Submitting resumes for employment

[Brunette 0]

hey all,

I spoke to a few employment cousellors here in the states and they told me in order to be competitive for employment I should submitt the following documents along with my resume and cover letter:

- photocopies of my degree and certifications

- letters of recommendations from previous employers

- samples of my past work

This seems really bizarre to me. Does anyone here agree with submitting all these documents with a resume?

Brunette

[Torontonian 0]

I don't think it's necessary unless they ask for it. I'm sure they don't need all that stuff when they are first screening applicants, but I guess it depends on what you are applying for and again, if they ask for it right away. Most of the postings I see only ask for the resume.

My resume is 3 pages long, and I've always had success with it. It has my work history, my specific abilities, education, volunteering, affiliations and personal interests. I know some people say not to put personal interests but mine are kind of unusual and they always end up being a talking point so they help. I have "references and (insert other things you have to give them here) available upon request" at the bottom.

Good luck!

Edited April 9, 2006 by Torontonian

[rejane 1]

Well my resume is simple... stating at first my Education, then work experiences, voluntering experiences ( as i do have a all lot).

Also my interests.

I also do have all my references and letters from previous employers attached.

Rejane

[ceriserose 1]

I used one of two résumés (highlighting different experience) and customized a cover letter to the specific job requirements. I did not send any additional information along with that, unless they required a specific application (cities and state-run organizations seem to require a standardized application).

When called for an interview, I brought my references, letters of recommendation, writing samples, educational certifications, etc.

IMHO, sending all that stuff is overkill...I highly doubt a recruiter will review it all on initial screening anyway. One one interview I brought all those things and she didn't want them until I was called for the second round (I wasn't). If I were you, I wouldn't waste the time or the paper.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

hey all,

I spoke to a few employment cousellors here in the states and they told me in order to be competitive for employment I should submitt the following documents along with my resume and cover letter:

- photocopies of my degree and certifications

- letters of recommendations from previous employers

- samples of my past work

This seems really bizarre to me. Does anyone here agree with submitting all these documents with a resume?

Brunette

Where did you find these counsellors?

Assuming the people you spoke to are competent, it is fair to assume that there is some value to including this information. That said, I disagree that the documents listed are the best way to do it.

1. Re your degrees and certificates: List them on your resume and include information regarding their U.S. equivalency as determined by a credential eval agency such as WES or ECE (if available). There is no need at all to include actual copies of your degrees with your resume

2. Re letters of recommendation: If you wish, state on your resume that these letters are available. I would say even that is unnecessary at the resume submission stage, but including a line to that effect can not hurt.

3. Re samples of your past work: Describe on your resume. State that you have samples available should an employer express interest.

JMHO.

[Chicken_Little 0]

On my resume I have my education, followed by my three most recent positions, followed by my special skills and languages spoken. It's only one page, because I was advised that more then that, some employers won't even bother looking at the rest.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

It's only one page, because I was advised that more then that, some employers won't even bother looking at the rest.

[chocolaterie 0]

I also recommend http://interview.monster.com/ if you haven't been there already.

[Chicken_Little 0]

I also recommend http://interview.monster.com/ if you haven't been there already.

Monster.com ROCKS. I've posted my resume there and have got several requests for interviews from employers who saw my resume there.

[almaty 19]

It's only one page, because I was advised that more then that, some employers won't even bother looking at the rest.

true...and based on research. 1 page..the resume job is to get you the interview...period

[tom&tata 2]

1 page resume for me. If they are interested, they would ask for more detailed explanation.

Good luck

[ktun 0]

I know this is slightly off topic, but thought I'd tack it on here rather than starting a whole new thread.

Could anyone advise me how important it is to have your qualifications professionally evaluated for resume purposes? It is an expense we could do without right now, and I wondered if putting my degree as it is and perhaps a seperate page for explanation if they wanted, would be sufficient?

[ceriserose 1]

I know this is slightly off topic, but thought I'd tack it on here rather than starting a whole new thread.

Could anyone advise me how important it is to have your qualifications professionally evaluated for resume purposes? It is an expense we could do without right now, and I wondered if putting my degree as it is and perhaps a seperate page for explanation if they wanted, would be sufficient?

I'm not sure...you may want to ask this or have a look at the UK forum on here. I know that several people had concerns over how to describe their qualifications to equate it here. There were a few threads on suggestions that, were I not lazy and very tired, I would go find for you.

[CarolineM 0]

If you have a foreign degree you MAY want to have it evaluated. Stewart used Josef Silny and they did a great job!!

It was worth it, because his marks are all different and there is no GPA - his was for grad school purposes buti t's worth it.

As for the resume - my best friend works in HR - she says they spend 30 seconds on the average resume - more than one page is TOO MUCH.

Here they are

[ktun 0]

Thank you for the replies. This is obviously something we're going to have to think seriously about. Weigh up the costs of getting the evaluation with the prospect of a potentially easier time with submitting the resume to companies.