How to prepare for free resume help from a Workforce Connection Center
Get resume writing help and get more chances to interview for the job you want
Did you know that most employers receive 250 applications for every job they post? If you are looking for a new job, it is very important to make sure your application stands out. Submitting a good resume with your job application is one of the best ways to get noticed so you can get an interview.
If you’ve never written a resume or aren’t sure how to make your resume stand out, don’t worry. Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers can show you what makes a good resume and provide resume writing help. Resume writing services are free, all you have to do is make an appointment.
What is the purpose of a resume?
A resume helps you get an interview for the job you want. Simply applying for a job is not enough to get an interview.
A resume shows your work history. It also highlights your skills and your qualifications for the job you want. Your prospective employer will use your resume to decide if you might be a good fit for the job and are worth interviewing.
Most companies receive many applications for each job. They often use computers to scan resumes. This helps them remove about half of the applications before anyone reviews your information.
Depending on how many applications are received, many recruiters spend as little as 5 seconds looking at your resume. So it’s important to make sure your resume is well written and makes you look like someone the recruiter might want to hire.
Gather the information you need to write a basic resume
If you have never written a resume, take some time to think and get organized. This will help you before your appointment at the Workforce Connection Center.
You will need to be able to list every job you’ve held for up to the last 10 years. For each job, you will need to know your job title and the month and year when you started and ended each job. You will also need to know the city and state for each job location. Here are some ways you can remember your job history:
- Look for old pay stubs, offer letters, or performance reviews
- Check your tax returns or bank statements
- Look for certificates for training classes you completed
- Review your social media posts
- Check your camera roll
- Look through your email
- Review your calendar
- Ask the people you used to work with
Resume writing help takes time
Plan to spend at least an hour working with a Career Counselor on your resume. If you’ve never written a resume before or have held a lot of jobs, it could take longer. We know it can take a while to remember all the details you need to put on a resume. We will work side by side with you to make sure your resume helps you stand out.
If you don’t have strong computer skills, don’t worry. We can even do the formatting and typing for you. And if you need to come back for additional help, that’s ok. Sometimes it is easier to go home and give yourself time to remember your accomplishments at each job.
What to bring to your resume writing appointment
To make the most of your resume writing appointment, please bring:
- As much information as possible about your old jobs.
- Information about your education, including any Certificates you might hold.
- Information about specific jobs you want to apply for. This will help the Career Counselor tailor your resume to use keywords that match the job description. Learn why keywords matter.
- Log in and password information for your email account. We will email your finished resume to you so that you can apply for jobs online.
Your resume is your “ticket” to a potential job interview. Getting professional resume help at a Workforce Connection Center can give you a better chance at getting an interview. It will also help the recruiter ask questions that give you the opportunity to ace the interview and land the job.