If my current job lacks what an employer is looking for, should I leave it off the resume completely?
Posted by
brian in
Resume Writing HELP on
May 6th, 2010 |
5 responses
I’m painting, applying to a library, I have a full page resume with really good points and believe it sells me and my skills pretty well. I’ve worked at this library before which ended in May because it was a temporary position. They’ve had this resume in their system for a while and I feel if I don’t add working at this painting company to my resume, they’ll think that I haven’t been doing anything. Should my resume be over a page? Also if I want to use this resume to apply to more than 1 job opening at a time, at the same place, that are similar openings, should I just add a note when I hand in my resume stating which jobs I am applying for? Thank you!!
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A resume should be only one page, and as neat as possible. If you leave anything out they will wonder where that time was spent.
Definitely put any jobs on there. Talk of the soft skills you learned/practiced while painting(ie. Networking, multitasking, etc..)
I’m sure you weren’t just painting all the time and had to make some decisions, be creative.
your resume should only be two pages if you have lots of experience in the field to which you’re in. But if your job lacks the what the company is looking for, it’s never a bad thing to list the pro’s of your experience or skills.
Specifically-targeted resumes are nice, yes, but you should start with one general-purpose resume with everything listed. When modifying your resume to specific job positions, assuming job tasks from merely reading job post/descriptions is not wise, in my opinion. You just never know what kind of quality and skills they may appreciate.
The first page of your resume should list your strong points so that the recruiter will want to read on to the second page. Don’t go on and on about your irrelevant past (e.g., if you are in or went to college, mentioning high schoool name is not necessary), or something that you did long time ago. What they care is what you have done recently, in my opinion.
To answer the last question, yes, you should send a cover letter with your resume about your applying for multiple positions.
Just a few thoughts. Good luck.
Your resume should demonstrate you have the skills for the position being applied for. On the first page you could list all the jobs you have had together with your education and other personal details. Then on the second page list all the skills that are required in the position you are applying for – then under each heading give examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in either your different jobs/education or social life.
Note that you can have more than one resume! I have three – each targeting different Jobs.
You can use a covering letter to focus your resume further.
Good luck.