ENG2 - Functional Resume, Combination Resume, Common Resume Issues, Common Mistakes in Making A Resume

longer, repetitive

(Combination resume) Nevertheless, it is not commonly used for two reasons: it tends to be __________, and it can be ___________ if you have to list your accomplishments and skills in both the functional section and the chronological job descriptions.

contains spelling and grammatical errors

(Flaws in a resume) The resume ____________________, showing that the candidate lacks communication skills.

gimmicky

(Flaws in a resume) The resume has a ________ design that departs widely from accepted standards.

boastful

(Flaws in a resume) The resume has a _________ tone, which makes the reader doubt the applicant's self evaluation

difficult to read

(Flaws in a resume) The resume is ________, lacking white space and devices such as indentations and bold facing to make the reader's job easier.

poorly produced

(Flaws in a resume) The resume is __________, being difficult to read or printed on cheap paper.

amateurish

(Flaws in a resume) The resume is ___________, indicating the applicant has little understanding of the world of business.

too long or too wordy

(Flaws in a resume) The resume is ___________, verbose rather than being concise, relevant, and to the point

too short or sketchy

(Flaws in a resume) The resume is _____________, not giving enough information for a proper evaluation of the applicant.

tailored resume

(Resume formats) A ________ ________ shows the reader what a good "fit" you are for the posted position. These resumes will be effective in any job market. They are always the best resume formats.

targeted resume

(Resume formats) A _________ ________ addresses an employer's specific needs. This type of format focuses your resume towards the specific career objective or job posting.

Targeting

(Resume formats) __________ should take place in the first 15 lines of your targeted resume.

functional resume

(Types of resume) This approach is more difficult to construct but may be more effective in documenting the skills or functions you want to perform, especially if your background is varied.

functional resume

(Types of resume) This resume format consists of selections from your total experience of only those parts which relate to the job you seek.

Frequent job changes

(Weaknesses in job history) Having short term jobs, or having jobs taken away by layoffs and mergers

Over-qualification

(Weaknesses in job history) Having too many details such as in skills and job experiences that are unnecessary to job being applied for

Inexperience

(Weaknesses in job history) Lacking in job experiences that will deem appealing to employers (e.g. in fresh grads)

Criminal record

(Weaknesses in job history) Record of criminal offenses. May be used by employers to assess one's trustworthiness and ability to obey rules and regulations.

Gaps in work history

(Weaknesses in job history) Stagnancy caused by unemployment or personal problems such as in health

Long-term employment with one company

(Weaknesses in job history) Staying in one company for a long period of time, most of the time making it the only job experience you have so far

Job termination for cause

(Weaknesses in job history) Termination from previous job due to unfortunate circumstances (e.g. being fired because of disrespecting higher-ups)

qualifications, skills, experiences

(functional resume) Under each category, list _____(3)_____, etc., that logically support your job objective in functional areas such as management, research, writing, teaching, sales, human relations, etc.

management, research, writing, teaching, sales, human relations

(functional resume) Under each category, list qualifications, skills, experiences, etc., that logically support your job objective in functional areas such as ______(6)_______, etc.

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Job termination for cause

- Be honest with interviewers. - Show that you are a hard-working employee. - Counter their concerns with recommendations and examples of completed projects.

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Frequent job changes

- Group short-term jobs of similar nature in a single heading, such as independent contracting and temporary assignments - If past job positions were eliminated as a result of layoffs or mergers, find a subtle way to convey that information (if not in your resume, then in your cover letter)

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Long term employment with one company

- Itemize each position held at the firm to show career progress with increased responsibilities.

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Gaps in work history

- Mention relevant experience and education gained during time gaps, such as volunteer or community work. - If gaps are due to personal problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, or mental illness, offer *honest* but *general* explanations about your absences.

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Inexperience

- Mention volunteer work. - List relevant course work and internships. - Offer hiring incentives such as "willing to work nights and weekends."

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Overqualification

- Tone down your résumé, focusing exclusively on pertinent experience and skills.

functional resume

Under each category, list qualifications, skills, experiences, etc., that logically support your job objective in functional areas such as management, research, writing, teaching, sales, human relations, etc.

centerpiece

Your résumé is the ___________ of your job search package.

FALSE

[t/f] A functional resume DOES NOT focus on your skills and experience.

TRUE

[t/f] A functional resume does not include chronological time.

TRUE

[t/f] A functional resume is best used by employees who have work gaps.

TRUE

[t/f] A functional resume is mostly used by people who often change their careers.

FALSE

[t/f] A functional resume is the easiest to construct out of the three types of resume.

TRUE

[t/f] If you list your skills, abilities and achievements without matching them up with job titles and dates, employers will not be interested in going any further.

TRUE

[t/f] Most employers prefer a Chronological or Combination resume with dates and job descriptions.

TRUE

[t/f] This resume format is effective in documenting the skills or functions you want to perform, especially if your background is varied.

TRUE

[t/f] Your résumé is the centerpiece of your job search package, but it needs support from several other employment messages, including application letters and forms, job-inquiry letters, and follow-up notes.

FALSE

[t/f] Employers looking at a prospective employee's career growth can see how the person in question has grown professionally if his or her resume is a Functional resume.

Overcoming weaknesses in job history: Criminal record

- You do not necessarily need to disclose a criminal record on your résumé. - Laws regarding what employers may ask (and whether they can conduct a criminal background check) vary by state and profession, but if you are asked and the question applies to you, you must answer truthfully, or you risk being terminated later if the employer finds out. - Use the interview process to explain any mitigating circumstances and to emphasize your rehabilitation and commitment to being law-abiding and trustworthy.

Combination resume

A __________ ________ includes the best of the chronological and functional approaches.

applications, inquiries, follow-ups

Examples of resume support documents (3)

clean, simple, value

In today's competitive job market, a [________, ________ resume stating your _______] will help employers see the benefits of hiring you over someone else.