Help organizing my resume

[bdkdesigns]

Re: Help organizing my resume *UPDATE*

This is after a quick glance.

Take a look at your address and phone number. They seem a little out of place to me...and it could possibly be fixed as quickly as making your phone number and email at the right side of the page w/ right alignment. That would better frame your name to make it pop out more.

Is the college only a one semester community college? I don't understand how your estimated completion date is next month after having just started this semester (2008 start date). Is there a date wrong in there somewhere?

Under skills, the last one looks to be a smaller font and the indentation is off on it. If you are using Microsoft Word, tab stops are your friend

Then after that, it appears as though you have completely changed fonts for your references.


^^^Those are all starting to get into the tiny little details, which is a good thing! They all gave you some great advice and you have taken to create a MUCH stronger resume.

Personally, mine is completely different. If you care to look, mine can be found at http://bdkdesigns.com/Resume.html I also just realized that my current resume on my website is completely out of date and missing a lot of designs/gigs. You will also notice that I have references available upon request on there. Please note that it is ONLY for my online version. I never hand in or mail a resume out w/out them on there. I also do not mail it out without letting them know I am doing so.

 

[salsa88]

Re: Help organizing my resume *UPDATE*

This is after a quick glance.
Take a look at your address and phone number. They seem a little out of place to me...and it could possibly be fixed as quickly as making your phone number and email at the right side of the page w/ right alignment. That would better frame your name to make it pop out more.
Is the college only a one semester community college? I don't understand how your estimated completion date is next month after having just started this semester (2008 start date). Is there a date wrong in there somewhere?
Under skills, the last one looks to be a smaller font and the indentation is off on it. If you are using Microsoft Word, tab stops are your friend
Then after that, it appears as though you have completely changed fonts for your references.
^^^Those are all starting to get into the tiny little details, which is a good thing! They all gave you some great advice and you have taken to create a MUCH stronger resume.
Personally, mine is completely different. If you care to look, mine can be found at http://bdkdesigns.com/Resume.html I also just realized that my current resume on my website is completely out of date and missing a lot of designs/gigs. You will also notice that I have references available upon request on there. Please note that it is ONLY for my online version. I never hand in or mail a resume out w/out them on there. I also do not mail it out without letting them know I am doing so.

My college was a community college till a year or so ago now its its called the College of southern Nevada. The class is a semester long class that ends in may.
Great advise! I will update it and attach a new version soon. Also I'm using office 2007 its a lot different then the office 2003 I've been using for years.
Very Very impressive resume!

** RESUME UPDATED **​

 

[Sean]

Re: Help organizing my resume *UPDATE*

Under "Skills" you have some mixed fonts.

Otherwise, it's looking pretty good!

--Sean

 

[salsa88]

Re: Help organizing my resume *UPDATE*

Thank you I'm about to send some resumes out and would like to know if any one els has any suggestions?

 

[derekleffew]

I'd first list Experience, then Education, then Skills. For goodness sake, please pick ONE font, serif or not, and, via judicious use of size and bold, make your headings and subheadings. Also, format so that all your bullet points are in alignment. You also have some capitalization and "use of period" consistency issues.

You don't need to add "(Digital multiplex)", after DMX. The reader will either already know, or not care. Three phase power systems are "Wye," not "why." This would be a deal-breaker right there for me, and the fact that you've misspelled it leads me to wonder if it should be included. For example, can you name the other type of three phase power? If you answered correctly, I would ask a harder question.

One last point. To be hired in a Las Vegas Hotel/Casino, you must fill out an application at the hotel's employment center, or some allow you to complete an on-line application. Some of the information can come from your resume, but much cannot. Word your answers carefully, as this is the only information the person reviewing the applications can see about you.

Once you have applied for an opening at a hotel, also send to the Hotel's Entertainment Director, your resume and cover letter, with a statement saying that you completed the HR application on <date>, and are looking forward to an interview. Be sure to bring a portfolio (use CB's search) and extra copies of your resume to the interview.

Good luck.

 

[salsa88]

Thank you again, I have revised it a finial time.

Three phase power systems are "Wye," not "why." This would be a deal-breaker right there for me, and the fact that you've misspelled it leads me to wonder if it should be included. For example, can you name the other type of three phase power? If you answered correctly, I would ask a harder question.

And I apologize for the misspelling of "Wye" I'm using Word 2007 and it auto corrects "wye" to "why" when a hit space bar. I know I should have picked up on that typo regardless.

 

[Charc]

But you hadn't read it over a half dozen times and catch the error? Regardless of what Word does, an employer is going to want to see that attention to detail. If you can't catch a simple typo, will you later forget to pull the shutters after hanging al ERS, or worse?

I for one, just handed out a résumé today, and I'm kicking myself to high-hell!

It... has... a... typo...! *&@#@^&%#!

 

[Sean]

Thank you again, I have revised it a finial time.
And I apologize for the misspelling of "Wye" I'm using Word 2007 and it auto corrects "wye" to "why" when a hit space bar. I know I should have picked up on that typo regardless.

You still have weird bullet allignment issues...

--Sean

 

[derekleffew]

...I for one, just handed out a résumé today, and I'm kicking myself to high-hell!

It... has... a... typo...! *&@#@^&%#!

Charc, you know you should have sent it to me first.

Tyler, I hope you don't think were picking on you. Better for us to be critical than your prospective employers. Where else can you get this kind of constructive criticism for free?

I would "hanging indent" the two items under "Tuacahn Amphitheater." As Sean said, the three bullets under "College of Southern Nevada" need a space after them, and "•Pursuing a rigorous course..." is out of alignment, as is "• Hang, circuiting, and focusing..." Also, should be "Hanging" to agree with circuiting and focusing.

I would also left-align the word "References" and make it the same style as "INTERESTS".

And once again, blank out personal info for yourself and references before posting.

Also, put your street address and apt.# on the same line to balance out your cell & e-mail on the other side.

 

[salsa88]

Tyler, I hope you don't think were picking on you. Better for us to be critical than your prospective employers. Where else can you get this kind of constructive criticism for free?

Not at all, I greatly appreciate your constructive criticism. I have two tech teachers at the college, one is really soft on the students and the other well.. let just say he'll let you and the class know when you mess up. Its hard to forget how to properly tie cable after he's had a few.. but, very strong words to say about it.
I'm really thankful for the help you all have given me on this resume.
I believe this should be the finial.

 

[Charc]

Charc, you know you should have sent it to me first.
Tyler, I hope you don't think were picking on you. Better for us to be critical than your prospective employers. Where else can you get this kind of constructive criticism for free?
I would "hanging indent" the two items under "Tuacahn Amphitheater." As Sean said, the three bullets under "College of Southern Nevada" need a space after them, and "•Pursuing a rigorous course..." is out of alignment, as is "• Hang, circuiting, and focusing..." Also, should be "Hanging" to agree with circuiting and focusing.
I would also left-align the word "References" and make it the same style as "INTERESTS".
And once again, blank out personal info for yourself and references before posting.
Also, put your street address and apt.# on the same line to balance out your cell & e-mail on the other side.

It wasn't terrible though:

"Lighttwright4", on a résumé left at a local community theatre organization, I wonder if they use any paperwork managment software?

 

[Footer]

It wasn't terrible though:
"Lighttwright4", on a résumé left at a local community theatre organization, I wonder if they use any paperwork managment software?

If you know what lightwright is in a community theatre situation, then i think you should be instantly brought on board...

 

[gafftaper]

Looks to me like the first line under skills is a slightly larger size font?

Content looks good. Like I said you freely admit you are young and learning. At the same time it shows you've had a lot of experience for your age which tells me "this guy's worth taking a look at because somebody hired him a lot already". That's all good. As others have pointed out the most important thing is what you have done and this draft has that nailed.

Let's talk about references. I like to choose references that represent me in different ways. In recent resumes I have used my old College T.D. whom I've kept in touch with over the years. He taught me everything I know and he's seen pictures of a lot of my work over the years. He is a very respected theater tech with a good title who knows my knowledge and technical skills. Second I use the music teacher from the high school I taught at. She isn't a theater expert however I was her department head and coworker. She saw the plays I directed and designed but more importantly she also saw my abilities to run a department, manager budgets, deal with difficult students, and teach. She represents a different aspect of my skills. Finally I used a guy who has both seen many of my recent productions and whom I've worked crew with on and off for the last 10 years. He can vouch for my hands on technical skills in a way the others can't because he's seen me hang and focus and teach a student how to do the same. So you see those three people each can speak about a different aspect of my skills and combined together build a complete picture of my work. I realize you are just starting out and don't have as many years of relationships to draw from. But think about your references and how their knowledge of you and your work is similar and different... is there someone else you can add to the mix that will help portray another side of your abilities? ALSO ALWAYS ask if it's ok to use a reference. I got a phone call out of the blue from an employer asking me about a reference for a former student. This student had never contacted me about being a reference and if he had I would have said NO. My response to the employer was, He's a compulsive liar and I wouldn't trust him to wash my car.

 

[Sean]

ALSO ALWAYS ask if it's ok to use a reference. I got a phone call out of the blue from an employer asking me about a reference for a former student. This student had never contacted me about being a reference and if he had I would have said NO. My response to the employer was, He's a compulsive liar and I wouldn't trust him to wash my car.

I completely agree. I've been asked if I could be used as a reference on a general resume looking for freelance work. I always ask that the person tell me if I should be expecting a call, but due to the nature of the work I don't assume I'll always be told.

If you're looking for a full-time gig, it's often useful to tailor the references to the job. People that have worked at that place before, have contacts there, etc. The reality is that we all read resumes looking for people/places we know. Then, friends ask friends.

gaff:
You really need to be careful about your response to reference checks. Though I agree with your feelings, how you responded to that reference request could be grounds for a lawsuit. Because of that, many companies as policy will only confirm employment, and span of work.

--Sean

 

[Charc]

One thing that has come up for me in terms of references is contact information. I've cleared it with everyone before putting it on my résumé, and asked for preferred contact information. A few of whom listed only their e-mail. I can understand how this makes life easier for the reference, but as an employer, I'd like to speak to someone on the phone, rather than compose an e-mail, and wait.

Edit:

Gaff, I do applaud you though for telling it like it is, and not running scared from threat of lawsuit.

 

[salsa88]

Thank you great advice on references. I have already contacted my references ans asked each of them if i could use them. On a side note, should I let them know if I feel like a potential employer will call them?
Also I've never used a cover letter with any of my resumes before and would like to know what advise you can give me on creating one? I've searched CB but didn't find any general idea of what should be included on the cover letter.
Thanks

 

[derekleffew]

...On a side note, should I let them know if I feel like a potential employer will call them?

If applying for a Hotel/Casino job, you needn't let them know, at least not until after the interview. The online or via computer at HR application doesn't ask for professional references, only personal ones "Persons not living with you and not relatives, whom you've known at least x years." In 17 years of applying for jobs, none of my personal references have ever been contacted. Previous employers have, but they're only allowed to confirm dates of employment, and possibly pay rate, although I'm not positive on that. You also must consent to a background check, credit check, and pre-employment drug testing.

"Real" theatre, of course may be/is different.

 

[gafftaper]

gaff:
You really need to be careful about your response to reference checks. Though I agree with your feelings, how you responded to that reference request could be grounds for a lawsuit. Because of that, many companies as policy will only confirm employment, and span of work.
--Sean

I exaggerated a bit for the post .
It was a security position at a store. The employer asked if I would describe the person as honest and trustworthy. I told them no, he has a reputation for not telling the truth. Furthermore, if he would have asked me if he could use me as a reference I would have said No. I followed this up with "I'm surprised to hear he is applying for a job. The last thing I heard from him he said he was on his way to boot camp in the Army a few months ago and should already be on his way to Iraq. The Army wanted him to lead some new top secret special forces group."

You are right Sean. People are starting to sue for bad references. I'm told you need to be careful to preface what you say with "in my opinion" and also to use verifiable anecdotes that others have seen, heard, or that are documented. Also remember it's ok to say No when asked by someone to use you as a reference. If I'm not going to give a good reference I'm going to tell them don't use me.

Gaff, I do applaud you though for telling it like it is, and not running scared from threat of lawsuit.

The guy was not only a compulsive liar he walked out on a show without telling anyone. You know how I feel about him.

I have already contacted my references ans asked each of them if i could use them. On a side note, should I let them know if I feel like a potential employer will call them?

I would say contact them every time you go for a new round of applying so that they know the types of positions you are applying for. If you tell them what you are applying for, they can hopefully help you by tailoring their response to the job. It's bad when someone calls you for a reference and you sound shocked on the phone because you have no idea you are being used for a reference. I've had that happen as well. A good former student of mine used me as a reference and I got a call out of the blue... I was a little stunned by the whole thing and did my best to bluff my way through. The caller picked up on it and asked, "Did he not tell you he was using you as a reference?"