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Resume Dilemma: Not Enough Experience |
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Resume Dilemma: Not Enough Experience
It's a catch-22: You want a job to gain experience, but you can't find a job because previous experience is required.
Don't be discouraged. You can still put your best foot forward and have a shot at the job. Follow these steps to create a winning resume: Select the Right Format The two most effective resume formats for entry-level workers are functional and combination. Steer clear of strictly chronological resumes, which place emphasis on your work history. Functional resumes emphasize your related s****s while downplaying your work chronology. Rather than citing dates of employment, this format uses categories to highlight your aptitudes. For example, if you're seeking a secretarial position but don't have any related experience, you may create the following categories: "Computer S****s," "Interpersonal Communications" and "Office Management Abilities." The latter may refer to managing your own home office, for example. A combination resume is a chronological resume that leads with a Qualifications Summary, in which you emphasize the credentials that most qualify you for the job you're trying to land. Strategically order the sections in your resume to best suit your qualifications, placing more relevant categories, such as Education, Key S****s, Volunteer Work, etc., before your work history. Assess What You Offer What you lack in real-world experience you may make up for in your motivation to excel. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes and ask, "Why should I hire this person when there are 100 other applicants with more experience?" Before you revamp your resume, research your target job on Monster and review the job descriptions. What s****s, abilities and credentials are listed as desirable? Do you offer competencies, personal attributes or unpaid experience that compensate for your lack of work history? How would the employer benefit if you were hired? Think of the top five reasons you should be selected for an interview. These will help you differentiate yourself from your peers. Weave Your Unique Credentials into Your Resume Whether you've chosen a functional or combination resume, you need compelling content to convince hiring managers to give you a chance. Consider these areas when developing your resume:
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