Resumes

[mailbox]

I need some help. I want to get out of my current job and work at the new Toyota plant around here. I have a couple of problems. I haven't hunted for a job for nearly 20 years and frankly, I don't know how anymore. I want and need to write a resume, but I don't have a clue how nor do I have the expertice I think they need. I have looked at a couple of internet resume sites but they are geared toward people who have done this alot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Basil]

There is software that can help you write a resume. Whether you use software or write it from scratch, or have it professionally written, whatever you do, have a few trusted folks (preferably who are good writers) review it for you. A well-written resume can make all the difference.

 

[Shinsen774]

Make it easy for the recruiter. My recruiters spend an average of 9 seconds per resume scanning them and deciding if they get considered or not. Eleven recruiters get 44,000 applications a year.

First put name, address, phone, e-mail (use a decent e-mail address; we see alot of nice resumes with wacko e-mail addresses like HotSexyMama@isp.com for a job in our employee childcare center at the hospital owned by Roman Catholic nuns).

Then "Objective"-What job are you looking for (customized for each submission)

Work history starting with most recent and working back.

Education: highest college degree to lowest college degree, then any specialized training

List special skills and licenses/registration/certification

End with any relevant hobbies or interests.

Do not put "reference supplied upon request". That is obvious.

Work on a good cover letter, then customize for each submission.

All larger companies require applications online, but most will parse your resume and save a little time.

Use standard font (arial, Times New Roman) so the company's computer can read it.

Contact the local unemployment office. They will have sources to help you with this. Many churches also have job search networking groups that include resume assistance.

Jim
SPHR

 

[kennypinkerton]

I got my new job at the water company, mostly because I had been at my old job at the funeral home for 13 years, and also because I had a family (I got asked that question at a couple of interviews at different companies - apparently supporting a family equals a more stable reliable worker to some managers). My manager wanted someone who was going to stay around. After I got hired and had been there a while, I found out he had a spate of young people who either never showed up reliably or quit for various reasons within a few weeks after being hired.

Apart from that, I looked at example resumes online, and filled them in customized to my needs.

 

[TR6oldtimer]

...nor do I have the expertise I think they need.

The cover letter and resume is you presenting yourself to them. To prepare these documents and hopefully get an interview, you first and foremost need to believe in yourself, that you have the experience, and something to offer that others may not. If you do not believe in yourself, they won't either. Spend some time on your positive attributes and think how best to fit them to the job you want.

To me, the cover letter is an insight to you. Not as good as conversation, but a mechanism to distinguish yourself from the others. Brevity is the key, as they will not read more then the first paragraph, so make it count. In it you need to express to them what you have to offer (no detail, that is in the resume), and why they should hire you. Be sure to let them know you are looking forward to further conversation, and thank them for the opportunity to be considered.

Be positive and give it a go...

We'll be pulling for you.

 

[Banjo]

Toyota is big on training. I work at a Toyota dealer as a Technician, and it's amazing the amount of training that we recieve from Toyota. They are also very open to feedback. We as tecs have the ability(and are encouraged) to write "Dealer Reports" about any issues we see, especially on brand new cars.
This feedback is reviewed, and, can feasibly be passed on to the factory floor by that very afternoon to correct potential problems.
It has happened before. often.
I'd bet they would be willing to hire you if they feel you posess the ability to learn the skills they need you to have.
Everything I've ever heard points to a Toyota manufacturing job as being pretty good.
Best of luck!
Ben

 

[kennypinkerton]

When ya get the job, send me a new motor for my 4runner

 

[mailbox]

1. Kenny needs motor.
2. ?????

Thanks for all the help. It's not that I don't believe in myself, I just have a hard time talking about myself. I can do just about anything I put my mind to, it's just hard to convince someone else of this.

 

[LLAngus]

Local library should have programs available to help you write. I agree on the cover letter. If it's not good I don't continue--remember it is the only way to give a new employer information you can't include in the resume. I change jobs 5 years ago and I am making slightly less but enjoy the job much more. I used informational interviews to get a job as well. Look it up on the internet. It is where you interview business for the "potential" of employment in their field. I was offered a job after 2 interviews even though I stated "I'm not here to apply for a job instead I would like a minute to interview you.

 

[70herald]

get two books:
<span style="text-decoration: underline">cover letters to knock 'em dead</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline">resumes that knock 'em dead</span> by Martin Yate

He gives many examples of really good cover letters and resumes.
The basic concept is to phrase in active terms. He also gives lots of good advice as to how to manage your job search. I used his plan for my last two job searches, and from what I heard, a copy of my resume was floating around HR for quite a while as an example of how to write a powerful resume.

Good luck (of course luck only follows hard work)

just noticed he has a web site start your job search here:
https://www.knockemdead.com/