The journey to finding your dream job starts with a brand new resume
14
Mar
23
Feb
Do I Really Need to Use a Professional Resume Writer?
People look at me strangely when they ask, “Do I really need to use a professional resume writer?”
“Come on,” they say, “I can easily just write my own resume – what are you going to do that I cannot just do myself?”
Of course it’s true that anybody can write their own resume. The same is true that anyone can attempt to build a house or change the plumbing or paint some artwork, however in each of these examples you’d prefer to call on an expert because of their specific skills, knowledge and experience in their particular trades. The same can be said of a professional resume writer.
How long should a resume be? Should I include a qualifications profile or a career summary? How many duties and responsibilities should I include for my current role? Do I include the same amount of information for all my previous roles and how far back should my resume go?
How about questions relating to “soft skills” – should you include information like “volunteered for the Red Cross”? Is this relevant on your resume? How about the fact that you were the football captain at school – is this relevant?
Have a look at your resume and see if you have words such as “hard working”, “dedicated”, “team player”, or “loyal” – do these type of words enhance or actually detract from your resume? If you are using these types of words do you think your competitors are as well?
And what about achievements – do you have any on your resume? Is a hiring manager going to take one look at your resume and be impressed with your past experiences, skills and success? Have you mentioned initiatives you introduced to the business or awards you have won?
This is what a professional resume writer can do for you. They can open doors to get that interview. Remember – resume writing is not about reinventing the wheel, it is about ensuring that you adequately highlight everything that is required to make sure that your resume is selected and you are given the chance to present yourself in the interview. Once you make it to the interview you have the opportunity to prove to the hiring manager how good you really are. Without a professional resume you may never get this chance.
Find your dream job today – It all starts with a brand new resume.
© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com
13
Sep
5 First-Time Resume Concerns
5 common concerns and a few suggestions on how to overcome these.
1. Lack of Experience
This is probably the most common problem faced by students and new graduates. Try to fill this gap by focusing on skills you have acquired through school projects, coursework, volunteer activities, or part-time jobs. Did you maybe take a foreign language class in college? Do you have research experience? Skills such as these can help boost your resume.
2. No References
References shouldn’t be listed on your resume itself, but a potential employer will ask you for references at some point. If you’ve hit a wall here because you have little to no experience, that’s ok. Academic references are definitely acceptable, as are references from supervisors at part-time or volunteer positions. Do everything you can to avoid references from family or friends as these are not typically accepted.
3. Low GPA
If you’re a student or recent graduate, a potential employer will probably want to see your GPA. If it isn’t great (under a 3.0, for example), there are ways to get around this. You could try listing your major GPA (classes that applied towards your major) for example, as opposed to your cumulative GPA.
4. Length of Resume
Definitely keep your resume within the 1-2 page range. If you don’t have much experience, you can probably get everything on one page, but try not to feel restricted by this number. Two page resumes are entirely acceptable as long as they contain relevant information.
5. Resume Format
Education or experience listed first? Everyone is different, so use your best judgment on this one. Generally speaking, students and graduates list education first, but if you have some amazing professional experience to highlight on your resume, list that first.
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Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume, a business that provides resume and cover letter writing services for students, graduates and young professionals. © RedStarResume Publications – http://www.bestresponseresume.com Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RedStarResume |
09
Feb
Find the right job
Getting a job is hard enough …
Make sure your resume shines above your competition!
