply had an objective at the top of my resume. I hear this is no longer correct. Can I also get some guidance on a cover letter? What should it say, what should I include about my work history, how should it be laid out, and how long should it be? Being since the type of work I am seeking may guide the outcome of the resume this is a brief explanation of my skills:

Law enforcement
Anti-Terrorism
Force Protection
Investigations

Well, any suggestions you all provide will be greatly appreciated.

AK_Gandy · 05-25-2009, 10:36 AM

Here's a good start on what not to do.

And a bunch of good links on what to do.

Seven Deadly Resume Sins

lonesome7.3 · 05-25-2009, 10:38 AM

Thanks, that is very helpfull.

LMJD · 05-25-2009, 10:49 AM

My wife was in banking for about 30 years and a few years back she got on with a government agency. I just asked her how she did hers (it sounded and looked impressive) and she said she hired it done by a secretarial agency who specializes in resumes. She says resumes are a big deal nowdays and need to be of high quality and leave a good first impression. She says there's lots of resume software out there that is helpful plus there's a template in Microsoft Word and Word Perfect. Hope this helps and good luck!

lonesome7.3 · 05-25-2009, 11:55 AM

I just found that template, I was wondering if it was any good. Thanks.

**johnm** · 05-25-2009, 04:11 PM

ive looked at hundreds of resumes for jobs at the university where i worked. it was one of the added responsibility. i looked at all technical positions, police positions, building maintenance position and several entry level engineering positions.

here are my thoughts. now if you are looking for one of those 100+K jobs this may not apply. get professional help in that area.

the point of a resume is to make you look right for the job. use the job or position description you are looking for and make it look like you are the right guy for that job.

don't lie or BS your way thru anything.

don't bore the prospective employer with lots of hogwash. be to the point, accurate and very clear as to your capabilities.

dont mention any shortcommings.

i always appreciated the one page resume. i hated fanning thru 6 - 8 pages trying to see what the guy had to offer. the more people that applied the more i dreaded looking thru their smoke to see what they really were able to do.

be sure to list licenses and certifications THAT APPLY TO THAT JOB only. only exception is list any other languages you can "get by" in.

near the end of the resume let them know if you have more information available, such as letters of recommendation, etc.

good luck

BTW for employment in university police force is a good way to go, unless you like the hookem n bookem excitement from the streets.

jm

lonesome7.3 · 05-27-2009, 05:15 AM

Thanks. I was wondering how to incorperate my letters of Rec. I have had enough action. I would love a laid back enviroment where I am not ducking every time a door slams. (Not that I do, but you get the idea). A University Police Force would be nice.

06Clone · 05-27-2009, 06:16 AM

Send what you have to me and I'll look it over. I am in the men in black side of your industry in DC and a technical writer.

lonesome7.3 · 05-30-2009, 05:15 AM

Thanks man. I am working a my resume now. Once I get it done I will send it your way.