The Workplace at Parkway Central Library is here to help job seekers!

We also partner with local organizations, such as The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, who help job seekers and employers find each other. In 2012, they started Pennsylvania CareerLink, with four locations in Philadelphia. I visited the one at Suburban Station for a presentation called "Do’s and Dont’s of Résumés."

Here are the most important things I learned that you can do to improve your résumé:

• Objective
  Your objective is to get your dream job! However, it is not necessary to say this on your résumé. Eliminate objectives entirely and your résumé will be better.
   
• Customize
  Carefully read the job listing you are applying for. Incorporate the listing’s terminology into your résumé. For example, if you are applying for a Customer Service Representative position, make sure to emphasize your customer service experience with the same keywords as in the job listing. Customize your résumé for every job you apply for. Use the website www.jobscan.co to track your keywords—just upload your résumé and job description to compare the terminology. If you cannot think of enough keywords, the website www.onetonline.org can provide many useful ones.
   
• Type and Font
  Use an easy-to-read font, such as Verdana or Calibri. Type the body of your résumé in 10 or 12 point type. Your name should be larger and bolded so it stands out. Use bullet points to emphasize each of your job duties listed in the body of your résumé.
   
• Chronological or Functional
  A chronological résumé lists your current job first and works backward for the past ten years. Use this format to emphasize increasing skills or responsibilities.
  A functional résumé works best if there are large gaps in your employment or if you have had many short term jobs over the years.
   
• Education
  List your education after your job history. It is important to know where you went to school, but it should never overshadow your work experience.
   
• Pronouns and Verbs
  Never use words such as "I" or "my" in your résumé. Use action verbs when listing your job duties. Make sure the verb tense remains consistent.
   
• References
  Never list references or say "references are available upon request". This is the kind of nformation you should provide during an interview, not on your résumé.
   
• Length
  One page is a good length for most résumés. Most hiring managers will spend only six to ten seconds reading a résumé, so be as concise as possible!
   

Once you have created your résumé, you can have it reviewed at our next Résumé Review session on January 8, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., in the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at Parkway Central Library.

For more tips and information, visit the Workplace in person and subscribe to our monthly email newsletter!