How do I keep my resume to just one page?
“If you spell everything out, how can you retain your resume to one page?
If you have seven years or more of experience, your resume may be longer than one page. In fact, most experienced individuals maintain a two-page resume. It won’t affect how the ATS reads your resume, and recruiters at a staffing agency in Mississauga are used to it. Use a second page if your experience justifies it.
Limit your work experience to 15 years. Hiring managers are most interested in the work you’ve done in the past five years, so if you’re in your 20th year in the workforce, leave that internship from right after college. If you want, you can include a brief “Career Note” or “Career Summary” section that lists the job titles and companies for the roles you held early in your professional life. For additional details on resume length, see this article about how long your resume should be.
Can I use commas for separating skills in my resume?
Commas are an acceptable way to separate skills on a resume; the ATS will still recognize them. Remember that the primary objective is to highlight your best-selling points, so whether you use punctuation or bullet points, make sure they are clear and easy to read.
Do cover letters pass by the ATS?
Whether or not cover letters go through the ATS depends on the system and what company is using it. With that said, it’s not a bad idea to incorporate keywords into your cover letter. It can’t hurt, right? You don’t have to go crazy trying to optimize it though, especially if you’re applying through a staffing agency. In Mississauga, different companies might have varied approaches, so it’s always good to be prepared.
How large should the margins be on a resume?
For a resume, the margins can be as small as 0.5 inches or as wide as 1 inch all around. This range of options is ideal for fitting your resume onto one or two pages, depending on your career stage.
Is there a specific version of word I should use when creating my resume?
You should be able to write your resume with a majority of Word versions. Use caution when using one that is too old, as some websites might not work with software that was created in the 1990s. Since.docx files are the most portable and can be used in nearly any situation, saving your files in this format is often the safest option.
Regarding files, a common mistake made by job searchers is the resume’s file name. Employers will notice this, so grab the chance to leave a good impression. Name, job title, and Application Company should all be included. In addition to making, you seem professional, this will make it easier for a hiring manager or employer to locate your CV.
How should my resume handle a major employment gap?
A popular piece of advice for dealing with a large employment gap is to use a functional resume, but I disagree. Instead, split your resume into two sections: relevant work experience on the top and other work experience below that. This way, the first thing employers see is your work experience that is important to the role you are applying for. If you’re working with a staffing agency, this approach can be especially helpful. In Mississauga, many employers prefer seeing relevant experience right away.
There are other steps you may take if you’re searching for more experience opportunities to help you re-enter your field. Examine “return ships,” which are similar to interns but designed for professionals making a comeback to the workforce. They are an excellent means of gaining fresh experience that is relevant to the position you want. Contributing that is skill-based, or SBV, especially if it is in an area that interests you, can also be used to replace a gap in your resume’s employment history. A great resource for helping you locate these possibilities is Catch afire.
How can I fight age discrimination when looking for work?
You are not alone in this issue; many job seekers face similar challenges. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits age discrimination; thus, you have recourse under law if you are the victim of overt discrimination.
You probably have a wide network because of the length of time you’ve worked in the industry. Take use of this, as it is your biggest asset in the job hunt! Admit to those in your circle that you are looking for a job and ask for advice, suggestions, and—above all—possible connections. You’ll be able to navigate the employment system and greatly improve your chances of getting hired if you have someone working for the company speak up for you.
How will the ATS handle a graduate school-related work gap?
Your CV won’t be instantly rejected by the ATS just because it detects a gap in work. In addition, it will identify the dates of your schooling. You can include a line that reads, “Full-time student from (the day) to (the day) pursuing master’s degree,” to clarify what you were doing.
But, the most important, proudly off your degree! It’s an achievement that you want to highlight on your CV. Include and advanced degree (such as a master’s) or certification next to your full name at the top of your resume to ensure recruiters notice it.
How can I list the type of work I am looking for on my resume if I have not previously held it?
The easiest way to approach this situation is to make the title on your CV reflect the role you are pursuing. During your job hunt, you should sell yourself in such a way that employers see you as a good fit for this position. If you don’t feel confident selling yourself with a job you haven’t yet had, you might include a line before your professional summary that reads: “Objective: (Desired Job Title).” From there, begin your career summary by discussing the qualities you possess that qualify you for that position. This allows you to describe the type of role you’re looking for without detracting from your qualifications.
When date job experience on my CV, should I specify months or just write year to year?
You can include months with years or just years on your resume; either is okay. Simply choose whatever will put you in the highest possible light. For example, if you worked from January 2017 to December 2017, you could add the months to show that you were employed for approximately a year. Alternatively, if you only worked at a position for six months, add just the year to avoid drawing attention to the short stay. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to remain consistent throughout your CV.