resume question for hiring managers, recruiters, or other resume readers

[drumwolf]

I'm about to start applying to temp agencies. I have a question for anyone who looks at resumes of job applicants: would it be better to put my "skills" section at the bottom or the top of my resume? (Other feedback is also welcome, BTW.)

Keep in mind that this resume is specifically tailored for temp agencies. I have other versions of my resume for retail (another short-term option for me) and professional Internet/tech career positions (my ultimate goal).

And for obvious reasons, many of the names and other data have been changed. No, I did not actually work for the XFL, but I did work for a sports league.

http://www.geocities.com/drumwolfmail/resume.doc

ON EDIT: the direct link doesn't seem to work on my browser. Just go to: http://www.geocities.com/drumwolfmail ...and then click on the link to "resume.doc".

[Goldmund]

1. I think your "skills" section should come first

If they're interested, they can keep looking down for your experience.

Also, make sure the page break doesn't come between the title and the body of a section. The best would be if you could somehow compress this to a single page.

[SOteric]

2. At the top of the page

put your objective: The type of employment (temp or otherwise) you're seeking to gain. If you want reception work, mail room tasks, etc. - this is the place to state as much in a concisely worded single sentence.

Underneath the objective, list the skills you have which can most likely contribute to your success at your stated objective.

Then list your career experience.

After you've listed career experience you may add in a section to mention your education. Under no circumstances would I be interested in reading a resume that leads with 'education.' It rightly belongs at the bottom of the page and featuring it tends to imply things about an individual's priorities.

[skippysmom]

5. a question for you, SOTeric:

I'm curious as to why you wouldn't be interested in reading a resume that puts education first, or what that implies about a person's priorities.

(Not flaming, just wondering! :))

[Lisa0825]

6. education shouldn't be put first unless

one is a recent graduate with limited work experience, or a recent graduate changing careers. Otherwise, employers want to see actual experience first.

[drumwolf]

9. i may arguably fit into both those categories to some extent

Even though I got my first B.A. over a decade ago, I'm currently back in school, in the process of going for a computer science degree. And as for employment experience, I've been out of work for three years.

[pagerbear]

7. There are two schools of thought about the objective

I tend to think it's extraneous crap on a resume--when a cover letter is used, it should state the specific position you're applying for, but with a temp agency it's no secret to anyone that you want anything you can get to pay the bills for a while. OTOH, there are some screeners for permanent positions who throw resumes without objectives in the garbage.

As far as skills go, my experience with temp agencies (from the early and mid 90s) is that they test you on most skills anyway, so it's not really worth that much anxiety. Slap 'em on the top or bottom, as you see fit. Again, that's my experience--your mileage may vary.

[HEyHEY]

3. Depends if how impressive your skills are

You don't want to put "Can belch "wooly bully" by Sam and the SHam while standing on my head." At the top of the page.....

Of course I don't read resumes.

[Lisa0825]

4. Put them at the top.

I am an employment counselor at a workforce office. Any type of office/clerical applicants should put skills at the top, especially for temp workers. Particular skills, especially computer skills (and in some areas bilingual skills) are usually the first thing they want to see so they can be assured you won't have a steep learning curve for the position.

[Xithras]

8. Top, Top, Top

Nothing irritates hiring managers more than having to wade through three pages of work experience and "career goals" to get to what really matters...the skills that actually make you useful to the company. This is especially important to temp agencies which will match you with positions almost exclusively on your skillset.

There is only one exception to this, and that's the people who have no skills even remotely relating to the job they're applying for. In those cases, related work experience or and explanation as to why you are the right fit for this position should come first (though, honestly, the odds that you'll get a position without first having the skills to do the job are about zilch).