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It’s becoming harder than ever to get your resume read by a real person.

“HR people are drowning in resumes, and despite their best intentions, many can’t keep up,” says executive recruiter Mike Travis.

Help your resume win the attention it deserves by following these up-to-date tips from industry insiders.

* “Keep it shorter, tighter, and more laser-focused,” advises resume expert Louise Kursmark. “Resumes are by necessity becoming crisper and more to the point.” With Twitter, texting, and a barrage of quick-hit multimedia messages, we’re getting accustomed to the succinct. “Readers quickly lose interest in wordy resumes that don’t get right to the point,” she says. This goes for cover letters, too.

* “Show some humor or personality,” says Jennifer Turner, of Talagy recruiting and staffing company. “I recently called a candidate, even though he didn’t match any current positions, because his online resume title was, ‘Smart and Funny Sales Guy.’”

* “Make your resume read like a news story, not an encyclopedia entry,” suggests Sam Levine, of The Buttonwood Group. Pop an eye-catching headline and lead on the top and be sure to include a summary of qualifications. Read the rest of this entry »

In-demand jobs often require specific degrees or career training, but you shouldn’t feel discouraged if you lack the necessary education.

Today’s abundance of online education options means you’re never too old to go back to school, and many online degree programs cater specifically to the busy lives of working adults. By working and attending school online, you can prepare for your next job without sacrificing your current income. The following jobs are expected to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018, and each requires training that can be achieved at any age.

1. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists rehabilitate patients, including accident victims and sufferers of debilitating diseases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow 33 percent thru 2018, much faster than the national average. In 2008, these assistants earned an average of $46,140.

Physical therapist assistants must earn an associate’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited program. These programs generally last two years and prepare students for state licensing. If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist assistant, career training and online education can help you make the transition.

2. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses help doctors treat, diagnose, and care for patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and care centers. Nurses make up the largest employment group within health care, and their numbers are expected to grow by another 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. According to the BLS, registered nurses earned an average of $62,450 in 2008.

To prepare for licensing, nurses must earn at least an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Associate’s degree programs take approximately two years to complete, while programs offering a bachelor’s degree in nursing take about four years. Online degree programs can help you train for a career in nursing without leaving your current job. Read the rest of this entry »