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crossing my fingers for ya!
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one page resume.
why? becuase hands-down, YOU are the person each of these positions were created for. too bad there's only one of you. say it. believe it, and keep that your focus. this is the only point you have to make, so every bit of your communication with this organization should have them convincing themselves of this. too much communication will have them looking at other applicants.
seeing as these are volunteer positions, i suggest you doctor your resume so it supports both applications - which are very different in terms of the type of contact with the public, but not so different in applied knowledge of the technology in question. because there are two, write two letters, and try to outline your skills in a way which reflects your understanding of both, but submit the a copy of the exact same resume for each. not only will this show how well-rounded you are, it will show that you took the time to appreciate the uniqueness of these two positions.
resume - education is usually first, listed by date, but you can put this anywhere depending on its relevance to these two positions. you'll want to keep your volunteer activities as close to the top as possible, listed by related experience to both positions, rather than date, and employment relating to both again, underneath, but listed by date as that is a standard. anything that does not fully support these positions directly, such as food service or retail experience (well, it does, as it contributes to life experience, but...) you lump into one category as Additional Experience. just list them, as an explanation under each will take up too much space. if you worked at a record store, find a catchy title that describes that, but don't list the name of the store - they'll ask if they are interested. if you have ever worked in childcare, make this one of the prominent details in your list, as it shows patience, tolerance and nurturing. as an instructor, you will require these qualities.
keep your email/phone close to your name, as your snail mail address has no reason to be forefront for either position, but should be included off to the side.
if you're using color, go with a monochromatic scheme, but make your email address a contrasting color. For instance, if you went with blue, add a non-intrusive shade of orange or yellow for visual importance. remember also there are ugly contrasting color combinations, so stay far away from christmas and hallowe'en.
also, this position is internet related, so it might be kicky to submit a resume with the body text in landscape format, with the header on the right in portrait format - which would read horizontally when you turn the paper to portrait view. you can set it up in columns, so each category doesn't read too long across the page, and it reads like a web page might.
you do not have to be a desiger either. any paint program has all the tools you need to create a smashing header/sidebar because you want to keep it simple. just insert this into your document, but be sure it's created in the layout size/shape you intend to use it, otherwise it will be tricky to get it in the right place in a word document. this is quick and easy, but no one will ever know that.
always insert your header first, so you know how much room you actually have in your document. never use text smaller that 10 pt. and adjust margins, and remove tabs if things don't fit, rather thans deleting spaces and using smaller font sizes.
cover letters - any design sceme you use on your resume should be mirrored on these letters. this is your 'letterhead'. both documents should be written on it, so both are congruent. this is where you really want to let your personality come through. if you are easy-going and fun and helpful, a visually pleasing, but simple layout will reflect this, as well will your writing style.
try not to be too rigid and professional in your writing, because you will be dealing with the general public, and your character should come across as approachable. that doesn't mean 'dumb it down', rather create a flow of words that are pleasing to read again, and again. inadvertantly answer the advertisement or hiring description that made you aware of this position by applying your format in the order the hiring description was written. if it went job title, duties responsible for, then experience required, you bring forth your shining qualities in this order as well. if you actually saw this job advertised and went - "That's the perfect job for me!" - don't be shy about admitting it in your letter. Use this as the reason you are applying, then list your qualities which support that. never be afraid to be creative in a cover letter. just don't go overboard. consider it an advertisement for YOU. you want it to be catchy, and you want it to be noticed, but you do not want to annoy or offend. also consider the person who will be reading it, as they are the person you are trying to reach with this communication.
whether you are a member of the community you'll be working with, is neither here nor there, so do not divulge such information. but DO relate all the other activities you have participated in that have allowed you to give full support to this comunity in every way possible. as well, any other activities or personal interests which demonstrate your capability to help this particular organization meet its specific objectives, from a community outreach standpoint, will be to your benefit. (if you aren't completely aware, get ahold of their mission statement, as every organization has one). any role where you served as a mentor will contribute to your application as an instructor. any role as a dedicated team leader and/or contributor will contribute to your application as a technician.
extending such effort, especially for a volunteer position, definately shows your enthusiasm and understanding of the positions in question. after all, just because you're not gettig paid, doesn't mean it's not really work, or valuable experience - which you obviously know - and organizations greatly appreciate that ethic.
if you don't know who to write it to, phone there and get the person's name and title from reception.
one last bit of advice - never start off your resume with an "objective". this is pretentious and redundant, as your cover letter should have already indicated that you are applying for a job. there is no other objective. save your future career goals for the interview, or list it under personal interests as 'pursuing a career in____.'
i hope some of this helps you out!
good luck!
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030601
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