Career Advice: More Resume Help

[1browngirl]

Originally posted by Ideal08
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?

I would apply also.

[toocute]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
You apply! 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.

EXACTLY.

I would apply.

[Ideal08]

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.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by Ideal08

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.

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.


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.

[Ideal08]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
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.


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.

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?

[toocute]

Originally posted by Ideal08

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.)

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.

[Eclipse]

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.

[Ideal08]

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

[CountryGurl]

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

[Taykimson]

I would list the position held.

[CountryGurl]

Thanks Taykimson

[AKA2D '91]

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? ????

[Taykimson]

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.

[Exquisite5]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
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? ????

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.

[AKA2D '91]

Thanks.