Protocol question for my Human Resources peeps
 

If you already work for an organization, but want to post for another position, do you still need to submit a cover letter with your resume? And if you are meeting with the person to whom the resumes go, can you give it to them in person and tell them what position you are interested in?

Many organizations have a specific internal applicant procedure. For instance, in my current organization there is an "Internal Candidate Application" that a person complete and sends to the recruiter with his/her resume. If your organization does not have this kind of process I would do a cover letter just in case. Regarding who you give your resume to...Recuiters can get pretty ticked if they feel you are trying to go around the process and go directly to the hiring official. I would do the standard procedure (what every that is..electronic, in box, etc.) and then give a copy to the hiring official if we were cool with something like "I'm really interested in this postion. I've already applied for the position through HR, but I wanted to give you my resume as well."

My two cents
 

Ditto Eclipse on the submission process. Follow established procedures. If you go "outside the process" it could be held against you later.

I would advise including a cover letter. Often, that makes you stand out from other candidates. Also, you can use it as a tool to let the hiring manager know what makes you stand apart from the others.

Good Luck and please let us know what happens.

I agree with what's already been said! I would like to add my .08 worth though. I don't know if your "meeting" is an official interview or you just see the person in passing, but generally, if it is an official interview, chances are they will have already looked at your resume. It couldn't hurt to mention to the resume person (if you see them in passing and you feel that you can talk with them prior to the interview) that you are submitting/have submitted a resume for position A.

But as Lady_1908 and Eclipse have stated, definitely go thru the proper procedures. And I like the cover letter as well - just adds a bit of "umph" to the resume, especially if you can briefly add what you hope to bring to the position

Wish you the best!

Resume help
 

I'm sitting up here adding a few finishing touches on my resume. I need help wording a sentence. Give me all of your ideas. Here is the deal:

I am currently a Lead Boarding Instructor. I was promoted this summer from being a Boarding Instructor. In my resume, after I list my new duties as LBI, I want to iterate that I still perform the same duties I did as a BI (which are also listed in the resume directly under the LBI position description). Here are a some that I have right now, but I don't like any them:

•Continue to perform previous duties as a Boarding Instructor
•Continue to perform duties as a Boarding Instructor
•Continue to perform other duties as assigned to the position of Boarding Instructor
•Maintain responsibilities as a Boarding Instructor

Y'all, please help me come up with something or tell me if I should keep one of the ones above.

Re: Resume help
 

How 'bout a little twist. . .

Continue to perform other duties as assigned as they pertain to the position of Boarding Instructor

just a thought. . .

One more... Colors and sending
 

What color paper is your resume on? I used to have mine on ivory paper. Then I used like a stonish-blue-grayish color. I've even used real light mint green. I want mine to stand out from the stack. And that's IF I mail it. I am the queen of emailing resumes and cover letters.

There's another question: do you email or snail mail your resume and cover letter?

I'm going to mail this next set. Something is telling me to do so, and I don't know why, but I'm going with my gut.

Re: One more... Colors and sending
 

Sorry for the late response. Regarding paper, I would go with ivory and the light mint green.

You send your resume according to what your prospective employer wants. If they want e-mail attachments only, that is what you do. If they say you can e-mail, fax or snail mail it. I would e-mail it then send a hard copy. Personally I don't trust faxing because it may not go to the right person. I have only faxed knowing that the person was expecting it.

When you e-mail, you can use an abridged version of your cover letter in the body of the e-mail. That is another way you can wow the organization. By using your full cover letter, you risk having it 2 pages and the reader losing interest. I got that bit from Martin Yale, Cover Letters that Knock 'em Dead.

I hope this helps ;)

Re: Resume help
 

Another twist is to just list the LBI position with all of the duties and put "Promoted from BI month-year", so that there is a clear indication of progression.

I also would not worry about putting EVERYTHING you do on your resume. If there are some significant tasks from the BI list, include them under LBI, otherwise, you can share that in the interview.

I would just go with ivory paper, but it really depends on how "sophisticated" the prosepective. For instance, at a previous job all mailed resumes were scanned by an entry level person and filed. No one else saw the actual resume, so it really did not matter what kind of paper it was on. Before going with the green I would photocopy a page to see how it copies. Even if the company used resumes, there is a good chance copies will be made for other people and you want to make sure you don't have a lot of black smudges because the paper did not copy well.

I've always used bond paper, b/c I heard that it makes your resume stand out from people who just use plain paper. However, I don't think weight is as important as it used to be, considering that so many jobs just want electronic versions. one thing to consider [ i learned this the hard way :(] is turning you resume into a PDF file, rather than word or wordperfect. This ensures that when you email it and they open it, all your margins and symbols will remain the same. I emailed my resume to a firm that used a different word processing program, and when they opened it, the margins were jacked, and the simple blocks I was using for bullet points turned into freaky characters! I have also turned letters of reccomendation into PDF files so I can email them to prospective employers.

Good Luck with your hunt!!!!!

Thanks, everyone, for your advice and ideas! :)

I emailed one off the other day, but the position was already filled. :( :mad: If it's filled, PLEASE take it off of the website!! I snail-mailed three more today. I have more to get out there. I got copies of my resume and my CV. I also got some envelopes to match my resumes (not the CV because I don't send that out as much; I'll get envelopes as needed). I even broke down and bought a book on cover letters. Normally, I get one from the library or use a friend's, but I figure it's an investment. Needless to say, I spent a grip of money today at Kinko's. Hopefully, it will all pay off.

IT WILL!!!!!
 

girl, it will pay off, keep the faith!!! hope ya got my e-mail..


back to bed :D

Re: IT WILL!!!!!
 

I did, and I printed out the info!! Thanks!! :)

To apply or not to apply, that is the question...
 

Ok, so you are reading job postings. You notice that you have some of the qualifications, but not all. What do you do? Do you apply or no?

Re: To apply or not to apply, that is the question...
 

You apply! :D Its been my experience that they are moreso a "guideline, so to speak".

For example, if they was someone with 10 years exp. and you've only got 7 years, I'd apply.

Re: To apply or not to apply, that is the question...
 

I would apply also.

Re: Re: To apply or not to apply, that is the question...
 

EXACTLY.

I would apply.

more questions
 

When asked for a writing sample, what do you send in? Can you use an old college paper or what? Does it have to be business related? If you don't have one, can you write something up to turn in?

Salary history... I read in a book that you shouldn't include it directly on the resume? Is this true? And if so, how should the document be formatted? I'm guessing Employer, Title, Dates employed, and Salary. Can it be a Word document? Or should it be a spreadsheet? (I'd prefer Word so I can make my stationary match.)

That's all for today. :)

Re: more questions
 

Unless the ad specifically ask for a salary requirement, I would not include it on your coverletter.

MSWord is the best. It even has resume/coverletter templates.

When I was job searching, a book that helped me GREATLY was Knock 'Em Dead by Martin Yate. A new edition comes out every year.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/15...1.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

IMO, it is the BEST resource for job seekers. I really do believe that it helped me to get my current position quickly. It gives you resume templates (for any industry) and questions (and answers) tailored to your industry.

Re: Re: more questions
 

I have that book. :) Well, the one for cover letters. I'm not referring to salary requirements, but postings that require a salary history. And also, when including salary history, must all the salaries match, i.e. be in yearly format? Or should it only be in yearly format if you were a salaried employee?

Re: more questions
 

I have a separate sheet written up (that matches my Resume paper) with my salary history so if it's ASKED for I can provide it. If I'm emailing my resume I include as a separate doc attachment.

I list my as follows (this is an example not a true place of employment or salary :) )

Employer Dates Employed Salary

Joe Inc. 10/88 - 12/93 27,500 - 38,550

(ETA GC is not formatting this too well :( but I think you get the idea)

I've never had to submit a writing sample but since I have been out of college for a loooooong time I would not submit something that old. Something recent would be better and business/work related.

Definately a work related writing sample and if you can, try to tailor it to the job you are trying to get. for instance, we require our public relations folks to submit writing samples. The samples are stronger if it is something they did for a press release vs a technical document. If you don't have a work related document then a document that you did for a volunteer activity would suffice. Also, don't be surprised if you are asked to do an exercise where you have to write on the spot. Too many people fake work samples.

I nevah, evah, evah send salary information before an interview and nevah evah put it on an application. If the ad says "resumes with out will not be considered" I will place something like "Current total compensation package is in mid $60,000". There are some recuiters that will discard you for not including salary information, but I think it puts you at an unfair competative advantage. If you must, definately put it on a spare sheet. Resumes are passed around and you don't want everyone you are interviewing with to know your salary. You may also want to include things like bonuses, other persk and your benefits package if it was exceptional, because that will play a part in your discussions with them.

Thanks, ladies!!! I'll let y'all know how it goes.

If you're on different committees would you list your role on the committees or just the name of them?

Example:

Carter G. Woodson Historical Society
Community Service Committee, Chairperson

I would list the position held.

Thanks Taykimson

Interviewing- A Beginner
 

I need assistance!

I have an interview on Thursday. As some of you know, the job I currently have is the ONLY job I've EVER had. Therefore, I haven't interviewed in a few minutes.

Anyway, what do I do after the interview? Is it customary to send a thank you after the interview? If so, is it addressed to the entire panel? HR? ????

Soror,

When I was a supervisor and I was the one doing the interviewing, I never received a Thank You letter.

However, I think it is a nice touch. In 1995 when I interviewed for my last job, I sent one to each interviewer. I would recommend that you send individual letters. That is tricky because you will need to have everyone's names spelled correctly. Sometimes each individual interviewer is not listed on your interview itinerary.

If you can get access to the information (without being obvious) I would send letters...but if you can't quite remember their names, I would pass - you don't want to offend someone when you are trying to thank them. If this is the case, I would at least send one to the HR rep who almost always gives you their contact information.

You can search the internet for example interview letters. Hope this helps.

Re: Interviewing- A Beginner
 

At HU School of Law our career center practically mandates we send thank you notes for ALL interviews, on and off campus.

She says that hand written notes are nice, but because most firms keep files on you regardless of if they hire you we are to type formal business letters on paper that matches our resume.

I go the extra mile and type all correspondence after delivery of my resume on resume paper with my resume letterhead (my name, contact info from the top of my resume). I do this because I want all of the correspondence in my file to match and look professional if for some reason the firm ever pulls my file to consider hiring me for a different position.

Thanks.

no prob bob

I always send handwritten thank you notes, on note cards embossed with my alma matter's seal. I have had people thank me for the cards, and even ask where I got them, even though I didnt get the job. Also, I vote for one card per job, even if you meet with numerous people. For most companies or firms, the thank yous will all end up in the same place, so there's no point to sending form letters to everyone. Good Luch in your job hunt!

I was just thinking that a lot of this (letter v. non-letter, typed v. handnote) might have to do with the nature and type of industry one is applying to.

The law is a very conservative and business-formal type of industry and the nature of the legal industry lends a hand in the type of correspondence (formal letters) we send. In industries that are less business formal, then less conservative behavior is quite likely highly appropriate.

I think the main thing is to send a thank you note. I would suggest surveying the particular industry you are trying to enter and act accordingly. If you are unsure as to the business norms, my father who is the former director of the career center at the Business School at Texas Southern Univeristy suggests to err on the side of caution. At the very least, you will always appear conscientious (sp?).

Resumes
 

Hey sorors:
I do resume and cover letter writing as a side business, so if any of you would like further information, please let me know. I charge $25.00 for the package: cover letter & resume preparation.

Bullets or paragraphs
 

So, I'm trying to condense my resume (from 3pgs to 2pgs). Some of the advice I've gotten is to go from bullet points to paragraphs instead. So my question to all of you is this:

When describing your jobs, do you use bullet points, descriptive paragraphs, or both?

Right now, I have bullet points for all of my jobs. I would like to make at least some of them into paragraphs, but maybe keep the bullets for the two most recent postions. Whatcha think of that?

Also, let's do a poll:

How many pages is your resume?

How many years experience do you have on there?

When do you start to delete your earliest job from your resume?

Example: I graduated from college in '97. I still have on my resume the job I had directly after graduation. It's older than 5 years, but it also lists some good experience. Take it off or keep it? At what point do you get rid of jobs?

I have two types of resumes, one tailored to a specific industry (which has both a summary paragraph and bullet points) and the other resume is tailored for a specific position (which consist of just bullet points highlighting my skills and abilities). Both resumes also have a quick qualifications summary at the top.

I only have jobs on my resume that I began since I completed college, because considering that I graduated in '97 and have since then had 4 career-related jobs, I don't think it really matters that I was a cashier at Krogers back in 1994 when I'm applying for the Finance Controller position (and have had subsequent jobs that build up to that position). I have ran across some places that want a ten year work history and only then will I put Krogers on the application.

Good luck with the job search! :)

I have a bulleted, 2 page resume. Because I'm just now getting started in my field, I still have my 1st job after undergrad (which was 5 years ago) on my resume, only because there are transferrable skills and experiences. I will remove this job from my resume if/when I start another job search since I'm gaining similar experiences from my current position.
HTH
:cool:

I have bullets with at most two sentences to each bullet. My resume is two pages. I graduated in '92 and I list all positions (I've only worked for two companies but I had several positions within the company).

Soror Ideal, if you like, I will email you a copy of my resume if you want to compare resume styles.

Re: Protocol question for my Human Resources peeps
 

Soror Ideal,
I would say give a cover letter since it will clearly present your interest in a way that viewing an entire resume may not. Further, if you meet the person in person and tell him/her, he/she may forget but if you leave a cover letter, he/she will have it as reference later.
SC

Re: Bullets or paragraphs
 

Soror, I list the job and company in bold then list 2-3 bulleted items underneath for each job. The bulleted items all begin with an action word and I try to make them descriptive. They are one liners

Also, I have used objective statements before which can be helpful to quickly bring the reviewer up to speed on what position types you are interested in

My resume is 2 pages and I am told that that is ok if you have enough substantive information that is pertinent to the position that you are applying for (I have different resumes tailored to different types of positions so will not include all of the same info in both).

I think that the focus should probably be whether the experience is relevant as opposed to how old it is. If the skills that you obtained and the experiences that you had are relevant to the job that you are going for, I would say leave them on, no matter how long ago they happened.