Résume Differences | Formats ► I have been told I need an Executive Résume, what is the difference in Résumes?

An 'Executive' is generally classified as a person that strategically has worked his / her way to the management level and increased their responsibilities over a period of time. Executives tend to have multiple past positions, numerous credentials, achievements, multiple department responsibilities, and other diverse qualifications. In order to reflect their experiences they need a custom crafted marketing document. Their résume should demonstrate their record of profitability, career highlights, and expertise. They need to be appropriately portrayed as a visionary leader, growth-oriented, and bottom-line focused individual.

A fundamental layout will focus on increasing pay-grades and/or responsibilities within company departments. Transitioning to another industry usually requires a résume that indicates past responsibilities and qualifications in order to be interviewed.

CV Uses ► What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A CV is similar to a résume but typically focuses on the credentials related to your field. It presents an ideal opportunity to highlight and optimize your specific qualifications. A successful CV will include not only education and experience but also publications, certifications, licenses, grants, awards, and other appropriate experiences relevant to your industry / job search.

Individuals in the following fields might want to use a CV

• Publication
• Research
• Medical
• Dental
• Academic
• Scientific

Cover Letter ► Do I really need a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a personal introduction designed to work with and augment your résume. It is the most 'under-estimated' component of your resume presentation. Too often it is pushed aside until the last minute and composed in a hurry with little purpose or focus. A cover letter can sabotage your résume if it is a total disaster or put you at the top of the list with a clever format and introduction. It sets the tone of your resume and hopefully captures the interest of the reader. Without that introduction your résume can fall into the lost forever pile of incoming résumes.

ASCII Format ► What is a Keyword ASCII résume?

An ASCII résume is an electronic version of your résume that is suitable for on-line submission. Written in plain 'text formatting', it is ready for pasting in a body of an email or other on-line forms. An ASCII résume is not meant to be printed only read.

ASCII résumes most often past through computer-based screening for storage and human review.  Computers are programed to pick out keywords relevant to a particular job category. Keywords are typically nouns or verbs that reflect skills and experiences sought by a potential employer. By using the correct keywords, your résume will picked as one that will fill a specific job opening a company is looking to fill. If your résume isn't ASCII format friendly with the correct keywords, your résume will most likely 'hit the can'.

Employment Dates ► Handling Those Difficult Dates?

How should you handle those difficult dates that might include your age, gaps in employment or bad job experience. It all depends on how much importance you want to give them. If you would rather explain and discuss those in an interview, those dates should be less obvious or left off your résume all together. You can tuck those dates against the text with parentheses or bury them somewhere else in your résume. You can leave dates off your education (if not graduated / completed) and show them as a boost in your experience / qualifications section strengthening your professional background.

Previous Employment ► How Far Back Should I go Listing My Experience?

The rule of thumb is when your experience stops being relevant to your new job search it is time leave them out. It is usually a 5 to 15 years in the past unless an older experience is critical to your new job search. By using a long past job experience as a qualification skill could be a plus for an older, seasoned employee.

Personal Photo ► Should I Put My Photo On My Résume?

Personal Photographs are discouraged in all but a few industries. If you are applying for a job as an actor, model, or newscaster where your appearance is an occupational qualification, then a photo of yourself is appropriate. Otherwise, most companies will often disregard or trash a résume that arrives with a smiley photo staring at the them!  Also a reminder that more larger companies are going to a résume scanning process where a picture can make scanning difficult. 

References ► Should I Put My References On My Résume?

Most employers do not expect to see personal references on the same page as the résume, nor take the time to read them at the initial interview. Other than being out of place, it will also take up valuable space on your résume. It is more impressive and professional to have a completed printed list of your personal references on a separate sheet complimenting your résume and application. 

Limited Work Experience ► I Am Entering The Job Market With Little Current Work Experience?

Regardless if you a recent graduate, housewife, or have been out of the job market for long period of time, a professionally written résume should be on your must have list. In the current job market, you will be competing with experienced professionals for the same job opening. Your presentation should be top-shelf. A professional resume writer can bring out your best qualities so you can stand on equal ground with other experienced applicants. A talented career writer can format your presentation in way that brings out your strengths and skills not matter what your past experiences may be.  

Jobs Requiring A Move ► Out Of Work And Looking For An Out Of State Job?

Being out of work for a long period of time can make a person think of looking for a job in another state and can often cause an employer to think you are desperate for just any job at this point.

Desperation should never be a part of taking just any job unless you absolutely cash poor or it is a job you would really like regardless of possible lower salary. The fact that you are thinking of moving out of the state and leaving your home, friends, and relatives is a big decision. An out of state job offer shouldn't mean that you are willing to take less money and lower your standard of living. And the expenses that are accrued in moving and housing costs is a big factor to think about. Weigh the positives vs the negatives when considering a position that requires a major move.

Here a few things to take in consideration when taking a new job and relocating: Standard of living and salaries in that area; Selling your home; The weather in the new location; Culture opportunities or the lack off; Transportation availability; Leaving your friends, family behind; The impact it might have on your wife and children. 

Managing Severance Pay ► I received a small severance when I was asked to leave my last job, how should I manage that money?

No matter how much severance you received, don't think of it as a substitute for a paycheck. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is that there is no rush to find another job! It could take months to find a job that fits your qualifications and interests, so hit the 'pavement running'. Pretend that the severance isn't there and put it in the bank to be used for scheduled expenses. 

Getting Focused ► I have just lost my job and can't seem to get focused?

Losing a job can be very stressful and cause many to find themselves going in circles. If you are sitting at home remember there are tons of distractions like fixing the kitchen cabinets or playing around on your computer. Setting goals and networking should be your new 40hr a week job. One of the best things you can do is get out there, meet other people and tell them your story.

Noticing Company Change ► My department seems to be shrinking into a sea of empty cubicles, what should be my next step?

If suspect you might be the next to be axed, chances are you are probably right. Telltale signs to look for are such things as reorganization, budge cuts, mandates to curb expenses, or hiring freezes. If the worst does come your way take inventory of how much severance pay you will receive and health benefits available to you.  Unemployment lasts on an average 26 to 30 weeks. When whispers of layoffs become more than gossip, discretely and quickly put your résume together. If you haven't updated it in awhile, now is the time to do so.

Résumes Online ► Should I send my résume online to the companies and managers I am interested in contacting?

Hiring managers are inundated with résumes they get online. It is difficult to stand-out from the crowd when all the résumes look the same with no personal connection. It is like sending your résume to the 'Black Hole' of lost résumes. Networking with a solid contact will be more effective and more likely to get the interview you are looking for. Random mass emailing of your résume is a waste of your time. Make your résume unique, organized, and to the point. Delivering your message to an interested hiring manager should be your major objective in seeking your next job. 

Department Cuts ► There is uncertainty whether my department will survive the next cycle of cuts and I am worried about my future with this company.

Now is the time to activate your network of personal and professional of contacts. The goal is not to bad mouth your present boss and company, but to discretely make it known that you are thinking of making a job change. Networking is the single most effective way to find another job. While you are still employed is an ideal time to continue your contacts with colleagues, vendors, co-workers, and clients strengthening your networking web. 

Credit Scores ► Will my bad credit report hurt getting hired?

Along with your résume and references, many employers may take a peek at your current credit scores. A blemished credit record could shut the door to a job you really wanted or desperately needed. If an employer is on the fence about an applicant, a good credit report can be invaluable. At times when people are struggling to find jobs, credit checks should not be used as a basis to deny employment but they are. Review your credit report and make sure there are no errors that might penalize you unfairly.