When it comes to resumes, is this still a valid rule of thumb? I've spent some time outside of aviation and have had some good positions for a normal resume and would hate to cut them off of my resume just to list some ramp job that I had 2 years ago. With email and PDF's, is it necessary to limit one's self to a single page (as long as I'm not listing my paper route I had in grade 3)
I'm not applying for a position on the board, just a position where I can work my way into the cockpit so maybe someone here has some thoughts on what to include.
The One Page rule
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Five Mile Final
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Regruntled
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I don't know that the one page thing is a "rule" exactly, since every HR person has their own likes and dislikes. Some may care, others won't.
Here's what I've noticed though:
As I've gained experience, my resume has actually gotten shorter. I guess it's because after a while your logbook speaks for itself so you don't need as much filler to make yourself look good. I'm still a low timer myself, but after a few flying jobs it's all about the numbers.
I've seen resumes from 17,000 hour jet pilots that have worked all over the world that fit on one page.
The point is that keeping your resume to one page may not be a rule, but anything more is most likely a waste of fax paper.
Good luck on the job hunt!
Here's what I've noticed though:
As I've gained experience, my resume has actually gotten shorter. I guess it's because after a while your logbook speaks for itself so you don't need as much filler to make yourself look good. I'm still a low timer myself, but after a few flying jobs it's all about the numbers.
I've seen resumes from 17,000 hour jet pilots that have worked all over the world that fit on one page.
The point is that keeping your resume to one page may not be a rule, but anything more is most likely a waste of fax paper.
Good luck on the job hunt!
Last edited by Regruntled on Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
.02
As an employer (not aviation) I can tell you what I like to see...
Cover page listing what position you are applying for - You would be amazed at how many resumes I receive that don't indicate what position they are applying for. (I don't guess, I file them in the circular cabinet)
Two pages is my max as long as the experience you are listing is relevant.
Resumes should also indicate what position you are applying for.
List your achievements. (ie. graduated with honors, etc.) - They don't tell the whole story, but they do indicate that you have at least half your shit together.
Don't say references available upon request! (Pet Peeve) If you have them, list them. You can be sure I'm going to call them.
Two questions you can be sure I'm going to ask your references are;
1. Did "Bob" ask you if he could use your name as a reference on his Resume?
2. Would you hire "Bob" again?
In my book, a letter of recommendation attached to your resume goes a long way. Again, supply contact info for this person because I'm going to call them.
Well, that's off the top of my head.
PS. Like CapGen said... Spelling is also key!
Take care,
Crispy
Cover page listing what position you are applying for - You would be amazed at how many resumes I receive that don't indicate what position they are applying for. (I don't guess, I file them in the circular cabinet)
Two pages is my max as long as the experience you are listing is relevant.
Resumes should also indicate what position you are applying for.
List your achievements. (ie. graduated with honors, etc.) - They don't tell the whole story, but they do indicate that you have at least half your shit together.
Don't say references available upon request! (Pet Peeve) If you have them, list them. You can be sure I'm going to call them.
Two questions you can be sure I'm going to ask your references are;
1. Did "Bob" ask you if he could use your name as a reference on his Resume?
2. Would you hire "Bob" again?
In my book, a letter of recommendation attached to your resume goes a long way. Again, supply contact info for this person because I'm going to call them.
Well, that's off the top of my head.
PS. Like CapGen said... Spelling is also key!
Take care,
Crispy
Last edited by Crispy3M on Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
1 page is more than enough. It never ceases to amaze me that someone with 350 hrs can expand that into 2-3 pages. When you are getting 10+ resume a day we (from a chief pilot point of view) just need to see the important info.
On my old resume it does not include the last 3 companies I flew for because it takes up too much room. Keep it simple so they are not flipping pages looking for info. IMHO
On my old resume it does not include the last 3 companies I flew for because it takes up too much room. Keep it simple so they are not flipping pages looking for info. IMHO
Either you're in, or you're in the way
Any thoughts on formatting?
Given that people in hiring positions have their own preferences as to what they like to see, and that hours are likely the most relevant numbers on the page, perhaps you can use the presentation of your resume/cover letter to give the person reading it a reflection of your professionalism/attention to details.
For example, the MS Word 97 resume wizard template. Very original and creative, especially when it goes through the fax machine on a 15 degree angle - you definately stand out. A page and a half can usually be trimmed down to a single page without the help of the 14pt Courier font used.
There is one thing that MS Word IS good for though, and that's clearly spellcheck. Judging by the fact that entire threats have been sidetracked on account of misspelled words (liable/libel, renumeration/remuneration), if the spellcheck is right there, why 'Freestyle'?
Given that people in hiring positions have their own preferences as to what they like to see, and that hours are likely the most relevant numbers on the page, perhaps you can use the presentation of your resume/cover letter to give the person reading it a reflection of your professionalism/attention to details.
For example, the MS Word 97 resume wizard template. Very original and creative, especially when it goes through the fax machine on a 15 degree angle - you definately stand out. A page and a half can usually be trimmed down to a single page without the help of the 14pt Courier font used.
There is one thing that MS Word IS good for though, and that's clearly spellcheck. Judging by the fact that entire threats have been sidetracked on account of misspelled words (liable/libel, renumeration/remuneration), if the spellcheck is right there, why 'Freestyle'?
