Need critique of my resume.

[kevon]

I have recently gotten my CCNA and am having a difficult time getting even a call for an interview. Can anyone assist? Here is a copy of my resume.

KEVON THOMPSON
(took out my contact info. for privacy reasons)

OBJECTIVE
Obtain a networking position where I can maximize my skills, competence and qualification while proving to be an integral part of your team.

TECHNICAL SKILLS
 Installing, configuring, operating and troubleshooting Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Wireless Services.
 Maintaining privacy of data through the use of various security measures.
 Proficiency in the use of C# programming language.
 Working knowledge of C, C++ and Java programming languages.
 Knowledge of Microsoft Visual Studio and the .Net Framework.
 Familiarity with Standard Query Language (SQL).
 Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
 Excellent written and oral communication skills.



PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Jamaica Customs 2003 – 2007
Clerical Officer/Relief Cashier/Acting Customs Officer/Export Officer
 Collected and accounted for tax revenue in excess of $400,000 daily.
 Actively involved in the movement of goods through the Norman Manley International Airport.
 Vetted customs documents to ensure the correctness of transactions.
 Assigned tariff codes to goods based on prescribed rules.
 Displayed customer service skills which were well documented on numerous occasions.

Management Control Systems 2001 – 2002
IT Technician
 Carried out support services.
 Played an integral role in an inventory program.

Global Life 2000 – 2001
Actuarial Assistant
 Calculated re-insurance rates for branches in Toronto, Turks & Caicos and Bahamas.
 Maintained communication between the branches.
 Managed the department in the absence of the Actuary.


KEVON THOMPSON PAGE 2

EDUCATION


DeVry University Online
Bachelors in Network and Communication Management
Anticipated graduation date December 2009
(Online)


Cisco Certified Network Associate March 2008

University College of the Caribbean
Diploma in Computer Studies & Management June 2004

G.C.E A’Level
Economics C

G.C.E. A O’Level
General Paper C

C.X.C. O’Level
English Language 1
Mathematics 1
English Literature 1
Principles of Accounts 1
Principles of Business 1
Biology 2
Chemistry 2
Spanish 3


REFERENCES

(took these out for privacy reasons.... included when applying though)

[kilaj1]

OBJECTIVE
Obtain a networking position where I can maximize my skills, competence and qualification while proving to be an integral part of your team.

I always tell people to be careful about what they put in this field and if possible avoid it. The part where you have "to be an integral part of your team." sounds a bit too personal. try to make it more general (like your not just writing it for them) and technical, here what i would shoot for "To become The Network Administrator for a reputable company in which my skills will be utilized and further developed for mutual benefit"

again don't quote me, i don't have a objective on my resume. and a lot of thought should be put into it as its the first thing they see.

 Installing, configuring, operating and troubleshooting Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Wireless Services.

Just to make it sound more technical, put "Installing, configuring, operating and troubleshooting Small to Large Scale wired and wireless Networks."

Management Control Systems 2001 – 2002
IT Technician
 Carried out support services.
 Played an integral role in an inventory program.

Since this sounds like the only IT job you had you should try to put more emphases on what you did there, or put a problem that occurred that you found the solution to (if you do that do it for all jobs)

Did you go to school for the CCNA? If not you should put self paced above it. Any courses that you have not completed put "to be completed"

References "available upon request"

[duster]

tek the advice from kila also try to keep it to one page since you dont have all that much experience. 2 pages isnt a crime but one page better if you dont have mad experience. also careful of the words you use. Like "Familiar" if you have even a little experience with sql just put SQL on the resume. then when u get the interview they can gauge ur skills but if u strait of the bat tell dem that you no really know it they might not even invite you for a interview session. i would also recomend you broswe monster, hotjobs, careeerbuilders website to see sample resume for ur field and model urs after it. not copying but model. hope this helps

[zRo ToLeRaNcE]

Take out the Grades for CXC/A-level. Just list the subjects you've passed. That will save on space

Example
A-levels (2): Economics, General Paper
C.X.C.(8): English Language, Mathematics, English Literature, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Biology, Chemistry, Spanish 3

Remove Objectives - Personally, i've never heard a manager use objectives to select a candidate. Waste of space imho.

You gave alot of detail for a Clerical job but 2 lines for a IT job - that's a No No.

Be more detailed about IT stuff so that your skills are shown as best as u can.

SELL YOURSELF

Your trying to be your own marketer. Marketing persons use all sorts of tricks to sell their products - try to sell yourself. Make yourself sound good BUT make sure u can back it up cause it's very bad when u can't.

Search the Internet for resume examples. Search for Network Engineer resume and look what other people put. It will give u ideas of what to mention.

[kevon]

What do you think about this copy?

KEVON THOMPSON

OBJECTIVE
Obtain a Network Engineer position where I can maximize my skills, competence and qualification.

TECHNICAL SKILLS
 Installing, configuring, operating and troubleshooting Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Wireless Services.
 Maintaining privacy of data through the use of various security measures.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Jamaica Customs 2003 – 2007
Clerical Officer/Relief Cashier/Acting Customs Officer/Export Officer
 Displayed customer service skills which were well documented on numerous occasions.
Management Control Systems 2001 – 2002
IT Technician
 Carried out support services.
EDUCATION
DeVry University Online
Bachelors in Network and Communication Management
Anticipated graduation date June 2009
(Online)
Self Paced
Cisco Certified Network Associate March 2008
University College of the Caribbean
Diploma in Computer Studies & Management June 2004

G.C.E A’Level
Economics C
G.C.E. A O’Level
General Paper C
C.X.C. O’Level
English Language 1
Mathematics 1
English Literature 1
Principles of Accounts 1
Principles of Business 1
Biology 2
Chemistry 2
Spanish 3

REFERENCES
Available upon request

[kilaj1]

Okay going to get nickpiky here...

Objective
don't use "maximize" utilize comes to mind as a better choice.

TECHNICAL SKILLS
I hope your including what you had before because that was very good. If needed but a subheading "Programming languages and database Skills" then list them don't put Proficient, working knowledge ect just list them.

Microsoft office which one? 2003? 2007? always nice to see that you have some knowledge of office 2007 as alot of people dont, or don't like it for what ever reason.

"Maintaining privacy of data through the use of various security measures. " such as? this is your opportunity to highlight your knowledge of security protocols IPSec, Kerboros ect.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Now this part needs alot of work but ill focus on the important one first,

Management Control Systems 2001 – 2002
IT Technician
 Carried out support services.

This would not be good enough to show your skills, better would be,

PC, Laptop Repairs, Troubleshooting and maintenance.
Custom PC assembly
Managed asset procurements (Your inventory stuff )
Provided 2nd level support to end users internally and externally.


KEEP THIS IN MIND

searching for a job is a job!

[zRo ToLeRaNcE]

imo - the second resume u posted would be passed over. The 1st one wud get a longer look from me.

You not saying anything in your resume. One major drawback is that u don't have a degree - so your at a disadvantage for alot of jobs. So u have to say more about your skills.

Even though a degree isn't necessary to complete your day-to-day tasks, it says something about your ability. Employers often wrongly assume that by having a degree, you have certain skills already. So this works against you.

Did u search google for IT resumes?

[kilaj1]

Thats true...I hope your not taking our comments as putting down your skills...I personally conducted interviews and seen the good the bad, the worse and the down right WTF?? resumes and cover letters. Potential employees don't know you, they don't know what skills you bring to the table, the resume should summarize who you are and why they should hire you.

[winsomemck]

I Think That You Should Take Out The Objectives, Most Employer Dont Like It, But It Is Up To YOUThough. Your Technical Skill Area Need A Little Fixing Up Use Key Terms Like I Was Responsible For Or I Manage. I Hope That Is Not The Original Layout Because It Look A Little Disorganize. Overall You Have Great Qualifications But I Have To Look Really Hard To See Them, So Therefore You Need To Emphasize Or Highlight You Core Area And Responsibilities More, So That Your Resume Look Impressive. It Is Alla About Selling Your Self.

[zRo ToLeRaNcE]

Winsomemck...it's hard to read what u type cause its in Title Case which shouldn't be used throughout a paragraph.

U may feel like u being unique but it's causing more difficulties that anything else.