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Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:32 pm
by drw
I recommend a new opening summary:
SUMMARY: James is a highly motivated individual, in search of gainful employ, with a proven ability to learn quickly, create, implement, and maintain procedures both old and new in any environment. He possesses the ability to succeed in heavy work assignments and deadlines under strict time constraints. In addition to his strong commitment and desire to succeed in every task, James is able to work independently or as a member of a team, with a strong ability to communicate effectively.
I might recommend you add a "Specialized Skills" section. Then, think about the job you are looking for, and list those skills in a bulleted format.

Under employment, I suggest you reverse the order of the jobs you've held. Put the most recent jobs at the top.

I also noticed the word "REFERENCES" appears above your most recent job. Double check that in your original file.

I also propose removing the references all together, and put at the end, "References available upon request".

When you hand in the resume, very politely do it like this:

Go into the place of business, and ask to speak with the hiring manager. When he arrives, don't ask if any jobs are available. Instead, hold out your resume for him to take, and say "Please take this". When he takes it, he'll wonder what this is all about, and then look him right in the eye and say, "I want a job, and this is my resume. I'd like you to hire me."

Probably the #1 thing they are looking for is someone who REALLY wants the job (without seeming desparate). That means you have to ASK FOR THE JOB at every opportunity. When the interview begins, thank them for giving you their time for the interview, and it is your desire that they will decide to offer you the job. When the interview is over, thank them for their time, and ask when you can start.

And remember this, given the short timeframes of most of your previous jobs, a prospective employer is going to be hesitant. You have that disadvantage going in, so be aware that from the perspective of the employer, they would be doing you a huge favor by hiring you. Whether you think that's fair or not, accept that reality and behave accordingly. You are at their mercy and you should go in with a humble attitude.

It's okay to have made mistakes in the past, so be honest, but for every single mistake or flaw that you tell them about, make sure you show that you LEARNED from that mistake. Errors are acceptable if the person can be shown to have learned from those errors, that almost makes mistakes a positive thing in your favor, but only if you play the cards right...

Get that resume updated and post it here again.

Oh, and print it on nice snazzy paper if you can. No smudge marks. :)

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:19 pm
by lunchbox
this is more or less what i got from UTI when i graduated
i added that cover letter with decriptions of past jobs under advice from others
so need to reverse the order of jobs ok what else




JAMES T. VINSON
281-***-****


SUMMARY: I am a highly motivated individual with a proven ability to learn quickly, create, implement, and maintain procedures both old and new in any environment. I further possess the ability to meet heavy work assignments and deadlines under strict time constraints. In addition to my strong commitment and desire to succeed in every assigned task, I am able to work independently or as a team, with a unique ability to communicate effectively on all levels.

EDUCATION

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Houston, TX Diploma Automotive/Diesel/Industrial Technology Graduated October 6, 2006 GPA 3.71
state inspector

Emphasis

• Automotive Engines & Repair • Climate Control • Truck Power Trains
• Power & Performance IA • Automatic Transmissions • Electronic Technology
• Power & Performance IB • Electronic Diagnostics • Professional Applications
• Power & Performance II • Truck Brakes & Chassis • Advanced Diagnostic Systems
• Fuel & Ignition Systems • Diesel Engines • Truck Preventive Maintenance
• Drivability & Emissions • Diesel Fuel Systems • Automotive Under Car
• Automotive Power Trains • Diesel Engine Accessories • Professional Service Writing
• Brakes • Electronic Fundamentals

Central High School – San Angelo, TX Diploma: General Studies Graduated: May 2005

AWARDS
UTI Director's Honor List

EMPLOYMENT:

08/04 – 07/05 Century Trailer Warehouse associate San Angelo, TX
• Loaded and unloaded freight from inbound trailers
• Operated forklift to facilitate freight organization and shipment
• Maintained warehouse inventory
• Stocked freight according to company procedures

12/06-01/07
Young's Truck Center
trouble shooting electrical and all kinds of repairs on class 6, 7, and 8 trucks as well as preventative maintenance






01/07-02/07
Car Quik
oil changes
brake jobs
coolant flushes
transmission flushes
other preventative maintenance


02/07-03/07
All American Chevrolet Lithia Automotive group
oil changes
brake jobs
coolant flushes
trans flushes
P.D.I
Program modules
Dash work
other preventative maintenance

05/07-08/07
SRC Automotive hot tester. tested engines post production and cleared for shipping
REFERENCES

02/08-05/08
Adams Automotive general automotive service and state inspections

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:25 pm
by drw
lunchbox wrote:this is more or less what i got from UTI when i graduated
i added that cover letter with decriptions of past jobs under advice from others
so need to reverse the order of jobs ok what else
I volunteered over 30 minutes of my time to write the post directly above this, and you apparently didn't even read it. I thought you were wanting help... my mistake. Good luck to you.

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:26 pm
by lunchbox
i meant in addition to what you said
i want to do all the changes at once not a little here a little there

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:27 pm
by lunchbox
i just put that to show what i was given when i graduated
that the other things you saw on the other post was what i had added after i had been ill advised
im not trying to offend just want more input before i make my final rendering

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:30 pm
by lunchbox
thats weird im not sure how "REFERENCES " got out of place

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:31 pm
by lunchbox
is it not customary to give REFERENCES with ones resume :confused5

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:34 pm
by drw
Okay. I suggest updating the resume with my suggestions above, then repost the new one here and I'll help proofread it. I don't have any additional suggestions; my above post was complete as far as I could think.
lunchbox wrote:is it not customary to give REFERENCES with ones resume :confused5
I never did. I had them "Available upon request" and when they asked for them, I handed them over. It helps, also, that when you give the references, that you explain who each person is, why they are important, and what their past relationship with you was.

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:36 pm
by lunchbox
i have had some issue with that subject as some want personal ones some want no relatives some professional only what would you say for that

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:41 pm
by LarryH
lunchbox wrote:i have had some issue with that subject as some want personal ones some want no relatives some professional only what would you say for that
Have a list of personal references and one of professional references, separate, and state "References Available On Request" as has been previously mentioned.

When they ask for references, ask if they want personal or professional or both, then give them the appropriate list.

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:43 pm
by lunchbox
why didnt i think of that :banghead:

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:56 pm
by lunchbox
and im not realy sure what to put in a "specialized skill" section

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:00 pm
by drw
lunchbox wrote:and im not realy sure what to put in a "specialized skill" section
What kind of job are you going to be applying for? What would you be doing in that job? Those are the skills you'll outline.

And yes, that means altering your resume for different companies. I've never submitted the exact same resume to more than one company. I always changed the resume for each company that I was applying to.

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:02 pm
by lunchbox
in my case they all do more or less the same thing i get your point i will work on this area right now

Re: christian bros automotive in friendswood

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:03 pm
by drw
lunchbox wrote:in my case they all do more or less the same thing i get your point i will work on this area right now
:cheers2: I'm looking forward to seeing the new version of the resume!