Miscellaneous Resume Question Topics

Should I Be Honest That My Frequent Job Changes Are Due to Domestic Abuse?

by Susan
(Omaha, NE)

I have been out of work for two years and desperately searching for employment. I have applied to dozens upon dozens of companies, only to be rejected. I am educated and have some solid experience, but I have had to move around the country quite a few times to get away from an abusive ex who continually tries to track me down.

I have never given this explanation to a prospective employer because it's embarrassing and I don't want to scare them off. Domestic violence still has a lot of stigma associated with it. I have not come up with an alternate explanation for my frequent moving and job-hopping so I'm wondering if this is hurting my chances of being hired.

Do you think I should be honest with them or maybe just come up with a creative excuse and basically lie about it?

Thank you :)

ANSWER: Hi Susan... My heart goes out to you. It must be awful to have to live this way and then to be punished for it as well, through no fault of your own. I'm not sure there's one right answer here, except... I don't advise fabricating an outright lie.

I do recognize that there can be a stigma attached to victims of domestic abuse. But on the other hand, you might find empathy as well, especially if the recruiter is a female who has had similar experiences.

I am a great believer in honesty, so I'd encourage you to be upfront about your reasons for moving and switching jobs. After all... what you've been doing in hiding it isn't working for you, is it? So what do you really have to lose?

You could also contact a center for battered women in the area you're living in. They might offer counseling or even job leads that could help you. By counseling, I mean advising about how to handle this thorny issue when looking for a job. I'm not commenting on your mental state.

I wish you the best of luck, and please let us know what happens, OK?

To your success,
Kathi

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How Can I Find Out If a Position Has Been Filled?

by Sharon
(Midland, TX)

I faxed a cover letter and a resume to a company, but have not heard back. Is there some kind of form letter to fax to see if the job is still open?

ANSWER: Hi Sharon... As a job applicant, you have every right to ask whether you're being considered for a job. Unfortunately, a lot of employers these days don't do applicants the courtesy of keeping them in the loop, even after interviews.

If you want to know what's going on, then I'd ask. You can just do it with a phone call in some instances, or perhaps an email. And certainly a snail mail letter would be acceptable, though not very timely.

The key is to be polite and not demanding. I'd approach it something like this...

"Hi, I sent an application in on date for the position you had advertised at CareerBuilder.com and I'm just confirming that you did receive my info and asking where you are in the hiring process?" You can go on to ask if they normally keep applicants informed as to whether they'll be granted an interview and when you might expect to hear something.

As long as you're polite an courteous, it shouldn't be a problem, and it does show interest in the position, which is a plus.

To your success,
Kathi

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What Is the Best Service to Use to Sell Myself?

by Kandi

I understand the importance of writing a good cover letter. Unfortunately, selling myself is my worst skill. What is the best service to pay to do this for me?

ANSWER: Hi Kandi... I empathize with you. For years, I struggled with selling myself too. I was raised to be humble, and talking about my accomplishments seemed like bragging and arrogance to me.

But, if you really want to find the job of your dreams, you HAVE to get over that barrier. NO ONE is going to be able to sell you like you. After all, no one else knows you as well.

However, if you can stand it, ask co-workers or supervisors (or anyone else you trust to be honest) to describe what they see as your strengths (and weaknesses). Reflect on their feedback and add a few of your own. Think about skills you've gained over the years (both on and off the job), as well as personality traits that are desirable in an employee.

Then, just talk about those things honestly in your resume and cover letter. Don't embellish or hype. Just state the facts and provide proof. By proof, I mean make things measurable as often as you can.

You're going to find that quiet confidence and a belief in your own talents (you DO have them!) goes the furthest in convincing an employer that you are worth hiring.

Good luck! And feel free to post your resume and cover letter at our Peer Review Center if you want some feedback.

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What's the Best Way to Say I'll Relocate at My Own Expense?

by Jaclyn Upleger
(Michigan)

I'm a recent college grad and want potential employers to know I will relocate for a job--and will do it at my own expense. I am willing to move anywhere to get an entry level job in Human Resources--so how do I make sure that people look at my resume and give me a chance?

Should I take off my current address, so people reviewing my resume don't assume that I'm not a candidate since I'm not in the area? Should I put something in my cover letter? ... what's the best way to handle that on a resume?

ANSWER: Hi Jaclyn, The place to deal with this issue is in the cover letter and be very clear about it. Say what you said here, that you're willing to go where the jobs are... at your own expense. You don't need to make any changes in your resume, and definitely DO want to list your current address and oontact info.

To your success,
Kathi

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Can you give me examples of the objective section of a resume?

by Damian
(Riverside,California,USA)

I need to know what to write in the objective section of a resume.

ANSWER: Damian, If you take the time to explore this site, you'll find tons of examples. For instance check out this page on resume objective examples...

You can also look at the many resume examples and sample resumes for more objective examples.

To your success,
Kathi

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How Can You Ask About Telecommuiting Without Seeming Lazy?

by Someone
(Somewhere)

I have been fortunate to have the flexibility to work from home as needed in my last several jobs. I have an office and usually work from the office, but with two small children, it has been extremely helpful to be able to call or email and say I'm working from home today!

When looking for a new job, how can I delicately find out if that is an option or not without seeming like I will take advantage?

ANSWER: Telecommuting, or working from home at least some of the time, is not all that unusual these days. More and more employers are accepting, and even encouraging it.

When you interview, I'd probably say something like, "I currently telecommute a couple of days a week and both my current employer and I have found that this has been a win-win situation. Do you offer this kind of flexible working arrangement for your employees?"

You'll need to be prepared to discuss how this arrangement has benefited your employer, not just yourself.

Good luck,
Kathi

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