Q about Resumes

[funnybone]

Although I don't want to work until the fall, I will be putting together a resume and start getting in touch with some temp agencies. Since it has been almost 10 years since I last worked, and 9 years at my last place of employment, how far back do I go on my resume? The jobs I held before were short-term (1 year) or part-time as a student (2 years each), but some may prove important experience. Is the key to still limit things to one page (although I can't see going over that)? Any input is helpful.

[sigmaration]

Shorter is better, but there is no hard-and-fast 1 page rule. You have to strike the balance between putting enough relevant information to demonstrate that you're qualified, without putting too much extra stuff.

I would put your last 3 jobs on there, assuming they are all relevant to the positions that you will be applying for.

I also personally hate "objectives" and never use them. They are usually fluff anyway. I start my resume with a forceful statement like "With 8 years of experience in the world of online community, I'm the manager who can do it all." And a little more about my best accomplishments.

Best of luck!

[Canice]

I second Kellie: The "one page" rule is sort of a myth. Shorter is generally better, but my two-page résumé is a lot more helpful to a prospective employer -and to me- than a one page version would be. I'm an independent contractor, so I've had a LOT of short term jobs. While there's some commanality, there are also some differences worth calling out.

Since writing a résumé takes a lot of time anyhow, why not go back as far as you think is relevant to your job hunt. Maybe that Hotdog-on-a-Stick job at the mall isn't compelling, but six month in the tax accountant's office is. In other words, load it up with everything that would help "sell" you and then trim it appropriately. Keep that first, loaded, draft, because you may need some of that information for an unusual or unexpected job. That way you can tailor your résumé as needed without having to find the right language and details again. Keep a copy of every version you send out, and be sure you've noted which version you've sent to which prospective employer.

[Gumbeaux]

Be sure to have a scannable version of your resume.

[boisewinesnob]

I also personally hate "objectives" and never use them. They are usually fluff anyway.

I'm glad to hear this because I've deleted it from my resume as well.

[cookin_healthy]

Keep in mind that the goal of your resume is to get an interview. Put relevant information on the resume -- it may take one or two pages.
I agree with Canice -- put everything you think may be relevant in a job search on a "template" resume, then customize your resume to a specific position each time you send one out.

Also, don't forget to consider any skills you may have used or obtained in the time you have been out of the paid work force. A "functional" resume may be something you want to consider -- it focuses on your abilities rather than specific postions held. You can google "functional resume" to get examples and commentary about the pros and cons.

[Canice]

Oh yea, the "objective". I've never put one on a résumé and when I was recruiting I disliked seeing them. While a résumé is supposed to get you an interview, the first thing a prospective employer wants to do is weed out as many as s/he can. If the first thing she sees is an objective that's not in 100% alignment with the position, you're outta there, though there may be plenty of content that would qualify you.

I got an interesting recommendation from a professional mentor when I was looking for a position rather out of keeping with my background, and not a specified/conventional job title (I'll try to make it more general since I don't know what you're looking for): When you know the type of business --whether an industry or a sort of job, e.g., bookkeepping, customer service, project management, design, etc., search around for a compelling quotation from a recognized Chief Executive or other high level executive; a quote that reflects your values/goals/strengths, etc. Put that up top, where someone else might have an objective. It makes a statement about you, your professionalism, etc. and it's interesting, different. Much more likely to grab someone's attention than "Contribute as a team player to maximize effectiveness and cost efficiencies in....." blahblahblahblahblah.

[stefania4]

As someone who does hiring, I agree that there is no harm in forgoing an objective. Your objective is a job, so far as I'm concerned, or you wouldn't have sent me your resume.

I agree that a skills-based resume may work well for you. A lot depends also on what kind of job you're looking for. If you're looking for an office position in an accounting firm, and you last used Excel and accounting software 10 years ago - well, that was at least 3 versions ago and it's really no longer relevant. But if you put it in the context of "Skill - Microsoft Excel - 2007 - completed Excel 2003 basic, intermediate, and advanced classes at Local University; used software at Bob's Accounting (1995 - 1997) and Tri-State Books (1994 - 1995)" that gives me a better idea of your experience.

[funnybone]

Thanks for your replies!