Field change and resume questions (cover letters, employee, sample, applying)

[cwells3030]

I am currently in the process of putting together my first resume in 7 years and the only other resume I ever did was 7 years ago and it was pretty lame.

Some background is that I worked for 7 years with the same company in group homes for people with developmental disabilities. The last 2 years as a home manager. Also the last 3 years I had a part time job doing the same kind of work with another company. So my resume has three jobs on it all the same type of work.

Now I have relocated to a different state and am looking to change fields. Anything different. I loved the work I did but there was little room for growth. I am looking at applying to entry level positions with large retail companies and going back to school.

Here are the questions that I have that I have not been able to find a definitive answer or found conflicting answers online.

1) Should I have an objective statement and what would it be like? - I always over think things and feel like writing out an objective for an entry level position just ends up sounding like I'm B.S.ing

2) Should I include education history even though it would basically be High School Diploma 7 years ago and/or Some college as I started classes at a university but stopped after 2 years. I think that looks bad but without it I would not have an education category at all.

3) Is achievements a category everyone should have and what achievements are too minor to include? I was employee of the month twice, should that be in there? In high school I was in the National Honors Society... are those too minor or too old? Should I just eliminate the category?

4) I have seen some resume samples that include "Interests" or "hobbies" is this something that I should have, and what kind of things would one put on it. Literally the things I enjoy doing outside of work?

5) Should references and letters of recommendation only be provided when I am asked for them or put them all together?

6) Should I have a cover letter to go with my resume and what would be on it? A brief summary of me and an explanation of why I'm looking for a new job in a new field?

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to answer any of my questions!

[Miss Crabcakes]

1) This is kinda up to you. I've gone back and forth with objectives but haven't found any compelling evidence that people really care about them. I've gotten plenty of callbacks without them. I'd Google some to see examples and tailor it to the position you're applying for.

2) Definitely add education if its mentioned at all on the posting.

3) You can't go wrong with an achievements section, especially if you have some. They are also great for boosting a resume with less experience.

4) I think this is worthless. Has nothing to do with the job.

5) I usually put that references are available upon request.

6) I would include a cover letter for each position your applying for a tailor it to the company, position and choose a handful of traits/responsibilities they want that you can offer. I created a generic cover letter to have on file with blanks for company name and position and I have a separate sheet with dozens of bullet points of what I have to offer (which are from previous cover letters) and use that to tailor each one. Then I save then for future reference or in case I get a callback, I have a record or what I offered. I think the cover letter is a great piece to include. I've gotten callbacks the very next day and my cover letters have helped.

You're welcome!