Career Corner: Employers share resume advice
Job seekers need every advantage to compete in today's employment market. Often critical to a candidate's success is their resume and cover letter. To determine if the advice given to students and graduates is as current as possible a resume and cover letter questionnaire was sent in June 2005 to 200 employers. They were asked to respond to a variety of questions geared specifically to content and presentation. Over 80 employer responses were received and they represent a broad range of business and industry.
Here is what we found out:
How long should my resume be?
90 per cent of employers prefer a two-page resume. Only six per cent prefer one page.
What is the preferred method to receive resumes?
83 per cent responded that resumes are accepted by fax. 96 per cent of employers currently accept resumes by email or online through their website.
Should the information be chronological?
92 per cent prefer a reverse chronological format. The most recent experience is the most relevant to employers.
Should I include Career Objectives?
70 per cent of the respondents indicated a preference for career objectives in some manner. Often the career objective is the first thing an employer reads, so make sure it is relates to the position applied to and state what you can do for the employer, not just what you want in a position with them.
Do I include any relevant course descriptions?
Over half of employers like to see information listed which describes program content. This assists in establishing if you have the necessary background or specific skills for the position. And, as not all recruiters are familiar with the content of each program they will gain valuable insight into what you have studied. In particular, if you lack related work experience then listing your academic experience is key. But, only list courses if you are applying for a position related to your field of study.
Should skills be included?
94 per cent of employers responded in favour of candidates identifying skills on their resume. Overall, 95 per cent favoured job specific skills and 84 per cent transferable skills. Be sure to list the skills that are known to be a requirement for the position you are applying to. List specific examples of where and how you acquired your skills. Remember transferable skills are subjective or intangible so back them up in terms of work, school or volunteer experience. Don't just make a list stating your fine qualities — be more specific! Include a ‘Summary' or ‘Highlights' section on the top of your resume and provide the reader with a snapshot of your related job specific skills, education and achievements.
Do employers whant to know my hobbies and interests?
61 per cent responded in favour of including hobbies and interests with many comments indicating the need to be brief. This often provides information not apparent from your work history and amplifies character traits such as initiative, team and leadership skills. Career related hobbies, volunteer positions and professional memberships seem to be of most interest to employers.
Should I list references?
Only 31 per cent of employers prefer to see references listed on the resume, nearly one quarter said it doesn't matter and 45 per cent advised not to include them. Fewer and fewer employers are checking references prior to the interview. Generally, references are pursued only if a candidate shows promise during the interview and if the employer is considering an offer of employment.
That said, half of these employers still expect to see a statement indicating ‘References Available Upon Request'. This shows a courtesy on behalf of the applicant and lets the reader know that references will be provided willingly. If you are invited to an interview you are expected to provide complete reference information (names and current phone numbers) and to advise your references that they will be contacted.
Quite clearly, employers want job seekers to itemize their relevant skills and abilities, and to target their resumes and cover letters specifically to each job applied for. You should use words and phrases associated to the position you are applying for as it makes the task of matching you to the position easier. Remember, your resume should be neat, clear, concise and easy to read in 30 seconds. And, don't forget the importance of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation as both your resume and cover letter are examples of your written communication skills.
Is a cover letter important in the application process?
87 per cent of employers responded in favour of candidates including a cover letter. This is an opportunity to provide additional information on why you are right for the position. It may be the one chance to sell yourself!
What should I include in a cover letter?
Nearly all employees look for correct spelling and grammar. 86 per cent want to read how your qualifications match the position applied for. While 77 per cent are interested in the format and layout only 44 per cent are looking for originality in how the letter is written.
Cover letters should be one page in length and clearly identify what position you are seeking. Employers are looking for candidates who give a little extra effort, so personally address your cover letter and explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.
Need help writing your resume or cover letter? Why not drop by the Career Services office located in Room F2010 for a copy of our job search booklet “Getting Started” which contains helpful hints on creating your resume and conducting a positive job search.
Here is what we found out:
How long should my resume be?
90 per cent of employers prefer a two-page resume. Only six per cent prefer one page.
What is the preferred method to receive resumes?
83 per cent responded that resumes are accepted by fax. 96 per cent of employers currently accept resumes by email or online through their website.
Should the information be chronological?
92 per cent prefer a reverse chronological format. The most recent experience is the most relevant to employers.
Should I include Career Objectives?
70 per cent of the respondents indicated a preference for career objectives in some manner. Often the career objective is the first thing an employer reads, so make sure it is relates to the position applied to and state what you can do for the employer, not just what you want in a position with them.
Do I include any relevant course descriptions?
Over half of employers like to see information listed which describes program content. This assists in establishing if you have the necessary background or specific skills for the position. And, as not all recruiters are familiar with the content of each program they will gain valuable insight into what you have studied. In particular, if you lack related work experience then listing your academic experience is key. But, only list courses if you are applying for a position related to your field of study.
Should skills be included?
94 per cent of employers responded in favour of candidates identifying skills on their resume. Overall, 95 per cent favoured job specific skills and 84 per cent transferable skills. Be sure to list the skills that are known to be a requirement for the position you are applying to. List specific examples of where and how you acquired your skills. Remember transferable skills are subjective or intangible so back them up in terms of work, school or volunteer experience. Don't just make a list stating your fine qualities — be more specific! Include a ‘Summary' or ‘Highlights' section on the top of your resume and provide the reader with a snapshot of your related job specific skills, education and achievements.
Do employers whant to know my hobbies and interests?
61 per cent responded in favour of including hobbies and interests with many comments indicating the need to be brief. This often provides information not apparent from your work history and amplifies character traits such as initiative, team and leadership skills. Career related hobbies, volunteer positions and professional memberships seem to be of most interest to employers.
Should I list references?
Only 31 per cent of employers prefer to see references listed on the resume, nearly one quarter said it doesn't matter and 45 per cent advised not to include them. Fewer and fewer employers are checking references prior to the interview. Generally, references are pursued only if a candidate shows promise during the interview and if the employer is considering an offer of employment.
That said, half of these employers still expect to see a statement indicating ‘References Available Upon Request'. This shows a courtesy on behalf of the applicant and lets the reader know that references will be provided willingly. If you are invited to an interview you are expected to provide complete reference information (names and current phone numbers) and to advise your references that they will be contacted.
Quite clearly, employers want job seekers to itemize their relevant skills and abilities, and to target their resumes and cover letters specifically to each job applied for. You should use words and phrases associated to the position you are applying for as it makes the task of matching you to the position easier. Remember, your resume should be neat, clear, concise and easy to read in 30 seconds. And, don't forget the importance of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation as both your resume and cover letter are examples of your written communication skills.
Is a cover letter important in the application process?
87 per cent of employers responded in favour of candidates including a cover letter. This is an opportunity to provide additional information on why you are right for the position. It may be the one chance to sell yourself!
What should I include in a cover letter?
Nearly all employees look for correct spelling and grammar. 86 per cent want to read how your qualifications match the position applied for. While 77 per cent are interested in the format and layout only 44 per cent are looking for originality in how the letter is written.
Cover letters should be one page in length and clearly identify what position you are seeking. Employers are looking for candidates who give a little extra effort, so personally address your cover letter and explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.
Need help writing your resume or cover letter? Why not drop by the Career Services office located in Room F2010 for a copy of our job search booklet “Getting Started” which contains helpful hints on creating your resume and conducting a positive job search.
