Actually, we avoid templated resumes, whether entry level or not. The templates tend to do the thinking for the student, and we find then that all resumes look the same. Showing and sharing with them different samples and styles, I believe have been benificial. However, we do have those students that have problems with being creative and will 'put off' preparing their resume until the last minute.
Thanks
Pam
Pam and Allison,
Just wondering how effective templated resumes are for entry-level job seekers. Can you tell us more?
Thanks
Susan
Allison,
Have you ever run into problems using the templates, when sending resumes via internet?
We have been under the understanding that not all companies would be able to translate the template resumes and the information shows up un-formatted.
Is this a myth?
Pam
HI Margaret
It is always a challenge to meld being creative with the traditional ways people like to view resumes. Maybe have students be creative with the information they want to include on their resumes but use standard formats. Of course all this depends on the type of program. A student in art and design or culinary arts will present themselves differently than one in medical assisting!
Best wishes
Susan
I have to agree with using templates. We use the resume wizard in MS Word. This allows the student a chance to express themselves. But we still critique their resumes, we also use the same type of formatting for the cover letters, and references. This keeps everything uniformed
Hi Allison
Great idea to provide resume templates. How do the students choose which resume format is best for them? Is there one template that is more popular than others? Do certain types of students tend to choose the same ones?
Thanks
Susan
We have a variety of approved resume templates on the server in the computer lab. Students can choose the one that they prefer and then we critique the resume for spelling, grammar and relevance. By providing the various templates each students resume can be unique.
Allison
HI WAnda
Some great ideas about resumes. Many of our students have little experience and education so it is always a challenge to develop their resumes. So-- changing the structure while retaining the "official" look of a resume could help. I also suggest organizing work by major employment and then other employment and lumping in all those part time jobs together. It is very interesting to see patterns of skills emerge. The students learn new things about themselves when they see consistent skills and interests even though they had various jobs.
Best wihses,Susan
I often encourage my students to change the structure to the format. For example, flushing the contact information to the left of the page; adding a skills section in columns and the different headings will also help. But definitely have them refrain from using too many different fonts or adding graphics to the resume.
HI Cheryl
Interesting feedback from your PAC members. You might ask for clarification. Employers typically like to see uniformity in resumes. Resumes offer a way to provide information clearly and easily. In fact, some employers use electronic scanners to select resumes. They are looking for certain key words. Creativity can come in a portfolio if appropriate. Or possibly a cover letter to get some attention. Again, I would find out what your PAC members concerns are and what problems they are trying to solve.
Best wishes
Susan
