Olya Schaefer ⋅ Saint Petersburg, FL ⋅ 9 years experience

I can also have a look if you like

Stephen Kemp ⋅ Peoria, AZ City of Peoria, Arizona ⋅ 32 years experience

I would be pleased to look at your resume, send it to me as an attachment, preferably word to Steve.kemp@peoriaaz.gov
Keep in mind, a resume does not get you a job, it simply gets you further consideration. I agree with the earlier author. * Have you performed any informational interviews? These are a great way to talk with those already doing what you want to do and learning more about the company/position/career path/requirements, etc. a lot of community colleges offer courses on interviewing.

David Limato ⋅ Fremont, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 15 years experience

Would be happy to. Connect with me on Linked In.

Howard Spiegel ⋅ Houston, TX HR ON CALL ⋅ 20 years experience

Devin

First, thank you for your service.

Regarding your job search

1. It usually is not the resume that is the problem although it can always be improved.
2. You state "my background is limited". Do you expect to be hired for a position that you do not meet the qualifications for? why? As pointed out by one of the other advisors, if you have experience gaps you have to figure out a way to close the gaps. Unfortunately it does not matter that you have two degrees and 20 years of management and leadership experience if it is not in the field you are applying for.

The job market is a market for buyers and sellers. You are a seller. The way buyers select among the sellers is by determining who offers the best product that matches their needs. It is your job to make that case after you have determined the specific buyers needs. Once you understand the needs then the cover letter, resume, interview question responses, etc. all have to be lined up to meet that need. One size fits none.

I understand that this is not easy, but in a buyers market it is the real world.

Finally if you are sitting behind a keyboard and responding to posted ads, your search will take an extended period. Why? because this is what virtually every other job seeker is doing. The most effect way to job search is to network. Get out from behind the desk and talk face to face to folks every day regarding your targeted job search.

After you have targeted your audience based on their needs, then I would be happy to give your resume a critical eye.

Brage Garofalo, M.A. ⋅ South San Francisco, CA Abbvie, Inc. ⋅ 16 years experience

Hi Devin,
What types of positions are you looking for/targeting? How you tailor your resume and the types of key words you use will make a difference on whether or not your resume gets any traction with your submissions.

Here are some considerations (in no particular order):
* Do a search on LinkedIn/Glassdoor/Indeed.com/Company Websites and look for live job descriptions to see what their requirements are (versus "preferred experience). Perform a gap-analysis on your resume and the job description: 1) What do you need that is required; 2) Is your resume worded similarly based on the common experience?

* Does the position you seek require a specific education or certification? Do you have the military equivalent but it's not coming across in your resume? This is something you can address either in your cover letter or clarify in your resume.

* Have you performed any informational interviews? These are a great way to talk with those already doing what you want to do and learning more about the company/position/career path/requirements, etc. This can be accomplished through networking as well as reaching out via LinkedIn to those in the jobs and introducing yourself and asking for one.

* Have you looked into the alumni network from your schools? They are often great resources for hiring and connecting/networking. Also look into whether they have career placement services as well.

* Are there professional organizations affiliated with this career field? This is also a good way to network and learn more about the position, companies, etc.

* Lastly, do you have a team of advisors/mentors? Working with this group on ACP is a great start, but I would encourage you to reach out to other organizations because the more people in your corner, the better (it takes a village, so to speak). Look at Mentors 4 Soldiers, eMentoring, as well as Veteran Mentoring Network (LinkedIn Group) as well.

I of course, will also be happy to look at your resume as well but it looks as though you're in very good hands already. If there is anything I can do to be of assistance, please let me know. We're all here to support you.

Very kindest regards,
Brage

Damin Kirk ⋅ North Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 21 years experience

I'd love to assist. Shoot me your resume in a PM on this site if you'd like.

Damin

Susan Boone ⋅ Towson, MD De Novo Attorney Services, Inc. ⋅ 28 years experience

I'd be happy to look at your resume and offer suggestions. sboone@denovoattorneyservices.com.