If you have been on the job for a number of years, and decided it’s time to job search, a professionally crafted resume is absolutely necessary before you actually begin applying. That said, a simple update won’t be enough.
Your resume is the first contact a potential employer has with you. And a well formatted, well-written one – which engages from the first word – can make the difference between getting a call for an interview or having your resume tossed.
Depending upon the size of the company, many employers receive stacks from qualified candidates weekly. Hiring pros admit they take 5 to 6 seconds to scan those received.
Here are 8 Tips to help you get started writing a new resume:
Tip 1 –
Before you start writing, do some searching and determine what type of job you want to apply for. Carefully read through the job posts and cull out skills required. Then take a sheet of paper, write down the skills required and match up your skills.
Tip 2 –
You must showcase your current and past history in an engaging way which shows you are the best candidate for the job you are applying for. To do this you will need to utilize Keywords; integrating them into your resume to accentuate your skills and help you stand out.
Tip 3 –
Include Keywords which are active verbs best describing your skills. Instead of beginning each new job performed with the words “Responsible for”, use active verbs such as:
* managed * developed * created * communicated * interfaced * achieved – for example.
These Keywords get straight to the point of describing your responsibilities – which is exactly what employers are looking for.
Tip 4 –
Choose your words carefully. Make it clear if you state you ‘managed a project’ that actually did. Don’t imply you were responsible for the entire project – from start to finish – if you were only responsible for a portion of it. Be accurate when stating your role. Never expand or create tasks, a job or responsibilities you never had. These will be exposed during an interview.
Tip 5 –
If you intend to make statements which suggest you were responsible for a variety of activities related to a specific part of your job, list several to make it clear. This signals the hiring pro what activities you are actually carrying out daily. Be sure to list those which are an exact matchup – or close matchup – to skills the job you’ve chosen to apply for requires.
Tip 6 –
Make sure you use ‘current tense’ when describing activities on your present job. And use past tense when speaking of previous jobs. For example – manage, develop, accomplish as opposed to managed, developed, accomplished.
Tip 7 –
List only those responsibilities which are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are looking for a job which requires managing a team of people, focus on your development and participation in group projects instead of focusing on solitary activities such as office organization.
Tip 8 –
Don’t forget to add Soft Skills – companies value these highly when considerating candidates.
For example – communication and management skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, organization skills.
Regarding formatting:
- – Create a Summary section at the top of your resume (after your name and other pertinent info). – Keep it succinct, include keywords; and limit it to 5-7 lines.
- – Use bullet points when listing each responsibility. This is the preferred formatting.
- – Be succinct. Don’t fill your resume with unnecessary info. If it looks overwhelming a hiring pro
may want to eliminate it from consideration. - – If you are changing careers, you may want to create a Skills section; where you’ll list a variety of your most valuable skills.
– Don’t include info about jobs with skills you no longer want to be known for. If necessary, bring this info out during an interview.
Finally –
It’s important to use formatting which allows enough white space to make it easily readable. Have it proofread to ensure it is error free.
List only those responsibilities which are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are looking for a job which requires managing a team of people, focus on your development and participation in group projects instead of focusing on solitary activities such as office organization.
Submitted by: Jean L. Serio CEIC, CDI, CPC, CeMA
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