Resume Tips

Resume Keywords | Resume Formats | Resume Cover Letters

30 seconds:  that's how long you have to make a lasting impression with your resume. It must market your skills and experience effectively, in an easy-to-read format. Here are some hints to ensure your success.

Before you Begin:

• Analyze your skills, abilities and experience, especially as they will relate to the type of job you're looking for.
• Brainstorm specific accomplishments and action words you would like to use on your resume.

In preparing your resume:

• Organize your information logically, either chronologically (by date) or by skills type (type of experience).
• Customize your resume for each employer and/or type of job. Highlight skills and achievements that each employer will be looking for in the type of job you want.
• Use short phrases or sentences which start with accomplishment-oriented verbs.
• Be brief, and leave plenty of "white space" to make your resume easy to read.
• Focus on specific achievements.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread, then have someone else proofread it again!

 

Food for thought:

• Use a professional email address (yahoo and hotmail offer free ones) on your resume.
• Use an answering machine at home, and have a neutral, professional greeting with your name and/or phone number.
• Use plain, quality bond paper with matching envelopes to print and send your resume.
• Don't forget a cover letter!