A resume is like a short story that grabs the reader and keeps him or her engaged. This article presents 12 sure-fire tips that have benefited hundreds (college students, clients, colleagues, family, and friends) regardless of the career field or level. They’re certain to help you too.
12 Tips
· (Tip – 1) Prepare a brief profile
Start strong with a brief profile not an objective. Listing an objective is a thing of the past. What should your profile contain? Two or three short snappy phrases that summarize your experience, skills, and personality traits. Regarding the latter, avoid writing a laundry list.
So, what three words best describe you? Your dominant personality traits surface in your professional and personal life. In other words, wherever you go you’re there.
· (Tip – 2) Don’t sound like your job description.
Do not turn your resume into a document that reads like a boring job description. Instead, discuss accomplishments. How did you make a difference? What skills or unique abilities were utilized to make things better. Pick one or two accomplishments from your current position. Provide a brief summary.
· (Tip – 3) Select the right format.
All in all, two types of resume formats exist- chronological and functional. While the former begins with your most current position and works backward, the latter builds the resume around your dominant skills.
· (Tip – 4) Include special training/professional development.
For more than a few years, I advised a friend to include a professional development section on her resume. Why? Employers like to see what you’ve been doing since graduating from college. As a result of working in the corporate arena, she racked up a lot of training. Well, to make a long story short, it made her standout and receive even better offers.
· (Tip – 5) List education and credentials last.
You are not selling your education; degrees are a dime a dozen. You are promoting your unique skills that help potential employers solve problems. Hence, list your credentials last, not first.
· (Tip – 6) Determine the appropriate length.
A recent college graduate, high school student, or person entering the workforce for the first time will not have as nearly much to say as someone more experienced.
· (Tip – 7) Omit references.
Create a special file for references. By the way, your references should be people who know you in a professional capacity. And, make sure each person has good written and verbal communication skills.
· (Tip – 8) Create a tagline.
Imagine this. You work in human resources as a recruiter. Every day you receive tons of resumes when you open your email; no one stands out because the subject lines say things like Resume or the resume of. Be creative! Use a tagline. When you save the document, use the tagline not your name.
· (Tip – 9) Always send a cover letter.
The letter should state what you’re applying for, how you can contribute, and most important, it should refer the reader to the resume. Cut and paste or copy the letter into the body of your email.
· (Tip – 10) Use present tense.
Instead of writing in the past tense, use the present. It adds punch and lets a potential employer know that you still make a positive impact.
· (Tip – 11) Be creative.
Why not include a testimonial? Select a comment or two from a performance review.
· (Tip – 12) Develop a resume website.
If you really want to standout, develop a professional resume website. It’s free and a template is provided. Checkout Wix.