need some resume examples

[dash8driver]

i dont think the cell # on the resume wont necessarily make or break you. it can put you in a situation you dont want to be in if you're not careful. i've usually listed it on my resumes. i listed it for a few reasons and i'm not saying they are good reasons. at one point i had to because i didnt have a land line, didnt need one. the other reason's i've chosen to list it is because i cant stand waiting.. i wanna know right away if they're calling me. i controlled the call by not answering it unless i was in a position to talk to HR, if i wasnt they left a message just like they would have if they called my house. i would then, in all my anticipation and excitement, take myself to a place that i can return the call and call them back. another reason to consider listing a cell phone is you may not want HR calling when you're not home and your drunk roommates are watching pr0n at full volume. or you may have bad roommates, intentional or unintentionally not giving you your messages for whatever reason.

 

[350DRIVER]

350,

Let me address a few things that you said. First, you cannot "make a purse from a sow's ear." Of course the candidate has to be qualified. One thing that you do not know is that I spend a great deal of time with my candidates, both aviation and other, asking about their goals. If their goals are unrealistic, I tell them so. I also counsel them on the correct path to take for their specific career.

Second, I disagree about the cell phone on the resume. I teach my clients to control when and where a telephone screen happens. Several of my HR friends have said that they will not even call a cell phone. My opinion of this was backed up by Carol Kleiman, who is a syndicated columnist for the Tribune newspapers and an HR expert, when she wrote a column based upon my press release that was sent out on this very issue.

Third, I never said that a cover letter should be "less" than three paragraphs. When I was screening candidates for an aviation employer last fall, one cover letter said, and I quote:

"Here are my qualifications, call me if you are interested."

Where do you think his stuff went???

Fourth, how big was the operation that you worked at reviewing resumes? How many candidate resumes did you review?

Employers now are getting between 200-500 resumes for EVERY position they post. That does not include the "broadcast" letters they get for positions they do not post. I was just speaking at a Career Expo that had over 6500 candidates in attendance. There were 108 companies. Do the math. How much time do you think was given for the "once over" of the resumes? About 15-30 seconds. Just like in a regular hiring situation.

350, while I do not doubt that you have some experience in this field, I must defer to the research I have conducted over 18 years of being a resume writer. I am the Career Expert for 5 job boards in 5 different states, 2 more job boards in the Tech field, one in the aviation industry, and one located overseas for the hospitality industry. You do not get to that status by not knowing the hiring industry.

In addition, I write on a contract basis for Monster.com. Believe me, you do not write for Monster unless you KNOW what you are doing and are successful. If their candidates are not successful, you do not work for them very long. I have been writing for them for over two years. Recently one of my resume writing colleagues was turned down by Monster to write for them. They only take the best writers. I also write resume for candidates across the country and world for recruiters.

I know you are not trying to be disrespectful to me or my business. However, I do not do this business "part-time" or for kicks. I spent a great deal of time and money knowing everything that is going on in many industries. That is the perfectionist part of me that wants to make sure my clients have the best information possible.

Just my two cents on this topic.

Kathy

Kathy,

I have looked at your site *which I thought was impressive*, read fan mail on this site pertaining to you, etc, so once again I was in no way, shape, or form attacking you or your business. I personally can only wish you the best of both worlds and hope that your business continues to grow, prosper and does well for you. As I previously stated in the other reply, if I had to do it over again I surely wouldn't have even taken the bite on this thread. He wanted examples and that is what I provided him with. You have your "professional" opinions which I can respect. I just think many things come into play when tailoring a resume as I am sure you are quite aware of.

The department that I was a part of was not overly large, however I did review many resumes and cover letters and my opinions are not only formed by my own experiences but also from those who have been in this business a lot longer than I have been in it for. A lot comes down to personal preference and making sure that the resume is tailored to showcase the applicant's strong points and minimizing the showing of the applicant's weaknesses. Do I have as much experience as you do with regards to this side of the profession?. I think it is safe to say "no", these are just my opinions, nothing more and nothing less.


good luck,

3 5 0

 

[350DRIVER]

i dont think the cell # on the resume wont necessarily make or break you. it can put you in a situation you dont want to be in if you're not careful. i've usually listed it on my resumes. i listed it for a few reasons and i'm not saying they are good reasons. at one point i had to because i didnt have a land line, didnt need one. the other reason's i've chosen to list it is because i cant stand waiting.. i wanna know right away if they're calling me. i controlled the call by not answering it unless i was in a position to talk to HR, if i wasnt they left a message just like they would have if they called my house. i would then, in all my anticipation and excitement, take myself to a place that i can return the call and call them back. another reason to consider listing a cell phone is you may not want HR calling when you're not home and your drunk roommates are watching pr0n at full volume. or you may have bad roommates, intentional or unintentionally not giving you your messages for whatever reason.

I agree.. I do not personally think this issue will make or break you either. I have always listed the cell number and will continue to do so for the very simple reason of making sure that I am "always" available to accept those important calls that may come when I am not near my home line. It is easier to have a backup plan in place due to the simple fact that when hr wants to set an interview up they usually want to speak to someone rather quickly to set the interview up and to see if you are still interested in the invitation. I cannot recall how many times this process has taken place via a cell phone conversation versus actually being at home during the time when they called. You cannot be stuck at home and on stby 24/7 awaiting that phone call that may or may not come. Once again, this is my personal preference and in no way should be viewed as a "must". Either way will probably work as long as you are able to retrieve home messages in a timely manner.

It is a tad difficult to monitor this if you are on an extended trip away from home for any period of time.

It was always my belief that you should always be able to accept those important calls whether it be via a cell phone or a land line.


take your pick.

3 5 0

 

[TonyC]

It was always my belief that you should always be able to accept those important calls whether it be via a cell phone or a land line.

I can hear it now. In the stall at the men's room at the airport, a cellphone rings. 350 begins the initial phone screening for the airline of his choice while... never mind, we don't need that picture.

 

[FlyChicaga]

About the cell phone number on the resume: In my opinion, I would put it there. I got the call to interview with ExpressJet at 2:00 PM the day before I left for a 5-day trip with my previous company. At my home number. I returned late on a Saturday evening, had Sunday off, and interviewed on a Monday. I had plenty of things I needed to get done to prepare for the interview in those six days which I needed normal business hours (8-5 M-F) to accomplish. If I would have found out on a Saturday about the interview call then I would have missed the opportunity. Delaying the interview may have put me back two or more classes which is over 30 numbers in seniority.

I say put your cell phone number if you currently work in a position that keeps you away from home more often than not. You never know when getting that voicemail or call earlier than not will make the difference. But, a warning: If you are putting your cell phone number down as your primary contact, ensure that you have a very clear, concise, and professional voicemail message.

Edit: One more thing. If you are hoping for a call from your No. 1 airline's HR department, do NOT answer the phone in a bathroom, do NOT answer the phone in a bar, and DO NOT pull a Paris Hilton!!!

 

[350DRIVER]

I can hear it now. In the stall at the men's room at the airport, a cellphone rings. 350 begins the initial phone screening for the airline of his choice while... never mind, we don't need that picture.

worse yet...

the truck driver in stall one (that you didn't see come in) that had beans and cabbage the previous night just sat down on the seat after a long 3 hour drive.


3 5 0

 

[Lori Clark]

Just a quick note to address the issues of discriminating factors on the resume. It is important to know here that every airline views this differently. Not that they view discrimination differently, but how they treat a resume which reveals discriminating content. For example, a friend of mine who was with UAL (as a pilot recruiter & interviewer) was not allowed to review resumes which listed birthdates - they were immediately "filed".

I don't know of a lot of airlines who are quite that harsh, but it can happen. Most airlines get around that particular law (with regard to reviewing documentation that shows birthdate - i.e., airman certs) because you must be between certain ages to legally operate a Part 121 aircraft. That is why you are not required to "white out" your birthdate on your documentation before presenting it to the interviewers. Although I know some airlines still practice the white out method.

Bottom line - leave out any personal information other than affiliations. You just don't know what their policy is. And please, please, please never include a picture!

On the note of cell phones - I commonly called cell phones to invite to interview, ground school or congratulate the applicant on their new employment status. I personally vote to include it. But like the others have said, be sure you control when/where you answer it. Oh, and how you answer it too... I placed a call to one applicant who answered with "Talk to me". I laughed about it because after all it was a Friday night, but I imagine there are some folks who wouldn't have thought it funny at all.

Best,

Lori

 

[TonyC]

Hey Lori,

Welcome to FlightInfo ... All opinions are appreciated (in one form or another )



I took a few minutes to peruse your website. It looks like you're in the business of helping pilots get jobs. Rumor has it there are a few pilots that frequent these forums! What a coincidence!


Your bio page... there's a sentence that goes like this:

"Lori and her team has interviewed thousands of pilots and reviewed many, many thousands of resumes and applications. "

Shouldn't that be "Lori and her team have interviewed..."?




Do you have any openings for proofreaders???


Good luck !


(Are you in the PHX area, too???)

 

[Lori Clark]

Just might have to hire me a proof reader!

I never proclaimed to be perfect...LOL Yes, I am in PHX too!


Lori

 

[NickASA]

I had just finished 15 minutes of crying to my best friend about getting an airline job when you called Lori. Good luck with your new business.

 

[Resume Writer]

I also would like to welcome Lori to the board. She has a wealth of information to offer. She is very knowledgable in aviation HR and Hiring.

We spoke at great length last Monday night. For those of you who do not know about Lori, she hired at Mesa Airlines for 7 years. In addition, she is a wonderful person, very articulate and has great connections!

We also spoke about getting another person, who shall remain nameless at this point, to join the boards to speak about legal issues. This person worked in an airline legal department, and I think she could help with pilots or others who would like to pay for a review of hiring contracts or other legal issues in aviation. I have spoken with this woman, and she also is very sharp.

Welcome, Lori!!

Kathy

 

[lostplnetairman]

I have reviewed resumes for years. Before forwarding them to the hiring managers and others in the interview process I have my staff remove any information that may lead to discrimination. It is not illegal to have the information. It is illegal to discriminate based on it. However, that being said, it would be difficult to prove in a court of law that discrimination was not a factor in the decision should there be a charge of discrimination. Given last year's Supreme Court decision in Costa v Ceasar's that acknowledge mixed motives, I wouldn 't go there. It's simply not prudent. So, if applicants don't provide that information in the first place, it makes it easier on the HR Department. We LIKE applicants better when they make our lives easier!

HRDiva

 

[TonyC]

I also would like to welcome Lori to the board. She has a wealth of information to offer. She is very knowledgable in aviation HR and Hiring.

We spoke at great length last Monday night. For those of you who do not know about Lori, she hired at Mesa Airlines for 7 years. In addition, she is a wonderful person, very articulate and has great connections!

Well, if she knows you, that settles it - - she's OK!


LOL


Kathy, can you put in a good word for me? I need a better excuse than FlightInfo to hang out on the computer - - if Lori can get me a part-time proofreading gig....

 

[Resume Writer]

Well, if she knows you, that settles it - - she's OK!


LOL


Kathy, can you put in a good word for me? I need a better excuse than FlightInfo to hang out on the computer - - if Lori can get me a part-time proofreading gig....

Sure Tony, I will tell her you are the grammar KING and are available for a "price" for your services!

I think you missed your calling - you should have been an English Grammar Teacher...

Kathy

 

[dash8driver]

tony..where were you when i was in college???

 

[TIS]

In general, I agree...

Without getting into too lengthy a diatribe, I must say that two things jump out at me in this discussion. The first is the issue of cell phone numbers on a resume and the other is that of what to put in your cover letter.

A resume must convey, on its most fundamental level, who you are, your qualifications, your work history, and how you can be reached. If one of the most reliable and consistent ways that you can be reached is by cell phone then you should put your cell phone number on the resume. It's pretty much that simple.

It was different in years past when the only option was a pager number. I did not recommend that people put their pager numbers on a resume because they had several fatal flaws that made them notoriously unreliable - not the least of which was that the person placing the page never really knew if they had paged the right individual - that is, unless the right person called right back.

In my case, the best way to be sure that you will at least get a message to me is to call my cell phone. If I'm in the country (which I haven't been in the past few days) I get those messages pretty much wherever I happen to land, as soon as I land.

Now, without disagreeing with the concept of brevity so expertly espoused by Lori and Kathy, I will also say that there are times when a cover letter needs to contain more detail than the five Ws permits.

It's important to understand the difference between a cover letter and a resume. Allow me to over-generalize for a moment (it's what we historians do best). First, a resume is a statement of professional qualification with contact information. A resume, in its purest form, will not contain personal information.

A cover letter, on the other hand, can be anything from a very simple accompaniment to your resume just to show that you cared enough to write it in the first place, to a fact filled summary that says all the things a resume can’t say because of its structure and purpose. In other words, a cover letter is where you can say some things that you want you target company to know about you that you can’t say in your resume.

Writing has many features that give it power that most people fail to fully grasp. One is its permanence. When you write something down it relates your thoughts, and sometimes more importantly, your attitudes, in a way that can be re-evaluated over time. All one has to do is read what was written another time. A permanent record of what you have to say in the hands of your interviewer can be quite handy before, during, and after an interview. If they can’t remember who you are, perhaps your letter will jog a few brain cells later on.

Another power of writing is the degree of control it affords you over the flow of information you have to offer. When you take the time to put your thoughts in writing you have the power to control not only what information you present, but also how you present it. You also have the power to change what you write before anyone else sees it thus, giving you the ability to have precisely the impact you desire or intend on your reader. One has only to think of instances where one has misspoken in a coversation to understand the potential importance of writing in this regard.

You can use your cover letter to direct attention to facts about yourself that you want on parade during an interview. You will be asked about yourself in some form or another. When you get this question you might be able to cite your cover letter as a source for details of personal accomplishments or awards, personal hardships that interrupted work experience, etc. The point is that a cover letter can help you direct the attention of the interviewer where you want their focus to be – on the details you want them to consider about you.

So, while I do encourage people to restrain their cover letters somewhat (ONE page maximum), I think that what you put in it depends entirely on who you are. When a well written cover letter is read and considered against the fabric of your interview, it can often have contribute to a strong personal impression.

It is my experience that cover letters may not always be fully read by those to whom they are presented, but they often are. In cases where a cover letter is not read by an interviewer prior to an interview, it is often possible to create interest in doing so with good verbal presentation skills during the interview. In situations where your letter has been read you have the opportunity to emphasize key points by citing the letter during the interview. In either case, you a direct attention to things you have chosen as key points about you more than once.

Repetition is a well known teaching tool. Repetition fosters remembering the thing repeated. If YOU want to be the thing remembered skillful repetition of key facts will help you teach your target company about you in a way that will be more effective and will help you to achieve your goal.

You can say a lot on just one page. Check out the Declaration of Independence sometime – it’s just one page!

TIS

 

[bobbysamd]

Cell phones and brevity

It was different in years past when the only option was a pager number. I did not recommend that people put their pager numbers on a resume because they had several fatal flaws that made them notoriously unreliable - not the least of which was that the person placing the page never really knew if they had paged the right individual - that is, unless the right person called right back.

In my case, the best way to be sure that you will at least get a message to me is to call my cell phone. If I'm in the country (which I haven't been in the past few days) I get those messages pretty much wherever I happen to land, as soon as I land.

In the Stone Age tin-can-and-string hiring days of the late '80s-early '90s, there were no practical cellphones and no e-mail. It was just as important then as it is now to be reachable. Aside from simply being home to wait for the phone to ring, tape-driven answering machines and alternate phone numbers were the only contact tools available to pilots deperately seeking airline interviews. Somehow, we made them work.

It's far easier these days to be reached. You owe it to yourself to provide all available means of being contacted. Therefore, provide your cell number. You know that some airline might be calling you, so act appropriately when the phone rings. Moreover, most cellphones these days have caller ID, so you usually can tell who is calling before you answer.

Writing has many features that give it power that most people fail to fully grasp. One is its permanence . . . . Another power of writing is the degree of control it affords you over the flow of information you have to offer. When you take the time to put your thoughts in writing you have the power to control not only what information you present, but also how you present it . . . . You can use your cover letter to direct attention to facts about yourself that you want on parade during an interview . . . .

Absolutely, but . . . .

It is my experience that cover letters may not always be fully read by those to whom they are presented . . . .

. . . . with many of these people being turned off by pages blackened with long paragraphs heavy with prose that extolls one's virtues. So, in other words, get to the point. Above all, be sure to ask for the interview.

One final point to tie this together. Ask yourself how you would feel if confronted by your cover letter, keeping in mind that you are very busy and you read fifty such letters a day, all from people saying how great they are and who want interviews. Your letter should be directed to the reader's needs.

Once more, good luck with your class project.

 

[bobbysamd]

New-hire aside

About the cell phone number on the resume: In my opinion, I would put it there. I got the call to interview with ExpressJet at 2:00 PM the day before I left for a 5-day trip with my previous company.

Congratulations on the new job!

Good luck with class.

 

[Resume Writer]

I am going to make one comment on the cell phone issue. If you have caller ID and do not answer it if you know it is a recruiter, then what is the difference if the home phone number is listed? The recruiter will leave a message. Just like they have done for numerous years on home phones. Cell phones in my opinion are unreliable. I have gotten messages DAYS after they were left.

My suggestion: get voicemail instead of a traditional answering machine on your home phone. You will be able to get messages from anywhere you might be. Also, make sure you change your message to a professional one; no kids on the message or lengthy introductions of a Van Halen song!

If you feel you cannot get a message because of roommates, spouses or children, then I would suggest using a cell phone.

My whole point in this topic is for the candidate to CONTROL when and where the telephone screen occurs. Believe me, they will leave a message. They realize pilots are on the road. Then, if you call back and have to leave a message for the recruiter, leave your cell phone number. Then you will be expecting their call.

Kathy

 

[Resume Writer]

You can say a lot on just one page. Check out the Declaration of Independence sometime – it’s just one page!

TIS

Tis,

I had to laugh at this comment. What "font size" do you think the Declaration of Independence is written in? About 4 pt? Further, it was bigger than an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper!!

I agree though, keep it to one page.

Kathy

 

[TIS]

How about this then?

You're quibbling!

Gettysburg Address? 267 words that do indeed say A LOT!

Fits on one page EASILY!

Lucida Grande up to 17 Pt. (I Checked)