What's wrong with my resume?

[Spaced Cowboy]

Vel

[Lancer]

Color, and lots of it:


OBJECTIVE Find a challenging position where my broad experience
would be put to good use.


EXPERIENCE Caschem, Bayonne, NJ (hired through Lab Support,
Piscataway, NJ)
Quality Control Technician, August 2000 to March 2005

Tested in process, final product, and raw material samples to
assure that quality specs were met, as sole technician on shift. Also
did R&D and special testing as required.
Standardized titrants as needed. Calibrated and maintained an
assortment of laboratory equipment, including viscometers, specific
gravity meters, analytical balances, and Karl Fisher titrators.
Maintained in process and final sample archives.

International Technidyne Corporation, Edison, NJ (via Lab
Support, Piscataway, NJ)
Quality Assurance Coordinator, August 1998 to December 1999

Ensured the proper and timely conclusion of all instrument and
incision device complaints.
Assembled ISO compliant documentation for new products.
Coordinated different departments to ensure the smooth operation of the
complaint system.
Trended complaint data to find problem areas and recommend possible
solutions.

Lipton, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (via Lab Support, Elmwood Park NJ)
Spec Scientist, May 1998 to July 1998
Culinary (Sauces) Division, Quality Systems Group


Evaluated and entered formulation data for Ragu, Five Brothers,
and other assorted pasta sauces into the Xspec database system.
Assisted in the composition of a user’s manual for Xspec.
Created new specifications.

Instrumentation Laboratories, Orangeburg, NY (via Lab Support,
White Plains, NY)
Data Analyst, March 1998 to May 1998

Interpreted, entered, and correlated raw data for use in
automation of a freeze-drying process for blood products.
Created automated spreadsheets and graphs for use in tracking the
quality of blood gas testing reagents.

Wyeth Ayerst Lederle, Pearl River, NY (via Lab Support, Elmwood
Park, NJ)
Technical Writer, November 1997 to March 1998
esilederle Formulation Group

Composed Study Plans, Study Results, SOIs, and Interim Reports.
Transcribed Memoranda. PC support for Formulations Group.
Developed Presentations
Created standard forms for documents.

Nabisco, East Hanover, NJ (via Lab Support, Elmwood Park, NJ)
Research Technician, August 1996 to October, 1997
SPC division, Dry Mix section. Responsibilities included

Compounded and tested product samples and prototypes.
Prepared product for analytical, micro, and shelf life studies.
Set up and ran showings and in-company sensory tests.
Ran shelf life studies and certain analytical procedures.

Merck, Rahway, NJ (via Manpower Technical Services, East
Brunswick, NJ).
Chemical Technician, March 1995 to March 1996

Prepared samples ranging from 1 mg to several kg from
collection of over 300,000 drugs and drug candidates. Handled
sensitive compounds.
Handled hazardous compounds.
Maintained inventory.

Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences
Tutor, Fall 1993 to Fall 1994

Instructed students in chemistry, geology, and accounting.
Appraised computer teaching programs.
Trained other tutors.

Hardman, Inc., Belleville, NJ
Machine Operator Summers 1987 to 1991:

Operated and maintained packaging machines.
Operated forklifts.
Assisted in compounding epoxies, urethanes, and butyl rubbers.
Ran viscosity tests.

EDUCATION Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences
Majored in Geology (incomplete)
Minors in Chemistry, Physics, and Accounting.
Graduate level courses in Geology


SPECIAL SKILLS Chemistry: Experienced in using lab equipment
including analytical balances, penetrometers, Brookfield viscometers,
pH meters, FTIR, NIR, and UV spectrometers, GCs, Hunter Lab Scan II
Colorimeters, Sieve Analysis (ROTAP), Anton Paar density meters,
Mettler Karl Fisher titrators, and an assortment of wet chemistry and
other laboratory procedures, including but not limited to acid value,
hydroxyl value, saponification number, unsaponifiable matter, iodine
value, %soap, %NCO, % volatiles, melt point (capillary and drop), gel
time (dry stick and Brookfield), and heavy metals.

Computer: Uses MS Word and MS Excel regularly, have used PowerPoint
and Access on occasion. Some experience with Paint Shop Pro and
Photoshop. Learns new software quickly. Builds own computers.

General: Basic mechanical, electrical, and carpentry skills. Basic
first aid skills. Experienced with forklifts, hand jacks, powerjacks,
drum dollies and hoists.


CERTIFICATIONS Nationally certified by the College Reading and
Learning Association as a tutor.

References are available on request.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

On my computer, your resume opened up with everything in Times New Roman (12 point for your name, 10 point for everything else). You also have tons of whitespace on teh left and really crowded space on thw right. If that's how it really looks, then, from a purely visual point-of-view, your resume is (please don't take this personally) really ugly. And while that's a pretty superficial comment, the fact is that the decision to fish your resume out of the pile of 100s that the company has received will be based on some pretty superficial things. Even if you can't lay it out better, you must know somebody with graphic design skills; call on them.

[Ted Striker]

I agree that you need to tailor your position to the exact kinda job that you are looking for.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Ted Striker
I agree that you need to tailor your position to the exact kinda job that you are looking for.

I agree.

When I was looking, I did a new resume for ecery job I applied for. I've been working full time for over 10 years so I have a fair bit of material to use and its only a matter of stressing the important stuff.

Note my resume NEVER exceeds 2 pages and starts when I became a lawyer

[Tuberski]

Never put "References Available Upon Request", they already know that.

ACK!

[Urban Ranger]

I don't have the time to look through it carefully, but...

Cut the objective part out. If you tailor your resume to each job you apply for, it's useless. If you don't, it only acts to exclude you from some of the jobs you may be eligible, so it's worse than useless.

[chequita guevara]

Re: What's wrong with my resume?

You live in Kansas and aren't a Kansan. Them folks are suspicious of outsiders. More importantly, it's a much smaller job market. I hardly got interviews at all when I was in Jax, but as soon as I moved to FtL, I couldn't beat interviewers off with a stick.

BTW, your objective sucks. Just toss it altogether. Interviewers don't give a damn about objectives.

Move your skills and certs to the top.

Considering your geographic disadvantages, you may want to hire a professional to do your resume. I do mine (I'm a designer after all), but I know people who've had theirs done, and they were really impressed by the difference in quality. Your resume is effectively an advertisement, and you wouldn't produce your own ads, would you?

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Velociryx
PS: During salary negotiations, NEVER play the first card...if they ask how much you're thinking (and most good interviewers WILL), stall them and do this EXACTLY:

1) Tell them that you did not come to the interview prepared to discuss salary.....

2) As you are saying this, grab your pen and meet the interviewee's eyes. "but what ballpark were you thinking?"

Frequently, they will continue to press, and after the third of fourth time asking, you have to say something. Tell them you are willing to consider any reasonable offer.

[The Mad Monk]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Lancer:

Here's the new, stripped down resume:

superdak@bellatlantic.net

OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position as a QC Chemist that would utilize my 7+ years of experience testing and analyzing analytical assays as well as my understanding of data management systems.

EXPERIENCE
Caschem, Bayonne, NJ (hired through Lab Support, Piscataway, NJ)
Quality Control Technician, August 2000 to March 2005

* Tested in process, final product, and raw material samples to assure that quality specs were met, as sole technician on shift. Also did R&D and special testing as required.
* Standardized titrants as needed.
* Calibrated and maintained an assortment of laboratory equipment, including viscometers, specific gravity meters, analytical balances, and Karl Fisher titrators.
* Maintained in process and final sample archives.

International Technidyne Corporation, Edison, NJ
Quality Assurance Coordinator, August 1998 to December 1999

* Ensured the proper and timely conclusion of all instrument and incision device complaints.
* Compiled documentation for new products according to ISO quality standards
* Coordinated interdepartmental communication to ensure the smooth operation of complaint systems.
* Trended complaint data to find problem areas and recommend possible solutions.

Lab Support, Various Locations
Various Positions, March 1995 to July 1998

* Correlated, evaluated and data based formulation data for brand name food, pharmaceutical, and blood products
* Developed and/or Wrote new product specifications, process documentation, process monitoring plans, study plans, SOIs, Interim Reports, and Presentations
* Compounded and tested product samples and prototypes
* Supplied computer support and training

Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences
Tutor, Fall 1993 to Fall 1994

* Instructed students in chemistry, geology, and
accounting.
* Appraised computer teaching programs.
* Trained other tutors.

Hardman, Inc., Belleville, NJ
Machine Operator Summers 1987 to 1991:

* Operated and maintained packaging machines.
* Operated forklifts.
* Assisted in compounding epoxies, urethanes, and butyl rubbers.
* Ran viscosity tests.

EDUCATION
Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences
Major in Geology (3 of 4 years completed)
Minor in Chemistry.
Graduate level courses in Geology

SPECIAL SKILLS
Chemistry: General chemistry experience, hazardous and sensitive material handling, working knowledge of lab equipment including analytical balances, penetrometers, Brookfield viscometers, pH meters, FTIR, NIR, and UV spectrometers, GCs, Hunter Lab Scan II Colorimeters, Sieve Analysis (ROTAP), Anton Paar density meters, Mettler Karl Fisher titrators, and an assortment of wet chemistry and other laboratory procedures, including but not limited to acid value, hydroxyl value, saponification number, unsaponifiable matter, iodine value, %soap, %NCO, % volatiles, melt point (capillary and drop), gel time (dry stick and Brookfield), and heavy metals.

Computer: MSOffice, MSAccess, Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, Xspec, RenCS, Assorted Internet programs. Learns new software quickly. Builds and maintains own computers.


CERTIFICATIONS
Nationally certified by the College Reading and Learning Association as a tutor.
References are available on request.

...and here's a cover letter I just composed and sent:

Dear Sir or Madam:

I read with interest your advertisement on careerbuilder.com for the position of QC Chemist I. I believe that I would make a fine match for the position, given my experience and skills.

During my years working for Caschem, I was in charge of my shift (3rd), and responsible for all aspects of quality control on that shift. I had to insure that the lab was properly maintained, that incoming materials were dealt with, that qc results on ongoing batches were quickly and accurately reported, and that finished products were tested and approved -- or disapproved -- in a timely manner. If a $40,000 shipment was not up to spec, I made sure it did not go out the door.

I enjoyed the many experiences I had while working as a contractor for lab Support. In particular, my year as a QA coordinator for ITC gave me a lot of insight into ISO documentation preparation, as well as working with customer complaints and ensuring the proper and timely handling of customer issues between various departments. Also of note was the time I spent as a technical writer for Wyeth Ayerst-Lederle in Pearl River, NY, where I composed internal reports and FDA documentation for the esiLEDERLE Formulations Group.

As you can see from my resume, I am skilled in many kinds of wet chemical and instrument analysis. The majority of the procedures I did at Caschem were buret work; the only autotitrators in the lab were the KF machines. Caschem has a very broad range of products, covering oils, copolymers, surfactants, catalysts, and others, and most of them have ended up on my bench. I was also the "go-to guy" for the more isoteric tests, which weren't seen more than once or twice a year, due to my talent for picking up new tests quickly.

Let me finish by saying I am a motivated, hard worker, willing to work any shift, any holiday, any overtime. When a three million pound oil barge came in at 02:00 on July 4th or New Year's Eve, I was always the one standing ready to receive the sample.

I do hope to hear from you soon regarding this position.

Sincerely,

Whatcha think?

[Japher]

Cover Letter is too long; 1 paragraph describing your interest in the job, 1 paragraph describing your skills that makes you best suited for the job, 1 paragraph reiterating your interest and skills... Sincrely, MM (make sure to include your contact information at the end of the cover letter)

I would still get rid of the Hardman job, but do as you wish

I would also get rid of the "hired through lab support" bit too, unless there is a reason you want that there

besides that it looks fine to me

[The Mad Monk]

Oops. I forgot about that "hired through Lab Support line.

I like the Hardman job because it shows that I have some idea of what's going on out in the plant, and I was hoping it would be a selling point when applying to a QC position. Do you think I'm off on that?

I figured I'd use the cover letter to add spice to the package, since the resume is already highlighting my pertinent skills, but is pretty dry reading.

[Japher]

Do you think I'm off on that?

Yes, I don't think any screener is going to see that and want to interview you because of it.

[The Mad Monk]

Okay, I'll drop it next iteration.

[chequita guevara]

Get rid of the objective, seriously. They don't care.