Posts Tagged ‘Volunteer Work’

PostHeaderIcon Professionally Written Resume: Your Future Depends on It

The only information a potention employer usually has about you as a job candidate is the information presented on a resume and in the cover letter. It is also the only information that a hiring manager may have about the other five hundred candidates. Given that there are often large numbers of candidates applying for one position, you need a resume that will stand out.

<b>Using a Professional Resume Writer</b>

A professional resume writer is familiar with the job application process, and knows how to present your information in the best possible way. A professionally written resume can definitely help your resume stand apart from the crowd.

Writing a resume is a difficult and daunting task for many people, including those who have been in the workforce a number of years. For a college student with little or no work experience, the idea of writing a resume may seem like trying to do the impossible.

A professional resume writer knows the types of questions to ask to learn more about your background, education, skills, and experience, and then put this information into a cohesive marketing document called a resume. Additionally, a professional resume writer has typically written hundreds or even thousands of resumes, including many for new graduates and college students. Whereas you may be unsure which information to include, a professional can determine the most appropriate information to include and how to best present it. The result? A resume that stands out!

<b>How Does it Work? </b>

Depending on the service you choose, your writer will obtain as much information as possible from you regarding your background. You will need to provide information for your college resume including work history, education, volunteer work, professional memberships, skills, abilities, and anything else that may help your resume rise to the top. Most professionals will provide you with a questionnaire to fill out, will ask you a variety of questions, or both. Some resume writers work through the Internet, some by phone, some in person, and some using a combination of these communication methods.

<b>Choosing a Professional Resume Writer</b>

When choosing a resume writer or service, look for one that uses resume writers certified in the industry or who have degrees or other, legitimate credentials in the careers field. A number of organizations certify resume writers. Some of the more respected certifications include Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Master Resume Writer (MRW), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW).  

Many career counselors and career coaches provide resume writing and additional services, such as assessments, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. Which service you choose will depend on your needs, budget, and comfort level with the organization, and method of communication. Some people enjoy the convenience of working online and through email, while others prefer the immediacy of face-to-face contact.

If you want your resume to rise to the top and obtain those coveted interviews, consider using a resume writing professional. Your future is at stake!

PostHeaderIcon Do I Need a Resume or Curriculum Vita?

If you’re confused about the difference between a resume and a curriculum vita (CV), you’re not alone! Both are job-seeking documents used to help you obtain a job interview with a prospective employer. Both a resume and CV list relevant information about your background and your qualifications. To add to the confusion about these job-seeking tools, many people use these terms interchangeably. What are the differences?

<b>The Resume</b>

A resume is an overview of your relevant work experience, skills, education, and any other information related to the targeted job, such as volunteer work or professional memberships. There are three primary types of resumes: functional, chronological, and combination. A functional resume highlights skills, abilities, and education rather than work history. A true functional-style resume does not list employment dates. A chronological resume highlights employment (or volunteer work) shown in reverse-chronological format; that is, the most recent employment is listed first. A combination-style resume combines elements of the functional and chronological styles. Most resumes are one or two pages long.

For most job applications, a combination style resume is the best choice many applicants, including college students and new graduates. Even though work history on a graduate resume may not be as extensive as for that of a seasoned employee, a chronological work history can demonstrate transferable skills and dependability. A purely functional style resume would not provide this advantage, and yet a purely chronological style would not allow for additional information highlighting relevant skills or other information.

<b>The Curriculum Vita</b>

A CV is a more detailed listing of information used by applicants in select fields, such as the medical and education industries. The format of a CV is sometimes similar to that of a resume, but it is typically a straightforward listing of information. A CV includes information such as employment, education, and publications in a reverse-chronological order. It is often used by those seeking advanced positions in the medical and teaching professions. For example, someone applying for a university teaching position would list his or her education, classes taught, and any relevant publications. CVs can be much longer than a traditional resume.

A CV may also be required for those applying to graduate school, although again, a CV is typically used for specific fields, such as research or teaching. However, if you are applying for a position in a foreign country, you may need a CV. A professional resume writer can help you determine whether you should use a resume or a CV for these types of positions.

<b>Which Do I Need? </b>

For most new graduates and college students, a resume is the best option to use for job application purposes. There is a bit more room for creativity (in styling, not false information!) with a resume. Additionally, resumes are traditionally what hiring managers expect to see unless specifically noted otherwise.