What doesn’t go on my resume? (Ask me mondays)

Monday Question

Q: I’m redoing my resume. What shouldn’t go on there?

Many things have changed in the last few years, so this is a good question!

Let’s start with the little things: you can remove your full address and postal code. Also remove your high school info IF it’s been over 5 years or you have gone to any post-secondary (college/university) or if you have relevant work experience. Remove the objective! The objective should be replaced with a summary and a highlights section.

Now the bigger things: You can also remove any work experience that’s farther away than 15 years UNLESS it’s relevant and not similar to anything else you’ve done since. Most often, your recent experience will be your most relevant, so that’s where your resume space and your efforts should go to. If this is the case, your resume will be two pages (three at most if you’re going for an executive position). Your most recent experience (like all your resume details!) should not just list your duties, but all your achievements and how you add value.

How often should I update my Résumé? (Ask Me Mondays! )

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Q: How often should I be updating my resume and LinkedIn?

Background: I was chatting with a friend of mine the other day while waiting for a family member. She has been in her current position for almost 4 years and is ready to start looking for a new challenge. She told me she hadn’t updated her resume since she got this position.

She laughed and asked me how often do I recommend updating a resume? My answer was: “Honestly, whenever you’ve done something you’d like an employer to know about. Think about all the work you’ve done in the past 4 years and how much of it do you remember? The best time to update your resume when you’ve just done something amazing! But don’t send out a resume that is pages long!”

TL:DR: Add to your resume all the time, when you’ve done something amazing, noteworthy or is an achievement.

5 Job search tips that You SHOULD be doing (but probably aren't)

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1. Keep copies of every posting you have applied to (and the resume/ cover letter you applied with). PDF (not just bookmark a link., as it may get taken down) and save! When you called for an interview, you will know exactly what you sent in, what the job was (especially handy if it's been a while since you applied) and what your interviewer is seeing.

2. Create and USE networking business cards. There are still many places where you may want to hand out your business card. Having one makes you look prepared and professional. It's also an easy way to to direct a new contact to your LinkedIn account or website.

3. Cut down on any unnecessary expenses. This is when Needs vs Wants is very important. Your job search may go on longer than you think it will. I have seen many job seekers take a position that wasn't a great fit (or even in their industry) because they needed the money. Don't let that happen to you.

4. Let everyone you know, know that you are looking for work and what kind of work you are looking for. How well can you describe your partner's or a friend's job? Do you know their work achievements? A bit hazy? So, make sure you are clear on your target and your best skills. Ask for action (ie do you know anyone you could refer me to?). This is not just an action for LinkedIn, if you are on other social media, ask on there too!

5. Take care of yourself. Job searching can be stressful, it can last a long time and you may feel disconnected from a workplace and other people. Be kind to yourself, do a lot of self-care and don't give up on your job search.