Resume basics are something we all need to know. Whether you are composing your resume for the very first time or you are a seasoned professional just looking to put some updated touches on a resume you've been compiling for decades, everybody can use a refresher on technique.
So let's start with this important question:
What is a resume, really?
What's the point in having one? A resume is basically just a way to get your foot in the door for an interview, so it's essentially a marketing tool. You are marketing yourself. If your resume is good enough to catch the attention of the gatekeepers that schedule interviews with the "higher-ups", you've accomplished your first step. Although there are a lot of web sites and books available on how to structure the overall resume, I thought it would be helpful to cover some questions I get asked all the time. This is essentially a mini list geared at keeping your resume in line with today's accepted standards. These are some of the most common questions I get:
- How long should a resume be? 1-3 pages are accepted as the norm.
- Color in resumes? using color is okay, just don't get wild. (Hint – adding clip art or a photo of a pink poodle’s rear end? Not okay.)
- Should I have an objective statement? No. But if you do include one, don’t make the huge resume mistake I see all the time.
- Should I include references? References are not necessary on your resume (but you should have them available).
- Does my email addresses matter? Yes, and don’t forget about your email signature. Make them both professional and appropriate.
- Above all – no typos. No spelling mistakes (unless you want to end up in the Shredded Bin of Resume Purgatory).
With this mini-list of adjustments, I know you'll be well on your way to getting your foot in the door and landing an interview!
Happy job hunting!
HELP!!! Need help writing a over the top resume can anyone help me do this? Mary
Hi Mary! Check out all of our resume and application advice here: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/resumes-applications/ and let me know if you have any questions!
I don’t know how to do a resume or work a computer really?
Hi Darryl! Have you thought about taking a local computer class? I think this article can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-be-computer-literate/. Also, try doing a quick internet search for resume templates. There are a few options to get you started! Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
I am on disaility at the present.I had 3 major surgeries and havn’t worked since 2006.My health has returned and feel like my old self.Doing a resume could really raise red flags even though I have legimate reasons.What would suggest.I need to get one done,soon. Are there places I can look online to see examples?
Thanks
Bob
I forgot to mention my past employment.I have 12 years of outside sales and some in inside sales.The good part of my sales experience was in advertising. kow times have changed but I get the feeling that young people rule in ad sales today. I hard one to crack even if I have all that experience.
I have a pretty good resume, but I would like it to be better. I would like the correct wording for my experience in all the different areas (skills).
i dont have a resume and dont know what to do to make one so i can get a job
Hi Courtney! Getting started on making a resume can feel overwhelming, but it’s really not too terrible! What program are you using to create one? See if they have a template that you can use, many do. Check out all of our resume advice here: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/resumes-applications/, these articles can help you. You’ll want it to be clear and to the point. Make sure your contact information is at the top and is easy to read. Be sure to list all relevant experience you have, like volunteering or babysitting and lawn care. These types of things do count! Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
I have avery good resume, but I would like it to be mor than excellent to increase my experience in my career.
Hi Ali! Have you been double and triple checking your resume/applications for any spelling and grammatical errors? I noticed a few in your comment and want to make sure you aren’t making this mistake. Recruiters tell us that this is their biggest frustration when looking over applications.
I am in highschool and i would like to make a resume baut i have no clue what to put on it….
Hi there – Great question! Do you have any volunteer work you can add? What about leadership positions you’ve held in school? Any odd jobs like babysitting or lawn care? These are all things you can add to your resume, and also use them as references!
I would suggest have someone look over your resume as well. You may overlook a spelling mistake.
Im 17 looking for a job and I want to know how to start my resume.
Hi Amber! Check out all of our resume advice here: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/resumes-applications/resume-tips/ and let me know if you have any questions.
I have an issue with cover letters are there any suggestions to make it sound like my resume because I have a lot of experience it just that the age descrimination is another factor help!
Hi Verona! Cover letters can be tricky, but they are a great way to stand out. Focus on your experience but don’t simply restate your resume. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/cover-letters-whats-the-point/ and let me know if you have any questions!
I have been a self- employed hairstylist for the past 13 yrs. I am wanting to switch careers and need some advice on writing a resume. Where do I start?
Hi Maribel! We see this question a lot. Take a look at this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/old-skills-lead-to-new-careers/ I think it can really help you. When you are making your resume, highlight your skills instead of your experience. Think about things you’ve learned as a hairstylist that will transfer into another career. Skills like customer service and conflict resolution will be important in almost any job. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
I already have a resume saved on my computer…but how the heck do I post it on my god forsaken profile?! Lol
I’ve created a resume which i am fairly happy with. I am having difficuty copying and pasting my completed resume to various prospective employers with various formats. Any thoughts?
Doug
I followed the advice since day 1. It’s been more than 6 months if not almost a year since I’ve been unemployed. How does one get a job? I know I am applying to jobs, and my resume is going through multiple selection programs and software. With all the technology preselecting and selecting resumes by tags, flags and other key-words, how does the average person land a job? How am I supposed to get experience if I am not hired, because I don’t have experience? What am I supposed to do?
hey kim , how can i make a resume? …. and is a resume required where applying for jobs?
Hi Cheyanne! When you apply through Snagajob you can simply submit your Snagajob profile instead of submitting a resume. But, I definitely recommend having a resume on hand for job interviews. If you are using Microsoft Word to make your resume, they will have some free resume templates, which are a great start. Let me know what you think!
I would like to know if my email address is appropriate to use on my resume. I think the star part makes it unprofessional. Help please. Thanks
Hi Lulu! While your email address isn’t inappropriate, it would be smart to create a professional address that is simply your name. You don’t want to distract from your awesome resume
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Hi there I am hearing impaired so I don’t know what am I going to do with resume because i been not working for last 2001 so what am I going to do and will I start over again?
Hi there u have not reply me back so I say i am hearing impaired so I asked u that do I have to do it over again with new resume and job application since I have not worked last 2001? So pls help me because I really need job
Hi, I have been trying to look for a job for close to a month, I don’t know why I am not getting calls how do I know my resume is the best??
Hi
I really need help applying for a job, and I am currently in high school
Hi Lynn! You can copy and paste parts of your resume into the appropriate parts of your Snagajob profile. Be careful when you paste it in there, the formatting may look a little off and you will want to fix that before you submit anything to employers. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!