Resume – Page 9 – TP Javeton WebNet

When formatting your resume

In today’s job market, having a well-formatted resume is almost as important as having a well-written resume, as most employers receive a stack of resumes from qualified candidates and scan them quickly before they decide whether or not they want to read further. In addition to key words, the thing that stands out most about any resume is its format, which is essentially the first thing people will notice, whether the resume is formatted on paper or in electronic form.

With that in mind there are a number of rules you should adhere to when formatting your own resume. First among them is to avoid using templates that are already available in Microsoft Word, as these templates are outdated and therefore will make your resume appear generic and unattractive; and while the generic templates may be well formatted in Microsoft Word, they will not translate well when emailed or uploaded to job search websites.

Of course you can always find resume samples on the Internet by running a simple search for resumes as they relate to your industry, and these samples might also make most sense for the job you are seeking. Then all you will need to do is work on a blank page to replicate the look and feel of a particular resume style which appeals to you.

Keep it neat, clean and simple

Ideally, your well-written resume should fit on one page; but if you have extensive experience simply limit your resume length to two pages, while listing only experiences and skills that are relevant to your career objective. Even if you are applying for a job in a creative field, avoid inserting images or pictures into your resume, since showing off your creativity – if that is your intention – can be done in a separate portfolio of your work.

The page on which you’re structuring your resume should have one inch margins all around: top, bottom, right and left; and as a rule you should use left justification; so do not center the content of your resume. The font and font size should be consistent, while your name and headlines (if any) should be displayed in the same manner. Typically, the headlines will be bold and in all caps; and avoid underlining any of the information in your resume.

In the world of Internet-driven job applications, underlining in a document implies a web link, making the use of any underlining for emphasis inappropriate. The font size for headlines should not exceed 14 points, while the remaining text in your resume should be no larger than 12 points; and when trying to align your resume, be aware of spacing and tabbing; and stay consistent in the way you are spacing out information on the page.

Review for accuracy and consistency

Use tabs rather than spaces, because you always have to anticipate that the person to whom you are sending your resume may have a different version of the software than you do, and therefore may not see exactly the same resume you are sending, since it is possible the margins will reset, paragraphs will shift, bullet points will change shape and so forth. This is why it’s important to keep the spacing consistent, while attempting to keep the font and bullet points as basic as possible.

As a last formatting check point, ask your friends or your family for help in reviewing the resume you’ve just put so much time into structuring and formatting. Send the resume file via email to a few of your friends ask them to review the resume and make sure nothing seems out of place. Print out the resume on paper and review it to make sure that margins are accurately set, and the content doesn’t appear crowded on the page. Keep in mind when it comes to your resume, sleek simple appearance combined with great writing will give you the best chance of securing the job you’re interested in.

When making a career change

Many of us, when faced with career changing decisions, put a lot of thought into the steps we need to take in order to make the very best decision possible, because a career change can be one of the most important decisions we make. Since such decisions involve our families, living and financial situations and competitive advantages in the new field, among other such concerns, making a career change typically means starting with a blank canvas.

Of course, an individual may have the freedom to paint that canvas any way s/he wishes; but while doing so, it is important that s/he invests the time and energy, as well as make the sacrifices necessary to prove that s/he’s a credible professional in the new field. S/he also needs to be competitive, motivated, and be able to sustain the drive that is necessary to be successful. And after s/he’s convinced that changing careers is the right thing to do, s/he will then have to convince potential employers that s/he is the best person for the job being sought, and get hired.

If you are that job seeker faced with a career change – or you are able to put yourself in such a job seeker’s stead – the first thing you should acknowledge is the necessity to do your research; because you must demonstrate to your potential employer that you have an extensive knowledge of the industry you’re interested in entering, even if you don’t have the accompanying experience. Before you begin your new career, make sure you understand what professional paths are available for you, and determine what your ultimate goal is, as this will help you form the career objective for your resume.

Identifying your own transferable skills

Additionally, make sure to do your research on the company you are interested in, as well as their competition (if you are interested in non-profit organizations, make sure to brush up on other organizations with similar missions), because if you are invited for an interview, you will want to appear very knowledgeable, not only about your potential new company, but about the industry as a whole. Keep in mind that you will have to convince your potential employer that you are the best person for the job; even better than the candidates with experience. You’ll do this by showcasing your enthusiasm for the opportunity, as well as your eagerness to enhance your knowledge about the field.

about resumes, cover letters and interviews

If you possess transferable skills, you know that such skills can be utilized in numerous fields, and can be key to a successful career change; so consider your qualifications to date. What experience have you acquired that can be transferred across various industries? Transferable skills include verbal and written communication, people management, customer relations, organizational and project management skills, development of new processes, generation of new ideas or concepts, and other such skills, both acquired and innate. Skills which can be adapted to all organizations that you should utilize to showcase your qualifications for the job you are seeking.

Defining your transferable skills

Consider, for example, that you would like to ditch a 9-to-5 desk job for a hectic, unpredictable life of a high school teacher; you’ll have to let your potential employer know that your previous experience in leading by motivation makes you a perfect candidate for the job (even if that marketing project you managed has nothing to do with teaching English Composition); and make a list of all your professional experiences and the qualifications needed for the job you are seeking, as it will help you in determining which skills are transferable to your new career.

Chronological Resume Template: Resume Solution, What you Need to Creat your US and Canadian Resume (Template, Resume, Functional, Jobs, Opportunities)

Once you define your transferable skills, use a functional resume to ensure that most (if not all) the qualifications needed for the new job are met in your resume. In addition to your resume, you should use your cover letter or email to let your potential employer know why you are changing careers, and that your new interest is not a passing fancy or simply an act based on impulse. Make sure that your resume reflects your newfound interest in a genuine and professional manner, and you will give yourself the best chance to make a successful career change.