Don't "Dumb-Down" your Resume, or listed qualifications!!!
Just make the first page more "Eye-Catching", and present qualifications details on 2nd page.
You may want to provide a Resume "per type of lead", or a "Basic" one with a more detailed "Follow-Up" document.
It all depends on what type of Employment position you are looking for.
If you need work yesterday, and are sending your Resume out to every lead in the Classifieds, trim the qualifications down to bring attention to the most "Eye-Catching" points a Manager will look for:
* Journeyman Abilities and experience,
* Foreman Abilities and experience,
* What types of projects done.
Briefly list your above average abilities later in the document.
Bring as much attention to the things which an Interviewing Person is looking for - a Journeyman to fill a void in a project's work force!
If you are looking for a Career position, lead in with brief descriptions, making them "Eye-Catching" to a Manager looking for a qualified asset.
Cover sheets are helpful. These give a quick view of the candidate, along with giving a more professional appearance.
If you get a response from your submission, try to find out if the lead is just looking for "Anyone Cheap" to fill a hole (the "hole" may be due to high employee turn-over), and if the position is long term or just temp.
If looking for Career position, try speaking to an interviewer directly, so as to avoid unsuccessful leads.
Push for a meeting!
Do not discuss pay rate on the Telephone. Wait to "Negotiate" this during an interview.
Discussing pay rate on the first Telephone call typically means the lead is looking for "Anyone Cheap".
When going to an Interview Meeting, bring some documentation describing your advanced qualifications, and/or some examples of your work (an as-built plan, panel schedules, invoices, etc. something to discuss with an interviewer).
Bring a quality printed copy of your Resume, and if possible, create and fill-out (printed) an Application for Employment.
Currently, I only review prospective Employees for Foreman, Proj. Management and Design positions.
When a Resume comes to me for review, it has already been selected for consideration. I look for key points first, then advanced qualifications second.
My conclusion is based on the two items above.
At an interview, I like to see some working examples, and really like a detailed abilities document to read over after the meeting.
Prospective candidates are invited to a "Follow-Up" meeting.
Previously, I would review for mostly Field Personnel (Helpers, Apprentices, Journeymen, and Foremen), but that was prior to 2004!
I need to point out the Resume / Application review processes are, at times, overwhelming!
There are so many to review, and choosing the right ones is not a simple thing!!!
Making your documents "Catch Someone's Attention" is extremely important. Keep it concise at first, with additional information on following page(s).
Looking Professional is as important as showing qualifications. This goes for printed documents, personal appearance, and how you speak.
I suggest you compile your documents, and have them reviewed by others (Managers, Contractors, etc.)
Find the positive points and build on them.
Outline your data on a Cover Sheet, and show specific details within a brief Resume.
Cover advanced details in a separate Resume, submitted at your first meeting.
The reason I am so intent on documents submitted at the first meeting is that an Interviewer may review the information after the meeting, and it makes the candidate easier to remember.
At the meeting, be yourself! Be calm, relaxed, and truthful in your responses.
Bring note paper, pen / pencil, etc. for taking notes during the meeting.
Be at least 10 minutes early to fill out whatever documents needed - but not so early as to pressure an earlier interview.
If you are late, call ahead to reschedule - but do not be late!!!
Fill out the Application in it's entirety, and if you have created a Personal Application, submit it with the Company's document.
If they have a test, fill it out completely.
Here is a good way to display advanced knowledge!
Include some "additional information" with the answers to make things interesting (keep things brief).
This will almost always get you noticed and setup for a good interview.
Get business cards.
Follow up with Thank You letter.
I could go on and on, but let's hear from others.
Good luck!
Scott
