Job Discussion Forums

[haopengyou]

I have had 4 major jobs in the past dozen years in China and a lot of part time jobs. My resume is looking really cluttered and, I am sure, is difficult for people whose first language is not English to comprehend. I am thinking of using the following format:

Name and basic info

Goal statement

A few personal characteristics

Education and certifications

Teaching experience with adults
- a few bullet items here

Teaching eperience with high school students
- a few bullet items here

Teaching experience with jr high and primary school students.
- a few bullet items

Skills, languages and hobbies

Chronological list of schools worked for - no significant info with them
(dates, name of school, age of students p/t or f/t)

Any thoughts about this? I am applying in Japan, S Korea, Taiwan and the Middle East. I was thinking of posting the resume but did not want to take up so much space on this forum, as well as so much of your time to read it.

[Glenski]

Speaking for Japan, yes, use bullets instead of paragraphs.

Also, emphasis should be on "few". If your resume goes longer than 2 pages, most people will tell you it's too long.

Personally, I'd nix the "goal statement". Save that for the cover letter. It'll also save you some space on the resume.

What are those "personal characteristics"? If you mean to have a block stating that you are personable, caring, energetic, hard-working, punctual, etc., save even more space by eliminating that (and putting it in the cover letter, if anywhere). Personally speaking, I don't think any of that is necessary anywhere in writing. Just my opinion.

[tttompatz]

As one who actually does the hiring (faculty of over 100 plus support staff) the things I (may not necessarily be the same for other recruiters/managers/HR staff) look for when reviewing applications and resumes:

personal bio-data (name, contact details, citizenship, other relevant information as required/expected in the country you are applying in and may include (but not be limited to) age, marital status and a photograph.)

experience/employment in reverse chronological order.
RELEVANT details in simple bullets.

credentials listed highest (completed) to lowest:
MA, BA, TEFL....

Other RELEVANT information that may be necessary (volunteer work, workshop/conference presentations, publications etc).

Save EVERYTHING else for the cover letter and keep it all short - maximum of 2 pages for the resume and 1 page for the cover letter.

The cover letter gives intent, characteristics and the WHY the employer should look further into you as an applicant.
The resume is just a list of verifiable facts.

.

[haopengyou]

Thank you! That is very helpful. I have not had to submit a resume in China - other than for my present job - in order to get a job in the prior 12 years here...so I am a little out of touch.

[coledavis]

Yes, short is preferable. The recruiter gets lots of these things and wants to whittle them down according to qualifications and experience. If you add unnecessary stuff about 'works well individually and in a team' you may find your resume trashed because it is slowing down the process.