Your resume can make or break your job search, so be sure to present yourself in the most positive light. For instance, if you are a new graduate and your GPA leaves no doubt that studying was not a priority, leave grades off the resume. Emphasize that you did complete your courses and you are now looking to put some of your skills to work. If specifically asked about grades at the interview, then you will need to fess up. Even so, point out the work responsibilities or extra-curricular activities that helped you develop relevant nonacademic skills.
If you were fired, it is not necessary to say so unless directly asked at an interview. If that happens, present a neutral explanation that blames no one. Remember, if you place the entire fault on a former employer, you make yourself look petty and unwilling to take responsibility.
Use care with employment gaps, especially if they occurred for undesirable reasons. If you list general dates rather than specific months, it’s less obvious that you went through periods of unemployment. If you can, fill in those gaps with classes taken or related volunteer work. A functional resume (See “Use a Functional Resume to Change Careers” article at WorkingWorld.com) that emphasizes skills rather job chronology may also be wiser.
You can try to circumvent the lack of a degree by listing the school you attended and leaving the graduation date out. At the interview, you will need to spell out how you can do the job without the credential, perhaps because of pertinent experience. Stay honest, but always present your experience to your advantage.
If you were fired, it is not necessary to say so unless directly asked at an interview. If that happens, present a neutral explanation that blames no one. Remember, if you place the entire fault on a former employer, you make yourself look petty and unwilling to take responsibility.
Use care with employment gaps, especially if they occurred for undesirable reasons. If you list general dates rather than specific months, it’s less obvious that you went through periods of unemployment. If you can, fill in those gaps with classes taken or related volunteer work. A functional resume (See “Use a Functional Resume to Change Careers” article at WorkingWorld.com) that emphasizes skills rather job chronology may also be wiser.
You can try to circumvent the lack of a degree by listing the school you attended and leaving the graduation date out. At the interview, you will need to spell out how you can do the job without the credential, perhaps because of pertinent experience. Stay honest, but always present your experience to your advantage.
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