How to Make Most of Your Resume
Most of the organizations use resume or applicant tracking systems. This is because the volume of resumes companies receiving. These systems automates many of the tasks necessary for tracking candidates, and also makes it possible for an employer to find a resume they received months or years later. As a result of the technologies used it is important to keep resume in certain format that will be correctly read and interpreted by the systems. Follow these simple tips for making your resume count for your job search.
- Before writing the first word of your resume, determine the position and industry you want to target. Then make an outline of your presentation and fill in the details of your background making sure you keep the focus on your target.
- The general rule for page length is 1-page for typical entry level college students and 2 pages for everyone else. There can be exceptions to this but the longer the resume, the less likely it will be read. So make sure your document is concise.
- Use a font size between 10 and 12 for resume body text.
- Put name on the first line at the top of the resume in a large font with contact information immediately below it.
- Don’t include personal information (marital status, children, date of birth, ethnicity) on a US style resume. Note that this information is generally acceptable when preparing an international CV.
- Don’t include personal information (marital status, children, date of birth, ethnicity) on a US style resume. Note that this information is generally acceptable when preparing an international CV.
- Use a summary section on resume to give the reader a brief picture of your background.
- Bulleted listed statements of experience make resume look short and strong. Use quantifiable information and action verbs.
- Try to avoid inclusion of negative background information, if you have. If you can’t, then make sure you present it in a way that lessens the negative impact.
- Never write in an arrogant, pompous, or self-serving manner. You’re going to have a tough time selling yourself to a prospective employer if he/she feels you’re talking down to them.
- Make sure your resume is accurate and be honest with what you say. It is ok to present yourself in the best light you can but an outright lie can hurt you later on if the truth comes out.
Tags: Resume Tips
