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Subject:Re: resumes From:"M. David Orr" <whitears -at- INTERACCESS -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 20 Feb 1997 13:39:24 -0600
As a recipient of hundreds of technical writer resumes a year, here is
reality as I see it:
I'm looking for a reason to eliminate a resume within 10-15 seconds if
possible. Here are some things I consider:
* An ego-centric, eccentric, or wordy cover letter is the quickest
indicator for rejection. A concise letter that mostly just points to the
resume, or a letter that highlights two or three strong points is fine.
* I may forgive one typo or mistake, but not two or more.
* Inappropriate experience or writing samples for the stated
requirements turn me off. I'm looking for someone that I won't have to
train a lot, who already can do the work I need. If the person has no
experience, I look for initiative--like creating a writing sample.
* I look for good layout and formatting of resume, writing samples, and
cover letters.
* A great writing sample can help overcome a weak resume. A bad writing
sample always overturns a strong resume.
* A high Grade Point Average (3.5 on a 4.0 system) or higher is a
definite plus. If the GPA isn't this high, I would leave it off.
* Statements about specific project experience are good on free-lance
resumes. Job history is more important on staff employment resumes.
* Statements of specific technical and computer experience are
important.
* Location and availability count.
* I'd rather have a two-page resume that tells me what I need than a
one-page resume that leaves out what I need.
I hope this information helps.
--
M. David Orr
Orr & Associates/Usability Management
7366 N. Lincoln Ave. Suite 101
Lincolnwood, Illinois 60646, USA
Phone: 847-677-1920
Fax: 847-677-7878
Email: whitears -at- orrnet -dot- com
Web: http://www.orrnet.com
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