Need Interviews. Review Resume Please?

[newt_101]

I've been having a tough time securing an interview, or should I say an interview for the type of jobs I want, as opposed to just a job.

I'm seeking something in the public sector (like I used to do).

Before I check out the classifieds again, I was hoping someone could please give me some pointers on my cover letter and resume and tell me what I should alter or change if anything?

Truly appreciated!

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To Whom It May Concern:

This resume is in regards to the ...

I have worked directly under Ontario’s Premier (Corporate Issues – Queen’s Park) for 5+ years. During this time, my skills have focused on the collection and preparation of media monitoring, analysis briefing materials and translating the Italian media sources into English. I excelled in the standing.

From supervising for 11+ years in the customer relations, sales & public sectors, to recently returning home to Canada from heavily volunteering in 3rd world nations, I come to you with a broad, yet focused mind.

I was drawn to your position by having a very sound interest in focusing on our community within a team situation, while having strong customer service expertise, interpersonal and communication skills.

I am a University of Toronto (Honours) graduate and speak three languages.

I have enclosed a copy of my resume, which details my qualifications and suggests how I might be of service.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

xxxx xxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx


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HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Working directly under Ontario’s Premier (Cabinet Office- Corporate Issues) for 5+ years in an independent position.
• Over 11 years of supervisory experience in customer service, media and sales (corporate & direct).
• Fluent in English, Italian, & Farsi; with a working knowledge of Spanish.
• Superb at dealing with difficult issues or complaints.
• Excellent at multi-tasking and dealing in a fast paced environment.
• Volunteer English teacher (800hrs+) in 3rd world nations.
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office, Outlook and Windows.
• Twice granted the ‘Employee of the Month’ Award.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

2001-2006 Media Analyst/ Translator. xxxxxxxxxxx
• The collection and preparation of high-level summaries, media monitoring and analysis briefing materials.
• Developed an awareness of all issues relevant to the 24 line ministries reporting to the government, including, in particular, health, education, finance and economic development and trade.
• Sole translator of the Corriere Canadese and Omni One Italian News programs into English for the perusal of the Ontario government.
• This division is the most technologically advanced and comprehensive media operation in Canada.

2004-2006 Regional Merchandiser. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
• Working with and maintaining frequent contact with new and existing clients to provide Volvic (imported bottled water) to high-end businesses and distributors.
• Hiring, training, counseling and coaching staff on performance techniques and sales issues.
• Analyzing reports in search of trends and potential problems, merchandising, accessorizing and creating displays.

1999-2000 Medical Coordinator. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
• Solely responsible for booking medical referrals with support workers, and nurses.
• Managed telephone lines in 12 departments with the Meridian system.
• Demonstrated ability to listen effectively to customers, which resulted in excellent customer relations.
• Maintained clerical, organizational proficiency, reception and filing duties as top priority at all times.

1996-1999 Team Leader. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
• Trained over 500 employees in areas relating to customer service etiquette, telecommunications and order processing; including departmental supervisors, customer service and administrative staff.
• Developed curriculum adhering to corporate policies and procedures to conduct individual and group training for up to 20 employees.
• Supervised teams of individuals, ranging from 5 to 20, while keeping production/quota high and boosting group morale.
• Handled calls on behalf of Sprint, CIBC, Norwich Union and Royal Bank.

VOLUNTEER

Teacher, Various Locations, Myanmar/Cambodia/India. 2006-2007.
Teacher’s Aid, Early Learning Center, Toronto. 1999.
Deliverer / Prepared Food, Meals on Wheels, Toronto. 1997.

EDUCATION

University of Toronto, Toronto. 2004: Honors B.A. Italian and History.
Ryerson Polytechnic University, Toronto. 1997-1999.

[Rehan]

The content of the resume is pretty good, but nothing really pops out right away as your specialty. Consider adding a "Summary of Skills" section where you list three key skill categories -- for example, "Team Leadership", "Information Analysis", and "Customer Service" -- and then list a 2-3 summary points under each one. Those points can be moved over from the other sections, to avoid too much overlap.

And tailor the Summary of Skills to the specific jobs that you're applying to. i.e., for some jobs you might want to highlight your language skills and travel experience instead of customer service. It depends on the types of jobs you're looking at.

Also, the points under your first two jobs are in the right tense ("Managed ...", "Demonstrated ...", "Trained ...", "Supervised ...", etc.) but in the two most recent jobs the wording doesn't match -- "The collection ...", "Sole translator ...", "Working ...", "Analyzing ...". So you should fix the two recent job tasks so the tense is the same as the others.

[newt_101]

The content of the resume is pretty good, but nothing really pops out right away as your specialty. Consider adding a "Summary of Skills" section where you list three key skill categories -- for example, "Team Leadership", "Information Analysis", and "Customer Service" -- and then list a 2-3 summary points under each one. Those points can be moved over from the other sections, to avoid too much overlap.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions, I have applied them but could you also please give me an idea as to where the 'Summary of Skills' should be placed in the resume or cover letter section?

Once again, thank u.
Marco

[Rehan]

I would put it on the resume in between the Highlights of Qualifications and Summary of Skills. The resume then sort of becomes a hybrid between a chronological format and a functional format. I think because the jobs you're applying to are probably not directly related to your previous work experience, that's the best format to choose.

You might also want to shorten your Highlights of Qualifications list. Most people recommend having 3-5 bullet points in a list...8 is probably too many. You could probably move some of those items into the Summary of Skills.