Be careful with the keep it brief advice/1 page stuff. This is great advice for applying to jobs with large numbers of applicants, because there is a limited amount of time for review of each resume, so you don't want to burry the lede, but?ÿ proffesional survey jobs with that kind of interset are rare.
To stand out you need to really highlight the skills and knowledge you have used at your jobs in a way thatvis tailored to the opening you are applying too. Don't be afraid of detail.?ÿ
For example "led a survey crew" won't get you as far as describing the kind of decisions you were making and the kind of challenges you found your way through.
I like the guidance on this page: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
Note that this was developed for those seeking (US) federal jobs via USAJOBS where the notices provide explicit guidance on duties and qualifications.?ÿ
Unfortunately many job announcements are rather vague about duties and qualifications.
Here is an example of a current Vacancy Announcement (for a Supervisory Geodesist ZP-4):
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/667902700?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery
?ÿ
HTH,
DMM
@geeoddmike Good ole usajobs. ?ÿYes this is a good place to look for work and applying for a government job. One of the keys to getting through the government system is to read the job announcement and use the key words in your application. ?ÿAs many times as you possibly can. ?ÿThat way you get through the first phase of screening.?ÿ
I want to focus on boundary specifically. ?ÿAlta physical/ mortgage surveys etc. I have done the federal side and nothing wrong with it at all I learned a tremendous amount but as I am semi retired. ?ÿMy focus is on getting licensed and learning everything I can about boundary law and such. I have been trying to figure out just how to get to that position. Larger firms I am worried I will get focused into a certain position that isolates me from other aspects I will need like research boundary determination etc. ?ÿseems larger firms that do a variety of surveying but your either a crew chief a drafter (i do need drafting experience). Or management. ?ÿMy dream and the reason I came back to Land Surveying is I love the rural boundary surveys. The walking behind someone and also working with grandma to divide her property for her grand children etc. ?ÿor the land owner who is combining seperate parcels he/she has acquired. ?ÿI love reading old deeds and looking at old plats and having to keep my mind understanding that this survey was done with a chain and transit and all the precision and accuracy of today??s technology doesn??t always match but knowing you have the right evidence and corner. ?ÿ
I am going back and forth between larger firms to trying to find that old timer working from home. ?ÿI have several offers from larger firms and I could make more money. But none of them pay as well as what I made on government side. But I didn??t come back to land surveying for the money. But my wife sometimes ask me if i am nuts. ?ÿWorking for very little low end crew chief pay. What a monthly pay is now i made in a week. ?ÿI could go back but I love the boundary side. One of the other crew chiefs we join up a lot on jobs. ?ÿHe hates boundary and always said I never seen someone get so into looking for darn rebars lol. Looking for that small remnant of old fence wire in a tree and finding enough that puts a line together.?ÿ
so any advice is welcome in how to find that type of place i am all ears. Who knows maybe i find it and the mentor sells or allows me to take over when they have decided enough is enough. Owning a business doesn??t scare me either. I have been a partner in a surveying type business and own my farm business. ?ÿI am probably nuts as all i ever hear is boundary surveying doesn??t make money. Well they said tge same thing about farming.?ÿ
@stlsurveyor I just sent you my rough draft resume. Thank you for the offer. Please have a stiff drink before reading it and if you are ever out east I owe you a few for sure.