How do you Explain......On a Resume. (Full Version)

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MasterJohnSteed -> How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 5:58:10 PM)

I've been rewriting my resume today,

I added in a summer job, Made some Awards I received seem slightly more important than they were. Added the two times that I was on the Dean's List in College, and So on

However I have a couple of issues,

One of the companies I worked for sold out their operations to a company based out of Saudi Arabia, but doing business in the Philippines.

Another Company, The owners that I worked for sold their business because of tax problems and one of them has died and the other has disappeared (Tax issues)

Still another, that I don't list on my Resume because the job experience is not relevant to my career path, Was a security firm that was on duty the day of 9/11 and their employees let the terrorists on the planes! That company changed their name and started doing business as a totally different company!

How do you suggest I handle these issues when I am in an interview and am asked to contact that employer?



lazarus1983 -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 6:00:32 PM)

Explain truthfully. None of these situations reflect on you, just the owners.



DesFIP -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 6:03:49 PM)

The one that was sold should still have records saying you used to work there. The other was a small company no longer in business. Just be honest about what happened to them.



DarkSteven -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 6:12:47 PM)

Generally, you don't need to list employment going back more than ten years.  Summer jobs and college awards I'd recommend omitting as well.



Jennislut -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 9:07:20 PM)

what lazarus said - honesty is generally the best policy when interviewing



CarnalNightmare -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 9:49:23 PM)

When a big company goes under, not too many recruiters are going think it's at all relevant to you, unless you were very senior management. 

Just say the companies went under and that's why you left.  Don't give details/explanations unless they ask. 





lazarus1983 -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 9:53:26 PM)

There you go.

Now let's say you choose not to include one of these companies. A prospective job finds out anyway. Now you look really bad because you chose to omit it.



Termyn8or -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 10:49:45 PM)

First of all, one resume' is not enough. They should be targeted, like marketing because that is what you are actually doing - marketing yourself. Your career path is important. It depends very much exactly what kind of position for which you apply.

Words are extremely important, as is their demeanor. You must extoll your virtues, and accentuate the positive while deccentuating the negative.

Now working for a company that screwed up, while it might not be the most positive thing, it adds body to your work history which should be as contiguous as possible. If it is seen as negative, YOU turn it around by stating that you followed the rules, unless you personally screwed up. Even if you did, that company is unlikely to say anything about it. It depends on how long ago it was.

The company that had the tax problems, well anyone with a half a brain should know that corporate taxes were not your responsibility (or were they ? that's why I mentioned detail).

The company that sold out, that is also not your fault.

The resume and the interview are symbiotic in a way, they have to be understood separately. The resume is the card, the foot in the door. That is all it needs to accompish. When you walk in there the aire of confidence should exude from somewhere, but for a few exceptions lol.

Once there, discuss it all, what if they know the industry and ask you things about a company that met with demise or moved out ?

"It was not my place to make policy or major decisions, how they handle the taxman, or where they want plants, that's their business. I did what I was told. _________

At that point do not add "to the best of my ability". DO NOT. At that point consider instead : "and this probably isn't the best time to discuss what I think went wrong". Something like that.

Now, also remember that you are above average height. No shit. If your interviewer is much shorter than you, you must be as calm as possible and still exude the aire of confidence.

That is the fluff, of course you must be qualified and all that. I mean even if you're a rocket scientist you wouldn't go for a job as a brain surgeon. So there is some related experience at least. All jobs that you've ever had and not got canned from can be an asset. If you play it right. Any gaps you can't fill you got odd jobs or something. " I didn't starve to death did I ? "

If you've managed to have at least a few years on the last job and a few years on the last, a few is three. Two jobs would be six with a possible gap in between. Now that is long enough ago to say you don't remember the exact month and day. In fact why would you ?

The more important thing for you to project is that you care about YOUR future. In other words you interview the company while they interview you. Contrary to popular belief, they respect that. Ask, don't just tell. They'll have their things, but worked in somewhere, curiousity can resurrect the cat, in a.....stupid way. If ya know whadd I mean.

I hope you never sent that letter of your's. You know the one. It's OK to rant here a bit, but to really send it is not a good idea. In one simple statement :

There is nothing to be gained.

Really. You go out in the world in busines, the idea is to make money. I don't leave home without it. I don't mean money, I mean making it. Otherwise I go where I please. When I sell my time, I sell my time, and something has to be pretty fucked up before I make a stink. That's the way it was before I got there, and it'll probably be that way when I'm gone. Can I adapt to this or not ?

If not, "NEXT".

Get your mind synchonized, what are you selling ? Put it on the resume. Make it get you a date. At the interview, consider it a sales opportunity. Just don't forget that you are the one selling.

T^T



Jennislut -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/7/2011 11:34:46 PM)

quote:

At that point do not add "to the best of my ability". DO NOT. At that point consider instead : "and this probably isn't the best time to discuss what I think went wrong". Something like that.
I think that's really good advice - i have filed it away for when i am seriously job hunting



MasterJohnSteed -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 8:31:52 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DarkSteven

Generally, you don't need to list employment going back more than ten years.  Summer jobs and college awards I'd recommend omitting as well.

I have to give you that However, the one summer job I listed goes like this

Silver City Comics Columbia, SC – Computer installer/instructor (Summer 98)
Responsibilities: Owners bought computer to manage inventory and accounting, but was unable to set up and use. Set up computer hardware. Installed MS Office taught windows operations and software operation to owners and cataloged and inventoried store assets.
They were friends of mine that owned a comic book shop, they paid me $500 flat for the summer to take it out of the box, set it up, put their inventory on it, and make it run for them. They sold the company moved to Oklahoma, and she died and he is god knows where




MasterJohnSteed -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 8:37:08 AM)

     I've tried to only include jobs that were computer related. My last job, then I have a gap because my job before my last was as a security guard, because I was trying to take care of suicidal ex wife.
Then I worked for a data processing company that layed me off because they were using me and about 12 others as door stops to keep the operations going so they could move their tech support department from Ohio to SC. Then I worked for a company that sold its operations to a tech support firm in India.

While I have marketable skills, the people I have worked for have not been very marketable at all!



pahunkboy -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 10:57:26 AM)

..this updating of your resume is a good thing.

:-)



stellauk -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 11:15:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MasterJohnSteed

While I have marketable skills, the people I have worked for have not been very marketable at all!



Okay, so now that you have marketable skills how about working on developing a much more marketable attitude?

If you came to me with that sort of attitude you'd get maybe 15 minutes of my time and a cup of coffee. That's all.

Thing is, it doesn't matter. All what matters right now is you, that you were occupied and you did what you could. The past is yesterday. It doesn't matter. You're alive, you are breathing, your heart is beating okay, you can function, you have somewhere to live, you can eat - these are the important things.

Have you ever thought about all the people out there who also have marketable skills but for one reason or another cannot find work or don't even get called for an interview?

I mean what it is you really want here? Compensation? A medal? A round of applause?

Life is unfair. So too is the employment market. Deal with it.

Nobody is going to be going through your CV with a fine tooth comb. It's not like it's a visa application or anything. It's at the interview when you get a really good chance to make an impression.

Okay, so this bit is unsolicited and to be taken as a FWIW. Further tips for interviews (based on knowledge of working in the performing arts).

1. Personal integrity - Be honest, but don't lie, don't explain. State. The interviewers are getting paid to be there, you're not. Make them work.

2. Minimalism. Part of making them work again. If something doesn't clearly work to your advantage don't say it. It's an interview, not a court appearance. You're not under oath.

3. Communication - listen carefully, intently, think before you respond. If you're not sure of a question ask for it to be repeated or echo it back. A lot of people don't communicate effectively. While you're speaking they're focussing on their own thoughts and thinking up what next they're going to say. Many dialogues are actually two monologues running alongside each other.

4. Interaction. Smile, maintain eye contact, don't fidget. Try to mirror the body language of your interviewer.

5. Voice. Interviews make most people nervous. Pay attention to your voice. Drink something shortly before the interview so that your mouth doesn't dry up and affect the quality of your voice.

6. Projection. Interviews are not just about what is on a CV or what is said, they are also about 'vibes' and what is projected. Focus on the opportunity of meeting new people and getting to know the company rather than worrying about the decision (you can do that before and after the interview). Believe in yourself. Giving the impression that you are at ease with yourself and the situation and giving off positive vibes can often give you the edge when they have to choose between two or more people.

I hope it goes well for you. But that attitude really does have to go.




pahunkboy -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 1:04:46 PM)

His attitude has improved.   Maybe he is not there yet-- but I note some improvement. 



stellauk -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 2:10:20 PM)

Yes, okay, maybe I was influenced by other factors. I know how hard it is to look for work and how stressful it is to put a CV together, and how soul-destroying it must be. I also agree with him a lot in principle. I've just been reading a story here about a committee of MPs who are holding an enquiry and investigating why airport bosses allowed Heathrow Airport to close in London last December and the general conclusion is 'we didn't anticipate that much snow would fall'.

Of course the pertinent issue of a lack of preparation and investment isn't being discussed and the conclusion is likely to be 'too much snow fell and we couldn't do anything to anticipate it'.

Okay, so who wants to call their boss and try for a day off because 'too much rain' is falling?

It's a different reality. It really is. Not to mention a completely different perspective. This is the OP's livelihood, but to most companies it's just a few figures on a balance sheet.

I just feel that there is no fairness when it comes to the corporate world. There's just profitable and unprofitable.



maybemaybenot -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 3:29:53 PM)

FR:

You have gotten good sound advice here. If, however, you are still torn about what to include or how to phrase it: There are people and websites that will write your resume for you.

OR:

You can Google "How to write a computer installer < or whatever title you carry > resume "
OR: Tips for writing a computer installer resume
OR: " Sample computer installer resumes " and create from there

I'm currently on the job market and I haven't had to write a resume or interview for a job in 25 years. < Got most of my jobs by being recruited > Things have changed and there are some key things to include, especially if you are applying online. I also Googled Nursing job interviews and found tons of sample questions, appropriate responses, much of what Stella said, and general protocols for interviewing. I'm sure the same thing exists for your career. I had my first interview last week and was very thankful I had a good handle on the types of questions they would ask. I also wrote many of the questions down and practiced answering them, in the mirror, for a few days before I went. Most question I practiced were asked. They also asked others, but I was well prepared for most of them. It's a job I really really want.. and I think < crosses fingers > I aced the interview.[:)] We will see.

One thing to add to Stella's post # 13 : when the interviewer is addressing you, lean slightly forward. This indicates you are interested in what they are saying.

Best of Luck to you.

mbmbn



Termyn8or -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 7:02:03 PM)

FR

Actually with the information I could write him one in a half hour most likely. This is the "sales" pitch, literally the foot in the door. What you do with that foot is as, if not more important. Being a personalised sales pitch basically they appreciate it if it is concise. One page. Concise ? Fourteen point bold, formatted to fit the specifics, with only the name and contact info in maybe 16 point.

For John here, well maybe I have more balls than brains but I would take a small picture and print is on the resume (in the upper corner) , with a caption under it. People do that all the time on business cards. In this case I think I would make the caption read "I'm not as mean as I look". I am not trying to knock anyone, but it would fit OK, and if you get a chuckle, you have taken a mile in one step.

Stella, I understand what you wrote but I think being in a different area you might not understand the attitude here. The letter was a bad idea no matter what (if you saw it), but this attitude of which you speak is very common here. There is more of a competitive spirit here between management and labor, and it's been going on for a long time. I think it's more expected here, while over there with a different attitude in general, something different is expected. When in Rome...........

T^T



pahunkboy -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 7:46:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stellauk

Yes, okay, maybe I was influenced by other factors. I know how hard it is to look for work and how stressful it is to put a CV together, and how soul-destroying it must be. I also agree with him a lot in principle. I've just been reading a story here about a committee of MPs who are holding an enquiry and investigating why airport bosses allowed Heathrow Airport to close in London last December and the general conclusion is 'we didn't anticipate that much snow would fall'.

Of course the pertinent issue of a lack of preparation and investment isn't being discussed and the conclusion is likely to be 'too much snow fell and we couldn't do anything to anticipate it'.

Okay, so who wants to call their boss and try for a day off because 'too much rain' is falling?

It's a different reality. It really is. Not to mention a completely different perspective. This is the OP's livelihood, but to most companies it's just a few figures on a balance sheet.

I just feel that there is no fairness when it comes to the corporate world. There's just profitable and unprofitable.


I re-read your post.  (13)  I think it is excellent.    Good advice. 



DarkSteven -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 8:47:59 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: MasterJohnSteed

quote:

ORIGINAL: DarkSteven

Generally, you don't need to list employment going back more than ten years.  Summer jobs and college awards I'd recommend omitting as well.

I have to give you that However, the one summer job I listed goes like this

Silver City Comics Columbia, SC – Computer installer/instructor (Summer 98)
Responsibilities: Owners bought computer to manage inventory and accounting, but was unable to set up and use. Set up computer hardware. Installed MS Office taught windows operations and software operation to owners and cataloged and inventoried store assets.
They were friends of mine that owned a comic book shop, they paid me $500 flat for the summer to take it out of the box, set it up, put their inventory on it, and make it run for them. They sold the company moved to Oklahoma, and she died and he is god knows where



1. Forget about them contacting references.  It's 12 years ago.
2. Your writing included extraneous stuff.  I'd write it like:

Set up computer system.  Assembled computer, installed office software and inventory/accounting software, and trained others in use.  With new system, store was able to save XX hours per week.

Note that this also speaks not only to what you did, but the EFFECT it had.  Managers love to see applicants that understand the effects they have on a business.



Termyn8or -> RE: How do you Explain......On a Resume. (3/8/2011 11:06:47 PM)

"With new system, store was able to save XX hours per week."

Damn good. But I would add that it is not really necessary to include exactly how much money. And money is the other issue really, why else work ? If he made a half a grand in five hours they might think him expensive, if it he took a month to do it, he is open to exploitation.

What not to say is as important as what to say.

T^T



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