Resume do's and don'ts www.techrepublic.

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Resume dos and don'ts

for IT consultants
This list is courtesy of Richard S. Reed, president of Career Movesa firm specializing in career transition
coaching. He can be reached at careermov@aol.com.

Do understand that the French word rsum means summaryso keep it brief. This means that
your resume preferably should be one page, and at the most two pages, but nothing in between (not one-
and-a-half pages, but one full page or two full pages).

Do realize that people are busy; they want to know, right now and in a brisk fashion, what you can
do for them. Laying out your resume in a simple and attractive fashion, and presenting the relevant
information in clear and concise language, gives you the edge over those candidates who force the
reader to sift through several pages to find the same information.

Do recognize that your resume must be a marketing brochure to sell a fine productyou.
Use the opportunity to blow your own horn. Start each statement with an active verb that indicates your
actual role.

Do make clear what you want to do and what you're really good at doing. You need to manage the
readers expectations right from the start.

Do understand that the sole purpose of your resume is to get you invited for an interviewor at
least to get you an e-mail or screening phone call.

Do accept that a resume must be user-friendly to get readso it must be attractive. In general, try
to use a clear font such as Times New Roman or Arial (used here), in 12-point or larger. These fonts and
sizes are preferred, but as you can see in the three examples that follow, others can be used as well,
provided that your resume is readable. Be consistent in your use of boldface, underline, or italics to help
lead the reader through the document.

Do list all of your contact information at the top of your resume, including telephone numbers
where you can readily accept calls during work hours. You may want to get a pager with voice mail
for instant notification of calls that you can return at a convenient time.

Do recognize that as a consultant, your resume should look different than that of an IT pro with a
history of long-term employment. Emphasize your last four to six assignments, listing them as you
would long-term positions. If youve done multiple jobs for one client, list each of them. This shows that
they liked your work and wanted to use you for multiple jobs. List the most recent projects first and work
back. Stop when you see your contracts using obsolete technology, or when they have no relevance to
what you do now.

Do prepare different resumes for different targets. If you're starting out on the contract market trail,
don't be afraid to add your recent long-term positions. Follow the same steps as listed above and make
clear the reason you left, and in as positive a light as possible. Likewise, if you are trying to win an
interview for a long-term position after a number of short assignments, emphasize those elements of your
contract work that best fit the employers needs.

2001 TechRepublic, Inc. www.techrepublic.com. All rights reserved.

 Resume do's and don'ts www.techrepublic.com

Do understand that organizations pay for doers and problem solvers. Cite numerical resultssuch
as money saved, efficiencies improved, and staff retainedthat demonstrate the direct progress or
accomplishments of your work. Did you increase productivity or efficiency? Did you save money? Did you
institute a new system or procedure? Did you identify a problem that had been overlooked? Did you
suggest new programs for the company that were instituted?

Do revise. A resume must go through three to seven drafts before it begins to reflect clearly the
multidimensional individual on a piece of paper. Be grammatically correct, use spell check, and have
someone else proofread your resume carefully.

Don't put anything in your resume that could be challenged by recent bosses.

Dont use boring, say-nothing terms, such as responsibilities included, responsible for, or
managed. Never use any form of "to be." Describe what you do or did, not who you are, and make
every word count.

Don't label it "resume" or curriculum vitae. An employer will recognize it as such.

Dont ever insert "References on request. You will provide your list of references later, when
requested, on a separate sheet with their contact information.

Don't disclose salary information in the resume or cover letter. If your pay has been generally low,
the potential employer may be influenced by that fact and make you a lowball offer. Let the employer
make an offer; this empowers you to then counteroffer for a higher salary.

Don't use your recent or current employers stationery or postage meter.

Dont use dense paragraphs of text. Make the white spaces work for you with liberal use of indentation
from both margins.

Don't ever consider your resume finalit's only the one you're using currently. For that reason,
never make more than a weeks supply at a time. Your resume should be on one side of good quality
bond paper, preferably a buff color that will stand out from all of the other papers on a desk.

2001 TechRepublic, Inc. www.techrepublic.com. All rights reserved.

 Sample resumes www.techrepublic.com

David Parkinson BA (Hons), MCSE

Address: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Home Telephone Number: xxxxxxxxxxx Mobile: xxxxxxxxxxx

E-mail: xxxxxxxxxxx

Skills Summary

NT Server & Workstation

Novell 3.12 to CNA Accreditation
Citrix Winframe
MS Exchange Server and Outlook
MS Proxy Server
LAN Technologies and Design
LAN/WAN Integration
TCP/IP
Windows 3.x, 95, 98
Novell-NT Migration
Deployment Tools
(Outlook Deployment Kit, Server-based Deployments, Policies)

Professional Exams & Training

Microsoft Course M1579

Accelerated Updating and Supporting Skills
& Designing Directory Services for Windows 2000

1998 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 in the Enterprise
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
Networking Essentials
Internetworking with Microsoft TCP/IP
Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0

1995 Certified Novell Administrator

Novell Netware 3.12

Higher Education

1990 - 1993 Canterbury Christ Church College

Bachelor of Arts (honours) in Business Studies &
Information Technology Class: II(i)
 Sample resumes www.techrepublic.com

Most Significant Contracted Work

October 1999 date

Through xxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd. a growing number of clients have contracted services to help them achieve their
business goals through their investments in IT. A client list is available on request.

July 1999 date www.TechRepublic.com

Hired as a freelance writer to this technical resource Web site, writing individual technical features, the regular
Mission Possible column, and Windows 9x TechMails service.

Jan. 18th Sept. 28 th xxxxxxxxxxx Ltd

Hired to help resolve outstanding problems with existing Citrix Winframe farm\NT\NT Cluster installation, led
rollout team to install Winframe client into further site, test, and deploy applications. Liaised with system
vendor, users, and other project teams.

Oct. 5 th Jan. 1st, 1999 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd

Team Leader role within an NT Workstation rollout to 2,000+ stations. During nighttime shifts, provided the
point of technical reference and decision making for a team of c.6 engineers. Ensured the successful rollout of
30-40+ users per night from a standard build with additional packaged software and user profiles set up from
previous audit information. During daytime work, validated audit information to ensure successful nighttime
rollout. Also had a leading hand in improving communication around the rollout team and providing written
procedures for validation and rollout database accuracy.

Feb. 23rd Aug. 14th, 1998 xxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd

Led Implementation Project to roll out Microsoft Exchange, Proxy, and Internet Explorer to 250+ users. NT
Support and Installation work both at base and on client sites. Other work included Zetafax LAN installations,
Exchange Server dial-up troubleshoots, Server ISDN card and T/A installation, Compaq Proliant hardware
builds & configuration, Sales Team servicing, Citrix Winframe troubleshoots, and site surveys. Specific NT
areas worked with: RAS, WINS, DHCP, Backup Exec, Trusts, Netware Co-existence, Policies, TCP/IP,
Exchange. Also took part in rollout of Managewise modules in complex Netware 4.11 Token Ring
environment.

Permanent
November 1996 February 1998 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd
Hired to lead the Networking & Comms team for this software house through fast company growth. My
hands-on responsibilities required frequent on-site visits to install both server and comms hardware and
complex application software suites (Integrated Manufacturing, Distribution & Accounts) on NT and Novell
networks. Some work on UNIX systems (OpenServer 5.0) was also taken on. Presales consultancies,
Network troubleshooting, and advisory visits also took me around the country.
February November 1996 IT Manager, xxxxxxxxxxxxx Ltd
September 1994 February 1996 IT Assistant, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Interests
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 Sample resumes
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Business Experience:
Oct. 1998 Present
MIS/HR Manager
May 1997 May 1998
Contract Consulting
Dec. 1996 May 1997
Director, Technical Operations
May 1994 Oct. 1996
Contract Consulting
Jan. 1994 May 1994
MIS Manager
Feb.1993 Jan. 1994
MIS Manager
Jan. 1991 Feb. 1993
MIS Manager
Feb. 1988 Jan. 1991
Director, MIS
www.techrepublic.com
Donald H. Badger
Phone: (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Pager: (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Amity, Inc Tucson, AZ, Espanola, NM
Systems support for members of treatment teams developing comprehensive assessments,
evaluations, and treatment plans for substance abusing clients. Development, maintenance, and
support of client management, outcome monitoring, claims, and financial systems. Provide
system coordination and data integration between service provider(s) and New Mexico
Behavioral Services Division.
Kismet Datafusion/Evergreen Air Center, Inc Marana, AZ
Provided strategic assessments of systems implementation; performed Y2K customization,
software updates, conversion services, and end-user training in existing business applications.
HealthPartners Health Plans Tucson, AZ
Responsible for technical operations of membership services, actuarial data, medical billing, and
capitation systems in a large-scale HP3000 environment. Managed staff of six to eight for a
statewide managed health care insurance company.
Kismet Datafusion/Kaiser Aluminum Sherman, TX, Los Angeles, CA
Provided Project Management, Systems Analysis, Programming, and Software Implementation
Services for a multiplant aluminum extrusion manufacturer in an AS/400 environment meeting
the specialized requirements of this company.
Matrix Aeronautica Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Responsible for creating an information systems department in an international joint-venture
start-up company. Duties included planning, selection, and acquisition of hardware and software;
organizing, hiring, and managing staff; and developing policies and procedures. Directed staff of
four, coordinating design, development, and implementation of integrated business applications
for the heavy aircraft maintenance industry in a SCO-XENIX/Dataflex environment.
PAMCORP (Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Corp.) Portland, OR
Responsible for creating an information systems department for a start-up company. Duties
included planning, selection, and acquisition of hardware and software; organizing, hiring, and
managing staff; and developing policies and procedures. Customized and implemented
JOBSCOPE business applications in an IBM AS/400 environment. Installed and maintained a
medium-sized, multi-platform 10-base-T & Token-Ring Novell network.
Lockheed Commercial Aircraft, Inc. San Bernardino, CA
Responsible for creating an information systems department for a start-up company. Duties
included planning, selection, and acquisition of hardware and software; organizing, hiring, and
managing staff; and developing policies and procedures. Customized and implemented
JOBSCOPE integrated business applications and J.D. Edwards Human Resources and Payroll
systems in an IBM AS/400 environment. Directed staff of six for a $60MM commercial aircraft
maintenance company.
Evergreen International Aviation Marana, AZ, McMinnville, OR
Responsible for planning and direction of information systems, development, maintenance,
telecommunications, and operations staff. Directed two hardware migrations from HP3000
"Classic" to HP-PA RISC processors. Provided hardware and software training and direction for
system operators, programmers, analysts, data entry personnel, and end-user management.
Directed staff of four managers for a $400MM global aviation services company.
 Sample resumes www.techrepublic.com

Sept. 1985 Feb. 1988 Evergreen Air Center, Inc. Marana, AZ

MIS Manager Installed and configured an HP3000 and network communications. Installed, tested,
implemented, and integrated all hardware and software. Responsible for development and
maintenance of General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Production, and
Inventory Control applications. Installed and implemented JOBSCOPE integrated business
software.

Aug. 1977 Jun. 1985 Hewlett-Packard Co. (Personal Office Computers) Sunnyvale, CA
Programmer III Duties included design, coding, testing, debugging, documenting, and maintaining systems
including manufacturing engineering failure analysis; engineering change order generation and
tracking, BOM effectivity, procurement, and subcontracting systems.

Technical Summary:

Hardware IBM AS/400; HP3000 MPE, MPE/XL, MPE/ix; HP9000 HP-UX; Intermec and Burr Brown
Transaction Processors, MS-DOS, Windows 95/98/NT Servers and Workstations; Apple
Macintosh PCs; TCP/IP, Ethernet and Token-Ring Networks.

Software COBOL II (HP & IBM), RPG/400, CL/400, Fortran, BASIC, OS/400 RDBMS, Turbo-Image
DBMS, V-Plus, Adager, OMNIDEX, QUERY/ASK/AQ, IFS, DSG, QEDIT, TDP, QUAD, SEU,
SDA, RLU, SQL, SequeLink, Novell Netware, UNIX (XENIX) NFS, Several 4th GLs; and a wide
range of Windows and Macintosh applications including those from Adobe, Aldus, Claris, Lotus,
and Microsoft.

Applications Financial Systems (General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets);
Material Systems (Inventory Control, Purchasing, MRP, Bills of Material, Shipping and
Receiving); Engineering/Estimating Systems; Order Entry; Production Scheduling, Work Order,
Labor Collection Systems; Bar-Coded Shop Floor Applications (Labor, WIP Tracking, Fixed
Assets); Quality Assurance (Lot and Component Traceability, Material Certifications).

Education Computer Science Curriculum, California State University - San Jose

San Jose, CA, July 1984

Other Education Systems Management MPE V & MPE/XL

Application Programming MPE V & MPE/XL
Managing Data Centers
Mid Level Management (Managing People)
Bar Code Techniques and Applications

Papers & Publications

Downloading Data into Spreadsheet Applications

Data Base Management with Application Software
Implementing Turbo Image Transaction Logging
How to Reduce Wiring Headaches

Professional Organizations

Apple Programmers & Developers Association

Data Processing Management Association
Board of Directors, JOBSCOPE Users Group
Chairman, JOBSCOPE Information Committee

Awards

Evergreen Air Center, Employee of the Year1988

Evergreen Air Center, Employee of the MonthJanuary 1988
Evergreen International Aviation, Employee of Excellence
 Sample resumes www.techrepublic.com

GARNETTE LILLY-PRICE
OBJECTIVE
A Microsoft Certified Professional with 4+ years experience in Access/VBA database design and
programming. Seeking contract opportunities for database development. Willing to travel for on-site
portions of projects (analysis, installation, etc.).

EXPERIENCE
1996Present Independent Consultant Charleston, WV
(Recent
Microsoft Access Database Developer and Trainer
project list

Analyze, design, and develop Access databases (all versions), programming in VBA/SQL.
attached)

Work with customer to build turn-key systems customized to specific business needs.

Migrate data from older systems to integrate with MS Office applications.

Provide training in all MS Office software, including MS Project.

Provide support and maintenance on Access databases.

19951996 University of Charleston Charleston, WV

Director, Computer Learning Center

Developed and operated software training program for marketing to business.

Directed installation of an 18-seat computer training laboratory.

Taught an academic course, CIS 101, for the universitys IS program.

19821995 Marshall University Graduate College South Charleston, WV

Director, Division of Continuing Education, 19911995

Managed Division staff of four people and 15 part-time seminar instructors.

Supervised installation of and operated two state-of-the-art computer training labs.

Directed a computer training program with a wide range of seminars (35 topics).

Monitored a $250,000 annual budget.

Implemented a Continuing Education Units (CEUs) program for the Division.

Directed planning and installation of the Division LAN.

Designed and taught computer seminars.

Created database management systems as needed for Division operations.

Program Manager, Bureau for Engineering & Science Training, 1990-1991

Managed a computer training program for the School of Engineering and Science.

Developed and taught seminars, recruited instructors, managed course schedule, handled
promotions, purchased software, wrote training manuals.

Managed 13-seat computer teaching lab, including hardware and software purchases.

Monitored a $200,000/year budget, generated by seminar enrollment fees.

Adjunct Professor, College of Information Technology & Engineering, 10/82-Present

Teach seminars on effective oral presentations, listening and writing skills in a graduate-level
academic Technical Seminars course.
Coordinator, Media/Community Relations, 10/82-9/90

Wrote news and features for external media and college publications.

Provided information to college personnel and external news agencies.

Assisted in a variety of community service and public relations activities.

EDUCATION

1994 Marshall University Graduate College South Charleston, WV

Masters in Information Systems
 Sample resumes www.techrepublic.com

RECENT PROJECTS

2000 Contacts Management System

For an economic development organization, developing a system for managing client contacts
and resource agencies for those clients.

2000 Employee Training Tracking System

Provided consulting services to an IS company building a tracking system for employee training
activities at a chemical manufacturing plant.

2000 Parts Processing System

Provided consulting services to an IS company building a tracking system for processing parts
repairs for an industrial plant.

1999 Learning Standards Tracking System

For a federal regional education research organization, developed a two-state system for tracking
teacher progress toward meeting state-specified learning standards.

1999 Expense Tracking System

For a federal contract assistance agency for West Virginia small businesses, developed an expense
tracking system for contract counselors reimbursed by the Defense Logistics Agency.

1999 Licensing System

For a state licensing agency for engineers, developed a system to track licenses, education, and
business information. Files converted.

1998 Data Conversion System

For a firm providing Medicaid and Medicare claims certification for the State of West Virginia:
A system module to convert Medicaid case claims data (COBOL flat file to Access relational),
export it to a DOS-based diagnosis validation application for processing, and convert
processed records back to Access file format for storage.
A system module to enter and store Medicaid case review information.
A modular letter generator for use with Access databases, designed specifically to generate
claims denial letters to patients, hospitals, and health agencies.

1998 Registration System

For an area hospital, developed a registration system tracking continuing education courses and credits
taken by hospital personnel.

1997 EAP Tracking System

For a counseling firm providing Employee Assistance Programs for several local companies, developed
a statistical program tracking counseling sessions provided for employees and dependants.

1996 Patient Records System

For an area hospital, developed a patient treatment tracking plan for a psychiatric treatment unit serving
Medicare recipients with outpatient psychiatric services.

Visit me on the Web at http://SysDesign.tripod.com

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