Resume Advice: Questions About Resumes

Why do I need a resume?

The resume is your best bet for getting the job. It is reviewed and helps get the interview which can lead to employment.

Are there any rules about resumes I should never forget?

Proofread carefully and do not lie.

How long should my resume be?

For most professions, there is no real reason for a resume to be longer than one page. There are certain industries, like academia, that will want credentials that may not fit on a single page.

How do I prepare a resume for a career or industry change?

You need to refocus your resume for a new career or industry. Frame your bullets after studying job postings in the new field. Consider using a functional resume, which leans more towards skills and accomplishments than history.

What are transferable skills?

These are talents acquired in one area of your life that can be applied to a job you’re applying for. These can be especially important if you are changing careers.

How do I explain multiple jobs at the same company?

This is actually a good thing. Hiring managers love stability with one employer alongside progression. List multiple positions under the company heading.

How should I list the details of my jobs?

Stay away from beginning statements with Duties included and Responsible for. Focus on accomplishments, not simply what you did but the results of those duties. Use action verbs and keywords as much as possible. Current employment should be written in present tense, all others in past tense.

What should be included in Education?

All degrees in order of receipt, school attended, city, state and majors, graduation or expected graduation date. You don’t need to include dates if you think it will make you look too old. Only include high school or GED if you didn’t go to college.

What are keywords and how do I use them?

More companies and hiring agencies are relying on digitized, databased resumes and tracking software to glean resumes for relevant content. By researching the company, the position and carefully reviewing the job listing, you can find keywords and phrases for use in your resume.

Have career objectives become obsolete?

The truth is most hiring managers don’t read them. Most are vague and basically state I’m looking for a job. in wordy terms. If you use one, use it to sharpen the focus of your resume’s intent, not state the obvious.

What are basic resume design elements?

Use bold, italics, bold italics, small caps and keep fonts between 10 and 12 points. Use a 24 or 28 pound white or off-white paper. Keep as much white space as possible to make your resume look clean. Left align text, not justified.

Should I use a professional resume service?

The higher up the ladder you’re going, the more you should. CEOs, college professors and the like are going to need more complex resumes than administrative assistants. A resume writer skilled in specific industry sectors can be beneficial to crafting credentials.