A resume is your life condensed to a few pages and highlighted with your
qualities and experiences. Potential employers learn about you through the words
you chose and the examples you give. If you are not careful with these words and
examples, however, you may just give the wrong impression.
An effective resume is essential in the business world. Without one, you will
not succeed. Employers are looking for people with talent, people who can get
the job done, and you may very well be that person. But, without a proper
resume, you will never get the chance to prove it. You have to give employers a
polished and professional resume, one that emphasizes all of your best
qualities. To help you accomplish this, we have provided several tips that can
guarantee you the best resume possible. No matter what your situation, these
tips will help you make a powerful impression.
1. Apply Your Skills
Show, through your resume, that you have experience with the job in question.
Listing irrelevant abilities will not impress your employer. For example, if you
are seeking a job in management, then you must show potential employers that you
are qualified for this job. Apply the skills you have to this position.
2. Use Power Words
Power Words, also called Action Verbs, provide better emphasis in a resume.
They create a more assertive and memorable statement. Words like “accomplished”,
“developed”, “led” and “persuaded” show your employer that you are confident in
your abilities. Rather than making a bland statement (for example, “I was
District Sales Manager of the Information Technology Division”), you let your
experiences shine (“Increased sales 39% in 18 months as the District Sales
Manager ). Use these words to show confidence and control.
3. Stick To The Point
Future employers do not have time to wade through your entire life; they want
to know what you can do for them and why you are best suited for the job. When
writing a resume, be concise. List only relevant details, accomplishments and
experiences. A resume should represent only the parts of your life that are
applicable to the position. With, typically, one to two pages, there is little
space to waste. Keep it simple and keep it pertinent.
4. Sell Yourself
While humility is to be admired, it can also cost you a job—you are going
against countless other individuals who want the same position you do and they
are all trying to look better than any other applicant. If you want the job, you
have to standout. Showcase your best abilities and experiences; emphasize your
strengths and talents. If you want the job, then you have to be willing to
indulge in a little conceit. This is not to say, however, that you should
misrepresent yourself. Tell the truth (just use the best examples of the truth).
Remember that you deserve this job; do not shy away from showing future
employers why.
5. Plan Everything
Most resumes are one-two pages long. This does not leave much room to
navigate. Decide in advance what you will include. And, since you have limited
space, you must include only relevant facts and concise descriptions. Take the
time to draft your resume and see if anything is lacking or missing. This will
save you time later.
6. Flashy Is Futile
When creating your resume, use only white or ivory paper. Do not waste time
with novelty items (anything colored or special bonded). Stand out with the
content, not the paper. Also, never handwrite your resume. This shows a lack of
interest to employers and will most likely be discarded. Typed out on white or
ivory paper is the most effective thing to do.
7. Proofread
This is the most important part of creating a resume. You must proofread
everything, over and over until you are certain there are no mistakes. And,
then, you have someone else read it—going over a resume once or twice is not
enough; you are not likely to catch any mistakes. Read and reread.
These 7 steps may seem obvious but many people ignore them; put yourself
ahead of the competition. Follow these suggestions and create the Resume that
say Hire Me.
by Robert Moment
Robert Moment is an author, business coach, and success strategist. He has
successfully consulted with and advised hundreds of job seekers. His most recent
e-book, “What Matters Most is Employment” (www.jobsearchrx.com)
is a concise guide, packed with information and tips on finding and getting
career-advancing employment in today’s job market.
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