Avoid at all costs making the reader look over your resume, focus upon the wrong job (perhaps the first one listed) and asking, "What on earth does this person want to do?"
At this point, it's a good idea to examine the idea of placing a "job objective" at the head of your resume. This is the line that you see at the top of many resumes that says something like, "Professional Goal: Become the top shoelace salesperson in the Northeast." You might assume that because you go to the trouble to say that you want to be a salesperson, you will be assumed to have the qualifications. The fact is, virtually every employer will look immediately beyond the objective you state for the experience to back it up. If he or she can't find it right away, the assumption will be that the top line of your resume is less objective than pipe dream.
In other words, don't bother with a job objective. Remember that your letter is the primary place to communicate your goals. Make your resume the place that clearly outlines your background.
Once you determine which of your work experiences is most relevant, list some of your related skills ones that might not fit into either of the two categories mentioned above. For example, if you have any fluency in foreign languages, or computer related abilities (such as some knowledge of programming), be sure to list these in separate sections... as long as they're relevant to the job you're seeking.
In some cases it will be important to list travel experiences. If your target employer has any international or nationwide interests, both travel and language background will be essential.
At the bottom of your resume, it is usually appropriate to list some of your activities outside of your work or school life. Employers want people they like working for them. And even if your interests are not the same as your employer's, you may have some unusual interest that adds a new dimension to your candidacy.
Should you bother inviting the employer to inquire after your references on your resume? Only if you have extra room. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Most employers will expect you to have some kind of recommendation from a previous supervisor, associate, or instructor. Advertising the fact that yours are available for review only affirms a fact your reader is probably already taking for granted.
Whether or not you specify anything about the matter on your resume, it's an excellent idea to prepare a separate sheet that contains the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your references. Bring this sheet with you to any interviews you schedule. If the potential employer asks for references, you're ready.
A variety of related questions surround the issue of references for potential employers. Who should write there commendation? What if you don't know anyone within the industry? Suppose you can't ask your boss because you don't want to reveal the fact that you're engaged in a job search? Should you ask a prominent figure in an industry to write a reference someone with only limited knowledge of your experiences? Should you settle for recommendations that are less than ecstatic in their descriptions of you?
If you've recently graduated from college, the best person to ask for a reference might be a professor you've studied with closely, or a supervisor from a work study program, summer job, or internship. Ideally, the person most familiar with your work should write your primary recommendation and for most job seekers, this individual is a supervisor or department head. An excellent recommendation from your current employer is usually the best referral you can get. One way to avoid tipping off your boss to your job search is to ask for written summaries attach performance review. Keep these on file. You never know when you may need this paperwork, and maintaining accurate records of your progress within the company can allow you to avoid having to ask for a reference at a sensitive time. When you do get around to seriously conducting your job search, the summary may not be completely up to date, but it will reflect the good feelings of your supervisor.
If you just plain don't like your current job, and can't depend on a positive recommendation because your boss doesn't like you, it's obvious that you'll have to look elsewhere. Consider asking for a reference from a colleague at your level in the company you presently work for, or in a similar position at another organization. The more familiar the individual is with your work, the better.
You might also want to ask a satisfied client or customer you've worked with successfully to write out his or her impressions of your work. A happy customer endorsement is sometimes even better than a glowing letter from your boss. Whenever you have the chance to add such a recommendation to your file, do so even if you aren't currently looking for a new job.
It is always a good idea to have one reference on file from a person not associated with your work, thereby supplying your prospective employer with an additional perspective on your personality. Recommendations from a leader of a community group, a professor you've kept in regular contact with, or even a close friend with some professional credentials, would all be good candidates for inclusion in your portfolio.
Letters of recommendation are not always necessary, but can be quite useful. Many job seekers prefer to maintain a list of references "on call" that is, available for a quick phone conversation with a potential employer. A personal phone call can carry a great deal more weight than a vague, all purpose summation of your capabilities.
One important note: be sure to keep your "recommenders" informed of your plans. If it's been some time since you last used a recommendation, drop a copy of your resume and a photocopy of the original letter in the mail, addressed to the person who wrote the reference. Be sure you have permission from the proper person before using any recommendation.
Three references are plenty. Often, two will suffice. Don't rely on people whose opinion of you is less than clear, even if they carry considerable weight within the industry you're trying to enter. Using an industry "bigwig" as a reference will only help if you Know the person in question fairly well. Try to elicit recommendations from people who can honestly speak highly of your background, attitude toward your work, and overall character.
