RE: should a resume have a "Reason for Leaving" line? general resume assessment request

Todd. excellent points. I agree,

The synopsis I speak of is a very short paragraph telling the reader
what they are about to read and guiding them to your strengths.

One pet peeve I have about resumes is when a technology list is used and
the technology is not re expressed in the resume. Makes the list
practically worthless. I do not recommend technology / skill lists. Put
them in each job is generally better.

I have found that most people do not know how to write a cover letter. I
suggest writing one like a head hunter's presentation: tailored just to
the position it's for and directly to the point.

Here is a sample using my formula when I present a candidate:

Hello _______, (Use name of person you are sending it to, whenever you
can get it)

Attached is my resume for your Perl Test Automation need. (Or Perl need,
for less specific presentation)

I have a Masters in __________ (name school is renowned), 13 years total
experience and 7 years in Perl with the last 2 years using Perl for Test
Automation.

I found your position particularly interesting because you are employing
Perl to do _______________ at a greater level than most companies that I
have seen. (say something technically interesting about the job,
specific is good)

I have decided to change my career path for mostly contracting to full
time employment. I have been in a string of startups that lost funding
and now I am looking for a company where I can make a significant
ongoing contribution.

Best regards,


Name and contact information

*****

That's just a sample of a style that has served me well for a very long
time. Hope it helps.

Lars