Rock Your Résumé in Any Situation

Posted Jun 3rd 2009 5:27PM
by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Whether you're currently employed, facing a layoff or looking for a job, keeping your résumé up-to-date is always important. In today's economy, however, it's even more vital to have a current copy of your résumé on hand. After all, you never know when an amazing job opportunity -- or pink slip -- might fall into your hands.

"You have to be ready to submit your résumé on short notice," says Dustin DeVries, senior director of LEAD DAWG, a job search consulting firm. "Candidates who have taken time to update their résumé may be passed over for another candidate of similar caliber that is ready to go now. You just never know when that opportunity may land in your lap and you have to be ready to act."

Updating one's résumé today, however, may not be as easy as it once was. As job losses and layoffs continue to swell, people have to do more with less to enhance their résumés. Job seekers are unsure how to deal with lack of employment, gaps between work, title demotions, less duties and shortened job spans when updating their résumés.

Here are some ways to beef up your résumé if it is lacking in any of the following areas:

1. You have a gap between jobs
Depending on the length of the gap, Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers, says you should fill in the gap with something you've been doing in your time off. This will show employers you've taken initiative during this period rather than waiting for something to fall into your lap.
"Consider getting actively involved in volunteer projects and/or consulting opportunities, even if you do the work for free," Salpeter says. "This will allow you to use your skills in a way that is worth describing on your résumé."

2.You've been laid off
No employer will be surprised see an applicant who's been laid off. Be honest about your departure, DeVries says. "In this economy, it's going to happen. Don't misrepresent that you're still employed by dating your last position as 'to present' if you're not currently with that company. [It's a] red flag if a recruiter sees [you] as currently employed when in fact you've been laid off."

3. You were hired recently but laid off right away due to the economy
Don't leave any employment off your résumé, no matter how short a period you may have worked there. Just don't explain the details on your résumé.
"In today's economy, most people will give you the benefit of the doubt that your departure was not a result of your performance," Salpeter says. "Be prepared to discuss it if it comes up in a conversation or interview."

4.You were demoted or had a title change
Titles are just that -- a title. It says nothing about your specific accomplishments and your track record of meeting or exceeding metrics for your organization, DeVries says.
"State your title, but focus [on] your achievements for the organization. Any good recruiter or potential employer is going to be most interested in your track record of meeting objectives no matter what your role," DeVries says. "A 'director' of marketing for one company may require something completely different from a 'director' role at another company. Focus on your measurable accomplishments."

5. You went from a senior-level position to a "filler" position at lower level
In this situation, it's critical to include an objective that outlines what type of position you're looking for at the company where you're applying, DeVries says.
"If you have to take a 'filler' position between professional positions, you need to include the role but place your focus on the activities you have maintained during that time to remain current in your professional field," he says. Volunteering, professional networking and taking classes are all things that will help keep you current.

Top Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors

Top Jobs for 2008-09 Liberal Arts Majors*

Teaching
$35,071

Sales
$42,677

Management Trainee (Entry-Level Mgmt.)
$33,238

Social Work
$27,873

Law Enforcement
$43,806

Management, General (Mid to Upper Level)
$45,775

*Source: Summer 2009 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data are for bachelor’s degree graduates only.

Update from a summer intern

Amira Sadek, senior at SMU, is doing a summer internship with the Department of Transportation in Anchorage, Alaska. She is having a wonderful time. Stay in touch with what Amira is doing and her many adventures.

Check out Amira's blog at http://amirassenioryear.blogspot.com/