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be more concerned if you change jobs frequently in the same industry.

A job in a different industry or one with new responsibilities can provide fresh material for the resume as well.

You can present that positively by demonstrating functions and skill sets, not just job titles. Employers will look at what you have done to improve yourself, formally and informally.

Volunteer work with civic or church groups also offers additional opportunities to polish skills and help the community along the way.

Volunteerism can be importantIt shows you're actively involved in the community and it keeps your skill set up. It also help you make contact with new people.

Volunteering also has another benefit for the job seeker. It can be a welcome distraction, since you can't look for a job 24 hours a day.

Personal relationships like this one help break through the resume overload. The best thing a job seeker can do is to not be a piece of paper. Get a personal meeting so you can explain your situation.

As more and more companies electronically scan resumes for key words relating to the position, it can become more difficult to make it past the initial screening. With a more selective job market, some companies now look for an 80 or 90 percent key word match on a resume before contacting the candidate for an interview. That makes networking even more important. With a personal referral, you have the opportunity to go beyond what's on paper.

Learn more about this author, Gary Wollenhaupt.
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