10 Tips For Writing A Professional Resume
|
1. Start with an attractive layout. Use bold and italics to highlight key points.
I do not recommend downloadable templates because they are very generic and dull. Get creative but not crazy. You can use a little touch of color if you are modest.
2. Justify the text instead of using left align.
Most people are accustomed to reading justified text. This will make your resume easy to follow.
3. Choose a common font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Verdana are some of the best fonts for a resume.
Now is not the time to experiment. Most computers do not have 600 different fonts installed so the file will not read correctly if you use your decorative fonts.
Do not use cutesy graphics such as candy canes or teddy bears if you want to be taken seriously.
- Yes, I have really received a resume with teddy bears and candy canes on it.
It is NOT appropriate for business correspondence, and I guarantee your resume will be canned if you do this.
4. Do not use the word "I" in your resume. Start each sentence with a powerful verb.
- Organized annual student symposium by securing speakers and working closely with marketing department executives.
- Implemented production bonus incentives and "best practices" matrix for all divisions raising overall productivity by as much as 40%.
5. Write a proper cover letter for each position you apply to. Do not ever send out a resume without a cover letter.
This is basic business etiquette. Personalize each cover letter directly to the position you are applying to. A generic cover letter will not work to your benefit. If possible, address the letter directly to a person. If you do not know the hiring managers name, use "Hiring Manager".
6. Print your resume and read it word for word.
You can use the grammar and spell check function, but don't rely on it.
7. When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree.
When you list your dates of attendance, many resume scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period.
8. Deactivate all e-mail links and web addresses in your resume and cover letter.
To do this in MS Word, highlight the link with your mouse, go to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click "Hyperlink", and on the lower left-had side of this screen there should be a little button that says "Remove link", when you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively, you can highlight the link with your mouse, right click on it, and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.
9. Be consistent!
For example, don't list one date as 1/2004 and then list another date as 9/22/2004.
List software consistently. MS Word and Microsoft Excel are both correct, but not consistent when used together.
10. Adhere to punctuation and capitalization rules.
Use a reference manual if you do not understand standard punctuation and capitalization rules.
Jennifer Anthony is the owner ofResumeASAP, offering professional and affordable resume writing services.
If you have comments about this article, or if you are interested in learning more about professional resume writing, please contact Jennifer Anthony by e-mail or by calling 1-888-722-5211.
|
|
|
Illegal Interview Questions -- Be Prepared
I'll quickly cover the following:A) Why Employer Ask Illegal Interview Questions.B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.C) Tips on How To Respond to Illegal Interview Questions.******FACT ******U.S. law prohibits certain types of questions and you are by no means required or obligated to answer these questions. Thesequestions are prohibited for a reason: to keep employersfrom unfairly trying to weed you out as a possib...(related: Employment)
Opportunities In Automotive Services Industries - How To Cash In
I believe it would be safe to say that the transportation industry is one of the highest revenue producers in today's modern economies.Millions upon millions of private passenger vehicles rule the highways and rural roads in countries around the world.Automotive reconditioning services, for the retail car/truck dealer, provide significant income opportunities for well trained, highly motivated entrepreneurs.There are several categories in the automotive reconditioning field. These categories include:1) Leather Repair and Reconditioning2) Vinyl and Plastics Repair and Reconditioning3) Paint Touch-up4) Paintless Dent Removal5) Alloy Wheel Repair6) Windshield Repair7) Gold Plating Services8) Mobile Detailing ServicesAs a journeyman of auto reconditioning, ...(related: Employment)
4 Internet Job Search Mistakes To Avoid
The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth. Hands down.With the Web, you can access millions of job openings on thousands of sites. With email, you can quickly contact employers and ask for interviews.Yet, if used incorrectly, the Internet can actually prevent you from being as productive as possible in your search for work.How? Why?Here are four mistakes that commonly befall job seekers using the Internet. Avoid them, and get hired faster.1) Don't Email Your Resume Wrong
Kick-in-the-pants Job Search
Believe it: three obstacles will hold you back from your ideal job -- your resume, you, and your job-search methods. There's no hidden formula; there's no bribery needed; there's no one standing in front of employment - other than YOU!You've probably heard all the excuses, or used them yourself. The job market is bad; technical jobs are going overseas; those thousands of manufacturing employees had to go somewhere ? of course, these excuses are only the tip of the iceberg.Look at the job market as challenging. Who doesn't love a good challenge? The current state of the market means that you must job search smarter. Do you have something against learning? We are always overcoming obstacles in our personal and professional lives, so why should today be any ...(related: Employment)
How To Get Promoted - Take Control Of Your Destiny!
It Is Up To YouSo, you want to get promoted. The possibility really lies in your own hands. Remember the trite but true saying, "If it is to be, it is up to me!" Don't wait for things to happen. Set yourself apart from the crowd and make things happen. Most people...(related: Employment)
Resume Writing Tips
Make sure that your resume is up to date with your latest job experience and educational accomplishments. Have a friend or relative evaluate your resume to see if it is clear, consistent, and fairly represents your skills and experience.Is your resume in a high impact format?Be sure to do a spell check on your resume. Misspelled works can reflect negatively on you and diminish your prospects.Many companies have a form on their web sites for submitting electronic resumes. Have a version of your resume that you can cut and paste into submittal forms. Create one that doesn't have columns and indents as these do not work well when pasted into a form.Let your family, friends, alumni groups, and industry con...(related: Employment)
Is Your Resume Doing Its Job?
Is it opening doors to new opportunities? Does it compel the reader to think, "Hey! This applicant can ?put that one on top of the 'call in for an interview' pile!" Does it showcase wh...(related: Employment)
Losing A Career Can Feel Like Getting A Divorce
Most of us are aware that we need to grieve the death of a close friend, relative or favorite pet. We are beginning to learn that other events -- relocation, divorce, illness -- can also be experienced as loss.Losing a career or business can also be a source of grief, anger and frustration. Starting a new business is an end as well as a beginnig. You may feel as though you are getting a divorce after a twenty-year marriage. Here's why.1. Sometimes the career leaves you. The f...(related: Employment)
Learning A Foreign Language
Many people love learning languages or would like to learn a language and use their language skills in a job. In today'...(related: Employment)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Employment