How to write a great resume
By Dan Lawton
Your resume is an employer’s first impression of you, so it’s important to make it a positive one. Many job seekers spend countless hours perusing job ads, but don’t dedicate nearly enough attention towards creating a polished, articulate resume. Whether you’re a recent college graduate looking for an entry-level position or a corporate executive seeking a different managerial position, it’s imperative that your resume emphasize your strengths and experience to the fullest degree possible.
How Long Should It Be
Shorter is better. 1-2 pages is a good length, especially if your past employment isn’t extensive. Don’t feel the need to list every part-time job you’ve had since you were fifteen. In fact, it’s best to list only work experience that you feel showcases your skills and/or experience relative to the job you’re applying for.
Necessary Components
Always begin with your name, address, and home and work telephone numbers at the top of the page. Next state your objective (if needed), followed by your employment history. Employment history should be listed in reverse chronological format, and you should include the dates of employment, the title of your position, a brief description of your job duties, and the name and contact information of your supervisor. Education should be listed last, without grade point average (GPA).
How to Make the Most Out of Your Job Experience
When describing past positions, use bullet points and action verbs such as “achieved,” “established,” and “organized” to describe your former duties. Emphasize any promotions that you received and other quantifiable achievements, i.e., “increased factory output by 35%.” Always avoid exaggerations about your past work experience that could lead to your dismissal in the future.
Optional Categories
The Objective: Many jobseekers place an objective at the beginning of their resumes. If your objective is consistent with your accomplishments and demonstrated skills it could add value to your resume. However, if it’s too specific, it may restrict your job search unnecessarily.
Personal Data: Generally, it’s best to keep personal information personal, and not include on your resume. Do not disclose your disability on your resume, unless you think it will be helpful for the job you’re applying for. If you have a military record, be sure to include relevant job training or experience you gained during your time in service.
What to Leave Off
It’s vital to not hurt your chances of getting an interview by utilizing unorthodox tactics on your resume. Sure, you’re a creative person, but a resume is not the appropriate medium for displaying your flair for the avant-garde. Refrain from using colored paper, elaborate fonts, or unconventional formats. Restrict your language to words that are strong and necessary, as fancy verbiage will not win you points from recruiters or hiring mangers.
Other things that you should leave off:
* Reasons for leaving a job
* Former or desired salary
* Hobbies and memberships
* Any potentially negative information!
One Last Reminder
Always review your resume meticulously for grammatical or spelling errors. Remember, this might be your only chance to make an impression upon an employer, so make the most of it.
