Citi College | Career Services

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Common Challenges and Solutions in Resume Writing

Crafting a standout resume can be daunting. Whether you’re struggling with formatting, not sure how to present gaps in employment, or unsure about quantifying achievements, this guide is here to help. Overcome common resume challenges with our expert tips and clear solutions.

Common Resume Challenges

Challenge 1: Gap in Employment

Many individuals have gaps in their employment history, which can be due to various reasons like education, personal matters, or transitions between jobs.

How to handle this?

Focus on what you were doing that adds value to your career during these gaps. This could include freelance projects, courses, volunteering, or any relevant activity. Structure your resume functionally rather than chronologically to emphasize skills over timelines.

Challenge 2: Career Change

Changing careers can make your experience seem irrelevant to the new field.

How to handle this?

Use a combination or functional resume format to highlight transferable skills. Clearly articulate how your previous career has provided you with unique skills that are beneficial to your new path.

Challenge 3: Overcoming a Lack of Experience

Entry-level job seekers often struggle with filling their resume due to limited professional experience.

How to handle this?

Highlight academic projects, internships, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate relevant skills. Include any part-time work and focus on your responsibilities and what you’ve learned.

Challenge 4: Too Much Information

More experienced professionals might find it challenging to keep their resumes concise and relevant.

How to handle this?

Limit your resume to the most recent 10-15 years of experience. Focus on achievements that align closely with the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points for clarity and to prevent overwhelming the reader.

Challenge 5: Dealing with Frequent Job Changes

A history of many short-term jobs can flag a candidate as unreliable.

How to handle this?

Where possible, consolidate similar positions under one heading (e.g., Contract Work, Freelance Projects). Emphasize achievements and how each role has contributed to your professional growth.