Resume Tips

Showing 199 articles

How to Explain Gaps in Work Experience on Your Resume

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

Ah, the dreaded 'gap' in your resume—the space where time passed, but no job titles are listed. Take a deep breath! Knowing how to explain work experience gaps on your resume is not as difficult as you think. It's actually a skill that can set you apart from other candidates. Whether you decided to travel, became a full-time caregiver for a love...

How to Mention Year of Graduation in Resume

By Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

You’ve spent hours fine-tuning your application material, making sure it highlights your skills and experiences in the best possible light. But one detail that can trip you up is how to mention the year of graduation in your resume. It might seem like a small detail, but it can have a significant impact depending on your career stage and the role y...

How to Choose College Extracurricular Activities for a Resume

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

As a college student, you might think your lack of professional experience will hold you back from finding a “real” job—but guess what? You’ve already gained a ton of valuable experience from those clubs, teams, and volunteer gigs you’ve been involved in! The best extracurricular activities for a resume are the ones that flex your skills and prove ...

How to Show Promotions on Your Resume

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

As you climb the career ladder, each step makes you savvier and adds valuable experiences and achievements to your resume. If you want to capture hiring managers' eyes and land more opportunities, you must know how to show promotions on your resume. This is more than just listing job titles. It's about telling the story of your growth and succes...

Resume Objective Examples for Every Situation

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

In the landscape of important job application components, a well-crafted resume objective is your opportunity to captivate prospective employers. Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place! In this article, we dive into: why you should use a resume objective when to use one and when to skip it tips for crafting the most effective ...

40 Resume Summary Examples to Help You Write Yours 

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

When job hunting, think of your resume summary as your secret weapon. This summary (also called a professional summary) is like a mini advert for you, packing your biggest achievements, top skills, and career dreams into a few punchy lines. It's super important because it's your first chance to catch a recruiter's eye and stand out. Don’t know w...

Need a Job in High School? Resume Examples to Help You Succeed

By Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

Are you a high school student or recent graduate diving into the job market for the first time or looking to land that next opportunity with a bit of experience under your belt? A killer resume is your ticket to success and we’re here to show you the best high school resume examples that’ll get you hired. A resume is more than a piece of paper; ...

Freelance Resume Sample

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

Working as a freelancer brings all kinds of benefits – flexibility, creative freedom, and the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and with different clients. However, as a freelancer, hustle is the name of the game. You need to consistently market and self-promote yourself to attract new clients, which means your freelance resume mus...

The Top Nursing Skills for Your Resume

By Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

The nursing profession is essential and, in the face of ongoing nursing shortages, having the right nursing skills for resume remains incredibly important. Nursing is a stable career as the nation's largest healthcare profession with over 200,000 jobs for registered nurses projected each year. This growth is due to several factors, including an...

How to Write Your Career Change Resume Objective: Examples

By Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

If you are planning to embark on the process of a career change, rewriting and optimizing your resume for the new opportunities you seek is extremely important. After all, you might be competing with candidates who are already experts in that industry, and your career change resume must indicate that you are equally as qualified to perform the role...

Writing a Resume in Spanish? Don’t Get Lost in Translation!

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Looking for tips to write a resume in Spanish? We’re not surprised. It is estimated that around 42.5 million individuals in the U.S. speak Spanish as their native tongue. This accounts for 13.4% of the total population of the country and the second-largest population of Spanish speakers in the world after Mexico. Spanish-speaking employees are need...

How to List Your Spoken Languages on a Resume: Examples

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Are you bilingual or multilingual and wondering how to sell your foreign languages on a resume? Congratulazioni! Whether you were lucky enough to grow up in a bilingual family, have traveled abroad or studied at school, learning a foreign language is no piece of cake. It requires plenty of time, commitment, and patience. But the hard work pays off....

How to Craft the Perfect Career Change Resume

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Are you looking for a career change in your 30s, in your 40s, or at any other age? While you’re probably busy refreshing or acquiring knowledge and skills for the new role you’re after, don’t forget to dedicate time to optimizing your career change resume as well. Your old resume, targeting your current industry and position will need a little r...

Example Resume for a College Student

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Whether you’re looking for a job to support you while you study or a post-graduation role, the first step to achieving your goal is to prepare a strong resume. For a college student, one of the perks is that your schedule is likely to be flexible, which makes you able to pick up less traditional jobs as well, such as: babysitter/nanny pet/h...

The Biggest Resume Lies to Avoid

By Dawn Papandrea, Monster contributor

Finding a job is challenging enough, but when your competition is cheating with resume lies, it can make standing out even tougher. But lies on a resume won't get you anywhere—except maybe in hot water. According to the Monster Future of Work: 2021 Outlook survey, 66% of employers agreed that candidates exaggerate skills and competencies on their r...

Does Relevant Coursework on a Resume Matter?

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Can relevant coursework on a resume help grab the attention of hiring managers when you lack real-world job experience? It depends. First, let's define relevant coursework. These are the classes and subjects you took at school that relate to the job(s) to which you are applying. Examples of relevant coursework for particular jobs include: ...

Job Termination and Your Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Your employer just let you go. You need to find another job, but how should you address the termination on your resume? It depends on whether you were laid off versus fired, but a few rules apply across the board. First, consider that the days when you signed on with an employer and stuck around until retirement are gone. The latest figures from...

Use These Numbers to Highlight Your Accomplishments

By Peter Vogt, Monster contributor

Suppose you're a hiring manager looking at resumes. Which of the following statements would impress you more? Wrote news releases. Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period under daily deadlines. Clearly, the second statement carries more weight. Why? Because it uses numbers to quantify the writer's accomplishment, giving it a cont...

How to Put an Internship on a Resume

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Internship experience is a valuable part of your resume. In many positions, the only distinction between an intern and an employee is the pay rate. Potential employers recognize the value of interns who are willing to work hard for the sake of learning more about the industry. When applying to jobs, you'll need to know how to put an internship on a...

5 Reasons You Need a Free Resume Review From Monster

By Elana Lyn Gross, Monster contributor

Your resume is a company’s first impression of you, and it’s very likely the main factor that will determine whether you score an interview or get lost in the shuffle. So if you're at all concerned about what a recruiter or hiring manager would say about your resume, you need to get a free resume review from Monster. You might be surprised by ho...

How Do You Put Volunteer Work on a Resume?

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

You may have altruistic reasons for volunteering, but giving your time has career-enhancing power, too. A hiring manager absolutely loves to see candidates who have volunteer work on a resume. A study from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work t...

Entry-Level Resume Questions (and Answers)

By Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

When you're a college student or recent grad wondering how to write an entry-level resume, you'll face questions you typically won't find addressed in the current blizzard of resume books. That doesn't mean your questions aren't valid; it simply means the resume experts often overlook them, because they generally target mid-career audiences. I've s...

What Do Employers Look For in a Resume?

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

What do employers look for in a resume? Good question. Recruiters spend about six seconds checking out your resume, so that little piece of paper needs to stop them in their tracks. We asked career experts what they consider the absolute must-haves for entry-level resumes—and what your resume is likely lacking if you're still not getting a callback...

How to Make a Resume With No Experience

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Finding work can be tough, and it can be even more difficult when you don’t have a laundry list of references or a surplus of experience to work off of. It often seems like a catch 22—employers don’t want to hire you without experience, but you can’t get experience without being hired in the first place. And to top it off, the employer is requiring...

Choose the Right Skills for a Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Figuring out the right skills for a resume isn't easy. After all, your skills are what will get you hired, but which ones are considered good skills to put on a resume that will help you stand out? Hiring managers want to make sure they're picking the right person for the job, so don't rush through this part. You probably spent hours perfecting ...

How to Write Accomplishment Examples on Your Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Many of us underestimate our achievements and fail to see the many accomplishment examples we amass. We're often told not to boast, that modesty is the best policy. We show up to do our jobs every day and sometimes do great things—isn't that enough? Well, not if you want your resume to get noticed. Employers look for examples of accomplishments ...

Put Your Education to Work on Your Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Your resume education section seems like it should be the easiest thing to write—just list your school, program of study, degree, and date, and you’re done. However, it’s not so straightforward for many job seekers. Unsure about the best way to present your education? On resume templates, you’ll find a few ways to best display your credentials. We ...

The One-Page Resume vs. the Two-Page Resume

By Moira Lawler, Monster contributor

There’s an age-old debate about whether size matters that affects job seekers: How long should your resume be? A short or skimpy resume will lead recruiters and hiring managers to believe you don't have a lot to offer. But if your resume is too long, no hiring manager is going to read it all the way to the end. It may even make them annoyed. ...

Quick Tips for Writing Your Work-History Resume Section

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Writing your work-history resume section doesn't have to be an overwhelming affair. Think you're intimidated by this whole thing? Well, hiring managers have a true love-hate relationships with resumes. They need resumes to find candidates to fill job openings, but they often have to wade through piles of poorly written resumes to find the right peo...

How to Write a Professional Summary for a Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

A professional summary for a resume saves busy hiring managers zillions of hours—think of it like a preview that helps them decide whether they should keep reading. Consider that a single job posting might attract thousands of resumes. Imagine having to read through all of them to pick out the best-looking candidates. Newsflash: Hiring managers don...

How to Use Resume Keywords

By Lily Martis, Monster contributor

Resume keywords are like your secret weapons to getting noticed amid a stack of competing applications. When you think keywords, you probably think of SEO (search engine optimization)—and you're right. Keywords are search terms that help people find what they're looking for online. But in the job search world, resume keywords help recruiters find y...

Action Verbs Can Power Your Resume

By Caroline Zaayer Kaufman, Monster contributor

Your resume isn't a place for modesty; it's a chance to show companies all the awesome things you've done—and what you can do for them if given a chance. Action verbs give you the opportunity to liven things up a bit. Weak, vague, or overused verbs can actually diminish the excellent work you did at your last job, so choose action verbs that more a...

How to Write a Core Competencies Resume Section

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Athletes know that developing a strong core is one of the best ways to enhance their performance. Washboard abs don’t just look good—they’re also the central base of support for the entire body. Similarly, building core competencies for a resume will support your application and strengthen your appeal to employers. Mercifully, you can create cor...

How to Include Certifications on a Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Virtually every career field has at least one association, trade organization, school, or business offering a certification program. Whether you earned a tough certification after completing an intensive qualification process or receiving additional formal training in your field, you may be wondering where and how to include certifications on a res...

Resume Buzzwords to Include and Avoid

By Caroline Zaayer Kaufman, Monster contributor

Sure, you’re a hard-working innovator with excellent communication skills—unfortunately, so is nearly every job applicant you’re competing with, at least according to their resumes. It’s time to break from hackneyed resume buzzwords that carry zero weight in the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager. Check out this list of resume buzzwords and p...

The 10 Worst Resume Mistakes to Avoid

By Peter Vogt, Monster contributor

You’ve been applying to jobs like crazy, but it seems as though all of your applications have disappeared into the black hole of the Internet. Wondering why your resume isn’t getting you any interviews? We’re willing to bet it’s not because you’re unqualified or just not good enough (which, for the record, you are good enough). It’s likely because ...

5 Critical Resume Sections

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

Your resume is like a menu—it shows employers what you have to offer. And just like a menu is broken into clear categories to make ordering easier on a diner, resume sections make it quicker for busy hiring managers to see if you've got what what they're looking for. To continue with the menu metaphor, a restaurant would be selling itself short ...

Experienced Resume Writing Tips for Mid-Career Professionals

By Dawn Papandrea, Monster contributor

It goes without saying that the longer you do something, the better you get at it. As such, the resume you started out with back when you were a first-time job seeker is not going to look the same as the one you're touting once you've been in the workforce for a good number of years. But an experienced resume isn't some piece of paper that you can ...

5 Times in Your Life You Should Update Your Resume

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

Since you’ve been gainfully employed for a good stretch of time (score!), an updated resume might seem low on your to-do list. We get it: It’s no longer a priority. But if you don't update a resume promptly and let it go stale, you put yourself at a disadvantage. “You never know when you may get laid off or when a job opportunity might present i...

How to catalog your accomplishments

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

Gunning for a well-deserved raise? Got your eyes on a great new job? Your first step to impressing your boss and hiring managers starts here: Make a catalog of your accomplishments for resume greatness. Rather than waiting until performance reviews roll around—or when starting your job search—keep track of all your wins in real time. This saves ...

Resume Examples by Industry

By Monster Staff

If you're wondering how to make a resume or CV, you're in the right place! Below, you'll find a list of resume examples that can help you with your job search. It doesn't matter what level you're at in your career—to get noticed by potential employers, your professional resume needs to knock their socks off. Your resume is much more than a compi...

Is it smart to dumb down your resume?

By Kim Isaacs, Monster contributor

If you’re an experienced worker, you might be wondering if you should dumb down your resume to land an interview for a position for which you might seem overqualified. This strategy could include downplaying or omitting work experience, resume skills, education and degrees, and other credentials. But is reworking your resume in this manner a wis...

How to use numbers to make your resume more impressive to potential employers

By Julia Gaynor, Monster staff

Recruiters look at hundreds of resumes per day—sometimes for the same position. How can you make yours stand out? You could create a super creative infographic resume—or in about 10 minutes you could add data and metrics to quantify your achievements and upgrade your resume from amateur to amazing. Don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it might sound....

Consulting Resume Sample

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Whether you're in tech, healthcare, or any other industry, you need a professional, detailed consulting resume to land the top jobs in this competitive field, says resume expert Kim Isaacs. Need some help putting the pieces together? Start by taking cues from the job ad. Pick out the skills and tasks highlighted in the job ad—these are the key q...

What's a CV, and How Does It Differ from a Resume?

By Daniel Bortz and Libby Rutkey, Monster contributors

Most American job seekers can tell you what a resume is—after all, it’s your golden ticket to capturing the attention of hiring managers—but fewer are familiar with its proverbial relative, the CV (which stands for curriculum vitae, Latin for “course of life”). Here’s what a CV is not: a resume. If you’re confused, don’t worry. Both job seekers ...

List of important skills for a marketing resume

By Dawn Papandrea, Monster contributor

Marketing jobs are expected to grow by 8% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than average for all other jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To stand out as a candidate in the industry, you have to be sure your marketing resume highlights a particular set of skills. According to the 2018 CMO Survey sponsored by the American Marketing ...

How to Write a Resume Header (With Examples)

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: You want to get your resume noticed. One way to improve the odds that you will accomplish exactly that? An eye-catching resume header. The resume header section appears at the top of the resume and includes your name and contact information. While its purpose seems utilitarian, the header has the power to gr...

These 5 things are making your resume look dated

By Jacqueline Lisk, Monster contributor

Your resume is your first chance to grab a recruiter or hiring manager’s attention. But you don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons. If your resume format hasn't been updated in some time, you risk it looking woefully out of touch. That happens more often than you might think. Donna Svei of Los Angeles-based AvidCareerist says she has ...

How to Identify Transferable Skills for a Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Resume writing is no picnic under the best of circumstances, and the process is even more challenging when you're hoping to change careers or take on a job that's slightly outside of your reach. How do you show employers you’ve got what it takes to do the job if you haven’t actually done the job? No worries—by leveraging transferable skills, you ca...

Use this resume tip to score an internship

By Monster Staff

A strong, concise internship resume objective used to be required to help you stand out from a long list of internship candidates, but resume objectives have become obsolete over the years. The career summary is more common nowadays—and when you're applying to internships, a good career summary is important to let hiring managers know exactly why y...

Should your resume be in the past or present tense?

By Monster Staff

Grammar rules can be a pain, but don't ignore them—you can be sure hiring managers will be paying close attention! Choosing the right tense is important when you're starting to write a resume and apply to jobs. As with so many elements of a good resume, the ultimate choice comes down to your individual style and preferences. Use these guidelines to...

How to make a resume that catches the eye

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

Dozens, if not hundreds, of job applications bombard recruiters every day. The candidate who figures out how to make a resume that gets noticed wins a prize: the recruiter’s attention. Improve your resume, and watch your search follow suit. Unfortunately, boring resume templates are the go-to for many job seekers, laments Monster resume expert K...

How to write a nonprofit resume that gets results

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Just as there’s no one right way to develop a resume for the for-profit sector, resumes for nonprofit jobs are also dependent on the target job and organization. With more than 1 million nonprofits in the US, nonprofit jobs are as varied as those in the corporate sector. The best approach is to first understand what the organization is looking for ...

Computer skills to put on your resume

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

Computer skills are a must-have for anyone who wants to find a job these days, no matter what industry you’re in—all due respect to the humble pen and paper. “Employers today want workers who can use the latest technology that is relevant in their field to deliver whatever the company’s objectives are,” says Scott Vedder, a recruiter for Fortune...

These are the things employment recruiters are tired of seeing on resumes

By Dawn Papandrea, Monster contributor

When it comes to resume writing, it’s the little details that can reveal how much effort you put in—or didn’t. Employment recruiters review a lot of resumes as part of their job, so it’s only natural they will grow weary of seeing the same mistakes, outdated formats, and overall sloppiness day in and day out. Want a better shot at landing a job?...

7 resume-writing myths that can cost you the job

By Dawn Papandrea, Monster contributor

There are so many unwritten rules when it comes to resume writing. The problem is, if you haven’t been paying attention (and who could blame you?), you might not realize that the resume format has changed. Unsurprising, some of those old rules no longer apply—and frankly they didn’t make a whole lot of sense to begin with! As you prepare your re...

Quiz: Do you really know how to write a resume?

By Lily Martis, Monster staff

You think you know what recruiters want in a resume, but do you really? For some of you more confident job seekers, you might think your resume writing abilities are as flawless as Beyoncé (eyeroll)…while others will admit to just winging it like a bird (gulp). Either way, everyone—from entry-level to executive job seekers—could benefit from ...

Resume accomplishments you should omit

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Including a solid list of accomplishments on a resume can demonstrate your work ethic and ability to achieve results. But some accomplishments should be left out. Think twice before including any of the following: Exaggerations You know the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” That’s what employers are thinking when the...

The best fonts for your resume ranked

By Julia Gaynor, Monster staff

Would you ever sign a lease that was handwritten in crayon? How about a contract that was put together ransom-note style? Unless you enjoy playing with fire, we’re going to guess your answers are “no” and “no.” In fact, we’ll bet you wouldn’t even bother to read them. That's why it's important to determine the best font for resume readability. This...

Tips to keep your resume updated

By Monster Staff

When was the last time you took the time to update your resume? Was it a different season? A different decade? Not sure? You're not alone. According to a recent Monster poll, 8% of U.S. respondents can’t even remember the last time they touched their resume—and that’s not good for your job search or your career. While you probably don’t need to ...

The Monster Resume Critique Checklist

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Thirty-one seconds—that’s how much time a recruiter will typically spend on a resume critique before deciding whether to put it in the “yes” or “no” stack. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a single piece of paper that basically determines if you’re going to move forward in the job search process. So, to put it simply, you want your resume to b...

How to write your first resume

By Elana Lyn Gross, Monster contributor

You’re staring at a blank page willing it to become a resume. You get up, get coffee, sit back down, type your name, but then you’re tempted to take a break because you have no clue how to make a resume for your first job and turn your work experience (or lack thereof!) into something that will entice someone to hire you. It's true that many emp...

What you should never put on your resume

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

A professional resume is key to your job search—this you know. It must highlight your skills, experience, work history, and important accomplishments so that hiring managers can determine whether or not you’re qualified for a job. What you might not know is that there are a few things that don’t belong on your resume—things that might not tank y...

Resume tips for older workers with skills to spare

By Dawn Papandrea, Monster contributor

If you’re among the generation of older workers approaching 50 or older, you have so much value to bring to prospective employers—experience, hard skills, a been-there-done-that track record of industry know-how. So it’s a bit ironic that all your expertise could wind up working against you when you’re looking for a job. By structuring your resu...

Ask Vicki: Is it okay to apply to jobs without listing my new job on my resume?

By Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert

Each week, Monster’s career expert Vicki Salemi—a former recruiter who utilizes 15-plus years of experience in recruiting and human resources to empower job seekers—answers user questions on Quora. We’ll be republishing the answers here. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. Q. I recently started a new job. Is it ...

How your resume should look so that you look good

By Monster Staff

Between optimizing keywords and jotting down your accomplishments, writing a resume is no easy task. However, from a recruiter’s perspective, your resume’s look is just as important as its content. Think about it: When you have to evaluate hundreds of resumes each week, you’re going to spend more time on the ones that are both easy on the eyes and ...

Tips for creating a concise resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

If you're in the middle of updating or writing your resume, you may be asking yourself any of these questions: How long should my resume be? How can I fit all my experience on one page? What should a resume include? If you are, you're not alone. As millions of workers update their resumes, one of the top concerns is resume length. Not long ago, ...

Ask Vicki: I applied to a job and sent the wrong version of my resume. What should I do?

By Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert

Each week, Monster’s career expert Vicki Salemi—a former recruiter who utilizes 15-plus years of experience in recruiting and human resources to empower job seekers—answers user questions on Quora. We’ll be republishing the answers here. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. Q. I applied to a job and sent the wron...

Top Skills for Resume Success

By Caroline Zaayer Kaufman, Monster contributor

The skills listed on your resume are the keys to unlocking a load of career opportunities. Think about it: Just by sheer numbers, your resume is a needle in a haystack. Your goal is to make your talents easily identifiable so that your resume is the one that gets a recruiter’s attention. For maximum effect, you need to know the right skills to list...

How to trim your resume to one page

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

From spelling and grammatical errors to flowery language and absent keywords, there’s certainly no shortage of resume mistakes you could make. But there is one surefire kiss of death for most job seekers: submitting a two- or, dare we say it, three-page resume. “If you’re fresh out of college, you may have a few internships under your belt but b...

Internship resume sample

By Monster Staff

How do you get a job if you don’t have any job experience under your belt? Start with an internship—it’s a surefire way to develop the real-world skills needed to land a full-time job. In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2019 Student survey found that the job offer rate for the class of 2019 was strongly tied to ...

Ask Vicki: Does my resume need to include a list of seminars, training and forums that I participated in?

By Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert

Each week, Monster’s career expert Vicki Salemi—a former recruiter who utilizes 15-plus years of experience in recruiting and human resources to empower job seekers—answers user questions on Quora. We’ll be republishing the answers here. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. Q. Does my resume need to include a lis...

Ask Vicki: How should I structure my resume if I have limited experience?

By Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert

Each week, Monster’s career expert Vicki Salemi—a former recruiter who utilizes 15-plus years of experience in recruiting and human resources to empower job seekers—answers user questions on Quora. We’ll be republishing the answers here. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. Q. How should I structure my resume if ...

5 signs your resume is screaming 'unprofessional'

By Mack Gelber, Monster staff

We know you’re the real deal. Skills? Check. Experience? Plenty. Oh, and you’re a people person too? Incredible! You’re a true professional—one whom many hiring managers would probably love to meet in person and eventually employ. So why aren’t you getting those calls to come in for interviews? It could be that your resume is doing you in bef...

Ask Vicki: What do recruiters look for in a resume at first glance?

By Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert

Each week, Monster’s career expert Vicki Salemi—a former recruiter who utilizes 15-plus years of experience in recruiting and human resources to empower job seekers—answers user questions on Quora. We’ll be republishing the answers here. If you have a question for Vicki, send it to socialmedia@monster.com. Q. What do recruiters look for in a...

20 ridiculous skills you should never include on your resume

By Lily Martis, Monster staff

You might be well-versed in Microsoft Office or consider yourself social media savvy, but are you proficient in dodging potholes? And do you really want to work for a company that can’t appreciate your margarita-making skills? As far-fetched as it might seem, these examples aren’t too far off from the types of skills some folks like to list on t...

Should your resume education section include your high school?

By Monster Staff

In the early stages of your career, you’re likely going to struggle to decide what relevant information to include on your resume. It’s a common conundrum. Among your considerations: Should your resume education section include your high school? Short answer: Sometimes. There are definitely circumstances that warrant listing your high school ...

When and how to include your GPA on a resume

By Monster Contributor

To prospective employers, your GPA, or grade point average, provides a quick indication of your achievements at university or college. It's no small feat to ace your courses semester after semester, so when it comes time to share your resume with employers, a high GPA can be a strong selling point. If you are currently in college or will soon b...

The worst fonts for your resume ranked

By Julia Gaynor, Monster staff

With so many applicants clamoring for jobs, it’s tempting to want to do something to stand out from the crowd: a creative cover letter, a recommendation from an influential friend, maybe even a retweet or mention in social media. But you have to have a balance between practicality and innovation. Take for example the readability of your resume. The...

7 assumptions recruiters make about you based on your resume

By Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert

As a former corporate recruiter, I’ve seen thousands of resumes. And let me tell it to you honestly from this side of the table: Sometimes as my peers look at the vast pile of applicants in front of them, they make snap judgments based on what they read. Those judgments can blow your chances at a job before you even have a chance to speak. It’s ...

How to describe attention to detail on a resume

By Monster Contributor

The ability to manipulate small pieces of data with accuracy and focus is a crucial skill in a broad range of job fields. You have that skill, so you proudly write "great attention to detail" as one of the assets on your resume. There's nothing wrong with that, except phrases like this are on almost every resume of everyone trying to find a job....

Call center resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

If you truly want to stand out on your resume as you search for call center jobs, one of the best ways is to create an amazing resume objective. The objective tells employers exactly what job you're considering and what you can bring to the company. Your call center resume objective should be clearly defined, original, and to the point. In addition...

List of important skills for a bank teller resume

By Monster Contributor

Bank tellers have a very specific set of responsibilities. While bank teller jobs can serve as a good way to enter the field of finance, it's important for you to prove that you have the necessary skills to serve as the face of the branch. A bank's tellers are often the only people that customers have contact with. Show your potential employers ...

List of important skills for an office manager resume

By Monster Contributor

Office managers are natural multitaskers who take care of dozens of responsibilities in the course of a single day. Oftentimes, these professionals are so busy handling the daily goings-on in the office that they don't slow down to really examine the finer points of all that they do. When it comes to preparing a compelling resume for an office mana...

List of important skills for a teacher resume

By Monster Contributor

When you craft your teacher resume, you want to demonstrate your qualifications, from your education to your experience. Although you may include a dedicated section to highlight specific skills, a potential employer should be able to see what you can do by looking at what you've already done. After all, showing can be much more effective than tell...

List of important skills for an accounting resume

By Monster Contributor

As an accounting professional, you crunch numbers with the agility of a math pro, so you should have no problem getting an accounting job, right? But numbers aren't all that count. The accounting skills on your resume should highlight a combination of technical knowledge, value, and soft skills. Here are some top skills to think about as you outfit...

Engineer resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Although resume objectives have largely become replaced by career summaries, there are still times when they are worth including. For an engineer, those times are when you change careers or seek a specific position. Should you find yourself in either situation, we have included some examples of resume objectives that you can use to apply for engine...

Paralegal resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

As a paralegal, you know the importance of stating your case. Although resume objectives have become less and less common in recent years, often being replaced with career summaries, there are still times when a career objective will serve you better than a summary. Whichever you include, the same general principles apply: Be specific and be concis...

List of important skills for a sales resume

By Monster Contributor

Salespeople are some of the most inventive workers. Knowing how to sell—really sell—takes gumption, wit, charisma, and a kaleidoscopic knowledge of your subject. Translating these proven skills to paper might seem like a whole other kind of challenge though; employers are discerning, and every word counts. But with a little guidance, your sales res...

Bartending resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Your bartender resume needs to show off your punchy personality, friendly demeanor, and attention to detail. Crafting a strong resume objective can do just that. The objective clearly states what you're looking for in a bartender job. Although career summaries are more common nowadays, resume objectives are also beneficial. This brief statement at ...

Cashier resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Your cashier resume objective aims to tell potential employers what you're looking for and why you're the right candidate in a single sentence. Although career summaries are more common nowadays, resume objectives can entice a hiring manager to keep reading. When applying to cashier jobs, infuse your objective with personality so it's clear why you...

12 horrible resume mistakes spell check won't catch

By Daniel Bortz

Ah, the all-mighty resume. It’s the key to landing an interview—yet tragically, many job seekers fall short. “Your resume is the primary gate opener—or gate closer—for your job search,” says David Lewis, president and founder at OperationsInc, an HR consulting firm in Norwalk, Connecticut. Even the most meticulous job seekers make mistakes. (...

The 4 most important things to include on your resume to land a job in social media

By Brooke Zambroski

Having a job in social media means more than just posting cat pictures all day. Usually. Your resume is often the first impression you make with an employer. And if you want to work in social media, you’ll need to demonstrate that you are both creative and strategic. Here are the four most important things to include when you apply (cats opti...

This 5-point retail resume checklist will boost your odds of getting hired

By Caroline Zaayer Kaufman

Want to get your foot in the door of the retail industry, but not sure how when you’re first starting out? Not to worry—it’s definitely possible to put together a resume that will get noticed. “For entry-level retail roles, the barrier to entry skill-wise is low. So the key to standing out is to show passion for the industry and the ability to exc...

Resume Objective for a College Student

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Jobs for college students are some of the most sought-after positions in the workforce. To help your application stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to put together a solid resume that showcases your unique skills and accomplishments. One section you might want to leave off? Your resume objective—a short, pointed statement about the value you can...

These are 8 of the most eye-catching resumes we've ever seen

By Margaret Magnarelli

There’s no question: You’re far more interesting than your resume lets on. You have an A+ work ethic, an impressive portfolio of skills, and an epic list of accomplishments to your name. You make scintillating water cooler conversation, to boot. Everyone who knows you knows that you’re at the cutting edge of your field. So why are you still s...

Supervisor resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

As a supervisor, you know the value of a strong, clear goal. A well-written resume objective can simply and quickly show an employer exactly what you bring to the table when you apply to supervisor jobs. This short statement is a summary of what you have in your resume, but also highlights extra skills that may not be immediately apparent. Why u...

Manager resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Resume objectives are no longer as common as they once were—the career summary is favored nowadays—but in certain situations, they can be used effectively to gain the attention of potential employers when you're applying to manager jobs. Take a look at these examples of strong resume objectives for your next manager position. Why you should incl...

Administrative assistant resume objective examples

By Monster Staff

Although resume objectives are being replaced by career summaries, that doesn't make them entirely obsolete. In certain cases and for certain positions, a thoughtful, well-written of administrative assistant resume objective can get you noticed. As you prepare your resume to apply to administrative assistant jobs, check out these examples. Under...

CNA resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

How are your resume's vital signs? If they could use some reviving, an objective might help. Overall, the use of resume objectives has declined in popularity in favor of career summaries. Nevertheless, when you're looking for CNA jobs, an objective can differentiate your resume from the other applicants. If you're having trouble deciding on an obje...

IT resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Looking to apply to the top IT jobs? Creating an IT resume objective gives you a way to show a hiring manager what you want to do and how you will benefit the company. Although a resume objective is less common than a career summary nowadays, this simple yet pointed statement can show employers exactly what you bring to the table. These statemen...

Business analyst resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Attention business analysts: You're in great demand, and it's not hard to see why. As someone with a background in accounting or finance and Enterprise Resource Planning, you work with businesses to create data systems that will help them run smoothly now and into the future. Competition for business analyst jobs is tough, so your resume needs t...

Social work resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

As a social worker, you know the inherent value of communication, and your job application materials should reflect that. Resume objectives are becoming less common on resumes in favor of career summaries, however, it's often in your best interest to create a social work resume objective to clearly convey your skills and experiences. If you're havi...

Bank teller resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

As a bank teller, you stand as a representative of a bank. When a customer comes in, likely the only interaction they receive with anyone is the teller who assists them. Similarly, a resume objective is one of the very first pieces of information about you that a hiring manager sees. Although a career summary is more common on resumes nowadays, an ...

Standout Teacher Resume Objective Examples

By Monster Staff

Here's some education for you as you search for teaching jobs and online teaching jobs. Despite the fact that resume objectives are being seen as obsolete—the career summary is more common nowadays—you can use the language of objectives in your teacher's resume. A teaching resume objective would concisely state who you are, the value you bring to t...

Project manager resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Think of your resume like any other project that needs wrangling. A resume objective is in many cases, no longer considered a necessity on your resume—a career summary is more common nowadays. But depending on the project manager jobs you're applying for, a resume objective can help differentiate you from the competition. Although it's challenging ...

Write a powerful qualifications summary on your nursing resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Resume objectives may no longer be a hard and fast requirement for every job or resume—the career summary (also called qualifications summary) is more common nowadays. When you're looking for nursing jobs, this section helps show off your vital signs to an employer. Although nurse resume objective examples are past their due date, here are some way...

Warehouse resume objective examples

By Monster Staff

Although they are typically still taught at the high school and even college level, resume objectives are becoming less popular in favor of career summaries. However, it's often in your best interest to create a warehouse resume objective to outline your specific set of skills. These examples can help get you started as you apply to various warehou...

Listing Latin honors on a resume

By Monster Contributor

Graduating from a university with Latin honors is an important achievement that should be noted on your professional resume. However, it's important to format them correctly to draw attention to your educational accomplishments. Italicize Latin honors As your honors are Latin words, they should always be italicized and written in lower case. ...

Medical assistant resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Does your medical assistant resume need a check-up? Maybe an objective is just what the doctor ordered. Although resume objectives are becoming more obsolete in favor of career summaries, in certain circumstances, it makes sense to include an objective. Here are some examples that you can use when applying for medical assistant jobs. Get attenti...

Sales resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Resume objectives may seem obsolete or no longer part of the typical resume—the career summary is more common nowadays—but that doesn't mean they aren’t valuable in all circumstances. In fact, in the sales industry, a well-crafted resume objective can be the key to sealing the deal. Try one of these examples when applying for sales jobs. Why con...

Should you put your address on a resume?

By Monster Contributor

"Should I put my address on my resume?" is a question many job seekers ask when preparing their resume for a job search. While you've no doubt heard people emphasize the importance of "location, location, location" in any number of situations, the answer here is not so straightforward, with both pros and cons associated with including this personal...

Which resume paper weight to pick - 24 vs 32 lb.

By Monster Contributor

If you're like many job interview candidates, you give little thought to the paper you're printing your resume on. But surprisingly, your choice of resume paper could be more important than you think. So which paper weight should you print your resume on: 24 lbs. or 32 lbs.? Let's take a look at the options. The case for 24 lbs. paper 24 lbs. paper...

Pharmacy tech resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Your resume should be a prescription for a job offer. If you've been applying to pharmacy technician jobs but haven't had any luck, or you're just starting out on the job hunt, then you are going to want to do two things: Update your resume: Be sure to keep your pharmacy technician resume as current as possible. List all your relevant educati...

Security resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

A solid resume should safeguard your place in the workforce. In the past decade or so, the resume objective has been mostly replaced by the career summary. However, objectives are often helpful in touting your skills and abilities as you look for security guard jobs. If it's a challenge to condense your skills into a single sentence, these tips and...

Healthcare resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Resume objectives aren't required anymore—a career summary is more common nowadays—but objectives still might be useful in some cases when you are applying for health care jobs. Using a health care resume objective can set you apart in a sea of resumes. Here are several do's and don'ts to help you create an effective resume for health care. Don'...

Dental assistant resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Time for a semi-annual resume brush up? Consider the addition of a resume objective. While resume objectives are no longer required—a career summary is more common nowadays—they may come in handy in certain cases and can help you stand out from fellow job applicants. What makes your resume objective so important? For one thing, it gives you an oppo...

Finance resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

When writing a good finance resume objective, it's important to stand out. There are a lot of applicants who want the same position as you, and only one spot is up for grabs. Time to look sharp. Having an objective on a resume isn't required anymore—a career summary is more common nowadays—but there are some careers that need an objective to sho...

Human resource resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

As a human resource professional, you have two major things going for you in the workforce. First, the number of people working in human resources is expected to grow over the next decade at a faster pace than other occupations. Second, human resources is one of the most important departments in any company because it makes sure everyone is working...

Receptionist resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

How can your receptionist resume answer the call of employers? Start by getting noticed. Recently, the use of resume objectives has become less of a requirement and many job seekers choose a career summary instead. However, there are numerous cases when an objective could actually help your chances of finding receptionist jobs. Here are a few examp...

Retail resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Your resume is designed to sell one product—you. As someone in the retail industry, you might not be sure whether or not to include a resume objective. (It's true that the career summary is more common nowadays.) Before including an objective on your retail resume, make absolutely sure that it's necessary to include it before applying to retail job...

Accounting resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Becoming an accountant requires years of education and training, not to mention a strong set of skills. When it's time to apply for accounting jobs, it's important to set yourself apart with a stellar resume that showcases your abilities. Accountants examine, analyze, and prepare financial reports and statements for individual clients or organiz...

Office manager resume objective examples

By Monster Contributor

Office managers serve as some of the most significant and influential leadership positions in any business. This means that employers are looking for experienced individuals who can live up to every expectation of the job. Are you feeling the pressure yet? Don't sweat it—use these high expectations to your advantage and show your potential employer...

How to list multiple jobs at one company on your resume

By Catherine Conlan

Coming up through the ranks at a single company can be great for your career, but when it’s time to move on, you might be stumped about how to list all the different positions you’ve held on your resume. How you list the jobs on your resume depends on whether you came up in one department or moved around within the company. No matter which jobs you...

How long is too long for a resume?

By Rob Fucci, Monster Staff

Whether you’re a 20-year professional or among the millions of recent college graduates looking to break into the workforce, the same thing stands between you and your dream job: Your resume. No matter your experience level, your C.V. will always be key to getting an interview. Naturally, then, your inclination will be to go on at length deta...

25 sales associates skills for your resume

By Liz Torres, Monster staff

Sales associate jobs may not require a formal education, but retailers are on the search for job seekers with strong skill sets in communication, math, and technology. As important as it is to sell your skills for selling products, it's crucial to first sell your skills on your resume and in the interview. So what are retailers looking for? What wi...

25 Keywords Retailers Want to See on Your Store Manager Resume

With all of the information available on the Internet about resume writing, the process has become an art and a science. Understanding that job seekers only have six seconds to impress recruiters and hiring managers, there's countless advice out there saying..."don't include an objective" or "stick to one page" or "the number of job seekers who sti...

Resume tips for government job seekers

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Meaningful work, attractive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement are a few of the advantages of getting to work with the government. To help make sure that happens, your government resume needs to meet federal application requirements. Follow these tips to land in the “referred” pile, catapulting your resume to the next step in the...

More adjectives every resume should include

By Catherine Conlan, Monster Contributing Writer

How best to use adjectives on a resume can be a perplexing concept. We know it’s a popular one because this article is one of the most widely viewed on the Monster blog. And adjectives are great for making your resume stand out — but only if you can back them up, experts say. Simply throwing out a lot of high-powered words won’t wow hiring managers...

Insurance Claims Processor Resume Sample

By Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Stake your claim to your next job with a comprehensive insurance claims processor resume. For inspiration, view the sample resume below. You can skip the traditional claims processor resume objective and replace it with a summary instead. In two to three sentences, let the reader know what makes you so good at your job. In addition, when listing...

Resume tips for engineers

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Did you know you can engineer your resume to be a powerful marketing tool? While engineering jobs encompass a broad range of specialties, effective resume strategies are applicable across disciplines from construction engineering to civil engineering. Here are seven pieces of advice from the experts to keep in mind when writing your engineering ...

Resume tips for creative professionals

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

When it comes to resumes for creative professionals, resume presentation is paramount, says Adrienne Burke, a senior recruiter who has placed creative talent for the past five years. Burke's employer, Artisan, matches Web/print/multimedia designers, creative/art directors and broadcasting/copywriting talent with the staffing needs of major employer...

Resume tips for teachers

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Whether you're a recent graduate pursuing your first full-time teaching job or a veteran educator, you can benefit from polishing your resume to attract the best job opportunities. Make sure you display the following on your resume, and see our sample resume for a teacher: A passion for teaching "Showing passion for what you do is important ...

Outdated Phrases to Leave off Your Resume

Writing a resume can be a daunting task, especially since you are forced to sell yourself to a hiring manager with only one to two pages where you can list out your extensive experience. Chances are, there are probably some phrases on your resume you can leave off or swap out for new terminology. Here are some outdated phrases to take off your r...

Resume tips for finance professionals

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Finance and accounting professionals can find career opportunities in any business sector. Whether you're looking to be a CFO or controller, financial analyst or financial planner, portfolio manager or investment counselor, the requisites for the resume are the same. When developing your finance or accounting resume, focus on skills, areas of ex...

What Nonprofit Employers Are Looking for in Resumes Today

By Monster Contributor

Courtesy Bridgestar Looking for a job in a down economy is tough, but seeking a nonprofit position presents unique challenges. Some job seekers use a downturn as a time of self-reflection and discover that pursuing a transition to the nonprofit world might be right for them. At the same time, while many nonprofits are seeing an increase in demand f...

7 tips to leverage long-term employment on your resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Job seekers often worry how to handle job-hopping and long periods of unemployment on their resumes. But occasionally, someone asks the flip side: how to handle long-term employment with one company. With so much disruption in the labor force and many workers eager to jump at better jobs, employees who stay with one company for a significant amount...

Fun Ways to Beef Up Your Resume

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

The word "fun" isn't usually associated with looking for a job. Even in the best of circumstances, being unemployed or underemployed can be scary and stressful. But in any job search, keeping a positive attitude is important. So in addition to refining your resume and assiduously applying for jobs, consider these pursuits that are lots of fun and c...

It's OK to job hop in these 5 instances

By Melissa Cooper

If your résumé is dotted with short sprints at different jobs, it might cause hiring managers to raise an eyebrow. They may assume that you don’t get along with management or that you’re difficult to please. However, that old-school mindset is starting to crack. Having multiple short-term positions on your résumé doesn’t always carry a negative ...

8 Words and Phrases You Should Eliminate From Your Resume

By Monster Contributor

They’ll make your resume stand out — but not in a good way. By Catherine Conlan Monster Contributing Writer When you’re putting your resume together, you want to look professional, present the best image possible and find ways to stand out. There are several common words and phrases that many people think fit the bill, but aren’t as great as the...

One Thing You Should Never Put On Your Resume

By Monster Contributor

It may be part of who you are, but it won’t help you win over employers. By Catherine Conlan Monster Contributing Writer Your goal in writing a resume is to create a concise document that demonstrates your value to prospective employers and makes them want to bring you in for an interview to learn more. But sometimes the information you include ca...

Best Keywords for your IT Resume

It’s hard getting your resume in front of a hiring manager. The economic downturn, coupled with an increase in technology, can make it feel like you are sending your resume into a void, never to hear back. Chances are, there is a hiring manager or recruiter on the other end that is overwhelmed with resumes, scanning them to find keywords that will ...

What really happens when you lie on your resume

By Catherine Conlan, Monster contributor

Exaggerating the truth or outright lying on a resume isn’t unusual, but that doesn’t mean it’s an effective way to advance your career. According to Monster’s 2019 State of the Recruiter survey, 85% of recruiters said that candidates exaggerate skills and competencies on their resumes. Not cool. “We've recently completed our latest hiring round ...

How to Write a Resume for IT

By Sarah White, Monster contributor

IT professionals are lucky to have a lot of technology job opportunities, but you still want to ensure your resume stands out among other applicants. Here are some tips on how to write a resume to land your next job in the field of information technology. Up-to-Date Skill Set It’s great if in the past you worked as a Windows XP admin, but tha...

4 secrets of writing a short, sweet and successful resume

By Dominique Rodgers, Monster contributor

Whether you’re just about to leave your first job or making your 10th career transition, chances are your resume could use some editing. Recruiters and hiring managers receive a staggering number of resumes for each job posted. The ones that grab their attention are often short and simple—and convey candidates’ value immediately. A resume is jus...

5 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out

By Monster Contributor

By Catherine Conlan Monster Contributing Writer When you’re writing your resume you want to impress hiring managers and get selected for an interview, so you need to do everything you can to ensure it stands out from the crowd. Here are five ways to make your resume stand out from the competition. Respond Directly to the Job Description ...

6 Things to Take Off Your Resume Today

By Monster Contributor

By Dominique Rodgers Monster Contributing Writer If it’s been a while since you’ve looked for a job, you may not have updated your resume in quite some time. Or maybe you’ve updated your resume but did so based on advice you heard long ago. Either way, your resume may contain items that can make you appear out of touch, unprofessional or just d...

5 Phrases You Should Never Put On Your Resume

By Monster Contributor

By Hannah Hamilton Monster Contributing Writer When you’re writing your resume, it’s best to avoid the cliche words that hiring managers and recruiters see over and over again. Even if you feel the terms are accurate, there is usually a livelier, more original way to describe yourself. Here are five words and phrases you should avoid putting on...

5 Ways Your Resume is Screaming "Unprofessional"

By Monster Contributor

By Catherine Conlan Monster Contributing Writer There are resumes that make it into the “maybe” pile, and then there are those that go directly into the trash. The latter may just come from unqualified candidates, but they could just be screaming “unprofessional.” If you know you’re a great candidate, but you aren’t getting any replies, it’s ...

Adjectives every resume should include

By Catherine Conlan, Monster Contributing Writer

Can one word make or break your resume? Some powerful adjectives can set a tone for your resume and help it stand out from the competition. Check out the adjectives hiring experts say can spice up your resume and help you land an interview. The power of adjectives Start with “agile” or “flexible,” says Dave Popple, president of Corporate I...

5 Resume Mistakes that Will Cost You the Job

By Monster Contributor

By Hannah HamiltonMonster Contributing Writer Your resume is often the first contact you make with a potential employer -- and it can make or break your chances of getting to the next step in the hiring process. Avoid these common resume mistakes that could cost you the job.Failure to Demonstrate Results The responsibilities of a role or position o...

Choosing Your Resume Strategy: Specialist or Generalist

By Monster Contributor

By Larry Buhl In a buyer's market, you may be tempted to throw all your skills on your resume, praying that the sheer variety of your experiences will overwhelm an employer. After all, you wouldn't want a potential employer to overlook that one gem in your background that could really set you apart. But does the generalist resume work best to...

How to Write a Resume

By Monster Staff

Need some basic information about how to write a resume that stands out from the competition? Or maybe you’re looking for advice on how to fine-tune your career summary, craft your work history section, and show off your education and skills? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Check out the following resume writing tips to learn how to make y...

Lie on your resume at your own risk

By Miriam Salpeter, Monster contributor

According to the Monster Future of Work: 2021 Outlook survey, 66% of employers agreed that candidates exaggerate skills and competencies on their resumes. You just want to get a job, so it’s tempting to stretch the truth a little on your resume. But what are the risks? Is it illegal to lie on a resume? What happens if (more like when) you get caugh...

Resume writing help

By Monster Contributor

Need resume help? Our complete library of resume writing tips has all the information you'll need about resume basics like style, length and formats. Also, find resume advice for specific industries and career levels, as well as tips on how to avoid typical resume mistakes, deal with common resume dilemmas and more. Resume sections How to ...

Resume help for the unemployed

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Mounting a job search when you’re unemployed may leave you feeling like you can’t compete with your gainfully employed peers. This just isn’t true. Transform your resume from holding you back to propelling your success. Assess the gap “The best way to address an employment gap depends on how long you’ve been out of work,” says Teena Rose, dir...

Resume Tips for Full-Time Parents Returning to Work

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Wondering what a stay-at-home-mom resume looks like? Are you a dad returning to the workforce after extended paternity leave? You're bound to have questions about the job search—and you're in good company. Approximately one-in-five parents in the U.S. is a stay-at-home mom or dad, according to a study released by Pew Research Center. What happens w...

How to write an effective resume headline

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

It used to be standard for resumes to include objective sections, but most objectives fell flat right out of the gate. By talking about the job seeker’s goals and interests, objectives left employers wondering, “What’s in it for me?” Enter the resume headline (also known as a resume title). This section still includes your career goal, but also con...

Round out your resume with additional information

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

If your resume contains the basic information—work experience, education, and skills—you’re off to a good start. But you can take your candidacy to the next level by learning how to put certifications on your resume, as well as additional information that supports and reinforces your qualifications. “Your resume should definitely show that you ...

10 words and terms that ruin a resume

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

Your resume needs an update—that is, if your resume is like that of most people, it’s not as good as it could be. The problem is language: Most resumes are a thicket of deadwood words and phrases—empty cliches, annoying jargon and recycled buzzwords. Recruiters, HR folks and hiring managers see these terms over and over again, and it makes them sad...

Video Resumes: Let the Applicant Beware

By Monster Contributor

By Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs In 2006, a video resume was circulated to a large investment bank. The applicant did not receive a job offer, but he did receive an online public flogging after the resume made its way onto YouTube and into the snarky hands of the clever editors at Gawker. Aleksey Vayner, then a senior at Yale, boasted in his...

Resume tips for writers

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Were you born to write, but have writer's block when it comes to your resume? You're not alone. Whether you're seeking freelance assignments or a full-time writing position, follow these tips to create a powerful resume. Determine your key selling points Given what you know about the prospective employer's needs, why should you be selected ...

Contractors: Do You Need a Resume?

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Whether you call yourself an independent contractor, consultant or entrepreneur, you may wonder if you need a resume to promote your services. As a free agent, there are different pieces you could use to market yourself, so before you get started, determine what you want your piece to accomplish. Here's a look at the most popular options. Tr...

Keep Your Online Resume Secure

By Monster Contributor

While you may hear about online fraud, it tends to be focused on companies that derive their business from online purchases. As Monster is primarily a free service, and the contact information found in a resume can just as easily be located elsewhere (e.g. telephone listings), you can be assured that posting your resume on Monster is a safe way to ...

Resume Security: Safeguard Your Contact Information

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

You need to get your resume out there during a job search, but does revealing your email address, phone number and mailing address give employers access to too much information? What if your resume lands in the wrong hands? Career and security experts explain how to market yourself while protecting your online privacy and security. Audit You...

Refresh Your Retro Resume in Six Steps

By Karen Hofferber, Monster Contributing Writer

Many people are facing the prospect of finding a new job. And some are even contemplating a complete career change. If it has been years since you last updated your resume, you may be wondering where to start. Follow these six steps to turn your dusty retro resume into a high-powered personal marketing tool for winning interviews in today's competi...

Effectively present your military skills

By Lisa Manafian, Monster contributor

"It is a special kind of employee who steps forward and takes responsibility to get the job done," says Col. Allen Weh, retired US Marine Corps reserve officer, and president and CEO of CSI Aviation Services Inc. Weh, who founded CSI in 1979, employs former military personnel and is often asked for advice from veterans seeking to transfer their ...

Race, Sex and Religion on Your Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

You're probably aware that hiring managers cannot ask discriminatory questions during interviews. But this legal protection isn't too useful in preventing discrimination before the interview. If your resume contains personal information unrelated to your job target -- your race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc. -- you migh...

Corporate Restructuring and Your Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

When an organization undergoes a merger, acquisition or closing, job seekers are left wondering how to write a resume that convey this information appropriately and effectively. Follow these tips to make your resume shine. Mergers and Acquisitions If your organization restructured, combine your employers and position history under one employm...

Prove your resume claims with a career performance portfolio

By Peter Vogt, Monster contributor

You'd be smart to extend a bit more effort on your resume portfolio than you think is necessary. Why? Employers are skeptical and for good reason: Most have looked at hundreds or thousands of resumes, many making claims that eventually prove to be a stretch at best and outright lies at worst. In fact, almost every employer has a story about a perso...

Rev up your resume to relocate

By Kim Isaacs, Monster contributor

Let's face it: All other things being equal, employers would rather recruit local applicants than out-of-towners. It's more convenient to schedule interviews, and there are no hassles or cost concerns associated with relocation. But according to Monster data, about half of all job seekers are willing to move for the right job. If you are planni...

Getting personal on your resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

You know that your resume is supposed to include the basics: skills, work experience, education. But now it's time to ask yourself if you should put personal information in your resume. Does your resume include information that puts you at risk for junk mail, spam, scams, or identity theft? Follow these tips from security experts to protect your pr...

KSAs in the Resume

By Kathryn Troutman, Monster Federal Career Coach

Federal applicants are familiar with employers' requests to include a separate knowledge, skills and abilities narrative (KSA) in their applications. Now, some vacancy announcements are requiring KSAs within the text of the resume. Knowing the best way to incorporate this information into your resume could be key to landing your next job. Take t...

Resume dilemma: I'm overqualified

By John Rossheim, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

You were laid off from your executive job by a company that's now six feet under. You've sent out 800 resumes, done one interview, received zero offers. You find yourself looking lower and lower on the totem pole and occasionally eyeing openings for line managers at the competitor that killed your former employer. You need tips to tailor your resum...

Customize your resume for best results

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

You have a resume, but it's not working as well as you'd like it to. What can you do to increase the number of calls you receive for job interviews? Tailor your resume for each job to which you apply. Submitting the same resume for every position can't possibly meet each employer's individual requirements. If you want to grab hiring managers' at...

Understand Smart Resume Packaging vs. Exaggeration

By Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

To get ahead in a competitive entry-level job market, some college students are giving serious thought to the unthinkable: Lying or wholesale exaggeration on their resumes. As one Monster member puts it: "I'm graduating this May, but even back in 10th grade, one English teacher, who was actually more down-to-earth than most, looked at my resu...

How long should a resume be?

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Resume length is among the biggest quandaries for job seekers. The presiding belief is that if it’s too long, you risk a hiring manager not reading the whole thing; if it’s too short, you might look like you don’t have enough experience. For all the times you’ve wondered, “How long should a resume be?” you probably figured the universe has decided ...

Declutter your resume in five steps

By Kim Isaacs, Monster contributor

In preparation for a senior- to executive-level job search, you dust off your old resume and tack on your most recent job, new skills, and training. But without editing or deleting old information, your resume becomes a hodgepodge of outdated accomplishments, awards, and skills. You may think all that experience makes you seem impressive—and it ...

Should you use a chronological or functional resume?

By Roberta Chinsky Matuson, Monster contributor

Too many people make the mistake of thinking that a resume's purpose is to get them a job. Actually, resumes open and close doors. Their main purpose is to make an employer interested enough to invite you in for an interview. As such, knowing which resume format will work best in your favor is key to your success. Just as people come in different s...

Your resume's look is as important as its content

By Peter Vogt, Monster contributor

Imagine you're an employer, and you have two resumes in front of you. One is filled wall-to-wall with text and uses four different fonts. It's also peppered with dozens of bolded, italicized, and underlined words and phrases. The second resume also offers a lot of information, but you can quickly scan the document because it makes good use of wh...

Resume format tips for functional resumes

By Karen Hofferber, Monster Contributing Writer

Traditions can be wonderful, but sometimes there are good reasons to break them. If you're a vegetarian, for example, serving the customary Thanksgiving turkey just won't work. And if football isn't your thing, you won't be glued to the TV during the big game, no matter how many millions of other folks are. It's the same with resumes. The vast m...

Resume dilemma: Criminal record

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Individuals with criminal histories face numerous obstacles when seeking employment, so it's important they make the one document that can open doors—the resume—as effective as possible. Follow these tips to ensure your resume is ready to go. Don't reference your criminal background The purpose of a resume is to help you secure a job intervie...

How to Ask for a Resume Critique

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Is your resume as good as it could be? Are you happy with the number of calls you're receiving for job interviews? Is your resume email-ready and strategically written to market your best credentials? If you answered no to any of these questions, you would benefit from a third-party resume critique. Kathy Sweeney, a certified resume writer and pre...

How to show tech skills on your IT resume

By Allan Hoffman, Monster contributor

Employers often screen candidates based on their technical skills, so technology job seekers naturally want to make sure they present their skills properly. As a result, creating the skills section of a technology resume section can be a challenge. So what are technical skills, exactly? Technical skills, as listed on a resume, include progra...

Sell yourself with sales resume tips

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

You're a natural at selling products or services for your employer, so why is it so hard to sell yourself on your resume? Don't worry, because you can turn your drab sales resume into a powerful sales tool. Start with a high-impact sales pitch Resumes for pharmaceutical sales job, those keywords and your supporting knowledge should be in the ...

Lying on your resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

When a woman we'll call Mary was offered a high-level student-services position at a prestigious college, she was thrilled to accept. But two years later, Mary was fired despite strong performance reviews and a reputation as a rising star at the college. The reason? She lied on her resume—and got caught. Lying on your resume about your degree is a ...

Is a combination resume right for you?

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Of all the choices you make when job searching, one of the most important is the type of resume format you select. The right one will amplify your strengths and downplay your weaknesses, guiding the reader to understand your value proposition and ultimately decide to interview you. The two most common resume formats are chronological and functional...

Resume Tips for Healthcare Professionals

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Healthcare has undergone significant changes in the past 20 years, and healthcare organizations are increasingly sensitive to cost control and productivity. Funding sources for both public and private healthcare orgzanizations have cut back reimbursement and allowable expenses. Your healthcare resume must reflect an understanding of these changes. ...

Resume tips for job fair success

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Whether you're a recent graduate seeking your first position or an experienced professional in search of a new opportunity, attending job fairs is one way to network and find job leads. Job fairs allow you to meet hiring managers from various companies and industries—all housed under one roof (real or virtual) for the day. These tips will help you ...

Resume Tips for Making the Transition to Private Industry

By Kathryn Troutman, Monster Federal Career Coach

After leaving the military, many servicemen and women must find their first private-industry job or consider using their combat experience to advance their previous careers. One of the most difficult challenges in making this transition is translating military experience into marketable private-industry skills on your resume. Military experience...

Explain Your Sabbatical on Your Resume

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Once typical in the careers of tenured professors, sabbaticals aren't just for academics anymore. Millions of people across industries leave the workforce each year, pausing their careers to pursue other interests. Reasons for such a break may include returning to school, traveling, volunteering, conducting research, writing a book or caring for...

Could a Blue-Collar Resume Get You a Better Job?

By Bob Weinstein, Monster Contributing Writer

A growing number of blue-collar workers are using resumes to sell themselves, and it's not hard to figure out why. A resume is a marketing piece, and all job seekers can use some help marketing themselves regardless of industry. Thirty years ago, resumes for blue-collar workers were unheard of. All potential employers cared about were candidates...

Resume dilemma: No degree

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Are your fellow job seekers leaving you in the dust, nabbing the great jobs because they have educational credentials that you lack? Follow these tips to put your best foot forward on your resume and compete with others who have more impressive educational backgrounds. Emphasize your strongest credentials Think about why an employer should hi...

Customer Service Resume Tips

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Whether you're a seasoned pro or entry-level, the US Department of Labor reports excellent job growth potential in customer service. To ensure you're considered for the best opportunities, pay your resume the same attention you do your customers. These tips can help, and be sure to check out our sample resume for a customer service rep. Target Y...

Beat the Blue-Collar Resume Blues

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

A resume is a chance for job seekers to make a great first impression, yet many blue-collar workers pay little attention to this important document. Follow these tips to create a resume that gets noticed. Use the Monster Resume Builder If you don't have a resume and aren't sure where to start, use the Monster Resume Builder to guide you. The ...

Keywords you need on your executive resume

By Kate Ashford, Monster contributor

Your resume is an essential part of your professional profile, but how much thought have you given to the specifics? The language you use—or more precisely, the keywords you include—can make a significant difference in your job prospects. Not only does the right language help to demonstrate your expertise, it’s what recruiters expect to see f...

Top reasons why generic resume templates don't work

By Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

You're about to start your job hunt, and you've come up with what you believe to be a masterful plan: You'll put together the best resume you can, then fire it off to as many companies as you can, in the hopes it will be a good match for at least one job in one organization. It's the classic "throw a bunch of mud against the wall and see if any of ...

Demystifying What Hobbies and Interests to Put on a Resume

By Omar Sommereyns, Monster Contributor

Most of us—we’re not just workaholics. And we’re certainly not robots. We have emotional attachments, pastimes that enrich us, and many diversions that fulfill us. And while these pursuits may seem to be part of lives that are separate from our careers, they still make up an integral chunk of our individual identities. In other words, they humanize...

Resume dilemma: Unrelated experience

By Barbara Reinhold, Monster Contributing Writer

So you want to move to a different field entirely. Your father says, "You'll never be able to do it." Your mother rails, "After we spent all that money on your degree?" Fortunately, your friends or significant other say, "Sure, why not?" If you do decide to go for it, don't forget to give your resume a makeover—one that highlights your crossover ap...