Have you recently divorced, and now plan on returning to work? If so, you might find that you need to take care of a few things first.
For instance, if you are a woman who has reverted back to using her maiden name, you will need to update your resume to reflect this change, while still making sure that human resources departments can find an accurate record of your employment history. After all, you were likely working under your married name before. So, you may want to hyphenate your last name to make things easier.
Here are additional resume tips for anyone returning to work after divorce.
Choose the right font.
Some things never change when it comes to crafting a resume, and one of these is the importance of using an easy-to-read font. Unless you are applying for an art-related job, keep the font simple and clear. Most people choose Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri fonts because they are not too fancy. Avoid using a script font (unless you are using it for your header) because it can be quite difficult to read. Most employers tend to scan resumes, so you want to make things easy for them to find.
Learn about resumes.
Writing a resume isn’t what it used to be. Things have changed from when you last applied for a job, and not only will there be a person (or several) reading your resume, a software program will also be looking at it. You need to make sure you are crafting a resume that will pass this program and get you on to the next step — which is having an actual person read it to decide if you deserve an interview.
Include keywords.
“One of the things that the software is going to be searching for is specific keywords. You need to make sure that you are using the right keywords in your resume. For instance, if you are applying for jobs within a certain industry, use keywords that pertain to that industry. It is a good idea to go online and do a keyword search, to make sure that you use keywords that are going to get noticed,” says an expert from Resume Writing Services. Look for keywords that are used for resumes within the industry you want to be employed.
Add a profile.
If you are seeking a specific type of job in a specific industry, there is nothing wrong with letting potential employers know this right away. In fact, after listing your contact information, a profile or an objective should be one of the very first things on your resume. This tells them who you are, what you want, and what you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better your chances will be of getting the job you really want.
Create multiple resumes.
If you are applying for jobs in different industries, it is better to have job-specific resumes rather than one generic resume. This shows a potential employer that you are really interested in the job you are applying for because you have taken the time to write a resume specifically for it. It shows initiative on your part, which is definitely something employers look for in potential employees.
Prioritize resume content.
When crafting your resume, make sure that the most relevant content is near the top. List your most recent work experience first, and make sure to include your key accomplishments while employed in each position listed. You might even want to put accomplishments in a bulleted list. This way, the information will stand out and a potential employer will be more likely to read it.
Talk to your current employer.
If you are being laid off or are transitioning from your former position, your employer may be able to offer the services of one of many outplacement firms. These firms can help with your career transition, finding a new position at another company, etc. With the major life changes that often come along with a divorce, it may be nice to know that finding a new job isn’t going to be a huge problem. Not all companies will offer this type of service, but it is becoming more popular.
Tell potential employers.
Women who have job interviews should let the interviewers know they are divorced and were previously employed with a different last name. Again, this makes it easier for a potential employer to perform background checks and research employment history. They will know to look for employment records under the married name rather than the current last name, and there will be no confusion. If an employer has to do too much digging to learn more about you, they are simply going to move on to the next candidate.
About the Author: Jane Hurst is a content manager from San Francisco. She is a business writer and writing coach. Find Jane on Twitter.
