Double submittals are very easy for a contractor to control. Keep a notebook of every agency call and include contact names, dates, submittals. Keep track of where you have sent resumes on your own or through networking. Many agencies won’t release their client’s name until they are setting up interviews, so keep this in mind and get detailed descriptions. Rule of thumb...if the job sounds familiar, is in the same town, and the calls come within a week of each other, then it is probably the same job. Don’t send your resume again. It could make you look disorganized or worse- like you are posturing for a better deal, and it could cost you your chance. Don’t give out client information in your possession to another agency as this could create competition for yourself. Talk again with the original recruiter who sent your resume and verify it is the same position. The agency shouldn’t have a problem giving you client information at this point.

You can have a long and prosperous relationship with your agency if communication and trust are cultivated.

In the last Tipster, we talked about the classic resume format and why it works. Here are some more things to think about.

Resumes sent into agencies are scanned into databases within days. When writing your resume, make sure you are using a font big enough to allow for readability. Use plain white paper and black type. Your resume will be put on agency letterhead and reformatted before it is sent out. (We don't need fancy; we need information.)

The skill section is very useful for recruiters. Recruiting databases use searching tools based on the skills listed on the resumes...so the more the better. From the resume writer's perspective, many professionals find it difficult to list all their experience within the constraints of job descriptions, and enjoy a skills section where they can highlight their strengths.

Usually the resume layout appears: objective, education, skills, etc. In the skills section, bulleted columns work best and should be one to three words long (ex: castings, CNC programming, analog/digital design). Remember to keep the skills relevant to the work you want to do and have done in recent years. Use the section to illustrate versions of software and languages, industries and level of expertise. Also, be aware of the difference between jargon and skill words. Jargon specific to industry or company culture will rarely be understood by those outside the industry or company.