I am writing a resume, have questions about it.

I have read up on proper resume writing technique, but would like more input on something.

I have work experiences, where I got great experience out of it, but was screwed by jackass bosses who I am very sure will slander me simply because I don't have enough money to bring them to court on it.

So should I list them or not, I heard it is not good to list negative things in a resume.

It is all the truth after all.

 

If the jobs gave you a saleable experience I would list them, I would doubt former Bosses would take the chance of a slander suit by slagging you, but they may not give you a "Glowing" report. You will have to trade this off with the fact that it shows you have gained some experience from doing the work. Hope that helps nostyle

 

I am in Hawaii, and if you are poor, you get very little in legal recourse. Especially if you are local, poor and mixed ethnically.

You wouldn't believe the crap people pull here.

 

So you want to slander them first?

Would you be more comfortable hiring someone with a chip on their shoulder, or someone who has a positive attitude?

 

So no saying on pushing the balance one way or the other?

Ah, well, the Gorilla costume, fire extinguisher and screaming should distract them at all the right moments.

 

If you're not sure what type of reference your ex employer will give you. I would have a friend check the reference or go to a placement agency...they will check your references and give you feed back on them. Either way you will get the info you want and act accordingly.

Most employers will give out dates of employment only and not go into details due to legal issues.

 

In the state where I live they are only allowed to divulge whether they would hire you again or not. There is still a world of difference between a hesitant "yes,probably" and a glowing "in a heartbeat!" though...

Half the idea with the resume is to tailor it to the job you're applying for, so once you have a solid draft, I would write up a couple of different versions, and make sure to check it just before submitting it. You want to sell your strengths, yes, but you also want to make sure that your strengths miraculously happen to be exactly what your prospective employer is looking for.

 

Honestly, I find that if the experience is relavent to the job you are applying for, include it.

The current view on resumes is that you don't need to include dates or contact info for each position listed, and only list relavent jobs.

I used to teach a resume class locally and still keep up on it for my own use, and the keys to a good resume are to put in there the things that will attract the positive attention of the company you want to be employed by.

Include relavent experience, education, certifications or skills and generally at the bottom, that you will provide references upon request.

Most employers know that even good employees can have a stroke of bad luck now and then, most people have had a boss here and there that makes life hell.

Hope this helps.

~C

 

Great info, minna-san. thanks.

 

Calltaker had some good points. I would just add a couple of things. 1) Always get someone to go over your resume to catch any spelling/ grammar errors. 2) Try to do some research on the companies you really want to work at.

Good luck!

E

 

If you are submitting by email, or posting it, spell resume as résumé.
Alternatively say CV, of course.

é is obtained by pressing Alt and 0233 (on the numeric keypad).

It might impress someone by showing you know how to spell resume properly. Then again, maybe not. confused

Bazza

 

¡↔Θ↔☺

RΘ↔éé

Résumé.


Got it.

 

I keep a small text file of special characters that I might have to use when quoting currencies, etc. Example below.
It saves having to look them up, over and over. Bazza

For memory's sake
½ = Alt + 0189 (half)
£ = Alt + 0163 (Pommie pound)
é = Alt + 0233 (e acute)
° = Alt + 0176 (degree symbol)
¥ = Alt + 0165 (Yen symbol)
© = Alt + 0169 (copyright)
² = Alt + 0178 (squared)
€ = Alt + 0128 (Euro)
Õ = Alt + 0213 (Capital O with tilde)

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Add a picture. Seemed to work for Peggy.

Resimay

Deer Sir,I waunt to apply for the secritary job what I saw in the paper. I can Type real quik wit one finggar and do sum a counting.I think I am good on the phone and no I am a pepole person, Pepole really seam to respond to me well.Im lookin for a Jobb as a secritary but it musent be to complicaitedI no my spelling is not to good but find that I Offen can get a job thru my persinalety. My salerery is open so we can discus wat you want to pay me and wat y ou think that I am werth,I can start imeditely. Thank you in advanse fore yore anser. hopifuly Yore best aplicant so farr.Sinseerly,Peggy May StarlingsPS : Because my resimay is a bit short - below is a pickture of me.. . .

Employer's response:......

Dear Peggy May,It's OK honey, we've got spell check

 

Wouldn't it be easier to just go Start --> Run --> 'charmap'
This will tell you the keystrokes needed for ANY font, as they are not always the same.

 

Sorry, M_M, but my little list is most convenient for me. :cool
I do use "charmap" if I need special characters outside of this list which is not often. It works for me in my replies on MG threads. Bazza

===

 

I keep my char map pinned on the start menu, cuts down on finding it in Accessories or by Start>Run.

 

Hey MUSKIE how do you pin CHARMAP to your start menu pleasehttp://bestsmileys.com/signs6/12.gif

 

when you go into start>accessories>system tools>character map right click on character map and it should say “pin to start menu”

 

@ dymond, thanks for taking up my slack... I have to sleep sometime

 

No prob I dont mind sharing the little bit of knowledge I do have LOL

 

Thanks DYAMOND i love you (it's token love)http://bestsmileys.com/thankyou/1.gif

 

This is a good post with a valid question about job referees. Given I don't have full comprehension of type of work/length of time you’ve had in the work force, it’s difficult to provide some solid suggestions, but here goes.

I would like to suggest that you consider structuring your resume to fit the job criteria and where possible to eliminate the jobs where you encountered “bad” bosses. Referees normally are contacted (and from your post, it sounds like if you hit the short list, a quick check with negative feedback may lose you the position).

So think about how you can positively structure your resume by utilising skills/experiences you already have and what you have to offer that do not include the bad positions. That way you are still being honest by offering what you really already have.

Good luck!