For this week’s reading response I personally enjoyed the article by an HR coordinator titled “Skeptical Resume Reader Tells How He Really Thinks.” I found it interesting to hear from an HR coordinator what they do actually think about resumes that they receive. I like how the author was very up front with their opinions about how they view resumes. He admits that he only spends around 30 seconds looking at a resume. He stated that he may make a second pass of about another 15 to 30 seconds. That means that in total you probably only get about 1 minute of the readers time. It sounds kind of frustrating to think that they make up their mind so quickly as to whether they are interested in you. I hope that knowing this will help me to think that much more about the layout and content of my resume.
I found it interesting that he stated that he likely doesn’t read sections like the cover letter and professional objective. I think that they are probably used to hearing similar things in that section and it just wastes their time to read it. I’m sure that they would notice though if these sections would not be there because of the large change that it would have on your whole resume design and content. I found it helpful that there were tips on how to make other sections of your resume stand out since the large wordy sections don’t matter. I liked hearing from an HR coordinator that they do actually care about what some people may consider to be “seemingly irrelevant experience.” I agree with the author that even though you may not think that some previous jobs are relevant, I think it is important to still include them. I think it is especially important if it was a job that you held for a long amount of time. Employers look at this and know that you have some work ethic and commitment there.
Resumes get you thinking
I think a big function of the resume is to display professionalism and prove to recruiters/hiring managers that you are serious about your application. If any old Joe off the street could fill out a bogus application and land a job interview for a degree-holding position, the hiring process would take years instead of weeks/months because a the vast of majority of candidates would not be remotely qualified. I think the necessity of a resume also makes the applicant (you) think critically about whether or not you are qualified for the position. For example, I’d love to work for a company like Google, where everyone makes loads of money and gets to play volleyball during their breaks. But looking at the experiences and credentials on my resume as compared to their standards they outline in job postings, I’m not going to waste my time (or theirs) applying for a position, I simply wouldn’t have a chance.
Human Resource Resume Reviewers
I feel the majority of those who turns in their resume have a simple understanding of what kind of review they will receive. For example, I know I only have 30 seconds to impress this person but I’m not sure what they are thinking or looking for. The only procedures I follow are what everyone recommends. Therefore it is refreshing to read an article of what an actual individual sees when picking at a handful of resumes.
In addition, I feel I only have a connection to those in a technical field like engineers because I have an understanding of how they think and what they are looking for. As a result, I always try to work around the human resource representatives because of my lack of understanding. This is the main reason why I like “Skeptical Resume Reader Tells How He Really Thinks” because it helps me direct my resume to this important audience.
Accepting advice by field
Your comments on understnading the thoughts of technical-oriented professionals brings up a good point.
This week's readings show there's no shortage of differing opinions and strategies on resume reading out there. One easy tool to help determine principles you should focus on is thinking about what people in the field you are applying into want to see in a candidate. An engineering resume should talk about specific technical experiences and how they will be applied to the position in question. Graphics design resumes will need to show experience is there, but the style and layout of the resume will be under scrutiny, too (although the portfolio would be a big document for that kind of thing). In a way it's good that you "only" understand the thoughts of those in a technical field, if that's the field you want to go into. That could help you narrow down and sift through the abundance of conflicitng advice.
Irrelevant Work Experience
Listing job’s that are irrelevant to the application I thought was a waste until reading through the articles. Having work experience is important. From past experiences the reviewer can derive that you held a job, possibly have worked with people, what type of environment worked in, as well as numerous other deductions that can be made. Having multiple types of experience may allow you to seem diverse with skills. They may also find that you held a job while going through school; this may be a time management skill they are looking for. Altogether having any work experience is better than having none.
Zebulon Rouse
Irrelevant work experience isn't always irrelevant ...
I agree, having work experience is important, and having multiple types of experience can help you, too. However, I think you do still need to be careful with irrelevant experience. I wish they wouldn't call it irrelevant, because almost every job can offer some sort of relevant experience, even if it's just learning how to be professional and interact in a work environment. I think there are times to not include this irrelevant experience, though. For example, my first job was working as a cashier at Sears. I put it on my resume when I had no other job experience (other than babysitting) because I could talk about responsibility, accountability & learning the hierarchy in a workplace environment. Now, however, I have multiple writing internships, and all the things I "learned" at Sears can apply to the other jobs I've had, so I definitely leave that experience off because it doesn't add anything to my resume. There was, however, a time to include it, and as you say, any work experience is better than none!
Kristin
Your Abilities
Describing seemingly irrelevant work experience is useful because it shows more about what you are capable of. A lot of businesses change rapidly and there is constantly a need for the employees to adapt. This is certainly true with my field (computer science). 50 years ago, it didn't even exist! If you write a resume that is too focused to the job ad, the employer might not think you are a good fit for the company in the long run.
Goose Egg
The main goal of a person’s resume is to show that you are qualified for the job and the right person for it. I agree with you Adam about people making bogus resumes, if that was the case it would take forever for the job to actually get filled. People should know when they turn in their resume if they have any chance in heck at actually getting an interview for it. I know that I am not going to try and apply to NASA because I know that the chances of me getting that job, let alone an interview, with my resume and experiences is pretty much a big old goose egg.