Entry-Level vs Professional Resume
How do you know when it is time to graduate from an entry-level resume and put together a well designed professional one? Hopefully you will find a little guidance here.
Entry-Level Resumes Entry-level resumes are typically for those still pursuing a degree, with little work experience, and generally have a limited amount of on-the-job skills. Due to these facts, the applicant usually has only a select amount of information to include so they generally only fill one page. Additionally, since the applicant brings little to the table in terms of skills, education, or experience… the resume typically uses an objective to start things off. An objective is basically the applicant’s statement of purpose in regards to their pursuit of an entry-level job. Typically objectives state what the applicant is wanting to gain out of the job experience. An objective can be very helpful for companies who are hiring entry level workers because it helps employers get an idea of the commitment level of the worker if they were given the job. If the applicant’s objective is in line with the job, then they might stay around and advance through the company. If the objective is not in line, it might not be a good fit. To see several resume objective examples, check out our other articles today! Professional Resumes If you have some experience or industry skill, even if it is limited, you might have a better chance at being considered for the positions you target if you transition to a professional resume format. There are a few key differences with a professional resume that will help you stand apart from others. Generally speaking, a professional is expected to have enough information to put together a 2-page document. If you are low on information, you can still use this 2-page format by including marketable skills, strengths, and accomplishments along with employment history. However, even if you have years and years of experience, the 2-page resume is still standard. In this instance, to accommodate the lack of space, it is only necessary to include your most recent 8-10 years of experience. The reduced information allows for employers to see your current skills and abilities without being overwhelmed with too much information that may not be relevant. Another aspect of the professional resume is the professional profile section. This replaces the entry-level objective. The professional resume profile is structured quite a bit differently than the objective because it presents to the employer what the applicant brings to the table and how the applicant can contribute to the company’s success rather than stating what the individual’s personal career goal is. As a result, these resumes come off a bit stronger and more confident to employers. The professional profile usually includes a clear professional position along with a brief paragraph of skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Since this is the opening paragraph, it needs to be written well yet kept brief. Otherwise it will be skipped over. Summary To review, the easiest way to identify an entry-level applicant is by their 1-page resume with an objective at the beginning. For the professional with some experience, a more appropriate 2-page resume along with a well written profile will help to get the resume on top of the stack. Subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates on new articles and helpful advice to make sure your professional resume and cover letter stands out from the crowd! |
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