Guide to Strong Resume Writing
Having a good resume is the key to landing an interview for almost all jobs on the market today. Resumes are the first thing employers look at when deciding if you have the skills and qualifications needed for the position, and should be an accurate reflection of the progression of your work and abilities. While there are differing opinions on what makes an excellent resume, there are some things that any good resume should strive to accomplish:
Tip 1: Make your resume a reflection of your skills.
The main purpose of your resume is to make the employer want to hire you for the position over all the other candidates who have applied. Since it is likely you will be one of at least dozens of other candidates, your resume needs to stand out in the crowd. Though this has become more difficult to do with resume submissions sent via email, it is no less important. The overall look and tone of the resume should be a reflection of you and your skills. If you are a graphic artist, make your resume more visual. If you are a writer, a resume is the perfect chance to showcase your writing (and editing) abilities.
Tip 2: Target your resume to its intended audience.
Writing one good resume may not be all you need. You may need to write several that are catered to the specific job you are seeking. Because different positions require different skills and experience, one resume will not fit all. It is a good idea to have on hand a few resumes tailored to the different industries or positions to which you would like to apply.
Tip 3: Include the basics.
A good resume will include your education, previous positions (starting with the last and ending with the first), contact information, and other information relevant to the position you are seeking. If you belong to or volunteer at certain organizations that are relevant to your desired job, be sure to include your role in those. It is not important to include information that has no bearing on the job you are seeking – if you would like to be a teacher, you do not need to list the retail jobs you held during college.
Tip 4: Keep your resume consistent in tone and style.
While the length of your resume does not particularly matter, consistency does. Stick with either first or third person references throughout your resume, and use present or past tense when appropriate. Maintain consistency in formatting within each section of your resume. If you bold the name of your previous companies, you should also bold the names of any colleges you attended.
Tip 5: Avoid being wordy or verbose.
A well-written resume is one that is concise, meaning sentences are short and the skills or qualifications you would like to convey to the employer are obvious. Do not say in four sentences what you should say in one. If you would like to include examples if what makes you a great candidate for the position, pick your best example. The rest can be discussed once you land your interview.
Tip 6: Check for errors.
A resume with obvious errors will be easily tossed. To prevent any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or style, have a friend review your resume before you submit it. Also be sure to only include accurate information. Do not stretch the truth on your resume or claim you have skills that you do not. While you may believe you can learn them quickly, your new employer will not appreciate that he has hired someone who is not as qualified for the position as he believed.
Tip 7: Use active words when writing your resume.
It is important to use strong, active words when describing your accomplishments. Words like “delivered,” “implemented,” “managed” and “negotiated” are examples of words that can go a long way to enhancing your descriptions. Make sure to vary the words you use.
Article Resources:
Houston Job Search
http://www.houston-job-search.com/write_a_resume.htm
Footprints Recruiting
http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/resume-writing-101/how-to-write-a-good-resume
Resume Writing Services
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