Writing A Great Resume!
If you are looking for a job, then it is very important that you understand how to offer yourself in the best way to an employer. This is done by writing a 'CV' (curriculum vitae - Latin for 'life story'), called in some countries a 'resume'. Different countries may have different requirements and styles for CV resumes. So you must follow the correct practice for your culture and country. What IS a resume? A Resume is a self-promotional document that presents you in the best possible light, for the purpose of getting invited to a job interview. It's not an official personnel document. It's not a job application. It's not a career obituary! And it's not a confessional. What Contents within the Resume? It's not just about past jobs! It's about YOU, and how you performed and what you accomplished in those past jobs--especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want to do next. A good resume predicts how you might perform in that desired future job. What is the fastest way to improve a resume? Remove everything that starts with responsibilities included and replace it with on-the-job accomplishments. Most common resume mistake made by job hunters! Leaving out their Job Objective! If you don't show a sense of direction, employers won't be interested. Having a clearly stated goal doesn't have to confine you if it's stated well. What's the first step in writing a resume? Decide on a job target (or job objective) that can be stated in about 5 or 6 words. Anything beyond that is probably fluff and indicates a lack of clarity and direction. Chronological resume or a Functional one? The Chronological format is widely preferred by employers, and works well if you're staying in the same field (especially if you've been upwardly-mobile). Only use a Functional format if you're changing fields, and you're sure a skills-oriented format would show off your transferable skills to better advantage; and be sure to include a clear chronological work history! What if you don't have any experience in the kind of work you want to do? Get some! Find a place that will let you do some volunteer work right away. You only need a brief, concentrated period of volunteer training (for example, 1 day a week for a month) to have at least SOME experience to put on your resume. Also, look at some of the volunteer work you've done in the past and see if any of that helps document some skills you'll need for your new job. |
Avoid these Resume Mistakes!
Common Resume Mistakes..... | Write a great resume!
| It is a mistake to think of your resume as a history of your past, as a personal statement or as some sort of self expression. Sure, most of the content of any resume is focused on your job history. But write from the intention to create interest, to persuade the employer to call you. If you write with that goal, your final product will be very different than if you write to inform or catalog your job history. Most people write a resume because everyone knows that you have to have one to get a job. They write their resume grudgingly, to fulfill this obligation. Writing the resume is only slightly above filling out income tax forms in the hierarchy of worldly delights. If you realize that a great resume can be your ticket to getting exactly the job you want, you may be able to muster some genuine enthusiasm for creating a real masterpiece, rather than the feeble products most people turn out. |
| The good news is that, with a little extra effort, you can create a resume that makes you really stand out as a superior candidate for a job you are seeking. Not one resume in a hundred follows the principles that stir the interest of prospective employers. So, even if you face fierce competition, with a well written resume you should be invited to interview more often than many people more qualified than you. Set aside at least three hours (that's an average length of time to complete a resume if all goes smoothly). Before you start, print out the following set of notes and tape it to your computer, on the wall next to your desk, or someplace where you'll see it throughout the process. Resume Tips: Your resume is about your future; NOT your past. It is not a confessional. In other words, you don't have to tell all. Stick to what's relevant and marketable. Don't write a list of job descriptions. Write achievements! Promote only skills you enjoy using. Never write about things you don't want to repeat. Be honest. You can be creative, but don't lie. |
Resume Rules! Do not Break Them!
Resume Resources..
| Do not Break Resume Rules In today's competitive job market, a well-written resume is the single most important factor in getting your foot in the door and on your way to landing the perfect position. These are some great tips to help you get started: Limit to one page. You do not have to state everything you have done on a resume, but everything you state must be true. Determine the type of layout that works best for your experience. You may use bolding to emphasize key skills and accomplishments. Tailor your resume to the type of position to which you are applying. Decide what you want your resume to convey about your abilities. Maintain a consistent writing style. Do Not use I or my. You may use complete or fragmented sentences as long as the meaning is clear and style is consistent. Start each description with an action word. Use present tense verbs when referring to current activities. Use past tense verbs when referring to past activities. Especially if you are interested in the financial industry use numbers, where appropriate, to quantify the scope of involvement. Include a brief explanation of an organization in your description if its name is obscure. Remember, the reader is not necessarily familiar with Trinity. Emphasize outcome, accomplishments and breadth of responsibility. Examples: Streamlined invoice procedures reducing staff processing time. Be concise and clear in your descriptions. Do not try to impress employers with the use of complicated or confusing words. Make sure there are no typing, spelling or grammar errors. Do not use contractions and make sure you define abbreviations or acronyms. Be consistent. For example, if your headings are in bold type, all headings should be in bold. Each entry should follow a uniform format. Spell check, but remember that spell check does not catch everything. Have someone proofread your resume. Choose a font that is easy to read: Palatino or Times, no larger than 14 point and no smaller than 10 point. In most cases a cover letter should be attached to your resume. Refer to the How to Write a Cover Letter CSO Guide. Print final copies of your resume on quality paper. Use the same color and type of paper for resume, cover letter and envelope. Make sure the paper photocopies well. Seek advice from the Career Services Office for suggested improvements in wording, layout and style! Submitting resumes electronically can ensure that your resume is reviewed promptly and also demonstrates your facility in utilizing computer technology. However, increasing numbers of employers are automatically deleting all incomimg e-mail with attachments as a security measure to protect their computer systems from the danger of viruses. Therefore, if you have been asked to submit your resume electronically, confirm whether or not you may send it as an attachment. |
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