Daily Archives: January 28, 2011
How to Write a Resume That WILL Get You Noticed
So, for the last month and a half I’ve been sending out resume after resume. This resume is typically seen by others who build resumes as having too much information; however, when I’d used it in the past it has so much information it was praised by employers because it answered questions before they were asked — namely, what the company did and details about my duties there.
I felt it provided much needed relevant information. It does – but apparently, with the number of applications received for each position, employers just do not have time to read your entire work history in novel form.
So, based on information I’ve learned from WorkSource as well as my own twists and turns – I’m writing what I’ve found about writing an effective resume.
When you see the list of requirements, pay attention. Then on your “Skills Summary” section, list a reason why you fit each and every one of those requirements. . . If they’re looking for something specific, be short and sweet — and show them YOU’RE something specific.
So far, I’ve gotten a call back on every single one of the custom resumes. And I have gotten a job off of them, just not a job I want – and its only Seasonal.
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Here it is:
Eternity Juggalo
Objective: Seeking the Dispatcher Position at [omitted company name] to contribute my 10 years of excellent customer service skills, charming intellect and outgoing people skills to further support your role as major Northwest aggregate supplier.
Skills Summary:
- Ten Years Quality Sales and Customer Service Experience
- Part of the customer service team that won the JD Powers Award for “Highest Customer Service” for three years
- Over 20 years proficient computer experience, 10 of which in a professional setting
- Achieved multiple awards for recognition from the “Voice of the Customer” satisfaction surveys with perfect scores as graded by the customer
- Received several “Kudos” notes from customers raving about the customer service I provided
- Strong Attention for Detail
- Knowledgeable of the various types of aggregate
- Recognition for completing Three Years with Perfect Attendance at T-Mobile
Employment History
Customer Service Representative, II – Special Account Care
T-Mobile USA Bellingham, WA September 2007 – December 2010
Worked directly with Front line Employees to manage employee and “high-level security/celebrity” accounts as well as monitor and maintain demo accounts for retail and partner locations. Part of a team of 30 people in control of over 40,000 “Special” accounts. Completed offline tasks with billing, account set-up and activations. Took on responsibilities to reduce company costs by working with team leaders in different departments to increase communications and lead a drive to increase department efficiencies. Performed a perfect balance of keeping the Customers, Employees and Owners (C.E.O.) interests in mind through all decision making processes to reach maximum productivity and customer satisfaction.
Dispatcher/Telecommunications Service Representative
Parker Corporate Services/Whatcom Security Bellingham, WA March 2005 – August 2007
Operated the graveyard dispatch center for Whatcom Security between Whatcom and Skagit Counties working between alarm companies, the Quality Control Supervisor and the guards to ensure safety. Maintained a log of hourly guard check-ins. Worked as an answering service operator taking/delivering messages, setting appointments, and dispatching on-call representatives for over 4,000 various companies between Whatcom and King counties including many local hospitals, doctors, psychiatrists, hospice, ambulance services, plumbers, roofers, and local tow truck companies.
Call Center Floor Supervisor
Charitable Aid, Inc Bellingham, WA June 2001 – April 2005
Supervised a busy call center of 16-72 representatives. Ensured top quality sales and boosted performance through daily monitoring and coaching. Continuously monitored statistic reports to seek out areas of improvement and implemented one-on-one training to support and encourage sales growth. Ran the UNIX dialer operating software to recycle, rebuild and load lists. Operated as temporary Site-Director and IT Specialist when the need for them to leave town arose. Other positions held include Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Assurance Representative, Trainer, HR Manager, and Telemarketing Sales Representative.
Education
High School Diploma Nooksack Valley High School Everson, WA
Business Law Shoreline Community College Shoreline, WA
Psychology Whatcom Community College Bellingham, WA
Tuesdays Interviews
I woke up and got my three-year old, Londyn, dressed to go to her dad’s house for the day.
Since my car is currently in the shop being repaired (and is likely going to cost around $3k I don’t have) we got packed up in my dads ’92 F-250 — which gets 14 mpg — and headed into town. I needed to drop her off at her dads, and then check in at WorkSource. I was supposed to participate in a Resume Writing Class, but I’m satisfied enough with my resume writing skills, that I didn’t need to attend.
I got home, did some further job searching, and then had my over the phone interview with Comcast — followed by a lengthy computer test.
After that I did some more job searching and putting in applications and then I began getting ready for the interview as a Dispatcher of a local trucking company.
Removed my two lip piercings, my septum ring, and my nostril rings. Applied make-up and added a little color eyeshadow and shading, but nothing over the top. Stuck with “slightly above minimal”. Purely because with my exotic look, too minimal looks like I’m trying to hide. It looked like a muted version of the eyeshadow in my picture here.
Pulled my hair into clips, pulling the purple tips away from my face – they could still be seen, but far less obviously. Then it was time to choose my shoes.
I have a new-founded heel addiction. This time last year, I probably owned two pairs of heels. Currently, I own at least 12. The trouble is — none of them are low heels. Most of them are purchased to be parts of specific looks. I even have the cutest pair of “zombie” heels. I love to wear them with a sensible outfit, because it just fits. Never mind the fact that I don’t watch scary movies.
Since I was interviewing at a gravel quarry, heels of any kind are not appropriate. Nor are tennis shoes. It makes me very glad that I had not yet tossed out my bag of unwanted clothes, because at the bottom of the bag were a pair of brown loafer like shoes.
Drove the 45 minute drive to the interview – which was a country block away from the High School I graduated from.
I walked into the office and waited for the interviewer to come get me, and we walked over to the room I’d be interviewed in.
I was introduced to the owner of the company, and he and the person who’d be my supervisor began the interview. The owner hadn’t had a chance to glance over my resume yet, and I had printed off a copy before I went to the interview – so I’d have one that was set up in the format I’d like. I wish I’d brought two, though. But I’ve never been interviewed by two people before.
I sat nervously through the first part of the interview, but the owner of the company was a man who was very easily read. Between him, and the other guys question I could see a growing level of respect for my answers. The nod in his head, the twinkle in his eye — and the leaning slightly forward in his chair.
Some of the questions were different than any I heard, and I answered the way that I answer any question. Truthfully, matter-of-fact-fully, and showing where my level of respect lies with management.
When asked how I would handle working where I might get dirty, rather than answer “I have no problem with it” I simply answered that I dug a pond in my yard by hand with a shovel. Nope. No problem getting dirty.
When asked if I could handle living in a “man’s world”. I wasn’t sure what he meant, so I asked. He clarified that sometimes – though the company doesn’t tolerate it – things can be said while on a job site or by the truckers that could be offensive. I answered by saying that most of my friends are guys – I tend to have hobbies that exist mainly in the male dominated world anyway. I have a good sense of humor and am great at letting stuff roll off my back, or laughing right along and keep walking.
I saw his admiration grow with that answer.
As we were going, I was getting direct feedback about my responses, which helped me feel much more comfortable. Nothing like being totally blind the whole way through the interview.
At the end he asked me a question I had no idea how to answer. “Is there a position in the company you wouldn’t want?”
I don’t exactly know the companies structure, how do I answer that?!
To be honest though – the position I was looking to fill was because the person in that seat was applying to move to a different outside position. I’m wondering if he was considering that position for me instead. I should find out by early next week if I make it to Round 2.
I feel that it was a very great interview. Even if I don’t get the position, I definitely learned a lot about myself.
