Question:
I will graduate from U soon and now i am writing my resume. My resume
is very short, just barely one page long. I have
a few Questions :
(1) As I write down my knowledge with software such as
WordPerfect,Windows,sHOULD I write down version # to make
sure that employer knows my knowledge with the latest version of sofware?
(eg WINDOWS 98, Wordperfect 8.0)
(2) Is "Reference is available upon request" line regarded as redundant thing to
appear on resume.
(3) "Extracurricular activities" (things like member of Badminton
CLub) should not be on resume ?
(4) Is objective/goal usualled needed on resume ?
Answer:
-Hiring executives have very short attention spans.
(1) No.
(2)Yes. Everybody knows your references are available.
(3) Try to work them into a content section.
(4) Opinions differ on this one. I don't much like it--in your
cover letter you can very easily show that your objective is the
job you are inquiring about. Don't forget that a word processor
and a laser printer means you can customize each resume for each
potential employer.
There are _so_ many resumes out there that many larger
employers now use scanners, OCR, and keyword searches to winnow
out a few likely prospects from the slush pile of applicants.
Some resume "pros" now recommend a keyword section at the top of
your sheet for that reason.
-You should never list your references on a resume, since they may end up
getting pestered. When you actually send a list of references to a prospect,
check with your referees immediately before you send the list. They may be
out of the country, or in jail.
This is especially true with govt jobs. They usually have to check three
references, and if you send them three and one is unavailable, it could hold
things up for awhile.
This is amateurish; don't do it. I can't tell you how many resumes I've seen
with "fishing, hiking and camping" listed as hobbies. If that many people
actually went fishing and camping, the woods would have been trampled into
dust long ago. Extracurricular activities are of no concern, unless you are a
serial killer.
Save the space for important things.
Don't list your age, race, or any disabilities, etc, either.
It is usually a good way to introduce yourself at the top of the page. But
make it very short and avoid being trite or vague.
Keep it short! Two pages max. No fancy paper or fonts.
