Resume do's and don'ts
www.techrepublic.com
Resume do’s and don'ts for IT consultants This list is courtesy of Richard S. Reed, president of Career Moves—a firm specializing in career transition coaching. He can be reached at
[email protected].
Do understand that the French word résumé means summary—so keep it brief. This means that your resume preferably should be one page, and at the most two pages, but nothing in between (not oneand-a-half pages, but one full page or two full pages).
Do realize that people are busy; they want to know, right now and in a brisk fashion, what you can do for them. Laying out your resume in a simple and attractive fashion, and presenting the relevant information in clear and concise language, gives you the edge over those candidates who force the reader to sift through several pages to find the same information.
Do recognize that your resume must be a marketing brochure to sell a fine product—you. Use the opportunity to blow your own horn. Start each statement with an active verb that indicates your actual role.
Do make clear what you want to do and what you're really good at doing. You need to manage the reader’s expectations right from the start.
Do understand that the sole purpose of your resume is to get you invited for an interview—or at least to get you an e-mail or screening phone call.
Do accept that a resume must be user-friendly to get read—so it must be attractive. In general, try to use a clear font such as Times New Roman or Arial (used here), in 12-point or larger. These fonts and sizes are preferred, but as you can see in the three examples that follow, others can be used as well, provided that your resume is readable. Be consistent in your use of boldface, underline, or italics to help lead the reader through the document.
Do list all of your contact information at the top of your resume, including telephone numbers where you can readily accept calls during work hours. You may want to get a pager with voice mail for instant notification of calls that you can return at a convenient time.
Do recognize that as a consultant, your resume should look different than that of an IT pro with a history of long-term employment. Emphasize your last four to six assignments, listing them as you would long-term positions. If you’ve done multiple jobs for one client, list each of them. This shows that they liked your work and wanted to use you for multiple jobs. List the most recent projects first and work back. Stop when you see your contracts using obsolete technology, or when they have no relevance to what you do now.
Do prepare different resumes for different targets. If you're starting out on the contract market trail, don't be afraid to add your recent long-term positions. Follow the same steps as listed above and make clear the reason you left, and in as positive a light as possible. Likewise, if you are trying to win an interview for a long-term position after a number of short assignments, emphasize those elements of your contract work that best fit the employer’s needs.
©2001 TechRepublic, Inc. www.techrepublic.com. All rights reserved.
Resume do's and don'ts
www.techrepublic.com
Do understand that organizations pay for doers and problem solvers. Cite numerical results—such as money saved, efficiencies improved, and staff retained—that demonstrate the direct progress or accomplishments of your work. Did you increase productivity or efficiency? Did you save money? Did you institute a new system or procedure? Did you identify a problem that had been overlooked? Did you suggest new programs for the company that were instituted?
Do revise. A resume must go through three to seven drafts before it begins to reflect clearly the multidimensional individual on a piece of paper. Be grammatically correct, use spell check, and have someone else proofread your resume carefully.
Don't put anything in your resume that could be challenged by recent bosses. Don’t use boring, say-nothing terms, such as “responsibilities included,” “responsible for,” or “managed.” Never use any form of "to be." Describe what you do or did, not who you are, and make every word count.
Don't label it "resume" or curriculum vitae. An employer will recognize it as such. Don’t ever insert "References on request.” You will provide your list of references later, when requested, on a separate sheet with their contact information.
Don't disclose salary information in the resume or cover letter. If your pay has been generally low, the potential employer may be influenced by that fact and make you a “lowball” offer. Let the employer make an offer; this empowers you to then counteroffer for a higher salary.
Don't use your recent or current employer’s stationery or postage meter. Don’t use dense paragraphs of text. Make the white spaces work for you with liberal use of indentation from both margins.
Don't ever consider your resume final—it's only the one you're using currently. For that reason, never make more than a week’s supply at a time. Your resume should be on one side of good quality bond paper, preferably a buff color that will stand out from all of the other papers on a desk.
©2001 TechRepublic, Inc. www.techrepublic.com. All rights reserved.
Sample resumes
www.techrepublic.com
David Parkinson BA (Hons), MCSE Address:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Home Telephone Number: xxxxxxxxxxx E-mail: xxxxxxxxxxx
Mobile: xxxxxxxxxxx
Skills Summary NT Server & Workstation Novell 3.12 to CNA Accreditation Citrix Winframe MS Exchange Server and Outlook MS Proxy Server LAN Technologies and Design LAN/WAN Integration TCP/IP Windows 3.x, 95, 98 Novell-NT Migration Deployment Tools (Outlook Deployment Kit, Server-based Deployments, Policies) Professional Exams & Training Microsoft Course M1579 Accelerated Updating and Supporting Skills & Designing Directory Services for Windows 2000
1998 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 in the Enterprise Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Networking Essentials Internetworking with Microsoft TCP/IP Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0
1995 Certified Novell Administrator Novell Netware 3.12
Higher Education 1990 - 1993 Canterbury Christ Church College Bachelor of Arts (honours) in Business Studies & Information Technology Class: II(i)
Sample resumes
www.techrepublic.com
Most Significant Contracted Work October 1999 – date Through xxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd. a growing number of clients have contracted services to help them achieve their business goals through their investments in IT. A client list is available on request.
July 1999 – date
www.TechRepublic.com
Hired as a freelance writer to this technical resource Web site, writing individual technical features, the regular Mission Possible column, and Windows 9x TechMails service.
Jan. 18th – Sept. 28 th
xxxxxxxxxxx Ltd
Hired to help resolve outstanding problems with existing Citrix Winframe farm\NT\NT Cluster installation, led rollout team to install Winframe client into further site, test, and deploy applications. Liaised with system vendor, users, and other project teams.
Oct. 5 th – Jan. 1st, 1999
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd
Team Leader role within an NT Workstation rollout to 2,000+ stations. During nighttime shifts, provided the point of technical reference and decision making for a team of c.6 engineers. Ensured the successful rollout of 30-40+ users per night from a standard build with additional packaged software and user profiles set up from previous audit information. During daytime work, validated audit information to ensure successful nighttime rollout. Also had a leading hand in improving communication around the rollout team and providing written procedures for validation and rollout database accuracy.
Feb. 23rd – Aug. 14th, 1998
xxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd
Led Implementation Project to roll out Microsoft Exchange, Proxy, and Internet Explorer to 250+ users. NT Support and Installation work both at base and on client sites. Other work included Zetafax LAN installations, Exchange Server dial-up troubleshoots, Server ISDN card and T/A installation, Compaq Proliant hardware builds & configuration, Sales Team servicing, Citrix Winframe troubleshoots, and site surveys. Specific NT areas worked with: RAS, WINS, DHCP, Backup Exec, Trusts, Netware Co-existence, Policies, TCP/IP, Exchange. Also took part in rollout of Managewise modules in complex Netware 4.11 Token Ring environment.
Permanent November 1996 – February 1998
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd
Hired to lead the Networking & Comms team for this software house through fast company growth. My “hands-on” responsibilities required frequent on-site visits to install both server and comms hardware and complex application software suites (Integrated Manufacturing, Distribution & Accounts) on NT and Novell networks. Some work on UNIX systems (OpenServer 5.0) was also taken on. Presales consultancies, Network troubleshooting, and advisory visits also took me around the country.
February – November 1996 September 1994 – February 1996
IT Manager, xxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd IT Assistant, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Interests xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sample resumes
www.techrepublic.com
Donald H. Badger xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Phone: Pager:
(xxx)xxx-xxxx (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Business Experience: Oct. 1998 – Present MIS/HR Manager
Amity, Inc – Tucson, AZ, Espanola, NM Systems support for members of treatment teams developing comprehensive assessments, evaluations, and treatment plans for substance abusing clients. Development, maintenance, and support of client management, outcome monitoring, claims, and financial systems. Provide system coordination and data integration between service provider(s) and New Mexico Behavioral Services Division.
May 1997 – May 1998 Contract Consulting
Kismet Datafusion/Evergreen Air Center, Inc – Marana, AZ Provided strategic assessments of systems implementation; performed Y2K customization, software updates, conversion services, and end-user training in existing business applications.
Dec. 1996 – May 1997 Director, Technical Operations
HealthPartners Health Plans – Tucson, AZ Responsible for technical operations of membership services, actuarial data, medical billing, and capitation systems in a large-scale HP3000 environment. Managed staff of six to eight for a statewide managed health care insurance company.
May 1994 – Oct. 1996 Contract Consulting
Kismet Datafusion/Kaiser Aluminum – Sherman, TX, Los Angeles, CA Provided Project Management, Systems Analysis, Programming, and Software Implementation Services for a multiplant aluminum extrusion manufacturer in an AS/400 environment meeting the specialized requirements of this company.
Jan. 1994 – May 1994 MIS Manager
Matrix Aeronautica – Tijuana, B.C., Mexico Responsible for creating an information systems department in an international joint-venture start-up company. Duties included planning, selection, and acquisition of hardware and software; organizing, hiring, and managing staff; and developing policies and procedures. Directed staff of four, coordinating design, development, and implementation of integrated business applications for the heavy aircraft maintenance industry in a SCO-XENIX/Dataflex environment.
Feb.1993 – Jan. 1994 MIS Manager
PAMCORP (Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Corp.) – Portland, OR Responsible for creating an information systems department for a start-up company. Duties included planning, selection, and acquisition of hardware and software; organizing, hiring, and managing staff; and developing policies and procedures. Customized and implemented JOBSCOPE business applications in an IBM AS/400 environment. Installed and maintained a medium-sized, multi-platform 10-base-T & Token-Ring Novell network.
Jan. 1991 – Feb. 1993 MIS Manager
Lockheed Commercial Aircraft, Inc. – San Bernardino, CA Responsible for creating an information systems department for a start-up company. Duties included planning, selection, and acquisition of hardware and software; organizing, hiring, and managing staff; and developing policies and procedures. Customized and implemented JOBSCOPE integrated business applications and J.D. Edwards Human Resources and Payroll systems in an IBM AS/400 environment. Directed staff of six for a $60MM commercial aircraft maintenance company.
Feb. 1988 – Jan. 1991 Director, MIS
Evergreen International Aviation – Marana, AZ, McMinnville, OR Responsible for planning and direction of information systems, development, maintenance, telecommunications, and operations staff. Directed two hardware migrations from HP3000 "Classic" to HP-PA RISC processors. Provided hardware and software training and direction for system operators, programmers, analysts, data entry personnel, and end-user management. Directed staff of four managers for a $400MM global aviation services company.
Sample resumes
www.techrepublic.com
Sept. 1985 – Feb. 1988 MIS Manager
Evergreen Air Center, Inc. – Marana, AZ Installed and configured an HP3000 and network communications. Installed, tested, implemented, and integrated all hardware and software. Responsible for development and maintenance of General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Production, and Inventory Control applications. Installed and implemented JOBSCOPE integrated business software.
Aug. 1977 – Jun. 1985 Programmer III
Hewlett-Packard Co. (Personal Office Computers) – Sunnyvale, CA Duties included design, coding, testing, debugging, documenting, and maintaining systems including manufacturing engineering failure analysis; engineering change order generation and tracking, BOM effectivity, procurement, and subcontracting systems.
Technical Summary: Hardware
IBM AS/400; HP3000 MPE, MPE/XL, MPE/ix; HP9000 HP-UX; Intermec and Burr Brown Transaction Processors, MS-DOS, Windows 95/98/NT Servers and Workstations; Apple Macintosh PCs; TCP/IP, Ethernet and Token-Ring Networks.
Software
COBOL II (HP & IBM), RPG/400, CL/400, Fortran, BASIC, OS/400 RDBMS, Turbo-Image DBMS, V-Plus, Adager, OMNIDEX, QUERY/ASK/AQ, IFS, DSG, QEDIT, TDP, QUAD, SEU, SDA, RLU, SQL, SequeLink, Novell Netware, UNIX (XENIX) NFS, Several 4th GLs; and a wide range of Windows and Macintosh applications including those from Adobe, Aldus, Claris, Lotus, and Microsoft.
Applications
Financial Systems (General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets); Material Systems (Inventory Control, Purchasing, MRP, Bills of Material, Shipping and Receiving); Engineering/Estimating Systems; Order Entry; Production Scheduling, Work Order, Labor Collection Systems; Bar-Coded Shop Floor Applications (Labor, WIP Tracking, Fixed Assets); Quality Assurance (Lot and Component Traceability, Material Certifications).
Education
Computer Science Curriculum, California State University - San Jose San Jose, CA, July 1984
Other Education
Systems Management MPE V & MPE/XL Application Programming MPE V & MPE/XL Managing Data Centers Mid Level Management (Managing People) Bar Code Techniques and Applications
Papers & Publications Downloading Data into Spreadsheet Applications Data Base Management with Application Software Implementing Turbo Image Transaction Logging How to Reduce Wiring Headaches Professional Organizations Apple Programmers & Developers Association Data Processing Management Association Board of Directors, JOBSCOPE Users Group Chairman, JOBSCOPE Information Committee Awards Evergreen Air Center, Employee of the Year—1988 Evergreen Air Center, Employee of the Month—January 1988 Evergreen International Aviation, Employee of Excellence
Sample resumes
www.techrepublic.com
GARNETTE LILLY-PRICE OBJECTIVE A Microsoft Certified Professional with 4+ years experience in Access/VBA database design and programming. Seeking contract opportunities for database development. Willing to travel for on-site portions of projects (analysis, installation, etc.). EXPERIENCE (Recent project list attached)
1996–Present Independent Consultant Charleston, WV Microsoft Access Database Developer and Trainer Analyze, design, and develop Access databases (all versions), programming in VBA/SQL. Work with customer to build turn-key systems customized to specific business needs. Migrate data from older systems to integrate with MS Office applications. Provide training in all MS Office software, including MS Project. Provide support and maintenance on Access databases. 1995–1996 University of Charleston Charleston, WV Director, Computer Learning Center Developed and operated software training program for marketing to business. Directed installation of an 18-seat computer training laboratory. Taught an academic course, “CIS 101,” for the university’s IS program. 1982–1995 Marshall University Graduate College South Charleston, WV Director, Division of Continuing Education, 1991–1995 Managed Division staff of four people and 15 part-time seminar instructors. Supervised installation of and operated two state-of-the-art computer training labs. Directed a computer training program with a wide range of seminars (35 topics). Monitored a $250,000 annual budget. Implemented a Continuing Education Units (CEUs) program for the Division. Directed planning and installation of the Division LAN. Designed and taught computer seminars. Created database management systems as needed for Division operations.
Program Manager, Bureau for Engineering & Science Training, 1990-1991 Managed a computer training program for the School of Engineering and Science. Developed and taught seminars, recruited instructors, managed course schedule, handled promotions, purchased software, wrote training manuals. Managed 13-seat computer teaching lab, including hardware and software purchases. Monitored a $200,000/year budget, generated by seminar enrollment fees. Adjunct Professor, College of Information Technology & Engineering, 10/82-Present Teach seminars on effective oral presentations, listening and writing skills in a graduate-level academic Technical Seminars course. Coordinator, Media/Community Relations, 10/82-9/90 Wrote news and features for external media and college publications. Provided information to college personnel and external news agencies. Assisted in a variety of community service and public relations activities. EDUCATION 1994 Marshall University Graduate College Masters in Information Systems
South Charleston, WV
Sample resumes
www.techrepublic.com
RECENT PROJECTS 2000 Contacts Management System For an economic development organization, developing a system for managing client contacts and resource agencies for those clients. 2000 Employee Training Tracking System Provided consulting services to an IS company building a tracking system for employee training activities at a chemical manufacturing plant. 2000 Parts Processing System Provided consulting services to an IS company building a tracking system for processing parts repairs for an industrial plant. 1999 Learning Standards Tracking System For a federal regional education research organization, developed a two-state system for tracking teacher progress toward meeting state-specified learning standards. 1999 Expense Tracking System For a federal contract assistance agency for West Virginia small businesses, developed an expense tracking system for contract counselors reimbursed by the Defense Logistics Agency. 1999 Licensing System For a state licensing agency for engineers, developed a system to track licenses, education, and business information. Files converted. 1998 Data Conversion System For a firm providing Medicaid and Medicare claims certification for the State of West Virginia: • A system module to convert Medicaid case claims data (COBOL flat file to Access relational), export it to a DOS-based diagnosis validation application for processing, and convert processed records back to Access file format for storage. • A system module to enter and store Medicaid case review information. • A modular letter generator for use with Access databases, designed specifically to generate claims denial letters to patients, hospitals, and health agencies. 1998 Registration System For an area hospital, developed a registration system tracking continuing education courses and credits taken by hospital personnel. 1997 EAP Tracking System For a counseling firm providing Employee Assistance Programs for several local companies, developed a statistical program tracking counseling sessions provided for employees and dependants. 1996 Patient Records System For an area hospital, developed a patient treatment tracking plan for a psychiatric treatment unit serving Medicare recipients with outpatient psychiatric services.
Visit me on the Web at http://SysDesign.tripod.com
(XXX)XXX-XXX
