Tips on writing a US CV?

[Bug&Bug 147]

2 hours ago, Adventine said:

 

As others have said, one page will normally be enough, don't include photographs, and highlight your achievements using action verbs.

 

I also recommend printing out your resume to review it, as many spelling/formatting mistakes are more obvious on a printed sheet of paper.

 

Here is a great LinkedIn video about writing a resume tailored for the US market: Writing a successful resume (linkedin.com)  It has plenty of specific examples and may give you even more ideas. As an aside, once you're satisfied with your resume, consider updating your LinkedIn profile with the same content. It's a great tool for job searching.

 

Good luck!

Wow those videos are really good, thankyou!?

[millefleur 5,046]

On 1/2/2021 at 9:55 PM, SusieQQQ said:

Something else to be aware of is not just having your resume (not CV  ) American style, but also understand that many companies run applications through software that filters out a first cut. Best of course is to have a human contact that you know will at least look at the application, but if not, make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job specs and uses key words that the advert uses so that it doesn’t get auto-filtered out even before someone can read it.

Seconding the scanning thing, you can look up "ATS resume scanner" and run yours through to see how it will parse the data. Especially if you're applying online to large companies, it's almost a guarantee they're using an ATS to weed people out.

 

Also it probably goes without saying at this point, but get on LinkedIn, make your profile there look really good. Fill it out as much as you can. Use bullet points, make it very to-the-point, you don't even need complete sentences, just short, grammatically correct outline-style points. Exactly like @Wuozopo wrote above.

 

Also apply to absolutely everything you're interested in, even if the job description seems intimidating. My husband got an awesome job via a recruiter where the actual job description asked for 7+ years of experience even though he had 1+ year, lol. He just ended up being the smart guy the needed for the project, he was the right fit and they took a chance on him - and it turned out great. Don't be afraid to be overly bold and confident if it's an industry you really want to be in but don't 100% fit the job description.

 

[millefleur 5,046]

**Moved from Working & Traveling During US Immigration to Finding Work in America**

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

52 minutes ago, millefleur said:

but get on LinkedIn, make your profile there look really good

Yup. You will get lots of spammy recruiter style messages, but you can also strike gold. My husband got a fabulous job at a large company (global household name) through their recruiter doing a LinkedIn search for someone with his attributes!

[TBoneTX 45,223]

Everyone here has such great ideas and suggestions.  We need more threads like this.

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

When it comes to LinkedIn don't just put you out there and wait. Utilize it to connect with recruiters, HR... from the companies you're looking into. Message them and get your name in their heads when you apply so that they look out for your resume. It's super weird to do that when you're not used to it but it can help a lot especially when you apply at big companies.

 

When you apply online and you have the option between filling out a form or upload a resume don't be lazy and go for the resume.

 

And I actually used one of those websites to fabricate a resume to get an idea of how it can look like and what to write. You can usually cancel the subscription within a month so it was $10 that helped me a lot to have something to start with. Plus I got the first job I applied for and really wanted so it was worth it 😊

[Sofitalian 134]

On 1/2/2021 at 9:55 PM, SusieQQQ said:

Something else to be aware of is not just having your resume (not CV  ) American style, but also understand that many companies run applications through software that filters out a first cut. Best of course is to have a human contact that you know will at least look at the application, but if not, make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job specs and uses key words that the advert uses so that it doesn’t get auto-filtered out even before someone can read it.

 

Also I skimmed the above fast so may have missed this but - make sure you have the fact that you are a green card holder (or otherwise have a right to work) right at the top of your resume under your name - some resume readers will see foreign experience/qualifications and just assume you need a work visa, and toss the application as a result.
 

Good luck! 
 

 

I was thinking if/how I should indicate on my resume that I'm a green card holder. Besides, I speak too other languages beside English, but I don't think it's relevant/required in the jobs I'll apply here. Do I need to include that?

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, mave said:

I was thinking if/how I should indicate on my resume that I'm a green card holder. Besides, I speak too other languages beside English, but I don't think it's relevant/required in the jobs I'll apply here. Do I need to include that?

Definitely indicate you are a green card holder, preferably at the top with your other basic bio details, or the assumption might be made that you require sponsorship. Personally I would include language proficiency. You never know when it comes in handy. I know someone who sells glassware, and being fluent in French was a huge plus factor in getting her the job because their suppliers are French.

[Sofitalian 134]

2 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

Definitely indicate you are a green card holder, preferably at the top with your other basic bio details, or the assumption might be made that you require sponsorship. Personally I would include language proficiency. You never know when it comes in handy. I know someone who sells glassware, and being fluent in French was a huge plus factor in getting her the job because their suppliers are French.

Many thanks for your advice and tips. Much appreciated.

[Bug&Bug 147]

On 3/15/2021 at 9:11 AM, mave said:

I was thinking if/how I should indicate on my resume that I'm a green card holder. Besides, I speak too other languages beside English, but I don't think it's relevant/required in the jobs I'll apply here. Do I need to include that?

All the applications ive sent so far ask if im allowed to work in the usa without sponsorship, so i dont think you need that. Languages I would add.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, Bug&Bug said:

All the applications ive sent so far ask if im allowed to work in the usa without sponsorship, so i dont think you need that. Languages I would add.

My rule of thumb would be:

will leaving the information in hurt? (No)

will leaving it out hurt?  (Yes, possibly)

you have no idea what kind of employers strangers on the internet are looking for or what their job applications look like. Anything that’s going to stop the resume getting binned at the first cut is worthwhile imo. YMMV.

[Bug&Bug 147]

Just ranting.

 

I suck at this whole "acomplishments" thing.

 

I dont think my resume is making the cut at all, my lack of horn tooting skills dont help!

 

Might eventually invest in a professional resume writer but they dont come cheap! Trying AI tools now and they all say my resume is rubbish ha!

 

 

[Adventine 3,196]

10 minutes ago, Bug&Bug said:

Just ranting.

 

I suck at this whole "acomplishments" thing.

 

I dont think my resume is making the cut at all, my lack of horn tooting skills dont help!

 

Might eventually invest in a professional resume writer but they dont come cheap! Trying AI tools now and they all say my resume is rubbish ha!

 

 

Before you drop the $$$ on a professional resume writer, have you considered asking your spouse if they have any mentors who could possibly take a look at your resume and maybe even practice doing interviews, American-style?

 

My spouse actually reached out to his own bosses (who I have also met socially) and asked them to do mock job interviews with me, once I'm ready to apply for jobs again.

 

Don't underestimate the kindness of acquaintances who may be happy to help you get started with life in the US!

[Bug&Bug 147]

4 minutes ago, Adventine said:

Before you drop the $$$ on a professional resume writer, have you considered asking your spouse if they have any mentors who could possibly take a look at your resume and maybe even practice doing interviews, American-style?

 

My spouse actually reached out to his own bosses (who I have also met socially) and asked them to do mock job interviews with me, once I'm ready to apply for jobs again.

 

Don't underestimate the kindness of acquaintances who may be happy to help you get started with life in the US!

I hadnt even thought about that! 

 

Thanks for the idea!

[Celebi 136]

19 hours ago, Bug&Bug said:

Just ranting.

 

I suck at this whole "acomplishments" thing.

 

I dont think my resume is making the cut at all, my lack of horn tooting skills dont help!

Same. And I think I'm suffering from Impostor Syndrome 😩