5 Tips to Successful Resume` Writing
5 Tips to Successful Resume` Writing
Are you afraid of stepping outside of your box? Don't be! Most
people are nervous making a career change. Even a business
professional like Donald Trump had to start somewhere. And now
you too can learn 'how to' write a resume` that guarantees
success.
Look at the Industry
Let's start with researching your interests. What industry do
you enjoy working in? Do you have the skills and knowledge to
work well at this position? Will the job of choice also provide
a substantial income? What is the hourly rate for an entry level
position in this industry?
Take a piece of paper and write down your answers to the above
questions. Be honest with yourself, after all this is your
future. If you can answer with clear facts, you're ready to
start creating a target resume.
Create an Objective
Next, develop your objective statement. The objective statement
is no longer than 170 characters (2 lines of content), and
clearly states 'what' you hope to achieve at your new position.
For instance, "To obtain a position in a fortune 500 company
that will recognize my skills and encourage growth within the
company." This is your opportunity to sound impressive.
Turn the table and look at yourself from an employer's
perspective. The more you understand an employer, the better
you'll get at writing a resume`. Direct your resume towards the
employer's needs, because that's what an employer will respond
to.
List Your Attributes
Use the heading Summary of Qualifications to list all of your
attributes. The employer reviews your resume` for 'highlights'
of you skills. For instance, applying for an office job would
require some skill in clerical duties. Instead of saying, "I've
worked in the clerical field for six years as a receptionist,
data processor, and word processor," be creative and sound
professional. Such as:
Administrative Support (6 yrs) - Responsibilities included
answering the phones, data entry, and word processing for the
CEO.
Your Summary of Qualifications should consist of a maximum of 4
major attributes. Use descriptive words and stay within 2 lines
of content. The best way to do this is to turn your job duties
into a titled attribute. For instance, if you entered payables
and invoiced customers you could create attribute titles like
accounting clerk and customer service. Once you get the hang of
it, it becomes easier to 'fluff' up your resume` with true
facts. List Your Technical Skills
In today's world of technology, it is important that you're
equipped with computer skills. Take some time to bullet point
the technical knowledge you've obtained over the years. This
includes the software programs you can operate (i.e. Word,
Excel, Peachtree Accounting, and Internet Explorer). Although
this section isn't a requirement, this will eliminate extra
interview questions and help the employer evaluate your skills.
Fluff Your Employment History
How you list your employment, history depends on the type of
position you're applying for. Sometimes, you should eliminate
the less significant positions to increase the odds of your
resume` being noticed. Here is an example:
Joan worked at a retail store for 9 months and an ice cream shop
for 3 months. Both jobs required her to deal with customers
directly. Joan had an opportunity to apply for a job in sales
for a major manufactory, but she was afraid she couldn't write
an impressive resume` from her employment history.
By combining the months spent on both jobs, the employer's eye
picks up she has worked in customer service for a year verses 9
months in retail and 3 months serving ice cream.
April 2000 to March 2001 Customer Service Nu-Lady Retail and
Macs Ice Cream Shop
Again, put yourself in the employer's shoes. What are you
looking for in an employee? A job history that shows you've
moved from one job to the next will not win you an interview.
Closing with Education & Certificates
In the end, your employer will want to know how much education
you have, where you went to school, and if you're trainable. End
with a 'bang' and include any continuing education courses
you've taken and certificates you've achieved.
Summer High School 3.0 Grade Average Computers Business School
4.0 Grade Average Management Smith College 3.0 Grade
Average Associate Degree People Skills Certificate of
Achievement
Most target resumes` are clear cut and only provide the employer
with information that pertains to the position you're applying
for. Don't be afraid to 'fluff' up the content with truthful
facts. Never exceed one page of content if you can help it, and
write the content so it is easy to read using layman terms. You
can impress them with your personality at the interview.