Resume Writing Advice – References Available

References Available

It is no longer a common practice to include a References section on your resume, even one that states “References Available Upon Request.” Most employers today will assume you can provide references if they are requested. Therefore, you do not have to include references on your resume.

If an employer is seriously considering you as a candidate, be sure to have a separate list of references ready to provide during the interview. Always ask permission of your references beforehand and discuss the kind of recommendation they will give.

Preparing a List of References

You should have a list of three to five references prepared, unless you are in a specialized field where a longer list may be required. Gather your list from any of the following contacts:

-         Former Managers

-         Previous Supervisors

-         Department Heads

-         Members of the Executive Team

-         Business Colleagues

-         Professional Contacts

-         Customers

-         Professors or Advisors

-         Mentors

-         Community Leaders

Insider Tip:  Be sure to add the contacts you would most prefer someone to contact at the top of your list.

Choosing the Right References

Ideally, you will look for contacts that:

-         Possess good communication skills

-         Know you fairly well

-         Will speak positively about you and your work

-         Will sell your experience, skills, knowledge, and ability

-         Can describe your performance and achievements

-         Can demonstrate your value to previous employers

-         Can describe your positive characteristics

Insider Tip:  Always include several more references than were requested in case the hiring manager has difficulty reaching any of your contacts.

Preparing Your References for Calls

You should always send a copy of your resume with a letter that lists the three to five key points that you would like your references to share with people who contact them. For example, you might ask one of your contacts to elaborate on your specific skills in a particular area, or another contact to discuss your unique characteristics or strengths, and yet another to describe your accomplishments or previous successes.

Insider Tip:  Help your contacts develop an example or story that reinforces your positive characteristics and provides a visual image of you in the role you are seeking.

Resume Writing Advice – Keywords and Other Information

Keywords and Other Information

Is there some crucial piece of information about you that an employer needs to know, but does not neatly fit into any category? Are there specific keywords or skill areas that you want to ensure appear on your resume? Take advantage of this section to include additional business-related strengths, keywords, preferences, or a description of your preferred work style. For example, you may need to include your preferred working location if you are applying to a company with national or worldwide offices, or work habits and attitudes that demonstrate important characteristics.

Better Results Using a Keyword Section

If you are creating a scannable or electronic resume, this would be an ideal place to develop a list of keywords. Keywords are important components of scannable and electronic resumes because prospective employers use a list of keywords and keyword phrases to search resume databases for potential employees. The more matches there are between the keywords you list in your resume and the list the employer is searching for, the better the chance your resume will be selected for further review.

When a computer performs this search, it checks your entire resume for matching words and phrases. You may not need a specific keyword section if you mention keywords and phrases throughout your resume. However, if you are unsure whether your resume covers all the skill keywords, then add a Keyword section. This section should include the additional skills you possess, and professional jargon or other terms that describe your experience.

Insider Tip:  Whenever possible, use synonyms of keywords throughout your resume to ensure you have the greatest chance of creating a match when your resume is searched. If you used an abbreviation for a specific term in one section, spell the term out in another (e.g., if you used the initials B.A. in the Education section of your resume, spell out Bachelor of Arts, in your Keyword section).

Developing a List of Your Career Keywords

Choosing the best keywords and phrases is subjective and largely dependent on your career and the type of position for which you are applying. Keywords should focus on technical and professional areas of expertise, industry-related jargon, and your work history. Also include the names of associations and organizations you belong to or degrees you have earned.

To define keywords that apply to your job target, look at job postings and employment ads for similar jobs, and list the skills, qualifications, technical or product knowledge, industry jargon, personal traits and experience described. Then, review your own relevant qualifications and add terms that describe your own skills and knowledge. Keywords can be single words, such as Excel, or short phrases, such as “Document Preparation.”

Insider Tip:  Always use specific keywords. For example, while it is beneficial to include the phrase “computer literate,” you will also want to list the specific software in which you are proficient.

Resume Writing Advice – Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Experience

If you do not have much on-the-job experience, volunteer activities can be a gold mine for a great resume. For seasoned professionals, listing volunteer work demonstrates valuable personal characteristics and a commitment to community. For recent graduates or people changing careers, volunteer work can form an important part of your qualifications. Whatever your volunteer work has been, you can turn it into valuable experience on your resume.

If you have performed volunteer work that is relevant to your job target, you should list volunteer experience in a resume in the same way you would list any paid work experience.

Advice for Seasoned Professionals

Volunteer work demonstrates initiative, commitment, perseverance, and other personal characteristics and skills that potential employers might find valuable.  If you are listing volunteer work to demonstrate personal characteristics or a commitment to community, briefly mention the professional or community organizations where you have volunteered, any offices or committee memberships you have held, and any honors or commendations you have received in relation to your work. This information is typically included at the end of your resume.

Advice for Recent Graduates of Career Changers

If you are a recent graduate or are changing careers and your volunteer work demonstrates valuable skills, abilities, and qualifications that are not communicated through your work experience, then list these skills and abilities in the appropriate Accomplishments, Capabilities, or Skills sections. Additionally, if you have worked with an organization for a long period of time, consider listing this volunteer experience as you would any other organization in an Experience or Employment History section. Remember, non-paid experience is equally as valuable as paid experience

Resume Writing Advice – Personal Qualifications

Personal Qualifications

Listing personal information on a resume is effective only if it relates to your job target and demonstrates qualifications that you will need in your next career. For example, including hobbies or extracurricular activities that demonstrate personal characteristics, such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and creativity is a valuable way to communicate qualifications to a prospective employer.

Use this section to list activities or other personal information that illustrates the characteristics you possess that are relevant to the position. Be cautious not to include unrelated information, or you may appear unfocused and less dedicated to your career than your competition.

You should not include information such as your age, height, weight, marital status, children, ethnicity, political affiliations, religious affiliations or other nonessential personal information, unless it is clearly relevant to the position.

Providing a List of Activities

Sports-related activities can demonstrate “dedication, drive, commitment, and winning attitudes.” Involvement in community clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities demonstrates that you have a well-balanced professional life and possess certain qualities and characteristics that would make you an asset in your position.

Be sure to mention your role with each organization, especially if you have held an elected office, such as treasurer, secretary, president, or founder. Do not list a club or membership you were not truly an active member of, because you may be asked to discuss your involvement with the prospective employer at the interview. List the name of the organization, dates, your role, accomplishments and anything else that demonstrates your ability to succeed or produce positive results. Honors, awards, and official recognition that demonstrate your leadership abilities should be included as well. List all activities in this section in order of relevance to a future employer. When writing about your activities, consider treating them as a job. What accomplishments or achievements did you attain? What skills did you develop or experience did you gain?

If you are a recent graduate who was involved in a fraternity or sorority, you should probably list this activity on your resume, especially if you were an officer or founder.

Insider Tip:  You may also use the Personal section to demonstrate your willingness to perform the routine tasks that will be required of the position. For example, for Sales and Training careers where a willingness to travel is essential criteria, use the Personal section to indicate your interest and even enjoyment in performing these tasks. This reinforces your qualifications and interest in the position and may give you the edge over the competition.