"Resume Tip"

Explaining an employment gap on your resume can be done effectively with a few key strategies:

Be Honest and Direct: Address the gap head-on. Briefly explain the reason for the gap in your work history section. For example, you can list it as a “Sabbatical” or “Personal Leave” and include the dates.

Highlight Productive Activities: Emphasize any productive activities you engaged in during the gap. This could include freelance work, volunteering, taking courses, or even personal projects that helped you develop relevant skills.

Focus on Skills and Growth: Mention any new skills or knowledge you acquired during the gap. For instance, if you took a course or earned a certification, highlight this to show continuous learning and professional development.

Keep It Brief: While it’s important to address the gap, keep the explanation concise. You don’t need to go into too much detail; just provide enough information to reassure potential employers.

Use Your Cover Letter: If the gap is significant, consider addressing it in your cover letter. This allows you to provide a bit more context and explain how the experience has prepared you for the role you’re applying for.

Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss the gap during interviews. Practice a clear and positive explanation that focuses on how the time off has made you a better candidate.

Here’s an example of how you might list an employment gap on your resume:

Employment History

Software Developer XYZ Company, San Diego, CA January 2020 – March 2022

Sabbatical April 2022 – December 2023 Took time off to care for a family member and completed several online courses in advanced programming and project management.

Software Developer ABC Company, Encinitas, CA January 2024 – Present

By being transparent and focusing on the positive aspects of your gap, you can turn it into a strength rather than a weakness. #AWU ##disability #jobs #resumetips

"Resume Tip"

Crafting an effective resume objective is crucial for making a strong first impression. Here’s an example of an ideal resume objective for a Human Resources expert:

Objective:

“Dynamic and results-driven Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Seeking to leverage my expertise in HR policies, conflict resolution, and organizational development to contribute to the success of [Company Name]. Committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving strategic HR initiatives that align with business goals.” #AWU #disability #jobs #resumetips

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Resume Tip"

Crafting an effective resume objective is crucial for making a strong first impression. Here’s an example of an ideal resume objective for a Human Resources expert:

Objective:

“Dynamic and results-driven Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Seeking to leverage my expertise in HR policies, conflict resolution, and organizational development to contribute to the success of [Company Name]. Committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving strategic HR initiatives that align with business goals.” #AWU ##disability #jobs #resumetips

"Resume Tip"

Using strong action verbs can significantly enhance your resume by clearly conveying your accomplishments and responsibilities. Here are some powerful action verbs to consider for different contexts:

Leadership and Management Directed Managed Supervised Coordinated Delegated Achievements and Results Achieved Exceeded Improved Increased Reduced

Project Management Planned Executed Organized Facilitated Implemented

Creative and Technical Work Designed Developed Engineered Created Authored Communication and Collaboration Collaborated Communicated Negotiated Presented Advised

Problem-Solving and Innovation Resolved Innovated Transformed Streamlined Optimized

Sales and Customer Service Generated Negotiated Persuaded Sold Promoted

Using these verbs can help make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Remember to pair these verbs with specific achievements and metrics to provide a clear picture of your contributions. #AWU #disability #jobs #resumetips

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Resume Tip"

Using strong action verbs can significantly enhance your resume by clearly conveying your accomplishments and responsibilities. Here are some powerful action verbs to consider for different contexts:

Leadership and Management Directed Managed Supervised Coordinated Delegated Achievements and Results Achieved Exceeded Improved Increased Reduced

Project Management Planned Executed Organized Facilitated Implemented

Creative and Technical Work Designed Developed Engineered Created Authored Communication and Collaboration Collaborated Communicated Negotiated Presented Advised

Problem-Solving and Innovation Resolved Innovated Transformed Streamlined Optimized

Sales and Customer Service Generated Negotiated Persuaded Sold Promoted

Using these verbs can help make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Remember to pair these verbs with specific achievements and metrics to provide a clear picture of your contributions. #AWU #disability #jobs #resumetips

“Resume Tip

Some experts recommend job seekers use distinct sections to help make their résumé easy to read. Some say working from the top down by starting with a professional summary. Unlike the "objective" that once took the top spot, the professional summary should focus on how the candidate can contribute to what the employer is looking for.

Also, there are recommendations that people with five years or less of work experience cap their at a page. For workers with a work history greater than that, two pages should suffice in most cases. #AWU #disability #resumetips.

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

“Resume Tip

Some experts recommend job seekers use distinct sections to help make their résumé easy to read. Some say working from the top down by starting with a professional summary. Unlike the "objective" that once took the top spot, the professional summary should focus on how the candidate can contribute to what the employer is looking for.

Also, there are recommendations that people with five years or less of work experience cap their at a page. For workers with a work history greater than that, two pages should suffice in most cases. #AWU #disability #resumetips.

" Resume Tip"

A concise summary of your top skills, or a couple of bullets at the very top of your resume summarizing the top six skills you have or types of experience, may not be necessary, but it might prompt employers to read the rest of your Resume. That 2-3 seconds of reading may move you on to an interview. #AWU #disability #resumetips

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

" Resume Tip"

A concise summary of your top skills, or a couple of bullets at the very top of your resume summarizing the top six skills you have or types of experience, may not be necessary, but it might prompt employers to read the rest of your Resume. That 2-3 seconds of reading may move you on to an interview. #AWU #disability #resumetips

"Resume Tip"

Deciding whether to include your graduation year on your resume can depend on several factors, including your level of experience and potential concerns about age discrimination.

Here are some detailed considerations to help you make an informed decision:

When to Remove Your Graduation Year

Avoiding Age Discrimination:

Older Professionals: If you are over 40, including your graduation year might inadvertently reveal your age, which could lead to age discrimination.

Removing it can help keep the focus on your skills and experience rather than your age.

Younger Professionals: Conversely, if you are very young and have limited work experience, omitting the graduation year can prevent employers from perceiving you as inexperienced.

Experience Level:

10-15 Years of Experience: If you have more than 10-15 years of professional experience, your work history and accomplishments are likely more relevant to potential employers than the date you graduated. In such cases, it’s generally advisable to remove the graduation year.

Less Experience: If you have less than 10 years of experience, including the graduation year can be beneficial as it provides context for your educational background.

Industry Norms:

Tech and Startups: In industries that favor a younger workforce, such as tech, omitting your graduation year can help avoid any biases related to age.

Academia and Research:

In fields where educational background is highly valued, such as academia, it might be more appropriate to include your graduation year.

How to Present Your Education Without the Year

If you decide to remove the graduation year, you can still present your education effectively:

List Your Degree and Major: Clearly state the degree you earned and your major.

Include the Institution: Mention the name of the university or college you attended.

Highlight Relevant Coursework:

If applicable, include coursework or projects that are particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Example: Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science University of California, San Diego

By focusing on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to potential employers, you can create a strong resume that stands out without the need to include your graduation year. #AWU #disability #resumetips

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups