Employment Spot

Many people pass by help wanted advertisements on their daily commutes or web browsing without taking notice. Not everyone who has access to posted job openings pays attention to them, which may be to that person’s detriment. Though you can keep your attention on your overall career objectives, some of these reasons may persuade you to also take note of unexpected opportunities:

1. Reentering the Work Force

For people who have taken time off, for example, to raise children, reentering the work force can be an intimidating task. Before diving into the job postings in the help wanted section, consider your boundaries and desired career objectives. Determine how you feel about a range of possible positions within your chosen field, from “ideal” to “acceptable.” Being realistic can aid you in reestablishing the career you put on hold.

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First of all, never lie when giving your employment history to a potential employer. Employers ask about employment history specifically because it provides very important information about a potential employee. There are many accurate ways to verify someone’s employment history. It is therefore unwise to lie about your employment history.

There are many common reasons for gaps in someone’s employment history. For example, some parents take time off to raise their children. Many employers expect some gaps in employment history and will accept most reasonable explanations. Read the rest of this entry �

Though technology now permits resumes to be submitted quickly and easily online, the need for high quality resume paper is hardly lessened. People today need resume paper more than ever as they compete for jobs both online and via traditional sources. When you go to an office supplies store you may be surprised to find a wide variety of resume papers to choose from.

Many job seekers have a variety of questions regarding which resume paper to choose. More traditional job seekers continue to prefer the classic white resume paper with the watermark of the resume paper maker. Another classic option is a cream or ivory resume paper, which can help to distinguish your resume when it is in a pile with others.

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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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