I often have a hard time sifting through a job description to find the key things they're asking for that I can speak to. This looks like it will be really helpful! Thanks :)

@Natalie Glad you think it might be helpful! Best of luck and keep us posted! --Julie

good article, but I have a question. Do you have to put down the years of your college graduations? I was passed over for a couple jobs I was qualified for and experienced in, but I think it may have been due to my age (68)....of course there's no proof of that..........

@Celine No, you don't have to put down the year of your college graduation, and you can also leave out jobs from beyond the past 10 or 15 years, if you have other relevant, recent experience.

Age discrimination definitely exists, but I wouldn't necessarily jump to the conclusion that that's absolutely the reason you were passed over.

In today's economy, so many people are in the job market that employers have an average of 6+ qualified candidates to choose from for each position. So although you are undoubtedly well qualified and experienced, there might simply have been someone who was even more so.

Keep going, and try not to second guess yourself! Best of luck,

-Julie

I have a wide range of skills. Is it best not to list the skills that does not pertain to the job posting?

I have a problem this time with my job hunting. I have always, been sought after for work.

However, I recently did 4 years in prison and since we have background checks, I've had people laugh when I went for an interview and I never got inside the door. How do I repair this damage and go forth from here.

I am now 56 years old and billing and medical is all I've ever done.

Please respond. Sincerely, Paula

@Katrina J.

Yes, employers decide within 30 seconds whether to keep reading your resume, so it's best to leave out any details that don't support your qualifications for that specific job.

@Paula W.

Being an ex-offender adds an extra layer of difficulty to an already tough job market, so I commend you for seeking advice and recognizing that you'll need to take some extra steps to reassure employers that you are a trustworthy employee.

First, you have to be honest about your background. You don't necessarily have to volunteer the information, but if they ask, you'll need to answer truthfully. As you've experienced, this will eliminate you from consideration in many cases, but not all.

Second, focus on the positive. Emphasize your skills and experience, and mention what your prison experience taught you and how you improved yourself during those four years.

Third, consider offering your skills on a volunteer basis to a healthcare facility that may be understaffed or underfunded. Once they see that you can do the job, they can serve as a reference for you, or even hire you if an opening becomes available.

In the meantime, you may need to take a job in another line of work to get some income. Smaller companies often have more hiring flexibility than big companies, which tend to have "policies."

It's tough to start over from scratch, but with a little time and a good faith effort, you can rebuild trust and get back in the game.

There's a book called "From Jail to Job" by Eric Mayo that might help you. Here's the web site where you can learn about it (copy and paste this address into your browser):

http://www.jailtojob.com/From%20Jail%20to%20a%20Job.html

There are lots of resources out there. Check your local library, ask around, and consult job centers. You're certainly not the only one in this boat. Keep looking and keep trying. You'll get there!

Best of luck and thanks for commenting!

Julie

Question how much does your credit play a roll in getting a job? so you loose your job you home you car can not pay bills no income so your credit is shot...you are job hunting,xxxxxxx times and nothing realy the stress alone wipe you out. please advise thanks.

@ Maureen B.

Not every company does credit checks. It's more likely a problem for jobs where you'll be handling money (e.g., banks, financial services, cashiering, etc.). Here's a blog post about good job seekers with bad credit... it should answer a lot of your questions:

http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/267/good-job-seeker-bad-credit-are-you-screwed-.cfm

(Copy and paste that address into your browser.)

Hang in there!

Julie

Hi, I am also having problems "Targeting my Resume." I was in reservations for 12 years, but I just don't see many of these type of positions in my area. So I'm more so having to look into Receptionist, and some Retail positions. Also, I have some making crafts volunteer experience. I not finding some clear ideas on how to change my resume to each and every position I apply for. Are you saying to change my Skills on my resume for the position that I am apply for? Please let me know. I agree with the library idea, and also pongo has been a help to me. Thanks.

@Sandy

Thanks for commenting, and I'm so glad to hear Pongo has helped you!

The key to targeting your resume when you're changing fields is to emphasize the "transferable" skills, or the skills that your old and new jobs have in common.

So let's say you're applying for a Receptionist job. The skills that both a Reservations person and a Receptionist both have might include: customer service, directing calls, resolving complaints, etc. You would then put the transferable skills first under the Reservations job in your Experience section.

You don't necessarily have to change all your skills, just change the order. Move up the ones that are most relevant to the new job so they're the first skills the employer will see.

It's also important to explain in your cover letter that you want to transfer your extensive experience in Reservations into a Receptionist (or Retail) position. Don't say it's because you can't find anything in Reservations -- show some positive enthusiasm for making the change (even if you don't feel as positive as you should)!

Best of luck,

Julie

I have 15 yrs extensive experience as business owner of a computer trng center I expanded into 2 business skills schools with Job Training Council as my major client for 10 of those years. I was then out of work with a disability for 10+ years (but did network marketing from home for 10 years) in the interim. I now want to get back into the job market but I don't want a managerial or sales position. I am considering customer or administrative support, account manager, bookkeeper. How do I target my resume? I also have several awards including SBA's Small Business Person of the Year for NH. I am totally baffled with this challenge to show I can be a real asset to an employer, and although my resume indicates I'm overqualified, I'm looking for a less responsible position.

Hi, I am also having problems "Targeting my Resume." I was in selling and servicing insurance for over 12 years. I am currently looking to change into Claims but still within insurance,how can I make my resume stand out. I have the knowledge and have currently obtained the claims license however I don't have the experience-please help me..... Thanks Nubia

@ Diane and Nubia

Whenever you're making a change, the key is to acknowledge your situation in your cover letter, and in your resume. Don't try to hide the fact that you're shifting gears -- emphasize it.

Diane: Since you want to downshift, explain that you have a broad range of skills and experience that you'd now like to apply in a different setting. Match your resume to the skills they want, and edit out the ones that are more advanced than your desired position requires.

Nubia: What you need to emphasize is that you have strong experiences and a solid understanding of the insurance industry, along with a strong desire to transfer that knowledge to the Claims side of things. In your cover letter, briefly explain your situation, and be very positive and enthusiastic about your desire to use your licensing and experience to contribute to the success of the Claims team. And show how your prior experience will transfer into the new role and benefit the business.

Best of luck!

-- Julie