The first part of the chapter that related directly to me was the section talking about writing the resume to make your skills look the best. For example, using the archival approach when looking for entry-level positions highlights the skills obtained from recent coursework. I used this approach when writing my resume recently because, like most recent college graduates, I do not have years of experience to catch the recruiter’s eye. While I might not have the years of experience that many applicants do, I will have the advantage of recently completed coursework to give me an edge.
After deciding what I wanted to include on my resume, I next had to decide how to word everything in order to impress both a human resources manager and my potential boss if the resume ultimately gets to him/her. In order to satisfy an HR manager’s requirements, I would want to make sure that the document contained all of the qualities that the company was looking for in filling the position. However, I will want my resume to stand out from the others that are sitting in the same pile. One suggestion I received from Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities and the Chapter 15 reading assignment was to use certain resume formats that are easily ‘scan-able’ by the person who is scanning many resumes for the same position. Recommendations included writing your objective to directly match the actual job description that you are applying for and not putting too much information in the document itself. In other words, leave something for the interview.
My personal belief, coming from just a few months of job searching, is that the cover letter is the easiest way to set you apart from the other applicants. There are only so many ways to tailor a resume to stand out, but a cover letter gives a lot more freedom to shed light on just how well you will fit in at a particular position.
Response
I think what you said about proving yourself using your previous coursework is a great idea. As the reading said this isn’t always the best approach to go about getting that job you want, but what else do we as inexperienced full time college students have to show? It is hard to gain that experience and get your education at the same time. I also agree with you about how one should carefully think about the wording of their resume to catch the eye of the person or machine that is scanning over such resume. I think it is a bad idea for companies to use word scanners and all that, but then again when they have tons of resumes to go over I guess it would take forever to go over each one personally.
Bobby
Experience
I would argue that while you don't have a lot of experience relating to the job you might be looking for, just having any work experience on your resume is good…especially if you use your boss or former boss as a reference. They can vouch that you have the ever useful skills of showing up on time, working hard, being motivated, etc. While it isn't experience related to your career choice it is work experience none the less. What good the most brilliant worker if they never show up to work or are really lazy? And although it is hard to gain work experience and an education at the same time, showing that you can do both will demonstrate your ability to manage your time and handle multiple responsibilities at once.
Andy
Reply- Experience
I agree that having experience is great while you are obtaining an education. I have used these conditions while being in interviews several times using them for reasoning of time management and keeping track of work around me. Like you said if you can say that you have worked and maintained in school, this shows the dedication that you will be willing to apply to a future position(s). You can always learn and gain experience, but having a good work ethic and dedication can take you a long way as well. If you can provide both, work experience and an education the better off you will be.
I believe that a degree gets your foot in the door and work experience and dedication takes you the rest of the way.
Zebulon Rouse
Courses = Experience
I also learned that listing previous courses helpful in padding my resume as I do not have the job experience they would want me to have. Of course when I list previous courses I would never mention the class listing just the skill set the class promotes in terms everyone can understand. As you said, you have to find a balance between HR and your potential boss.
I am not sure what you would consider too much information for a scannable resume. I would just put what my responsibilities were and what I did. If it was brought up during an interview I would go into more detail. It would also show the interviewer prepared by reading your resume and decided to ask a few questions over it.
Jeff