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Bisty Q.
Jul 22, 2008
Yeah, if you are nerdy enough to use LaTeX for your resume, why on earth would you convert it to .doc? Just send pdfs, it's fine.

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Problem!
Jan 1, 2007

I am the queen of France.
When I was resume spamming towards the end of college I only had 2 or 3 job apps (out of 80+) kick back my PDF resume, it should be fine. The only issue was that a lot of sites had a harder time parsing it to auto-fill the online portion of the application than if it was a .doc.

Science
Jun 28, 2006
. . .

Walh Hara posted:

moderncv package in LaTeX and was extremely happy with the result.

Somehow I had not heard of this, thank you.

Gothmog1065 posted:

Is it OK to send Resumes via .pdf? I thought .doc or other basic file formats were preferred?

Just to echo everyone else, I have also never had problems submitting PDFs.

Walh Hara
May 11, 2012

Gothmog1065 posted:

LaTeX and ModernCV seem to be all the rage now (As a cursory google search shows, as well as Walh Hara), is it OK to send Resumes via .pdf? I thought .doc or other basic file formats were preferred?

I'm surprised by this question qs I'd personqlly send a CV as a .pdf even if it was made in word. I'm somehow under the impression that this looks a lot more professional. Plus, it's quite possible to get your layout messed up if you send it as a .doc.

(I also didn't know LaTeX was all the rage now, it seems pretty niche to me)

R2ICustomerSupport
Dec 12, 2004

Rabbi Tupac posted:

I figure I should let you guys have a look at my resume by now. I've followed the thread a bit and have tried to fancy it up but I haven't been getting any real traction. I'm typically applying to entry level geology jobs at larger firms, gov jobs(tend to make those much longer/in depth), and then basic office stuff. Usually tailor each resume to each job but here's one for a generic geology job. I know I don't have much experience. I worked in college and first in a family to go to it so everyone basically just thought a job would sprout up out from the degree. I'm sure there's some dumb poo poo I have missed or can improve on in it.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PeniPLfH7RjKfhWLg-s2BHN_HNDPgNr58_Ld67Jcxc0/edit?usp=sharing

It might be I just need more knowledge/experience in which case grad school ahoy.

Here is a very basic critique. Hope this helps!

Goon Approved Resume and CV Writing Service
http://bit.ly/ForumsCritique
My service will get you job interviews!

Ham Equity
Apr 16, 2013

The first thing we do, let's kill all the cars.
Grimey Drawer
So, I'm about to start my job search in earnest, and I read the OP, and I was wondering if there's a good example of how to make that sort of resume look good (the whole hard numbers/achievement sort of thing)? Should I use each job with a timeline as a header, then the various achievements as bullet points? Or should I have a separate timeline listed elsewhere?

Also, given that I've been employed at the same place for 5.5 years (and still am), should I worry about explaining previous gaps in employment?

Problem!
Jan 1, 2007

I am the queen of France.
The way I've seen most resumes done is with a timeline of your job history with your duties/responsibilities as bullet points, then a separate "awards and achievements" section where you put your hard numbers so they stand out.

Wraith of J.O.I.
Jan 25, 2012


Got a phone interview tomorrow for a dream job. Anybody have any last-minute tips for phone interviews? I've done a handful before, and I've been doing a lot of research on the organization I'm interviewing with, and I'll be doing some practicing tonight, but drat I'm nervous/anxious. But while phone interviews can be a little impersonal, they are nice in that they're like an open book test, and I'll have a bunch of stuff out to reference if need be (job description, resume, cover letter, bullet-pointed past experiences/success, etc). Really want this position.

seacat
Dec 9, 2006

Wraith of J.O.I. posted:

Got a phone interview tomorrow for a dream job. Anybody have any last-minute tips for phone interviews? I've done a handful before, and I've been doing a lot of research on the organization I'm interviewing with, and I'll be doing some practicing tonight, but drat I'm nervous/anxious. But while phone interviews can be a little impersonal, they are nice in that they're like an open book test, and I'll have a bunch of stuff out to reference if need be (job description, resume, cover letter, bullet-pointed past experiences/success, etc). Really want this position.

Hate to be smug or whatever have no idea if it's a dream job or not, you don't work there. I've seen people so burnt by this.

Phone interviews are done to confirm that you can communicate on a basic level and aren't a total fraud when it comes to your accomplishments. Go over your resume and make sure you can talk about any of the poo poo on there. Go over the job posting and make sure you can talk about it.

It's not gonna last over 10 minutes. If it does they don't know what they're doing. Phone interviews are used to whittle down a stack of like 15-20 resumes to say 3-5 or so to bring in for in-person.

Chaotic Flame
Jun 1, 2009

So...


seacat posted:

Hate to be smug or whatever have no idea if it's a dream job or not, you don't work there. I've seen people so burnt by this.

Phone interviews are done to confirm that you can communicate on a basic level and aren't a total fraud when it comes to your accomplishments. Go over your resume and make sure you can talk about any of the poo poo on there. Go over the job posting and make sure you can talk about it.

It's not gonna last over 10 minutes. If it does they don't know what they're doing. Phone interviews are used to whittle down a stack of like 15-20 resumes to say 3-5 or so to bring in for in-person.

I would say this is predicated on who the phone interview is with. Recruiter? The above definitely applies. Hiring manager? It will be more involved then assessing basic communication skills and your resume.

Ham Equity
Apr 16, 2013

The first thing we do, let's kill all the cars.
Grimey Drawer
Is it a bad idea to lift desired skills from the job description verbatim for your resume (presuming they accurately describe job duties one has performed) in order to make sure you're grabbing the relevant keywords?

FrozenVent
May 1, 2009

The Boeing 737-200QC is the undisputed workhorse of the skies.

Wraith of J.O.I. posted:

Got a phone interview tomorrow for a dream job. Anybody have any last-minute tips for phone interviews? I've done a handful before, and I've been doing a lot of research on the organization I'm interviewing with, and I'll be doing some practicing tonight, but drat I'm nervous/anxious. But while phone interviews can be a little impersonal, they are nice in that they're like an open book test, and I'll have a bunch of stuff out to reference if need be (job description, resume, cover letter, bullet-pointed past experiences/success, etc). Really want this position.

Wear shoes.

Seriously. Don't do a phone interview in your socking feet and PJs.

Bisty Q.
Jul 22, 2008

FrozenVent posted:

Wear shoes.

Seriously. Don't do a phone interview in your socking feet and PJs.

:what:

timp
Sep 19, 2007

Everything is in my control
Lipstick Apathy

FrozenVent posted:

Wear shoes.

Seriously. Don't do a phone interview in your socking feet and PJs.



I dunno, I like this advice. It's a psychological thing, right?

Boot and Rally
Apr 21, 2006

8===D
Nap Ghost

Thanatosian posted:

Is it a bad idea to lift desired skills from the job description verbatim for your resume (presuming they accurately describe job duties one has performed) in order to make sure you're grabbing the relevant keywords?

If it describes work you have done this is a perfectly acceptable practice. It is recommended. If you can use them as part of duties performed on the job and not just on a skills list, so much the better.

Doctor Bovine
Aug 7, 2007
Proud graduate of Bovine University
I have a quick question about writing a post-interview email. I interviewed for a position on Monday and they plan to finish the 1st round by the end of the week (tomorrow). I am abroad and the interviewers seemed concerned about my ability to return to the States by early January and also about my inexperience with one of the main responsibilities of the position. Would I be unnecessarily highlighting deficiencies or should I address these issues? (I already said similar things over the phone.) Here's my draft email -- advice would be appreciated!

Mr. Interviewer,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to reiterate my interest in your Program Specialist position. I would also address any concerns that you may have about my relocation plans. If offered the position, I'm confident that I will be available for your desired start date in early January.

I am excited at the prospect of working with This Program again -- this position is an excellent opportunity for me to apply the skills I have already acquired and develop new ones. I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks,

my name

FrozenVent
May 1, 2009

The Boeing 737-200QC is the undisputed workhorse of the skies.

timp posted:

I dunno, I like this advice. It's a psychological thing, right?

Yes. While you don't want to be nervous during an interview, you also don't want to be mr cool relaxed dude. If you're sitting in your living room in sweatpants and slippers, you're more likely to adopt the demeanour you usually have when you're sitting at home in sweats.

Which personally isn't something I try to sell as a marketable skill. If you're using to working from home, more power to you.

Wraith of J.O.I.
Jan 25, 2012


Wraith of J.O.I. posted:

Got a phone interview tomorrow for a dream job. Anybody have any last-minute tips for phone interviews? I've done a handful before, and I've been doing a lot of research on the organization I'm interviewing with, and I'll be doing some practicing tonight, but drat I'm nervous/anxious. But while phone interviews can be a little impersonal, they are nice in that they're like an open book test, and I'll have a bunch of stuff out to reference if need be (job description, resume, cover letter, bullet-pointed past experiences/success, etc). Really want this position.

Thanks for the tips everyone. I did dress up (and wore dress shoes!) and it deed feel like I had some psychological component on my side from that. But as for the results: I've been selected for a second "in-person" (Skype due to being out of town) interview! Question for those who have done a lot of interviewing: how many of all the applicants you get, how many do you select for 1st/2nd/3rd round interviews? Kinda curious to see how many it might be down to. I Googled it and I found some that said 7-10 for first round, and then 2-4 for second. Also, any crucial tips for 2nd round interviews? I've got a few days to prepare but any extra info is always helpful.

Oscar Romeo Romeo
Apr 16, 2010

Hello thread. I'm job hunting again and reworking my CV from scratch. A company I did some voluntary work for has since gone bust, and the owner went mad and left the country. The work would relate well to a few jobs I'm looking at applying for but should I be asked for a reference I fear having to explain, "Well it doesn't exist anymore and the owner vanished off the face of the earth" could look sketchy. Should I forget it and leave it off my CV? It would only apply to a niche market I'd like to get back into, but for that market, its my only relevant experience.

seacat
Dec 9, 2006

Wraith of J.O.I. posted:

Thanks for the tips everyone. I did dress up (and wore dress shoes!) and it deed feel like I had some psychological component on my side from that. But as for the results: I've been selected for a second "in-person" (Skype due to being out of town) interview! Question for those who have done a lot of interviewing: how many of all the applicants you get, how many do you select for 1st/2nd/3rd round interviews? Kinda curious to see how many it might be down to. I Googled it and I found some that said 7-10 for first round, and then 2-4 for second. Also, any crucial tips for 2nd round interviews? I've got a few days to prepare but any extra info is always helpful.

Hard to go into it, it just depends a lot on the company culture and position. What industry, what experience level, general position type (IT desk clerk, financial analyst, what is it?) Lot of difference across industry norms.

For me I hire lab chemists and techs either entry-level or with a year or two of experience in a dept of 12 people. I generally start with about 15 resumes and bring them down to 4-5 to bring in, introduce and show around, and talk to in person. I generally don't bring in people a second time unless the departmental director (my boss) really wants to meet with them. It's worked out pretty well for me, no nightmare hires so far. OTOH when you are interviewing for a VP of Sales or other high level exec job it's pretty common to go through 3-4 rounds of interviews, go out to a formal dinner, etc.

Some people try to anticipate the really weird poo poo some employers do and stress so much about it, don't. It's not fair to the applicant and some interviewers really are insane/have boundary issues/out of touch with reality (the owner of the business falls into this category in a lot of places I've deal with). What I mean is people get so nervous and freaked out that the interviewer will not like the color tie they wear or that they didn't wash their car (yes, seriously) and obsess over this little poo poo that they will forget the interviewers name or not be able to talk about stuff that's clearly written on their resume.

Ask questions. Not just the obvious ones like "What are the hours" or anything else you can find in the job posting. Can't stress this enough. This is a lot harder to do when you're entry level but you should still be able to ask stuff like:
"How would you describe the company culture?"
"How will my success be measured?"
"Can you go through a typical day for someone in this position?"
"Do you have any things that annoy you (pet peeves)?" <-- a great one for your boss who you're going to spend 40 hours+ a week with
"How would you describe your management style?"
"What are the biggest challenges you've seen people struggle with in this job?"

Sorry for the corporatespeak, but those really honestly meaningful questions. Obviously dont come in with a list and read them off like a drone.

Problem!
Jan 1, 2007

I am the queen of France.
Would it be appropriate to ask why the person who vacated the position that is now open left?

I thought of asking that after I'd already left the interview, but if I get a second interview I might ask if it's not a huge faux pas.

Xandu
Feb 19, 2006


It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.
What kind of response would you hope to get?

Wraith of J.O.I.
Jan 25, 2012


seacat posted:

*Lots of words*
Thanks for all the advice.

It's a program coordinator position requiring a few years of experience at a regional office of a large international nonprofit.

I did ask a couple of the questions you wrote in my first interview (about the culture, typical work week, and feedback/evaluation process, along with one about professional development opportunities). Second interview will be with 3 people who will work closely with whoever is selected for this position.

Problem!
Jan 1, 2007

I am the queen of France.

Xandu posted:

What kind of response would you hope to get?

Basically if they left on good terms or not, and if not was it the people or the work that drove them away. I don't know if they'd divulge that information though. All I know is that they left voluntarily and not fired so I was just curious as to reasons.

seacat
Dec 9, 2006

Aquatic Giraffe posted:

Would it be appropriate to ask why the person who vacated the position that is now open left?

I thought of asking that after I'd already left the interview, but if I get a second interview I might ask if it's not a huge faux pas.

Yeah, that's fine and can give you some really good insight if you can read people well. I probably wouldn't ask it that way, depends on your rapport with your interviewer.

You'll be given a chance to ask questions with any interview with any good organization. If they don't give you this chance run like hell, huge red flag. One of the first things I usually ask is why the position is open after a general question or two stuff like history of the company and the department, and the interviewer themselves.

I can't stress it enough: you have to ask in a pleasant inquisitive fashion, not like you're interrogating them. Smile, relax a little, don't stiffen and stare them down, or use aggressive body language (i know this sounds like basic human contact but you'd be surprised how many people I interview who don't get it). Otherwise most people go defensive and won't give you any useful info. For example I've become a little bored of my otherwise fairly decent company and interviewed at other places just to see what's out there. An example exchange for me a few weeks ago went like this:

(meet with a quality director who's hiring for a lab manager)
(general smalltalk stuff, she asks me about my background and current job and history)
Her: So that's pretty much all I wanted to ask, I'm sure you have some questions for me?
Me: Yes ma'am, sure do. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your quality background?
Her: (spends a few minutes talking about her experience, I ask a question or two here and here (you worked at xyz? that's the same time <my friend> was there, you guys must have run into each other quite a bit)
Me: Great, great. So generally first thing I ask, why is this position open -- is it new, is someone moving on?
Her: Well actually our current manager isn't a very good fit so I'm looking for a replacement.

Obvious red flag there because you aren't supposed to tell people you're interviewing for a position that you're basically getting rid of the predecessor and it turned from talking to my contacts that she was kinda nuts and had some insane turnover. I actually got an offer but turned it down for those reasons.

tl;dr: Definitely ask (pleasantly), and you might be surprised at how much info you can get.

Xandu
Feb 19, 2006


It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.

Aquatic Giraffe posted:

Basically if they left on good terms or not, and if not was it the people or the work that drove them away. I don't know if they'd divulge that information though. All I know is that they left voluntarily and not fired so I was just curious as to reasons.

I have been in an interview once where I was interviewing with peers that I was able to get away with a similar question, so if it feels right, I'd so go for it, but don't expect a useful answer from their boss.

Problem!
Jan 1, 2007

I am the queen of France.

Xandu posted:

I have been in an interview once where I was interviewing with peers that I was able to get away with a similar question, so if it feels right, I'd so go for it, but don't expect a useful answer from their boss.

It's for another position within my company, so I'm not some random person off the street but it's also in a different department so I don't know them super well since I don't interact with them often.

They said they're either doing round 2 or making a selection this week so if they decide on round 2 (and if I'm part of it) I'll try to bring it up tactfully.

3 Action Economist
May 22, 2002

Educate. Agitate. Liberate.
This question might be a bit specific, but I figure there are enough people here who can answer.

I'm looking for a new job as a project manager (or maybe a general IT manager). In the past, my resume was geared towards being an engineer, so it had a list of technical skills like this:

quote:

TECHNICAL SKILLS
* Project Management: Microsoft Project, ConnectWise
* Operating Systems: Microsoft Server 2012 R2, Microsoft Server 2012, Microsoft Server 2008 R2, Microsoft Server 2008, Microsoft Server 2003, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows CE, Google Android, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mac OS X
* Communication: Internal and hosted Microsoft Exchange 2010, 2007, and 2003, Microsoft Forefront.
* Virtualization: Cloud hosting services, VMWare ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, VirtualBox, Xenserver
* Support and Administration Tools: Active Directory, Group Policy, Powershell, Remote Desktop, DameWare, VNC, Symantec pcAnywhere, Symantec Ghost, TeamViewer, Logmein and Join.me, Telnet, SSH
* Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, Adobe CS Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Lotus Notes, Google Docs
* Databases: MySQL, Microsoft SQL
* Miscellaneous: Kaseya, LabTech, ShoreTel Call Manager, SAP GUI, ITSM Workcenter, Viastore ViaDat, Provia, UPS Worldship, Accu-Rate, Oracle, Citrix, Lenovo Thinkcenter, Kronos
* Hardware: Dell servers and desktops, IBM and Lenovo desktops and laptops, HP desktops, HP Officejet and Laserjet printers, Zebra label printers, Overland Storage tape drives, Ricoh photocopiers, APC UPS systems
* Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Sonicwall firewalls and VPN appliances, Linksys networking equipment, HP switches and routers, cable crimping, cable testing, cable running, troubleshooting

I'm thinking that almost all of these are now irrelevant. It's nice to know I have a technical background, but that's reflected elsewhere.

Should I just omit these? And if so, is it okay to have 2/3 of my second page blank?

Xandu
Feb 19, 2006


It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.
Yeah, that's a pretty long list if it's not applicable. Keep what you think is relevant, but you can shorten it. I think the productivity, database, and project management sections are worth keeping (though you list Microsoft Project twice), hardware and operating systems are unlikely to be relevant, not sure about the rest.

Ham Equity
Apr 16, 2013

The first thing we do, let's kill all the cars.
Grimey Drawer
How far back am I allowed to go on a resume? I haven't been putting college jobs on my resume generally, but I'm looking at a job that requires some event support & logistics, which is what I did in college... from 2000-2004. It's not as technical as it sounds, and it doesn't change as much as, say, computers have in the intervening time (things that required a 100-watt portable PA are still only going to require that, and things that need a portable stage that can support 12 tons of equipment still need that, and I can still read a tech rider). Since it's directly applicable, it seems like I should, but I just want to make sure I'm not committing some sort of unforgivable faux-pas by including a student job from ten years ago even if it is applicable.

Also, should I worry about an employment gap from, like, seven years ago? I did a bunch of temp work, but it was primarily for a temp agency that no longer exists, doing a bunch of different work for a large bank that no longer exists.

Ham Equity fucked around with this message at 01:29 on Dec 11, 2014

Boogle
Sep 1, 2004

Nap Ghost
I have a question for you resume gurus: I currently work for the investment arm of a large bank in a retail sales role. I'm trying to transition into a back-office/operations/compliance position. Should I still include things like sales stats/awards or should I place more emphasis on the compliance/operations part of my job?

shabbat goy
Oct 4, 2008



For my list of references, I have good people but I don't currently have any former supervisors because I figure that if that job is on my resumé then they'll get contacted anyways. Is this incorrect? I'm going to tell the supervisor either way that I am applying for jobs and they will likely receive a call at some point, but am I wrong in my assumption? Should I ask them to be a reference and add them to the list of references?

Xandu
Feb 19, 2006


It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.
Depends where you work, but I wouldn't assume they can get in touch with your supervisor unless you give out their info.

Bouillon Rube
Aug 6, 2009


I'm starting a new job on Monday. Is there any reason to dress nicer (ie wear a tie) on my first day than I expect to normally dress? During my interviews everybody was just business casual.

Xandu posted:

Depends where you work, but I wouldn't assume they can get in touch with your supervisor unless you give out their info.

On most applications that I've filled out, they have seperate fields for 'previous manager's contact info' and 'references'. I usually use non-supervisory colleagues for my references, but it probably doesen't matter.

Does anyone even actually contact your references anymore? None of the people that I list have mentioned getting a call.

Bouillon Rube fucked around with this message at 17:14 on Dec 12, 2014

camgirl fangirl
Jan 17, 2008
EAT MORE
Quick question: I've been invited to go for a "conversation" with some of the senior partners at a small management consulting firm. I know one of the partners because he used to be my boss when we worked together at a mid-size firm, and I passed my resume along to him when he left.

How should I dress for this? Would suit and tie be overkill? I was thinking a sportcoat, tie and chinos.

seacat
Dec 9, 2006

fineX posted:

Quick question: I've been invited to go for a "conversation" with some of the senior partners at a small management consulting firm. I know one of the partners because he used to be my boss when we worked together at a mid-size firm, and I passed my resume along to him when he left.

How should I dress for this? Would suit and tie be overkill? I was thinking a sportcoat, tie and chinos.

What you're describes definitely sounds like tie situation. Slacks, nice shoes, dress shirt, tie, and possibly suit jacket.

I've dealt with management consultants but never worked in that field. Knowing nothing else than what you've told me I'd go for a suit,but maybe some business types could weigh in.

Harminoff
Oct 24, 2005

👽
The company that I work for decided to close my office and offered my to relocate to their other office over an hour away. No thanks, so I've been putting in apps elsewhere. I got past the phone interview of one place and am going in for the in person interview on Monday. They emailed me some tips for the interview and how their hiring process works. They use they use the star system which I looked up and watched some youtube videos so I do understand it, however how do you answer questions that don't apply to you? Do you just fake it? For example "Tell me about a time when you realized you made a mistake that would eventually impact the rest of your team. How did you handle the situation?"

They also asked me to bring a list of questions that I have for them. I'm pretty impressed actually with their multi level hiring process. Seems like a good company to work for.

FrozenVent
May 1, 2009

The Boeing 737-200QC is the undisputed workhorse of the skies.
Have you never made a mistake at work?

Harminoff
Oct 24, 2005

👽
Hmm well I've worked at a call center the least 8 years, and this is an interview for another call center type of job. The only thing that I can really think of is that I used to have a problem with waking up on time when I switched to first shift, usually coming in 15-20 minutes late causing extra work for the other employees there in the morning. What I did was find an app on my phone that would set an alarm for when I should go to sleep, and I also set up a double alarm in the morning 30 minutes apart from one another. I told myself that when the first alarm goes off, I can't just press snooze but need to actually get up and ready for work. When the second alarm goes is when I need to leave for work. This actually turned out to work really well, and I would usually end up being ready before the second alarm would even go off thus being able to get to work a few minutes early.

Can it be something as simple as that? Thanks for the help!

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Big Spoon
Jan 29, 2009

Want that feelin'
Need that feelin'
Love that feelin'
Feel that feelin'

Harminoff posted:

The only thing that I can really think of is that I used to have a problem with waking up on time when I switched to first shift, usually coming in 15-20 minutes late causing extra work for the other employees there in the morning...

I wouldn't use this as an example as it makes you sound unreliable. If you worked in a call center was there ever a time you gave a customer wrong information then had to call them back? Think of some situation in your time where you made any mistake at work and how you fixed it. Most importantly, what did you learn in the process? It doesn't have to be a big mistake, anything minor will work.

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