Resume Guidance

[Silverbullet]

I wanted to bring some points up, again, due to a few posts which caused an influx of resumes over the last few days.

I'm still seeing very poorly organized documents called resumes. For some reason many are still being sold on an esoteric resume format vice something that flows smoothly and uses words that mean something.

Use a simple format. Stop bolding words you think are important. Stop using Special Operations every other sentence. If dudes from SMU's don't need to do it, then you don't either. While it may impress the non military background HR person it is completely transparent to the experienced dude who may have the final say. Pick key training that you've attended and list it. Listing every crse you've ever attended, even if not relevant, takes up space better used to list work history and operational experience. I know all the pre retirement/separation seminars tell you about writing to impress but they don't know what they are talking about in regards to this industry. You either have the experience or you don't. You either participated in operations or you didn't.

As stated before don't bury your actual operational experience with a page of fluff you think someone may like. Stress it without exaggeration. It's important. Schools and other training is listed to enhance your experience, not replace it. The first thing I look at on any resume is the work experience. If it's jacked up or uses every buzz word or term in existence, I can pretty much be assured the person is covering for something he is lacking.

I can't stress any of this enough and the use of one professional email for job hunting, is vitally important. hotlove@skank . com or killer@ xxxx. com won't cut it. Something with your first initial/last name or initials is what you should shoot for. Don't use it for your everyday email if you like to email your buds jokes or any type of chain mail. It won't look good if you mistakenly email porno to the same HR person you sent your resume to 3 days earlier.

I'd like to see everyone who is qualified to work, get work, but some effort on the resume needs to be made.

BTW, the DOS format is not a format to use to look for work anywhere but DOS.

Good luck.

[Silverbullet]

I started this thread due to the many questions being asked about the subj via post and PM.

The post above is pulled from an older thread since I thought it had info that could help kick this thread off.

Please post all subj related questions here or exchange ideas that have worked for you in the past.

[r8er55]

SB,
I have damn near a binder full of trainng for being in LE for 20 years. If I list them all would that be over-kill? If I should list them should it be in reverse chronological order like the CV?

[BadMuther]

Can someone explain the difference between a CV and a resume to me?

[Outofcontrol]

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/curriculumvitae/a/curriculumvitae.htm


Can someone explain the difference between a CV and a resume to me?


OOC, out

[r8er55]

That's a great resource.

[ALLEYCAT-2]

Thanks Sb good info

[Silverbullet]

SB,
I have damn near a binder full of trainng for being in LE for 20 years. If I list them all would that be over-kill? If I should list them should it be in reverse chronological order like the CV?

I think listing them all would be overkill. I'm sure some of them are redundant training, ie...they teach the same thing.

Depending on what job or jobs you are applying for I suggest that you list every crse that gives you a recognized certification followed by crse/training that enhance your skills. No one is going to read a long list of training crses on a resume. Most people are going to look to see if you're qualified for the job via actual experience and then look for a few industry recognized crses. Everything after that is gravy and you need to use that gravy sparingly so as not to spoil the impact. In most cases it's what you have done before that gets you the job.

The worst thing someone can do, unless being hired by a numbskull, is to list crse after crse. As stated above the first thing I do is wonder if the person is trying to make up for lack of experience by listing so many crse's.

[r8er55]

Thanks SB. I will continue to work on it.

[Rover in Iraq]

Guys,
I know what the ACAP and like programs put out about 1-2 page resumes however most PMC type corporations actually want more details. DO NOT be afraid to do a detailed chronolagical resume. DO NOT be afraid to be narrative rather than bulleted. Especially for the more doctrine/training related positions. If there is an interestand the mods/admins don't have a problem with it. I will be happy to post an example resume of what I have found to work for me. I have not been out of work for the last 13 years.
Regards,
Rover

[nofear]

Guys,
I know what the ACAP and like programs put out about 1-2 page resumes however most PMC type corporations actually want more details. DO NOT be afraid to do a detailed chronolagical resume. DO NOT be afraid to be narrative rather than bulleted. Especially for the more doctrine/training related positions. If there is an interestand the mods/admins don't have a problem with it. I will be happy to post an example resume of what I have found to work for me. I have not been out of work for the last 13 years.
Regards,
Rover

Not disputing your personal experience, but speaking to the recruiter from a major PSC, they like to see all relevant info in the first page. If not, they move on to the next CV.

Those of you who know Bex from AG, she was the one who told me this.

[Rover in Iraq]

NF,
I'm not disputing what PSCs might want as they basically want guys for a for a very specific mission. I qualified my post as you can see below in bold print. I personally don't count PSCs as PMCs. In this theater at least presently, most of the PSC contracts are with DoS, the exception being the Static Security contracts which are managed by expats but mainly peopled by TCNs. When I say PMC I mean those companies primarily contracted by DoD to provide training, analytical skills, logictical accountibility skills to the CF in various theaters. The example I would post does have a cover page explaining relevant esperience however it is followed with a very detailed chronology of experience. Sorry if I confused the issue. If no one is interested that's cool too.
RiI

Not disputing your personal experience, but speaking to the recruiter from a major PSC, they like to see all relevant info in the first page. If not, they move on to the next CV.

Those of you who know Bex from AG, she was the one who told me this.

Originally Posted by Rover in Iraq http://www.socnet.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?p=1085879#post1085879)
Guys,
I know what the ACAP and like programs put out about 1-2 page resumes however most PMC type corporations actually want more details. DO NOT be afraid to do a detailed chronolagical resume. DO NOT be afraid to be narrative rather than bulleted. Especially for the more doctrine/training related positions. If there is an interestand the mods/admins don't have a problem with it. I will be happy to post an example resume of what I have found to work for me. I have not been out of work for the last 13 years.
Regards,
Rover

[Silverbullet]

I merged Rovers posts and made the thread a sticky.

This thread is a companion to the "How To Get Work......" thread.

[The Fat Guy]

Not disputing your personal experience, but speaking to the recruiter from a major PSC, they like to see all relevant info in the first page. If not, they move on to the next CV.

Those of you who know Bex from AG, she was the one who told me this.

Your cover letter is a good way of doing this. Summarize the relevant information and then explain how this experience will benefit the company. Once intrigued, the HR person is likely to either look at the CV / Resume or at least pass it on to the next step.

[Silverbullet]

If using a cover letter, you need to ensure it's concise and to the point. I see too many cover letters that say the same thing in different ways over and over throughout the content.

Don't use acronyms, unless it's so well known it is common language.

Don't be wordy just to write more words.

Don't write in a paragraph form what your resume contains in a different form.

Do use the cover letter to gain and maintain interest and end with a thank you.

Do make sure what you write in your cover letter is supported in your resume.

[bmbsqd]

If using a cover letter, you need to ensure it's concise and to the point. I see too many cover letters that say the same thing in different ways over and over throughout the content.

Don't use acronyms, unless it's so well known it is common language.

Don't be wordy just to write more words.

Don't write in a paragraph form what your resume contains in a different form.

Do use the cover letter to gain and maintain interest and end with a thank you.

Do make sure what you write in your cover letter is supported in your resume.

SB,

Good points. I know you guys are mostly talking about PSC type resumes, but I wanted to also point out the standard "EOD/UXO" resume now only includes dates of assignments, position, location and company. I have 20yrs of EOD/UXO work on a single page! Much easier now.

Many guys want to put on what type of ordnance they found, how much demo they did, their college degrees, etc. The USACE and other agencies only want the straight intel, as they already know an EOD tech has millions of dollars in training and experience. If anyone needs a sample copy of the latest COE guidance on the EOD/UXO resume just hit me up and I'll send a copy.

[Papa Smurf]

Can someone explain the difference between a CV and a resume to me?

Short version - the CV (curriculum Vitae) includes more personal data than a resume which is only concerned with qualifications and job history.

Long version - The CV includes a list of all your educational and academic achievements as well as any teaching or research experience. If you have written any published material such as a book or article in a trade journal. It also includes any prestigious awards or honors you have received. You also list any affiliations to public organizations. While this type of reference is normally used in Europe and the middle east it has become more accepted in the US for jobs that involve teaching or community interaction.

They not only want to know how well you can do the job they want to know if you play well with others... :biggrin:

[Ruski]

Hi all

Great posts, and very insightful. Would somebody be interested in looking at my resume and just giving me a few pointers or corrections. I have revised my resume 50 times already and it just doesn't seem good enough. Any help at all would be appreciated.

Aleksei

[Breandan]

This thread answered some questions, but I have a broader, big-picture one- For those of us with minimal military and LE experience (a.k.a., the neophytes of the PMC world) and minimal training and experience compared to the operator with 17 years of SpecOps background, how do we present our experience, training, and work history in a way that is honest, yet won't wind it up in File 13 in ten seconds flat?

I guess what I am getting at is how do we make a comparably thin resume competitive without BSing or stretching things?

[Silverbullet]

The short answer is you can't.

You'll never be competitive against a guy who has the years and experience on you.

The long answer is that you can make yourself more competitive over time.

You may need to take jobs that suck but allow you some upward mobility. You should also invest in yourself as well. While I'm not an advocate of any one training program being a replacement for experience, you can enhance relatively little experience with attendance at the right training programs and continued professional development.

[Kalbo]

SB,

On my CV/Resume, Should I bold-highlight that damn NCO course you sent me to? :)

Semper Fi,
Kalbo

[Silverbullet]

Somebody in the plt needed to know how to drill properly. :smile:

[Breandan]

that's what I was shooting for, got it :)

[Kalbo]

Somebody in the plt needed to know how to drill properly. :smile:

Yep, that came in handy :tongue:

[VcrusaderV]

I know that I should have prepared for this but damn 20 years really just came up quick. I can write great CONOPs and other Operational Reports but I am clueless on the right way to do a resume or how to get a job. I am very behind and unprepared for my transition to a civilian. So much that I am second guessing getting out at all.

I would be very greatful if someone that considers their resume to be shit hot send me a copy so I can craft mine in a like manner. I am also open to ANY advice that someone thinks would be benificial. If there is something that you could have done different and you think I should know, tell me.

Additionally, if you have any ideas for work I could use them. I will not move my family from TN but I am willing to travel for up to 6 mos out of a year.

Tell me I am not fucking up here by getting out. I am really getting cold feet on this retirement idea. Thanks

[Purple36]

I know that I should have prepared for this but damn 20 years really just came up quick. I can write great CONOPs and other Operational Reports but I am clueless on the right way to do a resume or how to get a job. I am very behind and unprepared for my transition to a civilian. So much that I am second guessing getting out at all.

I would be very greatful if someone that considers their resume to be shit hot send me a copy so I can craft mine in a like manner. I am also open to ANY advice that someone thinks would be benificial. If there is something that you could have done different and you think I should know, tell me.

Additionally, if you have any ideas for work I could use them. I will not move my family from TN but I am willing to travel for up to 6 mos out of a year.

Tell me I am not fucking up here by getting out. I am really getting cold feet on this retirement idea. Thanks

Have you gone to the TAP course? They have classes in resume writing and will review yours.

[The Fat Guy]

I know that I should have prepared for this but damn 20 years really just came up quick. I can write great CONOPs and other Operational Reports but I am clueless on the right way to do a resume or how to get a job. I am very behind and unprepared for my transition to a civilian. So much that I am second guessing getting out at all.

I would be very greatful if someone that considers their resume to be shit hot send me a copy so I can craft mine in a like manner. I am also open to ANY advice that someone thinks would be benificial. If there is something that you could have done different and you think I should know, tell me.

Additionally, if you have any ideas for work I could use them. I will not move my family from TN but I am willing to travel for up to 6 mos out of a year.

Tell me I am not fucking up here by getting out. I am really getting cold feet on this retirement idea. Thanks

Crusader

PM me your email address.

TFG

[Silverbullet]

Have you gone to the TAP course? They have classes in resume writing and will review yours.

I wouldn't use them as the reference for how to write resumes.

Plenty of real knowledge on this site to help anyone produce a very good resume that will actually get read.

[Purple36]

I wouldn't use them as the reference for how to write resumes.

Plenty of real knowledge on this site to help anyone produce a very good resume that will actually get read.

I was pretty pleased with the guy they had come in and teach our course. He was a business dude with extensive HR/Executive Hiring experience that they contracted to teach resumes and interviewing. I don't know what it might be like in other bases, but it was probably the most helpful part of the whole ACAP portion for me. Definately something folks transitioning out should take advantage of.

[mdwest]

Here are a couple of additional tips from someone that has reviewed thousands upon thousands of resumes over the past several years...

focus on ACCOMPLISHMENTS.. not responsibilities..

telling me you were responsible for the development and implementation of a $1.2M annual training budget doesnt let me know whether or not you were actually any good at it... thats just a line out of your previous job description..

telling me you exceeded all goals and objectives (state these G/O specifically) by 10% while reducing costs in a $1.2M training budget by 5%.. tells me what you were responsible for.. and tells me you kicked butt doing it at the same time...

Telling me you were awarded an MSM is cool....

Telling me you were recognized for superior performance, and giving me a 2 line synopsys of what you did to earn it.. is better... if you leave it at MSM.. i might think its just a separation award.. telling me you did something noteworthy, that showcases your ability as a leader, or your technical capability, etc.. is much more valuable..

dont just tell me you were an Assistant Team Leader on your departments part time SWAT team.. tell me you lead a 6 man element within an elite law enforcement unit while serving over 150 high risk warrants over a 3 year period of time without a single officer injury (again, tell me you were actually good at your job and are very experienced at it..)...

others will probably argue with me.. but I dont think resume format is nearly as important as content, clarity, accuracy...

tell me what makes you superior at your job.. dont just tell me what the job was.. make sure there are no "stupid" mistakes (spelling, grammar, etc..).. and get it on 2 pages or less..

thousands upon thousands of people JUST LIKE YOU apply for the same jobs you do.. they were all SWAT cops, Special Ops guys, 20 year Infantry E8's, etc... everyone has the same basic bullet points where they show what schools they attended, what awards they were given, what units they were assigned to, etc..

A resume is a SALES tool (you are selling yourself).. if you look like everyone else.. you have the same shot at getting an interview call as everyone else (in this market where supply far outweighs demand.. the shot is extremely limited..).. make yourself stand out.. tell me why you are BETTER than the next 3 resumes on my desk below yours..

just my .02

[CCo275]

Great thread SB. A much needed topic of conversation.

One of the primary things used throughout the government, especially in federal law enforcement, right now is a Biography. They are updated about once a year and they are used for all promotions and laterals. SB is dead on when he says to keep it short. The bios should only be about one page in length and they cover your entire professional career (in reverse). You start with your current assignment and work backwards. It has to be short and concise and needs to be general or you will never get it all into one page. If it can’t be read in 3 minutes or less then it is too long.

I started off with a resume that was about four pages in length and it covered every cool-guy school I attended. Luckily, I had a retired SOCOM CSM who was there when I walked in the door and he got me straight. There are too many folks out there now days that have done it all, and have done it more recently than you.

Keep it short and only list the pertinent stuff that is relevant to the position you are trying for. Once you get your foot in the door you can shorten it even more. Your reputation and work ethic will do the rest.

[Silverbullet]

I was pretty pleased with the guy they had come in and teach our course. He was a business dude with extensive HR/Executive Hiring experience that they contracted to teach resumes and interviewing. I don't know what it might be like in other bases, but it was probably the most helpful part of the whole ACAP portion for me. Definately something folks transitioning out should take advantage of.

Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't know if he was spot on or not. You have never worked in the civilian sector or had to review resumes for hiring in the civilian sector.

[Silverbullet]

Post

Yep

Add to that, don't state you're reliable, honest, hardworking, punctual, or anything else that is expected of anyone applying for a job.

[HighDragLowSpeed]

A resume is a SALES tool (you are selling yourself)..

Smart hiring managers (like those here) view resumes much as they would a balance sheet without a liabilities statement.

Help build their confidence.

[mdwest]

I can write great CONOPs and other Operational Reports but I am clueless on the right way to do a resume or how to get a job.

start with this...

in your resume.. there should be a bullet about CONOPs and OP Reports.. and WHY you are great at this (have you gotten a commendation for it? has someone recognized you for it?)...

focus on TRANSFERABLE SKILLS...

you may be the best 18C in the world (just making an example here.. I dont know what your MOS is..).. but very few people (to include those in the security industry) could care less that you know how to rig a charge that could bring down the bridge of the americas..

what people do want to hear about are the things that transfer into the civilian world.. or are directly applicable to the job you are applying for..

think about how the ability to write a CONOP could be valuable to a civilian employer.. equate it to something the hiring manager will have interest in (based ont he job description)..

does the job require any understanding or knowlege of the planning process?

does the job require report writing that will be reviewed by senior members of the organization?

does the job require the ability to work with small teams to develop products for use by larger elements?

make your ability to write "great CONOPs" work for you.. and showcase this experience..

dont just say "write conops in support of S3..."

talk about how many you have written.. who they have been presented to.. how effective they were.. how you have been recognized for this.. etc..etc..

hope this helps...

[GracieLou]

Plenty of real knowledge on this site to help anyone produce a very good resume that will actually get read.

Yep! There are two knowledgeable folks from this site who helped tear my resume apart years ago - it was very helpful and part of the reason that I am where I am!

[VcrusaderV]

Thanks for all the feedback, its very helpful. I have always taken products that I produce very seriously. Now I find that I dont know shit about being a civilian... Great that I can write my ass off on a rotation but I doesnt help here. Everyones comments are very useful. Thank you very much.

[g6445v]

The format that have worked for me in my civilian career is the biographical format. Write the official description of your MOS, position, etc in the first person, for example for Police Officer it should be something like ¨I conduct preliminary investigations into criminal violations of state law. I arrest and interview suspects, I interview victims and witness of crimes....¨ Once you´re done add the accomplishment while you held the said position. For example use your career lights while you were assigned to the position. For this read the write up for any of awards, medals or letters of appreciation you earned while in the position, use some of the language in these write up as your accomplishments. This format will help avoid ommissions as well as exaggerations, as you can back them up with your certificates of training and awards earned...The main problem with this format is that may end up writting a novel, you have to prioritize what you want to write in your resume...the only section (IMO) that you should not leave anything out is the section in where you´re listing all of your training certificates...

G6

[Kip]

Is there anyone here that would be willing to have a look at my resume? I don't know if it is me or something about my resume or some other factor, but I've been having a tough time finding a job anywhere.

Note: I'm not military; just a civvie looking for some help.

A person I talk to online suggested I have someone that looks at a ton of resumes look over mine, but I don't know anyone like that.

[Silverbullet]

The format that have worked for me in my civilian career is the biographical format. Write the official description of your MOS, position, etc in the first person, for example for Police Officer it should be something like ¨I conduct preliminary investigations into criminal violations of state law. I arrest and interview suspects, I interview victims and witness of crimes....¨ Once you´re done add the accomplishment while you held the said position. For example use your career lights while you were assigned to the position. For this read the write up for any of awards, medals or letters of appreciation you earned while in the position, use some of the language in these write up as your accomplishments. This format will help avoid ommissions as well as exaggerations, as you can back them up with your certificates of training and awards earned...The main problem with this format is that may end up writting a novel, you have to prioritize what you want to write in your resume...the only section (IMO) that you should not leave anything out is the section in where you´re listing all of your training certificates...

G6

You need to look around for a thread where I describe the "long" and "short" resume. No one should be going through awards, medals or anything else to put together a resume.

Chronological is nice, but reading crap that happened 15-20 years ago is tiresome and doesn't attract attention in the manner that one thinks it does.

Listing all your training is a waste unless it's relevant to the job or is something that makes you look more well rounded.

[g6445v]

You need to look around for a thread where I describe the "long" and "short" resume. No one should be going through awards, medals or anything else to put together a resume.

Chronological is nice, but reading crap that happened 15-20 years ago is tiresome and doesn't attract attention in the manner that one thinks it does.

Listing all your training is a waste unless it's relevant to the job or is something that makes you look more well rounded.

there are many ways of doing a good resume...some work better than others...I transferred to 4 federal law enforcement agencies and one local PD using this format...now that I'm transitioning to the contracting industry I'm using the same format and for me is working...just yesterday a recruiter was asking I add more details to my resume, a week or so ago another recruiter from another company was telling me his supervisor thought my resume was too detailed, these two occassions were for the same type of position...
whenever my agency assigned me an applicant background investigation part of the case file is the applicant's resume, some had very long resume others had short bulletized resume...the point is that both formats had the right information to the extent my agency HR's office forward them for further on into the selection process...

[Silverbullet]

The point is that most of your work was for federal agencies and they aren't too discriminating about how a resume is formated, or what it says as long as you meet the requirements. It is apples to oranges when talking about competing for HR's and/or a hiring managers attention for a private sector job.

What worked for you in finding whatever gig you end up is nice, but I and a few others on this thread have helped 100's get work in the industry you're just trying to break into and other industry's.

Our input is based on repeated experience, and our advice is based on what has been proven to be best practices, not what may have worked for one person.

[g6445v]

...PM sent...

[VcrusaderV]

I really appreciate all the help that I received (PMs and e-mails too). I have been TDY for a few days (still am) and now I am putting your tips to work. The biggest area that I am having trouble in now is "showcasing" some of the most important aspects of my career. I know that L3 and the subsequent positions that came from completing it is a HUGE deal and it will help get me a lot in getting a job, but I have no idea on how to articulate this... Any of you former SEALs/18 series have a good example of explaining this without going over the line/breaking security. I am guessing that you guys have key phrases or open code to explain things related to this field. If I can just write it out, please let me know what is excepted. USASOC has really drilled down on this area the last year.

[Rogueop]

Thank you for the post! Very helpful!

[LIONRAMPANT]

I have a similar question as VcrusaderV in regards to articulating training and especially experience in a manner that does not violate OPSEC. I'm especially talking about 3 work. Any advice on what anyone has done in the past would be of great help. Thanks.

[Hotmike]

One thing I always found helpful, was to take the Job Description (or requirements list) and tailor A resume to EACH POSITION you apply for... I have my "Generic 4 pager, with all the bells and whistles, but when I'm actually applying for a job, I cut and paste the listed Job requirements, and tailor a statement to each task/need.

I.E. - "Applicant must know MS Office, or Applicant must have experience with LINK-16 Data links" would be written

I have in depth knowledge of all MS Office applications to include yada yada
or
I have a functional knowledge of Link-16 datalinks operations

at least that way, you are addressing each point they are hiring on... if you at least list that you have SOME knowledge of the task, the SCANNER (electronic or human) will rate your resume as a "high hit" ratio, and call you to schedule and interview (which is where you sell YOURSELF) usually conducted by a manager and a tech lead who will ask you task specific questions (so do your homework).

and it always helps to know someone in the company you are applying to to "Champion" your resume with the HR geeks (who probably know nothing about the job you are applying for).

and QUANTIFYING your bullets with dollar numbers, resource savings, SAFETY effects and the like always goes further than saying "Been there; Done that"... Let them know how Doing That extrapolates into numbers (dollars and man hours).

Just my two cents, as a former "Combatant" who was told his skillset would be useless on the outside after I retired... (I've been out of work for a total of 3 days since retiring in 04).

HK

[Ron Flowers]

Sirs,

I am recently returned from a very rewarding experience in support of OEF. A successful career in LE, largely in Narcotics and Criminal Investigations landed me a chance to contribute, via a LEP position with MPRI.

I am well home now, reacclimated, and looking for new challenges.

Seeking the honest, experienced feedback from anyone willing to review a resume and/or CV for suggestions. Am not looking for another year long deployment, as per the Mrs.

V/R,
Ron

[mdwest]

http://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?t=103797

HTH...

[RegularGuy101]

and it always helps to know someone in the company you are applying to to "Champion" your resume with the HR geeks (who probably know nothing about the job you are applying for).

HK

Hey, why do we have to be geeks? Also, I strive to learn all the positions I am responsible for, mostly so I know who I should fire.

If you think about it, HR is not a bad industry to be in. As long as there are people working, there will be HR.

[Ron Flowers]

http://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?t=103797

HTH...

Thanks.....

[Spectre225]

I look at hundreds of resumes and one thing I would say is regardless of whether your resume is long or short address the specified job requirements up front. The position description should spell out the requirements pretty clearly. A recruiter weeds through tons of candidates and does not have the time to consider a non-qualified candidate or take a lot of time searching to see if you meet the reqs. You want to ensure your resume goes straight into the qualified pile. Good luck.

[Ron Flowers]

Thanks for your insight. Appreciate it.

[shootcentermass]

Thanks for everyones contributions and special thanks to [silverbullet] for constructing the resume threads and offering the time needed for great info. Guys- for what it's worth- you're helping alot of us out- Thanks.

[Crucible guy]

As someone who is recruiting right now, SB has the right advice, especially on the number of courses that repeat the same thing. Choose some courses that represent the training important for the job you are applying for. Look up the resume types on the Internet and take note, if you have excellent education, you might want to list that first. If you have experience, then maybe that goes first. Use your resume to show off your positive traits but proof read it. Typos, spelling errors etc are distracting when we are trying to classify candidates.

Guess what, there are several free resume sites on the Internet. We have seen all of them, some half completed and the phrase "your name here" still on the form. One other important part of the process, please do not write "see resume" on your application. It takes longer to look at you and classify you. If it is incomplete, we will pass you over.

CG

[Chemical]

Most of my work history is Army.

Can someone clarify for me, is it better to list each unit and position I had (They do differ slightly, however that could add an extra page to my resume) or should I attempt to consolidate it all under one entry as a Chemical operations specialist?

[Crucible guy]

If the job has anything to do with your specialty and it makes a difference on basic qualifications, then take the extra time and space. As an example, right now we are reviewing resumes and applications for PSS positions, part of the requirements for this job from the client is that the candidate must have 3 years of protective operations experience. I have had resumes that show 14 months of being a corporal in the USMC, then a laundry list of jobs - truck driver, tower guard, clerk, etc. My job is to take that resume and find out how much of that time was tower guard, if I can use that to say he was protecting people, then it works to his benefit. The harder I have to work to pull this information out of a candidate, the less chance I can keep him in the pile to give him a job. In that case I had to write the candidate five emails to get him to break down his time for me. I really wanted to get him in the pipeline as he was a Socnetter. He was frustrated and kept telling me that he thought his resume was fine. He could see what he was trying to communicate to me, but I am required to document the time down to the months of service so that the client will approve the candidate.

Don't worry too much about having a longer resume. It used to be so important to have a one page resume, now it is more important to convey the information and get the job. I know I don't mind looking at a longer resume as long as the information is true and not baloney. Kind of like we were talking about in another thread, blocking an intersection three blocks off of the presidential motorcade does not count has high threat protective ops. Yes I get that one all the time too.

Having said that, look at the requirements for the position you are applying for and have two resumes in the hopper. If specific requirements are met by certain skills you had in different jobs, then submit the long form.

I hope this helps, either way you got what you paid for. CG

[Silverbullet]

Tell me who the person is. We take issue with members applying for jobs they aren't qualified for or not making the effort to get their ducks in a row before applying.