Careers In Tax knows you want your resume at the top of the stack. The resume knowledgebase can help you get there.

  1. How do I create a stellar resume?
    A resume is your first introduction to a prospective employer and is your personal marketing tool for an interview invitation. You have from 10-20 seconds to make an impression. Before sending your resume, determine what the employer is looking for. What does the employer want? What specialized skills does the position require? What is needed to be an ideal candidate? Your resume should incorporate the answers to these questions. This doesn’t mean you falsify information. It does mean, however, that you showcase your unique abilities as they relate to the needs of the position.
  2. How many pages should my resume be?
    Limit the length of your resume to one page unless your career has spanned more than five years, then use two pages. You don’t need to go into detail about every accomplishment. Strive to be clear and concise. If you must go over two pages, make sure all the information is relevant to the prospective employer’s needs. Remember the purpose of a resume is to get an interview, not land the job. Use the interview to provide more details about your accomplishments and to obtain the job offer.
  3. What format should I use for my resume?
    Chronological resumes are most widely used and are preferred by interviewers and recruiters. Beginning with your current or most recent position, include a short description of day-to-day job responsibilities for each position, making sure it doesn’t read like a help wanted ad. The two most recent positions should include a bulleted accomplishment section showcasing your unique achievements reflecting your abilities to be successful in the prospective job. Be specific, clear, positive and create excitement by using power words.
  4. What is the difference between responsibilities and accomplishments?
    Responsibilities are the day-to-day tasks required for the position. These are the tasks that would be completed regardless of who holds the position. Accomplishments are your unique actions, above and beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, that have positively impacted the revenue and/or productivity of the organization.
  5. Should I include an objective in my resume?
    Consider replacing the objective with a summary. An objective focuses on what you want, whereas a summary focuses on what you can offer the company.
  6. I’ve worked for the same company for several years, but I’ve held different positions within the company. How do I reflect that on my resume?
    Use a singular company heading and include the collective dates of employment. Then list each position separately along with the dates for that particular position. Responsibilities and accomplishments can be listed separately under each position.
  7. My career has spanned a number of years. How do I limit the length of my resume to just two pages?
    Add a section titled “Prior Relevant Experience” and combine this experience without mentioning dates.
  8. Should I include names of references?
    No, not at this point. Always end your resume with some variation of “References available upon request”. If the prospective employer requests references during the interview process, you can provide a separate list at that time. Of course, always contact your references and obtain their permission prior to submitting their names.
  9. I’ve spent considerable time preparing my resume by relating my skills and accomplishments to the needs of the position. What else do I need to know?
    Attention to detail can make all the difference. A resume is your personal marketing tool and indicates the quality of work you produce. First, make sure the resume is easy to read by using 10 or 12 point font and utilizing “white space”. Add visual interest with bold face, italics and underlining. If space permits, use a larger font for your name.

    Nothing kills a good impression quicker than typos and grammatical errors. Don’t rely solely on spell check. Check and double check for spelling errors and grammatical errors. Make sure the entire resume is written in third person. Objectively examine the general appearance of your resume – would you want to read it? Show your resume to one or two trusted friends or colleagues and get their input, not only on content, but also the overall look and feel of the resume.
  10. What should I omit from my resume?
    Don’t include personal information other than your name, address and contact information. Do not include marital status, age, children, your personal website or hobbies. Organizational or associational memberships are acceptable as long as they are related to your career. Don’t include salary information or the reasons for leaving a position.
  11. I’m applying for a position that states I must include my salary history or I will not be considered. What should I do?
    When an employer specifically asks for salary information, provide it. Use your cover letter to include the information. As with the rest of your resume, be truthful. If negotiation for a higher salary is necessary, it can be discussed during the offer phase.
  12. I have a gap in my employment. How should I handle it?
    Gaps in employment can occur for a number of reasons. A brief explanation can be included with the cover letter. Make sure the explanation is clear, concise, and, of course, truthful. Silence regarding the gap usually raises red flags for employers.