I heard that a resume should be only one page in length. Is that true? Nope, not really. Yes, if you have only one page’s worth of experience. Certainly don’t try to stretch it out to two pages. (hint, hint: my entry-level folks with a limited work history, I’m talking to you). Generally speaking, though—no, there is no resume rule that stipulates your resume can be only one page and that is it. Use two pages to market your...

Writing your resume and trying to figure out how far back you should go? I can help with that. In general, I advise my job seekers not to go back further than 10 to 15 years of work history. But are there exceptions to that “rule”? Absolutely. When is it OK to go back further than 10 to 15 years of career history on your resume? When you have relevant experience, but it isn’t recent. We work with job seekers who have experi...

Customizing your resume for each position you apply to can be critical in today’s job search. It’s vitally important that your resume conveys you are a perfect match for the job. So, what’s the best approach for branding your resume? When tailoring your resume to each specific position, there are five key areas you want to remember to change: 1. Job Target/Title At The Top Of Your Resume Always change your target job title...

When it comes right down to it—let’s be honest—the real purpose of your resume is to do what? Get you interviews. That’s the primary function of a resume—no more, no less. So how do you create a resume that’s effective at getting you interviews? Here are five tips that will get you started: RELEVANCE The most effective resumes are the ones that are targeted to a specific position. Resumes that lack focus produce lit...

It’s time to dump the old line: “Please accept this application in response to…” If you’re still starting your cover letter with this overused one-liner, then I implore you to stop what you’re doing, delete the line, and spend a few minutes reading this article to discover seven new examples of how you can catch the hiring manager’s attention with an attention-grabbing opening line. Entice them with the job title and some o...

Not since the Great Depression has finding work been more difficult. But if there’s a job that you really want, you shouldn’t give up hope. There are a number of ways to make yourself more employable and to target the job you’ve always dreamed of. Here’s a basic guide to landing not only an interview but also to securing the perfect job: Fixing Your Resume Before you can even think about interviews and job applications y...

You’d better believe it. The employer wouldn’t include them if they weren’t. Required and preferred skills are essential. When reviewing the description for a job opening, be careful to note exactly what the employer lists as required and preferred. This is critical information. You need to make sure your resume communicates very clearly that you possess all of the required skills. This means you’re capable of doing the job...

Leave them guessing or tell them what you came here for? The importance of a newspaper headline can determine whether you read the article or not. The same could be said about your resume. A resume headline is important in communicating to the reader the exact position you are interested in and what sets you apart as a candidate. Excluding a resume headline means the recruiter or hiring manager is going to have to dig throu...

There are hundreds of questions interviewers can ask potential employees… but there’s one interview question you could be answering in a way that is costing you the job – and you don’t even know it! So, what’s this one question? It’s different for every person—and every position. But one thing about this question is the same… it starts out like this: “Do you have experience doing… (insert whatever responsibility, duty, etc....

Whether we like it or not, our social media profiles are part of our digital resume. In the same way we stay glued to Facebook for updates from our friends, family, and favorite celebrities, employers look at our social media profiles for clues into our character and qualifications. Strengthen the likelihood of landing the job you want by avoiding these social media don’ts for job seekers: Don’t post questionable photos or...