Writing a resume may seem simple enough, but you want to have one that dazzles the reader. Those that are evaluating them aren’t going to be interested in the same format over and over again but with a different name attached to it. Instead they are going to separate though from the resumes that are colorful and full of potential.
There are quite a few different formats that can be used for writing an effective resume. What you don’t want is to get stuck using the same format that you used to write one a decade ago. It may have worked well then, but things have changed plenty over the course of time.
However, some things haven’t changed and you want to pay very close attention to them. You want to make sure your resume has a very good flow to it. The sections all need to be formatted the same way. If spelling and grammar aren’t strong points for you then consider having someone critique it for you before you print and distribute your resume. These types of errors can prevent you from being called for an interview so take them seriously.
Always be honest about the information included in your resume. It isn’t worth it to lie about things such as your work history or your education. If you think you may be lacking in these areas, include additional information such as your volunteer work. Talk about ways that your life experiences can help you to accomplish all of the requires of the job that has been advertised.
The more you know about an employer and their goals, the better you can customize your resume to appeal to them. This is your chance to prove beyond a doubt you have something that they don’t want to pass up. With so many people applying for the same jobs these days you need a resume that goes beyond the surface of a generic presentation. You want to let them know that you do want to work for them and not just any company out there that is willing to hire you.
There are certain elements that should be included with a good resume. Your name and contact information should be at the top of all of it. Make sure you have a good contact number for them to reach you and that you haven’t transposed any of the digits. Other aspects you need to cover include your work history, your education, your qualifications for the job advertised, and your ability to successfully accomplish what the employer needs. Remember that what you have done is more important than any title associated with it so focus in the right direction.
The confidence that you have in yourself and your abilities needs to shine through with any resume. If you don’t have that confidence yet you will need to fake it. Any potential employer needs to feel that you are proud of what you have accomplished and that you are up to the challenge of something new at this point in time.
Too many people are afraid to mention the good things about themselves, and that is understandable. By society’s standards we have been taught that it isn’t good manners to boost about yourself. Well, a resume for a job you really want is the exception to that rule. Make sure the employer realizes that you are someone they don’t want the competition to get their hands on as an employee.
Try to keep your resume to one page so that it is easy enough to distribute and it doesn’t take long to read. If you don’t have enough information to fill up that page, choose a format that spreads out what you have. You are better to have less than a page though than additional information that is just to fill up space.
If your resume needs to be longer than one page, see where you can reduce it in some ways. For example instead of including your references you can write a statement that says they will be included upon request. Chances are the job application you have filled out as well will already have them. However, not every job out there requires a job application to be completed any more.
