Putting a resume together...

[Inflikted]

I have a lot to cover in this topic, so I apologize if it gets a bit long-winded. Anyway, I've never put much thought into writing up a resume for myself, because I figured I'd wait until I finished college before I could really apply for anything. But, I'm tired of working a part time retail job, and I'm ready to start actually doing something, and I've found a handful of interesting internships and job listings in my area that I'd like to try my hand at.

 

I've come to realize that I have a bit of a passion for audio/ video editing, producing, etc. (and I'm interested in learning further about things like live broadcasting, etc.). Unfortunately, the degree I'm working towards is a business degree, and at this point, it's a little too late for me to switch over to a more appropriate degree, unless I want to spend more years in school.

 

And again, the only job experience I have is one part time job in retail, which has mostly been cashiering, stocking shelves, and helping customers.

 

I have, however, taught myself a number of useful software programs for this kind of work (although, many of the programs I use are free alternatives, as opposed to the paid programs you'd probably find in a professional setting, but I find they're often similar enough that I could probably jump to a better program without much trouble). I know how to use Audacity (and GoldWave, although I haven't used this one in ages, once I switched to Audacity) to record and edit audio, apply effects, cut things, and silence out any noises that may have gotten picked up in recording (such as background noises, or the sound of breathing in between sentences). I've become good at using VideoPad Video Editor (I plan to switch over to Adobe Premiere Pro 2 in the future, though) to put together videos, apply effects, make sure transitions go smoothly, and if audio was recorded in a separate recording, I have a knack for making sure it syncs up correctly with the video. I can basically use GIMP to edit images for whatever purpose I may need.

 

Anyway, I'm just not really sure how to present myself on a resume, given my education, work experience, and actual skills. Technically, I don't even know how to properly demonstrate your software experience on a resume, like, how you actually list it out.

 

So, if anyone could help me out and give me some guidance, that would be much appreciated.

[KathyM]

You should list your skills as a separate category as they relate to the field you are interested in. I'd suggest the following headings on your Resume:

 

Personal Information

 

(Name, address, etc.)

 

Objective

 

To obtain a job in the ______________ field.

 

Education

 

Work History

 

Applicable Job Skills

 

Here is where you define the skills you have that are applicable to the industry you wish to go into. This category is necessary, especially since your education and work experience do not reflect the job skills necessary for the field you are interested in.

[Grumpybutfun]

As a professional technical writer, I can assure you that you do not need to supply work history if you are just starting out. Also, if you are worried that your Business Degree is not applicable to your interest in Broadcasting, just remember that a degree is just a stepping stone and you can use your knowledge, however it is obtained to get a job you want. I think a Business degree in Broadcasting could be beneficial. Some stations are so small that you may get to do something in operations while also helping with recording and editing audio. The great thing about starting out is that you can be trained while starting at the bottom. Working yourself up in Broadcasting on the technical side of things will not require you to change your major. Business degrees are so broad that they can apply to many things and be used in many areas. Don't be discouraged and go after what you want...after all tenacity will win everytime over a degree.

Luck,

Grumps

[pink_sugar]

I think this tread would probably be best in the Business section. Anyways, I think a resume is mostly to polish the skills you have already rather than list everywhere you've worked as you would on an employment application. The resume is basically you selling yourself. Leave off jobs that are irrelevant or that will give bad references.

[CarrieT]

As a professional technical writer, I can assure you that you do not need to supply work history if you are just starting out.

As an ex-professional Human Resources Coordinator, I couldn't disagree more...

 

We want to see some stability in employment, even if someone is trying to break into a new field. Work history is vital to showing drive and competency in the workforce.

[Inflikted]

Plus, I've had the same job for, like, five years, now, so that could help promote the idea that I'm "loyal" and not just looking to use any jobs as stepping stones.

 

Anyway, the bulk of my confusion comes from figuring out how to list out and quantify my skills with the software. I'm not really sure how to organize that information on a resume, and/ or what aspects are even relevant in stating (I mean, I don't want to list "I can do x in y software" if it's a common knowledge thing that everyone that has used the program is able to do, yanno?).

 

Still, it'd be nice to know how to also give a proper spin to my work experience. People have suggested to me to play up the whole "customer service" aspect, but I'm not sure how to do that. I mean, all I've really done at my job is either cashier or stock shelves. I help customers find products in the store, and sometimes help them place orders to be shipped out, but that's about the extent of what I do, so not really sure how to "embellish" that.

[KathyM]

You list those skills in the Applicable Job Skills section, as I mentioned above, using bullet points for each skill. As far as embellishing your job history, you can say things like "Provided customers with information on company products. Assisted customers in ordering or purchasing company products/merchandise. Resolved customer concerns and inquiries".