Resume help

[Kreken]

I am in the process of redoing my resume and I would like to get more security oriented position. By reading a couple of threads here, I decided to remove skills section and try to condense my resume. I am having a lot of problems with it and would like to get your opinion.

By reading the experience I listed below, what kind of questions immediately popup in your head and do you think I should leave as is or expand on it?
Also, what items should I add or concentrate more so it would be focused more on the security.

[lsud00d]

I would alter the action verbs to past tense, otherwise your experience reads like a job posting.

[Kreken]

I read somewhere that the current job should be in the present tense and all the previous in the past. But I do agree with you, after you mentioned, it does read somewhat like a job description.

[Essendon]

Yupp, the current job must be in the present tense because you are currently doing those things. If you've been in the role for a few years and there are some things you did earlier in your role, put them in their own Achievements section. That way you rightly put them in the past tense, you get the interviewer to notice it more and it brings a little variety into your resume.

[networker050184]

I always put it all in past tense personally.

[Kreken]

Thank you. What about the actual content? Is it too generic? Does it raise too many questions? I am afraid if I will start breaking it down, I will end up with 3 pages.

[Essendon]

The content looks okay to me, maybe reduce the number of bullet points and have two sentences per bullet point. That way you can condense it a bit so it doesnt read like the contents section of a book. You could easily condense say the last two bullet points you current have and the same with the maintaining and patching of Windows servers. Do you want to post the whole thing? For more critique?

[networker050184]

As far as the content, it just reads like daily duties. The bullet points would be much better as actual accomplishments that helped the company. Where you on any high visibility projects? Implement a new system to increase productivity? Things like that will really get someone attention rather than something that seems like a copy/paste of duties.

[Kreken]

I see. Thank you. So basically, to every bullet point, I need to add how it has helped the company to achieve a certain goal.

PS. I work for a small company with big banks/broker-dealers as clients. Since I am the only network engineer here, I was involved in all the projects.

[networker050184]

The way I do it is a couple sentences describing the stuff you are putting into your bullets. Then I use a few bullets to highlight major accomplishments

[lsud00d]

To add to what networker is saying, use the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) format:

Write a Better Resume with the P-A-R Format | Piton Inc.

It is very effective and communicates cost savings, ROI, and overall value

[Kreken]

Thank you. Just to be sure, I understand you correctly, it should be something like this.

Secure router data and control planes, configure firewalls and IPS. and a couple of more sentences describing my duties.
- the company passed SAS70 Type 2 audit because of the all control elements in place.
- passed vendor security audits allowed company to gain more business.
- virtualized servers saved company a lot of money.

[networker050184]

Yeah that looks good. Word it better obviously, but that is along the right lines.

[lsud00d]

Also hard metrics are very beneficial, ex: saved $10k, increased efficiency by 25%, reduced response time by 2 days, etc.