I need resume help

[weliveintheforest]

I am having a very hard time putting together a resume. I didn't finish high school, didn't go to college. I have doula and midwifery training, but am not looking for a job in that field. All the resume websites are really discouraging me because I do not feel like I have any education or applicable skills.

I know how to list the jobs I've had, and the duties they entailed, but I am not sure how to pick out key words and skills that I should focus on. I am going to just be taking resumes everywhere, mostly stores and restaurants that might be hiring.

Can anyone suggest the types of things I should be putting down as skills?


In case it helps, my paid jobs have been:
- cell phone customer service (call center)
- assistant manager at a deli/cheese shop
- arby's

My unpaid work has included:
- doula work
- volunteering in a midwifery clinic doing office stuff and tidying up

I'm hoping someone on here LOVES making resumes and can give me some pointers

[JordanKX]

I LOVE making resumes, you got me. But still, my opinion only

My one point would be... you need different resumes for different positions. I know that's a pain in the A... but, I was a manager, and hiring for just your basic entry-level receptionist, the summary at the top of the resume (those first 3-4 sentences that you look at), if they're not specific to the JOB you're looking for... I just assumed... ah, heck, this is generic, move on. (for example, listing 3yrs barista experience... when applying to front desk... yeah, that was thrown out). Needs to be to the job.

You have skills... no doubt about that. But it's more than just listing your previous work experience. You need summary points at the top of your resume, to showcase office experience, food service, customer service, multi-tasking, whatever, To The Job.

For example, if you're going into "stores" (what does that mean, btw?)... I'd envision like your basic retail stores?
your summary should say...
X yrs customer service
X yrs office support
multi-tasking, customer relations
Phone/desk support

IF you have any computer knowledge, even simple calculator (make it say 10-key touch, cash handling)

List any computer software (Word, Excel, etc.)

THEN... list your work experience. The summary at the top, 4-6 bullets AT MOST, is what is going to catch the eye. People want to know where you worked and for HOW LONG. And list what you did there.

But the summary at the top is going to separate you from others. And that you took the time to make it specific to the job.

You can PM me... I teach resume writing classes.

[weliveintheforest]

Thank you, that is very helpful. I will make more than one resume. By 'stores' I meant everything from staples to winners to the toy store in town. I'm basically planning to walk up and down all the streets and through the mall handing out resumes anywhere that will take one. Jobs are kind of hard to come by here so I want to cover all my bases.

I just saw on craigslist that Burger King pays 11.35 an hour! Not my favourite kind of work, but I would take it for that much money, when most places won't pay much more than 8.

[dawningmama]

In my experience (back in the dark ages when I was a retail manager, and things could have certainly changed by now), it's the application that is more important for sales positions. So, in that respect, I would urge you to use keywords you see in the literature about the position.

Also, yes, more than one resume. I use google docs and have 3-4 versions of my resume. I pull words from the job posting/description and put them in my resume and cover letter. (ie, "coaching" instead of "trianing," or "quality assurance technician" instead of "embedded quality representative"). Each industry and each company has their own jargon and launguage and, again IME, they really like to hear you use that stuff.

So, for retail outlets, go ahead and look at the job descriptions on their websites before applying in person and maybe jot down a few of their key terms/phrases to work into your resume and application.

Good luck!

[weliveintheforest]

Originally Posted by dawningmama

So, for retail outlets, go ahead and look at the job descriptions on their websites before applying in person and maybe jot down a few of their key terms/phrases to work into your resume and application.

Thank you, I will do this!