In need of resume help

[NicInNC, CNA]

I'm applying for a CNA job and they require a resume. I have only had one full time job in my life (worked there for 3 years and then quit to be a stay at home mom). The rest were part time jobs. So, my resume isn't going to look all that impressive.

I've never gotten fired and was always a good employee, but my jobs were nothing really impressive. Cashier, waitress and when I worked full time, I just took payments for water bills, building permits, etc and opened the mail. (I worked for the City Revenue)

It's been so long since I took my computer class so I don't remember what my margins and all should be set at and what I should include in the resume.

ANY advice would be appreciated.

[stidget99]

Maybe seek the help of a professional resume writer?

[JustJen, BSN, RN]

My guess is that they want to see the length of time you have stayed at past jobs. Consistant employment-rocket scientist or widget maker-is what they probably are looking for. Turnover rates are so high with many CNAs that they like to make sure you are not a "job hopper". At least that is my guess.

As far as the resume writing. Check your word processor on your computer. I know Microsoft Word has a "resume wizard". Go into the "Help" and type resume wizard. It will point you in the right direction.

Jen

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Don't sell yourself short!! All your jobs have involved dealing with the public, so you've gained great people skills, which is a huge plus as a CNA. Your employers let you handle the cash, so you must be trustworthy. If you spent time as a waitress, I'm sure you can multitask. Do you have any friends that are in "professional" sort of jobs that look at resumes a lot? I had a friend that did HR who proofread my resume, after reading what she changed all my job descriptions to, I wanted to hire myself! And none of it was lying, it was just describing what I did in a way that makes it sound more impressive. Changing "listen to people argue about the cost of their hamburger and fries" sounds so much better as something like, "skilled in conflict management." (That's on the fly and probably not the best way to put it, but you get the idea.) Google for resume tips, and after sifting through the sites that want you to pay them to write your resume, you'll find some good advice. You've learned a lot at your previous jobs, once you see it on paper, you'll not only look more impressive to prospective employers, but you'll get a little extra boost of self-confidence that will make getting that job even easier.As for formatting, you should be able to find guidelines online with Google like I'd said before. Just make sure to keep it simple, with an easy to read font, no more than one page, white paper, that sort of thing. And make sure to make yourself a copy, because it will really make you feel good. How often do you have a piece of paper that says how great you are in your hands?