The Definitive List of What to (and What NOT to) Include on Your Résumé
Avoid these common mistakes.
Photo: Ivan Samkov from Pexels
Figuring out what information to include on a résumé can be difficult (psst… don’t make these mistakes) because truth be told, there’s no one answer for everyone. What information you should include on your résumé largely depends on your career, level of experience, industry, and a whole slew of other factors.
With that in mind, there are some general guidelines you can follow to better assist you with gathering the right information. Here are five do’s and don’ts of what to include on your resume.
DO
Use a font that is simple and easy to read. If you want to go with sans serif (more modern) try using something like Arial or Open Sans. If you want a serif font (slightly more traditional) try Garamond.
DON’T
Use some fancy cursive font or a font that is difficult to read. Simple is always better for fonts.
DO
Add your education. Unless high school is your highest level of education, no need to include it. If you’re currently in college, this implies that you’ve completed high school. If you’ve graduated from college and/or post-graduate schools, include all of those degrees.
DON’T
Include dates of education unless you are just out of college or in college and have very little experience. If you’re in college or just graduated, it’s important to include dates of education to give perspective on why you don’t have much experience. Once you’re a couple of years out of school, don’t include dates of education on your resume. It can actually work against you if someone thinks you’re too green or too far out of school.
DO
Add certifications or specialized training (i.e. online courses, on the job training, software training, etc.)
DON’T
List out relevant college classes unless you’re currently in school or just graduated and need to show that you have industry knowledge.
DO
Use job descriptions to your advantage and pull keywords and phrases from the job descriptions to integrate into your resume.
DON’T
Copy job descriptions and use those on your resume. Integrating keywords and phrases is important, but simply copying and pasting a job description you found online won’t benefit you.
DO
Include specific metrics and achievements. Think about how you can quantify your achievements and how you can articulate your value.
DON’T
Use information from your coworker’s resume. They might have similar job duties to you, but you likely won’t have the exact same achievements.
About the Author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.
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This story was originally published on August 23, 2019, and has since been updated.
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4 Pro Tips for Navigating the Job Hunt During COVID-19
How to level up during lockdown.
Photo: Vlada Karpovich for Pexels
With one-in-four young adults facing unemployment, there’s no better time to stay focused on your career goals. Though this might not be the easiest time to find a job, it doesn’t mean that opportunities aren’t out there—you just have to know how to find them and how to stand out in a sea of résumés. Here are a couple of ways to stay focused and remain successful in your job search during COVID-19.
Reach Out to Your Network
LinkedIn was made for times like these. Use it to your advantage and start networking! Take the time to reach out to friends past and present to see if they know of any job opportunities that might be of interest to you. Try to keep the conversation light and informative; explain what you’re looking for and how appreciative you are of their time and insights.
Are you a college graduate? Don’t forget to connect with previous professors, old classmates, and alumni who are in your field, they might know of a company or a person who you can connect with. Utilize LinkedIn messaging and InMail to reach out and start a conversation. Twitter is another great place to get ahold of people in a more direct/personal way.
Stay Active
It’s easy to let unemployment bring you down and break your spirit, but don’t forget your passion and future goals. Stay active in your job search and keep a daily schedule in order to stay fervent in your mission. Structure your days and block off time to job hunt. Not only will this keep you highly productive but will keep you from feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Here are a couple of ways to stay active during your job search:
Post a couple of times a week on LinkedIn related to your career path. This could be industry news, or even just motivational/inspirational content for others to see that you are active and using the platform for job purposes.
Build out your profile on other job sites so employers can easily find you.
Send follow-up emails for job applications and interviews and always keep checking your email for any updates.
Set Up Alerts
Job search sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed allow you to set up job alerts. These can be customized for whatever type of job you’re looking for, including distance, industry, type of company, salary, etc. You can also choose whether you want the alerts to arrive in your inbox weekly or daily. These reminders can be a quick way for you to stay on top of job openings and make it easier than ever to apply and get on with the rest of your day.
Update Your Résumé
There’s nothing more important than an updated résumé, cover letter, and portfolio. Your résumé should reflect your career, for example, if you’re a graphic designer, show off some of your skills with a colorful and stylish résumé. Make sure your job descriptions are detailed and concise for the average employer to read through and understand.
While applying for jobs, don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to the position you’re applying for, and be sure to include keywords that will grab the employer’s attention and prove you have all of the right experience.
Depending on your career and job history, a portfolio is another great asset to carry with you to job interviews. For writers and people in the creative field, it’s an easy way to show off your skills and clips in a more formal way than just an attached PDF.
Create the future you deserve by building your new job-hunt routine and staying on top of your goals and skills. Use these tips to your advantage and land that dream job!
About the Author: Abbey currently works at a full-service ad agency as a digital marketing coordinator. She also owns a music blog (blondieandthebeat.com) where she writes about music and artists she loves. Throughout her time as a writer and media maven, she’s remained passionate in her love of sharing stories, curating content, and inspiring women. You can usually find her cuddled up on the couch binging “Sex and the City” (for the 20th time) or caught up in a good book.
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How to Be a Boss on LinkedIn
Stand out from the other 500 million profiles.
Photo: Vlada Karpovich for Pexels
Whether you’re fresh out of college or between careers, chances are you’re going to turn to LinkedIn for that next dream job posting. Companies spend a lot of money to promote their open positions, so it's imperative they find the right candidate for the job.
But with about 500 million users on the site, it can be difficult to stand out and make sure you’re noticed. Here are six tips to make sure your LinkedIn profile is on-lock, cuts through the noise on the platform, and grabs the attention of that potential employer.
Choose a photo, and make it industry appropriate
This one’s a no-brainer. According to LinkedIn’s site, a profile photo can lead to nine times more connection requests. Don’t stress about scheduling a photographer or studio for that profile pic. These days, more users are replacing professional portraits with more natural-looking outdoor shots.
Not sure what to wear? Think of the industry you’re applying to and wear clothes that fit. If you’re in a creative field, wear something that shows off your personality (in an appropriate way, of course). In business or politics? Stick to a classic suit that shows how much of a boss you are. More than anything, look like yourself!
Location is key
Just as important to your photo is disclosing where you are. Your profile is 23 times more likely to be viewed when your location is listed. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, select the option to for “Greater [City] Area” to cast an even broader net. There’s also an option to let potential employers know that you’re willing to relocate if you’re worried your location will deter recruiters in other cities from viewing your application.
Skills, skills, and more skills
While listed at the bottom of your profile, the skills section is just as important as your experience and education. LinkedIn states that listing five or more skills tailored to your intended industry will get you “17x more profile views and up to 31x more messages from recruiters and others who can help you get ahead.”
Utilize your coworkers, friends, and colleagues to get the most out of those listed skills, too. Kindly ask someone to endorse a skill for you, and make sure to return the favor.
Highlight relevant experience, then craft the perfect headline
While it may be easy to get carried away and list every single job you’ve ever had, remember that less is oftentimes more. Don’t oversaturate your profile with too much experience. Instead, focus on highlighting the most relevant experience you have to the types of jobs you’re applying to. Keep descriptions short, sweet, and to the point. It’s a profile, not a novel.
Now it’s time to write that headline. If you’re working on a degree, this is the perfect place to let recruiters know when you’ll be graduating. If you’re out of school, put your current job title or simple list the industry you’re hoping to work in.
Let recruiters know you’re open, with a simple button
On your profile, there’s a button to let recruiters know you’re open to finding a new job. By utilizing this feature, you’re essentially turning on your profile so recruiters can see it.
If you haven’t told your current employer that you’re looking for a new job, have no fear. LinkedIn protects your privacy and won’t show that you’re currently looking for a job to your current company.
Share your profile (you worked hard on it)
Now that your profile is as perfect as can be, it’s time to promote yourself! Don’t be afraid to link it to other social media accounts or even in your email signature. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, but rather who you know. And with today’s digitally-focused society, you never know who’s looking at your social media accounts or where that next job offer could come from. Make it that much easier for that next job opportunity to find you.
About the Author: Aly Ferguson is a former editorial intern for Create & Cultivate and a graduate student at the University of Southern California studying Literary Editing and Publishing. When she’s not in the C&C office or at school, she can be found with a cup of coffee and a Stephen King novel.
This story was originally published on April 16, 2019, and has since been updated.
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C&C Classifieds Nº56: Microsoft, Krupa Consulting, Loeffler Randall & more
Where my career dogs at?
photo credit: Alyssa Dawson
Jobs! How many of us have them? How many of us need them? Jobs!
We've got them. On this week's Create & Cultivate Classifieds, we have options from fashion houses to tech powerhouses.
And whether you're looking for employment or the chance to relaunch your career, it might be time to dust off that resume!
Krupa Consulting - Los Angeles, CA
Loeffler Randall - New York, NY
Participant Media - Los Angeles, CA
Amazon - Santa Monica, CA
Microsoft - Seattle, WA
C&C Classifieds Nº45: The Infatuation, Chatbooks, Lovely Bride & More
Be kind to yourself. Apply today.
You want options? We've got options! On this week's listings we've got lucky number 45! If you're looking for a job or maybe you're in the mood for a fall move... check out the below. And if your job plans do involve a move, check out these tips on how to apply for out-of-state jobs in 2017.
THE INFATUATION, NEW YORK, NY
CHATBOOKS, PROVO, UT
LOVELY BRIDE, SEATTLE, WA
LA CROIX, MIAMI, FL
PRESSED JUICERY, LOS ANGELES, CA
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This One Job Hunt Tactic Is No Longer Working
So why is everyone still doing it?
According to a 2015 study done by the National Federation of Independent Business, 48% of small businesses report there are few or no qualified applicants for the positions they are trying to fill. This suggests that many people apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for, which gives hiring managers the idea that qualified candidates aren’t out there.
Studies show that global IQ scores have risen by an average of 20 points since 1950, implying that there should be qualified candidates out there, so why are so many people still struggling to land a job? The answer lies within the job application tactics being used.
The incorrect job hunting tactic that candidates often use
Often people employ the “spray and pray” tactic when applying for a job. This term has become common among recruiters when describing a candidate that applies to tens or hundreds of positions in the hopes that someone will bite. On average, each corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. This means that your resume has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd. When using the spray and pray tactic, resumes usually don’t hold the specified requirements or keywords, causing them to get turned down immediately. When you don’t customize your resume to each job, it’s clear that you’re using the spray and pray tactic, and this doesn’t bode well for your reputation.
"Your resume has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd."
Tweet this.
Why this tactic doesn’t work well
On top of the fact that your resume is among hundreds of others in the application pool when you apply online, there’s another internal issue which makes it hard to secure a job. Scott Uhrig at Agile.Careers explained that, “Roughly 80% of jobs are never posted–probably closer to 90% for more senior jobs. The competition for posted jobs is insane…the best jobs are almost never posted.” If a job isn’t posted, you’re going to have a pretty hard time applying for it online.
What job tactics you should be using instead
The Beatles had it right when they sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” GlassDoor estimates that being referred by someone at the company boosts your chance of successfully landing a job as high as nearly 7%.
Don’t have any direct contacts in your industry? Use your LinkedIn profile to leverage who you know and increase your professional network. You never know who will be able to connect you with someone who can help you develop your career. At the very least, use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. Research also finds that staffing agency referrals increase your chance of a successful job placement by more than 5%, and in-person referrals — such as meeting a company representative at a job fair and giving them a resume — increase it by about 4%.
Why these tactics work
Referrals generally produce a better hire, and statistics suggest that referrals lower the company turnover rate. 46% of referral hires stay over 1 year, 45% over 2 years and 47% over 3 years. Amy Segelin, president of the executive communications recruiting firm Chaloner, explains how the best (and most unexpected) hires happen: “Out-of-the-box hires rarely happen through LinkedIn applications. They happen when someone influential meets a really interesting person and says, ‘Let’s create a position for you.’” Why? Because it’s much easier to establish a connection and show your personality in person. While you can highlight what you’ll bring to the table and the skills you have, it’s almost impossible to show how well you’ll fit in with the company culture or how well you’ll get along with other employees on your resume alone.
______________
We live in an age where you can apply to hundreds of jobs with the click of a button, but just because it’s possible, (and easy) it doesn’t make it the best tactic to use when job hunting. Why this job tactic isn’t working is because when you apply via online application, you’re one of hundreds of applicants, which makes it hard to give off a lasting impression. Instead, focus on leveraging your network, asking for internal referrals, and using your contacts to get your resume in front of the right person. And when in doubt, remember that quality of your application will always serve you better than the quantity of applications you’re submitting.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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C&C Classifieds Nº28: The Infatuation, The Spare Room, Amazon & MORE
Happy #InternationalWomensDay!
photo from White & Wander
Happy Humpy Day everyone! To get you through the rest of the week, we've assembled some BOMB-DOT-COM opportunities just waiting for you to check out. You have two more days until the weekend (ouch!) so you might as well make them count.
And since today is a very special Wednesday (aka #InternationalWomensDay), we thought it appropriate to share with you some badass quotes from some of our favorite women. Seriously, you will not be disappointed with your decision to read this!
Happy #InternationalWomensDay!
THE INFATUATION (LOS ANGELES, CA)
THE SPARE ROOM ( LOS ANGELES, CA)
SWARM AGENCY (ATLANTA, GA)
BH COSMETICS (LOS ANGELES, CA)
AMAZON (SANTA MONICA, CA)
VSCO (OAKLAND, CA)
Want more?
FULL ACCESS TO CLASSIFIEDS HERE
If you have signed up for access to the C&C Classifieds before, click here.
C&C Classifieds Nº27: Cult Gaia, Eloquence, GirlGaze & MORE
Check it off the to-do list.
photo credit: Jessica Bordner Photography
The week is half over, what have you crossed off your to-do list? If looking for a new job is still lingering at the bottom of your list, this could be the day you cross it off for good. We've got an amazing group of companies, all looking for qualified, responsible candidates just like you. All you have to do is fine-tune that resume, hit send, and you are well on your way to landing the job you've been daydreaming about for weeks. Oh, and since we have your attention: here are 6 tough interview questions you might face during your job search.
You've got this.
J PUBLIC RELATIONS (SAN DIEGO, CA)
GIRLGAZE (LOS ANGELES, CA)
ELOQUENCE (LOS ANGELES, CA)
C. BLACK CONTENT (LOS ANGELES, CA)
Want more?
FULL ACCESS TO CLASSIFIEDS HERE
If you have signed up for access to the C&C Classifieds before, click here.
How to Rejoin the Workforce After Extended Time Off
What if you don't have recent work experience?
Figuring out how to get back into the workforce after extended time off can be frustrating. Many jobs want to hire candidates with recent work experience, and if you don’t have that, the job application process can be extremely daunting.
While it may appear as if you’re stuck in a perpetual state of unemployment, there are many ways to get back into the workforce after extended time off.
STAY ACTIVE
Even if you’re not working for profit, one of the most important things to do when you’re trying to get back into the workforce after extended time off is to stay active. Start volunteering at a local charity or at local businesses/community centers.
When you have a large employment gap and you’re looking for a job, the worst thing you could do is sit around. Staying active in your community will give you something to put on your resume and it will help you network. You never know who you’ll meet and who will notice your work ethic. A recent government study found that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment.
Volunteering isn’t only about networking, but it gives you something current to put on your resume. If your last position ended years ago, your resume may often get overlooked simply because of the fact that there is nothing current on it. However, if you start volunteering, you can use that to fill in the time where you weren’t working. Even if you volunteer once a week or once a month for a span of time, you can use that to fill in employment gaps.
NETWORK
According to studies done by Glass Door, referrals are associated with a 2.6 to 6.6 percent higher chance of an accepted job offer. Reach out to recruiters, friends, and industry professionals to put the word out there that you’re looking for a position. Often people won't know that you’re in the market for a new role, and if they don’t know, they can’t help you. It’s a very small world, and you never know who might have an industry connection or information on an upcoming availability.
Go out and get coffee with friends or family in your industry. Pick their brain and ask if they have any suggestions for how to brush up on your skills and get back into the workforce after extended time off. They may know of an opportunity which you can use to boost your resume or skill set.
Similarly, reach out to recruiters. People seem to have this notion that it’s better to get a job on your own instead of working with a recruiter, however, it is the complete opposite. Recruiters often have inside knowledge on positions that haven’t been posted to the public. They also have direct interaction with hiring managers and will be able to get your resume in front of someone immediately. How do you get in touch with a recruiter? Do a simple google search or look for recruiters on LinkedIn. Recruiters are always looking for strong candidates, so if you can reach out and highlight your motivation or skills, they will almost always be willing to help with your job search.
TAKE A CLASS
Are you volunteering and networking but still find yourself with extra time on your hands? Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or brush up on old skills by taking a course. If you want to get out of the house and have somewhere to go, look into community college courses. Don’t want to make that sort of commitment? Go for online courses which you can do at your own pace.
Platforms such as Lynda.com charge a small monthly fee and offer courses in many different areas. They’re all video based and let you take your time to finish them at your convenience. Aside from giving you something to do, this gives you the opportunity to add more to your resume. Have you noticed that a lot of the positions you want to apply for require knowledge of a specific software? Look it up and watch a tutorial video so you can put that you’re familiar with the software on your resume!
EXPLORE CONTRACT OR TEMP POSITIONS:
While there seems to be a negative connotation with the words “temporary” and “contract,” these positions can open many doors for you. Contract and/or temporary work can help you in 4 main ways:
- It will give you current work to put on your resume
- It gives you immediate income while you’re searching for a long term position
- It lets you network with industry professionals
- It gives you the opportunity to show off your capabilities
There is truly no downside to temporary work. While it’s not always smart to take a position in an industry or path you’re not interested in, temporary work gives you the opportunity to explore your options and networking opportunities.
__________
While it may be intimidating and daunting, there are many ways to get back into the workforce after extended time off. The most important things are to stay active and highlight your skills and abilities. Don’t be stagnant and wallow in your sorrows. Take charge of your life, get out there, and make something happen!
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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How to Apply for Out of State Jobs in 2017
New year, new state-of-mind.
photo credit: Lovely Indeed
If your plans for 2017 include a move, here’s how to apply for out of state jobs. There seems to be a common fear of applying to out of state jobs, but it’s actually fairly simple. The best way to apply for out of state jobs is to apply as if you were in state. What does this mean? Keep reading to find out!
FIX THE HEADER ON YOUR RESUME
The first mistake many people make is that they don’t change the header of their resume. The first step to applying for out of state jobs is to change up your header so it reflects the location where you’re applying to. No need to include an address, but if you’re applying for jobs in Boulder, Colorado, include “Boulder, CO” in place of your current address.
Employers often shy away from out of state or long distance candidates because they simply don’t want to deal with travel/ or potential relocation costs, and want to start scheduling interviews quickly. Eliminate the opportunity for employers to write you off because of your location when initially reading your resume by applying as if you were in-state.
The way I always explain it to clients is this: If it comes up, be transparent and explain that you’re going to relocate, however there’s no need to give people the opportunity to pass you up because of your location.
"There’s no need to give people the opportunity to pass you up because of your location."
Tweet this.
If a company feels that you’re the right candidate for the job, location won’t matter.
DO THE RESEARCH
This territory comes with applying for any job, but it’s especially important when you’re applying out of state. Because you’re going to have to relocate for the position, you need to show recruiters and/or hiring managers why you’re worth the hassle, and why you really want the position.
Do your research on the company and job so you can include company specific information in both your resume and cover letter. A great way to do this is to find an area which you believe the company can improve and discuss how you feel you can improve it for them.
BUDGET WISELY
If you’re applying for out of state positions, you need to be ready to hop on a plane (or jump in the car) and get there for an interview. If you reached out and applied for an out of state job, it’s your responsibility to pay the cost of travel and relocation.
If a company is pursuing you, meaning they reached out first, you can expect cost of travel and relocation to be covered, however if it’s the other way around, it’s all on you. The easiest way to ruin your chances of landing an out of state job is to be fussy and unaccommodating. If you want to land a job (and move) out of state, you need to be ready to jump at the opportunity. If a company feels like you’re too much of a hassle or that you’re not willing to make the necessary arrangements, they will likely go with another candidate (probably a local choice).
________
2017 is a new year and holds new opportunities. If those opportunities include a big move, learn how to apply for out of state jobs the right way. The best way to apply for out of state jobs is to act as if you’re a local candidate, show potential employers why you’re the solution to their problem(s), and be ready to jump at any opportunity.
When applying for any job, it’s important to show employers why you want the position and why you’ll be the best fit, however when you’re applying to out of state jobs, it’s even more crucial. If you can’t show employers that you’re worth the risk of hiring someone in another state, you won’t be able to land the job. The bottom line is that you need to show employers that you’re willing to do anything to get the position. Show them this and you’ll be good to go!
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.