how can I make my resume look better?

Question

I am looking for a new job. Hopefully day shifts to replace my night waitressing. I have applied for about 8 jobs in the last month, with no positive results. I am a smart woman and learn quickly, however most of my work experience is in the food industry. How can I at least get a call back. I am looking mostly for administrative work.

Answer 1

Remember that your resume is not just data, it's answers to questions. Think about the questions the interviewer would have if YOU were the interviewer, then design your resume to answer those questions.

Focus on what you accomplished, not just the tasks you did each day. For instance, if you worked long shifts night waitressing, you must be good at dealing with people who are in weird or bad moods (a good task for an administrative assistant, for instance), good at managing your time (working multiple tables is not that different from working multiple phone calls), and resourceful (not much difference between running out of onions or having to re-plate an order and running short on time or bright white paper to produce the McGruder report).

good luck, I am sure this is just a dry spell in your interviewing. It's always slow around Christmas.

Peace

Answer 2

I think Don M has you on the right track on this one. Take the skills that you have, and apply them to the job you are answering.

If you have applying for an administrative position, there are probably some things they are looking for that you can do, but you need to make the connection for them....

For instance, working with an angry customer in a restaurant is no different than working with an angry customer on the phone.

Handling multiple tables and/or group dinners is no different than handling multiple tasks at the same time.

History of employment and good references from employers equate equally across any resume.

You might want to take a basic course about being an effective administrative assistant as well. There are all kinds of them that cost around $100 and take a day to complete. This will show that you are not just a waitress trying to get a day job, but someone who is willing to invest in your skills to take on a new career...

Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you have a word processor, read the add 3 times, then, in the skills section of your resume show the employer that your skills match exactly what they are looking for. For example, if you have typed personally, or in college, also, show them how you have a strong work ethic and learn new skill sets quiclkly. Put this in your cover letter too.

Answer 4

I'm a teacher and vocational school administrator. Deal with this kinda' thing all the time.

Email me your resume, I'll redline it along with tips, and email back.

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