How do I make my resume seem more interesting?

Question

I have education, but zero experience in the real world. I am looking for a decent job in NYC and don't want to put down my previous work experience from years ago, like working at Sears or Subway. I didn't work while I was in college though and didn't do an internship. What can I do to pad my resume and make me seem more desirable?

Answer 1

Thou shalt not PAD!!!! Instead, focus on your resume as though it was your "online dating profile." It's your first (and possibly only) chance to attract the employer of your dream. Your objective is to get the reader intrigued with you from the very beginning. That being said:

1. Make sure that your contact information is readable and complete (don't make the employer have to look for your contact information). If your font is Arial or Times New Roman, try another one (i.e. Garamond, Palatino, Geneva, New Century Schoolbook, Helvetica, Tahoma, Georgia, etc.)

2. Revisit your objective statement. Does it convey what you have to offer the employer more thahn what you are hoping to receive frm them?

3. Utilize BOTH a Summmary of Qualifications and a Skills & Abilities section to deemphasize menial jobs.

4. Use bullets instead of paragraphs when listing your job duties to avoid skimming.

5. Be sure you are using a functional format to guide the employers perception of you and your work history.

Rule of Thumb: Assume that the reader only has 10 seconds to conduct an initial review of your resume Will the keep reading or will they put it down?

Answer 2

Do a functional resume as one of the other responders has said - but INCLUDE your old experience.

Sears & Subway show that you are versed in customer service - a very transferable skill, especially if you include internal customers. You are comfortable dealing with a wide variety of people (aka, the General Public!) and that the idea of showing up at a certain time & place is something you understand (many college only students don't know this!)

Also, talk to your college career center - they can help you!


Best of luck!

Answer 3

i attended a career counseling course for3 weeks that my previous employer offered when the callcenter was relocating to another state. no one puts down everywhere they works i think everyone has worked at burger king or fast food for their 1st job. You want to emphasize your resume so it pertains to the career u are seeking. What were your duties at sears? and what kind of career r u seeking now? i can help you. u been 2 college wich is great. very important you want to show STABILITY and refeer to your potential employer as career not a job.and if u wrked @ sears while u were in school thats ok just extend the time there a little longer if needed.
example you need an objective which im sure you know
objective: Seeking a rewarding career opportunity that will allow my employer benefit from my experience and stability.
if you want to email me or give me an idea of your past jobs i can help you i did my sisters when she graduated college she works for the CDC in atlanta she is a microbiologist. she never did like doing paper work. let me know if you need a hand! OH your resume should only be 1 page, have it in a folder so when you go for an interview hand it too them and yours will stand out being its in a folder. references are not recomended on a resume id suggest after your education history, stating in resume that references are available if needed. interviewers have little time to read a long resume have the font just right so it fits on 1 page only. go to kinkos get off white resume paper you can buy like 10 for a 1.50 always have extra copies of your hard copied resumes.
then have a cover sheet. so when you present your resume in the folder and they open it on the left side is your cover sheet with your full name and demographics so it is seen easily. then on the right side of yur folder your resume. then you can place copies of any awards for attendence from school or acedimic awards thats a plus. it isnt just about a resume to get the career you are seeking. find your attributes sell your selfin your resume and on your interview. because theres alot of competition. your resume needs to be clean, easy to read and emphasize your strenghths. if you send your resume via online to a potential.. be sure to follow up 1 day after you send it so it shows you are eager. hope i was helpful.. let me know if i can help. Oh 1 more fyi must! look on monster.com for the type of career you are seeking and look at what that company is looking for and you can reword it in your own way
thanks layla

Answer 4

I'd use a functional resume that ephasizes your skill sets rather than your employement history.

Try the site below for assistance - it has free resources:

http://www.effective-resume-writing.com/free-resume-formats.html

Answer 5

LIE