Are Resumes a thing of the past??

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 10:56 pm

I am so very frustrated. I'm re-entering the job market after way to long of sitting at home and letting my brain turn to mush. What I'm discovering after busting my butt on my resume, is that some places will not except resumes. Only their specific applications. What the heck is up with that?? Why on earth when I was receiving an education was a resume a major component of getting a job? These people act like reading your resume would do them a grand disservice. I need serious help. On an application I look horrible. However, if you read my resume and cover letter I can show you how well I do all the things you're asking of me. Sorry just frustrated and venting. I'll understand if no one answers this post. Just pray I get one of the jobs I feel completely inadequete for right now.
Thanks.

skinsfan1 · Post by **skinsfan1** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 11:36 pm

Good luck NikiH. Don't worry things will happen for you. People are lazy these days.

Redskins Rule · Post by **Redskins Rule** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:54 am

NikiH,

If you ask me I would talk to the Virginia Employment Commision about it. Or if your not from Virginia talk to the Employment Commision in your state. I know that you could take a class there that would help you write a resume, but now if you don't need to write one anymore I'm sure they'll help you with the application.

The class that you can take is free. It is your tax dollars at work.

joebagadonuts · Post by **joebagadonuts** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 10:32 am

if it makes you feel any better, a well composed resume and well written letter are the keys to getting an interview in my field. if someone can't write a decent letter, how well can an employer expect them to express themselves to a client?

maybe you can attach your resume to an application?

in any case, try to remember; when companies overlook you, it's their loss, not yours. keep your head up and good things will happen.

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 10:42 am

It's great to hear Skins fans having each other's backs and being encouragers.

NikiH joebagadonuts is right; it's their loss. Good luck finding employment. Be blessed.

Brandon777 · Post by **Brandon777** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 1:57 pm

I found when I first got out of college and looked for a job, most of the professional, above average jobs such as in banking, medical, management, etc.. require a resume. Employers read the resumes a filter out all the ones they like a conduct interviews with the chosen canidates, then hire the one they like the best. Usually jobs in retail, food service, small business etc.. don't care about a resume, unless it's in management. They just care about an application.

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 6:21 pm

Thanks guys for the support. Actually Brandon all of these jobs are in the professional sector. So that's why I'm so very shocked!

Redeemed I'm actually sure if they take the time interview me, they'll hire me, it's just getting to that intial interview. I've never been on an interview and not been offered the job.

The kicker Joe is I'm applying for jobs where a great part of the skills required are clerical. You would think it'd be important for them to assess your skills in your cover letter. I've been attaching it anyway. Let's hope it makes the difference. LOL
RedskinsRule I actually have a darned good resume. I worked by butt off on it, researched the best way to say certain things, just to have to rewrite it all differently on the resume. Will the VA Employment Comission have inside info on government jobs?? I've never dealt with them before.

Skinsfan I'm noticing employers are getting lazier though too. I hope they are looking for someone to fit in, I'll never get a job. LOL

Redskins Rule · Post by **Redskins Rule** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 7:38 pm

NikiH wrote:RedskinsRule I actually have a darned good resume. I worked by butt off on it, researched the best way to say certain things, just to have to rewrite it all differently on the resume. Will the VA Employment Comission have inside info on government jobs?? I've never dealt with them before.

I wasn't trying to say that your resume wasn't good. I"m sorry that you misunderstood me. What I was trying to say is that the Virginia Employment Commission has classes that will help you get a job. Since Resume's don't appear to be as important anymore maybe they have started a new class that will help you get to the interview by means of the application or something else.

The inside info of Government Jobs.....I don't know if they got it or not. Of course it won't hurt to call and ask them. There is a web site out there that lists all of the job openings for the federal government. Here it is:

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 8:18 pm

Thanks! I just applied for one listed there today. I'd love to land a cushy Fed job! We'll see how it goes.

General Failure · Post by **General Failure** » Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:35 pm

I just got furloughed from a gubment job. Unless I find something better I'll be back there next year. I really do like it there, but the 4 hours of tests and applications in a room with a hundred other sweaty people is brutal.

Redskins1974 · Post by **Redskins1974** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 1:56 pm

if it makes you feel any better, a well composed resume and well written letter are the keys to getting an interview in my field. if someone can't write a decent letter, how well can an employer expect them to express themselves to a client?

maybe you can attach your resume to an application?

This is totally right. I used to work in HR and at least in my experience do anything possible to get your resume in their hands. If you can, find out who the hiring manager is and send your resume directly to them with a well written letter. Also, if you apply online, follow up by sending your resume/letter through regular mail. Another route if you get really discouraged is go to multiple hiring/recruitment agenices or temp agencies. At first they might give you crappy jobs but the more you work with the good ones, the more they'll line you up with better jobs... many people get brought on full time this way as well. Especially in this economy, companies might not have the funds for a salaried position but they can afford bringing a person on temporarily and once things start picking up, they can bring you on full time. Also, post your resume on EVERY online site possible (Monster, Careerbuilder, Washingtonjobs.com, yahoo careers, etc). It's really frustrating - I was jobless for about 8 months following a layoff. Just keep sending them out and plugging away, follow up with phone calls or emails if possible and make them understand you want that job. Sorry for the super long post! Hang in there... if you need any more help, let me know!

Good luck

joebagadonuts · Post by **joebagadonuts** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 7:30 am

niki, any job update you can give us....?

NikiH · Post by **NikiH** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:49 am

I'm getting my resume out there. I am kind of shocked by all the jobs in the government I'm finding. Right now the trick is to my resume and or application into the hands of someone who has respect for full time parents. At the moment the choice to do what was best for my son is biting me on the butt! Hopefully soon I will find the right fit! Thanks for asking Joe.
And 1974 I have been considering temp agencies as a last resort. The only thing I am not sure about is applying blindly for a job not knowing what type of corporation I'm getting. Their listings don't clearly say what it's for.
Hey maybe I should check to see if I can get a job at Redskin's Park.
Nah, I'd be fired in a week for asking for autographs. LOL

joebagadonuts · Post by **joebagadonuts** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 11:55 am

well, keep fighting the good fight, and keep us updated.

SkinsChic · Post by **SkinsChic** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 3:12 pm

Hey Niki - I noticed that most ads in the Annapolis paper ask you to fax a resume w/ cover letter...I think most who want their application filled out also appreciate a resume and attach it to the application when given one. Good Luck in you job hunt. We're pulling for you !!!