Job hunting, resume suggestions?

LorrelMae

LorrelMae

Registered Guest
I have applied to Whole Foods, Safeway, New Seasons, Borders, Buffalo Exchange and someone on craigslist looking to post vintage on ebay for them.

I feel like a leper. First time in my life I haven't at least gotten a call back, from someone.

I have a feeling my resume looks like garbage. I have no idea what to put in the "skills" section. I don't really "know" any computer programs. I am certain I could learn the cash register program of a grocery store.

I have worked in custom frame shops for about the last 18 years (12 years in one), 20 years in retail/ customer service. (Never went to college.) I loved what did, now I am trying to switch over to something else. I highly doubt people are going to be buying much art these days.

Does juggling two or three clients at once, or multitasking count as a skill? Attention to detail?

Technically, I am very skilled. Just not marketably so. I can identify a Pendleton at 50 paces, know what details to look for on vintage LEVI's, know various art techniques, artists, photography, photography techniques, some HTML, I've sold my own photography, worked in an art supply store, avid reader, book collector, art collector. (/rant!!)

Somehow I can't stack books on a shelf, or groceries?

I've written down some buzzy words that might translate into a more "corporate" realm: project manager, inventory control, design.

I'm thinking of omitting the "skills", just putting in the last two places I worked, references, and a blurb at the top stating what I have done, that falls in line with retail/customer service.

Or is that stupid too?

Just thought I'd ask!

Thank you!

Sandi
 
just putting in the last two places I worked, references, and a blurb at the top stating what I have done, that falls in line with retail/customer service.
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When I was hiring, if the resume looked 'professionally done' (perfect spacing, computer generated, same format I saw from another person) I'd give it a cursory glance, then go on to the next one.

I prefered the simple - tell me what you've done in the past - tell me what you think you can do for my comapny - ones!

Or is that stupid too?
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No, it probably will be the best thing to do!
 
I get a lot of resumes sent to me, and they don't get much attention: come into my shop, introduce yourself and tell me what you can do for me - that gets my attention.

Sandi, sending resumes around the place can take lots of energy for not much reward: perhaps if you target the companies, industries or roles you want to do and tailor your resume for that? Here in Aus, it's standard to tailor your resume to each job or company.
 
Thank you both! I had heard recently that people were "tailoring" their resumes, and have been trying to do just that.

Shortly after I posted this, I went to Craigslist, and found that Monster Vintage are looking for a "descriptionist". It was too late to go over today according to their listing. So I will pop over tomorrow.

I really hope they do not see my selling as "conflict of interest".

Is it impressive to see someone wearing vintage, when they apply? The only thing I have are jeans and a 49er! Nothing I find fits my large size! I have maybe a couple taffeta 50's dresses, that seems a little silly for job hunting!

Thank you for your input!

Sandi
 
Originally posted by LorrelMae
Is it impressive to see someone wearing vintage, when they apply? The only thing I have are jeans and a 49er! Nothing I find fits my large size! I have maybe a couple taffeta 50's dresses, that seems a little silly for job hunting!
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Is it impressive? For me, it's essential - all my ladies have to wear vintage in the shop, and those who turn up either not wearing vintage or wearing '80s so-called "vintage" do not make a positive impression. To work for me, I like to see an applicant that is dressed appropriately for selling vintage in my shop - same as any workplace, really.

Sandi, I hear you on the larger size, I have that problem too: I recommend that you wear something vintage-compatible (like a simple dress) and jazz it up with a few vintage accessories: jewellery, scarves and handbags work well, I find.

You want them to feel instinctively that you understand their product and fit in.
 
good luck w/your seach!

and as a former hiring agent, i too am much more impressed with a well-dressed someone at my door, rather than something in the mail.

"poundin' the pavement" works
 
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