The use of resumes has endured the test of time. Even after all these years, they remain crucial. And yet, when it comes to updating their resumes, so many people struggle or hesitate.
You don’t need to worry if you fall into that category. We have put up a list of frequently asked questions regarding creating a resume, along with the necessary responses. Just jump in!
In 2024, navigating the resume-building process can be challenging, especially when faced with common questions from hiring managers. Understanding how to effectively answer these questions can make a significant difference in how your resume is perceived. Here are 7 common resume questions and answers that will help you address key areas of interest for employers, such as your skills, experience, and career goals. By preparing thoughtful and concise responses to these frequently asked questions, you can present yourself as a well-rounded and capable candidate, enhancing your chances of landing the job you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes (FAQs)
1. What is the ideal Resume Length?
One page is the usual size. You can make anything work even if you don’t have much work experience. However, if you have developed several abilities and accomplishments over the years, one page might not be enough for you.
You might have to write somewhat more than one page in that situation. But be aware that the recruiter can decide not to read the second page.
Therefore, try to utilize the first page as much as possible. You can use a specialist resume builder if you struggle to fit everything on one page.
2. Are dates important?
Are you concerned that your employment history contains a few gaps? If there are any gaps, you can consider omitting the dates to conceal them.
But that’s a serious error that might cost you a lot of money. When a recruiter discovers dates are absent from your resume, they become immediately suspicious. Don’t conceal the dates; instead, explain them.
3. How specific should I be?
That depends on the job for which you are applying. Some people will require specific skills, while others won’t.
For instance, you will require a particular skill set if you are seeking for a position as a nurse. For a call center representative, however, we are unable to make the same claim.
Therefore, before preparing your CV, be aware of what the company is seeking.
4. What information is irrelevant?
On their resumes, some people make the error of including unnecessary material. irrelevant because it is not necessary for the recruiter to reach a judgment.
For instance, your age or marital status have no bearing on your eligibility. It would therefore be wise to exclude it.
Be certain to include all pertinent details, though, such as your educational history and contact information.
5. What is the best resume format?
As you may already be aware, there are three primary resume forms. There are three different formats: chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid). Others include column, premium, and recruiter-focused. All of these are available at: https://internationalenglishtest.com/blog/resume-templates/
Choosing only one depends on a few factors.
Finding out which resume formats fit your industry and work history would be the smartest course of action.
6. How do I add language proficiency to my CV?
Languages, just like any other skill, should be listed in the skills section on a CV. Depending on the job requirements, a basic note after each language using the beginner to native scale listed above can be sufficient. Don’t overestimate your language proficiency levels.
Test your English free: https://internationalenglishtest.com/english-level-test/
7. Which are some of the Words I should avoid?
Because most people concentrate on the keywords they should include, this is not a commonly asked question. However, it’s crucial to be aware that some terms are overused in the context of job applications.
Some of them turn the recruiter off because they are too general. Below, we provide a few timeless instances. We don’t contest your possession of these abilities. They are, nevertheless, overused. Instead, you can provide instances that show off these abilities.
These 14 overused terms don’t need to take up any profile space:
- Creative
- Driven
- Energetic
- Experienced
- Expert
- Innovative
- Leader
- Motivated
- Passionate
- Skilled
- Specialised
- Strategic
- Successful
- Trustworthy
Instead, look out synonyms using a thesaurus, or even better, give an example or a brief tale to illustrate your possession of those traits. Show.
Never reveal!
Alternatives for usage:
The decision will be based on the usage of the word in that particular situation.
1. Creative – Imaginative, talented, resourceful, original, visionary, accomplished, adept, original, endowed, ingenious, adroit, inventive, fanciful
2. Driven – Guided, led, powered, pushed, propelled, moved, spurred, induced, compelled, obligated, required
3. Energetic – Vigorous, dynamic, eclectic, active, eager, ready to go, lively, spirited, vibrant, robust, exertive
4. Experienced – Polished, proficient, adept, good (at), versed, qualified, well-grounded, able, seasoned, sophisticated
5. Expert – Specialist, authority, scholar(ly), proficient, adept, learned, well-versed, well-informed
6. Innovative – Novel, modern, revolutionary, transformative
7. Leader – Head, chief, doyen, principal, director, superior, manager, overseer, supervisor, superintendent, forerunner, lead runner, point man, guard, vanguard, spearhead, trailblazer, pioneer, inspirer
8. Motivated – Moved, fired, prompted, provoked, inflamed, enkindled, instigated, triggered impelled, pushed, propelled spurred influenced, persuaded, induced, stimulated, powered, encouraged, enticed, urged
9. Passionate – Impassioned, ardent, vehement, zealous, eager, enthusiastic, enthused, excited, inspired, dynamic, high-powered
10. Skilled – Talented, gifted, ready, qualified, endowed, apt, conversant, learned
11. Specialised – Concentrated, exclusive, limited, narrow, peculiar, restricted, unique, authoritative
12. Strategic – Tactical, calculated, well-thought-out, prudent, significant, crucial, decisive, key, vital, fundamental, integral
13. Successful – Flourishing, thriving, blooming, growing, burgeoning, profitable, gainful, productive, cost-effective, fruitful, impressive, renowned, well-known, advancing
14. Trustworthy – Reliable, dependable, responsible, credible, steadfast, constant, enduring, lasting, staunch, resolute, unswerving, unwavering, stable, solid, strong, supportive, devoted, patriotic, dedicated, dutiful, obedient, truthful
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I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
