There is likely a time in your career when you took a break to either raise a family, take care of an elderly or sick family member, go to school, travel the world or whatever the reason may be, this will show an employment gap on your resume. These gaps are noticed. How do you explain it to a potential employer?
Be Honest
I have found that honesty is the best policy, but you do not need to go into detail unless you are asked for further information. We all have lives outside of work and sometimes we need to take some extended time off for a number of reasons. Be prepared to give a brief reason for your absence. Your reason can give the potential employer a glimpse into what type of person you are.
As a single mom I took time off to raise my daughter, which was difficult financially, but I felt necessary. The person who interviewed me thought that what I had done was honourable and I ended up getting the job. I had the necessary skills for the job, but by being honest he was able to see that I was not only qualified, but was a responsible and honest person, which are good qualities to have in an employee.
Showing posts with label resume. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resume. Show all posts
25 February 2008
3 August 2007
Successful Resumés
Updated this article February 13, 2008
http://secretaryhelpline.blogspot.com/2008/02/preparing-your-resume.html
Unfortunately, in one job I had I was involved on the downside of government downsizing, but I feel that even during a seemingly bad experience, you can always learn something positive. The employer I was working for sent me on career counselling as part of the "downsizing package". One of the many things I remember, and have put to good use, was a workshop on resume writing. I will share some of what I recall from this workshop.
In resume writing they suggested that any experience over 10 years was too old to put on your resume. They discouraged listing duties, but rather suggested setting out your skills and strengths in point form right up front so the potential employer can see if you have the skills for the job. They also suggested using action words when describing what you do, for example utilizing, preparing and maintaining. And rather than putting 14 years experience or 22 years experience, they suggested you use "Almost 15 years of progressive achievement" or "Over 20 years of progressive achievement".
I have used this format for writing my own and many other resumes and have always had comments from potential employers on how impressive it was and how easy to read. Here is an example, but please remember these are only suggestions:
R E S U M E
[Your Co-ordinates (Name, Address etc.)]
OBJECTIVE:
[What is your objective? What kind of position are you looking for and what do you have to offer? Customize this paragraph to the job you are applying for. For example I was applying for a job in the legal environment so wanted to highlight that].
Administrative support utilizing strengths in typing, speed, accuracy, software programs and organization to provide high quality services to professional staff in a legal environment.
SUMMARY:
[Summarize your work experience]
Over twenty years of progressive achievement as a secretary in the legal, medical and high-tech fields. Recent experience as a legal assistant in a major law firm. Previous experience as a legal assistant to a Corporate lawyer. Highly skilled typist with excellent knowledge of various computer software programs.
SKILLS AND STRENGTHS:
[Set out your computer skills, but also your strengths such as:]
· Fast, accurate typist · Ability to work with minimal supervision
· Interpersonal skills and a team worker · Organization skills
· Hard worker · Reliable
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
[Highlight some of your accomplishments]
· Maintained excellent attendance record
· [Any courses you have been on]
EDUCATION:
RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Name of Employer and Job Title September 2004 - Present
Name of Employer and Job Title November, 1996 – September 2004
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE:
[If you feel you need to put some of your older experience (anything over 10 years), they suggested you write a paragraph summarizing what you have done. If they want to know more, they can ask you at the interview.]
For example: Secretarial experience in offices including [names of different companies you worked for].
LANGUAGE: [Languages spoken]
REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
For more information on resumes please click here. (accessed August 3, 2007)
http://secretaryhelpline.blogspot.com/2008/02/preparing-your-resume.html
Unfortunately, in one job I had I was involved on the downside of government downsizing, but I feel that even during a seemingly bad experience, you can always learn something positive. The employer I was working for sent me on career counselling as part of the "downsizing package". One of the many things I remember, and have put to good use, was a workshop on resume writing. I will share some of what I recall from this workshop.
In resume writing they suggested that any experience over 10 years was too old to put on your resume. They discouraged listing duties, but rather suggested setting out your skills and strengths in point form right up front so the potential employer can see if you have the skills for the job. They also suggested using action words when describing what you do, for example utilizing, preparing and maintaining. And rather than putting 14 years experience or 22 years experience, they suggested you use "Almost 15 years of progressive achievement" or "Over 20 years of progressive achievement".
I have used this format for writing my own and many other resumes and have always had comments from potential employers on how impressive it was and how easy to read. Here is an example, but please remember these are only suggestions:
R E S U M E
[Your Co-ordinates (Name, Address etc.)]
OBJECTIVE:
[What is your objective? What kind of position are you looking for and what do you have to offer? Customize this paragraph to the job you are applying for. For example I was applying for a job in the legal environment so wanted to highlight that].
Administrative support utilizing strengths in typing, speed, accuracy, software programs and organization to provide high quality services to professional staff in a legal environment.
SUMMARY:
[Summarize your work experience]
Over twenty years of progressive achievement as a secretary in the legal, medical and high-tech fields. Recent experience as a legal assistant in a major law firm. Previous experience as a legal assistant to a Corporate lawyer. Highly skilled typist with excellent knowledge of various computer software programs.
SKILLS AND STRENGTHS:
[Set out your computer skills, but also your strengths such as:]
· Fast, accurate typist · Ability to work with minimal supervision
· Interpersonal skills and a team worker · Organization skills
· Hard worker · Reliable
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
[Highlight some of your accomplishments]
· Maintained excellent attendance record
· [Any courses you have been on]
EDUCATION:
RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Name of Employer and Job Title September 2004 - Present
Name of Employer and Job Title November, 1996 – September 2004
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE:
[If you feel you need to put some of your older experience (anything over 10 years), they suggested you write a paragraph summarizing what you have done. If they want to know more, they can ask you at the interview.]
For example: Secretarial experience in offices including [names of different companies you worked for].
LANGUAGE: [Languages spoken]
REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
For more information on resumes please click here. (accessed August 3, 2007)
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