Resume tips?

monaxlisa

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Hi everyone

I just opened up a resume program on my comptuer and realized I have no idea what to put in it. I quit my last job in January because I moved and have never needed a resume for a previous job. I just found a new one that I might be interested in, it doesnt require a degree (receptionist at a kennel) and from the description I would be perfect for the job. I can fill out the previous work info no problem, but does anyone have any suggestions for what I should write about under the Objective heading? Also, for education, I dont have anything after high school, and I was home schooled for that. I dont suppose it sounds good if I delete that section, should I just put home schooled? And one more, under skills, well I just described what I did at my previous jobs, which are skills, do I list the same things over again? Should I add a hobbies section to pad it a little? (where I can mention my animal related interests?) Thanks a million for any help/suggestions!
 

marie-p

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In the objectives you could write something about your interest in working with animals, using the skills you developed through previous jobs and develop new skills.

Under education, I would write high school, the years and then write home schooled. If you obtained a high school degree, mention that. (or write something like "Graduated 2001")
If you had any special accomplishments during school, particular interests, research projects, etc. you can include that too.

For previous jobs, always describe what you did, especially if you went beyond the minimum required of you. For example, "improved the company's filing system" will look better than "filing" (of course, don't put anything that's untrue, but phrase things so they make you look good)
 

natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by MonaxLisa

does anyone have any suggestions for what I should write about under the Objective heading?
The objective part is the purpose of your job search. For an example, I'm a nurse. A new graduate nurse who wants to eventually get their PhD, may want to put on their resume something like "To work as a general duty nurse while continuing my education part time to obtain my PhD."

For a receptionist at a kennel you could maybe say something like "To work in a setting around animals."


Also, for education, I dont have anything after high school, and I was home schooled for that. I dont suppose it sounds good if I delete that section, should I just put home schooled?
You have to put something there. Indicate the highest level of education that you have IE: Grade 12 graduate. If they ask where you graduated from, indicate "Home Schooled."

And one more, under skills, well I just described what I did at my previous jobs, which are skills, do I list the same things over again?
This is just a list of any skills that you have that would help you in the job / career that you are applying for. For example:

- Typing
- Switchboard
- Answering Telephones
- Windows
- Excel
- Word Perfect
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable

Also here list any animal related skills that you may have IE: fostering kittens.

You should add a catagory listing your former employers. Here you only need to list:

Company Name
Address
Telephone Number
Job description
Dates worked IE: January 2005 to May 2007


Should I add a hobbies section to pad it a little? (where I can mention my animal related interests?)
You can list your hobbies if you want to.

At the bottom you should also put something like "References available upon request." I personally like to have written references from my past employers so that I know what they are saying about me. I always ask for a written reference when leaving a job. That way I can just give the potential employer a copy of the letter should they request references. All references do not have to be from former employers either. References could come from teachers, volunteer co-ordinators, clergy, unbiased friends, and of course your former employers.

Keep the resume short and sweet. Try to fit it onto 1 page even if you have to adjust the margins and font size just a bit. No need to put your jobs that you had as a kid delivering flyers or news papers, unless of course that is the only job experience that you have.

Also make sure you attach a hand written cover letter with your resume.

Once you deliver the resume you are not done!

I offered some great tips on how to job hunt here:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...59&postcount=5


Good luck with your job search
 

sweets

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Resumes need to have quatifiable information. Marie-P suggested:
For example, "improved the company's filing system" will look better than "filing" (of course, don't put anything that's untrue, but phrase things so they make you look good.
If you can prove improving the file made finding files quicker and easier, give numbers. "Improved the company's filing system , decreasing time spent looking for customer files by 65%, increasing efficiency by 35%"

Resumes can be longer than 1 page providing the information is important. My resume covers a lot of pertinent information so it is 2 pages.
 
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