Resumes
Crafting your resume and cover letters to maximize exposure takes time but your best efforts can pay off in call backs, interviews and finding the right job!
Initial Questions & Answers
Question: What if I don't have any experience in the kind of work I want to do?
Answer: The short answer is -- get some. Search for opportunities where you can volunteer and gain valuable experience. Even a small amount of experience for a concentrated period of time gives you something to put on your resume.
Question: What do I do if I have gaps in my work experience?
Answer: The first would be to say what you were doing during that gap as gracefully as possible. Volunteering, attending school, pursuing a certification, or doing anything of value during that time period should be listed as work history.
- 2003-2004 Maternity leave and family management
- 2003-2007 Full time parent
- Travel and study
- Full time student
- Parenting plus community service
Question: How far back should I go in my work history?
Answer: 10-15 years unless you have relevant or significant experience further back.
Question: If I've only worked for one employer for 10+ years how should I display it?
Answer: List each position you've held with the company seperately to make your job progression more obvious.
General Tips
- Don't include everything you have ever done. No one wants to read more than two pages at most.
- Include other interests to reflect the many dimensions of your life.
- Don't list your references on your resume unless this is requested.
- Edit your resume, beyond a quick spell check. Ask a friend or two for their help and for their honest opinion.
- Never fudge dates, job titles, or responsibilities. Be truthful in any market, knowing that many companies track down your work history and education.
Resume Examples
Chronological: A chronological resume lists your work history in reverse order with your current or most recent position listed first. The benefit of this format is it's easy for employers to see what jobs you've held and when. PDF Example | Word Example
Functional: A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience instead of listing your work history. This format is best used for professionals looking to make a career change or that have gaps in their employment history. PDF Example | Word Example
Combination: A combination resume contains the characteristics of a functional and chronological resume with the skills and experience listed first followed by the work history. This format is excellent when applying for a specific position. It allows you to highlight relevant points that make you perfect for the opportunity. PDF Example | Word Example
Displaying Temp Work: Some people enjoy the freedom of never being tied down to a full time job while others are trying to jump-start their career or get back on track. Regardless of where you stand, it's important to display temporary work history in a manner that best represents your skills and experience. PDF Example 1 | PDF Example 2 | Word Example 1 | Word Example 2
Need help with your resume?
Boly:Welch recommends Pathfinder Writing and Career Services. They work with every level and discipline from entry to C-suite candidate. Dawn Rasmussen is the principal at Pathfinder, and the firm does an awesome job of crafting highly professional and credible resumes. Ask your Boly:Welch recruiter for a referral discount.
Dawn Rasmussen - CTP, CMP
Chief Résumé Designer
Pathfinder Writing and Career Services
PO Box 20536
Portland OR, 97294
t: 503-539-3954
f: 503-408-4894
dawn@pathfindercareers.com
www.pathfindercareers.com
http://pathfindercareers.com/blog/
