Free Resume Builder

Five People Who Will Need to See Your Resume

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:02:43 GMT

Now that you've created a winning, memorable resume (with formatting help from FreeResumeBuilder), who will need to see this work of art? Where will you need to display it, who should you send it to as an email attachment, and when will you need to take a few hard copies with you when you step out the door? Here are five people who will need to get their hands on your resume as soon as possible.

Resume Tips for Creative Employees

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:01:25 GMT

Employees in "creative" fields, like design, illustration, writing, and photography face a specific set of requirements when it comes to impressing potential employers. If you're in one of these fields, employers will have three basic must-haves that they'll need to check off before committing to a professional relationship with you.

The Ten Worst Resume Clichés

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:09:10 GMT

As you look over the final draft of your resume and get ready to send it off to employers, take a red pen to these common resume clichés. These statements are so vague and overused that they probably won't help you gain an employer's attention. In fact, they may turn employers off and undermine your chances of landing an interview.

When It’s Okay to Skip the Cover Letter

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:16:37 GMT

You're about to submit an application for a position you discovered online, but the company would like you to apply using their own submission system, and the system will only accept one file. If you upload your resume, you'll have to skip the cover letter. Should you find a way around this obstacle and make sure you somehow manage to submit both? Are a resume and cover letter a dynamic duo that should never be separated?

Pronouns are Not Your Friends: Mastering the Quirky Language of the Resume

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:45:27 GMT

The language of the resume is unique among all forms of written communication, and some of the rules that govern this language are obscure and rooted in long-standing tradition. Why, for example, should a resume writer never directly refer to him or herself in a list of credentials that obviously don't describe anyone else? We aren't sure. But we do know that by avoiding self-referential pronouns, applicants show respect for established business customs and the suggestion of class and experience. Here a few quirky resume standards that you'll need to consider as you draft your document (using Free Resume Builder for guidance) and send it to potential employers.

Quick Answers to Common Resume Questions

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:15:26 GMT

"Giving up" usually means any of three things, including 1) going back to school full time, 2) depending financially on family or a spouse, and 3) deciding to live on savings for the time being (for those lucky enough to have them). If these options are available or appealing, then "giving up", at least temporarily, might be a valid way to recharge your energy and focus on what you really want. But if you don't have this luxury, you'll just have to endure. Reach out for help and support if you need it, and know that your reserves of strength and patience are probably far deeper than you realize.

Resume Tips for Long Term Job Seekers

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:04:02 GMT

As your job search begins to extend past the three month mark, then the six, ten, and fifteen-month point, your resume will need a few periodic adjustments to keep from becoming stagnant (or misleading). Long job searches are simply a reality of today's hiring market, and if you can endure the climb, stay on your feet, and stay flexible, your resume can too. Visit Free Resume Builder for guidance, and in the meantime, keep these tips in mind.

The Four Cover Letters Employers Love the Most

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:22:05 GMT

Which cover letters are the ones most likely to grab and hold the attention of a busy hiring manger? What do these letters have in common that make readers stop what they're doing, spit out their coffee, and send a ringing phone to voicemail? Here are four cover letters that are almost guaranteed to land an interview, no matter how intense the competition may be.

The Five Resumes Employers Love the Most

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:01:53 GMT

When employers see any of the five resumes below, their eyes tend to light up. Visit Free Resume Builder for formatting and editing help and make sure your application finds its way into the winner's circle.

Ask a Hiring Manager: What’s Your Number One Resume Tip?

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:05:52 GMT

This week, Free Resume Builder asked hiring managers to tell us their single most important resume tip. They were happy to share, and here's what they told us.

Bulking Up a Thin Resume: Tips

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 22:00:49 GMT

I'm looking for a new position, but the "work history" section of my resume has one entry, and I'll be honest: It looks a little thin and sad. What can I do?

The Five Types of Resume Readers

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:06:25 GMT

Once your resume finds its way through email chains, past keyword scanners, and around assistants, it will finally land in the desk (or digital desk) of a resume reader who will probably also have several other resumes to review and compare. This reader will probably fall into one of five common categories. Make sure you write, format and submit your resume with each of these reviewing styles in mind.

Resume Tips for Internal Job Seekers

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 22:06:59 GMT

An internal job application can be a tricky thing, and if you'd like to make an in-house switch from one position to another, you'll need to keep these important considerations in mind.

Resume Tips for Restaurant Employees

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 22:00:52 GMT

If you're looking for a position in the restaurant business, it's a good idea to keep the following considerations in mind as you complete the first, second, and third drafts of your resume. Remember: it's a hospitality industry, and in hospitality, the key word is “detail”. Don't cut corners, and get help if you need it. Free Resume Builder can provide the formatting tools and editing guidance you need to make the right impression in this competitive business.

Final Resume Submission Check-Off List

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:14 GMT

Your resume and cover letter have been formatted, edited, checked and double checked, and now they're ready for submission! Or are they? Before you click attach and send, quickly run down this list and make sure each of these items have been taken care of.

Job Search Tips: How to Write a Great Thank-You Note

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:01:31 GMT

What are some of the secrets to an utterly charming, interviewer-impressing, job-landing thank you note? Here are a few. Keep these in mind the next time you have someone to thank. And if you're giving your all to the job search process, that means today (and tomorrow, and the next day…)

Resume Tips: Use Your Connections!

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 22:10:48 GMT

You know that a strong, diverse, active network is a vital tool during the job search process. And you have no trouble picking up the phone and reaching out to those on your list of connections who might be able to help you or offer you some advice. But networking isn't just about grabbing the phone in an emergency or using Facebook to look up your long lost thesis advisor and ask for a recommendation. Using your connections can also mean name-dropping.

Five Social Media Job Search Blunders

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 22:04:54 GMT

You're on the job market, but you aren't worried. You're ready to hit the ground running. You have a great resume in hand (with formatting help from Free Resume Builder) and you've researched your industry and know exactly what you're looking for. Now it's time to start actively networking, both on and offline.

The Art of the Perfect Follow Up

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:35:59 GMT

You know you need to reach out to employers at various strategic points during the application process. But how can you make sure you're showing interest without coming off as pushy? A smooth, professional follow-up can help you gain an edge over your competitors. It can also prevent the company from misplacing your resume, putting the job on hold without telling you, or otherwise leaving you in the dark.

Adding Skills to Your Resume That You Don’t Actually Have

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 22:02:20 GMT

Is it ever a good idea to include skills and credentials on your resume that you don't actually possess? If a job posting lists required qualifications that you either don't have, or can't prove, is it a good idea to mention these in your resume or address them in your cover letter? Despite our constant warning on this site about exaggerating your resume claims, the surprising answer is yes. But only under certain circumstances.