10 Questions About Resumes

If you have never written a resume before, you may have a few questions regarding how a successful resume is built. To help you get started, the following are the 10 most common questions about resumes, followed by the answers:

1. Is there more than one resume style?
   Yes. There are many resume styles, but the three most common types are:
   
   
   • Chronological – Focus is primarily on work history and provides inclusive information on employment history. Most beneficial to those who are not interested in changing careers and have a solid work history.
   • Functional – Focus is primarily on skills, and is usually used by someone who frequently changes jobs, has extensive employment gaps, or wishes to change their career.
   • Combination – Focus is on both skill and work history. However, skills (those relevant to the job being applied for) are mentioned before employment history in order to intrigue the prospective employer. This is a beneficial format for most job seekers.
     
     
2. Can my resume be longer than one page?
   Yes. However, a resume should be kept as short as possible and should not extend beyond two pages. Nevertheless, if your resume is longer than one page, make sure your strongest and most notable qualifications are on the first page. Keep in mind, a one page resume is still the more suitable choice, especially if you have recently graduated and your experience is limited.
   
   
3. Is there a specific font I should use?
   No. That being said, you will want to use a font that is professional in appearance and easy to read. Ideal fonts to use for both printed and electronic resumes are those considered standard for most computer systems. These include: Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, Book Anitqua, Garamond, Tahoma, and Century Schoolbook. A resume should be typed in 12 pt. font.
   
   
4. Does the verb tense of my resume matter?
   Yes. Virtually everything you write should be written in the past tense with the exception of anything that currently applies to you. In other words, if you have a job at present, while any accomplishments you have made should be explained in the past tense, your current responsibilities should be in the present tense. Other parts of a resume that feature present tense include the objective and cover letter.
   
   
5. Should my resume include salary information?
   No. By including salary history information, or voluntarily adding a salary requirement, you increase your chances of being eliminated from the competition. The only time indicating a salary history is necessary is if you are writing a federal resume. Should the employer request you add salary requirements, simply explain in your cover letter that you will be happy to discuss your salary requirements after the establishment of mutual interests.
   
   
6. Do I need a cover letter?
   Yes. A strong cover letter, one that is concise and well written, provides you with the opportunity to advertise your qualifications and professionalism.
   
   
7. What should I do if I don’t have any accomplishments?
   You have accomplishments, but are simply not aware of them. An accomplishment is anything that makes you a valuable employee, or is an achievement that reflects the type of worker you are. Review your work evaluations, and don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor(s) or co-workers what they think of your work performance. Anything you have done to positively impact your workplace is a personal accomplishment you can make note of.
   
   
8. Do I need to provide an objective on my resume?
   Mostly yes. It is not mandatory for you to include a formal objective, but an objective allows a potential employer immediate insight to your reasons for wanting the job, making your career goal very clear.
   
   
9. If I have gaps in my work history, how can I hide them?
   If you have work history gaps, your goal is to focus your resume on the skills you have to offer. For instance, if you have done volunteer work, or have engaged in formal training or self-study, these are the elements you should be giving precedence to in your resume. Moreover, if you have substantial gaps in your work history, instead of using a combination style resume, use a functional type that emphasizes skill and understates employment history.
   
   
10. If I want to change my career, how would I go about creating a resume to suit my needs?
    If you are interested in pursuing a career change, you need to create a resume that is dedicated to showcasing the credentials most relevant to your new career objective. You will want to include hobbies, skills, training, or any other important qualifications that match the job position you are applying for, and would interest a potential employer.