Writing An Effective Resume To Get You Hired



Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008

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Last article I gave you 5 of the top 10 tips on writing a winning resume . I see tens of resumes of everyday. Many people think that you need to mention your whole life's story. It's like moving to a new house. There are memories that are important to you, so you pack your first doormat, a piece of fabric that you used for the window coverings and maybe even 10 year old tax returns (really some people do this). You just can't seem to leave something behind. You know who you are: pack rats. On a resume, this could be the first step in getting your resume to the bottom of the pile. Sometimes less is more. In addition, being direct and to the point will also help you get noticed ahead of the competition. In a high tech position, for example, what was relevant technology 20 years ago has very little, if anything, to do with today's world.

Resume Tip #6: Your high school education is best left for reunions. Unless you have just graduated from high school or perhaps didn't go to college, your high school education is not relevant to the job search. What is of most importance is to list the college / university you attended, the city and state, as well as the degree that you received. Dates of attendance are optional, depending on how you want to present yourself.

Resume Tip #7: Summarize your qualifications. Use bullet points to highlight your skills and use words that exhibit passion and excitement. Make sure to not use the same word repeatedly, but use similar sounding words.

Resume Tip #8: Do not send a generic resume. You should take the time to understand the company with which you are interviewing. Make sure you know the type of person for which they are searching and what skills are important to them. Then, craft your cover letter and resume that highlights your skill sets as it relates to that particular job. Otherwise, you run the risk of seeming like the wrong fit.

Resume Tip #9: The right format sets the tone. You've probably heard the terms functional, skills or chronological resume. Each type of resume is important depending on the job, your background and the skills required. For example, for those applicants who have little experience might focus on their education and skills. If you've been unemployed for a period of time, focusing on a skills resume might be the best format. Chronological, is of course, the most standard type of resume. However, other formats could work best, depending on your particular situation. If there is enough meat in the resume, the employer will eventually ask for your dates of employment.

Resume Tip #10: As in Tip #5, honesty is always the best policy. If you are currently not unemployed or you recently have left your job, you should not directly or indirectly allude to being currently employed. The employer will eventually find it out anyway and this could lead to suspicion on his / her part. Put down your dates of employment as accurately as possible.

As always, these are guidelines rather than Rules. Above all, logic should prevail.

David Chan shares his tips and tricks on how to write a resume that will get you noticed by prospective employers. Based on David's 25 years experience as both a hiring manager and as an executive recruiter, you only have "8 seconds" to make your impression with the resume reviewer. Sign up for David's free mini-course on the secrets of the professional resume writers at http://www.siliconvalleyresources.com
 
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Peter
from Philippines 3 years 203 days ago.
nice write up, thanks for this!
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