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Frequently-Asked Resume Questions
By Julie Dobrinska
All material on Your Office Coach is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre.
All rights reserved.
May be reproduced with copyright and attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com.
Through our website, we
frequently receive questions about resumes. Here are some of the most
common issues.
How
should l handle a gap in my employment history?
If you held any volunteer or community service positions during your
time off, list them as you would a previous employer. Also include any
classes or seminars taken during your time off if they relate to your
field or position. If the gap is large and fairly recent, you may also
want to address it in your cover letter. If so, be brief and put a
positive spin on it. Regardless of how you handle any gaps in your
resume, you should be prepared to explain them in greater detail in an
interview.
Do
I need more than one version of my resume?
Ideally, if you are applying for a position
in more than one or two targeted areas, you should tailor your resume
for each different position. A one-size-fits-all resume can become too
cluttered and lose focus. NOTE: If you do this, be sure to make a
note of what resume you sent to each company so that you bring the
correct version to the interview.
Should I include my salary requirements on a resume?
Including your salary requirements on a
resume can seriously limit your opportunities. Unless the request
states that only applicants who disclose this information will be
considered, it’s best to leave it off. If you are asked to list your
salary requirements, you may want to address this in the cover letter,
not the resume itself. Depending on the situation, a simple phrase like
“salary is fully negotiable” will do, or you may choose to list a salary
range to allow yourself a little flexibility.
What are keywords and where can I find them?
Resume keywords are nouns, noun phrases, and verbs that relate to a
particular job or position. Most companies and recruiters use computer
programs to scan resumes and filter them using industry-specific
keywords based on the position they are seeking to fill. If your resume
contains these keywords, it will show up in their search. If not, your
resume might not make the initial cut. Even if computers aren’t used,
the person scanning your resume will be looking for words and phrases
that directly relate to their needs.
Keywords commonly reference technical and professional areas of
expertise; job titles and job descriptions; projects, achievements,
skillsets; buzzwords and technical jargon; licenses, credentials,
affiliations; and tools, software programs, machines, and equipment
integral to the job. Search for keywords in the
job posting itself; job boards for the position you are seeking; common
job descriptions for the position; trade
journals and magazines related to the occupation; and organizations,
affiliations, and websites associated with the position or field.
Is
it okay to list personal interests on my resume?
Unless the interest directly relates to the
job, it’s best to leave it off. Do not include political, religious or
controversial subject matter. You should also leave off personal
information such as date of birth, marital status, nationality, and your
photo. The exception to this is if the job or position specifically
requires you to provide this information.
How
long should my resume be?
The length of your resume depends on your
job history and experience. A resume is not intended to include
everything you have ever done, but rather highlight your skills and
experience as they relate to the targeted job. Although there are no set
rules for resume length; you should try to keep it to two pages or
less.
Check out our Job Search topics
for more advice on resume preparation.
Copyright
Marie G. McIntyre. All rights reserved. May be reproduced with
copyright and attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com .
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