Eileen...just my HO...but it seems resumes should be short and to the point. So many employers are getting overwhelmed, they just want to bottom line it.

I've never been a fan of the chronological resume. I had mine set up as a summary of skill sets, and it resulted in lots of interviews (back in the day when I was searching). I wouldn't go into a lot of detail about the extent of education (mentioning you didn't get do the thesis), again, summarize.

I've not heard of the CL resumes...I'd be sort of wary, but try it anyway. Also, don't put your first name, use your first two initials.

Keeping the positive thoughts coming your way.

I am also not a resume expert, but I think you should summarize your job experience at the three latest firms and I would mention you've worked at three firms of a certain size or project scale etc. and not itemize your actual tenure with each place. It sortof pops out that you were at 3 different places in 3 years. That discussion of where you were and why you left each place I would think would be better discussed during an interview when you're face to face with someone.

Seeking a position as an Architectural Associate or Interior Designer within an architectural firm. Obtained a BS from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning. Experience designing custom homes, kitchens, baths, custom cabinets, and commercial projects. Knowledgeable of AutoCad, Revit, Photoshop, ArchiCad, Giza, 2020 Design, and MS Office software.

I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you.

*That is how I would do my cover letter*

Eliminate using the word "I" it makes the resume sound casual. Be short and sweet- eliminate adjectives. The best resumes are one page- the HR dept likes to have one page that can sum you up. Do not use a chronological format- your work history is brief and frequent. Try using a work related resume- you have many skills that are marketable and your experience can definitely be an asset to a company, make those shine.

If I get a chance later this evening I will try to fiddle around with one for you- I will email it through the craigslist link from my personal email.

I didn't read it all, but I agree that it is much too long. Plus, I still feel that it is better to get out there and look than just hope someone will see an online resume. Also, I wouldn't want all that info on myself online randomly. I think it's still best to apply for specific jobs with specific companies. But of course, that is up to you.

Red

Thanks - my daughter is working on a resume and cover letter for me too. My resume is one page but I do need to condense it a lot.

If you are sending resumes to any kind of design firm, make sure it is graphically pleasing. I have gotten every job I've ever applied for and the first thing they tell me in the interview when they pull out the resume to refresh themselves on who I am is "oh yeah, your resume is beautiful, it went right to the top" or something similar. Architects are all about every stupid little piece of whatever being graphically pleasing.

The other thing I have done (and remember, this is for the design business specifically) is that I outline selected projects for each of my last 3 jobs - with the most detail on the most recent job and less detail and shorter sentences entries as you go on.

Right now your resume reads a bit like a job description. It's sort of understood that you need to be able to do those things. Pick a few of your better projects and talk a little bit about what you really did. Pick the sexier projects and don't be afraid to name-drop clients (this is for paper resumes, I would NOT do that on CL - too many crazies out there). For example two jobs ago I spent a lot of time designing a major renovation of a rooftop addition on a landmark hotel. I talked about what I specifically did (in a brief way) on that project... not just "schematic design" but "developed 5 different schemes and presented to the owner in hong kong". You didn't do detailing, you "detailed both steel and wood frame buildings" or you "detailed high end custom casework" (a surprising number of people do NOT know how to properly detail casework). You want to make your experience sound exciting and thorough so they want to have you on their team, and if you had good clients (commercial I mean) it is something great to talk about in an interview.

For the CL ad, I would do two separate ads - one targeting design firms and one targeting private ID clients. I would keep it short and sweet and direct people to a real resume. CL scares me though. Good luck!

That is such excellent advice -- create a a sexy account of what you have done rather than a job description. It is difficult to do in my field (non-sexy area of IT) but I am def. going to try. I think it would distract from the chronology, and that is good, because frequent job changes raise red flags in the eyes of some, even when the change means you are marketable and growth-oriented.

When I organize my resume functionally, anyone whose interest is piqued always asks for the chronological list anyway.

3d, I was just thinking... you need something flexible for your health challenges, something that could also work around a future full time position, with low/no overhead...

What about tutoring? Surely there are college kids needing extra help in some of the areas where you have expertise.

In the interim, could you post on CL under "Services" for Designer-For-The-Day gigs for interior decorating help to clueless homeowners? When I was disabled from my last job, to somewhat supplement my 70% of last salary (disability insurance payments & SSDI) I did some dog care, mostly for people going on vacation or business trips. I put my ad on CL & got a very good response. I don't do it anymore, except still for one retired couple who frequently travels, but it did help out in the early years of lost income.

Thanks everyone.