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.
International Jobs - job opportunities for agricultural graduates in canada
Expert: Thomas J. McAlinden, Professional Consultant - 3/17/2004
Question i am an agricultural graduate done my masters in agronomy i want to know the job prospects in canada in barley crop as i am working as an barley research and development manager in india
Answer Hi Ganesh!
You could have an excelllent chance here in Canada, however, you must first prepare a specific industry (barley crop) resume, not a general one. Below I have given you some hints.
The best I can provide at this juncture is the following resume/CV preparation information. I tenaciously urge you to head the “strongly advise that you contact a professional resume writer in your area” advice.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESUMES/CV's - If you have only basic skills, a limited amount of work experience and/or no college degree, use the ‘Chronological' Format.
THE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME/CV
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 (critical) numbers.
DO NOT USE italics or borders! Below the preceding should be 'Career Objective', under which on two or three lines, you must name the target job (job are seeking).
Example: “Seeking a career expansion employment opportunity as a (name position) or similar position; a position where the preceding, highly transferable and expansive skills/experience would prove to be a beneficial contribution within a growth oriented organization.”
Next will be heading:
'WORK EXPERIENCE' OR 'EMPLOYMENT HISTORY'.
Under which you type:
Start Date - End Date (mm/yyyy) (indenting at least 1") on the same first line, type:
Current position (if applicable or last position, using (bold type).
On the next line, add the name of employer Company (indenting at least 1")
On the next line, add the that employer's city and state/province name (indenting at least 1")
Skip a line and again in the left-hand column, type in the word:
'Responsibilities' then briefly explain (indenting at least 1") in plain, every day English, exactly what your duties are/were. Be concise, no 'flowery' words or phrases.
It is of critical importance that you know and fully understand the following:
90% of all resumes are electronically scanned in order to EXCLUDE (not include) candidates, therefore make sure these documents are similarly 'scanner friendly' by using many 'key words' and 'phrases' when explaining your duties that are similar to the target position.
Repeat this for the next three or four employers, trying not to go back more than 10 to 12 years. Whatever you do, 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 or post high school education.
Next, finish up with
'Special Skills and Attributes'
Here is where you list must accurately outline skills/target position relate (directly relate) to target 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'.
DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL DATA WHATSOEVER.
THE MOST POPULAR AND EFFECTIVE RESUME IS THE:
FUNCTIONAL RESUME/CV
Specifically designed 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' – following 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.
This is what happens to every 10-resumes/cover letters received by employers:
- 50% (5) will make NOT 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 and creative 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) or ($40 CDN adjusted daily)
Up to:
$75 (US) or $95 (CDN adjusted daily).
As a volunteer specialist here at AllExperts, we really appreciate feedback (positive or negative) from our members. All we ask is that you take a few moments to 1) grade our response, and 2) add a few comments on how you found our response time and the worth you've placed on that response.
I wish you the very best of luck and God bless!
Thomas J. McAlinden, Professional Employment Consultant
Clients World-Wide
