Last week we shared several ideas to get you started writing or updating your resume. Below is a Quick Tips Guide to help you finish this important job-search tool.
1-Keep it to one page, if at all possible. It saves a lot of time for busy recruiters and the rest of the hiring team. If you have additional transferable skills but run out of room, you can always weave them into your interview.
2-Keep formatting simple and in a simple Word format that can be easily viewed on most computers. While elaborate formatting can make your resume look beautiful, if you ever have to cut and paste it into another document to send to an employer, the formatting can get lost. Your beautiful resume ends up looking like a word jumble.
3-No need to use full sentences when listing your accomplishments and/or job duties but start with an action verb. Check on line for lists of useful action words.
4-Include some key words that the hiring team has identified as critical to the position. These are most often found in the job description. Many companies use scanning software that filters resumes using key words. Recruiters often look for them, too.
4-Try to be as clear and concise as possible when describing your skills, job responsibilities and the results you’ve achieved. Avoid buzzwords and fuzzy phrases.
5-It’s your choice as to whether or not you include an “Objective” or a “Summary”. It can provide clarification but most recruiters already know which job you’re interested in (either from your cover letter, or from an application or on line document).
6-No need to include the wording “References: available upon request” unless the potential employer specifically asks for it. A hiring manager knows that if s/he asks for references, you’ll provide them. It just takes up space that you could otherwise use to describe your many achievements!
7-Review each piece of information and ask yourself if it proves you’re the right person for the job; make it easy for the recruiter to see that you are.
8-Proofread everything! Then proofread it again. This is extremely important. Nothing will eliminate your resume faster than misspelled words or poor grammar. If this is not one of your strong suits, ask someone to help you.
If examples are helpful, look on line for resume samples and templates. You can also borrow books from the library such as “The Perfect Resume” by Dan Quillen.
