1. |
What kind of jobs require a résumé? |
| |
It is appropriate when applying for any type of
job to have a résumé. By having one prepared,
you are saying "I am serious about securing employment." |
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2. |
Should a cover letter accompany my résumé? |
| |
Always! A
cover letter
(also called a "letter of
interest" or "letter of application") is an introduction to your
résumé and should include the reason you are writing,
a statement that your résumé is enclosed, two
or three reasons you are qualified for the job, and a request
for an interview. |
|
3. |
How long should my résumé
be? |
| |
One page at most. Studies show employers only
spend 12 to 18 seconds reviewing a résumé. Much
of what you may wish to put on a résumé can be
reported in an interview. |
|
4. |
In what order should information be presented? |
| |
List the most current information about yourself first. That
may be education or that may be employment history. The more
skills you have that the employer is looking for, the better
chance you have of securing an interview. |
|
5. |
Do I have to use company names and dates of employment? |
| |
Not necessarily. A functional style résumé highlights
your knowledge, skills and abilities, generally followed by
a short work history section. A chronological résumé
lists data from most recent to oldest, including dates of employment. |
|
6. |
Should I change my résumé objective
for each job I apply for? |
| |
It shows more interest if you can personalize your job objective
each time. However, a résumé that is the same
for all jobs is better than no résumé at all.
Another option is to clearly state your objective in a cover
letter. It is important that an employer be able to understand
what kind of work you are looking for by reading your résumé. |
|
7. |
Is a résumé needed if I complete an
application? |
| |
The first thing to do is check with the employer about her/his
requirements. If there is no indication a résumé
will not be considered, then yes, include one with your application. |
|
8. |
Who should my reference people be, and how many should
I have? |
| |
Ideally, names of references should be on a separate sheet.
They should know your work well. Include the name of the business
where they are employed and a business phone. Be sure to confirm
that your references will provide excellent recommendations
about you. Generally, three references are sufficient. |
|
9. |
What color and quality of paper should I use? |
| |
Employers prefer standard paper in a white or off-white color.
Use a laser printer to produce a letter quality résumé.
Be sure to sign your name on the cover letter in blue or black
ink. |
|
10. |
What personal information should I include? |
| |
Aside from your name, address, phone number and e-mail address,
no other personal information should be included on your résumé.
List activities and interests only if they are related to your
objective. |
