Resume

[rainbow2bryte]

if you wouldn't mind, please share your thoughts on this resume.
this is pretty much the first draft.
wondering if i should leave it alone, or keep tweaking.
thanks!

[LAV]

responsible is spelled wrong (missing an 'n')

I get hundreds of resumes sent to me each year, Ive always wondered why in an industry that revolves around being different and standing out from the competition that I constantly receive resumes that look like they are made from a Word template.

Why do you think an employer will call you after receiving this resume? What is going to make them call you before the other 100's of applicants?

[CkretAjint]

Personal preference: I ABSOLUTELY HATE people that center everything on their resume. I always look right over them when flipping through resumes...

Also instead of typing "Adobe Indesign®," type it as "Adobe Indesign,®" and kern the ® in to the left over the comma. It looks alot nicer.

Keep all your Microsoft programs together. You have Word, PowerPoint and Publisher up top, and then Excel WAYYyyy at the end by itself. Same with your Adobe Programs, and then you have "Adobe GoLive" at the end...

Don't use a comma (,) before your ands (&). It is gramatically incorrect and looks WAY odd when speed reading.

Make sure you label programs correctly. "Adobe Indesign" "Adobe Illustrator" "Adobe Photoshop"

[viince]

What does that part say that's not in english on the second line? And why isn't it in english like everything else? Or is that dummy text for your contact info? cuz i was wondering where that was..

I think a color other than red would be nice. That's probably personal perference also. And I'd put work experience before software. Maybe also give software another line so it isn't so wide. Aside from that, it looks clean and standard.

[tZ]

Having your copy centered just makes it more difficult to read.

Formal invitations- maybe- resume- not recommended.

[urstwile]

What does that part say that's not in english on the second line? And why isn't it in english like everything else? Or is that dummy text for your contact info? cuz i was wondering where that was..

The original poster is probably keeping the contact info private in terms of this forum, thus the dummy text.

[rainbow2bryte]

thanks a lot for your feedback thus far.

I was going to list some of my concerns, but thought i'd just wait and see what people had to say.

yeah, I'm worried about the centered text also. I thought MAYBE it could work, but ehhhh.

(placeholder text for my address)

i think i'm just going to trash the registered trademark symbols.

thanks for the spelling and gramma corrections.

I was torn when writing out the software. I'm REALLY proficient in the first half of the list and just 'knowledgable' of the second half. ?????

I'm afraid to go to 'over-board' design-wise for a couple reasons.
don't want to look like i'm trying too hard, and who's to say it's not going to be some HR chick w/ no 'creative' appreciation anyway?

I just want to look clean (that's my style) and be functional.

Also want it to be versatile, email, mail, PDF, fax, blah, blah....

thanks again!

[rainbow2bryte]

Personal preference: I ABSOLUTELY HATE people that center everything on their resume. I always look right over them when flipping through resumes...

Also instead of typing "Adobe Indesign®," type it as "Adobe Indesign,®" and kern the ® in to the left over the comma. It looks alot nicer.

Keep all your Microsoft programs together. You have Word, PowerPoint and Publisher up top, and then Excel WAYYyyy at the end by itself. Same with your Adobe Programs, and then you have "Adobe GoLive" at the end...

Don't use a comma (,) before your ands (&). It is gramatically incorrect and looks WAY odd when speed reading.

Make sure you label programs correctly. "Adobe Indesign" "Adobe Illustrator" "Adobe Photoshop"

WOW! you 'HATE' people that center text! yipes! ;)

[CkretAjint]

WOW! you 'HATE' people that center text! yipes! ;)

Yes I do, cause EVERYONE does it and it is really hard on a persons eyes. Sure it jumps out at you but beyond that you can't read it without straining your eyes.

I would list the programs you are good at. Most employers assume that everyone knows Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Publisher. And if you don't there is sight a miniml learning curve with it that any person could learn it within an hour....

[morea]

oh stop. Save your hate for something worthwhile.

R2B - look over the resume tips posted in our frequently discussed topics thread: http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7892

There is some excellent information there.

[rainbow2bryte]

thanks morea.
think i've already read thru all those at least twice! :)

alright, i'll also scrap the Microsoft apps....

theres a lot of apps i've gotten my feet wet in, but i'm by no means proficient in. however, i'm a quick learner. should i scrap them?

[Jackimalyn]

thanks for the spelling and gramma corrections.


**Grammer... lol

You're right, if you are applying to a larger company as an in-house designer or prepress or something, some random HR lady will be looking at them and then I think being too artsy can have a huge negetive effect. However, if you know you will be submitting to an art director, or you are applying to a small agency, I would have an artsy design you cans end in that case.


Most employers assume that everyone knows Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Publisher.


I gotta disagree. People are pretty dumb. To be on the safe side I'd keep it on your resume. However, I just wrote out "Microsoft Office Programs" on my resume, and that sums it up.

[PrintDriver]

To utilize current skills and experiences in graphic design and prepress, as well as improve upon them, in a challenging fast-paced environment.

Think about this a minute. Of course everyone's objective is to use the skills they have. And why would I want to pay you to 'improve' your skills in MY fast-paced environment.

This is a standard resume objective and always makes me chuck the resume aside. Instead of using this come up with a phrase that will SELL your current skills. What you can do for me. Or don't use one at all. You obviously have skills. And everyone's print environment is different. I think you can do better.

[rainbow2bryte]

Think about this a minute. Of course everyone's objective is to use the skills they have. And why would I want to pay you to 'improve' your skills in MY fast-paced environment.

This is a standard resume objective and always makes me chuck the resume aside. Instead of using this come up with a phrase that will SELL your current skills. What you can do for me. Or don't use one at all. You obviously have skills. And everyone's print environment is different. I think you can do better.

yeah, the 'objective' was totally generic.
i guess i was going for, 'hey, i'm not a freakin' know-it-all and there;s ALWAYS room for improvement and learning new things.' wonder how i could better convey that i LOVE to learn to the point where it's just about OCD!
thanks PD!

[rainbow2bryte]

**Grammer... lol

You're right, if you are applying to a larger company as an in-house designer or prepress or something, some random HR lady will be looking at them and then I think being too artsy can have a huge negetive effect. However, if you know you will be submitting to an art director, or you are applying to a small agency, I would have an artsy design you cans end in that case.



I gotta disagree. People are pretty dumb. To be on the safe side I'd keep it on your resume. However, I just wrote out "Microsoft Office Programs" on my resume, and that sums it up.

thanks jacki, mind if i use that? 'Micro. office programs'? that sounds good to me

[BJMRGTIVR6]

i too think i went with the "Microsoft Office Suite" on my resume. I listed the Adobe Apps since I am not as proficient in more of teh video/3-d Apps.

On my resume, I placed objective, then Work, Education and finally Software, this way a quick glance over the work and maybe the education and finally onto the Apps I know as a lasting impression.....this is by no means the best awy but the way i did it.....thanks to university for not helping with Resume/Cover Letters/etc. and in stead needing to learn about Women's Studies or a few other classes that I felt I could have scrapped to learn about getting a job and the financial world of Stocks and mutual funds so i can save for later.

[Navian]

I have always been told to leave that "References and Portfolio upon request" off of your resume. Why? Because you should have that with you, and if and when they ask for it you have it.. Let them ask for it (I'm sure they will).

Who are those who have told me that? professionals in College Career Placement Departments (x4), State Employment Offices, Employment agencies, and several interviewers.

I also agree the comment of the "center alignment".

[rainbow2bryte]

I have always been told to leave that "References and Portfolio upon request" off of your resume. Why? Because you should have that with you, and if and when they ask for it you have it.. Let them ask for it (I'm sure they will).

Who are those who have told me that? professionals in College Career Placement Departments (x4), State Employment Offices, Employment agencies, and several interviewers.

I also agree the comment of the "center alignment".

does that stand as well for references???
i thought it would be valid for just sending resume out on the 'net and such...
maybe it's just a 'given' that doesn't need to be said.

*I'm redoing the WHOLE thing once i get home tonight.
I'll repost the next version -

thanks again everyone

[Jackimalyn]

thanks jacki, mind if i use that? 'Micro. office programs'? that sounds good to me

I GUESS. jeeze.

[Navian]

does that stand as well for references???
i thought it would be valid for just sending resume out on the 'net and such...
maybe it's just a 'given' that doesn't need to be said.

*I'm redoing the WHOLE thing once i get home tonight.
I'll repost the next version -

thanks again everyone

Leave your references off. create a 2nd page (looking like the resume) with your references (addressess, phone numbers etc..) BUT do not send them together.

Your Resume is a brief discription of your skills, experience ect.. BUT your Coverletter is you sales pitch, and probably just as important as your resume (over a references page).

[rainbow2bryte]

Leave your references off. create a 2nd page (looking like the resume) with your references (addressess, phone numbers etc..) BUT do not send them together.

Your Resume is a brief discription of your skills, experience ect.. BUT your Coverletter is you sales pitch, and probably just as important as your resume (over a references page).

so you suggest just waiting to see if they ask for references and at that point give 'em up?

[Navian]

so you suggest just waiting to see if they ask for references and at that point give 'em up?

Yes. Being patient shows respect. It shows you are prepared, yet your are not being pushy by shoving everything about you in the interviewers face.

However during the interview, if it feels like the interview is probably not doing so well towards the end of it, but the interviewer has yet to ask you for your portolio. Sometimes a portfolio alone (if your portfolio is good enough) is/maybe good enough to bring the interview back. You could politely ask the interviewer(s), if they would want to see it.

As far as references go, ONLY present it to them, if they ask you for them. Do have a copy on hand, because having them on a seperate sheet (hidden) and with you; shows you are prepared/ready to do the job, yet you are organized.

[rainbow2bryte]

rawk!

thanks again guys! i've gotten a multitude of feedback from here as
well as 'outside' and i'm going to completely overhaul this puppy....

geees! what was i thinking w/ that last draft? :rolleyes:

[BJMRGTIVR6]

well, better to find out now than after a few interviews.
and most of these things are not taught at schools

[Derfie]

Think about this a minute. Of course everyone's objective is to use the skills they have. And why would I want to pay you to 'improve' your skills in MY fast-paced environment.

This is a standard resume objective and always makes me chuck the resume aside. Instead of using this come up with a phrase that will SELL your current skills. What you can do for me. Or don't use one at all. You obviously have skills. And everyone's print environment is different. I think you can do better.

Just out of curiosity, do you think it's necessary to put an objective on your resume. I don't think I have one on mine anymore, I remember putting it on my first, out of college resume, but I think I stopped using it. I figured the cover letter is for Selling my current skills, I always think the objective tends to be too much "Fluff" copy, and can detract from the resume. That's just my opinion- anyway else have thoughts on the objective?

[Two-Toe Tom]

for me, an objective is more for a generic resume that you're posting somewhere for potential employers to look at, telling them what kind of position you're looking for. if you're applying to a specific position, i don't think an objective is necessary, esp. if u already have a covering letter.

[drawingguy]

Just out of curiosity, do you think it's necessary to put an objective on your resume. I don't think I have one on mine anymore, I remember putting it on my first, out of college resume, but I think I stopped using it. I figured the cover letter is for Selling my current skills, I always think the objective tends to be too much "Fluff" copy, and can detract from the resume. That's just my opinion- anyway else have thoughts on the objective?

I don't have one. I guess different situations call for different things. I just never found a use for one. In the art and design world I never understood much use for anything outside of portfolios, experience and skills.

[BJMRGTIVR6]

An objective always seemed odd...of course my objective was to get a job using my skills and help further my knowledge blah blah blah.

[CkretAjint]

my objective was to get a job using my skills and help further my knowledge blah blah blah.

Exact reason I do not have an objective of my resume. Everyones objective is basically the same, assuming you have narrowed your job search down to a specific field you are interested in. :)

[rainbow2bryte]

hello - here's a new version...

it's a little crispy but hopefully you get the idea.

the 2 image at the bottom are just for visual placement at this time.
i'd like to include more printed work, just didn't have the files available
at the time.

the 'objective' sect. is still under debate, so thats just for placement too.

what d'ya think?

thanks a lot!

[must go now! All Star game's beginning! GO Am. League!]

[budafist]

I like this much more!

[carter the artist]

I like it... It's somewhat like mine, and I've done better with "samples" on the resume.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/carterartist/070502_resume-1.jpg

[rainbow2bryte]

yeah, i think it's much improved, but seems like it's been done before...
as carter's sample...

i considered moving the images to run along the bottom...
I dunno.
i'll be sooo happy when this is done!

btw, do any of you think i should include volunteer work, or just leave as is...
short and sweet....

thanks a lot guys

[Two-Toe Tom]

i would put volunteer work instead of the photographer's assistant position if the volunteer work is more recent and GD related. 97-00 is quite a while ago.

[rainbow2bryte]

i would put volunteer work instead of the photographer's assistant position if the volunteer work is more recent and GD related. 97-00 is quite a while ago.

hmmmm.... there are mixed opinions...
i see what you're saying, but some have mentioned that is was okee doke, 'cause it shows i have some 'people skills'....

my current volunteer work has just been the last 6mos. or so w/ one organization. i've also done some stuff for my fam's church... not sure if i want to include that. i dunno.
?
thank you!

[steve2112]

I like this a lot more than the first. the only thing i would change in any real way is shortening the infrantry paragraph and lengthning the other onese a bit. Though everyone is proud and grateful for you folks that served on a graphic design resume the design work should be the longer of the descriptions. i made the same mistake myself on my resume and a lot of people told me to reduce the areas that were not directly design related.

no you have me thinking maybe i should add some sample work to mine.

steve

[macbeck]

Rainbow, I'm not sure if you said or not, I might have missed it, but what program were you using to make the most recent resume? It's quite awesome.

[rainbow2bryte]

thanks for all your kind comments.

used InDesign CS2

Going to keep volunteer work off. IMO, it's no one else's biz. Some peeps
say keep the photog. exp., some say not. It's vaguelly related. I'm afraid only 2 prepress jobs will be kinda lacking.

still need to change the 'objective' (or whatever i plan to call it) and update the samples w/ some more print work.

hopefully i'll get this together by the end of the weekend.

[rainbow2bryte]

I like it... It's somewhat like mine, and I've done better with "samples" on the resume.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/carterartist/070502_resume-1.jpg
sorry carter, i swear i didn't rip you off! ;)

[carter the artist]

I know. You can totally see the differences.

[rainbow2bryte]

I think this may be my stopping point.

What do you think about the images I chose and also
their placement/ order of appearance?

It's pretty simple and to the point.

thanks!