Prepping a resume...

[BlackRider]

I'm trying to get any position (apprentice->sweeping floors) at a machine shop. I don't even remember how the idea got into my head, but it fits in just fine with me trying to figure out just what kind of work I want to be doing in my future. I've tried greenhouse work, farm work (most fun so far), and computer work (1 step above data entry... data formatting... BOO). So on to try something new.<br><br>What kinds of stuff should I put into my resume for this? Focus on working-with-my-hands type jobs/experiences? Should I even bother with more than a hint of my computer experience? (I don't want to end up doing data entry or other dull computer work for them... I want to be close to the machining) Should I just fling them my standard resume and see who bites?<br><br>I've gotten all my other jobs from family sources (friends of the family and even family members worked at these places first and I was more or less guaranteed a position) so this time they won't know me and they won't even know someone who knows me... so I have to make a good first impression this time around. <p><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-size:large;">C</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:orange;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:green;font-size:large;">L</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:blue;font-size:large;">O</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:indigo;font-size:large;">R</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:violet;font-size:large;">S</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:pink;font-size:xx-large;">!</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Spinning Hat]

Take the time to polish your resume very very well, as it will show in the final product. I'd make it a point to list all my jobs, but write them to show how each one of those has given you skills you can use in the job you are applying for at the machine shop. Also, don't write a generic "I'll take anything" type resume and cover letter. That makes you sound desperate, and even a little bit stupid. <br><br>Take time to research the company you're allpying to even before you write a cover letter, as adding details about their company in that shows you're interested, and that you've done your homework. <p><!--EZCODE HR START--><hr /><!--EZCODE HR END--><!--EZCODE CENTER START--><div style="text-align:center"><br><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="color:red;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>"Never, Never, Never Quit"</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> -Winston Churchill</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></div><!--EZCODE CENTER END--></p><i></i>

[XMEN Ashaman DTM]

Do what Hat said. NEVER use a form-letter thingy. Like the one that comes with MS word. (That one's pretty obvious.)<br><br>Make a list of EVERY single job that you've ever done in your life. Then screen out all the ones that don't relate in any way to the current job (I'm not talking technical details. I'm talking things like writing a report, communication skills, handling money, etc.)<br><br>In a machine shop some of those things may not be directly useful. But take money handling... that involves responsibility and it shows them that your employer trusted you.<br><br><br>Then write a first draft. Give it to someone for review. Write a second draft with those comments. Then send it to the same person. Then write a third draft.<br><br>By the third incarnation of the beast, you'll have a good idea of what a decent resume looks like, what it has in it, and what is involved in writing one. Trust me when I say that when you graduate from school and start looking for jobs, it's a good idea to have resume writing skills ready to go.<br><br><br>Hat covered the most important thing though: write to your audience!!!<br><br><br><br><br>And in a cover letter, be sure to state your intention of applying for the job three times: first as an introduction and to tell them how you found the job; second as part of why you are qualified for the job; third as part of when and how they can contact you and as part of your closing paragraph. You should have three paragraphs that are succinct, yet contain enough information for a manager type to look at it and be convinced you're the person for the project. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br> <p></p><i></i>