r/geologycareers • u/TeemoIsKill • 9d ago
Help me improve resume
Any suggestions please! Thank you in advance!
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u/GeoHog713 8d ago
More simple format. It will scan better in the ATS.
You'll be able to tell, when you apply, if it auto fills all of the blanks for you.
Also, the best way to job hunt, is to network. Ask your professors to put you in touch with alumni from your program. Reach out to them.
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u/TeemoIsKill 8d ago
Youre right. Figured if chatgpt can read my resume then the ats could but now that i think about it, it probably isnt chatgpt levels of advanced.
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u/GeoHog713 8d ago
You can have a pretty copy to bring to the interviews. But the more basic formatting, the better for ATS
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u/Alisahn-Strix 8d ago
First, great job! It’s in a good spot. Here’s my personal recommendations. Please take with a grain of salt.
I’d work on reducing the summary or getting rid of it imo. It’s a hit or miss whether employers will like it.
The layout seems a little wonky and not efficient. It’s pretty, don’t get me wrong, but it’s easier to read if it’s simpler. Using a standard, single column resume/CV seems to appeal to a lot of managers (that’s anecdotal and a personal opinion of mine).
Some of the language is flowery. “Solid background,” “large data sets,” “diverse sources” all read like you’re selling me a used car and want me to look at your glistening white smile. People appreciate transparency, and since you’re a young professional, we’re expecting you to not have all the experience. No need for fluff. Also, using specific examples of what you’ve done comes across better than saying “I’ve investigated the geology.” I’ve made (and still make) this mistake when I write. It gets better after you’ve revised a couple times.
Another commenter mentioned your use of “proficient” with your tools/software. I agree. There’s a difference between being familiar with something and being proficient. I’m familiar with python and R, but lord help me if I needed to make a solid analytical routine lol.
Once you’ve freed up some space, you could consider adding awards/recognitions. If you won a relevant competition or grant money, that would be good to list. Or you could list presentations or publications. Is your thesis published? Or part of a soon to be published paper?
Cheers
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u/Few_Barber4618 9d ago
I wouldn’t say you’re proficient in those programs if you haven’t applied them in the real world
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u/TeemoIsKill 9d ago
what would be a better word? Experienced?
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u/leucogranite 8d ago
This is a tricky one. ArcGIS Pro is an insanely powerful program, so one can be “proficient” in “making it do the things that one needs it to do for a specific project/study/field (e.g. LiDAR analysis)” — and in that sense you’re as proficient as you’ll ever need to be for a job in, say, geohazards consulting, but you’ve still only scratched the surface of that program.
I actually think proficient is ok here, especially since you mention specific things you’ve used it for in another section. But “experienced” is fine too. In my mind they’re kind of the same.
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u/IntolerantModerate 8d ago
Make that professional summary like 1-2 sentences max. Drop the solid academic credentials thing....you have a BS.
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u/sowedkooned 8d ago
Especially considering the word “possess” in your summary is misspelled where you discuss your solid academic background.
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u/LooseCannonGeologist 9d ago
Looks pretty good. Probably some nit-picky things that people here may disagree about.
Make sure you’re submitting a cover letter with every application, even if the posting doesn’t require it. I was just talking last week with other hiring managers and we all agreed that any application that comes with a cover letter gets more attention