Remember when explaining what you've learned in your prior jobs, hobbies, and achievements, be creative, and truthful. By the end you'll find that you have a lot more going for yourself then you realized. Just because it sounds exaggerated, doesn't mean it really is. The employer only knows you by what you put down on the Application, and Resume, so nothing's assumed! So, if it is really what you know, learned, or experienced, then it is fair to say it! It's up to the Employer to prove you wrong, and that's where the Resume might help lead them down the best path! Every chance is an experience, and every experience is another thing learned. Positive or negative, you'll realize things such as street smarts can translate to people networking skills, customer experience, and/or even sales experience. I do realize you've probably come to me because this process is a little hard to come up with or maybe you just need publisher to make sure it all looks good on paper, but this is a brainstorming process, and even if I'm writing the story, your giving me the idea! but when consulting me, don't cut yourself short. We can take the scissors to it later!
-Nicholas K. (Owner of Saturnfox Studios Inc.)
-----The Information Negotiation: An Informative Resume.-----
This is a list of things, I may/will ask you in order to help us construct the Resume. Just please be prepared to answer these questions when we're on the phone, or you can save time by filling out the information on your own, and E-Mailing me back. I will still counsel you over the phone so your privacy is protected by keeping this information and 'you' separated over the information highway. Ether way, lets get this information together so we can make your Resume look great!
A. Experience: It's customary for an employer's Application Form to want at least 3 to 5 jobs you've worked prier to this one. Some of the questions I ask here won't be considered for your actual Resume, but I would like to give you a 'Cheat Sheet' of information that you should carry with you while applying. It's better to think of a reason why your not working for these old jobs, then an excuse the spot!
Tip: If your new to the work force, that's okay too. That's what entry level is all about, but don't forget the little jobs ether! Mowing lawns, news paper delivery, and even an ice cream social might count! Just anywhere that you've worked that includes the following information full or in part. We're just trying to prove to the employer that you know what your talking about. How accurate is literally up to you, but be prepared to stand behind your references, even if it's with a fun little story.
A1. Current/Previous Employer: (Name of Company)
Name of the boss: _______________
Phone Number: (____) ____-_______
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A2. Company's Address: ______________________________________
City: ______________ State: ____ Zip: ____________
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3. Dates you started and finished the job: (Month/Year)
Starting Pay: ____________ (Per-Hour/Salary?)
Ending Pay: ____________ (Per-Hour/Salary?)
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A4. Job Title: ___________________________________
Job Description: (Describe what you did for the Employer.)
____________________________________________________________________
A5. List 3 to 5 things you think you've learned from working there. Or maybe you just had experience doing something you already know! Brainstorm a list of things you may or may not have learned from the job. Even if you worked with money before this point, the employer doesn't know this. They don't assume anything, so you have to literally feed them the idea that you know what your doing. So list away! (Use the back of this paper if you printed this sheet out.)
A6. Why did you leave? (Give your Ex something to work with. Your new boss might be calling around about you to make sure your the real deal, so even if you were fired, be nice to the guy who put you on ice. He was just doing they're job. So a good reason may go a long way TODAY, not yesterday.)
______________________________________________________________________________
---- Education: Your First Steps ----
Whether or not your new to the work force you can still start somewhere. Even if it's literally referencing your Elementary school or Junior High school, on a Resume or application you'll notice this schooling is often called "Grammar School". So lets start there!
B. Elementary School/Junior High School/Grammar School
B-1. Name and Address of School: ___________________________________________
City: ______________ State: ____ Zip: ____________
Last year Completed: ___ (Usually anywhere between grade 5 to 8.)
B-2. Extracurricular activities / Honorable mentions: (Try to remember something you liked about your stay in Grammar school. Maybe you liked sports; Maybe you liked Chorus or band; again brainstorm your experiences, we can hack'n slash later.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
C. Elementary School/Junior High School/Grammar School
C-1. Name and Address of School: ___________________________________________
City: ______________ State: ____ Zip: ____________
Last year Completed: ___ (Usually anywhere between grade 9 to 12.)
C-2. Extracurricular activities / Honorable mentions: (Again brainstorm, but you have a lot more choices!)
_____________________________________________________________________________
D. Collage
D-1. Name and Address of School: ___________________________________________
City: ______________ State: ____ Zip: ____________
Years Attended: ___
Last year Completed: ___ (Usually anywhere between grade 9 to 12.)
D-2. Extracurricular activities / Honorable mentions / Degrees: (Fine tuning your brain!)
_____________________________________________________________________________
(Repeat as necessary, tell us about all your schools. Maybe even if it was just a private Art Tutor or Class!)
E. Armed Forces / Military
E-1. Branch: ____________
Date Entered: __________ Date Discharged: _________
Training: (Usually pertaining to job.)
__________________________________________________________________________
----Achievements: Don't Be Blind to the Truth Around You! ----
You'll be surprised what your past and present says about you... Brainstorm a list of activities, Awards, Hobbies, and maybe even places you enjoy hanging out. Say you like jogging, or working out. That to me tells me you probably have really good hygiene, and you wouldn't mind carrying 30 to 50 pounds over and over again. Or maybe you like playing video games, or working with computers. Chances are you know how to type really well, and have problem solving skills that others may lack. A person who has dedication to raise a family can be a person who has dedication to go the LONG haul! This person has something to work for! So again, don't cut yourself short, there are things in our lives that we're probably trying to get this job for to begin with. Maybe that could be one of them.
F. Achievements/Hobbies/Intrests: (Use the other side of the paper to continue.)
________________________________________________________________________
---- References: I say I do, they say I do, you say I do.----
Applications usually ask for only 3 references that are not family related or old coworkers. So a good friend, someone you may share a hobby with or an old coworker could go a long way. I suggest using people you've known for over 2 years. These factors very from company to company application, but these are the typical things I have seen as restrictions to the References at hand.
G-1. So, who can vouch for you? ______________________________
G-2. How long have you known them? __________________________
G-3. How have you know them? _____________________________
G-4. Okay, do they have a Phone Number? _______________________
Excellent! Know 2 more References?
H-1. Who can vouch for you? ______________________________
H-2. How long have you known them? __________________________
H-3. How have you know them? _____________________________
H-4. Okay, do they have a Phone Number? _______________________
I-1. Who can vouch for you? ______________________________
I-2. How long have you known them? __________________________
I-3. How have you know them? _____________________________
I-4. Okay, do they have a Phone Number? _______________________
---- Objective: The hardest question. ----
Hopefully this will be the hardest question I have asked you. It's sort of like Billy Crystal trying to figure out that 'One Thing' that makes it all worth while. You may never have the answer to this question officially, because we change from day to day. But I'm sure we have a few goals here and there, by now we've covered your past... Tell me about your future, A goal or two, or maybe just a direction. Even if you don't have a great answer, it's the one the employer will remember you by, so put yourself out there.
J-1. What would you say your Objective is?
__________________________________________________________________________
---- Thanks and Conclusion: "I Hold the Key to My Own Success!"----
You might not be able to see it right away, but once you see your talents laid in front of you, you'll have a clearer outlook on your future. You can be proud of your past accomplishments! No mater how exaggerated, they did happen, and they are a part of YOU! Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a trend in your history that'll give you a better view on what your most eligible for. Maybe you'll see a hidden career just hiding in the shadows. Whatever you see in your New Resume, I hope it helps trigger a side of you that says "I CAN!"
Please contact me at one of these Email addresses, when your ready to get the Resume put together,
It'll be my pleasure to talk with you again! I hope to hear from you soon!
Nickfuch@SaturnfoxStudios.com ---- TheDeadlyFox@gmail.com -Nicholas K.