About Thomas J. McAlinden, Professional Consultant Expertise After a highly successful 30+ year career in personnel and human resources, in tandem with a Masters in Human Resources degree, a Master of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Sociology and Philosophy, I am rather confident I can answer almost any question related to the Resume Preparation field.
Experience Over the past 50 years, I have had the privilege of working for a number of small and large US and Canadian firms and government agencies as a human resource specialist and vocational psychologist. Although I am currently retired, I now offer my services at reduced rates to various international employment agencies and career conscious individuals find it advantageous to undergo vocational testing prior to having their resume prepared. Those who may be similarly interested are invited to contact me at: tjmcalinden@sympatico.ca. Unfortunately, the days when the job search candidate could "going it alone", depend on old vocational skills assessments, and then just prepare their own employment presentations are over.
Expert: Thomas J. McAlinden, Professional Consultant - 2/23/2004
Question Hey Mr. Thomas J. McAlinden
My name is Lucas. I recently graduate from Eastern Washington University. I got a master in Urban & Regional Planning and a second master in Public Administration. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I have 27 years old and pretty much I always have been in school. I have some relevant experience since I have been working since I was 18. My experience is part time with some relevant internships and some good international volunteer experience. However, I have been applying to get a job; I have sent already 300 resumes to international developmental organizations, UN, and other and so far “nothing” I still unemployed. It is a little frustrating that most organizations look for 10 years experience and ask for some requirements that are, in some cases, quiet impossible. I think I have a good resume CV. I will like to volunteer one or two years in order to get the experience employers are looking for. However, I need to make some money and start paying my student loan. How can I break that circle: I don't get a job because I don't have experience, I can't get the experience because companies don't want entry level professionals. What can I do?
I appreciate your expertise in human resources.
Lucas
Answer Hi Lucas!
It all starts with the resume. My success rate for my clients is 88%. Here is some advice that may help you.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESUMES - If you have only basic skills, a limited amount of work experience and/or no college degree, use the ‘Chronological' Format.
THE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
CHOICE OF PAPER (Chronological/Functional Formats): Plain white/off-white 20-lb bond, mailed unfolded in 9 X 12 envelope, indicating position you are applying in lower LH corner.
LAYOUT - Top (1/2” margin all around. 1st line place full name. 2nd line, full Address. 3rd line, City, State/Province Zip, 4th line, telephone and e-mail numbers. DO NOT USE italics or borders! Below the preceding will be 'Career Objective', under which on two or three lines, name the job you are seeking, Example: “A career opportunity as a (name position), or similar position where the preceding skills and experience within a progressive, growth oriented company, would prove to be a beneficial contribution.”
Next will be heading: 'Work Experience' or 'Employment History'.
Under which you type:
Start Date - End Date (mm/yyyy), indent 1", type: Current position (bold type). Then Company Name/City. Skip a line and again in the left-hand column, type in the word: 'Responsibilities' then briefly explain (in plain every day English), exactly what your duties are or were. Be concise, no 'flowery' words or phrases. Remember, 90% of all resumes are electronically scanned in order to EXCLUDE candidates, therefore make sure these documents are 'scanner friendly' by using many 'key words' and 'phrases' when explaining your duties that are similar to the open position.
Repeat this for the next three or four employers. Try not to go back more than 10 to 12 years. Do not exaggerate your importance or duties. Depending on your writing skills, one may use some creative writing to explain functions without exactly exaggerating.
Next is 'Education.'
Starting with the most recent, enter name of institution, location, name of diploma, and dates attended. There is no need to explain pre-high school education.
Next, finish up with 'Special Skills and Attributes', listing skills that directly relate to open position. Be brief, using 2-line paragraphs. Again, always think in terms of 'scanner friendly.' At the very bottom of your resume will be 'References available upon Request'. No personal data whatsoever.
THE FUNCTIONAL RESUME – For Applicants with advanced education and/or experience use this format very effectively.
The major difference is after your name & address, you start with 'Summary of Qualifications.'
In the 'Summary of Qualifications' using 2 or 3, two-line paragraphs) highlight your relevant and strongest skills and qualifications, right through to the lesser ones. Be 'scanner friendly' and use plenty of 'key words and phrases.' The next section should be entitled:
Next is 'Objective' – follow the previous instructions.
Next is 'Education' – follow the previous instructions.
Next is 'Career History' – follow the previous instructions.
Next is 'Special Skills and Attributes' – follow the previous instructions.
Next is 'References available upon Request' – follow the previous instructions.
No personal data whatsoever - Remember, this should be a one-page resume.
Out of every 10-resumes/cover letters received by employers, 50% (5) will make it past those devilish ‘pre-programmed electronic scanners' that employers use to initially critique your presentation, looking for those ‘key words & phrases'. The remaining five resumes will be given a 30 to 45 second ‘quick glance' by a personnel assistant. Three more will be eliminated; leaving 2 out of 10 read by the recruiter. If you have the slightest doubt that you have the necessary skills to write a convincing resume and cover letter, then I strongly advise that you contact a professional resume writer in your area.
If you require a professional resume and cover letter, contact me at tjmcalinden@sympatico.ca. As a retired personnel manager, I offer this type of service to AllExperts clients starting at $30 US.
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