Job/resume advice

[uscgPSU]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency in Lancaster and will be getting ready to apply for a new position and I wanted to ask a couple questions to the board as I know the experience/knowledge is extremely diverse.

1. I need to update my resume. I printed it out and it just looks.....eh. Any recomendations for resume templates? Do people still use MS Word templates? I think when you read it, I have a lot of good stuff that is applicable to the position I am applying for, but it does not past the eye test (for me at least).

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

Any help would be appreciated and any good vibes sent my way would be great.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency in Lancaster and will be getting ready to apply for a new position and I wanted to ask a couple questions to the board as I know the experience/knowledge is extremely diverse.

1. I need to up date my resume. I printed it out and it just looks.....eh. Any recomendations for resume templates? Do people still use MS Word templates? I think when you read it, I have a lot of good stuff that is applicable to the position I am applying for, but it does not past the eye test (for me at least).

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

Any help would be appreciated and any good vibes sent my way would be great.

I think it's reasonable to send a cover letter with your resume (explaining your interest and qualifications for the position) which could include your certificate, employee review, and recommendation letters. Since you are local law enforcement, isn't there some 'standard' government application protocol? I would add that if they have very strict/specific application guidelines, I would adhere to them.

 

[step.eng69]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency

So I am applying fo

Drop the "So". You might check you normal speaking, possibly you're also inserting the "So" in your sentences.

 

[psu skp]

When I saw this Thread Title, first thing I thought of was Pitt's coach for some reason...

 

[Lionguy32]

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

I wouldn't submit any additional paperwork during the interview unless asked to do so. In that case, you would be standing out for the wrong reason. Any certifications or qualifications you want to highlight should be on your resume. No need to give anyone a copy.

 

[MarkPSU]

Less is more. Keep your resume direct and to the point....laying out specifically what you do and your accomplishments. No one reads an entire resume and I see people put way too much information in them. Stick to what is relevant.

 

[psulongago]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency in Lancaster and will be getting ready to apply for a new position and I wanted to ask a couple questions to the board as I know the experience/knowledge is extremely diverse.

1. I need to up date my resume. I printed it out and it just looks.....eh. Any recomendations for resume templates? Do people still use MS Word templates? I think when you read it, I have a lot of good stuff that is applicable to the position I am applying for, but it does not past the eye test (for me at least).

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

Any help would be appreciated and any good vibes sent my way would be great.

First, you need to use spell check: Past = pass, review, recommendations. Certifications look good on the resume. Things you may submit after (maybe) you get an interview won't help to get the interview. How are you planning to submit your resume? Best chance to get your resume viewed is by sending it via email. Too much "stuff" may bore the reader, references within the resume to the fact that recommendation letters and employee reviews are available hopefully will pique the reader's interest.

 

[uscgPSU]

Drop the "So". You might check you normal speaking, possibly you're also inserting the "So" in your sentences.

So thanks for the advice. I can assure you that my message board language is not reflective of my professional language.

 

[uscgPSU]

I think it's reasonable to send a cover letter with your resume (explaining your interest and qualifications for the position) which could include your certificate, employee review, and recommendation letters. Since you are local law enforcement, isn't there some 'standard' government application protocol? I would add that if they have very strict/specific application guidelines, I would adhere to them.

Yeah, there was a standard application that was completed via intranet so it was pretty basic. I just didn’t know protocol for bringing stuff to the interview to supplement my resume. Thanks for the response.

 

[step.eng69]

So thanks for the advice. I can assure you that my message board language is not reflective of my professional language.

you're welcome uscgPSU

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Yeah, there was a standard application that was completed via intranet so it was pretty basic. I just didn’t know protocol for bringing stuff to the interview to supplement my resume. Thanks for the response.

I know others here think less is more, and maybe that's true, but you work in law enforcement and have been through interviews before, so you have a better sense than a lot of us here about how you think bringing extra, supporting materials to an interview might come off. I do think it's a good idea to highlight your CPR certificate in your resume, and instead of saying 'References Available Upon Request,' you might say, 'Letters of Reference Attached' or something. I personally think a lot of the old rules about what is appropriate resume material has been sort of OBE so to speak because of the internet. Still, I'd definitely bring whatever supplemental materials you might have to an interview if you get one, and if the opportunity presents itself (for example, if asked 'What accomplishments were you most proud of at your current job?' you could say, 'I was particularly proud of XXX, and was very happy to be recognized for XXX by my supervisor,' assuming it's mentioned in one of your reference letters) you can bring them out or leave them with the interviewer. Good luck either way!

 

[psulongago]

I know others here think less is more, and maybe that's true, but you work in law enforcement and have been through interviews before, so you have a better sense than a lot of us here about how you think bringing extra, supporting materials to an interview might come off. I do think it's a good idea to highlight your CPR certificate in your resume, and instead of saying 'References Available Upon Request,' you might say, 'Letters of Reference Attached' or something. I personally think a lot of the old rules about what is appropriate resume material has been sort of OBE so to speak because of the internet. Still, I'd definitely bring whatever supplemental materials you might have to an interview if you get one, and if the opportunity presents itself (for example, if asked 'What accomplishments were you most proud of at your current job?' you could say, 'I was particularly proud of XXX, and was very happy to be recognized for XXX by my supervisor,' assuming it's mentioned in one of your reference letters) you can bring them out or leave them with the interviewer. Good luck either way!

This is good advice, I own a recruiting firm, have for 44 years, we deal in resumes daily. Bring those things with you along with a few extra copies of your resume in case multiple sit in on your interview. During the interview try to get business cards for all who are part of the process and make sure to send thank you notes. Probably most important, you will be asked if you have any questions, MAKE SURE YOU DO!

 

[Pinkhippo PeanutButter]

This is good advice, I own a recruiting firm, have for 44 years, we deal in resumes daily. Bring those things with you along with a few extra copies of your resume in case multiple sit in on your interview. During the interview try to get business cards for all who are part of the process and make sure to send thank you notes. Probably most important, you will be asked if you have any questions, MAKE SURE YOU DO!

The resume is like a trailer for a movie. Put good stuff in there, because you want them to buy a ticket (schedule a face to face). If u put too much in they'll feel like they've seen all the good parts.

When I really want something, I send a nice paper resume in addition to the online process (don't skip that). You don't need to add any attachments beyond cover letter. Reason is that regular mail is less common these days and it stands out. Address directly to the hiring manager. Bypass HR filters that way.

 

[step.eng69]

The resume is like a trailer for a movie. Put good stuff in there, because you want them to buy a ticket (schedule a face to face). If u put too much in they'll feel like they've seen all the good parts.

When I really want something, I send a nice paper resume in addition to the online process (don't skip that). You don't need to add any attachments beyond cover letter. Reason is that regular mail is less common these days and it stands out. Address directly to the hiring manager. Bypass HR filters that way.

Cool approach Hippo, although approaching 70 and still working, may save your suggestion for the grandkids. Thanks, nothing tried...nothing gained.

 

[Jerademan74]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency in Lancaster and will be getting ready to apply for a new position and I wanted to ask a couple questions to the board as I know the experience/knowledge is extremely diverse.

1. I need to up date my resume. I printed it out and it just looks.....eh. Any recomendations for resume templates? Do people still use MS Word templates? I think when you read it, I have a lot of good stuff that is applicable to the position I am applying for, but it does not past the eye test (for me at least).

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

Any help would be appreciated and any good vibes sent my way would be great.

I have 2 suggestions from your description:
1. Write your resume with far less misspelled words than this post.
2. If applying for a K9 position, ask your interviewer if he likes Doggy Style!
Please excuse my post reply, I am just trying to be funny; so please don't try to find me to beat my ass as I know you have law enforcement training !

 

[cment]

Applying for federal, state, local government jobs is VERY different from the private sector. I have interviewed and hired people working in the public sector, but can offer no advice on resumes, etc.

For less than $200 hire a firm to review your cover letter and resume.

 

[Norm Petersin]

Cover letter is big, and thank you note afterward can make you stand out, as others have mentioned

 

[cment]

Having a set of questions is essential. Thank you note to each person is mandatory.

 

[Agoodnap]

This is good advice, I own a recruiting firm, have for 44 years, we deal in resumes daily. Bring those things with you along with a few extra copies of your resume in case multiple sit in on your interview. During the interview try to get business cards for all who are part of the process and make sure to send thank you notes. Probably most important, you will be asked if yo u have any questions, MAKE SURE YOU DO!

There's lots of good advice in this thread. I'm not a typical interviewer, so I don't put a candidate through the ringer like many. What type of questions should an interviewee ask that you think can make an positive impression?

 

[Delco Lion]

There's lots of good advice in this thread. I'm not a typical interviewer, so I don't put a candidate through the ringer like many. What type of questions should an interviewee ask that you think can make an positive impression?

In no specific order:

1. Why is the role open?

2. What is the career path for the role?

3. How long have you been looking?

4. How would you describe the culture of the agency/company?

5. What do you think it takes to be successful in the role?

6. Are there challenges the agency/company is facing?

7. What type of training do you offer?

8. Where is the agency/company headed in the future?

9. Ask questions about the interviewers career history.

10. How will I be evaluated?

11. What are the responsibilities of the job?

12. Discuss budget and funding issues and needs

13. How has the agency/company changed since you have been here?



Final questions

1. How do I stack up against others who have been interviewed?

2. Do you have any questions or further info I can present or clarify?

3. What are the next steps?

4. What is the timeline for the hire?

 

[Nitt1300]

I would have thought that a letter from your current chief would weigh more than anything you could do with or to your resume.

 

[Delco Lion]

I would have thought that a letter from your current chief would weigh more than anything you could do with or to your resume.

Since most people are confidentially employed, they are not going to have letters from their current boss. They may have some brief emails from their bosses expressing praise on something, but the letter wont paint the whole picture.

I would want to speak to their former bosses, but more importantly, would call people on my own who knew this person. Everyone has great references these days.....

 

[PearlSUJam]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency in Lancaster and will be getting ready to apply for a new position and I wanted to ask a couple questions to the board as I know the experience/knowledge is extremely diverse.

1. I need to up date my resume. I printed it out and it just looks.....eh. Any recomendations for resume templates? Do people still use MS Word templates? I think when you read it, I have a lot of good stuff that is applicable to the position I am applying for, but it does not past the eye test (for me at least).

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

Any help would be appreciated and any good vibes sent my way would be great.

Unfortunately, since you are applying in the Pennsylvania public sector, the most important part of your resume will be who the references are.

 

[Pinkhippo PeanutButter]

Cool approach Hippo, although approaching 70 and still working, may save your suggestion for the grandkids. Thanks, nothing tried...nothing gained.

Thanks, appreciate it. I'm not all bad.

The above regards getting selected to an interview. Much like CFP rankings you have to of course have a track record to justify. The tips I shared are kind of tiebreakers to get one into top4 if there's a tight grouping.

After that it's execution in the interview. A thank you note helps, but by the time they get that, the decisions most likely made.

 

[demlion]

This is good advice, I own a recruiting firm, have for 44 years, we deal in resumes daily. Bring those things with you along with a few extra copies of your resume in case multiple sit in on your interview. During the interview try to get business cards for all who are part of the process and make sure to send thank you notes. Probably most important, you will be asked if you have any questions, MAKE SURE YOU DO!

To me, it is MOST important that you prepare for the interview with the mindset that YOU are interviewing THEM. Not in a confrontational or nasty way, of course, but in a way which demonstrates your knowledge of the org and its history. Will you be replacing someone, or is it a new position? Is the budget growing or shrinking or static? What is the promotion path for the future? Etc. Good Luck!

 

[Nitt1300]

Since most people are confidentially employed, they are not going to have letters from their current boss. They may have some brief emails from their bosses expressing praise on something, but the letter wont paint the whole picture.

I would want to speak to their former bosses, but more importantly, would call people on my own who knew this person. Everyone has great references these days.....

I don't think an LEO is going to get hired without someone talking to his current/previous department.

 

[Delco Lion]

I don't think an LEO is going to get hired without someone talking to his current/previous department.

You are most likely correct since its law enforcement.

 

[JWB389]

So I work for a local law enforcement agency in Lancaster and will be getting ready to apply for a new position and I wanted to ask a couple questions to the board as I know the experience/knowledge is extremely diverse.

1. I need to up date my resume. I printed it out and it just looks.....eh. Any recomendations for resume templates? Do people still use MS Word templates? I think when you read it, I have a lot of good stuff that is applicable to the position I am applying for, but it does not past the eye test (for me at least).

2. When (and if) I get an interview, I was going to submit a few things to those interviewing me with the hopes I will stand out amongst the other candidates. Thoughts? So I am applying for a K9 position and was going to submit a Pet CPR/First Aid certifcate, my last employee reivew, and a few recomandation letters. They can do what the want with them, but I thought it would give the impression I was trying more than just a resume.

Any help would be appreciated and any good vibes sent my way would be great.

The first thing I would do is look for a recruiter specializing in law enforcement (or whatever field you are looking for) no matter how specific. They're probably out there. Get in front of them quickly with as much info as you can, even if you do not intend to search through them. They would likely give you direct, specific feedback.

 

[Shpsu]

LOL! on the 15 questions for you to ask the interviewer. I would think you were a colossal PIA if you asked me all of those questions or more than a couple. Everyone who has commented is saying what they want to see. I prefer to see more info not less. A cover letter describing attributes that you have that apply to the position shows that you "get it" and understand what is expected. When I am hiring I don't want to have to interview everyone who applies so standing out positively is a good thing. If an employer wants to swon't hire you because you gave them too much pertinent information you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

 

[Nitt1300]

You are most likely correct since its law enforcement.

One of my kids is a state LEO- the first hire out of school may be more like a regular job search, but after that changing agencies will mean a talk with the previous chief or commanding officer- and that will weigh heavily

 

[Delco Lion]

LOL! on the 15 questions for you to ask the interviewer. I would think you were a colossal PIA if you asked me all of those questions or more than a couple. Everyone who has commented is saying what they want to see. I prefer to see more info not less. A cover letter describing attributes that you have that apply to the position shows that you "get it" and understand what is expected. When I am hiring I don't want to have to interview everyone who applies so standing out positively is a good thing. If an employer wants to swon't hire you because you gave them too much pertinent information you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

lol........Those were suggestions. So you would not want someone to ask more than two of those questions??

 

[Shpsu]

Interviewer should cover most everything when explaining the requirements and “benefits” of the position so questions from the candidate should be minimal. As the interviewer I won’t ask 12 questions so if the interviewee asks more than that who is being interviewed. In my experience most of the interviee questions come when you are offering or nearly there on a second or third interview. First interview should be all about the applicant selling themselves as the right choice.

 

[Delco Lion]

Interviewer should cover most everything when explaining the requirements and “benefits” of the position so questions from the candidate should be minimal. As the interviewer I won’t ask 12 questions so if the interviewee asks more than that who is being interviewed. In my experience most of the interviee questions come when you are offering or nearly there on a second or third interview. First interview should be all about the applicant selling themselves as the right choice.

Thats your views and experience. Not going to debate that, but I can tell you my views and experiences are different. If a gainfully employed and successful leader went before a board member, private equity guy, or CEO and didnt ask at least half those questions in a first interview, there would be no second interview.

 

[Shpsu]

OK, Delco but there is a big difference in the hiring process at the level your talking about. I doubt that many CEO's are doing first interviews with applicants. OP is trying to get a job as a K-9 officer. Apples vs. Oranges.

 

[Delco Lion]

OK, Delco but there is a big difference in the hiring process at the level your talking about. I doubt that many CEO's are doing first interviews with applicants. OP is trying to get a job as a K-9 officer. Apples vs. Oranges.

Fair enough, but the OP did not ask about about interview questions I was responding to another poster. but also included questions for the OP. My personal opinion would be that the questions are appropriate for anyone seeking employment.

And yes, many CEOs/Presidents of small privately held /mid market companies and PE backed companies are involved in first interviews. These questions would be relevant to many posters here who might interview.