First, an explanation.
I never really done much in the way of resumes.

Having a wide range of non-job specific mechanical & electrical skills, I wanted to make a resume that I could just hand in the Page 1 to any mechanical/electrical job (not bowling specific) I was appling for.
If appling within the Bowling Industry I would hand in both Page 1 & Page 2.

I also have Page 3 which consists of References, as well as three Letters of Recommendation I can present upon request.

So I made Page 1 to be a sort of "general" resume to apply for any sort of Mechanic or Maintenance job, but also act as a sort of introduction page to Page 2, for the Bowling Industry.
Like I said, I never done this kind of thing before, so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on my results.


Page One:


Page Two:

I see you are a wielder but can you weld?

quote Originally posted by Doug85GT: I see you are a wielder but can you weld?

Nice catch.
Thanx!

P.S. Although I CAN wield a welder..........

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 05-06-2010).]

Fix Wielder to welder.
Unless of course you are that bad M*&*^%$# that wields.

quote Originally posted by pokeyfiero: Fix Wielder to welder. Unless of course you are that bad M*&*^%$# that wields.

I've also been known to do a little "wilding"!

I would remove the "&' and replace with "and"....

quote Originally posted by jaskispyder: I would remove the "&' and replace with "and"....

I wondered about that.
Cheesy or efficient?

Cheesy.
Thanx!

Ok spelling aside.

I wish there was a bowling alley for sale so I could hire you.

quote Originally posted by pokeyfiero: Ok spelling aside. I wish there was a bowling alley for sale so I could hire you.

Spelling aside, I would deffinatly be a great choice.
And i'm alot of fun to work & be around, too.
You'd bust a gut, daily!
Always upbeat, never an attitude.
A real joy!

(i'm getting good at this!)

Will you provide references? For many positions I would never call a reference but for a "Maintenance" man and skilled operator positions, I always check references. This is one reason that you should never burn bridges, even if you don't like the guy you worked for, he could influence the next opportunity.
References such as Uncle Bud will never get called.

You need to list any and all education certificates/diplomas. Any and all technical certifications. High School attended, Colleges attended, Major courses of study. any one that has ever issued you a certificate for being qualified to do whatever on some piece of equipment may be applicable, grades are not as important as long as you have certification or diploma.

Edited to add: How much fun you are won't mean squat, I work with one of the biggest horse's asses on the planet, the boss told me upfront about his attitude but, he does his job very well, in-fact, he's one of the best at what he does. We don't speak much, he's very anti-social.

BTW, that appears to be a long distance number, will you cover the charges if any are applied?

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 05-06-2010).]

As a manager and people hirer, my first recommendation is to get your resume to one page, somehow. Employers don't want to know so much about all the things you've done, they want to know what you will do for *them*.

You do this by tweaking your resume for each employer to highlight the skills and accomplishments that will help *their* company. You do a good job of using "do-er" phrases like how you've cut waste, improved a process, thought up a new product, etc. Once again, limit these to what would interest the particular employer you're sending each resume to.

It's never too late to go back to school. I got my advanced degree at 50 and it's made all the difference in holding onto a good job in tough times. If you're interested in a particular field (especially tech fields) look at a tech school to get highly-focused training. Even a year of community college (at our "mature" age) shows an employer you're investing in yourself.

Don't worry about references. If they're interested in your they'll ask for references. If the resume doesn't wow them in the first pass, you already lost. References are just clutter.

Good luck.

------------------
Bob T.

[This message has been edited by fyrebird68 (edited 05-06-2010).]

quote Originally posted by fyrebird68: As a manager and people hirer, my first recommendation is to get your resume to one page, somehow. Employers don't want to know so much about all the things you've done, they want to know what you will do for *them*. You do this by tweaking your resume for each employer to highlight the skills and accomplishments that will help *their* company. You do a good job of using "do-er" phrases like how you've cut waste, improved a process, thought up a new product, etc. Once again, limit these to what would interest the particular employer you're sending each resume to. It's never too late to go back to school. I got my advanced degree at 50 and it's made all the difference in holding onto a good job in tough times. If you're interested in a particular field (especially tech fields) look at a tech school to get highly-focused training. Even a year of community college (at our "mature" age) shows an employer you're investing in yourself. Don't worry about references. If they're interested in your they'll ask for references. If the resume doesn't wow them in the first pass, you already lost. References are just clutter. Good luck.

I agree with the "it's never too late" philosophy. But, different hiring managers look for different things. As I scan a resume looking to hire someone, I'm looking for specific things depending on the position I'm trying to fill. One pagers just don't tell me enough normally. There is always the exception to that. But, something has to get my attention for me to ask for more information, do a reference check and so on.

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 05-06-2010).]

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Will you provide references? .

As stated, I also have a Page 3 which consists of References, as well as three Letters of Recommendation I can present upon request.

quote Originally posted by blackrams: You need to list any and all education certificates/diplomas. Any and all technical certifications. High School attended, Colleges attended, Major courses of study. grades are not as important as long as you have certification or diploma.

I have a G.E.D. and that's it.

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Edited to add: How much fun you are won't mean squat,

Yeah, that was a comment to Pokey, in jest.

quote Originally posted by blackrams: BTW, that appears to be a long distance number, will you cover the charges if any are applied?

That is a fake number used to show the structure of the format.

Thanks for the pointers!

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 05-06-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: Yeah, that was a comment to Pokey, in jest.

But you should be is a team leader and a great asset to a team.

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: That is a fake number used to show the structure of the format.

Sure it is, it's your story, you can stick with it if you want to.

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 05-06-2010).]

quote Originally posted by blackrams: But you should be as a team leader and a great asset to a team.

Oh, I am, I just didn't put that in my resume.
As a interviewer, you will find that out 5 minutes into talking to me, good or bad!

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Sure it is, it's your story, you can stick with it if you want to.

Hell is a toll-free call.

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 05-06-2010).]

Having certificates and awards can be an asset but not truly a honest assessment of the person.
Hands on is the best way to learn making that person an excellent employee. Common sense and
hard work is what makes a man / or woman the leaders Employers are searching for to improve all
aspects of business. You are an interesting person with an assortment of qualitative experience.
I would definitely call you for an interview if nothing but to learn more about the person you are,
I would have to know more about the " Miner / Owner- Operator' part of your summary of yourself.
There are more educated idiots than down to earth working human beings.
Experience can never be learned from a book.

[This message has been edited by billpapps (edited 05-06-2010).]

Having looked at quite a few resumes in my time, here is my critique. Excellent resume. You outlined specialized experience and training without using jargon, and putting the pinsetter experience on a second page in further detail was a good move. That allows a hiring manager to get an assessment of your whole makeup at a glance, and then go deeper in if the interest is there.

I would avoid providing references with the resume. Three pages for a non professional resume is a bit long, and after all you want the hiring manager to request the information from you, making another contact with you another opportunity for you to impress.

Good luck.

quote Originally posted by billpapps: Having certificates and awards can be an asset but not truly a honest assessment of the person. Hands on is the best way to learn making that person an excellent employee. Common sense and hard work is what makes a man / or woman the leaders Employers are searching for to improve all aspects of business.

I agree.
Those are the resumes I have always called in for an interview.

quote Originally posted by billpapps: You are an interesting person with an assortment of qualitative experience. I would definitely call you for an interview if nothing but to learn more about the person you are, I would have to know more about the " Miner / Owner- Operator' part of your summary of yourself.

I mined gold in Dawson City, Yukon Territory of Canada.
As a young man, for a little while, I was pretty rich.
I was also very stupid.
And then I was very broke very quickly.

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 05-07-2010).]

My observations:
(I've read hundreds of resumes and interviewed hundreds of people in my career, most of them scientific and engineering professionals, but the same rules apply regardless..)

You have a 1 year overlap in your employment history.
Be prepared to explain that.

Drop the "AMF" references in your detailed CV on pg. 2
Show that your experience is "transferrable" to any maintenance or mechanical job.
Focus on the "core skills" from your experience. This will help you find a "fit" with a potential employer.
Using the "AMF" reference as many times as you did, essentially "labels" you as a "bowling alley repairman".
You want to be "broader" than that, (which you really are), but don't "set the tone" with your resume at the outset.

Remember a *critical* thing that most people forget, (or don't know), about resumes...
It's ONLY a tool to get an INTERVIEW.
The interview is where you get the real opportunity to "sell" yourself.
Be prepared to explain HOW you did the things you list on pg. 2 and how you can do that, and more, for a potential employer.

PRO TIP: It's ok to bring notes to an interview and *use* them. For many people this can take the nervous edge off, knowing that you don't have to "wing it" under pressure. It can also show a potential employer that you *prepare* for things and are organized.

[This message has been edited by randye (edited 05-07-2010).]

Boonie,

Other than your "wielding" ability (already mentioned), I think you missed one comma. (There is the question of what, exactly, you wield whenever you wield that which it is that you wield. But that (I hope) is a topic for another day.) Nice job. If I owned either a bowling alley, or my own personal army, I'd hire you.

The only comment I have is whether you really want to include the last sentence on page one. It was pointed out to me, many years ago, that when you're applying for a job, the folks you're dealing with think they're pretty bright, too, and telling them that you can bring order to their universe can suggest that: (1) their universe needs help; and (2) you think they can't do it on their own.

Others here (Randye, for example) have more experience at reading resumes and forming impressions from them than do I, so I'd trust their advice more than mine on this issue. It's just something to consider.

quote Originally posted by randye: You have a 1 year overlap in your employment history. Be prepared to explain that.

That was where I was part of a program where I could work halfday & go to Adult Basic Education to get my G.E.D. and get paid for a full day.
A year after I started the program, I graduated and went to full-time statis.

quote Originally posted by randye: Drop the "AMF" references in your detailed CV on pg. 2 Show that your experience is "transferrable" to any maintenance or mechanical job. Focus on the "core skills" from your experience. This will help you find a "fit" with a potential employer. Using the "AMF" reference as many times as you did, essentially "labels" you as a "bowling alley repairman". You want to be "broader" than that, (which you really are), but don't "set the tone" with your resume at the outset.

Has I stated in my initial post, I was trying to devise a way where I would use just page one as a general application for assorted mechanical/maintenace posistions, and page one AND two to apply within the bowling industry.
I wasn't sure if that idea works or not, I assume you believe it doesn't.

quote Originally posted by randye: Remember a *critical* thing that most people forget, (or don't know), about resumes... It's ONLY a tool to get an INTERVIEW. The interview is where you get the real opportunity to "sell" yourself. Be prepared to explain HOW you did the things you list on pg. 2 and how you can do that, and more, for a potential employer. PRO TIP: It's ok to bring notes to an interview and *use* them. For many people this can take the nervous edge off, knowing that you don't have to "wing it" under pressure. It can also show a potential employer that you *prepare* for things and are organized.

Great advice.
Thanx!

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 05-07-2010).]

Nothing wisdom wise coming from me, but good luck!

Overall okay. I'd try to get some more mention of your extensive electronics & computer skillz, they'd be standouts these days.

Let's see, you got your GED while in the National Guard? And worked for both the mining company and the Bowling Alley at the same time? I still don't get the overlap. Don't worry about explaining it to me, I'm from New Jersey. Have a clearer explanation ready, you would probably do better face-to-face on that.

Don't be TOO much fun in the interview.

Any possibility of phrases like "Maintained equiipment uptime of XX%, exceeding industry standards." Or "Trained subordinates to keep lost-time accident rate below XXX" "Managed XX employees as direct reports, including hiring firing, etc." anre very attention getting.

Like mentioned before, Page 2 could be a great asset if refined for non-bowling skills. I saw a lot of potentially great skills there, but it was "for bowling only." I don't know how to compress all that brilliance into one page. (I have the same problem.)

ABSOLUTELY: Rewrite your resume for every non-bowling position! I cannot stress this enough. A lot of positions will not find you a good fit based on this one resume. But if you tailor it to the needs of each employer, you can weed out the irrelevant material and pack in the "application-specific" skills you have. When I was job hunting about two years ago, my boilerplate resume was MANY pages long. I'd cut out what didn't fit the particular job opening to get it down to one page. One guy who knew me from a previous job actually said "Thanks for keeping it to one page." This is SO easy with computers, that it's crazy not to.

So, go ahead, write a twenty page essay on the greatness of Boondawg. You'll dredge up things you may have forgotten. But some employer may need desperately. And you'll take thirty seconds to cut out the stuff he doesn't care about, and have a killer one page resume.

And when you say you did so-and-so, say you did it better than somebody. After 25 years in the same place, there's nobody to compare to, but can you get stats from other places? Randomly call bowling centrs and ask other guys? The manufacturer? The USBC? The "Bowling Alley Owner-Operator" magazine? (They must have one.) Or just your own records: reduced system downtime by XX%.

Do your homework. Find out about the bowling alley you're applying to. If it's a new industry, find out about the employer, the industry, the location. NEVER come in cold. If all else fails, ask here. SOMEBODY will know something. Waiting a few hours to get a better resume will help. And being able to talk about the specifics of a new industry will be helpful, and show you as a self-starter.

quote Originally posted by Zeb: Overall okay. I'd try to get some more mention of your extensive electronics & computer skillz, they'd be standouts these days. Let's see, you got your GED while in the National Guard? And worked for both the mining company and the Bowling Alley at the same time? I still don't get the overlap. Don't worry about explaining it to me, I'm from New Jersey. Have a clearer explanation ready, you would probably do better face-to-face on that.

I dropped out of school. A while later I entered a program where I went to school for half a day to get my G.E.D. and worked at the Army National Guard Armory as a CIVILIAN Mechanic for half a day, and was paid for a full day. I was not IN the Army National Guard. That is why I listed it as a "Civilian Mechanic". After I got my G.E.D. I was allowed to continue to work there full time, for the length of the program.

The start date for the Bowling Alley should be 1986, not 1985.
Good catch!
Thanx!

*EDIT: In that same line I also called the bowling machines "83-70".
They are 82-70.

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 05-07-2010).]