Today’s Sound Off is about writing and submitting a resume:
Dear Heloise: For the past 12 years, I’ve worked in human resources for a Fortune 500 company. We receive resumes every day from college graduates who seem to think a resume is unnecessary or old-fashioned, or that they don’t need one because their sparkling wit and charm will see them through.
A resume is our first impression of an applicant, and I can’t stress enough how much a good resume makes a person stand out from the crowd. A resume can make the difference between getting a job or being passed over. I thought I’d pass along some important hints on resume writing:
1. Choose good quality paper in a white or off-white color. There should be no white-out, crossed-out words or fingerprints. Your resume should be clean. Your resume should be limited to no more than one page.
2. A brief summary or objective can be added at the top. This should not be at the bottom of your resume.
3. Your resume should be tailored to the job that you are applying for.
4. List your education and any volunteer work you’ve done.
5. Please list all languages you speak.
6. Name any awards that you have received from former jobs or any projects you were involved in.
7. Don’t forget to list your contact information. It might surprise you to learn how many people don’t know how to contact them.
8. Print your resume at a printer. No handwriting and no misspelling. I can guarantee you that handwritten resumes with poor spelling and careless grammar are thrown into the garbage.
9. Templates online can help you organize your thoughts, and even show you how your resume should look. Simply type “how to create a resume” into the search box.
10. A good resume is the first step in securing the job you desire. Don’t be shy. Instead, be proud. But be honest, because we do check everyone’s background.
Good luck with your job hunt.
San Francisco, Deanna R.
KEEP YOUR CLOTHES FRESH
Are you tired of that mothball smell in your clothes? These are some tips to keep wool clothes from smelling like mothballs.
Cedar blocks can be used in closets to store wool items. However, cedar should not be laid on clothing. It can stain clothing.
To store clothes or blankets, you can use cloth garment bags.
Keep blankets, scarves, or other wool items in big, clear plastic tubs. Securely close the lid.
COUPON EXPIRATION DATETES
Dear Heloise: I used have trouble finding coupons’ expiration dates. I finally decided that a pink or yellow marker would be sufficient to indicate the date. This saves me embarrassment at check-out when I discover I have an expired coupon.
Next, I stack my coupons month-by-month, paperclip them all together, and then place them in a small zippered pouch within my purse.
– Karen B., Odessa, Texas