If you are beginning your job hunt or have had little luck with your current hunt for a job, look into writing your resume. Writing a resume is absolutely crucial. Employers today are going through resumes with a fine tooth comb, making sure that prospective employees are the right fit for the job. If you are presently looking for a job here are some resume writing tips.
An up-to-date and impressive resume is your gateway to the job of your dreams. Therefore, you must be very careful what you put down on your resume and what you do not.
Writing A Resume: Do’s
• Tailor your resume to the different positions you are applying for and include relevant skills.
• Pay attention to detail. Make sure you have added everything, such as complete job description of your past jobs relevant to the position you are applying for, complete records of educational achievements, training and workshops, letters of appreciation, etc.
• Proofread everything, including spelling, grammar and tone, and make sure you have you have thoroughly followed the instructions of the company’s hiring manager.
• Keep your descriptions clear and to the point. Mention every detail in a logical fashion.
• Focus on what you can offer to the company and not what you want from the job.
• Be professional.
o Add an email ID that should sound professional.
o Add your website address, where you have put together extensive details of everything you have mentioned in your resume. The website should reflect your professional ambitions
o Use a simple easy to read font.
o Use a white A4 size printed copy
Writing A Resume: Don’ts
• Never say you have done something that you have not, or exaggerate your qualifications and experience. Be honest.
• Never include age, height, weight, healthy condition, and marital status, number of children, religious and political beliefs etc unless the nature of the job demands so.
• Do not add any personal information related to your life, except for the contact details. For example, there is no need to state ‘I own three apartments in Los Angeles’. After all, no interviewer is interested in how many apartments you own.
• Do not emphasize any barriers to getting a job.
• Even if it is true, never mention a negative reason for why you left your last job, for instance, ‘was fired’, ‘was asked to leave’, ‘that involved lots of traveling’, ‘because of long working hours’ etc.
• Do not make the resume too long. Stay focused and to the point.
• Do not put too much information on one page. If the information is that important, use an additional page.
• Do not use a font size bigger than 12
• Do not use decorative fonts, such as Comic Sans MS, Monotype Corsiva, Impact, etc.
• Do not use colors or shadings
• Do not use all UPPER CASE. It is considered the written counterpart of yelling.
• Do not use odd email addresses in your contact details
• Do not use a photocopy
Remember a resume is a marketing tool which can help you get your foot in the door. A résumé’s sole purpose is to get you a job interview. There are also many software programs that can help create great looking resume templates and fill in your job information with ease. Making your resume look and read professional is a big part of building a successful resume. Follow above tips in order to maximize your chances of getting a job, and see how offers and interview calls start pouring in.
