Employment Spot

As most job seekers know, there are two basic types of resumes: chronological and functional. Students, with few exceptions, should always use functional resume. It is much easier to highlight one’s skills and related experience on a functional résumé. Chronological résumés are better for older workers who can list their employment histories and experiences in order, starting with the most recent.

Students, who usually do not have lots of work experience, do not have long employment histories to list. Even if students do have work experience and a long employment history, a chronological resume filled with odd jobs like babysitting and lifeguarding will not be as impressive to potential employers. Students should focus on using what experience they do have from all areas of their lives to create focused and tailored functional resume.

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By Peter Newfield

Did you try your hand at consulting after a layoff? Take time off after the birth of a child? Have a disability that lasted several months?

Life would certainly be easier if your employment history could be perfectly presented on a resume. But for many job seekers, a few missing years can haunt you when sending these critical documents to recruiters and prospective employers. How do you tactfully and accurately address the missing years in your resume and cover letters?

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Whether you are looking for your first summer job in high school or the entry-level job you will begin after graduating from college, there are many different ways to say “I need a job” to potential employers.

As with so many things in life, it is often not what you say but how you say it. To say “I need a job” and achieve the best results, there are several different things to consider. First, when conducting a job search you should always be professional. Second, when asked why you applied for a certain position by a potential employer or why you want to work for a particular company, the answer should never be “I need a job.” Potential employers think this reason, though honest, does not demonstrate any foresight or dedication to the unique position and company.

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How your resume looks is just as important as what it says.

Most job seekers know that there are two basic types of resume – functional and chronological. After you have selected which type of resume will work best for your unique employment history and skill set, you should write out what you want the resume to say. Proofread your resume data carefully and have a friend or colleague look it over as well.

Finally, when putting your resume together, make it aesthetically pleasing. Many people focus exclusively on the content of their resumes, which is a mistake. The resume design will be the first thing a potential employer sees. For example, if a hiring manager is quickly searching through a pile of resumes and applicants, he or she is going to pick out a few that stand out. If your resume design is unappealing, it is less likely to be chosen, no matter what it says.

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Recent business services research from Baird Human Capital Services indicates that the United States is currently supporting a “very healthy labor market.” The report also stated that there are “generally positive implications” for employment opportunities. The positive report was consistent with past reports and indicates that growth has generally continued in the job market. According to the report, “key areas of strength were education and health services” which is wonderful news for people who are currently seeking employment in those industries. Employment opportunities also increased in government and leisure and hospitality. There was an “unexpected increase” in construction employment, with a gain of 13,000 jobs. The future looks bright for people seeking employment in one of the aforementioned industries.

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