How to Have a Killer Resume Even When You’re Entry-Level - without Lying - Part Two

photo credit: krispdk

Education

This is a tricky part of your resume, and you can’t leave it off. If you’re caught in a situation where you suspect that you’re being passed over as too old/young, think about taking the years off your resume regarding when you graduated, or highlighting more recent education.

If this is the area where you’re strong, expand.

Not necessarily your GPA, but if you got honors, list them. Yes, no one cares once you graduate what your GPA was, but a quick blurb about how sharp you are can’t hurt you. I once turned a passing conversation about working a full time job, and carrying 20 credits at the same time into a job offer.

Phrase it right and it can’t hurt you.

If this is the area where you’re weak, take some online classes or certifications and add them on your resume in this area. Make sure they’re directly related to what you’re going to be doing, and that if your industry doesn’t accept them, that they teach you marketable skills you can be quizzed on.

Employers themselves are often more interested in whether you can do the job than the HR department is in your on-paper qualifications.

If you’re really caught out there with no usable education, check local universities and community colleges for whether you can get credits for some of their free courses online and offline. iTunes U gives you video access to hundreds of courses for free at dozens of top universities.

There are some situations where you can sign up with a community college and either “test out” of taking courses or transfer in credits from courses you’ve taken at other schools, whether they’re free or not. Some universities give you credit for life experience, or allow you to get the bulk of your degree training online.

Especially for technical certifications, you may also be able to find self-paced training online inexpensively and only need to spring for the fee.

If it actually helped you learn the skills you need, it may suffice. Otherwise, keep the area brief and to the point and emphasize other strong points.

This article is part two of a seven part series. You can read the previous one here.

Once again, I’m not a resume expert or job hunting guru. This is all based on my experiences from working in HR, and as a person who hires people to work for me. You’re taking my advice at your own risk, so please do your due diligence - that’s why I’m including links for further study.

Next time, we’ll talk about the Responsibilities section.