As of August 2022, over 25 million people held part-time jobs. When searching for a new job, many people wonder how to include a part-time job on a resume. Some wonder if including it is even necessary. The answer to both of those questions is more complicated than a direct yes or no. This article will answer these questions once and for all! Keep reading to discover more about how to put a part-time job on your resume. Should You Include a Part-Time Job on a Resume? In short, it depends. If it helps you to meet your job goal, then it should definitely be included. If it is an on-the-side job that doesn’t offer much value to your career history, then you may want to leave it off. Answering the following questions will help you make the best decision: Does It Align With Your Job Goal? If the part-time role showcases the skills and has solid accomplishments to help you get your next role, you have to include it. You do not have to say that it is a part-time role when developing it. Just proceed as you do with the other roles in the professional experience section. Does It Add Value? Adding a position is also a must if it adds value to your job target. For example, let’s say you are trying to get into an entry-level sales role. And your experience is working at a camp for children during summer breaks in college. You would want to include this because it can highlight a few key skills that would help in sales, including: Many times, adding a part-time role can show valuable skills that transfer across many different types of positions. So, if there is room on the resume and you can show the role professionally, adding it is probably a good idea. Will It Create a Gap to Remove it? Another important consideration is if removing the job will create a gap in your resume. If removing the part-time job creates a gap in your work history that exceeds a few months, it’s a bad idea to remove it. Gaps on the resume are a major concern and red flag for a lot of hiring managers, so it’s better to have a little something rather than nothing. In the following section, we’ll describe what sections you must have when writing a resume with part-time roles. Part-Time Resume Template The resume template for someone with part-time roles is exactly like the one for professionals with full-time roles. The following outline will ensure your resume has all of the vital elements: Contact Information At the very top of the resume, you need to include your contact information. This will include: You must include this information so recruiters can contact you. And it needs to be easily noticeable so they know exactly who to get in touch with and how to do so. Summary Directly following your contact information is a short summary highlighting your strengths and attributes. It should only be about 3-5 lines and should focus on the abilities you bring to an organization. You’ll want to customize this section and the next based on the job description you are submitting a resume. Areas of Expertise The areas of expertise section should be 9-15 skills that are directly related to the job applying for. Many formats have these in bulleted form across 2-3 columns. You want to make sure these skills align with the language from the job description to pass through the ATS. Professional Experience The professional experience should include the following about all roles (full- and part-time): Some jobs will have more achievements than others and that is okay. You want to focus on including the most relevant and eye-catching information in this section so hiring managers want to connect with you. Education and Credentials At the end of the resume, you’ll include your education, training, and other related credentials. This should be a short section that encompasses your professional training and education. What To Do If You Have Held Several Part-Time Jobs Sometimes, people have several part-time jobs that are very similar in nature. These roles even overlap on occasion. If you have job roles that have the same title and same duties, it is okay to combine them. This will make your resume have fewer jobs listed so you don’t look like a job hopper. It also cuts down on repetitiveness which is a big deal with most resumes. The hiring manager does not need to read the same information over and over again. Combining similar roles makes sure you don’t have this issue. Contact Us Today to Get a Resume Update! Now you understand how to handle a part-time job on a resume. We hope this article helped you to develop your career documents! However, if you are still unsure of how to proceed or need assistance, check out our packages today to learn more about our professional resume services.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: How to Measure and Use Each
93% of employers deem soft skills as essential for workers to succeed. But, what exactly are soft skills? And what are hard skills? And how do you showcase both in a resume? A lot of people get confused about the differences between hard skills vs. soft skills. Luckily, after this article, you won’t be one of them! Keep reading to discover more about each. What Are Hard Skills? Hard skills are the ones you’ve learned through hands-on experience, training, or education. These skills are measurable, and it’s easy to see the progression of growth in them throughout your career. Hard skills are often interchanged with technical skills. Though, this should not be confused with technical proficiencies which are commonly outlined on resumes to showcase the software and hardware someone has proficiency in. Hard skills are concrete abilities you have developed. Some of these skills are easier to learn than others. Depending on your industry, you may have to prove your expertise before you get hired for a job. For example, lawyers pass the bar exam, and computer professionals take programming tests. Hard Skills Examples There are numerous hard skills we could highlight, but we’ll outline five common hard skills that are hot in today’s hiring market. Those include: SEO Marketing People cannot naturally develop expertise in SEO marketing. This is a skill that people must learn through courses, hands-on experience, or other types of education, such as marketing degrees or certifications. Language Proficiencies Speaking another language is a hard skill that many companies want. The need for translators or bilingual professionals is on the rise. While a lot of people do learn more than language as a child, just as many learn the language through other means. This is a hard skill that could get you far in your career if you decide to develop it. Programming Languages The tech industry is a rapidly advancing and ever-changing area that is always looking for new professionals. Learning a programming language is a very popular hard skill that is in demand. Budgeting Let’s face it, not everyone is good with money and definitely shouldn’t be in charge of a company’s budget. This hard skill is one that people can learn and develop over time. Website Development Again, we go with a tech hard skill. Designing a website is one of the easier-to-learn hard skills. Many companies want website developers on staff and may require a test project before hiring a new person. What Are Soft Skills? Soft skills are developed throughout your life and aren’t easily learned through training or courses. These are “people skills” or “interpersonal skills” that many job descriptions highlight. Soft skills are directly tied to your personality. They often highlight your personal motivations or reasons behind your actions. Soft skills are just as valuable in the workplace as hard skills. Soft Skills Examples The following soft skills are the most popular ones listed in job descriptions. They are: Communication Communication is a very important soft skill needed in the workplace. Employees communicate with numerous people every day, from their coworkers to clients to their leaders. Being able to articulately communicate in a way that doesn’t confuse or offend others is a must. Leadership Not everyone is leadership material. This is why leadership is considered a soft skill. Being able to motivate, empower, and lead others is a skill that some people are simply born with. Highlighting your leadership abilities on your resume is vital if you want to progress. Even if you don’t hold a leadership role, you can still highlight examples of leadership in your resume. Decision-Making Decision-making is another soft skill that not everyone is good at. Being able to look at the whole picture and make a decision that is best for the team, the company, and everyone else involved is a critical skill. If you have this soft skill, you’ll want to show it in your resume. Critical Thinking The ability to think critically about a situation and solve a problem is an in-demand soft skill. This also ties into leadership skills. Adaptability In today’s ever-changing world, adaptability is a must. This means you can pivot and still meet deadlines even in times of uncertainty. This is a skill most companies want because it means less disruption when situations arise. How to Measure Hard Skills and Soft Skills So, how exactly do you measure your hard skills and soft skills for a resume? There are a few ways you can incorporate them throughout your document. Here are a few examples: Hard skills: Soft skills: Highlight Your Hard vs. Soft Skills Correctly–Get a Resume Update Today! Now you understand the variances between hard skills vs. soft skills. We hope this article gave you the insight needed to make your resume pop. However, if you are still struggling, we can help. At Always Writing, we have years of experience in crafting professional resumes that showcase both hard and soft skills. You won’t have to worry if you’ve captured your capabilities because we’ll do it for you! Check out our resume packages or contact us for more information.
What Is a TikTok Resume, and Do You Need One?
Over 80% of TikTok users are under 40 years old. This makes the social media app a prime hot spot for recruiting new workers. So, if you’re looking for a job, you may need a TikTok resume. You may be wondering what a TikTok resume is, you aren’t alone. In today’s ever-evolving technical world, recruiters and job seekers must adapt at the drop of a hat. In this article, we cover what a TikTok resume is. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make yours stand out to recruiters! What Is a TikTok Resume? A TikTok resume is a video resume. And it’s quickly becoming the go-to way to apply for a variety of jobs. Most of the companies posting jobs on TikTok are modern, but you never know which company could turn to TikTok next. The TikTok resumes feature is semi-new to the company. You can read more about it here. How to Make TikTok Resumes: First, you need to create a script with all of the important elements. By following a script, you ensure you don’t leave anything important out. Following the STAR method when discussing key achievements is a good idea, but remember you want to keep it short and to the point. Before you start recording your video, search the hashtag #tiktokresumes to get an idea of what other people are doing. You can learn a lot about what not to do, too. Your TikTok account must be public to make one of these resumes. It should also be free of embarrassing or inappropriate content. You don’t want to include your full name or any contact information in the video. This is a safety measure. Once your resume is completed, you’ll go to the TikTok jobs tab and submit your resume for the role you are interested in. When you do this, you’ll also fill out a form with your contact information so the company can reach out. Tips to Make Your #TikTokResume Stand Out You want your Tik Tok resume to be memorable enough that the company calls you, right? The following tips will help you make sure your video makes a lasting impression: Have Good Lighting A dark room or poorly lit area will make your video appear less professional. If you don’t have a ring light or other way to make the lighting great, consider recording your video outside in a quite space. Dress Appropriately You need to dress like you are going to an interview. With a video resume, you are giving the company their first impression of you. You need to make it a good one. Have a Professional Background No one wants to watch a video about someone wanting a job and see a toilet in the background. Where you record is very important. You want the background to be as professional as possible and distraction-free. Focus on Key Skills for the Job You Want Your TikTok resume should be tailored to the job description you are interested in. So, when you review the job description, you need to pull out the key skills the company wants. Then focus on discussing these skills when creating your video. Introduce Yourself After you greet the company, you need to introduce yourself. This is the perfect chance to give them your elevator pitch. You should include your name, where you’re located, and the job you are interested in. Other tidbits you could include are your education, where you currently work, any industry-specific certifications, or a fun fact that will make you memorable. Use the Green Screen The green screen effect can be a great addition to your TikTok resume! You can use it to show your accomplishments, such as graduation day or winning an award that stands out in your industry. If you are applying for a designer or photographer job, this would be a great chance to display some of your work. Use Background Music When we say add background music, we mean light background music that adds to your video. You don’t want to include distracting or inappropriate music. You’ll want to make sure the music is low so the company can hear what you are saying clearly. Create Textboxes to Highlight Key Skills As you discuss your key qualifications and credentials, create textboxes to emphasize the facts on the screen. This will help the viewer retain the information. Just make sure you are consistent throughout the video with things like font and text box size, and make it look professional. Have a Strong Closing You want to end this video resume with a bang. A strong closing not only invites the viewer to contact you but also tells them why they have to. If you follow these tips, you’re TikTok resume will soon be at the top of the #tiktokresumes search. Prepare Your Digital Resume Ok, so now you know all about how to create a TikTok resume. This is great, but chances are the recruiter or hiring manager is going to want to see an actual resume, too. Don’t get caught without an updated resume! Contact us today to get your digital resume in tip-top shape before gaining the attention of companies on TikTok.
A Guide On When to Use a Two-Page Resume
Did you know most recruiters and hiring managers prefer a two-page resume? For years, there has been continuous debate on if two-page resumes are okay for job seekers. While some people have very strong opinions about this question, the answer is much more complicated than an opinion conveys. One-, two-, and three-page resumes all have their place in the job search. You only need to understand when to use them and what is best for your specific situation. Below, we’ll outline when to use a two-page resume and offer some best practices to make your resume shine. Can a Resume Be 2 Pages? In short, yes it can be two pages. But…as with any job search answer, it is a bit more complicated than just a yes. The space on your resume is important real estate you want to fill with compelling information. This means you don’t want a two-page resume just because someone told you to have one. You have to have information to include that makes you stand out among competitors. When to Use 2-Page Resumes: So, when should you use a two-page resume? The following situations are the most common for two-page formats: You Have 10 or More Years of Experience Depending on how many roles you’ve held in the past 10-15 years, you may need a two-page resume. If you worked for one company but were promoted several times, you’ll want to stack those roles and show the progression on the resume. When you have a long career history, you’ll likely have more accomplishments to highlight. If so, a two-page resume is probably the best option for you. When writing a resume, hiring managers look for the past 10-15 years of experience because this is considered the most relevant. Sometimes, you do need to list more jobs to show important skills needed for the job you are applying for. A two-page resume generally allows you to have the room to do this. For Senior-Level or Executive Jobs When applying for senior-level or executive roles, you’re expected to have 10-15 years of experience. You must highlight your leadership skills when applying to these types of roles, so a two-page resume is most often the best format to use. Occasionally, you could get away with a one-page resume or even a longer three-page document. Everyone has their unique situation to consider. If you are unsure what type of resume and length you need, contact us and we’ll discuss it with you. You Have A Lot of Extras to Showcase You may be wondering what extras we’re talking about. The extras many people highlight on the second page often include the following: Publications Certifications Professional development and training Speaking engagements Technical proficiencies Awards and honors Affiliations Board membership This type of information can position you competitively against other candidates. This information is considered extra, so if you can’t include it, it’s not the end of the world. When weighing what information to include on the resume, you need to consider the job description as your resume must be tailored specifically to each role. For example, your professional experience is the star of the show. If you are limited in space, you must focus on it before anything else. If there is still room left, then you can add the extras. You’re Applying for Federal Roles If you are applying for a federal job, you likely need a resume that is much longer than two pages. Federal resumes vary in length from 2-10 pages (sometimes more) because government agencies need a lot of information from potential candidates. However, sometimes a two-page resume is sufficient. This depends on how much experience you currently have and the type of role you are applying for. Interested in seeing a two-page resume example? Check out these samples from Always Typing. Difference Between 1-Page and 2-Page Resumes There is nothing that says a one-page or two-page resume is best. The ONLY difference is the length. If you can’t fill at least half, preferably two-thirds, of the second page, you need to stick with one page. When using a two-page resume, it’s because you have valuable information to share with potential hiring managers. You shouldn’t use a two-page resume if you can’t fill the second page with vital information that will make an impact on your job search. Tips For Writing a Two-Page Resume: There are a few best practices to follow when writing a two-page resume. The top ones include: Target the Resume With Keywords Passing ATS filters is a vital component of a successful job search. Focusing the document with specific keywords for the job you are targeting will help make sure your resume reaches the right people. The length of the resume doesn’t really matter if it doesn’t get through filters and to a human. Show the Most Important Information on the First Page The second page is often not read or simply skimmed, so you want to include the most important information on the first page. This way, the reader sees it during their initial scan and it grabs their attention. This also ensures you are showing your strengths ASAP in the document. Focus on Achievements If you have a two-page resume, you don’t want it to be filled with fluff or information that isn’t going to capture your reader’s attention. You want to include as many measurable achievements as possible to fill those two pages. Get Help Writing Your Two-Page Resume Today Now you have a better understanding of when to use a two-page resume. We hope this article helped you feel a bit more confident in your job search! If you are unsure which resume length you need, you’re in the right place! Always Typing has years of experience in helping job seekers exactly like you. Check out our packages now or contact us with any questions you have.
A Guide On When to Use a One-Page Resume
Did you know hiring managers spend roughly one-third of their week sourcing candidates? When you picture how many resumes hiring managers must see each week, you’ll realize it’s vital you have a professional, eye-catching document. Many people struggle with this because they don’t know if they need a one-page resume or two pages. Both resume lengths have their place in the job search. Depending on where you are in your career, you may be able to use either option. Keep reading to learn more about when it’s the most appropriate to use a one-page resume. One-Page vs. Two-Page Resume: Which Do You Need? The best resume length for your job search will depend on a few factors. Consider the following before you choose a resume length: How much experience do you have? How many roles have you held? Do you have a lot of extras to add? Such as speaking engagements, publications, or awards. Are you entry-level? Are you a new graduate? The answer to all of these will help determine how much resume real estate you need. In the next section, we’ll go into more detail about when to use the one-page resume. When to Use a One-Page Resume If you don’t have a lot of experience to highlight or are still new to your career, a one-page resume may be the best option for your search. Several resume elements must be included on all resumes, which we’ll discuss in the next section, so you must ensure it all fits in a one-page format. The four following situations are the most common that require a one-page resume. Discover more about each: Entry-Level Entry-level candidates likely don’t have a lot of experience to highlight, so a one-page resume is perfect. A one-pager is enough information to include the summary, your areas of expertise, and any transferable skills learned through internships, other work experience, or classes. New Graduates As a new graduate, you have to have a one-page resume. Even if you worked during college and held several internships, a one-page is most appropriate for this situation. Focus on including only the most relevant and impactful information. Fewer Than 5 Years of Experience If you are still early in your career, a one-page resume might be a good fit for you. By focusing on the tips below, you can easily include the most impactful information. One Role for an Extended Time This one is rare, but some people stay in a single role for 10-20 years. In these situations, you can probably get away with a one-page resume. Even though the role was extensive, you still don’t want to overwhelm your reader. If this is the case, you want to highlight your basic duties and 5-8 key achievements. This leaves plenty of room for the summary, education, other credentials, and areas of expertise. Check out resumes written by Always Typing to compare a one-page resume template to a two-page resume. How to Make a One-Page Resume: Getting your information on one page isn’t as difficult as it might seem. There are a few tips and tricks we recommend to make sure you only highlight the relevant information. It’s also important to note that a one-page resume shouldn’t feel cramped or overwhelming to read. If you have used a super small font size and practically eliminated the margins and white space, you need to move to a two-page format. PRO TIP: You should stick to 10.5pt font or higher, and your margins shouldn’t be less than 0.5 all the way around the page. Tips for the one-page format: Target the Resume As with any resume, you want to target the resume with keywords. This will keep the top section of the resume more concise and give you more room for other information. Combine Experience if it Makes Sense If you are listing experience to show your transferable skills, it may make sense to consolidate similar roles. For example, if you were a cashier at Walmart and Old Navy during college, you can combine those roles because the duties were similar. Consolidate Achievements If possible, consolidate your achievements into one bullet. This is especially effective for a big impact you made that had a ripple effect across the organization. You can combine them under one bullet to create a more impactful bullet that will grab the reader’s attention. Only Showcase Your Top 3-5 Accomplishments It’s tempting to list all the accomplishments you’ve had because they’re important to you. It’s equally as tempting to include all details for an accomplishment. This is a bad move for a couple of reasons. First, you want to tease the hiring manager so they want to learn more. That way they will call you in for an interview and you have a talking point! Second, too many bullets are daunting to the reader and they may pass your resume over. So, focus on the most important and impactful accomplishments. Remove Irrelevant Information Some information is great to discuss when telling someone about yourself, but not fitting for a resume. For example, listing hobbies or all the clubs you joined in college doesn’t really matter in your job search. Before adding anything to the resume, stop and consider if it will provide value to the job you are seeking. If not, leave it off. Get Help Writing Your Resume Today Now you understand when a one-page resume is appropriate in your job search. A single-page resume can help you stand out from a crowd of overwhelmingly long resumes. You must understand resume writing standards and guidelines to ensure you include all elements in a shorter document. If you still have questions or aren’t sure if it fits your unique situation, we are here to help! At Always Typing Resumes, we have helped hundreds of customers just like you in writing professional resumes that helped them land their dream jobs. Check out our services today to learn more.
What Is a Hybrid Resume and When Do You Use It?
As of March 2022, there were 6 million unemployed citizens in the US. That’s a lot of potential competition for your next job search. It’s clear why having a great, professionally-written resume is a must if you want to succeed. But what resume format is the best? There are functional, hybrid, and reverse-chronological resumes. Some people say two pages, others swear it has to only be one. Knowing which format is best for your specific situation and when to use each is required for job seekers. In this article, we’ll discuss the hybrid resume. You’ll find out what it is, when to use it, and get a few tips on how to write one. Keep reading to learn more. What Is a Hybrid Resume Format? A hybrid resume combines the best of a reverse-chronological and skills-based resume to create a document highlighting your strengths and experiences. This type of resume format showcases your functional skills ahead of your professional experience to give the reader a clearer picture of your abilities. Hybrid resumes are a standard format found in job searches and don’t give recruiters a weird vibe as functional resumes do. And the best part is they are ATS-friendly, meaning your resume will pass through the automated filters when written correctly. A hybrid resume has a great format for showcasing specific qualifications or skillsets. This is especially important when you need to position yourself as an expert in these areas or highlight them as transferable skills. Hybrid Resume Examples: Your hybrid resume should contain the following sections: Your name and contact information are in the header A heading for your resume A professional summary showcasing your greatest strengths and attributes An area of expertise or core competencies section A selected accomplishments or summary of qualifications section Your professional experience comes next, in reverse-chronological order Education and credentials Any additional information closes out the resume What makes this stand out as a hybrid format is the selected accomplishments and summary of qualifications section. This is the area where you can highlight the most important skills for the job you are targeting, either through specific accomplishments throughout your career history or a paragraph detailing your knowledge. Here is an example of the qualifications section for a sales professional: Drove revenue growth of $500K by forging lasting relationships with key account holders, upselling products, and securing new opportunities within network. Closed 67% more leads due to exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills that improved both customer satisfaction and engagement. Attended tradeshows, industry events, and conferences to maintain vigilant contact with existing clientele and expand network. As you can see, we only listed three bullets. This section is meant to be a quick snapshot of your strengths. Professional experience is still the star of the show and should remain the focus of the resume. When Should You Use a Hybrid Resume Template? Now that you know how to set up a hybrid resume, you’re probably wondering when to use it. There are a few different situations where a hybrid would be most appropriate. Those situations include: When You Are Changing Careers If you are changing your career, you likely don’t have experience in your new industry and role. You may be tempted to use a functional resume that places the focus only on career achievements. But, using a hybrid resume allows you to display the transferable skills that are required for the change, and it doesn’t come with the same taboo as a functional resume. The hybrid resume will help recruiters and hiring managers see you are a viable candidate with a lot to offer despite your lack of experience in the area. When You Are a Subject Matter Expert Another situation that is great for a hybrid resume is when you are an expert in the job you are applying for. Including a section to highlight your achievements will make your resume stand out to readers and show them just how accomplished you are. You can include awards, honors, or specific highlights to position yourself as a subject matter expert with a hybrid format. When You Recently Graduated or Are an Entry-Level Applicant On the flip side, maybe you are a newbie and don’t have any expertise at all. A hybrid resume will allow you to outline key projects or skills you learned in college that will be beneficial in the workforce. If you completed internships during school, putting them in this section would be a great way to show potential employers you do have some hands-on experience and are willing to learn more. When You Have Job Gaps There are thousands of reasons why a person may have career gaps. A lot of people spend time learning new skills through volunteering or taking extra courses. A hybrid resume lets you showcase not only those abilities but your other strengths. This way, when the reader gets to the gap, it’s not as important to them because you’ve already outlined your strengths. Get Help Writing a Hybrid Resume Today Now you better understand what a hybrid resume is and when to use it in your job search. People in all stages of their careers may benefit from a hybrid resume, so you must look at your situation and career progression to determine if it’s the best fit for you. Many people struggle with defining their career achievements and hire a professional resume writer to help them. If you are one of those people, we are here to help you land your next dream job! Check out our services or contact us today for more information.
