|
1. Keep it short and sweet.
Remember that a recruiter sometimes looks
at resumes all day. A resume should give
a summary of your qualifications. One page for a recent college graduate, if properly done, is very sufficient. Two pages are acceptable for those with significant job experience.
2. Proofread!
These are phrases from actual resumes:
"I have lurnt Word Perfect 6.0 computor and spreadsheet progroms."
"Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year."
"Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave."
Just one error on your resume could cause you to miss an interview opportunity.
3. Be stylish if you want, but be sure it is professional looking.
Print
resumes on white or light colored paper. They fax better and can be scanned into our computer system. In terms of fonts, Wingdings may be more fun, but stick to "standards" like Helvetica or Times New
Roman. Keep the font size in the 12-14 point range for most text. Your resume should be easy to read and graphically easy to follow. Concise and correct is always your best course of action.
4. Your objective says a lot about you.
If you are looking for the
best opportunity in multiple fields your objective should not state that you "want to work as an archeologist in the deepest and darkest parts of Africa". If your career search is general then make your
objective general. If your objective is very specific, so is your job search.
5. Make your content count.
You can write in phrases. You don't need
to write in complete sentences. Write actively not passively. Use lots of action verbs! (Keep the verb tense constant.) Don't forget to include industry-related training courses or classes.
6. A cover letter is not the first page in a fax.
Every resume that
is faxed should have a fax cover page, with the name of the person to whom you are faxing, and a resume cover letter. Cover letters elaborate on your objective. They also give a look at your writing and
communication skills. As with your resume, please proofread!
7. When applying for a specific position, state that on your cover letter.
Your resume will get to the correct person faster when you specifically express your career interest in your cover letter.
8. There is no such thing as an insignificant job in your employment history.
No matter how small the position, include it. Your future employer is interested in learning about all your past job experiences.
9. Keep it current!
A resume should be current up to the day before
the interview. (Outdated resumes imply poor attention to detail.)
10. If you can't be found then you can't be hired.
If you currently
attend school and have a different home and school address, list both. If possible, also include the date when your temporary address will no longer be valid. Include phone numbers and e-mail on your resume and
cover letter.
Remember that a resume is important to get your foot in the door, after that it's up to you to close the deal during the interview!
|
