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Should I include in my resume jobs that don't relate
to the position I'm seeking?
Employers often appreciate knowing more about who you
are than the experience that exactly fits the job can
tell them. Therefore, this information helps them to see
you as an individual, instead of simply "one of the
pack." It's important to keep it brief. Although
it's important to show the employer that you have experience
in different work areas, you also don't want to be long-winded.
There may be times when all of your experience is too
long ago, or varied, or inappropriate to list.
I
am recent graduate. Should I put my Grade Point Average
in my resume?
Yes,
you should. Anything that makes you shine should be
included, along with awards, kudos and accolades. This
is especially useful for recent graduates just breaking
into the work force.
What's
the difference between a resume and a curriculum vita?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is an academic resume and is
used only for research and college/university teaching
positions. A resume is brief (no more than two pages),
and focuses on work experience. A CV can be as long
as it takes to state one's qualifications, publications,
papers presented, etc. (10 pages or more, since it includes
the entire academic career of a person). Sometimes,
people ask for a CV when they really want a resume.
Be sure to check with the person requesting it to be
certain you are using the correct version for that position.
How
do I summarize my objective?
Before
you start job-hunting, you should decide just what it
is that you have to sell to your prospective employer.
Start by preparing a qualifications summary, that is,
describe your qualifications that make you right for
the job you want to get. Basically, you're doing a self-appraisal.
Everyone brings something unique to a position. You
will realize this uniqueness only after you appraise
yourself critically.
Do
I really need an objective on my resume?
Yes. An objective is your five-second sales pitch. Use
it to hook the employer to read further. Be creative,
not cute. An employer is looking for professional people
to hire, those that can fit a niche that has come open
in the company. If your objective fits that niche, you're
on your way to an interview.
I
can't get everything to fit on one page. What should
I do?
Although it's important to be brief, it's doubly important
to be legible. If the employer is going to need a magnifying
glass to read what you've fitted on to one page, then
you should write two pages. Never go beyond three -
that's pushing it. No employer is looking for extra
reading material - they have limited time - and little
patience. Be precise, clear, and professional.
Isn't
it better just to phone an employer and up an interview?
You
can try, but chances are, the employer will still ask
you to bring a resume to the interview. People like
to have something in their hands that they can use as
a quick guide. Also, in the current work environment,
no employer fields calls from prospective employees.
A company has a set method of hiring - and that method
must be followed. You have to show yourself to be a
team player - not someone out to buck the system. An
employer cannot judge your abilities and skills by your
voice. An employer wants to see a summary of what you've
done, and why he or she should hire you.
What
are scannable and electronic resumes?
Scannable and electronic resumes are fed into a computerized
database and must be in specific formats. Such resumes
are useful because they give the employer a way to search
for prospective employees with a search for specific
qualifications, and they give you, the prospective employee,
and the benefit of sending one resume to be considered
for multiple positions within a single company.
Do
I include hobbies and interests?
If you feel you must, then by all means include your
hobbies and interests at the very of the resume (just
before your References). Make sure you don't list more
than two or three - otherwise you'll give the impression
of having too much time on your hands, and not enough
dedication to earning a living.
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