If you have had only a string of stinker jobs and weak references how do you tweak a resume to get a good job?

Question

Honestly I've been out of the job loop for a while I need a career, but from all my former jobs all the people I knew have moved.The businesses I have worked for are either no longer in business or have moved. So I am at a loss what to write on my resume. I have one from two years ago, but nothing on it they could really look up or I'm not sure if they could verify it so what do I do? I am too old to just say I never worked in my life and start from scratch. So what should I do?

My husband has about the same problem. He has a lot of jobs to put on a resume, but nothing that shows any longevity, because all the jobs he gets are either short projects or have been stinker jobs. So we're sort of in the same boat. So what do you do to tweak a resume to look better a lot of places do look now days and how do you color coat without having to lie. Really I have my children to think about and I can't afford to fail. So what do I do?

Answer 1

Sometimes you have to be a little creative with a resume....not lying, but make what you've done sound the best it can be.....if you were the person answering the phones, you were "in charge of communications".....if you've ever created a budget - for home or office - you were into "financial management".

Sometimes it's just all in how you say it.

Answer 2

You could go to a professional resume writer.  

Include volunteer hours to show your interests in career area.

Include former jobs and previous employer names.  Withholding could get you in trouble.  Besides, if they've moved they can still be contacted by phone or email.  

Try googling "Microsoft Resume" and it will take you to a site where you can look at sample resumes and then download a template to fill in your own information.

Don't be afraid to toot your horn!

Good luck.