What is a resume and why is it so important?

A resume is a one- to two-page document summarizing your career objectives,
professional experiences and achievements, and educational background. The
heading of the resume should contain your name, address and contact
information. The body of the resume should be broken into the following
sections: career objective, profile/summary, professional experience,
achievements, scholastics, and references. Your career objective should be
brief, up to two sentences; it should give your potential employers an idea of
how you wish to move forward in your professional life. A concise profile or a
summary should discuss who you are and how your skills and experience best
apply to the job you are interested in. The summary, as well as other parts of
your resume, should not contain personal information that discloses ethnicity,
sexual orientation, marital status, age, living situations, or any other
personal information that is not directly related to your career. Personal
profile/summary should only contain a few well-written sentences that convey
what you can bring to the table in terms of the specific job. Use this section
to attract the employer's attention, but don't go overboard in trying to be
creative -- stay professional. Your experience listing should include
information on one to five jobs you've held, starting with your current or last
job, and listing previous positions in chronological order.

The listing should include the date range of your employment, name of the
companies or person(s) you have worked for, and the city and state where the
place of employment is located (full address of employment is not necessary).
List your title and your main responsibilities, with emphasis on duties that
are applicable to the type of work you are seeking. Your education should
include college, graduate and post-graduate work, as well as any courses or
professional certifications that are relevant to your career development.
Achievements, volunteer positions, publications and interests should only be
listed if they apply to your professional work experience References should be
listed if requested; best practices suggest not to list generic statements
about references being available upon request as this is understood.

In the competitive, internet-driven world of job searches, your resume
represents you to potential employers. It serves as your tool to attract
attention, get the interview and/or get a job. A great resume will make you
stand out from other candidates by showcasing your aptitudes. Think of your
resume as your sales pitch -- you need to sell yourself in the best possible
way. Invest some time and research into developing your resume. You will want
to make sure that your resume is error free -- double check your grammar and
spelling, make sure that all company and school names and cities are spelled
properly. A resume containing errors, no matter how minimal, will give your
potential employer an impression that you do not have attention to detail, that
you don't take time to double check your work, and that you are a poor
communicator. Additionally, make sure that your resume is formatted well. Stick
to basic fonts, like Arial and Times New Roman. Keep the font size and color
standard; don't use large fonts or multi-colors in your resume. Don't go
overboard with bold, italicized, or large-cap text. Keep your format consistent
and make sure that the resume looks great when viewed online as well as when
printed out. Keep your resume to one or two pages -- any additional pages give
an impression that you either don't know how to concisely summarize your
education and experience, or that you are listing unnecessary information for
the sake of taking up space. If you've never written a resume before, reference
books, Internet resources or seek assistance from a professional resume writing
service. A well-written resume can make a difference between being stuck at
your current job and getting an interview to land the job of your dreams.

How to write a professional summary for your resume

In today's competitive job market, employers relay on well-written resumes to
screen potential candidates. In many instances, employers look through job
search web sites, such as HotJobs.com or Monster.com, to find professionals
with skills, education and experience that fit their needs. These employment
search web sites, along with many companies' own online applications, require
candidates to upload their resume in order to express interest in a specific
opportunity. Without an opportunity to send a personal email, or a cover
letter, you have to make sure that your resume expresses your personality in
addition to listing your professional and educational experiences and
achievements. To do so, you can include a professional profile or summary at
the beginning of your resume that allows you to market yourself through a
narrative. This section allows your potential employers to learn something
unique about you and your career, as well as get a good feel of your
communication skills.

To write an effective summary, you should first understand what information
should not be communicated in your resume. While a summary provides an insight
into what is unique and competitive about you, it is not a place for you to
indicate any personal information that does not relate to your career.
Information such as ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, religious
beliefs and affiliations, etc. should be left out of your resume. While
descriptive of who you are, this information is not relevant to your potential
employer in order to pre-screen your qualifications for their opportunity.
Additionally, the summary should not contain your previous professional
experience, unless you can clearly demonstrate how such background can be of
value in your future career development. Beware of generic statements, such as
"I am well organized and detail oriented." Employers want to hear your unique
voice and get a sense of your communication skills while reading the summary
portion of your resume. Using generalizations about your abilities will make
the employers believe that you are either a poor communicator or are using such
statements to fill up space on your resume.

Your summary should be in form of a short paragraph or bulleted statements,
containing only several sentences. There isn't a sentence limit, but as a rule
do not take up more than one quarter of the page. Your summary should begin by
a headline that summarizes your professional title and/or your professional
statement. Emphasize your title by featuring the headline in bold and larger
font, as it allows your potential employer to grasp who you are quickly. For
example:

Financial Planning Professional

Achieved Double-Digit Return for All Clients through Well-Balanced Financial
Portfolios

It is important that this title is well crafted, as it is the first impression
your potential employer will have of you.

There are three things a well-written summary should address:

* Your experiences and skills as they relate to your idea job

* What you can bring to the organization and the open position that no other
  candidate can

* Your professional goals.

Even though your resume summary is written by you, it should be composed in
third person, in present tense. Think of it as a summary of what one of your
best colleagues would say about your professional achievements. Reinforce your
title, and sell only the experiences and skills that meet your career
objective. If you have multiple career objectives, such as you wish to get a
position in either marketing or public relations, develop separate resume
summaries for each of the objectives. A summary can also contain a brief
bulleted section highlighting only a few vital competitive skills that you
bring to the table. An example of an effective summary would be as follows:

Successful financial planning professional with over 15 years of personal and
retirement planning experience. Managed a small financial planning firm,
achieving double-digit financial returns for all clients by developing
personalized investment portfolios. Leader in development and professional
growth of four other financial planners in the firm through effective and
motivating mentoring strategies.

Key competencies include:

 - Personalized portfolio development 
 - Financial forecasting 
 - Retirement portfolio management 
 - Development on-going professional growth strategies

Much like your overall resume, your summary should be well-written and
error-free. Make sure to review your summary, and customize as necessary for
the various opportunities of interest. An effective summary will help you
"hook" your employer; it should sell you as a primary candidate for the job,
leaving your employer with a great first impression of you.

Most effective way to state your responsibilities in job descriptions

If you have never written a resume, the blank page you are facing can be very
intimidating. While you can describe your job responsibilities to your friends,
listing them out in a resume and showcasing how your experience to date meets
your career objectives is a very difficult task.

To get started, you must first consider what type of a job you are seeking.
Much like your career objective or summery should reflect your professional
goals, your current and past experiences must showcase that you are the best
candidate for the job you are applying for. In listing your current and past
professional experiences, try to focus on those responsibilities that indicate
you are qualified to take the next step in your career. Due to the fact that
more and more companies as well as job search sites use scanning software to
pick out candidates, it is very important that you use key words, including
active verbs, to describe your skills. Instead of beginning your job
descriptions with "Responsible for" try to use active verbs such as:

 - managed 
 - developed 
 - created 
 - communicated 
 - interfaced 
 - achieved, etc.

These key words get straight to the point of describing your responsibilities,
which is exactly what the employers are looking for. Chose these words
carefully -- don't say that you "managed a project", implying you were
responsible for the whole task from start to finish if you were only
responsibly for communicating the project to other associates. Instead state
that you "Developed and executed the communication strategy for associates,"
describing your role more accurately and emphasizing your strengths.

Typically, the first job listed on your resume is the one you currently hold.
In this case, make sure that your responsibilities are stated in present tense,
as you are still responsible for them. For example, say "Manage accounting
activities" instead of "Managed accounting activities." This will indicate to
your potential employer what your day-to-day activities are like and how they
compliment responsibilities of the job you are submitting your resume for. All
previous jobs should be listed using past tense, and should start with active
verbs such as managed, developed, accomplished, etc.

Additionally, make sure that responsibilities you are listing are relevant for
to your career objective. List only those responsibilities which help you put
your best foot forward. For example, if you are looking for a job that requires
managing a team of people, focus on your development and participation in group
projects instead of focusing on solitary activities such as office organization.

In terms of formatting, make sure that your responsibilities are listed in
bullet points. This formatting is preferred to paragraphs on a resume because
it is easier to review quickly. Employers simply scan the resumes and look for
key words -- if the resume looks overwhelming, with a lot of copy and poor
formatting, they will likely discard it. Thus, it is very important that your
resume is formatted with enough white space and doesn't contain any errors.

How to format your resume

Having a well-formatted resume is almost as important as having a well written
resume. Most employers receive a stack of resumes of qualified candidates and
scan them quickly before they decide whether or not hey want to read further.
In addition to key words, what stands out the most about your resume is its
format. It is essentially the first thing people will notice, whether on paper
or in electronic form.

There are a number of rules you should keep in mind when formatting your
resume. First, start with a blank page. Avoid using templates that are already
available in Microsoft Word. These templates are outdated, and they will make
your resume appear generic and uninviting. Additionally, these templates, while
well formatted in Microsoft Word, will not translate well when emailed or
uploaded to job search engine web sites. You can find samples of resumes on the
Internet; search for resumes by your industry to find the templates that make
most sense for the job you are seeking. Than work on a blank page to replicate
the look and feel of the resume you like.

Ideally, your resume should fit on one page; if you have extensive experience,
limit the length of the resume to two pages, but only list experiences and
skills relevant to your career objective. Even if you are applying for a job in
a creative field, do not insert images or pictures into your resume. If you are
looking to show off your creativity, you can do so in a separate portfolio of
your work.

The page should have one inch margins, top and bottom, right and left. Use left
justification only -- as a rule, do not center the content of your resume. The
font and font size should be consistent. Your name, and any headlines in your
resume should be displayed in the same manner. Typically, the headlines will be
in all caps, and in bold. Try not to underline any of the information in your
resume. In the world of Internet driven job applications, underlining in a
document implies a web link. Thus, using underlining for emphasis is not
appropriate. The font size for headlines should not exceed 14 points; the
remainder of the text in the resume should not exceed 12 points.

When trying to align your resume, be ware of spacing and tabbing. Stay
consistent in the way that you are spacing out the information on the page. Use
tabs, rather than spaces. You always have to anticipate that the person you are
sending your resume to may have a different version of the software than you
and thus may not see the exactly the same resume you are sending -- it is
possible that the margins will reset, paragraphs will shift, bullet points will
change shape, etc. This is why you must keep the spacing consistent, as well as
try to keep the font and the bullet points as basic as possible.

As a last formatting check point, ask your friends or your family for help in
reviewing your resume. Send the resume file via email to a few of your friends
-- ask them to review the resume and make sure nothing seems out of place.
Print out the resume on paper and review to make sure that margins are
accurately set, and that the content doesn't appear crowded on the page. Keep
in mind -- when it comes to your resume, sleek simple appearance, and great
writing, will get you the job you are looking for.

What to do when you don't have the experience for the job that you want

People think of their resume as a collective of their education, skills and
professional experience. Many employers rely on resumes as form of job
applications for the open positions within their organizations. Thus it is very
important that you have a well-written resume prepared when searching for jobs.

Creating a resume is not an easy task, even if you are a professional with
years of experience and many skills. However, composing a resume when you are
looking to completely change careers, or when you are fresh out of school is
much more difficult, because you do not have any experience to highlight.

If you are changing careers, and nothing from your past professional experience
qualifies you for the new job you are seeking, highlight those qualifications
that can be transitioned along the various industries. For example, if you've
managed people, no matter the type of business, you should highlight this under
your experience. Rather than not highlighting your professional experience, even
if it is not directly related to the job you are seeking, you should consider
writing a professional profile, or summary at the start of your resume. The
summary will allow you to address the career change by highlighting your skills
and how they relate to your career objective. In addition, this is one situation
where it is ok to reference any volunteer or community service work that you
have done if it can help promote your qualifications for the job.

If you are fresh out of college, and don't have much to bring to the table in
terms of full time professional experience, don't get discouraged in creating
your resume. Focus on highlighting your skills and your education. Avoid using
a professional profile, or summary. Rather, list your career objective and
start the resume by listing your education. Make sure to mention any awards or
honors you received while in school. Following your education, list all the
skills that will qualify you for the job you are seeking. Make sure to mention
any courses, such as project management or business communication that you have
taken and can apply at work. Instead of listing any experience, title the
section "Pre-professional Experience" and divide it into categories applicable
to your career objective. For example, instead of say that you spent a summer
working at the Gap, use a sub-heading of "Customer Relations" and list any
responsibilities where you have provided customer service. Tap into any
community service, volunteer, or school club positions you have held in order
to highlight your abilities and showcase that you are the best candidate for
the job.

Don't be afraid of not having the right experience, or not having any
professional experience to include in a resume. Focus on what you can do rather
than what you don't have the experience in doing and you will have a winning
resume.

Listing your experience -- how far back should you go?

One of the biggest concerns in creating a resume has to do with your
professional experience. Before you begin your resume, consider the following
questions.

* What is your career objective? 

* Are you changing careers or looking for professional growth? 

* What experience have you had so far that will help in meeting your professional 
  goals?

To get started in developing your resume, list all of your previous experience,
in chronological order, starting with your latest job on a piece of paper. List
the dates of employment, your job title, the full company name and the location
of your employment. Now, consider just how much experience you have had. In
recent years, it has become more commonplace to change jobs more frequently and
not build your career in one place. As such, it is possible that someone with
ten years of professional experience following college has had over three jobs.
That doesn't seem all that much to include on a resume, right? Consider someone
with over 30 years of experience. It is important to set limits on what you
include and what you can freely exclude from your resume under your
professional experience.

Ideally, your resume should not exceed two pages. Depending on the type of jobs
you have held and your responsibilities, having only two pages doesn't account
for a lot of space. The best practice for listing your experiences is not to
exceed the most recent five jobs you have held. Again, keep the mind the length
of the resume when you are deciding on the number of jobs you will list -- if
your last five jobs and their accompanying responsibilities will take over one
page alone, than consider narrowing the experience down to the three most
recent positions you had. Also, consider the time you spent at each
organization you have worked for -- list up to the last ten to fifteen years of
experience. It is not necessary to list every job you've ever had to showcase
your qualifications and years of experience. If you have a long professional
career, focus on the last three to five jobs, but use the profile or summary at
the beginning of the resume to highlight the number of years you have spent
working, or the number of years you have spent in a certain industry, acquiring
specific skills.

When listing your experiences, it is important that you do so in chronological
order without skipping any of the jobs you have held. While you may feel that
certain jobs are not particularly complimenting to your current career
objective you should not avoid listing them on your resume. Work on
highlighting the responsibilities that are transferable across various
industries. Leaving any unexplained gaps in your work history will raise
questions by your potential employer -- thus don't create those gaps on your
resume by listing your experience out of order or by skipping jobs you have
had. Finally, make sure that your cover letter accounts for any additional
qualifications you would like to bring to the attention of your potential
employer that you didn't include on the resume.

Your resume should be concise, well written, and sell you as the best candidate
for the job. Just remember that it is quality over quantity that counts.

How to write an effective and original objective statement

A career objective, often listed as objective only on your resume, is a
statement of your career goals. It sounds simple -- you want to get a good job,
utilize your experience and education, and get paid well. However, this is the
most difficult part of the resume to compose, as you are limited to one to two
sentences in which you are expected to convey your professional expertise,
expectations from a job and an organization, as well as goals for your
professional growth. Doesn't sound so easy now, does it?

The most common mistake people make is not listing an objective. Most people
operate under the assumption that the objective is not necessary to include in
a resume because it states the obvious -- your objective is to get the job you
are applying for. However, this is a big misconception. Employers are looking
for an objective; they want to know what it is that you are looking for in
order to determine whether or not you are a good match for their company.

The second most common mistake is including a career objective that doesn't
actually express your goals and your qualification. For example, a statement
like the one below is commonly used is resumes:

"To obtain a position where my experience and education can be utilized and
expanded."

If you examine this statement, you will find it doesn't say anything specific
about what you are looking for in terms of professional growth. Avoid using
generic statements like this. They will hurt you more than help you in your job
search, because your employer will be left with an impression that you don't
have a set a goal in mind.

Now that you know what not to do, here are some helpful tips on creating a
winning career objective that will get your resume noticed and get your foot in
the door. First, make your career objective personal. Think of your whole resume
as a sales tool; your career objective is your opening statement. You want your
employer to know what you want, not just restate what other people want.
Second, you want to state your commitment to your career goal. If you are
unsure of what you want, how is your employer to believe that you really want
the job at their organization and you are not just applying because you want to
get out of your current work environment? Don't be afraid to state what you want
from a job and from an organization. Third, while you want to state your
commitment, you also want to show that you are willing to take action to
achieve your goal. Indicate what direction or action you are willing to take in
order to accomplish your career objective. Fourth and most important factor in a
successful career objective is being specific about what you are looking for in
a work situation. While you can say that you are looking for a "challenging"
environment, this doesn't mean anything to your employer, as people define
challenges in various ways. Avoid using generic and broad terms. Simply state
what you want, and what you are willing to do to get it.

Keeping in mind these criteria, let's revise the above career objective
statement so that it effectively states what you want.

"To obtain a position of a sales representative in a health insurance industry,
where I can utilize my management and customer relations skills, with the
opportunity for performance-based advancement."

This statement tells a potential employer that you know what kind of job you
want, what experience you have in order to get the position, and what you are
willing do to become a successful professional with the company. Thus, you have
just created a winning career objective for your resume.

Top 5 common resume mistakes and how to avoid them

If you have ever tried to write a resume, for yourself or for someone you know,
you are already familiar with the fact that this is not an easy task to take on.
So much information goes into a resume; from your career objective to the list
of your qualifications, your resume should be personal, convey confidence and
set your best foot forward in order to impress a potential employer. However,
creating a winning resume is not easy. The following are the most commonly made
mistakes in resume composition:

* Including references to personal web sites.

You may wonder why referencing a personal web site may be a mistake. What if
you have a sample of your graphic design work on your site that you want your
potential employer to see? It sounds like a great idea, if the site you are
referencing only has work-related information available. Many people make a
mistake of including their personal web sites that may contain information
potential employers may find irrelevant (and now you are wasting their time) or
inappropriate.

As a rule, do not include your personal web site if it contains your photo or
other photos that may be viewed as inappropriate, if it contains jokes (even if
they are clean jokes), or your blog. In other words, if the site you have is
entirely for personal purposes, you are best leaving it off your resume.

Include a link to your web site if the pages are set up to showcase your
professional portfolio, a copy of your resume, reference letters,
presentations, photos taken for professional use, or your web development
skills.

* Using very small fonts in order to get everything to fit on one page.

One of the most common challenges is creating a resume that formats well on a
single page. As a rule, a resume should not exceed two pages. However, in
recent years, it has become commonplace for professionals to change jobs
frequently, and listing all the experiences, in addition to your career
objective, education, qualifications and references, can certainly take up a
lot of space.

Do not use a small font in order to fit everything into your resume. There is
not a single area in your resume that should have a font size of less than 10
points. Keep in mind the font type you are using -- stick to the basics, Arial
and Times New Roman are your best bet. Instead of changing the font size,
review and revise your resume to make your statements more concise.

* Incorrect company/school listings.

The biggest mistake people make, without realizing that they are making it, is
not referring to the past employers and/or the school(s) they've attended by
their full names. Do not use variations of company and school names. Don't use
abbreviations unless they are in fact part of the name. If you have attended
New York University, list the complete name, not just NYU (even though it's
commonly known and your employer will likely recognize it). You don't want to
appear sloppy or as if you don't pay attention to details.

* Lengthy paragraphs describing your experiences.

To list the responsibilities you've had in your past professional experience,
you are best off using bullet points that begin with action verbs, such as
managed, developed, etc. You do not need to use full sentences, and you
certainly do not need to use the paragraph format. This makes the information
in your resume overwhelming and difficult to review quickly. Make your
statements brief and clear; don't add words to fill in space.

* Typos.

The most important factor in achieving a winning resume is proof reading. You
want to put your best foot forward. If your resume contains grammar and
spelling problems, your potential employer will get an impression that you are
not detail-oriented. It is hard to proof a document you have been working on so
closely -- use spell check (but be ware, it will not catch everything), ask your
friends for help, meet with a career counselor. Do your best to present the most
polished resume to your potential employers.

Resume writing services -- pros and cons

If you have never written a resume, you may wonder if it is easier to embark on
the task yourself or to hire someone else to do it for you. Resume writing
services or professionals concentrate on developing and writing resumes for
professionals in any industry, with any caliber of experience. These
professionals are skilled in formatting your resume, knowing how to create
winning statements that draw attention, and customizing your resume to the
industry or field you are interested in. In addition to their writing skills,
resume writing professionals are familiar with the scanning software that most
companies use in order to review resumes for key words.

You should consider using a resume writing services:

* If you have never written a resume and you don't know anyone who can assist
  in the process 

* If you have not written a resume in years and are unsure of the appropriate 
  format that translates well online 

* If English is not your first language or if you know that you typically have 
  problems with spelling or grammar.

A resume writer can assist by first collecting your information and
understanding your career objective. If you have an existing resume, even if it
is not the most up to date, you should make sure that you give that to the
writer as a starting point. When you work with a professional resume writer you
can expect that they can help you in composing your career objective statement,
listing your responsibilities in a concise manner, and perfecting the final
document. Additionally, a resume writer will be able to help you address any
concerns potential employers may have about your resume, such as explaining a
change of career, or gaps in your professional history.

There are truly no cons to using resume services, but there are certainly some
things you should consider in order to get the best service for your money.

While some people recommend writers who are accredited or certified as
professional resume writers, this is not the key to finding someone who will do
a great job on your behalf. Make sure that you speak with the writer, and have
him/her address any concerns or questions you have about composing your resume.
They should be able to provide you with a sample of a before and an after
resumes they have recently completed for a client, as well as professional
references. Don't be afraid to ask questions about their writing process; ask
about their background (what other writing services do they provide?), their
writing and editing process, turnaround time and a detailed explanation of
their fees. If you receive a draft of your resume, and you are not satisfied
with the format or there are discrepancies, ask for the writer to address your
concerns before accepting the final document. The costs will vary, depending on
the professional's experience. Make sure that you understand what is involved in
the cost. It is also in your best interest to talk to a couple of different
professionals, so that you can better idea of the cost range.

Most importantly, make sure that you feel comfortable with the writer and the
terms of the agreement you have with them, before you decide to hire them to
work on your resume. Trust and understanding will result in the best working
relationship, therefore producing the best resume for your career objective.

Helpful tips for emailing your resume

In order to seek out and apply for the jobs you are interested in, you will
most likely post your profile and resume on a job search web site, such as
monster.com or hotjobs.com. These search engines allow you to upload your
resume in a Microsoft Word or text file format, or create one using their forms.

Outside of the job search web sites, e-mailing your resume as form of
application has become commonplace. However, each employer or headhunter has
different rules on the file they will accept via e-mail. Most companies will
accept an attachment in Microsoft Word -- this is why you have to be conscious
of the font type and size, as well as margins you are using when composing your
resume. If a company is requesting a text file, you should follow these steps to
convert your Microsoft Word document into a text resume:

* Select File, Save As 

* Name the file; as a best practice, use your name as the file name, and use 
  underscores as spaces 

* Under Format, select Text Only 

* Select Save.

Now that you have converted your file to a text file, make sure to open it and
review how the spaces, tabs, and bullet points have transferred over. You may
need to do some edits in order to format the resume to fit the file type. Note
that the plain text file doesn't allow for bolding, italicizing or underlining.
Make sure that all your text is left justified and that the spacing is correct.

If an employer asks that you include your resume in the body of an email, treat
this as a text file when formatting. Copy and paste your whole resume in an
email. Keep the font styles basic; use Arial or Times New Roman fonts and keep
the size at 10 or 12 points. Adjust all the spacing and bullet points as
appropriate. A good rule to follow is to keep the email simple -- avoid bolding
or italicizing text since you don't really know the type of email software your
recipient is using or if the accept HTML or text emails only.

If you are sending your resume as an attachment, format the body of your email
as a cover letter. At the top of the email, include your name and address, as
well as the address of your recipient. Typically, the address can be found
either on the job listing or at the company's web site. If you are sending the
resume in the body of the email, follow the same guidelines in terms of the
email content. Don't make an assumption that including a resume in the body of
an email is the only information you should include in your message to your
potential employer. Even if the resume is copied into the email, you still need
to let your employer know a little bit more about yourself via a cover letter.
However, since you will include your address at the top of the email, feel free
to start your resume with a career objective instead of including the heading
with your name and address.

Much like proofing is critical in perfecting your resume, testing how your
resume is displayed in a body of an email or how it opens as an attachment via
another computer is important. Rally your friends or family for help, and send
them sample emails with your resume included in the body of the message or as
an attachment. This will provide a great opportunity for you to assure that
your resume is reaching your potential employers in the format that is clean
and professional.

Resume Banks -- what they are and how should you use them?

Whether you have decided to change jobs, have been laid off and are looking for
a new opportunity, or brand new to the job market, you will likely resolve to
search for work on the Internet. There are two ways that you can find job
listings on the Internet: company web sites and resume banks. Most companies
now have a special area on their web site dedicated to careers, listing
available positions from entry level to higher management (executive positions
are often filled through head hunters, or personal recruitment). Larger, more
sophisticated companies allow you to create a professional profile on their web
site and upload your resume. This allows you to apply for an available position
of your interest, and it allows company's recruiting team to match your resume
to an available position they are looking to fill. Most companies list contact
information for their available positions, so that you can reach out to the
appropriate person and submit your resume for consideration. However, unless
you are targeting a handful of organizations, consider the amount of time it
would take you to review web sites and job postings of all the different
companies in your area. You would surely get frustrated and give up. Resume
banks, more commonly known as resume databases, are a much better resource for
job seekers. These databases have two functions: they allow you to search a
comprehensive listing of available jobs from a large number of companies, as
well as upload your current resume and make it available for those same
employers find you.

Resume databases, such as monster.com or careerbuilder.com, have been
successful in building their online presence because they responded to the
growing needs of the companies looking for qualified professionals, and to the
needs of busy professionals looking to expand their careers. Resume databases
should be free -- while you will be asked to register on the web site, you
should not have to pay any membership fees. You can search through a resume
database without having to register on the web site; some sites however may
restrict the number of jobs you can view or the amount of details you can get
from a job posting.

Registering with a resume bank has its benefits. If you are looking for jobs,
you know first hand how time consuming the search can be. Making your resume
available to a large number of employers can certainly help speed up the
process. When registering, include your contact information and your most up to
date resume. Do not post a sample cover letter. Although they are mostly
discarded from resume banks, cover letters are meant to be personalized.
Posting a generic cover letter along with your resume doesn't help you get
noticed. If you are seeking a new job while still working, you have valid
concerns about your employer finding your resume in one of these databases.
Some resources recommend leaving off your current job -- however, many
professionals don't want to do so, because it is their current job that serves
as that step stone to the next point in their careers. We recommend including a
title, but leaving off the company name. Also, consider posting a functional
resume over chronological one, and make a note in your profile that a detailed
resume can be emailed upon request. Make sure that the resume you have posted
in the database is current. Do not date your resume -- this way it will not
appear out dated to employers. Log into the web site once every few months and
update your profile and your resume if you are actively looking for a job
(always provide most up-to-date contact information, even if you don't have
time to update the complete profile).

Resume banks, or databases, can help you gain access to a large number of job
postings, so don't steer away from them. However, make sure that your profile
and your resume are posted on reputable sites, such as monster.com. If you are
unsure of the credibility of the site, do some research online and see what
others have to say about it. Make sure your profile is up to date. And finally,
don't rely on employers to find you. If you are actively searching for a new
job, review the listings regularly and seek out the opportunities that best
meet your career objectives.

Why you need a resume even if you own your own business

As a business owner, you may think that having an up-to-date resume is not as
important as it would be if you were actively seeking a new job. However,
having an updated resume is critical for any professional, even if you are not
looking for a job. Small business owners should have an updated resume in order
to be able to share their professional experience with potential investors,
vendors, clients, etc.

If you have a viable business idea and are looking to start your own business,
it is important that you have a very well written, polished, professional
resume. You will need to use your resume, along with your business plan, in
order to gain investment opportunities for your business and gets started. Your
resume should be written as if you are applying to be a business owner of the
organization you wish to start. While this may sounds silly, as you would of
course be working for yourself, it is important to show your investors that you
have professional experience to run the business you are proposing. Your
qualifications, career goals, education and prior experience should all be
aligned with your business venture.

Once you have started your own business, you will come in contact with vendors,
independent contractors, and clients who will want to know what you are about
before they decide to do business with you. While you can promote your business
through a web site, or other advertising mediums, if you are new to what you do,
people will want to know about you. To help assure then in your abilities, you
can use a resume to let them know of your qualifications. You can use the same
resume for your vendors or clients as you used you're your investors. Keep in
mind that any financial goals pertaining to the business, that may be necessary
for your investors, should never appear on the resume or personal letter you
send to your clients or business partners. Your professional summary should be
changed to show how you would service your clients or your vendors; a statement
about client satisfaction would be necessary in a resume you are to share with
your clients, for example.

Additionally, as a small business owner, you may have an opportunity to branch
out into another business, start a new location of your existing business,
partner with another company, or even have an opportunity to go work for a
larger company in your field. In each of these scenarios, you may need an
up-to-date resume highlighting your professional and entraprenureal experience.
It is best to have a prepared resume, and keep updating it or customizing it for
specific audiences as necessary. Avoid finding yourself in a position of not
having a resume when requested, or having to develop a resume from a blank page
in a short period of time. This exposes you to appearing unprofessional, and not
representing yourself or your business in a professional and serious light.
Thus, you will want to have a well-written and a well-formatted resume even if
you own your own business; marketing yourself well, in addition to marketing
your business well, will assure your success as a business owner.

Resume review -- asking and getting help

Writing a resume is a process of self-discovery in many ways. You have to
market yourself to your potential employer, which is a very difficult task
because we have to walk the fine line of objectivity and self-promotion.

Your resume must summarize your educational achievements, professional
experience, and qualification in a way that best meets your career objective.
Composing your entire professional history on one or two pages can be time
consuming; thus, we sometimes spend hours and days writing and re-writing our
resumes in order to perfect the content and the format before it reaches our
potential employer. However, after looking at the same content over and over,
it becomes easy for us to miss very simple typos or grammar errors, or even
poorly written statements that may raise questions in the eyes of the hiring
manager. Before posting your resume on job search web sites, or submitting it
to companies you are interested in, it is in your best interest to have someone
else review it. This can be a scary thought -- while you may want help and
feedback from your friend, you are concerned they will dislike something
aesthetic and you'll feel the pressure to make formatting changes. And since
you have already spent a lot of time on your resume, you don't want to have to
start over.

Since you know you can benefit from having someone else review your resume, the
key is to set some boundaries and goals for that review. Ask about specific
things that are of the concern to you -- if you know that grammar isn't your
strength, ask your friends to proofread the content. If you have gaps in your
work history, ask your friend to act as a potential employer and review the
resume and cover letter together. Do they have any questions about your work
history, or have you addressed everything in your cover letter? Accept feedback
about content, but make sure that your friends are raising valid questions about
the statements you are making. If they suggest that you change an action word,
can they give you a valid reason behind the change, or is the reasoning based
on their personal preference? Don't get into an argument over formatting -- do
your research ahead of time and know what the acceptable resume style is for
your field. It is also beneficial that you have more than one additional person
review your resume before you send it to your potential employers. This helps
you in recognizing if the feedback is based on personal preferences or
professional concerns. Ideally, the person you ask for help has experience in
your field, and can help assure that the action words or phrases you have chose
are appropriate for your industry and position level.

If you are unsure that you are even on the right track with your resume, and
you feel that the research you have done is overwhelming and not helpful, seek
assistance from a professional resume writing service. A professional resume
writer should be able to help guide you in the right direction, revise your
current resume or create a new resume for you. Make sure that the professional
you are working with can provide you with references and samples, and that they
are versed in writing resumes for professionals in your field of work. While
this option requires you paying for someone's assistance, it can prove to be a
more beneficial one in the long run.

You can always serve as your own resume editor. Step away from your resume for
a while; give yourself some time, usually a day or two, between writing the
resume and reviewing it. This allows you to be more objective as you review the
final draft of your resume, because you are not as intimately involved with it
at the moment of review (the way you would be immediately after completing the
draft).

No matter what option of review you chose, make sure that you do in fact review
your resume before submitting it to your potential employer. You don't want your
hiring manager catching your mistakes, do you? A well-written, error-free resume
is more likely to get you noticed, and get you the job that you want.

Tips on listing publications in your resume

There are many industries where publication of your own work is a critical part
of your career development. As professionals in industries that require us to
actively publish research studies, essays, articles, textbooks, etc. we have to
find ways to account for such publications on our resumes. There are a number of
things to consider in respect to publications as you develop your resume.

First, ask yourself how relevant the publications are to your career objective.
If you have recent publications that support your career objective, make sure to
create a separate heading on your resume and list the publications in reverse
chronological order. Follow the AP style when listing your publication,
omitting your name from the listing if you were the only author of the text, as
that is implied. Do not list publications that do not support your career
objective on your resume; while they may be helpful to mention to your
potential employer via a cover letter, it is not necessary to take up space on
your resume with information that is not directly impacting to your career. If
you have submission in progress, or are working on texts that you know will be
published at the later time, and they support your qualifications for the job,
include them on the resume under a sub-heading of "submitted to (publication
name)" or "to be published in (publication name)". However, if you decide to
include works in progress, be certain that they will get published at some
point in the future. This is mostly critical for freelance magazine, newspaper
or creative writers; do not list every article you have submitted for
publication, unless you are certain that it will get published.

If your list of publication is fairly extensive, do not dismiss it completely
from your resume. You want your employer to know that you have either published
or are in the process of publishing your work. You should create a section
within your resume dedicated to publications. Don't go overboard with the
number of publications you list on your resume. List three to five
publications, in reverse chronological order in this section. This will give
your employer an idea of your work, the publications and audiences you have
reached. At the end of your publication listing, include a statement that tells
the employer a complete listing of publications can be provided upon request. In
your professional summary, or cover letter, you can indicate the total number of
publications you've had in your career. Create a separate document that includes
a complete listing of your publications, following the ASP style. You should
make sure that the list of your publication credits other authors properly, as
well. You should have a print out of this list, along with your resume that you
can bring to any job interview, or forward to the hiring manager at their
request. In addition, if asked about your publications, offer your potential
employer a copy of any of your articles for their review (although if given the
appropriate reference information, your employer, if interested, will be able to
locate your publications on their own).

Overall, disclose any information about publications if it supports your career
objective and highlights your qualifications for the job. Review the information
you list carefully and make sure that names and dates of publications are
correct -- even minor mistakes can raise questions about your credibility.

Designing your resume to grab employer's attention

Job hunting can be one of the most exhilarating and yet one of the most
agonizing experiences in your life. While you look forward to the new chapter
in your professional life, finding a way to stand out from other candidates,
who are at least equally qualified for the position you want, is a difficult
task.

Your resume is the first contact your potential employer has with you. A well
formatted and a well-written resume can make a difference between getting the
interview and getting the job, and being passed over. Most employers receive a
stack of resumes of qualified candidates and scan them quickly before they
decide whether or not hey want to read further. You only have a few seconds to
make a lasting impression. Don't panic. Instead, focus on the design of your
resume as it is the first thing your employer, whether on paper or in
electronic form.

The most commonly made mistake in resume design include using templates that
are already available in Microsoft Word. While these templates provide a quick,
easy to follow tools to create your resume, they are outdated, and they will
make your resume appear generic and uninviting. Additionally, these templates,
while well formatted in Microsoft Word, will not translate well when emailed or
uploaded to job search engine web sites.

Second most commonly made mistake in resume design is inclusion of graphics on
the page. Your picture and/or any other graphics are not appropriate for a
resume. Including anything outside of plain text will make you stand out in a
way that makes the employer think you are not taking yourself seriously as a
professional, and this is certainly not the first impression you want to make.
You can find samples of resumes on the Internet; search for resumes by your
industry to find the templates that make most sense for the job you are
seeking. Than work on a blank page to replicate the look and feel of the resume
you like.

The following are basic formatting rules for your resume:

* Limit the length of the resume to two pages. 

* The page should have one-inch margins, top and bottom, right and left. 

* Use left justification only -- as a rule, do not center the content of your 
  resume. 

* The font and font size should be consistent. 

* The bullet points should be basic -- use circles or squares, but never any 
  symbols that may not translate well when you email your resume to your 
  potential employer. 

* Headlines can be in all caps; the remaining text should not have special 
  formatting. 

* Do not underline any of the information in your resume. In the world of 
  Internet driven job applications, underlining in a document implies a web 
  link. 

* The font size for headlines should not exceed 14 points; the remainder of the 
  text in the resume should not exceed 12 points. 

* Use the Tab key instead of the Space bar to create spaces between the text in 
  your resume.

As a last formatting check point, ask your friends or your family for help in
reviewing your resume. Send the resume file via email to a few of your friends
-- ask them to review the resume and make sure nothing seems out of place.
Print out the resume on paper and review to make sure that margins are
accurately set, and that the content doesn't appear crowded on the page. Keep
in mind -- when it comes to your resume, sleek simple appearance, and great
writing, will get you the job you are seeking.

Resume tips for health care professionals

As a health care professional, creating a resume for your field is somewhat
different that all other corporate professional resumes. There are certain
elements of professional experience and education that play a significant part
in the health care industry and make a difference in attracting the employer's
attention. Therefore, to compose a winning resume as a health care
professional, you will need to consider and include the following information:

* Indicate how many patients or clients you have taken care of. Whether you are
a nurse in a large hospital, or manage financial accounts at the small doctor's
practice, it is important to indicate to your future employer how many people
you have dealt with on daily basis, and how you have addressed any concerns
that arise from taking care of people in sensitive situations. 

* List all of the training that you have acquired, beyond your education that 
makes you qualified for a specific area in the health care industry. Beyond the 
training you have completed that is job specific, consider listing any other 
training in management, communications, ethics, etc. While this type of training 
may not be required for the job that you are seeking, it does show your employer 
that you have transferable skills and that you are interested in understanding 
the broad aspect of the industry.

* Certifications and licenses are a critical aspect of the health care
industry. Make sure that you list all your licenses, and their valid dates.
Additionally, consider any programs, continuing education courses, or
government regulations that you are compliant with; all of these items should
be included in your resume. Not only do they highlight your qualifications, but
also provide assurance to your potential employer that you meet all the
requirements of the city, state and federal agencies in order to be employed in
your field.

* Your professional summary must list a clear professional goal. It is
important that you demonstrate to your employer that you have a vast knowledge
of the health care industry, and that you have a career path in mind. If you
are new to health care, use the professional summary to highlight your
education and practical work that qualifies you for the position you are
seeking. 

* Use industry jargon, but exercise caution. Don't try to replace
certain medical terms with common phrases. Feel free to demonstrate your
knowledge of the field by using terminology that is specific to health care.
However, don't over use the same terms, or phrases, and don't use jargon
excessively. While you want to give an impression that you know what you are
talking about, you don't want to overuse jargon and turn off the recruiter that
may be the initial contact for your resume review.

* Technical skills are necessary, and therefore, you should list them on your
resume. Indicate your skills in specific software programs, and don't be shy
about making your computer literacy known to your employer. Health care
industry relies heavily on technology and employers actively look for
candidates with specific computer skills. Make sure that your resume clearly
outlines your technical qualifications.

Tips on listing certifications and licenses in your resume

Your resume is a compilation of your professional life; from your education to
summer internships, from publications to technical skills, it is critical that
your resume includes anything that would help you get the job that you are
interested in. Most professionals make a mistake of focusing on experience and
education only. As a result, they disregard any additional information, such as
certifications they have in their field, that would enhance their qualifications
and assure that they stand out from the competition.

Any professional certifications and licenses that impact your career and your
ability to do your job should be listed on your resume. This concept is
straight forward for those professionals who cannot actually perform their jobs
without having a license to do so. This is the case for teachers, real estate
agents, medical professionals, etc. If you are in a profession that requires
specific certifications and/or licenses, your resume should contain a section
specific to this information. The heading should state "Professional
Certifications" or "Professional Licenses". You should list, in reverse
chronological order, any certifications and licenses that you have acquired in
your professional experience.

However, it is a lot harder to consider this information and include it on your
resume if your professional field doesn't require any certifications or
licenses. For example, having a certificate from a seminar on managing multiple
projects may not be required in order for you to do your job effectively.
However, such a certificate can be very helpful in virtually any field, and if
included on your resume, it can help you stand out from the crowd of available
professionals and catch the employer's attention.

Consider any courses or training seminars you attended in your professional
career. Don't forget to include any courses you may have taken as part of the
training at a current or at a previous job. For example, if you have completed
a course on using Microsoft Access Database as part of the training on your
current job, and you know that you will be required to work with this program
in a new position that you are seeking, make a note of this on your resume.

Treat the list of licenses and certifications as you do your professional
experience; make a list, in reverse chronological order, and consider which of
the items you listed are relevant to your professional goals. Your resume
should have no more than five most recent certifications and licenses. List the
date when the certificate or license was obtained; if you took a course over
time, for example, indicate the completion date in form of month and year only.
The exact name of the certificate or the license should be listed, along with an
issuing organization. No additional information is necessary for this area of
your resume. Additionally, make sure to highlight any certification and
licenses in the cover letter if they promote your qualifications for the job
you are seeking.

If the listing of licenses or certifications is lengthy, you can include this
information on a separate sheet of paper. You should always list a few most
recent items; however if the listing exceeds five items, let the potential
employer know that additional information is available upon request. Your
resume or your cover letter can point out this information, as well as
highlight only those elements that promote you as the best candidate for the
job.

Tips for internship resumes

There is a special style of resumes called Internship resume. As its name
implies, this style of a resume composed with a goal of getting an internship
in a desired field. While Internship resumes are usually chronological in
format, they have different goals than a resume created for purposes of
acquiring a full-time professional position. First, your goal is not furthering
your career but gaining experience and skills in order to expand on your
education and later obtain a position in the industry. Second, internships do
not require professional experience; this is a way for you to gain such
experience so that you can later get a full-time job using what you learned
during your internship. Third, your resume is more focused on your academic
achievements than on your work background, because you have to demonstrate that
the desired internship is a logical extension of your studies. With this in
mind, college students, new or returning, typically utilize this resume style
to get their foot in the door with the companies they may ultimately want to
work for after graduation.

Much like any other professional resume, the internship resume should contain
an objective. Here you should let your potential employer know how their
internship aligns with your studies, what you can bring to the table, what you
hope to gain out of the experience and how you will apply your newfound skills
once you are out in the professional world. Essentially you are convincing your
potential employer that you are the best candidate for the internship, that you
will learn the most and that the experience is critical for your professional
growth.

When composing your resume for an internship, you will need to highlight your
education first. You should do more than just list your previous degrees or
degrees in progress. Point out the classes you have taken that qualify you for
the internship. Indicate how your major is in line with the internship and how
this experience will help you in your future studies.

After you indicate your objective and your education, list your qualifications.
Make a list ahead of time of all skills that qualify you for the internship.
Review the list and prioritize it. Most commonly made mistake in resume writing
is not prioritizing the information included, so you that your strongest skills
fall at the bottom of the list. Consider what qualifies you for the internship.
List those qualifications first so that your employer recognizes that you are a
great fit for the position.

Your work experience can help, but is typically not a breaking point in getting
an internship. If you have any work experience, include it in your resume. Make
sure to prioritize your responsibilities as they relate to the internship. Make
sure to indicate any experience you have in sharpening your employability
skills, those skills that extend beyond your education and technical abilities
such as communication, customer relations, team work, taking charge, etc.

Applying for an internship is somewhat different than applying for a full time
job. Along with your internship resume, you will want to submit references. For
any employment experience you've had to date, include your supervisor's name,
title and contact information so that your employer can obtain recommendations.
In addition, it is of great benefit to you to have recommendation letters from
your professors. Your professors can identify your skills in terms of your
dedication, worth ethic, enthusiasm, interpersonal communication and
interaction with others in your classroom. Employers look for these skills
because they want to assure that you will be a good fit for their team, even if
your role is a short term one. Ask two or three of your professors for their
recommendation. Provide them with the contact information of your employer,
including an email and a physical mailing address, so the letters can be mailed
to your potential employer directly. Or, ask your professors to place their
recommendation letters into sealed envelopes before giving them to you to
assure that the information is confidential. If possible, include your
transcripts with your resume. This will be a great indication of your
commitment to your education, providing your grades are good. Your transcripts
can only help in getting you the internship.

As a final step, proof your application materials. Feel free to seek assistance
from your school's career center. You have only one chance to make a great first
impression -- do it well, and you are sure to get the internship of your choice.

How to list education and experience form different countries on your resume

As a society, we pride our selves in our diversity and make conscious effort to
appreciate each other's cultures and backgrounds. In any given company in
America, you can find training teams conducting inclusion trainings, and openly
discussion diverse work environments. Diversity has become a part of our
culture, both in and outside of work, and it is something that we seldom stop
to appreciate.

A sizeable portion of the American workforce has acquired at least a part of
their education in a foreign country. If you are in that group, one of the main
challenges you will face when composing your resume is transferring your
education and any experience you may have from another country in a way that
shows your qualifications and achievements in a way that is relevant to your
American employer.

When it comes to your scholastic achievements, make sure that you understand
the education system in the US. Familiarize yourself with various levels of
college degrees; make sure that you understand the difference between trade
schools, colleges and universities, as well as the various degrees you can
acquire at each of these educational facilities. Do not translate your degree
directly -- make sure that the terminology you are using is appropriated to
educational achievements in the US.

I would advise seeking assistance from a translating service or from a resume
writing service that may have someone on staff that speaks your language or is
familiar with your country and its culture. This will assure that the education
and employment information you acquired in another country is properly listed in
your resume. Do not make a mistake of exaggerating the position you have held or
the degree you received in another country. Consider the fact that your
potential employer has very limited resources in order to verify the foreign
education or employment you list on your resume. This doesn't mean you have a
free pass to make things up; instead, gather any documentation you may have
that shows your achievements. If you have any transcripts or degrees from your
school, or any awards from your previous employment, take them to a translating
service that will recreate and notarize these documents in English. Make a note
on your resume or in your cover letter that you can show such documentation
upon employer's request. Additionally, if English is your second language,
under your qualifications make sure to list any additional languages that you
speak fluently. Having a resume free of typos and grammatical errors will
indicate to your employer that you have taken the time to learn the language
and that you place high emphasis on your communication skills.

As a best practice, if your resume includes education or work experience you
acquired in a foreign country, your cover letter should address any concerns
that may be brought up by this information. Your employer may have questions on
why you left the country where you previously work, or if you intend to go back
after some time (if you came to the United States to further your education,
indicate the length of time you are staying). Keep these things in mind -- put
yourself in a position of your potential employer who is reviewing your resume
and anticipate any questions they may have about your professional history.
Addressing any concerns about your resume ahead of time will assure that you
are taken seriously as a qualified and credible candidate.

Switching Jobs -- How to adapt your resume to your new career choice

Changing jobs has to be one of the more difficult decisions a person can make;
staying in the work environment we are used to can sometimes be easier than
having to embrace uncertainty, and having to prove your professional
qualifications and credibility in a new workplace. The decision for change
becomes that much more difficult if the new job you want means changing your
career. While you will face a challenge in trying to get the job that meets
your new career objectives, writing your resume should not be one of them.

On the Internet alone, there are numerous resources for career changers. From
helping you decide which career you are best suited for to providing helpful
advice on how to succeed in your new job, you will find an overwhelming amount
of resources to help you in your new journey. While most of the information you
find will be helpful, be careful about the sources you utilize in order to put
together the most persuasive resume for your new career choice.

There are really two basic elements to successfully creating a resume for a
career changer: research and transferable skills. Most people put a lot of
thought into changing careers. They consider their families, their living and
financial situations, their competitive advantage in the new field, etc. After
you convince yourself that changing careers is the right thing to do, you will
have to convince your potential employers to give you the job you are seeking.
To do so, you have to do your research. Demonstrate to your employer that you
have an extensive knowledge of the industry, even if you don't have the
accompanying experience. Before you begin your new career, make sure that you
understand what professional paths are available for you, and determine what
your ultimate goal is. This will help you form the career objective for your
resume. Additional, make sure to do your research on the company you are
interested in, as well as their competition (if you are interested in
non-profit organizations, make sure to brush up on other organizations with
similar missions); if invited for an interview, you will want to appear very
knowledgeable not only about their company, but about the industry as a whole.
You will have to convince your potential employer that you the best person for
the job, better than the candidates with experience -- to do that, you have to
showcase not only your enthusiasm for the opportunity, but your eagerness to
learn and your knowledge about the field.

Transferable skills, those skills that can be utilized in numerous fields, are
also a key to a successful career change. Consider your qualifications to date.
What experience have you acquired that can be transferred across industries?
Transferable skills include verbal and written communication, people
management, customer relations, organization and project management,
development of new processes, generation of new ideas or concepts, etc. Such
skills can be adapted to all organizations, and you should utilize them to
showcase your qualifications for the job you are seeking. For example, if you
would like to ditch the 9-to-5 desk job for a hectic, unpredictable life of a
high school teacher, let your potential employer know that your previous
experience in leading by motivation makes you a perfect candidate for the job
(even if that marketing project you managed has nothing to do with teaching
English composition). Making a list of all your professional experiences and
the qualifications needed for the job you are seeking will help you in
determining which skills are transferable to your new career. Once you define
your transferable skills, use a functional resume to assure most (if not all)
of the qualifications needed for the new job are met in your resume.

In addition to your resume, use your cover letter or email to let your
potential employer know why you are changing careers, and that your new
interest is not a passing one. Make sure that your resume reflects your
newfound interest in a genuine and professional manner, and you are sure to
have a successful career change.

Prioritizing job descriptions in your resume

The most difficult and time consuming section of any resume is the listing of
your work experience, no matter the level you have reached in your professional
career. If you have just graduated college and don't have any full-time
professional experience, you are concerned if your part time job and summer
internship are enough to get your foot in the door. If you are a seasoned
professional with extensive work experience, you are worried how to fit all of
your hard work on only one page. If you are changing careers, you are unsure
which skills best showcase your qualifications. Listing work responsibilities
on our resumes doesn't get easier as our career progresses. The key is to
consider your career objective and prioritize your work in accordance to your
goals.

When people are asked about work responsibilities, they have a tendency to
disclose the routine items first. This method can be a costly mistake for
listing your professional experiences on your resume because it leaves all of
the important and key qualifications at the bottom of the list. To avoid
falling into this practice, first put together a list of your responsibilities
on a sheet of paper. For your initial draft, don't worry about how you are
phrasing each statement -- just make a list of everything that you do in your
current or have done in your previous jobs.

Once your list is completed, consider all of the responsibilities you have
included. What are the three most important items on the list for each job? How
do those items relate to your career objective? Are there any other
responsibilities you have listed that better support your career objective than
the three you picked as the most critical to your job? You have to consider all
these questions in order to prioritize your job descriptions on your resume.

Begin each description with a power word, such as managed, developed,
communicated, etc. Make sure that the statements you list first quantify your
achievements -- don't be afraid to list sales figured, customer acquisition
rates, budget and timeline successes, or any other figures which help put your
responsibilities in a context of the business/field you are working in. Also,
these statements should be aligned with your career objective. If you want to
get a job in project management, letting your employer know that you managed a
team of 20 people will effectively highlight your qualifications. It is
important to quantify your job description statements on your resume; however,
as a word of caution, do not quantify all statements, just one or two that are
most critical to your job and are goal driven. This shows your employer that
you think in terms of exceeding your goals. All subsequent descriptions of your
responsibilities should support the first one or two items on your list.

Prioritizing doesn't only apply to your job descriptions, although it is the
most commonly disregarded element in this particular area of the resume.
Achievements and qualifications are often misrepresented because they are not
ordered properly. Same rules apply -- consider which of your achievements and
your qualifications are most complimentary to your career objective, and list
them first. For example, if you are applying for a job in customer service,
list your communication skills before your computer skills. While both are
important, your communication skills are more in line with your career
objective, and therefore should take priority.

As a final test, put yourself in the shoes of your employer. Cross-check the
job description and make sure that you address the qualifications required for
the job with the information on your resume. Let your potential employer know
you have what they are looking for, and you'll be sure to make a great
impression.

Quantifying your resume

The most difficult and time consuming section of any resume is the listing of
your work experience, no matter the level you have reached in your professional
career. The key is to consider your career objective and prioritize your work in
accordance to your goals.

Your professional experience should not only showcase the activities you have
done in your previous jobs, but should demonstrate your qualifications in the
way that motivates employers to want to know more. Of course, we are referring
to results, any tangible, measurable items that are impacting to the bottom
line. Let your employers know that your project came within budget, that you
exceeded the timeline, that you acquired X number of new customers, or that you
increased sales by a double-digit percentage. Employers can wrap their minds
around numbers, because they are focused on them daily. You want to let your
potential employer know that you can think in the same way they do and that you
take results into serious consideration as your perform your job on day-to-day
basis.

To get started with your work history, begin each description with a power
word, such as managed, developed, communicated, etc. Do some research and use
only the power words and phrases that are appropriate for your industry. Make
sure that the statements you list first under your job responsibilities
quantify your achievements -- don't be afraid to list sales figured, customer
acquisition rates, budget and timeline successes, or any other figures which
help put your responsibilities in a context of the business/field you are
working in. Be specific. The only way your statements are truly quantified is
if you include numbers. Saying that you acquired new customers is significantly
different from saying that you increased the customer database by 10%. As
mentioned above, this is the most critical aspect of listing your job
descriptions on your resume. Your employer wants to know not only what you did,
but how well you did it. Also, these statements should be aligned with your
career objective you included at the top of the resume. If you want to get a
job in project management, letting your employer know that you managed a team
of 20 people and the overall results you achieved will effectively highlight
your qualifications. It is important to quantify your job description
statements on your resume; however, as a word of caution, do not quantify all
statements, just one or two that are most critical to your job and are goal
driven. This shows your employer that you think in terms of exceeding your
goals. All subsequent descriptions of your responsibilities should support the
first one or two items on your list.

As a final test, put yourself in the shoes of your employer. Cross-check the
job description and make sure that you address the qualifications required for
the job with the information on your resume. Let your potential employer know
you have what they are looking for, and you'll be sure to make a great
impression.

5 things you should never include in your resume

Composing a resume is a difficult task, as we all know. It takes time and
patience to fit your whole professional history within one or two pages, and
present yourself as the best candidate for the job. While we focus so much of
our energy on what to include in our resumes, we forget to stop and think about
the information that should never be included. The following five items are at
the top of the Resume Don'ts list:

1.  Do not get personal. Any information that discloses your demographics
should not be listed in your resume. Your age, race, ethnicity, religious
beliefs, marital status, physical appearance, or your personal philosophies are
not critical to your job performance, and therefore should never be listed on
your resume. Present yourself as a professional to your potential employers.
Your resume is not a list of your hobbies or interests; it is a listing of your
education, your qualifications and your employment history. Stick to the
information relevant to the job and your career objective.

2.  Do not list salary information or requirements on your resume. This is a
strict rule, and you must follow it. Your employer is concerned with what your
desired salary is, not what you earned in your first job out of college. If you
are asked to provide salary requirements, do so in your cover letter not your
resume. As a best practice, always list a minimum you are willing to accept for
the job, and avoid using a salary range. Do your research and know what the
acceptable salary is for the job of your interest. Whenever possible, leave all
salary conversations to for the interview with your potential employer.

3.  Do not use jargon or too many "big words." Unless you are absolutely
certain that the person reading your resume will understand the terminology you
are using, avoid using jargon in your resume. Gear your resume toward recruiters
rather than an immediate hiring manager, because the human resources associates
are usually the first to scan your resume. You should showcase your knowledge
of a particular field through your education and experience; thus, jargon
doesn't have any place on your resume. In addition, avoid using too many "big
words." Don't hide behind your vocabulary; making your resume overbearing is
sure to lose the interest of your employer. Use the action words that are
relevant to your career level.

4.  Do not list your personal web site. As a rule, do not include your personal
web site if it contains your photo or other photos that may be viewed as
inappropriate, if it contains jokes (even if they are clean jokes), or your
blog. In other words, if the site you have is entirely for personal purposes,
you are best leaving it off your resume. Only include a link to your web site
if the pages are set up to showcase your professional portfolio, a copy of your
resume, reference letters, presentations, photos taken for professional use, or
your web development skills.

5.  Do not have any typos. The most important factor in achieving a winning
resume is proof reading. You want to put your best foot forward. If your resume
contains grammar and spelling problems, your potential employer will get an
impression that you are not detail-oriented. It is hard to proof a document you
have been working on so closely -- use spell check (but be ware, it will not
catch everything), ask your friends for help, meet with a career counselor. Do
your best to present the most polished resume to your potential employers.

Reviewing your final resume -- what to look for and who to ask for help

One of the most commonly made mistakes in resume writing that many
professionals make is not taking the time to proofread the document before
sending it to the potential employer. While writing a resume is a time
consuming process, not reviewing your final document with fresh eyes may cause
your resume to end up in a recycling bin. To assure that all your efforts are
not wasted, make sure that you take the following three steps to assure your
resume is in top shape before it reaches your potential employer.

1.  Proofread the content for grammar and spelling mistakes. This step is the
most critical in the resume review process. It is often hard to catch
composition errors after you send hours writing and re-writing all parts of
your resume. There are two ways to catch these errors: ask someone else to
proof your resume, or give yourself time between writing and reviewing your
resume. If you ask a friend or a family member for help, make sure that their
strengths include spelling and grammar; they should be able to edit your resume
for content and consistency in style. Asking others to review your resume,
however, should be done with parameters. For example, let your friend know what
you are struggling with, so that they can help you address those concerns.
Because personal preferences can come into play when you are discussing
resumes, make sure that the changes you make are the kind you are comfortable
with in terms of content. Another step in proofreading, which should be thought
of as a must, is stepping away from your resume for a day or two, and coming
back to it for a final review. This gives you some space from the content, and
will allow you to review for grammar and spelling errors with fresh eyes.

2.  Print our and email your resume so that you know what your potential
employer will receive after you submit your resume. Make sure to print your
resume from the file that you are emailing to your employer. Make sure that the
margins are set properly and are not cutting off any content. Look for spaces,
and adjust the text in case of any large gaps on the paper. E-mail your resume
to a number of your friends; have them open the file and let you know how it
appears on their screen, as well as how it prints out. Addressing any
formatting issues before your resume reaches the employer is ideal, so doing a
couple of test runs will only assist in developing a winning final resume.

3.  Compare your resume to the job requirements, and make sure that all
requirements are addressed in either your resume or your cover letter.
Essentially, review what the employer is looking for and make sure that your
resume addresses all of their needs. When your potential employer receives your
resume, they will look for key terms from their job description in order to
match your qualifications to their available position. If possible, use some of
the same terminology on your resume as the employer used on the job description.
This will let the employer know that you are in synch with their needs, and make
them more interested in you as the ideal candidate for the job. Ask one of your
friends to review the job description and your resume as well, and give you
their impression on how well the two match.

Poorly written or formatted resumes let your employer know that you don't pay
any attention to detail. Taking the extra time to do a final review of your
resume is the key to getting employer's attention and getting the job you
always wanted.

Make your resume scannable

Most job applications are now done electronically, and most employers, no
matter the job level, request a resume from the candidates. Have you ever
wondered why employers would request resumes from all candidates, when it can
be extremely time consuming to review them all? Employers don't actually review
every resume they receive; companies use various software to scan the resumes
they receive for key words and content specific to their available positions.
Typically, this is the first round of resume review. Your resume has to make it
pass the computer-generated scan in order to make it into the hands of the
hiring manager.

While your resume may be well-written and well-formatted, it may not be
scannable. This may be the reason why you are not receiving calls from
potential employers, even if you have great qualifications for the job. To make
your resume scannable, follow these tips:

* Special formatting may cause certain letters in words to touch, and blend
into one character. This is especially the case if a word is bolded or
italicized. Make sure that you review your resume and revise any parts where
letters are joined together, so that the words can be scanned.

* Font type and font size are very important for both your printed and
electronic resume. When the resume is scanned, it is important that the font is
recognizable by the software. Stick to the basic fonts, such as Ariel and Times
New Roman, and to the basic font size, such as 10 or 12 points.

* Do not underline words or phrases in your resume. In an electronic format,
underlining implies that the text links to another document or a web site.
Additionally, do not have any lines in the resume that touch the text, as this
will prevent the resume from being scannable.

* All the text in your resume should read from left to right in order for your
resume to be scannable. No special formatting, such as tables, or columns,
should be contained within your electronic resume.

* Do not use special characters that may not be recognized by scanning
software. This includes special formatting of bullets, use of ampersands or
percent signs, copyright signs, or any other characters that may not be easily
recognizable by scanning software. If you are quantifying information on your
resume, make sure to spell out the percentage instead of using "%" as you are
indicating increase in sales, for example. Whenever possibly, avoid using signs
or special characters in your resume.

* Even if you submit a printed resume, the document may be scanned for key
words to match your qualifications with available positions. It is very
important that your submission is on plain white paper, in basic font type and
size. If you are submitting multiple pages, make sure that all the pages are
numbered, with your name in the top left corner. Do not staple multiple pages.
If you do so, only the top page will be scanned.

* The most important element of a scannable resume is the selection of active
keywords, or power words. Do your research and make sure that you use the
appropriate keywords in your resume that apply toward the position you are
seeking. Having appropriate keywords throughout your resume makes it easier for
the software to find matches when scanning the document. Helpful tip: review the
employer's job requirements for keywords. What are the required qualifications
for the job? Make sure that your resume contains the same terminology as that
on the job description, without direct copying of the text, of course. When
your resume is scanned, the software will pick up these key words and you can
be one step closer to landing your dream job.

 

Electronic resumes -- dos and don'ts

There are two most commonly used methods for resume submission: uploading your
resume to the employer's web site or to the resume bank, and e-mailing your
resume to the employer. Faxing or mailing your resume is virtually an obsolete
practice, because employers are heavily relying on software programs that scan
resumes for key words related to the available positions at their
organizations. However, printed resumes are necessary for interviews. Thus, as
professionals, we essentially have to have two versions of our resume. While
there are numerous resources for composing a more traditionally formatted
resume, many professionals are not sure how to create electronic resumes that
will get noticed. To help you out, here are some dos and don'ts on

* DO create a plain text file of your resume. While you want certain items on
your resume to stand out, you should still have a plain text file (.txt file)
of your resume. Most employers request a plain text file, because they can run
the file through computer software that scans your resume for key words related
to the available jobs. When creating a text file, makes sure that you take the
time to format the resume; check spacing and adjust any lines of text that seem
out of place. 

* DO follow instructions of your potential employer. If the employer is asking 
that you send your resume in the body of the e-mail, do not send them an 
attachment. Copy and paste the plain text resume you have created into the body 
of the email; take the time to check for potential formatting changes. Do not 
try to format the text by making portions of your resume bold, or change the 
font size or type. While you may have the email editor which allows for this 
formatting, your potential employer may only accept plain text messages. Stick 
to the basics for a successful transmission of your resume. 

* DON'T save your resume as a PDF. This file type is typically larger in size,
and is not very common for an electronic resume, that your potential employer
may completely discard your email. 

* DO test your electronic resume by sending it to a few friends via email. 
Because they may be using different e-mail providers, or have different software 
than you, they can let you know how your resume appears to them. This will help 
you in uncovering and correcting potential formatting problems, to assure that 
your resume is in great form by the time it reaches potential employers. 

* DON'T make an assumption that including a resume in the body of an email is 
the only information you should include in your message to your potential 
employer. Even if the resume is copied into the email, you still need to let 
your employer know a little bit more about yourself via a cover letter. However, 
since you will include your address at the top of the email, feel free to start 
your resume with a career objective instead of including the heading with your 
name and address.

Resume action words

You've heard it over and over again -- a well-written resume is a winning
resume. What does that mean? How can you determine whether your resume is
written in a tone and style that employers will respond to? Synthesizing your
educational achievements, years of your professional experience, and numerous
qualifications you have acquired over the years into one to two pages is not
easy to accomplish. Every phrase or statement you write has to convince your
potential employer that you are the best candidate for the job. To do so, you
will need to use action or power word.

Action words, or power words, are keywords (verbs) that add strength and
positive implication to your job responsibilities or qualifications. When you
submit your resume to your potential employer, there are two scenarios that
will occur. One, your application will be ran through a computer software
program, which searches your resume for key terms as indicated by the employer.
If your resume contains those key words, your resume will be pulled aside for
further review. Two, a hiring manager, or most often a human resources
associate, will receive a stack or resumes and scan through them quickly to
pick out those that stand out the most, again based on certain key words. It
should now be clear why these action words are critical to your success in job
hunting.

When listing your employment history, each job's responsibilities should be
listed in bullet point form, with each statement starting with an action word.
Using power verbs or phrases will indicate to your employer that you are driven
by action and results, and that you can effectively articulate your professional
experience (thus, showcasing your communication skills).

Here is a small sample of action words:

 - created 
 - developed and implemented 
 - managed 
 - delivered 
 - designed 
 - facilitated 
 - negotiated 
 - coordinated 
 - budgeted 
 - acted 
 - communicated 
 - consulted, etc.

This is a very short sampling of action words. Many resources on the Internet
contain extensive listings of action words or phrases. Do some research and use
only those terms that are relevant to your field of experience. Your best bet
would be to locate samples of resumes by professionals in your industry. Review
those resumes for ideas on how to list your responsibilities. Important note: do
not copy exact statements from someone else's resume; while you can do your
research, you will want to make your resume personalized to your professional
experience.

Don't fall into the trap of using the same action word over and over. If you
have in fact managed multiple projects, you may want to be a bit more specific
about your role in each. For example, maybe you were the communication liaison
in one project, while you were the project manager for another task. Begin the
first bullet point with "communicated," and the second bullet point with
"managed." However, be aware of the words that you are using and consider their
value in your resume. Do not go overboard with using varying terms, especially
those that may change your role or your responsibilities.

Additionally, you can find key action words in job descriptions. Review your
resume against a job description and make sure that all required qualifications
are addressed in your statements. This will also help you identify action words
that the employer uses, which you can in turn use to customize your resume or
cover letter to that specific job.

Always make sure that you are consistent in the way you list all of your
responsibilities and qualifications, and make sure that your statements exude
positive attitude and focus on actions and results. By doing so, you are
guaranteed to create a winning resume that will get you noticed.

Resume writing from scratch -- how to get started

Facing a blank page when you are trying to write a resume can be very scary.
You may think that you don't have enough to say about yourself to fill a page;
you may be wondering just how to list all of your skills and experience within
a single sheet of paper. To get started, ask yourself some questions about your
past jobs and your career goals.

Before you even begin writing a resume, define the exact reasons why you need
one. While this may sound simple, it takes more than saying, "I want to get a
new job." Consider your career objective first. Make sure that your goals are
specific in terms of industry, position title, and future professional
achievements. Once you are clear on the type of job you are seeking, it will be
much easier to compose a resume that highlights your expertise in the area of
your interest.

Once you have your career objective developed, do some research on a resume
format that is most commonly used and may be most appropriate for your
industry. Search the Internet or check out the books in your local library to
get a better idea of what well-written professional resumes look like. Once you
find a format that best suits your field and your career objective, use the same
layout to get started.

When listing your personal information at the top of the resume, include your
address, home and/or mobile phone number, and your email address. A helpful
hint about listing your email address -- make sure that it contains your name,
as this helps you appear more professional. You can create a free Yahoo email
account; it also maybe helpful to have one email address as a point of contact
for your job search.

Before you begin listing your experiences, make sure to list them out on a
separate sheet of paper, in chronological order, starting with the most recent
job you had (possibly the job you are presently holding). List up to five
previous jobs you have held, although make sure that your resume does not
exceed two pages in length. Make sure that are listed in order; don't skip any
of your employments as this will create gaps in your professional history.

When listing your education, start with your college attendance and move to
your most recent accomplishments. If you never attended college, make sure to
include any courses, even if they were taken as training at your previous jobs,
which will help in showcasing your qualifications. In terms of skills, make sure
to list, in bullet point form, all of the abilities that confirm that you are
the best candidate for the job you are seeking.

You can omit references from your resume, but let your potential employer know
that you can provide them if necessary. You can do so in the cover letter or by
including a line at the bottom of your resume that simply states, "Professional
references available upon request."

As your final check point, ask a friend or a family member to review your
resume, and give you feedback. Having a second pair of eyes can help you
correct any typos, or even bring to your attention anything that appears
unclear or confusing. A well-written, error-free resume will help you put your
best foot forward and get the job that exceeds your career goals.

Including references on your resume

Have you ever wondered what the most commonly used line on a resume is? It
would have to be the all time favorite, "References available upon request."
There is an ongoing debate among professionals about the inclusion of
references on your resume. Some people will strongly encourage you to include
the aforementioned line at the bottom of your resume. In a way, this lets your
potential employer know that, if asked, you can name at least a couple of
people that think you are a great asset to any company. The opposing side will
argue the validity of this line as it doesn't provide any information with a
call to action; we should operate under the assumption that every professional
with a resume will be able to provide references from his previous employers.
And yet another group of professionals will urge you not only to include this
section in your resume, but list anywhere from three to five references, along
with their titles, contact numbers and a description of your relationship to
them. So, how do you know who to listen to?

We advocate mentioning references no matter what. It is proper resume etiquette
that you include a section for your references at the bottom of your resume.
This lets your potential employer know that you not only have professional
references but you understand that checking references is an important part of
your interview process. Additionally, you will want to have an employer request
references from you so that you can let your references know they can expect to
be contacted. Listing someone as your reference on your resume without letting
them know, even if they have previously provided a reference for you, is not a
good practice. You don't want anyone on your reference list to be caught by
surprise when they are contacted; you'll want to let them know about the job
you are applying for so that they know which qualifications they should
highlight when they are contacted.

If you are posting your resume on job search web sites, such as monster.com, or
are working with a head hunter to find the best opportunities for you, it is
best that you simple use the line, "References available upon request" at the
end of your resume. As indicated above, you will want to let your references
know ahead of time if they will be contacted by a potential employer. Listing
references on your resume and making it available to multiple employers for
review may result in calls to your references by employers you may not have
even been in touch with directly. Obviously, you'll want to avoid this kind of
annoyance to people you are using as references. You don't want to abuse your
relationship with them; therefore don't include a full listing of references on
your resume if you are making it available to masses.

If you are sending a resume to a specific employer, after you have been in
touch with the hiring manager or someone at the company that will refer you for
the job you are interested in, we suggest including references on your resume.
This allows your potential employer to have all the information necessary to
consider you as a serious candidate for the job. The reference list should
include the person's name, their title and the company they are working for,
their relationship to you and their day-time telephone number. As a best
practice, before you submit the resume, let your references know about the job
opportunity, and that you are passing along their contact information to the
potential employer.

If you have already submitted a resume without references, but are going to
meet with the employer for an interview, bring a printed copy of your resume
that includes a list of references. Following a good interview, employers
typically check references -- as a best practice, you will want to provide the
hiring manager with a one-stop-shop of your qualifications and your references,
so you should always bring a printed copy of your cover letter, your resume and
references with you to an interview. Your vigilance is sure to make a great
impression and bring you one step closer to getting the job you want.

3 ways to customize your resume to get the job that you want

While most resumes appear to look the same on the surface, there are key areas
that differentiate well-written winning resumes from those that never make it
into the hands of the hiring managers. To customize your resume for the job
that you want, pay attention to the following three elements: resume style,
career objective, and personal profile.

The layout and the style of your resume are as important as the information you
are including about your experience and qualifications. The two most commonly
used resume styles are chronological and functional. Chronological resume calls
for listing your professional expertise in order, much like the name implies,
and is used those with some to extensive professional experience. Functional
resume showcases your experience by the type of qualifications you have, and is
typically used by those lacking professional experience or those changing
careers. While there are no set rules on determining the best resume style to
use, it is important to keep in mind that the resume format can help or hurt
your chances to put your best foot forward. You will want to pick the format
that will best highlight your qualifications and your experience. Thus, it is
important to understand the difference between the two, as well as research
which format is more preferred in the field of your choice.

Career objective is very important to your resume. While there is an ongoing
debate about the need for listing your objective on your resume, choosing to
include this goal statement shows that you have given your professional growth
some serious thought. Consider your career objective as the first impression
you make on your potential employer. Make sure that your goals are specific and
directional in terms of industry, position title, and future professional
achievements. Most people make a mistake of including generic statements under
their career objective. To be effective, your statement must tell a potential
employer that you know what kind of job you want, what experience you have in
order to get the position, and what you are willing do to become a successful
professional with the company.

While your career objective tells your potential employer why you are applying
for the job at their organization, your professional profile sells your
expertise and convinces the employer that you are the best candidate for the
job. Your professional summary/profile gives you the opportunity to
differentiate yourself, and give your employer an insight into you. Two
commonly made mistakes for this section of the resume are poor writing and
inclusion of personal information. Note that your age, ethnicity, gender,
religious affiliations, etc. do not make a difference on how you handle
yourself as a business professional. Such information should never be included
in a resume, or any job application materials (even when asked on a job
application, such information is optional and is for demographics study only).
Make sure this section is well written and error-free. Strong positive
statements about your expertise will give a good first impression to your
employer. Make sure to proofread the whole resume, with emphasis to this
section, as it appears at the start of your resume. An effective personal
statement must leave your employer with an impression that you are confident,
credible, and professional.

Keep in mind -- your resume is your sales pitch, demonstrating your
qualifications and experience to your potential employer. Seize the opportunity
to put your best foot forward and you will reap the rewards.

Chronological vs. functional resumes

A resume is a one- to two-page document summarizing your career objectives,
professional experiences and achievements, and educational background.

While there are numerous ways to format your resume, there are two main resume
styles: chronological and functional.

As its name implies, a chronological resume is one that lists your experience
and education in order, starting with the most recent jobs or achievements.
This type of resume is sometimes also referred to as reverse chronological
resume, because the order of the listing starts with your current employment.
This type of resume preferred -- employers will want to know what job you
currently hold so that they can better asses your qualifications for the job of
your interest. The same is true for your education; your potential employer
would rather know your most recent scholastic achievement. Listing your
experience and education in reverse chronological order also shows your
potential employer your overall career progress. It also helps in determining
the length of employment at each organization, and indicates any gaps in your
career (in case of gaps, make sure to address them in your cover letter as to
not lead your employer to believe that you are omitting information on
purpose). Chronological resume should list your current job, as well as two to
four previously held positions. Don't skip any employment information on
purpose; if your employment history is long, or if you have held jobs further
in the past that align well with your current career objective, you can address
these qualifications in your professional profile or in your cover letter.
Chronological resumes are the most commonly used style, and work best for
anyone who has had some professional experience.

Functional resumes focus on your qualifications, not your career timeline. This
style of the resume highlights what skills you have, rather than where and when
you acquired or utilize them. In other words, instead of listing your
experiences by your job titles, your resume will contained sections titled by
your skills such as verbal and written communication, customer satisfaction,
project management, etc. This resume style is recommended for college students
seeking internships or their first jobs out of college, for those with no
professional experience, those who have not worked for some time, or for career
changers. While potential employers will appreciate the overview of your skills,
if you hold any professional experience, consider using the chronological
resume, or a combination resume, over the functional format.

A combination resume, although not often discussed, has become a popular format
in recent years. As its name implies, it is a combination of chronological
resume style and functional resume style. This hybrid style allows
professionals to highlight the qualification they have that are critical for
the job of their interest, while at the same time listing employment and
educational history in reverse chronological order. A word of caution -- don't
try to do too much when using a combination resume by going over board with the
type and number of sections you include in your resume. It is best to keep the
information listed, even in the combination format, to what is relevant for the
job.

Same rules apply for each style. Don't exceed two pages, tailor your resume to
your career objective and put your best foot forward in order to get the
interview, and eventually the job.

Transferable skills -- what they are and how to demonstrate them in your resume?

People put a lot of thought into changing careers. After all, it is one of the
more important decisions one can make. We have to consider our families, our
living and financial situations, our competitive advantage in the new field,
etc. Making a career change typically means starting with a blank canvas; while
you have the freedom to paint that canvas any which way you wish, you have to
invest time, energy, make sacrifices and prove yourself as a credible
professional in your new field. You have to be competitive, and motivated, and
sustain the drive that is necessary to be successful. After you convince
yourself that changing careers is the right thing to do, you will have to
convince your potential employers to give you the job you are seeking.

To do so, you have to do your research. Demonstrate to your employer that you
have an extensive knowledge of the industry, even if you don't have the
accompanying experience. Before you begin your new career, make sure that you
understand what professional paths are available for you, and determine what
your ultimate goal is. This will help you form the career objective for your
resume. Additional, make sure to do your research on the company you are
interested in, as well as their competition (if you are interested in
non-profit organizations, make sure to brush up on other organizations with
similar missions); if invited for an interview, you will want to appear very
knowledgeable not only about their company, but about the industry as a whole.
You will have to convince your potential employer that you the best person for
the job, better than the candidates with experience -- to do that, you have to
showcase not only your enthusiasm for the opportunity, but your eagerness to
learn and your knowledge about the field.

Transferable skills, those skills that can be utilized in numerous fields, are
also a key to a successful career change. Consider your qualifications to date.
What experience have you acquired that can be transferred across industries? 
Transferable skills include verbal and written communication, people management, 
customer relations, organization and project management, development of new 
processes, generation of new ideas or concepts, etc. Such skills can be adapted 
to all organizations, and you should utilize them to showcase your 
qualifications for the job you are seeking. For example, if you would like to 
ditch the 9-to-5 desk job for a hectic, unpredictable life of a high school 
teacher, let your potential employer know that your previous experience in 
leading by motivation makes you a perfect candidate for the job even if that 
marketing project you managed has nothing to do with teaching English 
composition). Making a list of all your professional experiences and the 
qualifications needed for the job you are seeking will help you in determining 
which skills are transferable to your new career. Once you define your 
transferable skills, use a functional resume to assure most (if not all) of the 
qualifications needed for the new job are met in your resume.

In addition to your resume, use your cover letter or email to let your
potential employer know why you are changing careers, and that your new
interest is not a passing one. Make sure that your resume reflects your
newfound interest in a genuine and professional manner, and you are sure to
have a successful career change.

Entry level resume -- how to highlight your education and your skills

Graduating from college is one of the proudest moments you can experience.
Receiving your diploma validates all the hard work you put into your education,
all the all-nighters you pulled before exams. Your graduation signifies your
accomplishments as a student, and opens the door into the world of career
choices, job searches, and 40-hour workweeks. All of a sudden, it hits you --
how will you get a job that requires experience if you have none?

As a recent college graduate, you are entering the workforce at entry-level
jobs. Your potential employers have very reasonable expectations. They expect
you to have graduated from college and that your major is in line with the job
you are applying for. They anticipate that you have some experience, a summer
job or an internship, but they are not requiring years of professional
experience. They would like to see some references -- from your professors or
previous supervisors -- so that they can get a better idea of your personality
and work ethic. Sound reasonable so far?

The best way to show your potential employer that you are a perfect candidate
for the job is to create a functional resume. Functional resumes focus on your
qualifications, not your career timeline. This style of the resume highlights
what skills you have, rather than where and when you acquired or utilize them.
In other words, instead of listing your experiences by your job titles, your
resume will contained sections titled by your skills such as verbal and written
communication, customer satisfaction, project management, etc. This resume style
is highly recommended for and most often used by college students seeking
internships or their first jobs out of college. Begin your resume by stating
your career objective. Make sure that your career goals are personal. Your
objective should be specific to the position you want, and should indicate to
your employer how you intend to utilize your education and how this position
will help you develop your experience. Your education should be listed next.
List the school you attend and its location, your graduation year, and your
major. It can be helpful to include your GPA, specific courses you have taken,
or any honors you have received while in school. Your professional skills
should come next. This section will include sub-headings as they relate to
specific qualifications you want to promote, such as communications, customer
relations, managements, etc. Here, you can utilize any experience you have that
relates to the sub-sections, including your part time jobs, internships,
volunteer positions, community service work, or school-related activities. Only
include a work experience/work history section if you have held part time jobs
while in school or have had internships you'd like your employer to know about.
This list should only include dates, titles, companies, and locations without
listing any of your responsibilities, since you are covering them in the
previous section. If you belonged to any clubs in school, include a section for
activities and list only those that support your career objective. For example,
if you were an editor of your school paper, and you are trying to get a job at
a publishing company, make sure that you include this experience in your
resume. Your last section should list references. As a new graduate, it is to
your benefit to include references on your resume, and give your employer
everything they need to consider you as a qualified candidate for the job. You
have nothing to lose by providing this information ahead of being asked for it.

Before you start applying for jobs, take advantage of your school's career
center and have one of the mentors there review your resume and help you
perfect both the content and the format. With a well-written resume, you are
prepared to take the professional world by storm.

Cover letter must haves

Before we discuss what your cover letter should contain in order for the
employer to take notice and review your resume, it is critical that understand
the importance of having a cover letter. The most commonly made mistake in
resume submissions is not including a copy of your cover letter. If you are
emailing your resume, the cover letter can be included in the body of the
email, or attached (although employers typically prefer no attachments in email
submissions). If you are faxing or mailing your resume, assure that the cover
letter comes before the resume. Omitting a cover letter from your job
application appears unprofessional to your potential employer; having a
well-written, personalized cover letter allows the employer to get an insight
into who you are, how you communicate and how you present yourself as a
professional.

Here are some great tips on composing a winning cover letter to accompany your
resume:

* Address the letter to the appropriate person. The biggest mistake
professionals make is not taking the time to address their cover letter to the
appropriate person, such as the recruiter or the hiring manager. Take the time
to address your cover letter to the appropriate person; if the job description
does not include a person as a contact, take queue from the text and address
the letter to the team listed as the contact. Using generic lines, such as "To
whom it may concern," is not acceptable on a cover letter.

* Know what the goal of your cover letter is and express it clearly, and
concisely. Sell yourself in the best possible light; make sure that you sound
confident professional in your cover letter. Concentrate on the positives, and
highlight those qualifications that make you a perfect candidate for the job.
Even if you are insecure in your qualifications, or feel that you may be
slightly under-qualified for the job, put your best foot forward.

* Customize your cover letter to the position you are applying for. It is very
important that your cover letter address why you are the best person for the
job you are seeking. This includes indicating the job title in the cover
letter. Generic statements, or statements indicating that you are interested in
any open position with the company, make you appear unprofessional and
unprepared.

* Answer these two questions: why do you want this particular job, and what can
you do for the company? These two questions must be addressed in the cover
letter in order to let your employer know that you are serious about your
interest, that you have considered the opportunity and how it fits with your
professional goals, and what you are willing to bring to the table in order to
benefit the organization you want to work for.

* Proof your cover letter. Errors and misspellings leave a poor impression on
the employer.

* Close the cover letter by indicating to your potential employer when you
intent to follow up on your application. Do not end the letter with a statement
that leaves it up to the employer to call you at their convenience. Let the
employer know that you want to follow up, when and how you will do so. This
confirms your interest in the position, and your professional etiquette. Note,
you must follow up when and how you indicated on the cover letter.

Keep it short -- resume length guidelines

One of the main questions asked about resumes is, "Do I have to include
everything on one page?" The most common misconception of resume writing is
that your entire professional history has to fit within one 8 1/2"x11" page of
white paper. The truth is, the resume should be well written and concise, and
should promote your qualifications in the best possible light. This is
sometimes impossible to do in one page. Thus, a resume can extend to multiple
pages, with some consideration depending on your career level.

* Be concise. This is critical. Do not use lengthy sentences and paragraph
forms to disclose your experience and your education. Employers want straight
forward statements that highlight your qualifications. A resume is not a place
to show your creative writing skills.

* Perfect your resume. You have second to catch your potential employer's
attention. Make sure that your resume is properly formatted, and you are not
trying to fit too much copy on a single page of paper. Create appropriate and
professional sections for your resume. Your potential employer is more
concerned with the look and content of your resume than with its length.

* Longer is not better when you don't have the experience to meet your career
objective. If you are new to the job market, are changing careers, or you've
only had one job, stick to a one page resume. If you don't have the experience
to meet your career objective, no matter the reason, do not apologize for it.
Don't try to fill up your resume with irrelevant content; instead do your best
to highlight your transferable skills, and stick to the "short and sweet."

* Unless you are applying for an executive-level job, or are composing
curriculum vitae, your resume should not exceed two pages. The purpose of a
well-written resume is to sell you as the best candidate for the job with a
confident and a straight-forward approach. Do not oversell your skills. Do not
list more than three to five previous positions you've help. Stick to those
skills and experiences that best meet the job requirements and your career
objective. The most relevant information has to be included on the first page.
The second page should be numbered, with your contact information included as
well (just in case the pages are separated when printed, you don't want your
potential employer to discard the second page of your resume completely). If
you find yourself going over two pages, review your resume and make sure that
you are not incorporating information that is irrelevant to your goals or to
the position you are seeking.

* Make sure that your professional history warrants a resume that is three
pages or longer. As mentioned above, unless you are a senior- or
executive-level professional, or you are composing curriculum vitae, your
resume should not extend to over two pages. If you have a longer resume, you
will have to make sure that every statement on the resume is applicable to your
career goals. If you have had decades of leadership experience for example,
demonstrate that using the reverse chronological resume style and only list
those jobs that best qualify you for the position you are seeking. If you need
to include an extensive list of publications or certifications, your resume can
take up more than three pages. Make sure that the important information is still
listed on the first page. This includes your career objective and professional
profile, and your current or most recent professional experience. All
subsequent pages need to be numbered, and include your contact information in
the heading.

Three things to make your resume unique

A resume is a one- to two-page document summarizing your career objectives,
professional experiences and achievements, and educational background. To stand
apart from other candidates, you should consider the information in your resume
carefully and make sure that it is personal to you. Here are three tips on
making your resume unique to you:

1.  Customize your career objective. Think of your whole resume as a sales
tool; your career objective is your opening statement. You want your employer
to know what you want, not just restate what other people want. State your
commitment to your career goal. If you are unsure of what you want, how is your
employer to believe that you really want the job at their organization and you
are not just applying because you want to get out of your current work
environment? Don't be afraid to state what you want from a job and from an
organization. While you want to state your commitment, you also want to show
that you are willing to take action to achieve your goal. Indicate what
direction or action you are willing to take in order to accomplish your career
objective. Lastly, be specific about what you are looking for in a work
situation. While you can say that you are looking for a "challenging"
environment, this doesn't mean anything to your employer, as people define
challenges in various ways. Avoid using generic and broad terms. Simply state
what you want, and what you are willing to do to get it.

2.  Highlight the best elements of your experience. This is the most commonly
missed aspect of writing a resume. The entire professional experience section
on your resume is unique to you. Take advantage of that. Use power words to
list your responsibilities, and make sure that you have a winning attitude in
each of statement. Focus on those responsibilities that best describe the
skills you acquired while in each job that make you the most qualified
candidate for the position you are seeking. Quantify your responsibilities when
possible to showcase to your potential employer that you are drive by results
and are capable of exceeding goals. Don't be shy about promoting your
qualifications -- you earned them with your hard work and dedication.

3.  Personalize your cover letter. The biggest mistake professionals make is
not spending any time on their cover letter. Your cover letter should receive
the same attention as your resume as they go hand-in-hand. Address your cover
letter to the appropriate person at the company (contact info is typically
listed in the job description). Make sure to mention what position you are
applying for, and demonstrate how the information in your resume aligns well
with the job requirements. Your cover letter also allows you to address any
information in your resume that may raise questions -- take the time to do so,
as you don't want your resume discarded because you chose not to create a
personalized cover letter. Overall make sure that your cover letter supports
your resume and presents you as the most qualified candidate for the job.

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae

A resume is a one- to two-page document summarizing your career objectives,
professional experiences and achievements, and educational background. The
heading of the resume should contain your name, address and contact
information. The body of the resume should be broken into the following
sections: career objective, profile/summary, professional experience,
achievements, scholastics, and references. Your career objective should be
brief, up to two sentences; it should give your potential employers an idea of
how you wish to move forward in your professional life. A concise profile or a
summary should discuss who you are and how your skills and experience best
apply to the job you are interested in. The summary, as well as other parts of
your resume, should not contain personal information that discloses ethnicity,
sexual orientation, marital status, age, living situations, or any other
personal information that is not directly related to your career. Personal
profile/summary should only contain a few well-written sentences that convey
what you can bring to the table in terms of the specific job. Use this section
to attract the employer's attention, but don't go overboard in trying to be
creative -- stay professional. Your experience listing should include
information on one to five jobs you've held, starting with your current or last
job, and listing previous positions in chronological order. Your education
should include college, graduate and post-graduate work, as well as any courses
or professional certifications that are relevant to your career development.
Achievements, volunteer positions, publications and interests should only be
listed if they apply to your professional work experience References should be
listed if requested; best practices suggest not to list generic statements
about references being available upon request as this is understood.

Curricula vitae or CV is a collection of documents that describe your education
and professional history, focusing on your achievements and showcasing higher
level of detail than a resume. People most typically using CV as form of
application are seeking positions in education, entrance into graduate and
post-graduate programs, or research, and they are required to discuss their
professional philosophies. While resumes are often limited to one or two pages,
CV is a compilation of documents, has no length limit and extends over at least
several pages (most frequently four or five pages, but can be more based on
experience and achievements). A CV contains similar information as your resume,
but places higher emphasis on education and scholastic accomplishments. Unlike
your resume, a CV would contain information on scholarships you may have
received, texts or research you have completed and published, grants you
received, community and volunteer work, teaching philosophy, etc. You will
begin by listing your career objective, in summary form, to showcase your
commitment to your goals and actions you are willing to take to achieve them.
If you are applying for a teaching position, give a brief outline of your
reaching philosophy. Immediately following your goals, list your achievements,
highlighting your education first. Here, you can mention your thesis project or
dissertation, courses that support your career objective, publications and
research (in progress or completed), certifications, studies abroad, languages,
etc. Your experience should be included next, focusing on the work history that
supports your career objective. This should conclude your CV.

If you are unsure which form of application to use, do the appropriate research
and create a resume or CV that best fits the format commonly accepted in your
industry.

Qualifications -- what do employers look for?

When applying for jobs, it is important that you read through the job
description thoroughly before submitting your application. A lot of what
employers are actually looking for in their potential associate is written
right in the job description and requirements. In fact, you should review your
resume against the requirements listed in order to make sure you have covered
everything the employer is looking for. If you can address all the requirements
by the information in your resume or in your cover letter, you will be on the
right track for getting the job.

However, there is a whole list of skills employers look for that are never
spelled out in the job description. These skills are typically referred to as
employability skills, which are skills beyond your technical knowledge and
qualifications that make you a great professional in your field. Don't panic,
you already have employability skills, you just may not think of them as
critical for getting a job.

The employability skills have been grouped in eight categories:

*  Communication skills 
*  Teamwork skills 
*  Problem-solving skills 
*  Initiative and enterprise skills 
*  Planning and organizing skills 
*  Self-management 
*  Learning skills 
*  Technology skills

Now that you have read the categories, you are thinking to yourself, yes, I
have those skills. But did you ever think to list them on the resume? Most
people focus on their professional achievements and responsibilities, and they
often skip these skills in favor of those that are job specific. However, more
and more employers look for these skills in resumes. Your potential employer
wants to know that you are a team player, that you communicate well, and will
show initiative when needed. While you may think this is implied by your
interest in the available position, employers like to see these skills called
out on your resume or cover letter.

The best way to demonstrate these skills is through your experience and under
your qualifications. Point out the initiatives you have participated in that
required you to work in a team, under a deadline, or as a self-starter.
Demonstrate your loyalty through pointing out your accomplishments at an
organization and how they benefited your team as a whole (not just you). You
can showcase the employability skills in your cover letter by openly showing
your enthusiasm for the available position, stating your commitment to your
career objective, indicating your motivation and your integrity, and showing
that you are above all un-selfish and credible. These skills are just as
critical to your ability to do a great job as your professional experience and
education -- employers are looking for someone who will be a great fit on their
team and in their organization, someone who works well under pressure but also
has a sense of humor and has a balance between their personal and professional
life.

Review your existing resume. Does it contain any employability skills? If not,
make revisions to incorporate those employability skills you feel you excel in.
If you are unsure, ask your friends or family for an objective opinion, so that
you can get a better idea of how people around you see you as a person as well
as a professional. Keep these attributes in mind as you compose your resume and
your cover letter, and especially as you are taking part in interviews. These
skills can make a difference between knowing how to do a job and being
qualified to exceed goals and grow in your career.

Resources for resume examples

Writing a resume is a difficult task regardless of your level of experience
with the process. While the content of your resume is critical to its
effectiveness, the layout and the format you utilize are equally as important.
To get started, you should research various resume styles and find out which
best stouts your field. The biggest mistake people make when composing their
resume is using a generic template provided in your text editing software, like
Microsoft Word. These templates are usually outdated and very difficult to
format, not to mention that they do not transfer well to online job
applications. Avoid the quick-fix mentality of these resume templates, and
invest some time in finding resources that will provide you with up-to-date
helpful ways to compose a winning resume.

The easiest and least expensive way to find samples of resumes in your industry
is to do a search on the internet. Before you get started, a word of caution:
consider the sources of information before you decide to utilize any of their
suggestions on your resume. You will come across web sites that promise to
teach you how to write an exception cover letter in three and a half minutes.
Don't believe them. Unless you chose to hire a resume writing service,
obtaining resources on resume writing should not cost you any money or obligate
you to a long-term commitment. If unsure of the credibility on information you
see, find another source and compare your findings.

A great online resource on resume composition is Monster.com. While they are
mostly known for their job search database, they offer a variety of other
information and services for those looking for employment. Under the Career
Advice tab, you will find a wealth of information on your job search, salary
requirements, advice by industry, and of course, information on perfecting your
resume. In addition to articles about your job search and resume-related message
boards, Monster's Resume Center includes a variety of resume examples for
professionals in a number of different industries. From administrative
assistants to web designers, everyone can find a sample of a resume to fit
their career objectives at:

http://resume.monster.com/archives/samples/

This page shows you samples of functional and chronological resumes,
traditional resumes and sample cover letters. Take the time to review these
samples. They are provided by a reliable source, so don't be afraid to copy the
formatting for your own resume (of course, do not copy the actual text from the
resume).

If you already have a draft of your resume, and are looking to make updates or
revisions, check out the Resume Makeovers for a great look at before and after
resume of real professionals:

http://resume.monster.com/resume_samples/

It is important that you review these samples, even if the industry is not
applicable to your line of work. They will teach you the basic dos and don'ts
of resume writing -- you can see why some things work and why others don't, and
be able to chose the best ways to highlight your qualifications.

Same school rules apply -- do not copy someone else's work. However, use these
resources to your advantage and create the resume that presents you in the best
light.

Printed resume -- dos and don'ts

As professionals, we rely on the Internet to search for jobs and on e-mail to
apply for them. We create our resumes and cover letters to fit the electronic
format, so it is not a surprise that having to print out a resume can result in
concerns and mistakes.

First, let's discuss when a printed resume is needed. While you are completing
numerous job applications online, you still need to have a printed resume to
bring on an interview with you. You also must keep in mind that it is very
likely your potential employer will print out your resume from a job search web
site or from the message you sent expressing your interest in the job. Thus, it
is very important that you print out a test copy before submitting your resume
to employers to assure the layout is what you want it to be.

As a rule, when printing out your resume, make sure to use white or ivory
paper. You can get a stack of resume paper at any office supplies store. You
will want your resume to appear as clean and professional. Do not use color
paper, or change the color of the font in order to make your resume stand out;
your employer will find this unprofessional and childish, which is not the
first impression you want to make. If your resume is longer than one page,
print out multiple pages. Don't print on the front and the back of a single
page; rather, include headings in your resume file, indicating page numbers and
print each page on its own sheet of paper. You should not have any handwriting
on your resume; make sure that page numbers are in fact printed along with the
rest of the resume content.

Make sure that you let your resume sit on the printer for a few moments before
picking it up. This will help you avoid smudging the ink of the paper,
especially if you are using an Ink Jet printer. You want to assure that the
resume doesn't have any smudging, stains, or crumpling when you are handing it
to your potential employer. First impressions are important -- you don't want
yours to be that of someone who is sloppy and careless.

When going in for an interview, you should bring multiple copies of your resume
with you. Some people think this is not necessary because your potential
employer already has your resume. This is a common misconception. You should
always have several copies of your resume printed out and with you when at an
interview. Often times, the hiring manager may ask another associate to meet
you during the interviewing process, and he/she may not have a copy of your
resume. Having extras makes you look professional, prepared and organized,
which helps you set your best foot forward. Additionally, it is helpful that
the copy of the resume you bring in for an interview has a complete list of
references. You can include the references directly on your resume (typically
at the bottom of the page), or you can include a separate sheet of paper with
the list. The first option is preferred, because it provides the employer with
all of the critical information about you in one place. Including your
references preempts the employer from asking you for this information; it also
shows that you are seriously interested in the available position.

Having a well-formatted, clean and professional resume will only help you make
a great first impression, and help you get the job you are truly interested in.

Resume headings -- what information to include and how to format it

The first and most prominent item on your resume if your name and contact
information. Your name is typically in the largest font, standing apart from
all other text on your resume. A common mistake professionals make is trying to
emphasize their name in a special font type. As it is difficult to anticipate
the software and its version your potential employer is using, you run a risk
of not knowing exactly how your name will show up on their screen. Stick to the
basic font types -- Arial and Times New Roman are most commonly used and are
least risky when it comes to formatting your resume. Don't go overboard on the
font size either. Your name should be in point size 14 or 16; all other
headings should be in 12 or 14 point font, while the remaining text of your
resume should be between 10 and 12 points. Along with your name, the very top
of your resume should contain your mailing address, your email address, and at
least one phone number where you can be reached. It is best to include a
physical mailing address over a P.O. Box, whenever possible. You should never
include an email address at your current place of employment (believe us, it
happens). A helpful hint about listing your email address -- make sure that it
contains your name, as this helps you appear more professional. You can create
a free Yahoo email account; it also maybe helpful to have one email address as
a point of contact for your job search. At least one phone number should be
listed; make sure to indicate if you are listing a home or a mobile number. If
you have a professional web site, you can include the address to it along with
your contact information. Please note, only do so if there isn't anything on
the web site that is personal; the only reason your potential employer may want
to look at a web site is if your professional portfolio or a copy of your resume
can be found there.

Whether you decide to create a chronological or a functional resume, you will
need to separate the information by headings. The best advice we can give you
is to keep the section headings professional and stick to the basics. Don't try
to come up with creative titles for your professional summary, or for your
qualifications. Your chronological resume should have the following
sections/titles:

* career objective 

* professional summary (optional) 

* professional experience/work experience/experience 

* education 

* publications/special achievements (if applicable) 

* qualifications/skills 

* references/references nd portfolio

A functional resume is slightly different, and the headings you chose will
truly depend on the skills you are trying to highlight. You should include:

* career objective 

* education 

* professional skills/professional qualifications (this section will include 
  sub-headings as they relate to specific qualifications you want to promote, 
  such as communications, customer relations, managements, etc.) 

* work experience/work history (if applicable; should only include dates, 
  titles, companies and locations without listing responsibilities) 

* volunteer work/activities (if applicable) 

* references

These are the typical sections of chronological and functional resumes. Do some
research on resume styles and find sample resumes of professionals in your
industry. You may need to adjust these headings based on your field, although
the content should be consistent across industries. Stick to the basics; don't
try to be creative in order to stand out. A professional and polished resume
will get you noticed, so do your best to create a resume that is error free and
best supports your career objective.

Hobbies and interests -- is there a place for them on your resume?

There are two types of resumes: chronological and functional. As its name
implies, a chronological resume is one that lists your experience and education
in order, starting with the most recent jobs or achievements. This type of
resume is sometimes also referred to as reverse chronological resume, because
the order of the listing starts with your current employment. Functional
resumes focus on your qualifications, not your career timeline. This style of
the resume highlights what skills you have, rather than where and when you
acquired or utilize them. In other words, instead of listing your experiences
by your job titles, your resume will contained sections titled by your skills
such as verbal and written communication, customer satisfaction, project
management, etc.

The functional resume style is recommended for college students seeking
internships or their first jobs out of college, for those with no professional
experience, those who have not worked for some time, or for career changers.
This resume style allows you to reference your hobbies and interests in a way
that apply to your career objective only; listing hobbies and interests outside
of your career objective is not recommended as it doesn't promote you as a
professional in any way.

Any time you are composing a resume, it is important to keep in mind your
career objective. You want to present yourself in a best possible light to your
potential employer. Thus, the information on your resume has to answer one
question: Why are you the best candidate for the job?

The biggest mistake people make on their resumes is including information that
is not related to their professional experience. Facts pertaining to your
volunteer positions, community work, interests and hobbies that disclose your
race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or any
personal descriptors that do not directly impact your professional performance
must be excluded from your resume. The functional resume does not require you
to list names or organizations you have worked or volunteered for; thus, you
can list the experience you have acquired there without potentially disclosing
any demographic information. Additionally, don't create a separate section on
your resume for hobbies and interests. This is typically seen as amateur, and
gives your resume less credibility.

Listing hobbies and interests as they apply to the position you are applying
for should be done under specific functional sections. For example, if you are
seeking a position in graphic design, and have samples of work that you have
done as a hobby, indicate this fact on your resume or in your cover letter. If
your hobbies are related to the type of work you are seeking utilize them to
your advantage. If you have read books or completed seminars at the community
center that are applicable to your job, make a mention of them. Any employer
will welcome the opportunity to have you demonstrate the qualifications that
make you a perfect candidate for the job.

As a final step, have a friend review your resume, or if you are a college
student, seek assistance from a career center at your school. Having another
person review your resume will help uncover any items that may raise questions
about your experience or education, as well as address if the inclusion of your
hobbies and interests works to support your career objective. Perfecting your
resume will assure that you show your potential employer that you are the best
candidate for the job.

Resume tips for teachers

Whether you are new to teaching, are coming back to teaching after time off, or
are leaving your corporate job for a teaching position, you will need to make
sure that your resume and cover letter address the following four questions
your employers may have: 1.  Why do you want to be a teacher?

This question is very important and you must address it in both your resume and
your cover letter. Your resume's career objective should have a well-developed
statement about your passion for teaching, while your cover letter should
elaborate on your goals and your teaching style. Your career objective should
be longer than that of an objective found on corporate-driven resumes; it
should provide more of a summary of your passion for teaching and your
qualifications. Your commitment to students and their education, no matter
their level of school, has to be clearly communicated as it is one of the most
critical aspects of being a teacher and it can set you apart from other
applicants.

2.  Do you have the qualifications necessary to be a teacher?

Your education and certifications should immediately follow your career summary
statement. The section should be titled "Academic Credentials" and should list
all degrees and certifications which make you a qualified teacher. Having
proper credentials for the job you are applying for is critical in the teaching
field. Point out any cluster of courses you have taken in school that makes you
qualified to teach a specific subject. If you have been published in academic
journals or have written and published textbooks, create a separate section on
your resume for publications. Make sure to include a comprehensive list of all
of your credentials on your resume. Don't sell your self short.

3.  What from your professional experience qualifies you to be a teacher?

Unlike corporate-focused resumes, where jobs are outlined in chronological
order, teachers have to focus on not only their experience teaching (if
applicable) but on any professional achievements that make them a great
candidate for the job. If you have prior teaching experience, use a
chronological list to showcase your work history. If you are new to teaching,
you will need to list any experience you have that helps make you a great
teacher. Don't get discouraged -- if you consider your experience, you will
find that you have the qualifications to be a teacher, you just need to focus
on those meeting your career objective. Use a functional resume format. Do some
research and find examples of teaching resumes that you can model your resume
after. If you are entering the teaching field with corporate experience, list
any training you have developed and thought at your company, for example. If
you have recently graduated, list any Teaching Assistantship positions you may
have had, or any practical coursework you took part in. You can reference any
volunteer work, or community involvement that supports your goal of becoming a
teacher. For example, if you have volunteered your time to an organization like
Big Brother big Sister, and you mentored a child, note that on your resume.
Utilize any experience you may have that demonstrates your leadership, your
passion for education, and your ability to motivate and pass on knowledge to
others.

4.  What are your long term professional goals?

Just like a corporation, the school where you are interested in teaching will
want to know not only why you want to be a teacher, but what your long term
professional goals are. You should make a brief mention of your long-term goals
in your career summary; your cover letter or teaching philosophy should
elaborate on your long term goals. Will you be returning to school for a
Master's degree or a Ph.D.? Are you interested in becoming a high school dean
in the next ten years, or will you want to teach more than one subject? Are
interested in teaching grade school first, and possibly teaching high school at
the later time? Do you have interest in becoming a department chair at a
university? If you are driven toward a long term goal, make your potential
employer aware of it. But make sure that you have an action plan on how to get
there -- show your employer that you understand what it takes to reach that
goal.

Overall, make sure that your resume is error-free, and that you have
incorporated key words specific to the teaching field, such as teaching jargon
and acronyms. Do your research and model your resume after samples of other
teachers, with the consideration of their experience and teaching level.
Demonstrate your passion, your commitment to education and your patience -- and
schools will be sure to take notice.

Tips on listing self-employment on your resume

Being self-employed comes with many challenges -- determining your niche,
finding clients, having adequate insurance, hiring additional help, etc. To
succeed as a freelancer, contractor, or a new business owner, you have to have
determination, passion and patience, much of the same characteristics you need
to successfully hunt for a new job. So why is self-employment on a resume a
concern for your potential employer?

Listing self-employment on your resume when looking for full-time job can raise
questions for your potential employer. They will ask questions such as:

* Were self-employed because you were in between jobs, or because you wanted to
  start your own business rather than work for a corporation?

* Are you still working on your own, as a freelancer or a consultant? If so, do
  you intent to continue this work in addition to your full time job?

* Is your self-employment presenting a conflict of interest for the company?

* Are you working as a freelancer or a contractor on part-time basis, and never
  intend to have this replace full-time employment?

* Does your long-term career goal include owning your own business?

All of these questions are valid from your potential employer's point of view.
Companies do not want to hire you, train you and provide you with benefits only
to have you quit after a year to start your own business. This is the main
reason previous or current self-employment raises red flags for the hiring
organizations. The best way to address any self-employment on your resume is to
highlight the positives of working as a freelancer or managing your own
business. It is important that your resume includes employment history that is
honest and relevant to your career goals.

If you pick up a freelance project infrequently and do not intend to make this
a full time career, you can omit any such experience from your resume. The only
time you would list occasional freelance work on your resume is if it allows you
to fill any gaps in your professional experience. If you have worked as a
contractor for a period longer than three months, or if you have ever owned
your own business, it is important that you indicate that on your resume.
Highlight those attributes of the job experience that qualify you as a perfect
candidate for the job that you are seeking. Your job responsibilities should be
listed in the same way as they are for any other full-time job you've held;
focus on those responsibilities which best meet your career objective and
quantify your achievements when possible. Exemplify your self-starter attitude
under the Qualifications section of your resume. Make sure to list any
employability skills you have acquired or strengthened while you were self
employed.

As a final indication of your commitment to the job you are seeking. Make sure
that your cover letter or email addresses anticipated concerns of your
potential employer. Make references to anything on your resume that may raise
questions. If you still own your own business, but are looking for full-time
work, for example, make sure to let your employer know what your long-term
professional goals are and how you intend to balance your roles at both
businesses. Don't apologize for being self-employed. Your resume and cover
letter should present you as a credible and passionate professional. Focus on
the positive experiences and skills you have acquired as a freelancer, and make
sure to let the employer know how these will benefit the company if you are
their chosen candidate.

What to do when your job title doesn't match your job responsibilities

A friend of mine asked for my help recently in composing her resume. She works
as an Office Manager for a small business. In her role, she assumes all
responsibilities of an Office Manager. In addition, she partners with the
company owner to set policies, works with freelancers on marketing materials,
serves as a liaison between vendors and shipping service companies, and
conducts calls for sales leads that are collected at trade shows. In other
words, her title doesn't encompass all of her job responsibilities. Several
potential employers have in fact had concerns about the difference in her title
and her overall position in the company, wondering if she had exaggerated her
responsibilities on her resume.

Many professionals run into situations where the title they have at their
current job is so specific to the company that it carries no meaning outside of
the organization, or it implies that they are a level or more below their actual
work responsibilities. The difficulty we face in these situations is accurately
accounting for our professional experience on our resume in order to advance in
our careers. There is no easy way to address this as you want to remain truthful
on your resume; you wouldn't want your potential employer calling for a
reference check and getting an impression you lied about your work history, do
you?

There is a debate among professionals about listing job titles versus job
functions on your resume. Some people prefer listing their title as it is,
followed by a list of responsibilities, while others strongly prefer finding a
way to rephrase your title to encompass your job function(s). The best option,
however, is to find a happy medium and list your job title along with a few
words that describe your job function, before you begin listing your job
responsibilities.

First, let's explore making changes to the job titles as you include them on
your resume. If your title unusual, or very specific to the organization, you
should try to find an equivalent title that is well accepted and understood
within your industry. For example, if you work as a customer support
representative supporting a specific product and your title contains the
product name, you can simply list Product Support Representative on your
resume. However, be careful not to exaggerate your title. Do not change your
title so that it implies change in responsibility or salary level; do not
change the area of the organization where you work, or change your title in a
way that suggest you are directly reporting to a person in a higher position
than that of your manager. Any such changes on your resume are dishonest, and
will negatively impact your credibility with your potential employer.

If your title implies less responsibility than you hold, chose the middle
ground option described above. List your actual title on your resume. For
example, if you are a Product Support Representative but are also responsible
for training new hires for your team, list your title as follows: Product
Support Representative/Customer Support and New Hire Training. All you are
doing here is elaborating on your job title by including a brief description of
your job function. Following this title, make sure that your resume includes
power statements describing your actual job responsibilities, in order of their
importance and relevance to your career title. This method is preferred because
you are honest about your title, but you are also indicating to your employer
that your responsibilities are slightly different than what the title
implicates. When background checks and reference calls are conducted, you will
not have to worry about misrepresenting your title, or causing raised questions
about your credibility. Above all, your resume must be honest. Do the best you
can to remain objective when it comes to your job titles and functions -- focus
on the positives, and you are sure to have a winning resume.

What to do with gaps in your work experience

Listing your professional experiences on your resume is a difficult task. There
are so many elements to consider: job titles, time frames, key responsibilities,
transferable skills, etc. The process becomes even more difficult if you have
gaps in your work history. Your potential employer will not have a way of
knowing why there is a three and a half year gap in your professional
experience just by reviewing your resume, for example. The employer may wonder
if you skipped over one of the jobs you held because it doesn't meet your
career objective, or they may assume that you didn't work at all during the
time frame that is unaccounted for on your resume. Any gaps in your employment
history will need to be explained in writing; thus, don't skip any information
on purpose.

There are a few general rules about resume gaps:

* Any unaccounted time that is shorter than three months doesn't need to be
explained. Having 60-90 days in between jobs is not too unusual, and often goes
unnoticed within a resume. However, any gaps extending beyond three months
should be addressed in your cover letter or e-mail. Whether you had personal or
professional reasons for not working, the gaps in your employment history need
to be explained as you don't want to leave the employer to make their own
assumptions.

* Be honest! We can't stress this matter enough. If you are honest with your
potential employer, you will not have to worry about them checking your
references, doing a background check, or surprising you with questions in an
interview.

* Don't exclude months of your employment from the job listing. You are better
off explaining the gaps in your resume than trying to cover them up. Honesty is
really the best policy when it comes to your resume.

* If you have held jobs that are not applicable to your career objective, list
them on your resume anyway. Rather than create gaps in your resume, explain why
you held jobs outside of your field in your cover letter or in an email to your
potential employer. Again, whether the reasons are personal or professional,
explain yourself honestly and don't leave room for assumptions on the part of
your potential employer.

* Regardless of the reasons for the gaps in your professional history, it is
important that the tone in your cover letter and your resume remains positive.
Do not sound apologetic -- life happens and you don't need to be sorry for
taking time off of work. Be positive, and show your potential employer that you
never lost focus on your career.

While we all agree that life takes unexpected turns and respect that there will
be circumstances that create gaps in our resumes, we can always consider the
following actions in order to stay competitive within our field:

* Apply our time and experience to volunteer positions, community projects, and
consulting or freelance work.

* Take a class at a community college or at the community center that improves
your work-related skills and allows you to interact with people with similar
professional backgrounds.

* Read about the new developments in your field. Get a subscription to a
professional publication/magazine, or get the newly published books that
discuss changes or improvements in your profession.

Most of all, be honest and stay positive. You can't change your work history,
so do your best to show your employer you are a perfect candidate for the job
by focusing on your experience and your education, highlighting your
achievements and your qualifications.

12.  4 great books on resume writing

Resume writing is a difficult task. While you can research information online,
or seek assistance from a professional resume services, it is always helpful to
have resources on hand that can assist in writing a new or rewriting your
existing resume and/or cover letter. The following four books can provide you
with a wealth of information on resume writing:

The first book you should consider is called The Elements of Resume Style. It
was written by S. Bennett.

This book, as its cover states, will provide you with great advice on writing
resumes and cover letters. Here, you will find valuable advice of working
through and setting your career goals, marking your qualifications, delivering
your resume to your employers and composing your cover letter. The author is
not afraid to discuss the commonly made mistakes, the importance of knowing
what you want to do in your career, sentence structure, and even salary
requirements. This book makes for a great resource for both beginners and
experienced resume writers.

The second book is titled Competency-Based Resumes and was written by two
writers, Kessler and Strasburg.

Competency-Based Resumes is a great resource for professionals that are
confident in their career objective and are searching for a more targeted way
to develop their resume in order to get noticed in the specific industry of
their interest. The book discusses techniques used by employers at various
industries that scan resumes in order to determine applicant's experience based
on their work habits and skills. The book offers you a new and effective way to
create resumes that makes your skills and your education the number one
priority, and provides you guidelines of highlighting specific areas in order
to create a winning resume.

The third book contains 101 Best Resumes and was written by Block and Betrus.

Members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers have come together to
provide 101 best resumes for this book. The sample resumes included in this book
will show you what winning resumes look like, and help you in creating an
effective resume of your own that will get you the interview and the job. The
book discusses personalizing your resume to positions that you want,
highlighting your qualifications, developing your resume and writing cover
letters. In addition, you will get some great advice on what to do once your
resume is ready and how to win over your potential employer in an interview.

The last book of choice has Resumes That Knock 'em Dead and was written by Yate.

This bestseller will teach you everything you need to know to get started in
resume writing. It is a perfect read for beginners as well as those who have
not written a resume in a long time. The author discusses how to gather all the
information you will need to get started with writing a resume, how to chose the
verbs you include in your statements, select the appropriate format and how to
go about submitting your resume via email or the Internet. In addition, this
book provides a great sag-way into cover letters, and how to create one that
best compliments your resume.

Each of these books can be found in your local bookstore or your library. They
provide more than a great starting point; you can hold on to these books and
use them as ongoing resources as you move forward in your career.

Importance of honesty and originality in the world of resumes

Your resume, in addition to listing your professional experience, education and
qualifications, is a reflection of who you are. When you take the time to
compose your resume well, make sure that there are no errors or gaps that would
raise questions, and highlight the qualifications that present you as the best
candidate for the job, you show your employer that you are a polished,
detail-oriented professional. In addition to having your professional life
presented in the best light, you want to make sure that your resume and your
cover letter showcase your ethics and your sincerity. This is a difficult task,
as it is hard to convey honesty and your good intentions in a form letter and a
resume. But many employers hold a strict no tolerance policy against
dishonesty. Thus, you have to take extra care in making sure that all of the
information on your resume is authentic and truthful. Intentional lies on a
resume are not acceptable. However, there are certain areas of your resume may
cause you to unintentionally list incorrect information. Pay attention to the
following aspects of your resume to assure that you don't find yourself
appearing untruthful to your potential employer:

* List your exact title under professional experience. Many professionals have
titles that are company specific and may not make sense outside of the
organization where they work. Always list your exact title, but feel free to
add a few words that explain what you do in the realm of the industry. This
way, when your potential employer calls your employer for a reference check,
they will confirm your exact title but also know the scope of your position as
it applies outside of that specific organization.

* When in doubt, don't guess. For example, if you are unsure when you started
or ended a job because it has been a long time since you worked for that
company, simply call the company and ask about your employment dates. Do not
make assumptions about dates, titles of your references or their contact
information, certification dates, etc. Always take time to verify the
information you are unsure about before including it on your resume.

* Don't cover up your employment gaps. It is ok to have gaps in your
employment; most professionals have gaps in their experience for various
reasons. Do not try to hide this from your potential employers. Address the
gaps in your work history in your cover letter, and be honest regarding the
reasons you were not working during a specific time.

* Be honest about your accomplishments. Rather than worrying about the
qualifications you may not have, be confident and highlight your work
experience and achievement in a truthful manner. Do not exaggerate skills,
professional roles, or stretch the employment dates. Work on presenting
yourself and your qualifications in the best possible light; take the time to
quantify your accomplishments, and compose a positive professional summary for
your resume.

Revise your resume until you feel comfortable that all the information included
is truthful and will not raise any questions by the employer that you have not
addressed in the resume or the cover letter. The rule is -- be honest on your
resume. Don't break that rule.

Addressing the cover letters -- avoid these three major mistakes

Many professionals spend hours writing and re-writing their cover letter. With
each resume submission, we tend to revise our cover letter to make sure that it
is personalized for the position we are applying for. While we spend so much
time on the content of the cover letter, we seem to disregard a very important
and prominent area of the letter -- the address line. Most mistakes in the
cover letter are made in the address line. This is very problematic as this is
the first piece of information that the potential employer sees on your resume.
If mistakes are made in the address line, it is likely that the potential
employer will discard the letter and you will lose an opportunity to be
considered as a candidate for the job that you want. The following three
mistakes are most common in addressing the cover letter and should be
considered before your cover letter is sent to the employer:

1.  Not addressing the letter to a person. This is a big mistake in the world
of cover letters. Generic greetings, such as "To whom it may concern" or "Dear
Human Resources Team," are not favorable. If the job description or posting
does not include the contact person, you will need to do some research to find
out who the appropriate contact is for the job you are applying for.
Additionally, avoid addressing the letter to a job title. Call the organization
and find out who is the hiring manager or the recruiter for the job, and address
the letter directly to them. In case it is impossible to find out who the
appropriate contact is, it is often recommended that you leave off any generic
greetings and simply begin the cover letter. 2.  Misspelling the name of the
organization. Even if you are addressing your cover letter to a specific
person, you will still need to include the name of the company and their
address. Always make sure that the company name is spelled correctly. Hiring
managers and recruiters know from experience that misspelling the company name
is a common mistake, but it's the easiest one to avoid. Triple-check the
company name on your cover letter. If your potential employer receives the
letter with the incorrect company name, your letter will never make it past the
first person who receives it. 3.  Your first sentence doesn't explain why you
are contacting the company. This is a common mistake as many people assume that
stating that you are contacting the company regarding employment, as you are
including your resume, is unnecessary. However, this is not the case. Let your
potential employer exactly why you are contacting them; state the title of the
job you are interested in, and how your qualifications make you an ideal
candidate for the job. Your first statement needs to be straight forward,
energetic, and positive, and it should invite the employer to read through the
rest of the cover letter. Bland and generic opening statements will result in
disinterest on the part of your employer, and your resume will not get pass the
first review.

Five common cover letter mistakes

With every resume submission, you should have a cover letter that accompanies
it and presents you as a positive and qualified candidate for the job. A cover
letter should highlight areas of your resume which promote your professional
experience, and should address any questions an employer may have about hiring
you for the job. There are five common cover letter mistakes outlined below
that you must avoid in order to get through the first round of resume review
and move one step closer to getting the job that you want.

1.  Addressing the cover letter using a generic greeting, or misspelling the
name of the personal contact or the company. The address line is the most
prominent part of the cover letter; it should be included even if the cover
letter is sent via email. Generic greetings are not favored; they make it seem
like you have a template for your cover letter and you simply send it to all
employers you are interested in working for. Do the research and find out who
the appropriate contact is for the cover letter. However, make sure that they
name and the company name is spelled correctly. If your address line contains
errors, your cover letter is likely to never make it to the hiring manager.

2.  Telling the company what they can do for your career. Simply stated,
employers care about your qualifications and what you can do for the company.
Do not spend your time telling the company how working for them can be great
for your career. While that could be true, it certainly is not what the
employers want to hear. Your potential employers want to hear how you can
benefit their team; they want to know what you can bring to the table that is
innovative, and focused on results. Make sure that your resume lets your
employer know just why you are the best candidate for the job.

3.  You re-state your resume. Do not go over the information that is in your
resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter is meant to entice, and provoke
the employer to review your resume in great detail. Re-stating the information
in your resume doesn't address what the employers want to know, which concerns
reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Highlight certain areas of
your resume but do so in the context of your career goals and how such
qualifications benefit the company.

4.  Starting every sentence with "I". While your cover letter is about you,
starting each sentence this way will make your employer believe that your
communication skills are not up to the level of your professional background.
Discuss your qualifications, your goals and what you bring to the table in
terms of the company, and your professional attributes.

5.  Asking the employer to call you at their convenience. The most generic
closing statements in cover letters ask the employer to contact you at their
convenience. If you are truly excited about the opportunity with the employer,
you won't want to wait for them to call you back whenever they feel like it.
What you should do instead is let them know when you want to follow up -- and
then do follow up. Close your cover letter by letting your potential employer
know that you will contact them, as well as the manner in which you will do so.
This shows your interest, and your take-charge attitude.

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