It’s that time of life — you’re in the job hunt and you need a resume.
If it’s been a few years since you last wrote one, you will most likely seek resume advice from the “experts.”
If so, watch out.
There is a LOT of misinformation out there. And after writing and editing nearly 5,000 resumes, I’ve seen the same myths trip up job seekers time after time.
It’s time to debunk one of those dangerous misconceptions. So here, “from the trenches,” is my best advice to help you navigate through one of the most common myths about resumes.
Myth: Always put your education/degree first in your resume, followed by your experience. Because that’s the order in which they occurred.
Fact: Relevance determines what goes where in your resume. Because you can’t risk losing a reader’s attention with stray information.
Know this — the purpose of the first line in your resume is to get the second line read. The purpose of the second line is to lead readers to the third line, etc.
So, if you’re applying for a sales job and your experience is in sales, but your degree is in Art History, experience must come ahead of education in your resume. It’s all about relevance.
As a rule, the more relevant and valuable the information, the higher up in your resume it should appear. Never assume employers will pore over every word with a fine-tooth comb and find the gems you’ve buried on page two. Because there are only two people in the world who will read every word of your resume: you and your mother. Everyone else is skimming quickly, so you have to lead with your best points.
Kevin Donlin is Creator of GetHiredNow.TV and The Instant Job Search System

Last week I surveyed 159 job seekers by email and asked them this question:
“What one thing could I do to make your job search easier?”
The responses were intriguing and I will share with you my answers to the most relevant ones in this and future columns.

(more…)

Think you’re qualified for that job you want?
Prove it!
If you do, it’s a sure bet that you’ll get hired faster.
Here’s how to do it by improving your resume and job interview skills in just one afternoon …

(more…)

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and International Relations
Awarded May, 1994 Emphasis: Public Relations and French
Master of Arts Degree – currently enrolled in the Human Development program Expected completion Date June 2001

(more…)

I am applying for a position where my comprehensive experience in administrative support and office management will add significant value to your organization.

(more…)

OVERVIEW
Fifteen years of achievement in purchasing, management and supplier
relations. Thorough understanding of the metals industry. Three decades
of manufacturing, production/inventory control and shipping experience.
Well-known and respected among industry suppliers, with extensive contacts.

(more…)

OVERVIEW
Successful record in management, financial services, customer service and
sales. Superior oral- and written-communications skills. A team player,
committed to solving problems for clients and employers.

(more…)

SUMMARY
Seeking management position where 17 years of award-winning experience, as manager and owner/manager, will add value.

(more…)

OBJECTIVE
Event planning position where organizational and
communications expertise will add value.

(more…)

OBJECTIVE
Management position where 10 years of
business/product management experience will add
value.

(more…)