Tips: Resume Writing
Sunday, May 21, 2006
A resume, no matter how good, will not get you a job itself. Yet, a good resume will attract the attention of the hiring manager and secure a job interview. The purpose of a resume is to disclose your accomplishments and qualifications to a potential employer. If the employer likes what he/she sees, he/she will contact you for a face to face meeting and this is what we are aiming for.
RESUME FORMAT
1. Chronological
* The most common resume style, and the one that employers prefer.
* The emphasis is placed on employment experience. The applicant's job history is presented in reverse chronological orderm with the most recent jobs placed at the top of the list.
* A good format if your recet job experience is relevant to the job you are applying for, and you want to stay on a similar career path.
* However, this is NOT be the right for you if you are a fresh graduate. A resume like this may actually highlight your lack of experience. You may have held jobs that have no relevance to the position you are applying for. If you are re-entering the workforce after a substancial absence, this resume will highlight your recent inactivity.
2. Functional
* A non-linear format that emphasize your skills and achievements.
* Your employment history is summarized or avioded all-together.
* Your skills and previous relevant experience (including educational experience) are presented at the beginning of the resume. They are organized so that the employer can see how your skills relate to the job position you are applying for.
* Can be particularly effective if you've held a number of similar positions, it will allow you to highlight your skills rather than itemize what might be a redundant looking job history.
* However, this format may also raise concern in some employers' mind whether you are withholding infomation. Although, it doesn't mean that functional resumes are ignored but an employer looking for a clear job history may be put off by the functional format.
3. Combination
* Simply a functional resume with a brief employment history added.
* Skilss and accomplishments are still listed first; the employment history follows. You need ot reveal where you worked, when you worked, and what your ob position was.
* This will allay an employer's worries about your experience, and it still allows you to emphasize your talents and how you would use them for the job you are applying for.
* A good alternative to the functional resume.
RESUME WRITING TIPS
1. Keep it concise
* Resumes should be one page, if possible and two if absolutely necessary to decribe relevant work experience.
2. Make your words count
* Your use of language is extremely important, you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and effieciently.
* Avoid large paragraphs (over 6 or 7 lines).
* Use action verbs such as 'developed', 'managed' and 'designed' to emphasize your accomplishments.
* Do not use declarative sentences like "I developed the.." or "I assisted in..", leave out "I".
* Avoid passive constructions, such as 'was responsible for managing". "Managed" is a stronger and sounds more active.
3. Make the most of your experience
* Don't be vague. Describe things that can be measured objectively. Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you, if they can verify your accomplishments.
* Be honest. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it.
4. Don't neglect appearance
* Check your resume for proper grammar and correct spelling-evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail.
* Make your resume easy on eyes. No exotic font styles. Use simple fonts with a professional look.
* Use standard, non-textured, fine-grained paper in white or ivory.
* If you need to make copies of your resume, make sure your copies are clean and clear.
5. Target. Target. Target.
* Be specific. Emphasize what you can do for an employer.
* If you are going for more than one job opening, customize your resume accordingly.
6. Eliminate superfluous details
* Don't mention personal characteristics such as age, height and marital status.
* List your hobbies and interests only if you can relate to them to the position you're applying for.
* Avoid the "Objective" statement - your objective should be clearly articulated in your cover letter. If you do include objective, be specific.
7. This might be helpful also:
* Open Word document
* On the File menu, click New.
* In the New Document task pane under Templates, click On my computer.
* Click the Other Documents tab.
* Double-click Resume Wizard.
* You can create your own resume by using the wizard
P/S: You can download various types of resumes in Microsoft Office Template. Check HERE to direct you to the download page.
8. Electronic Resumes
* When sending a resume via e-mail, make sure you include a cover letter and be sure to note where you found the ad.
* Send the resume and the cover letter in one file. You can also send the cover letter as an e-mail message with resume as an attachment.
* Use the job title and/or job reference number as the subject of your message, Cite any relevant job numbers noted in the ad.
* Follow-up with an e-mail or phone call a week or so after you submit it.
HELPFUL REFERENCES:
JobWeb
Resume Help
Career Planning
Next tip will be on Cover Letters.
you're right, one more tip: do some work for your resume headline/title, that's the first thing that grabs the hiring mgr attention.
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