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Resume Pointers
Did you Know...
"Most resumes are initially read
for 15 seconds or less"
(Cited from www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca)
| A good resume will open doors for you.
When creating your resume factor in the following: intention,
style, content and neatness |
| Intent:
- to convince the reader that you are the excellent candidate
to be interviewed
- to present a snapshot of your relevant experience points
that match the position applied for
- to reveal honesty, integrity and excellent work ethics
- to establish worth and value. Send an original resume;you
are worth it and the prospective employer values your
respect.
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| Style:
- every position contains a "work culture".
Create a resume that reflects or mirrors the type of position
applied for. (E.g. A Graphics Artist's resume will look
different than that of a Computer Programmer's resume).
- decide whether to use a Chronological,
Functional or
Chrono-Functional
resume. What best suits you?
- target or tailor your resume. No tricks!
- remember the "white space" code. Organize
or structure your resume so that it is clutter-free and
easy to read.
- present a clean, concise, clearly written and error-free
resume
- use action words
to describe your experience (i.e. Created, developed,
managed).
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| Content:
- should include at the beginning of the resume, a short-list
of your experiences, qualifications, skills etc., under
such headings as Summary of Experience, Highlights,
Career Profile, etc.
- should reveal who you are, your achievements, accomplishments,
experience, education, awards/certificates and other related
experience.
- should be up-to-date
- should have your work experience in order with the most
relevant first
- should be brief and get right at the heart of the matter
- should be written in a tone that reveals to the reader
your enthusiasm, energy, commitment, innovation and motivation.
- should emphasize your accomplishments and achievements.
The resume is not a place to be shy about your past achievements.
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| Neatness:
- a neat, clean and orderly resume speaks many words.
- avoid an excess of different font styles, bold, underline
etc.
- word-process your resume unless otherwise directed.
- have someone review your resume before submitting it
to the employer.
- ensure your resume is computer friendly.
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| Resume
Do's: |
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Do
make sure your resume is easy to read - use concise unambiguous
points. |
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Do
stress your past accomplishments, achievements and experience. |
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Do target or tailor your resume to meet the requirements.
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Do
be honest and truthful. |
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Do
make sure your resume is neat, clean and orderly, preferable
word-processed unless otherwise indicated. |
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Do
keep the overall length of the resume reasonable; no more
than two pages in most cases. |
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Do
keep your resume up-to-date. |
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Do
have someone proofread your resume to make sure it is absolutely
error free. |
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Do
submit an original to the employer. Keep copies for yourself.
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Resume
Don'ts: |
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Don't
print your resume on inexpensive copy paper, use quality
paper. |
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Don't copy the
job description for the position you are seeking. |
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Don't include
information not related to the job you are applying for.
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Don't include
personal information in your resume. |
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Don't list every
job you have had. (However, don't discount relevant experience;
put it under the subtitle of Other Related Experience.)
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Don't state
the reasons why you left each job on your resume. |
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Don't apply
for positions you are not qualified for. |
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Don't include
references. (Only provide references when requested.) |
What goes into your resume has to
be very compelling.
A good resume will open doors for you.
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