Feedback Please

[S&B]

Greetings!

I just found this site a few days ago and have been lurking around enjoying a lot of good discussions. It's been an eye-opener reading what other HVAC geeks have to say. My first impressions are that you are a bunch of good people who are serious about what they do.

Anyhow, I've been in the HVAC industry for about 18 years, 22 if you count my time as an A-Ganger in the Navy. I've been specializing in DDC controls at a major pharmaceutical research and development facility (responsible for ~ 1.5 million sqft) for the last 8. I think I've found my niche in the controls part of the trade, I really enjoy doing it and want to learn more.

But in the last couple years, the corporate culture around here has made my job (as well as everyone else who wears a blue shirt) pretty lousy. It seems their intention is to dumb us down by taking away our abilities to take initiative and not letting us make the most of our professional abilities. It's sad to be witness to such a waste of so many peoples' talents and skills. Micro management has destroyed what used to be an amazing group of people.

I'll stop whining now and get to the point of my post. I'm taking steps to find a new employer. I feel I have a decent set of skills, and I want to find a job where I can apply them, be appreciated for it, and hopefully have some upward mobility. So, if you would be so kind to review my attached resume and give me some honest feedback, I would be truly grateful.

Oh, by the way, if you know of a position where you think I might be a good fit, I have an open mind

Best Regards.......

[bruce campbell]

:confused: Ok, I guess I'll be the first to ask. Is there a reason you chose suck and blow for a name? Is this some kind of a joke or is there a hidden meaning behind it?

[S&B]

Honestly, it's an inside joke (a lame one) around my shop. Used in proper context, we'll say something like, "How hard can that be to fix? It's only suck and blow!" Besides, sucking and blowing (as in HVAC) is the essense of our being here, right?

This site wouldn't let me have the handle I wanted, so this was the next thing that came to mind.

I've found that it applies to a lot of other things in life as well. It's almost Zen-like.

[biscobob]

A name like that and then he calls us all Geeks.:eek: :confused: :D

[S&B]

A name like that and then he calls us all Geeks.:eek: :confused: :D

Well, perception is reality until proven otherwise biscobob. No offense intended, but we are sitting behind our computers discussing our jobs, no? That qualifies as a geek in my book. Just trying to inject a little light-hearted humor. Take it as a compliment, geeks are hip these days (according to my kids anyways).

So about the resume,.....................?

[biscobob]

"a little light-hearted humor"

exactly, did you not see the :D

Geek
1 : a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake
2 : a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked

But I am sure you were referring to this definition,
3 : an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity

Seriously man, you really need to change that handle.:p :)

[R - 22]

I used to work with a guy that we called "Joe, Joe, Suck-and-Blow". It's not you is it? :D

[otto]

Interesting resume. Maybe look for other JCI positions or look to jump to Honeywell, Trane or someone like Delta Controls. Maybe find a small shop that specializes in designing and implementing DDC systems in your area.

PS: Former BT USS Jason (AR-8) 78-81

[S&B]

Otto, thanks for your thoughts, you're right on mark. As a matter of fact, I interviewed with a small'ish (30 employees) controls outfit yesterday afternoon who is a Johnson Controls ABCS. Went pretty good.

Oh, by the way, MM2 (SW) on the USS Aylwin, FF-1081, 85-90

Biscobob, my apologies sorry if I came off as being uptight. I was just having fun going back and forth with you.

R-22: You got the wrong guy, maybe we're related though(?)

Moderator: Why did you changed my name!?!?

[biscobob]

Biscobob, my apologies sorry if I came off as being uptight. I was just having fun going back and forth with you.

Moderator: Why did you changed my name!?!?


Don't worry S&B, we will always remember you as the controls tech. formerly known as Suck and Blow. :D

Good Luck finding a job, all that controls stuff is too deep for my aging brain matter.:( ;)

[dngrsone]

Were I a potential employer, the fact that the person handing his resume out referred to himself as suck and blow would certainly give me reason to pause and wonder if this individual is really professional enough for my outfit. Even if he was a former sailor.

ATC(AW/SW) Ret.

[R - 22]

Were I a potential employer, the fact that the person handing his resume out referred to himself as suck and blow would certainly give me reason to pause and wonder if this individual is really professional enough for my outfit. Even if he was a former sailor.

ATC(AW/SW) Ret.

The fact that you, as a potential employer, would judge a potential employee based on their handle on the internet (which most reasonable individuals consider to be a giant playground) would give me pause! :rolleyes::D;) Don't get me wrong, I do think that S--KandB--w is a pretty gay name myself!

[dngrsone]

The fact that you, as a potential employer, would judge a potential employee based on their handle on the internet (which most reasonable individuals consider to be a giant playground) would give me pause! :rolleyes::D;) Don't get me wrong, I do think that S--KandB--w is a pretty gay name myself!

I said it would give me pause, not that I would reject him. After all, my name isn't exactly something a potential employer would want to see. On the other hand, my resumes never came close to this particular username-- I created a new, more professional identity and email account for job hunting. :)

[R - 22]

I said it would give me pause, not that I would reject him. After all, my name isn't exactly something a potential employer would want to see. On the other hand, my resumes never came close to this particular username-- I created a new, more professional identity and email account for job hunting. :)

You've got a good point. I didn't realize he had attached a resume and was actually attempting to seek work on this website "while using the name" s-and-b. I guess that would give me pause too LOL:eek:

I was picturing some employer scouring google for potential job candidates and checking their handles like some CIA operation.

[cracker]

Damn......I new I was a showman, I though every one ate chicken necks, with or without the head, snakes... Not bad cook over a open fire, salt, pepper...a little dry but ok.....http://bestsmileys.com/rude/6.gif Nice rese

[idontgetit]

Moderator: Why did you changed my name!?!?


Because they can!

No, really, it is because this is supposed to be a family type site. The s&b moniker has dirty implications and around here, folks get offended fast.

[S&B]

Were I a potential employer, the fact that the person handing his resume out referred to himself as suck and blow would certainly give me reason to pause and wonder if this individual is really professional enough for my outfit. Even if he was a former sailor.

ATC(AW/SW) Ret.

As you make me wonder if you could possibly have a life, Twidgette!

[dngrsone]

As you make me wonder if you could possibly have a life, Twidgette!

The unofficial official derogatory term is "tweak;" and yes, I have a full life, including a large family and second career, among other things.

[S&B]

Damn......I new I was a showman, I though every one ate chicken necks, with or without the head, snakes... Not bad cook over a open fire, salt, pepper...a little dry but ok.....http://bestsmileys.com/rude/6.gif Nice rese

Thanks for taking the time to check it out, Cracker.

The real show is over in the ARP forum. I'm single-handedly b****-slapping a posse of Sally's over there.

[Roscoe]

Thanks for taking the time to check it out, Cracker.

The real show is over in the ARP forum. I'm single-handedly b****-slapping a posse of Sally's over there.

We handed you your ass S&B, hell even mrs reb nicely buried you.........:D


A total waste of time, materials and effort. Mister Blow, do you normally rush into peoples homes and start making demands and insulting them? That is not the norm around here, you would do well to start again with a more suitable entrance and perhaps you can have some good conversations. (I was gonna say discourse but I know how that would've come across). If you are unable to do that then, well, perhaps you just suck. :D

We're good people here and would even give you a second chance but not with that attitude.

[S&B]

We handed you your ass S&B, hell even mrs reb nicely buried you.........:D

:D

We're good people here and would even give you a second chance but not with that attitude.

Attitude? Read your own post, Roscoe.

[cracker]

All of us run the gauntlet ....Have fun, Don't cave In like Tattoo Jane http://bestsmileys.com/crying/15.gif

[kritic]

cant you guys keep it on the subject matter


WHAT ABOUT THE RESUME:eek:

[cracker]

cant you guys keep it on the subject matter


WHAT ABOUT THE RESUME:eek:

Good resume.......take two red pills In the am, If your rash don't go away, call mehttp://bestsmileys.com/biting/5.gif

[Roscoe]

Roscoe,

Time to cool things down a bit, OK!

Bob

[HeyBob]

Guys,

Lets be nice or be gone, OK?

If you want to discuss his Resume' do it without insults and in a professional manner.

S&B, you rolled in here with a questionable user name, started a thread complaining about it when it was changed and it looks like that thread has started to roll over here.

The guys here are a bunch of great guys, but to fall into the fold and be accepted you can't roll in here like a hurricane, OK!

This is a great site, there is a big close knit brotherhood here, but ya gotta cool it and not rock the boat so much.

So, everyone cool it or I will close this one too.

I appreciate everyone's cooperation.

Bob

[S&B]

Guys,

Lets be nice or be gone, OK?

If you want to discuss his Resume' do it without insults and in a professional manner.

S&B, you rolled in here with a questionable user name, started a thread complaining about it when it was changed and it looks like that thread has started to roll over here.

The guys here are a bunch of great guys, but to fall into the fold and be accepted you can't roll in here like a hurricane, OK!

This is a great site, there is a big close knit brotherhood here, but ya gotta cool it and not rock the boat so much.

So, everyone cool it or I will close this one too.

I appreciate everyone's cooperation.

Bob

Will do, Bob

[HeyBob]

Will do, Bob


Thank you! I appreciate it, have fun, it takes a while for a new guy to get acclimated here..............

Not unlike the new kid on the playground in the 6th grade, but we are not sixth graders!

[HeyBob]

Ok, Roscoe

We all know what you mean, let's all let it go and move on!

I am outta here for a few hours, I have sent a link to this discussion to the site Administrator as well as all the other MODS, play nice huh! :D

[Roscoe]

Damn bob I worked hard on that too. ...................:D

[dngrsone]

I did a quick scan... as far as the resume goes, you can get all the pertinent information into one page, I think.

Your "Professional Profile" section is way too big; you want to give highlights-- a single paragraph summary of what you are and what you aim to do and about a half-dozen bullets hitting on your strengths.

"Professional Profile" and "Professional Experience..." you are trying too hard to convey yourself as a pro, your resume will tell them that.

One way to maximize the real estate on your page would be to put the location to the right of the time frame on the same line.

"• Depended upon to have wise engineering decision making abilities to address demanding operational issues"

That's a bull**** line if I ever saw one.

"• Increased HVAC equipment reliability during cold weather operation from requiring 24 hour operator support to near zero failures"

Try something like this: "Improved equipment cold weather operation by [what?]. Brought reliability from x to n percent."

"• Performed off-hour facilities maintenance that would be prohibitive during regular work hours"

So, you worked the night/mid shift... whoopdedoo.

Make sure you use the proper tense in all the bullets-- some are past-tense and others present... that tells me you did some cut-and-pasting.

"References upon request"

Unnecessary... if they want references they'll ask, they need neither your permission nor a reminder.

[Roscoe]

You obviously don't understand warnings so how about a few days off...or more if you keep it up?

Final warning, play nice, be nice, show respect or don't post!

[Admin]

You obviously don't understand warnings so how about a few days off...or more if you keep it up?

Final warning, play nice, be nice, show respect or don't post!

Mr. Roscoe,

May I remind you. This door swings both ways.


I will put you all on notice. Enough is enough.



Regards,

Site Administrator

[S&B]

I did a quick scan... as far as the resume goes, you can get all the pertinent information into one page, I think.

You "Professional Profile" section is way too big; you want to give highlights-- a single paragraph summary of what you are and what you aim to do and about a half-dozen bullets hitting on your strengths.

"Professional Profile" and "Professional Experience..." you are trying too hard to convey yourself as a pro, your resume will tell them that.

One way to maximize the real estate on your page would be to put the location to the right of the time frame on the same line.

"• Depended upon to have wise engineering decision making abilities to address demanding operational issues"

That's a bull**** line if I ever saw one.

"• Increased HVAC equipment reliability during cold weather operation from requiring 24 hour operator support to near zero failures"

Try something like this: "Improved equipment cold weather operation by [what?]. Brought reliability from x to n percent."

"• Performed off-hour facilities maintenance that would be prohibitive during regular work hours"

So, you worked the night/mid shift... whoopdedoo.

Make sure you use the proper tense in all the bullets-- some are past-tense and others present... that tells me you did some cut-and-pasting.

"References upon request"

Unnecessary... if they want references they'll ask, they need neither your permission nor a reminder.

Whoa!!! Some actual constructive critisism, how refreshing.

A lot of very good observations and suggestions, dngrsone. You obviously took a significant amount of your time to write that down, I sincerely thank you. Looks like I have some work to do.

[Roscoe]

Yeh too bad you didn't get mine it was very constructive, not quite as passive but very constructive...........:D

So might I ask why are you looking for a job..................................... again....:rolleyes:

[dngrsone]

Whoa!!! Some actual constructive critisism, how refreshing.

A lot of very good observations and suggestions, dngrsone. You obviously took a significant amount of your time to write that down, I sincerely thank you. Looks like I have some work to do.

I didn't spend a whole lot of time analyzing it, but by hitting on a few points, you'll be able to find other problems as you're fixing these.

Keep in mind that you are vying for a chance to interview-- there needs to be enough information to pique their interest, make them want to ask you in. If you did something, include a little something about what the results of your action were.

Do try to keep it to one page, but no more than two. Avoid repetition.

[Roscoe]

Mr. Roscoe, Admin Admin is offline
Site Administrator

Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 100

May I remind you. This door swings both ways.


I will put you all on notice. Enough is enough.



Regards,

Site Administrator


So this is like your 100 post .................hehehe..........:D

[Senior Tech]

So this is like your 100 post .................hehehe..........:D



Try your new title for awhile.

[uncle buck]

yo S & B "USS-AYLWIN FF-1081" knox class frigate>> what a small world I was on that ship May of 1981 till July 1984 "E" division ! ! !
ya got to come up with a better screen name though.

[Shophound]

Greetings!
I'll stop whining now and get to the point of my post. I'm taking steps to find a new employer. I feel I have a decent set of skills, and I want to find a job where I can apply them, be appreciated for it, and hopefully have some upward mobility. So, if you would be so kind to review my attached resume and give me some honest feedback, I would be truly grateful.

Oh, by the way, if you know of a position where you think I might be a good fit, I have an open mind

Best Regards.......

Hey snipe, I don't know if you're still following this thread but I looked over your resume. Dngrsone gave you good advice; in essence condense and tighten! I want to see your high points; the items that would move me to call you in for an interview. There are other resumes competing with yours. Some are written worse than yours, some better. The amount of time and care you put into a resume will extend to the employer as a first impression.

I'm involved in the hiring process where I work, at least for the assistant they want to hire to give me a hand in the central plant and so forth. I'm familiar with toxic corporate cultures...not every corporation is like that but the ones that are make the job a drag. I've worked the non-profit side of things for about ten years now...first a research institute and now a museum...it's a different culture and I like it a lot.

You're probably overqualified for what I'm looking for, but I wish you well in your job search. Fair winds and following seas, snipe!

[S&B]

yo S & B "USS-AYLWIN FF-1081" knox class frigate>> what a small world I was on that ship May of 1981 till July 1984 "E" division ! ! !
ya got to come up with a better screen name though.

Wow, it is a small world (but it is a BIG ocean). One of Aylwin's crew GMC (I think) Horner is putting together a reunion out in Arizona this summer. If you're interested, I'd be glad to get him your e-mail address so you can get on the mailing list. If nothing else, his distribution list is a good way of tracking down old shipmates.

I can still remember "Aux II" like it was yesterday.

[S&B]

Hey snipe, I don't know if you're still following this thread but I looked over your resume. Dngrsone gave you good advice; in essence condense and tighten! I want to see your high points; the items that would move me to call you in for an interview. There are other resumes competing with yours. Some are written worse than yours, some better. The amount of time and care you put into a resume will extend to the employer as a first impression.

I'm involved in the hiring process where I work, at least for the assistant they want to hire to give me a hand in the central plant and so forth. I'm familiar with toxic corporate cultures...not every corporation is like that but the ones that are make the job a drag. I've worked the non-profit side of things for about ten years now...first a research institute and now a museum...it's a different culture and I like it a lot.

You're probably overqualified for what I'm looking for, but I wish you well in your job search. Fair winds and following seas, snipe!

Hey, thanks for your thoughts Shop Hound. I haven't been tunuing in to HVAC Talk as much as I'd like, been real busy with one thing or another. Dngrsone did have some excellent advice, and I plan on reworking my resume using a lot of his input, as well as yours.

I had an interview last Monday with a controls company serving all of RI and the southern part of Mass. It went really well. I'm going to spend tomorrow and Friday in the field with one of their techs to find out if I'm the guy they're looking for and if they're the outfit I'm looking for. I'll keep you posted.

"Haze grey and underway" "First to go, last to know"

[S&B]

Yeh too bad you didn't get mine it was very constructive, not quite as passive but very constructive...........:D

So might I ask why are you looking for a job..................................... again....:rolleyes:

Hey Roscoe,

Clean slate, OK?

There are a few reasons I'm looking for another job. I've had very good success where I currently work. Not to toot my own horn, but I've been ranked in the top 3 out of 90 technicians/mechanics for the past 2 years here, been awarded stcok options, and been recognized for "Individual Performance Awards", among other things. That's the good...........

Here's the ugly: I'm having a hard time working within the confines that this company's leadership has established. I feel like I have a lot to contribute towards the sucess of our department. But we're being micro-managed to the N'th degree. My work is being scheduled by a couple of people who know almost nothing about my job, my customers, and how we get work done. Ordering parts has become a total fiasco. There's NO accountability. My managers and directors (of which I have many for some reason) are in the dark about our customer's needs and of what I'm doing to try and satisfy them. Our leadership is tripping over itself, one guy says this, one guy says that, totally contradicting each other. It's really frustrating.

I caught a glimpse of what you wrote to me last week before the administrators cencored it. I'm not hosing monkey poop off cages or working 2nd shift. I'm tuning final control elements to their respective outputs, calibrating loops and instruments, trouble-shooting/repairing controller issues, modifying control strategies to make them more efficient, updating and archiving data bases, commisioning new controllers, all the stuff a controls guy should do (in my book anyways). I'm also ready to help anyone on my team with whatever they need help with.

So when a former tin knocker-now scheduler/planner has me "Tune PID loops in AHU's W, X, Y, and Z" in a building that hasn't had any maitenance done in it for 2 years, in one day because someone had a hot/cold call, it frustrates me. Those AHU's (WXYZ) had some major issues, PID tuning being the least of them. But because I'm "only supposed to do what I'm told, when I'm told", I have to go do it. It took me a full day just to get one of those unit running decently. The next day, I have a whole new plate full of work somewhere else, the issues that still needed to be addressed (AHU X, Y and Z) don't matter any more.

I'd like to find work for an outfit that has some professional standing and respect of their customers. I want to be respected for my professional experience and for the years of learnings of had. I'm a team-player (I hate that expression, but despite what you've seen here, I do play well with others) that can contribute to the sucess of an organization. I'm knowledgable about my customers expectations, and they appreciate that.

Time to get off my pedistal. Sorry about the rant........

[vbhvac]

You gotta be working for JCI

[uncle buck]

S & B did you remember rob slone from "E" division he was on aylwin from 83 till 87 ??? from ohio I still keep in touch with him and another guy who is from jersey who was on aylwin from 79 till 83

[S&B]

You gotta be working for JCI

Did you mean that in a good way? No, I work in-house. I used to work for JCI though.

[S&B]

S & B did you remember rob slone from "E" division he was on aylwin from 83 till 87 ??? from ohio I still keep in touch with him and another guy who is from jersey who was on aylwin from 79 till 83

Hmmm, that name definately sounds familiar. Was he the real tall guy? I'll have to check out my cruise book and check. I'm bad with names, but good with faces.

[rkoop]

Another idea is to be a troubleshooter for Square D, westinghouse, GE etc. Your controls expeience makes you a perfect fit. the jobs usually require that you be on call to a regional area.

[rkoop]

By the way,, if you have time in for profit sharing stock options or retirement then dont jump too fast. a retirement income is great and retirement is a 20 year chance to try many careers and would sure be nice to get a second paycheck. Also you can usually outlast the phonies in the white collars.

[Roscoe]

Hey S&B we're good.........:D

Clean slate...........