Why have a Professional Resume?

When you are out of the job market, maybe in university, it is easy to forget or really know how competitively tough the job market is out there. Unemployment statistics indicate that still many people are looking for work, thus, reinforce the need to have a Professional Resume to fight increase competitiveness.

FYI, the US Department of Labor releases the months labor/job statistics which, of lately, are not indicating “finding a job is easy”.

US Department of Labor Job Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in October 2014 and a few job stats were:

Total unemployment edged down to 5.8 percent, but that”employment increased in food services and drinking places, retail trade, and health care”

Report stats indicates to you that consumers are starting to spend in these areas. Depending on your career, these may be a good place to start looking and focusing some of your resume efforts.

Non-farm payroll employment rose 214,000 in October

Since beginning of 2014, the unemployment rate declined by 0.8% with the number of unemployed persons down 1.2 million (Good news!)

More Job Stat info can be found at US Department of Labor Job Statistics

Professional Resume Conclusion

Statistics and economical conditions reveal that making a good professional resume is still needed! All the best in your job hunt!

Sample Resume Objectives

Writing a resume objective can be one of the most difficult parts of writing a resume. If you’re not clear about your goal for employment, it’s best to sit down and get an idea of what you want to convey.

Your potential employer will look at you more favorably if you state a focused goal.

Some people choose to include their resume objectives in their cover letter instead of their resume. Either way is fine, as long as it’s stated. Your employment directive for your potential employer should be clear and specific. It should focus on the job position that you’re applying for.

If you’re stumped on how to write resume objectives, you can do a search online for “sample resume objectives”. You will find examples of these that you can tailor to your own resume objective.

Examples Resume Objectives

In a resume, sample resume objectives come after your personal information. They usually begin with the words “objective”, professional objective” or “career goals”. Sample resume objectives are short, no more than three line of text. Your potential employer doesn’t want to spend time reading your life story. Sample resume objectives can be in sentence or phrase format.

Included in sample resume objectives are the key reasons why you feel you are qualified for the job. Sample resume objectives also emphasize your goals in relation to the job you’re applying for. Sample resume objectives give examples on how to focus on your intended audience, your potential employer. Your qualifications should match those of the position. Conducting research can assist you in presenting the right angle to your intended audience.

Sample resume objectives include questions about you and the potential employers. The answers can also help you craft a specific statement focused to your intended audience or prospective employer. Some of the questions include finding out your main goals as well as your potential employer, your work interests and what your potential employer has available, etc. Compiling your answers will help you get a better idea of how to structure your resume objective.

In sample resume objectives, look for objectives that are specific. Sample resume objectives usually contain samples that are detailed, as opposed to being general. Specific resume objectives stand out because the goal or focus is clearly stated. Questions such as, What kind of position? and What kind of experience? can narrow down what to include in your resume objective.

Examples of Sample Resume Objectives

“A position as an Administrative Assistant to use my skills in the fields of office management and customer service.” This sample resume objective shows that these two fields can be implemented into that position.

Look at this sample resume objective:

“A scientist specializing in spinal cord treatments.”

This sample resume objective describes a specific job position. Sample resume objectives also use different choices of words to fit your intended audience or potential employer. Just remember, the more specific you are, the better chance you have of getting that job.
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Resume Objective

Most resumes contain an objective right below the header. The resume objective can be the most difficult part of your resume to create as it is the first thing employers look at and needs to make a great impression.

There are lots of common mistakes made when writing a resume objective, the most common are being to lengthy, too vague, and not adding anything of value. If you need to know how to write and effective resume objective, we have compiled some tips for you.

Writing Resume Objective Tip #1

Your resume objective should contain up to four lines of text and should summarize you qualifications and the position you are applying for. Some resume objectives are written in a paragraph format, and other use a list form. Whichever format you use, be sure to keep it brief, interesting, and specific.

Writing Resume Objective Tip #2

Your resume objective should emphasize your main skills that are applicable to the job you are applying for, contain the position that you are applying for, your career goals, and establish you as a professional in your field. It may seem like a lot to do in a few sentences but effective resume objectives can do just that.

Writing Resume Objective Tip #3

An effective resume objective, like an effective resume, is customized to the position you are applying for. Including the position title, company name, and keywords form the job listing are all great ways to make your resume objective customized to the job. Be sure to only include qualifications in your resume objective that are desired by the company. If you don’t know exactly what the employer wants from their candidates, do a little research so you can write exactly what they want to see in your resume objective.

Writing Resume Objective Tip #4

There are a few questions you should ask before you write your resume objective. Decide what your main qualifications are and which ones will be of the most use to the company. Decide what position you want so you can include it in your resume objective. You then need to determine your goals with the company so you can include them as well.

Writing Resume Objective Tip #5

Many people make their resume objective very general and vague, and don’t include information that is specific to the company. This common mistake is detrimental to your resume and will probably land it in the trash. Read your resume objective after you write it and make sure each statement is specific and answers a specific question. A great way to make your resume objective stand out is to include keywords from the job listing in your resume objective. Use interesting words like “applied” or “developed” for more common words like “use“. Make your resume objective targeted, short, and to the point. If you write a great resume objective, your employer will me much more likely to read you entire resume instead of tossing it.

Resume Formats

What are the Different Resume Formats and Which Type is Best for You?

There are several types of resume formats that can be used when applying for a job. The resume format that you choose depends on your skills, job experience, and education. Depending on your situation, the resume format you choose may be different from the traditional one. You can use one resume format or you can use a combination or resume formats to fit your needs.

Chronological Resume Format

The most common resume format is the chronological resume. This type of resume format accentuates your work history and is the best option for someone who has a lot of work experience in the field they are applying in. This resume format lists work experience from the most recent to the oldest and is readily accepted by employers because it is easy to see what type of jobs you have held. Although the chronological resume is the most common resume format, it may not be the best for you.

Functional Resume Format

Another resume format is the functional resume. This resume format differs from the chronological format because it puts more emphasis on skills and abilities than work history. The functional resume format is good for recent graduates and people without a lot of work history in the field they are applying in. If you are changing careers, have big gaps in work history, or none at all, the functional resume format is best for you. It is becoming more common and is a widely accepted resume format.

Combination Resume Format

If you want the best of both worlds, you should consider the combination resume format. This resume combines both types of resume, chronological and functional and puts the emphasis on whichever area is the strongest. Employers like this type of resume format because they can get a good idea of your work history as well as the skills and abilities you possess that make you a good candidate for the job. If you have a solid work history as well as many skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, this is the type of resume for you.

Targeted Resume Format

If you want the best results, be sure to use a targeted resume format. Instead of writing one generic resume, the targeted resume format does just what it says; targets your resume to the specific job you are applying for. No matter which resume format you choose, be sure it is customized for the job and company you are applying for. There is no better resume format than the targeted format so be sure to incorporate it into your resume.

How To Write a Resume

Many people have trouble writing their first resume. If you’re wondering how to write a resume, then you shouldn’t worry, because it’s a lot simpler than you might think. All it takes is a bit of time!

Gather Basic Information

When you sit down to write your first resume, you should start by gathering some information about yourself. Make sure you have your phone number, email address and street address written down. Write down information about your college and university degrees, including your majors, GPAs and what you did while in the program. You need to also write down your job experience (if any), along with what you did in the job, what dates you worked at the job and who your supervisor was. If you don’t have any job experience, write down any volunteer or internship work you did that relates to the job you want to apply for. Finally, write down a list of your hobbies or other miscellaneous skills that you might have, such as playing an instrument or participating in a sport.

Write You Resume

When you have all of this information in hand, you can then proceed to writing your resume. If you wish, you can utilize a resume template, such as those that are included with Microsoft Word, or which can be found on the internet. When you start writing your resume, list all of your personal and contact information at the top, so that the employer can quickly get in touch with you if they need to. Next, list all of your educational experience, along with your degrees, schools you attended and any courses you took that have direct implications to the job you are applying for. After your educational experience, you should list the jobs that you have held. If you haven’t had any jobs, then list any volunteer work you’ve done or any internships or work study programs you participated in while in school. Employers love to see volunteer work just as much as regular jobs, so be sure you include this if you’ve done any of it. Finally, give a brief overview of your hobbies and any interesting things you might do. Including this information shows the employer that you are a real person who enjoys things other than just work, which is very important in most companies. Be sure to avoid ‘telling all’, however, and don’t include things that the company might find offensive, even if you don’t find it so.

If you follow these steps on how to write a resume, you should be well on your way to creating a resume that catches the eyes of potential employers and gets you the job that you want!

Help With Resume

A resume must speak volumes when looking for employment. If it is done correctly, it can be the key to getting an interview with a prospective employer. There are many resumes that do not make the cut.

Resume Fail

The reasons can include:

* – Little or no emphasis on potential employer needs
* – Job Objective not clear or concise
* – Not enough description in job duties

With any of these points lacking in your resume, don’t look for a phone call. There are several alternatives you can choose to get help writing your resume. Investing in professional help with writing your resume can save you from future heartache. More potential employers will respond to you and your job search won’t be on-going. The potential employer only has so much time to scan over your credentials.

Let’s explore some of the ways you can get help writing your resume:

You can choose a virtual assistant. Their fees are reasonable, anywhere from $65 up to $200. Your resume will be formatted correctly and free of errors. Unless the virtual assistant is knowledgeable in what resume form to use for your job situation, this may not be the best option for you.

Go with a resume writing service. If you have the funds to spend, go for it. A reputable resume writing service can help you get your resume up to speed. The cost for this can start in the low to the middle hundreds. A resume writing service can do the following:

* – Select information to stand out on your resume
* – Remove unnecessary wording
* – Use phrases and statements that stand out
* – Provide quality and professional formatting/layout

If neither option is economically feasible for you, you may want to look into purchasing resume software. This software is relatively inexpensive, with prices starting at $15 to $40. Check online or at your local office supply store to compare features and pricing.

You may also want to invest in a resume writing workshop. These workshops can be found online or conducted in a facility. You may have to incur a nominal fee. Also, colleges and universities offer resume writing workshops for students.

If you don’t have the funds to invest in any of the above, you can search online for “resume examples” or “sample resumes”. This is a way to check out the resumes that fit your profile. Study the examples and make sure they’re free of spelling errors and grammatically correct.

Whatever method you choose, make sure that your resume is the cream of the crop.

Create Resumes

If you are interested in a professional job you will need to create a resume. This is a document that specifies why you are qualified for a job.

Your resume includes information such as your work history, academic record and general occupational skills. If you create resumes that are vague, poorly written or don’t impress your prospective employer in some way, you won’t receive further consideration for the job. On the other hand, if you create resumes appropriately, you should at least get a call for an interview. This article will explain the steps you need to take to create resumes that will increase the chances you’ll get the job you are looking for.

Create Resume Content

The first thing you need to do to create resumes is to brainstorm what defines you occupationally. Think about all of your academic and work-related skills and accomplishments from high school onward. Also ponder through your previous work experience, if you have any. Think about what you had to do to successfully complete the tasks on your job. Write or type out what comes to mind. You will need this list later, as you continue through the process of creating resumes.

Create Resume Format

The next step you’ll need to take to create resumes is deciding what type of resume you’ll need. This will involve choosing between resumes that are chronological, functional or a combination of the two. If you decide to create resumes in a chronological format, you’ll be placing more emphasis on your work history, which would be listed in reverse chronological order. It would be the first section your potential employer would see. Yet, if you do not have significant work experience, you’ll want to create resumes in functional format. Functional resumes place emphasis on academics and job skills. Conversely, if you are in a situation where you have work experience but it doesn’t necessarily relate to the job you’re applying for, consider creating resumes that would be a combination of chronological and functional formats. This would involve listing your skills first, then your job and academic information in chronological order.

Create Resume Template

At this point you are ready to actually create resumes. There are two ways you can create resumes. You could create resumes through word processing templates. These can be obtained through a simple query on your favorite search engine. To use them all you have to do is replace the ‘filler’ information listed in the template with your information. Or, you could create resumes through a resume builder, which is a separate piece of software. To create resumes through a resume builder, you would have to answer a series of questions. When the question process is finished, the software would automatically create a resume for you based on your input. You are free to modify the resume as you wish through the editing tools that are provided with the builder.

Create Impressive Resume

With your resume complete, review it in the manner that an employer would. This means check for any glaring grammatical errors, along with taking special note of the first couple of sections. These are the sections that will impress the employer the most… the rest is almost superfluous, (which is why longer resumes are not necessarily better). For this reason the skills and accomplishments listed in these sections need to match the general ‘idea’ of the qualifications given in the employment listing. You will not want to use the exact same wording, but you’ll want to make the ideas similar enough that the employer clearly sees you are what their company is looking for. Indeed, it is this obvious yet neglected step that can be the deciding factor between whether or not you get a phone call. Without doing it you all the time you spent creating resumes becomes wasted.

Free Resume Format

Picking the Best Free Resume Format

If you are looking for the best format for your resume, you will find tons of free resume formats on the internet. Picking which free resume format is the best for you can be as hard as writing the resume it’s self. There are a few things you should consider when choosing a free resume format including your skills, work history, and the type of job you are applying for.

The basic free resume formats are chronological and functional. Depending on your circumstances, the free resume format you choose may be either chronological, functional, a blend of the two, or a completely different format altogether.

Free Resume Format, Chronological

The most common free resume format is the chronological format. This format lists work history in descending order (most recent to oldest) and put the emphasis on skills attained form work experience and the length of time in a particular field. The chronological format is a good free resume format if you have a lot of work experience. Employers will be able to see that you have been dedicated to the field and have gained a lot of knowledge and experience.

Free Resume Format, Functional

Another common free resume format is the functional format. This format puts the emphasis on your skills and qualifications that do not necessarily come from job experience. Any job experience will be listed along with other qualifications that make the candidate ideal for the position applied for. This free resume format is good for people with little work experience in general or little work experience in the particular field they are applying in. The functional format is more about what you have learned that qualifies you for the job rather than what jobs you have had similar to the job you are applying for.

Free Resume Format, Combination

Many people benefit from a free resume format that is a combination of both of these common formats. Listing your relevant employment, skills, qualifications, and abilities would be considered a combination of the two formats. You can find many free resume formats that are a combination of the two and they will show you how to utilize the benefits of both types. Including all the information you can that is specific to the job you are applying for is important, and will give your resume a greater impact.

The free resume format you choose will depend on your work history and abilities. If you have a strong work background in your field, a chronological resume is the best bet. If you have little or no work experience, a functional resume is best. For those with a combination of work experience and skills, a combination of both free resume formats is ideal.