Seven Tips on How to Make a Good Resume
by Trevor Johnson
It's the question on almost every job seeker's list: How to make a good resume? After
all, if your resume is no good, it won't get past the Human Resources department and you
won't get a chance to shine at the job interview.
So your resume is your first step to making sure that you get the job you deserve.
Follow these top resume writing tips to give yourself the best possible chance of your CV
making a good impression.
1. Don't be arty
Using too many fonts looks cluttered and awkward. Check your favorite newspaper or
magazine. Chances are that you'll find they only use a couple fonts and these are the
regular "boring" Times New Roman and Arial or their equivalents. Do the same or something close.
2. Bullet point your accomplishments
Unless you've just left school or have only ever flipped burgers for a living, chances
are that you've done some things that can be counted as accomplishments. Sing your own
praises here without sounding like you could make the president of the company relinquish
command because you're so much better than them.
3. Write in the third person
Over-use of the word "I" is a common mistake in resumes. And only use the present tense
if you're still doing the things you're writing about in your current job.
4. Cut out the irrelevant dead wood
Who cares what you did 30 years ago? Unless it really is relevant to the position
you're applying for today and chances are that near enough every job has moved on in that
kind of timescale. Sure, your school grades were important when you got your first job out
of school. But are they still necessary?
5. Be careful what you give away that could stand against you
Equal opportunities employers are supposed to be everywhere. But we live in the real
world. Even if your application has a separate section so that things like your ethnicity
and sex, make sure other things don't give away too much if you think there's even a hint
that your prospective employer is less "equal" than you might like. Sad that you may need
to consider this, I know.
6. Show you're human
Unless you're applying to be a geek at the NSA then you need to have a life in the real
world. Hobbies, interests, that kind of thing. Whether it's watching movies, being a
member of your local cycle club or whatever. Make sure that you put down at least some
hobbies and interests. Of course, your membership of the local peace activists society may
not sit well with your application to join a producer of military hardware, so you may
occasionally need to leave things unsaid.
7. Proofread. Then proofread again
Face it, spell checkers can't spell. They don't know their "no" from their "know". In
fact, they're fairly clueless. And that grammar checker is a laugh. Don't rely on them.
Start by printing off your resume and reading it out loud. Wherever you stumble is a place
that needs improving. Ideally get a friend to read it out loud as well. They'll spot
things you didn't. Correct these problems before sending off your resume.
Get more tips and tricks on
[www.squidoo.com/how-to_make_a_resume Page does not exist] how to make a good resume
and increase your chances of getting your next job.
More Finding a Job Information: • Need a new job? Try Search Engine Optimization • Top 10 Job Strategies for Recent College Graduates • Tips For The Job Searcher • Top Five Jobs for Ex Felons That Pay Good Money • Certifications That Get Jobs - ASE Certified Automotive Technician • Jobs for Ex-Felons • The Behavioral Interview - What You Can Expect • Ready For a Career Fair Near You? • Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work • Job Interviewing - Ten Tips for Success!
|