Answers for Resumes & Employment Applications

 

 

Gaps in Employment & Attendance List your reason: "raising children", "returned to school", "help friend start a new business", "provided personal care to parent", "traveled", "received career counseling". If your reason is related to health or disability, it is a personal decision if you want to disclose this fact or not. Unless your problem prevents you from doing the job safely, it is probably not necessary to disclose. (read Disability Disclosure section) If your gap is less than one year, don't list it. There is no written rule that says you must account for every month of every year. If you did any work for money during a gap, list yourself as "self employ". If you did any activities during an employment gap that relate in any way to the job you want, list these skills and accomplishments. While employed, if you have an absence greater than a month, state the change in your situation. "Yes, I missed work due to an illness, but that will not interfere with this job because..."

Reasons you left Employment Remain Positive. Avoid writing "fired" instead use: words describe situation, i.e. "moved", "seasonal employment", "laid off".  Be ready to explain.

Pay & Position Desired Don't list specific pay rate. Often best to write "open" or "negotiable". List a broad career field, rather than specific title.

Little or no Work Experience Be sure to include your strengths, volunteerism, and any personal or professional growth activities. Gain experiences that can be marketed. Suggestions include:            Assist a teacher            Tutor youth.            Help with church activities.            Serve on a committee.            Be a club leader            Be a volunteer coach.            Intern work for a business.            Care for elders            Care for children            Volunteer using your talents:  photography, writing articles, computer            skills, community events.

Changing Careers State the reason why you are changing careers.  "I seek new challenges from a new field of work." "I desire to learn new information that can positively impact company growth." Focus on positive factors that attract you to a new field of employment and your qualifications for entry into this new field. "I am a creative person and this field will benefit from my talents."

Arrest & Conviction Record It is inadvisable for an employer to ask about arrests or convictions that are not job-related. Consideration of job-related convictions is acceptable. If asked about job-related convictions, or if you decide to provide information about arrests or non job-related convictions, make sure you explain: (1) the time, nature, & outcome of the arrest or conviction, (2) the length of time since conviction and incarceration, and (3) related rehabilitation. Know your legal rights and obtain a copy of your records. Obtain important current documentation (drivers license, social security card)

Drivers License Be certain your license is current and valid. Find out why your license is suspended or revoked. Get a copy of your record. Check if you can obtain a restricted occupational license.

Too much or Too little Education If you are overqualified or credentials too strong, eliminate some of unrelated. Include if you "attended college even if you did not graduate.

Disability Disclosure--You Decide! If you have a chronic health condition and past gap in employment or absenteeism, be knowledgeable about your illness and your own regime. Be prepared to share this knowledge in an interview and demonstrate you know why you can succeed. Offer to assist others to help reduce any fears. "I understand my illness and what I need to do to manage my illness so I can perform the tasks you are looking for". If you have a disability and you choose to disclose information to explain a gap in employment or a visible disability, be open and honest.  Demonstrate how you can perform the job tasks.  Here are some suggested approaches: "If you allow me to, I would like to demonstrate for you, how I could do this job for you." "Two years ago I was involved in an accident which I injured my back. I had surgery and therapy. I do take medication from time to time, but overall this is not an issue and under control. I feel with my knowledge and back ground I would be a benefit to your company." "I feel I can perform the duties being required." "As you can see, I am ready to go back to work and give your company 100%." "I took some time off to get my life in order to avoid numerous interruptions in employment and now I am ready to seek long term employment."

Completing Job Applications Always type or print neatly using black ink. Leave no blank spaces on questions. Put a line -------or N/A. (not applicable). Be honest.

 

For Further Assistance

Contact the nearest

Office of

Iowa Workforce Development

 

Decorah:  563/382-0457 or 866/520-8986

Dubuque:  563/556-5800 or 866/227-9874

Manchester:  563/927-4447

New Hampton:  641/394-4649

Oelwein:  319/283-2751

 

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing, please use Relay #711.

 

 

Mary Lynn Revoir

Navigator
1111 Paine Street, Suite G
Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: (563) 382-0457, ext.114