Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

Ask the Hiring Manager is an online career forum designed specifically for college students and recent grads, with answers to many common job search questions provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter.

If you don't see an answer to a question you would like to see answered here in this forum, please submit your own question direct to Brian.

• Resume and Cover Letter Questions:
   
• What is the proper format for developing my resume and cover letter?
   
• How do I write an objective that is general enough for a variety of jobs?
   
• Can I list my cumulative GPA on my resume for both schools I attended or should I just list my GPA for my current school?
   
• Should I list my GPA if it is just under a 3.0?
   
• Do most employers actually call the registrar to check the actual GPA? If they don't, should I just inflate it on my resume to make it look better?
   
• I have work experience, but it is not directly related to my major. What do I do with the "Experience" section of my resume?
   
• I had a series of short duration jobs I did for others that were all valuable experience, but short duration. How do I list these on my resume?
   
• How do I list my double major on my resume? And should I continue to get a second degree?
   
• How can I list the descriptions of the jobs I have held with various companies while indicating that they were attained through a temporary agency?
   
• I discovered a typo in my cover letter after sending it to an employer. What should I do?
   
• If a job posting says to send a resume, should I send a cover letter as well?
   
• Should I be addressing my cover letters to my contact (in sales for me) or to the HR director?
   
• How do I narrow down the experience that I list on my resume to only include the most important experience?
   
• Whom should I address the cover letter if I just have the Human Resources address?
   
• It has taken nine years for me to complete my degree. In addition, I have had a variety of short jobs during this time. How do I list this on my resume?
   
• When sending resumes to employment agencies, should a cover letter be sent as well? And if so to whom should it be addressed to as one cannot tell which company it will be sent to?
   
• I had a family emergency after graduation, during which I had to stay at home taking care of a family member. How do I account for this on my resume?
   
• Is it necessary to bring a cover letter with your resume if you're attending a job fair?
   
• Other Categories:
   
• Career Planning/Preparation/Selection
   
• Job Search Prep
   
• Internet Job Search
   
• Employer Research
   
• Initial Contact/Getting the Interview
   
• Tough Interview Questions and Interviewing Techniques
   
• Getting the Offer
   
• Offer Negotiation and Acceptance
   
• Relocation and Visa Issues
   
• Managing Your Career