Some resume and job questions... (references, jobs, career, companies)

[Preditor74]

Hey everyone, I just have some quick questions. I am putting together my resume now to try and land a entry level marketing position. I finished my undergrad and a post undergrad creative ad school last year. The problem is, I really have only had serving jobs the entire time I've been in school, and so my resume looks a little weak with just "Server, Server, Server."

First Question:
Luckily I did do a freelance gig last year, despite only being less than a week, and I also worked for Gallup for a VERY short time about 5 years ago. I am definitely putting my ad gig on there, but what do you think about the Gallup position. It was soo long ago, but it was also VERY short. On my resume I am just putting the years I was at these positions. Thoughts on this?

Second Question:
What are your thoughts about having just a little fun on your resume. Obviously I went to school for creative art direction, and so I draw a lot! Do you think it's ok, under the Skills section, to put all the usual "Team worker, Mac/Win Proficient, web design," and end it with "drawing with Sharpies?" I thought it might be kind of fun and maybe get a smile out of whoever is looking at my resume.

Third Question:
Referrals... do you put them on your resume or do the available upon request? How many should I have? I right now have three definite good ones (two professional, one personal but also professional).

Last question:
Any advice on how I should go looking for a marketing job with no previous experience. Luckily my educational background I think if my biggest strength, and plan to use that to the fullest. Any other advice though would be appreciated!

Thanks for reading this LONG post.

[kodaka]

#1
Don't list the gallup job. Don't worry about all the server jobs. Most new graduates only have retail or restaurant jobs on their resume.

#2
I too work in a creative field, so I understand your urge to show your creativity and personality and style. But be very cautious. Not everyone is going to appreciate your sense of humor. At a minimum I would have two versions of your resume--a serious one and a humorous one. Only send the latter to companies that you've thoroughly researched and believe they would appreciate it. Remember, you should have a portfolio too. You can always send the 'serious' resume and then show them your fun side after you've scored the interview.

And don't put team worker. Everybody says that and it doesn't really mean much.

#3
Never ever ever put referrals on your resume. You also do not need to state "available upon request". It is assumed that references will be made available by you if requested. Better to have white space than waste the space stating the obvious. Three is best at this stage in your career. In a few years it would be good if you could increase that number to five.