Resume writing tips

A winning resume is what it takes to get your name on the interview shortlist. It is the first thing that catches the employer's eye, and it has to, therefore, stand apart from the hundreds of other resumes the HR personnel may be sitting with.

Writing the winning resume is subject to some 'rules'. Although it is true that the resume speaks a lot for you, don’t overload it with information - what is important is relevant information. Here are some tips to help you draft the perfect resume.

To begin with:

It is often said that you have only five seconds to catch the employer's eye and not more than two minutes to persuade him/her to give you a call. This means that at a glance (that is within five seconds), the employers should 'want' to read your resume for which he/she will not spare more than two minutes. So, all the important information should be 'visible'.

Be clear and concise

Make sure you have mentioned every one of your accomplishments. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to go into complete details. Strive to be clear and concise: Remember, the employer is not looking at only one resume. They do not have the time or patience to go through long winding stories. Therefore, keep your resume short. A resume covering all the relevant information within two pages is a good one.

Put relevant information

Relevant information is information that will convince the employer that you are a good choice for the job. For example, if you are applying for a Sales job, stating that you have good communication and interpersonal skills may be an asset.

Use Bulleted Sentences

Resumes are read quickly; therefore make key phrases stand out. Bulleting information will help the reader view your accomplishments at a glance. Again, don't worry about the specifics; you will go into the details during the interview.

Use Action Words

Use action words - words like prepared, managed, developed, championed, monitored, and presented will make your resume to stand out.

Match the need they have

Review job postings online and in the newspapers for positions that interest you. Each ad will usually have a brief description about the company and the position available. Use the keywords listed in these ads, and match them to the bullet points in your resume. Using a custom resume instead of a generic one will greatly increase your chances of an interview.

Leave off irrelevant details

Focus on the details that do support your objective, and leave off irrelevant personal information like your race, weight, and height.

Formatting Guidelines

The length of your resume should be 1-2 pages. The font size should be no smaller than 10 point. Don't use intricate fonts that are hard to read.

Look and Lingo

Ensure that there are no spelling mistakes whatsoever. Read your resume over and again and ensure that the language used is interesting and grabs attention. It is advisable to have a friend or resume critique service review your resume. Take their comments into consideration, and revise your resume accordingly.

The look of your resume is also going to play a key role in hooking the employer. So choose a selling design. You are writing for someone to read, and it has to be pleasing to the eye. Do not use decorative fonts and very big/small font sizes. Decorative fonts often strain the eye.

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Resume writing tips
Resume structure
Types of Resume