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afurrer
11-12-2008, 05:39 PM
I am working on a redesign of my resume. I'm hoping that it comes across as modern, fun, and a bit sophisticated. I am currently using black and PMS Process Cyan, but didn't have a swatch book handy when I chose that color. After looking through the different shades of blue, I'm leaning more towards PMS 312 or 637.
Please comment or critique, I have to send this to potential employers, so honesty is best, even if it hurts. :)
Thanks guys!
Another note: I've added a ton of information based on a conversation in another thread. I'm borderline on whether its too much. Thoughts?
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Pointyhat
11-12-2008, 06:06 PM
I would put education last. Wow, RI to NY to Minnesota? There's a leap.
BJMRGTIVR6
11-12-2008, 06:21 PM
I would get rid of the design Skills. I would condense the software to just saying Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.
Though you say what you did. it doesn't come off as great? Maybe if you said "created marketing materials that helped bring in $XXXX of clients/jobs"
rather than say what you did, say how it helped the company you were employed.
afurrer
11-12-2008, 06:34 PM
My concern with generalizing the software is that I'm not proficient in ALL of the programs included in Creative Suite. Does that matter? I would assume that people would ask about specific programs if they are necessary to a job's duties.
Also, the marketing materials for the book publisher were mailers sent to magazines and newspapers to try and get books mentioned. I have no idea if they were successful or brought in sales. The office organization was a mess, and the head cheese was very secretive about stuff. I was too low on the totem pole to be privy to that info. I can add in some info about some of the other materials I've created because I'm the one doing the sending.
Actually, I would leave your skills the way you have them, Ally. I also list my software proficiencies individually, and I have been commented by many recruiters who have looked at it and are impressed with the information.
I'm assuming you have your PMS color converted to CMYK in the PDFs you send to potential employers? 'cause they may want to print it out, and they won't be printing it off plates. ;)
*EDIT: And yeah, I'm never privy to sales info for the work I create either. Most of the time I never even see it published, but I know my stuff gets around because other people tell me about it. My concern is simply to get the design out to them, and to make sure they're happy with it.
I would also save education to the end... At least, that's what I've always heard told. Save it for a final clincher.
afurrer
11-12-2008, 06:44 PM
I'm more concerned about the PMS colors for my own printing to keep costs down. I'd eventually like to get business cards, stationery, etc. I would like to find a blue that will print fairly accurately in CMYK so that it doesn't look like a totally different color. But that's secondary to content. At least for now. :-)
I'm more concerned about the PMS colors for my own printing to keep costs down. I'd eventually like to get business cards, stationery, etc. I would like to find a blue that will print fairly accurately in CMYK so that it doesn't look like a totally different color. But that's secondary to content. At least for now. :-)
I know. I understood that reasoning... What I meant was to make sure the copy you send out to your potential employers has been converted differently than the ones you'd like to print off of yourself. Just to avoid any unforeseen difficulties on their end should they want to make a hard copy.
afurrer
11-12-2008, 06:58 PM
Good call Ned. I'm ashamed to say that I haven't thought that far in advance. I'm still making sure the content and design are hammered down before the whole sending to employers happens. I've had such poor luck with my job hunt lately that I am really trying to nail this one.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. My working files are at home, so no edits will happen til later on. I'm making a list though.
Well, I think it's looking good Ally. Do you also have an impressive portfolio to go with it?
I would keep a PDF handy of portfolio works as well that you can print off or email to employers, so they can get a good taste before they actually sit down with you.
afurrer
11-12-2008, 07:18 PM
Thanks Ned! Its reassuring to know that I'm heading in the right direction.
The portfolio is still being revamped, I'm deciding between large 18x24 binder-style portfolio or a smaller 8.5x11 spiral bound book. I like the smaller book idea because I can leave it behind with my resume. Unfortunately, most of my work is a bit larger than that size, so the bigger format would allow for full-size pieces. Gah, so many decisions. I feel like such a noob right now.
Hmm... I'm guessing if you can make use of the size, that you should. As long as lugging it around isn't going to cause you problems. ;)
afurrer
11-12-2008, 07:30 PM
Hehehe, my old portfolio was a beautiful custom-made box. Cost me an arm and a leg in school, but so worth it. It weighs about 25 pounds. Not fun navigating New York on foot carrying that thing. Sadly, I stored it for a while and the whole thing molded. I'm still trying to figure out a way to rescue it.
I'm not worried about carrying it. I'm a strong gal, I can do it. :-)
I'm not worried about carrying it. I'm a strong gal, I can do it. :-)
Hehe... that's persistence! I'm just a lazy bum. If it doesn't fit in my briefcase, I don't want it. I include a set of sample sheets with every resume, and that's good enough for me. ;)
Your box sounds absolutely lovely!! I wish I could be so fancy. :D
afurrer
11-12-2008, 08:15 PM
Your box sounds absolutely lovely!!LOL, I nearly peed myself. :D
It was an amazing portfolio, I'm a bit sad that its moldy. I think I'm going to keep it though as the super official Furrer portfolio. Well, that, and I spent like $500 on it, so I'm not throwing that sucker out EVER.
Hey afurrer...another mn girl here too. I may have a lead for you, but it would have to wait a week or so. Remind me after next monday and PM me. I'm thinking your south of the Cities?
Do you have an online portfolio? I for one, would love to see a photo of your Furrer portfolio! I love handmade boxes, books, etc.
LOL, I nearly peed myself. :D
:o Honestly, I was talking about the other box....
Oh. Boy. I'm tired. That went right by me!
I'm sure they're both very nice though, Ally. :D
afurrer
11-12-2008, 11:25 PM
Tea- thanks for the heads up, I'll send you a PM early next week. Yup, south of the cities. I'm at exit 69 on 35...no, I didn't make that up :p I've been applying all over the place and am pretty willing to travel or move closer to wherever I end up.
Ned, I think my boyfriend would agree. But if you ask to see THAT box, you might get kung fu'd.
I'll post pics of the portfolio box later tonight. Its really a work of art.
xD We're all excited to see it, Ally.
And by the way, I know kung fu too. Your bf and I could have fun. :D
afurrer
11-13-2008, 03:47 AM
Here it is, by popular request:
I worked with a great company in Providence RI to custom design this portfolio box. Its slightly over 18x24x4, weighs around 25 pounds, and rocks my socks off.
Exhibit A: The box in all its glory...minus the nasty mold stains on the linen fabric.
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Exhibit B: Open the box to find 1/8" chipboard panels containing my super awesome design work.
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Exhibit C: Lift out panels to reveal 18x24 binder nestled in bottom with rails to support panels above.
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Exhibit D: Pull out binder and open to find more awesome Furrer coolness.
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So you can see, this thing rocks. The company even had a woman who sewed cases for their portfolio boxes. I have one that is padded on all edges, is weatherproof, and has some seriously industrial strength handles cuz this puppy is a beast.
If you need a good box, PM me and I'll send you the company's link. I don't want to get in trouble for putting it up here. Nothing worse than advertising other people's boxes! ;)
Well, seeing as nobody here produces boxes, there shouldn't be a problem with posting their link. :) That box looks awesome! Definitely made to impress. ;)
afurrer
11-13-2008, 01:55 PM
Hmmm, their website seems to be down. Boo. It used to be http://www.portfoliobox.com (http://www.portfoliobox.com/).
Oh well. The company is called Portfolio Box, located in Pawtucket Rhode Island. They do awesome work and can make just about anything.
seamas
11-13-2008, 02:17 PM
Where in Long Island City did you work?
Did you live nearby?
I just moved from LIC a little over a month ago. We lived there (near Sunnyside) for 4 years (Woodside for two years prior to that).
I'm starting to miss it a little.
afurrer
11-13-2008, 03:23 PM
My office was right on the water on 46th Ave. I lived out on Long Island while I was working there. I miss it a bit too, NYC is vastly different from a farm town in MN. :-)
seamas
11-13-2008, 03:33 PM
My office was right on the water on 46th Ave. I lived out on Long Island while I was working there. I miss it a bit too, NYC is vastly different from a farm town in MN. :-)
Ah, so you were right near the L.I.C. Bar -one of my favorite establishments in the area.
I am familiar with Long Island as well, grew up in Huntington, wife grew up in Merrick.
afurrer
11-13-2008, 03:38 PM
Nice, I know Huntington well, my boyfriend at the time worked at Walt Whitman Mall. We lived in North Babylon. Nice area, very expensive....
JaCkinbOx
11-13-2008, 06:08 PM
I would put education last. Wow, RI to NY to Minnesota? There's a leap.
I always put education last. :D Maybe that's why I don't have a job.
I always put education last. :D Maybe that's why I don't have a job.
xD I put my education to the left. ;) I have my resume laid out in two columns.
Hmmm, their website seems to be down. Boo. It used to be http://www.portfoliobox.com (http://www.portfoliobox.com/).
Oh well. The company is called Portfolio Box, located in Pawtucket Rhode Island. They do awesome work and can make just about anything.
The website loaded fine for me, Ally. They must've been having server maintenance or something. Thanks for the link! =3
seamas
11-13-2008, 08:36 PM
Nice, I know Huntington well, my boyfriend at the time worked at Walt Whitman Mall. We lived in North Babylon. Nice area, very expensive....
There is no greater tribute to a timeless genius of a poet than to name a shopping mall after him.
I always wondered what Whitman would think of that.
Know that mall very well. Spent the early '80s doing the typical long island teen mall thing there.
And I wonder why I don't get nostalgic.
And yes, very expensive. Long Island was once the affordable middle class suburban paradise. Now it is an abject freakshow.
afurrer
11-13-2008, 08:44 PM
The crazy excessiveness was part of the reason I moved away. I couldn't handle watching some of my tutoring students being handed a $70k car on their 16th birthday, especially while driving a 14 year old car myself.
Hehe... That never bothers me one bit. I'm a very practical man.
Oooh...that's a huge clamshell box! Nice. I wonder if you couldn't have an art conservationist/restorer remove the mold from that? It would be worth a shot considering your investment.
afurrer
11-13-2008, 09:34 PM
Thanks for the suggestion Tea. I hadn't thought about having a conservationist take a look. I may have to save up for it in the future, so right now, its in a flat, dry spot. Some of my work got ruined with the mold, but nothing that can't be reprinted. Hurray for my GD prof making us back up files in 3 places!
Hehe... I used to do that (the triple backups). I guess I don't care enough about it anymore though. As long as the file's gone into the right hands and the money's been put into mine, I don't worry about backups after that. ;) Don't get me wrong, I always save my copies should anybody need to come back to them - but if I were to crash... oops.