New Zealander on US Job Hunt

From a Job Lounger:
I moved from New Zealand to America last year; my wife is an American citizen. I have a few resume-related questions.

Question #1:
I have not yet been issued my Green Card so I have a valid Employment Authorization Document to use in the interim to gain employment. All my work history on my resume shows that it was based in New Zealand so I am not sure if I should exclude any mention of my legal work status from my resume and hope that they ask questions rather than just ignore me. If not, how should I present my status on my resume? My concern is that ‘work authorization document’ may confuse and deter some employers because it shows I am neither a citizen or permanent resident (yet) so they may think that I require sponsorship.

Answer
I suggest you write "Currently hold a Work Authorization Document (WAD). Green Card (or US citizenship) anticipated 2009" at the end of your resume. Large US companies with human resources departments will understand what this means, and small companies will know to ask you about it (or easily look it up online).

Question #2:
How do I convey the extensive experience I gained while working in an IT Service Desk back in New Zealand? I don’t want to bore the employer with long-winded details, making my resume span to three pages, but I fear the title “Service Desk Operator” could be misinterpreted as under-qualified despite the responsibilities held in that position (systems and network administration, application support and some application development). I feel obligated to put the official job title that was on my contract, “Service Desk Operator.” Is it common or accepted practice to manipulate the job title, in my case to something like “IT Systems Support”?

Answer
Using a combination resume format (a chronological format with accomplishment statements organized by skill headings under each job title), here's how to list your most recent experience:

200x - 2008, Service Desk Operator (equivalent: IT Systems Support)
Company, City, Country

Systems and Network Administration
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.

Application Support
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.

Application Development
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.
- An accomplishment statement that demonstrates you have this skill.

Question #3:
I have one great letter of recommendation. Is it acceptable to attach this to my resume when submitting job applications or should I only submit it if asked? Should I take it to the job interview?

Answer
You'll need to make a case-by-case decision on this one. If you're applying online, you won't have an opportunity to include a letter of recommendation. If you're applying via snail mail, you could include the letter although it's not expected that you do so. Definitely bring it to the interview and offer it if asked about references.