What's a resume and why is it important?
A resume is:
It's important:
Answers to top-asked important resume questions:
1. How long should my resume be? Typically one to two pages however, the secret is to include all pertinent information relating to the job you are seeking. Employers scan a resume looking for keywords that match the requirements. Employers will scan as long as you are brief, to the point, and look like a good candidate to bring in for an interview.
2. What format should I use for my resume? There are many different resume formats and the format you use should be based on your strengths and how you want to accent them. Things to consider:
3. Do I include a job objective, a job summary, or both on my resume? In the past, the purpose of the job objective was to identify what type of position the applicant was seeking. Many objectives can be vague and did little more than say "I want a job". Resume experts advise against using a job objective and can take up valuable "real estate" on the page. Instead, consider a summary of qualifications that can help highlight skills and ability that can help you stand out from the competition. Emphasize experience in a particular area, stressing your results or achievements. However, if you lack employment experience or skills, you may choose to omit this section from your resume.
4. Should I put my salary requirements on my resume? Do not list salary or salary history on a resume. Even if you are asked to provide salary requirements, include them in your cover letter and only give a range.
5. Is it a good idea to include hobbies, activities, and personal information so that employers see "the real me"? Hobbies, extracurricular activities, and personal information are normally omitted on today's resumes. However, if they are directly related to the job opening, they can enhance your image and should be included. Also, do your homework and research the company. If you are applying for a company that is very involved in the community then it may also be advantageous to include such involvement on your resume.
6. Which should I list first on my resume: my education or my job experience? Depending on your past work experience and your acquired education, you should choose a resume format that emphasizes your strongest qualifications. However, most students list their education first since that is most relevant and have limited work history. Include your grade point average if it is above 3.0 as well as any honors you received.
7. What about including References Available Upon Request at the end of my resume? In the past it was common to find References Upon Request listed at the end of an applicant's resume. Today, however, it is inferred without actually stating it on the resume. Many applicants leave a copy of their references with an employer when they actually are called for an interview. It is also in good taste to ask your references for permission to use their name before listing them.
- A brief summary of your experience, education, and skills,
- Usually one-two pages depending on your work experience.,
- Designed to make an employer or recruiter want to interview you.
- Your marketing tool!
It's important:
- To apply for a job,
- To apply to college,
- To apply for scholarship opportunities,
- To stand out among the competition!
Answers to top-asked important resume questions:
1. How long should my resume be? Typically one to two pages however, the secret is to include all pertinent information relating to the job you are seeking. Employers scan a resume looking for keywords that match the requirements. Employers will scan as long as you are brief, to the point, and look like a good candidate to bring in for an interview.
2. What format should I use for my resume? There are many different resume formats and the format you use should be based on your strengths and how you want to accent them. Things to consider:
- Who is reading your resume. While unique, flashy, or different resumes may appeal to some employers, more traditional employers may frown upon such formats.
- Organize your strengths, skills, and education clearly and concisely with ANY format you choose.
- Good grammar and spelling are a must. NO TYPO'S
- If your resume is folded , wrinkled or crinkled, don't mail it out.
3. Do I include a job objective, a job summary, or both on my resume? In the past, the purpose of the job objective was to identify what type of position the applicant was seeking. Many objectives can be vague and did little more than say "I want a job". Resume experts advise against using a job objective and can take up valuable "real estate" on the page. Instead, consider a summary of qualifications that can help highlight skills and ability that can help you stand out from the competition. Emphasize experience in a particular area, stressing your results or achievements. However, if you lack employment experience or skills, you may choose to omit this section from your resume.
4. Should I put my salary requirements on my resume? Do not list salary or salary history on a resume. Even if you are asked to provide salary requirements, include them in your cover letter and only give a range.
5. Is it a good idea to include hobbies, activities, and personal information so that employers see "the real me"? Hobbies, extracurricular activities, and personal information are normally omitted on today's resumes. However, if they are directly related to the job opening, they can enhance your image and should be included. Also, do your homework and research the company. If you are applying for a company that is very involved in the community then it may also be advantageous to include such involvement on your resume.
6. Which should I list first on my resume: my education or my job experience? Depending on your past work experience and your acquired education, you should choose a resume format that emphasizes your strongest qualifications. However, most students list their education first since that is most relevant and have limited work history. Include your grade point average if it is above 3.0 as well as any honors you received.
7. What about including References Available Upon Request at the end of my resume? In the past it was common to find References Upon Request listed at the end of an applicant's resume. Today, however, it is inferred without actually stating it on the resume. Many applicants leave a copy of their references with an employer when they actually are called for an interview. It is also in good taste to ask your references for permission to use their name before listing them.