How to write a resume as an executive

Dear WW: I’m a C-level executive who never has written for career advice. But I’ve got a bet with my wife that a resume for someone in my position is a waste of time. RESUME-FREE
Dear RESUME,
Your email reminded me of the quote by hotel magnate Leona Helmsley about who pays taxes, “It’s only the little [...]

What to do if someone is plagerizing your resume

DEAR READERS: Just when you think you’ve read it all, you get an e-mail from a reader who describes how his resume was plagiarized. I knew that people lied on resumes, I had no idea that someone would try to steal one.DEAR WORKING WOUNDED: I recently found myself in a strange situation. I’m an independent [...]

How to write an effective cover letter

Dear WW: I’ve always thought cover letters were a waste of paper. But recently I talked to a friend who said that he hired someone based totally on what they said in their cover letter. Am I off base? NOT COVERED
Dear NOT,
Have you heard of “The Swan”? It’s a show where people get plastic surgery [...]

What to cover in a resume

Dear WW: It’s been years since I’ve updated my resume. I recently got laid off and I need to get my resume up to date. TIME WARP
Dear TIME,
Your letter got me thinking about my favorite episode of “All In The Family.” Edith went to her high school reunion and someone asked her what’s she’s been [...]

How to make key words on a resume work for you

Dear WW: I’m looking for a job as a sales associate. I have a lot of experience and I’ve sent out a lot of resumes but I’m not getting many interviews. Do you have tips on how to make your resume stand out? OVERLOOKED
Dear OVERLOOKED,
Whenever I think of resumes, I think about a thief in [...]

How to handle gaps in a resume

Dear WW: My resume looks like Swiss cheese. What can you do when your resume has lots of gaps? FILL ME UP
Dear FILL,
Speaking of gaps, check this one out. My friend, Natalia, recently went to Amazon to buy a book. Amazon has a feature that uses your previous purchases to figure out what books you’d [...]

How to get noticed when a computer is scanning your resume

Dear WW: Recently I read that most companies use computers to do their first screening of resumes. I was shocked. What can I do to make sure I’ll look good to a computer? TRYING TO BE COMPUTER FRIENDLY
Dear Friendly,
I once took a cooking class that was given by the owner of a popular Indian restaurant. [...]