Posted by Mark in 
Although it takes most of us a while to write resumes that create a lasting impression, it usually takes 20-30 seconds for a prospective employer to decide whether or not you should be on the interview list. There are hundreds and thousands of tips on the web on how you can create a “killer resume,” but the one that can master the art is you.
As in everything else, writing a resume requires practice. A sure fire way to make your resume stand out and deliver a perfect speech on your behalf is by following a few simple steps, simple but something that needs to be reminded often.
1. Length and Format
The first thing that you need to analyze while writing a resume is the length and the format. If you are a recent college graduate, a one or two page resume is more than enough. However, executive level summary can sometimes take upto 3-4 pages. It is also necessary to choose the correct format. The two most popular resume formats are:
- Chronological
Use if- you have held job responsibilities or positions with increased accountability
- your work history follows a specific career path
- Functional
Use if
- the potential career change shows transferrable skills
- there is a need to de-emphasize positions, job descriptions and employment dates
note : most employers frown on seeing functional resumes since they know it can be used to hide periods of unemployment and other flaws in work history.
2. Visual Appeal and Ease of Read
Unless you are trying to break the norm and applying for a creative position such as web designing, avoid creative resumes. As bad as it sounds, most employers prefer white space over colorful graphics. When it comes to the visual appeal follow the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) rule for your resume. Make sure your resume is easy to read. Another important thing that job applicants need to pay attention is the font type. It is ok to use two different types of fonts (one for section heading and another for description) but avoid using more than two. Keep it simple.
3. The Power of Opening
When employers are going through piles of resumes, they do not have time to guess what you are trying to convey. The opening of your resume should be strong so as to draw in reader’s attention. To make sure your resume helps you deliver a strong introduction, try and showcase powerful qualification summary or professional at the top of your resume.
4. Communicate Why You Are Valuable
Whether or not you have ever held a job before isn’t the question at this point. The question your potential employer wants answers to are : will you be able to help them make money? will you be able to solve problems? will you be able to get more customers for them? etc. Make sure to communicate why you will be an asset to that company through your resume.
5. Ask Yourself a Few Questions
What your resume needs to do is spark employer’s interest in meeting you. Ask yourself some of these questions after looking at your resume to analyze whether or not it will stimulate a request for a job interview,
- Is my resume targeted?
- Does it contain the relevant industry specific keywords?
- Does it highlight challenges undertaken and problems solved?
- Do the accomplishments I have mentioned support why I should be hired?
Those are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before sending out your resume. If your paper handshake doesn’t convert into a real one, you probably failed to ask yourself a question. The questions listed above are examples and there are a lot more but hopefully these gave you an idea.
6. Exclude Irrelevant Information
Most job applicants get a little too personal in their resume. Personal information such as marital status, unrelated hobbies or interests, etc. should be excluded on your resume. Once again apply the KISS rule. Convey what needs to be conveyed. Anything more might be a bit too much information and anything less might be not enough. It’s a fine line so do your homework before including information on a resume.
7. Organization Is Key
Organizing the information on your resume is of utmost importance. No matter how experienced and qualified you are, if your resume isn’t organized the chances of it ending up in the garbage bag are pretty high. When a guest walk in your home and the home is cluttered, the first impression generally isn’t good. Think of your resume as your home and the reader as your guest. Organize and present it in a way to create a lasting impression. The saying “first impression is the last impression” is in fact true.
8. Proofread
You know all about it. Once you are done writing your resume make sure you go over it. Grammar, punctuation, language, etc. are some of the things that are heavily counted while selecting someone for a job interview. We all like to keep our hands clean while shaking hands, do the same for your paper handshake, keep it clean…proofread.
9. Proofread Once Again and Pass It On
If you caught a few mistakes while proofreading the first time, you will catch a few again. Go ahead and proofread your resume again. If you can’t find any, it’s time to pass it on to your friends and family members to see if they can find any that might raise a red flag. The more eyes the better.
10. Get To Work
The nine steps that you went through were simply for practice. Now that your practice resume looks nice, elegant and has gone through the rigorous testing of friends and family members, go ahead and write another one following the sample you just created. Your real resume will turn out much better and you will have more ways to make it even more compelling.
Good luck!
If there are any resume tips you would like to suggest, the comment section is yours to take on.
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[...] From Applicant: 10 Key Steps To Writing a Winning Resume “Although it takes most of us a while to write resumes that create a lasting impression, it usually takes 20-30 seconds for a prospective employer to decide whether or not you should be on the interview list. There are hundreds and thousands of tips on the web on how you can create a “killer resume,†but the one that can master the art is you. As in everything else, writing a resume requires practice. A sure fire way to make your resume stand out and deliver a perfect speech on your behalf is by following a few simple steps, simple but something that needs to be reminded often.” [...]
[...] From Applicant: 10 Key Steps To Writing a Winning Resume “Although it takes most of us a while to write resumes that create a lasting impression, it usually takes 20-30 seconds for a prospective employer to decide whether or not you should be on the interview list. There are hundreds and thousands of tips on the web on how you can create a “killer resume,†but the one that can master the art is you. As in everything else, writing a resume requires practice. A sure fire way to make your resume stand out and deliver a perfect speech on your behalf is by following a few simple steps, simple but something that needs to be reminded often.” [...]
How to Ace an Interview 10 Tips For Making a Great Impression
April 28, 2011
Interviews can be nerve-wracking; especially since the advent of the behavioral interview-where employers added a whole new level of question to help determine not only your skill-set, experience, and goals, but to better understand your personality and how you handle situations. Still, the basics for being your best remain much the same. So, here are our top 10 tips on how to ace that interview:
1. Do your homework. Before you ever set foot through the door, you should learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying with. Usually, the company’s website is a great place to gain that information, but don’t be afraid to ask for company brochures and literature. Asking questions about the company and wanting to learn more shows the employer that you’re not just interested in the position, but in the company itself.
2. Be prepared. Know the name of the person you’re interviewing with and use it. Take extra copies of you resume and a list of references. In the days before the interview, sit down and write down questions you would like to ask. Think through your experience and be ready to answer questions and offer in-depth information. Often the interviewer is not only looking for how you meet the skill-set, but assessing your behavioral patterns as well, so be prepared to provide detailed and specific responses.
3. Dress appropriately. The interview dress code rule of thumb is this: Always dress slightly better than the corporate dress code and the position you’re applying for dictates. So, if your job requires jeans and t-shirt, interview in pressed trousers and a nice shirt. You want to look clean, pressed, well-groomed, and smartly dressed. This doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, but it does mean it needs to be clean and of decent quality. And pay attention to the shoes; a great suit losses its power if the shoes are worn and scuffed.
4. Be on time. This doesn’t mean show up for your 9AM at 9AM; it means, show up at 8:45. If unsure of the location, scout it beforehand. If unsure of the traffic situation, leave extra early. If you end up arriving to soon, don’t wait in the lobby, wait in your car or find a quiet place to sit and review your notes.
5. Keep a happy medium. Don’t ramble. Questions like, “Tell me about yourself” aren’t an opening for you to talk about your childhood. Keep your responses on focus; discuss only that which is relevant to the job and company you’re applying for. At the same time, make sure you say enough. Be succinct, but don’t be too short with information. Talking too little is as bad as talking too much.
6. Stay true to the message. Your message, in this instance, is “Here is what I have done and what I can do for you in a way that delivers a strong return in your investment in hiring me.” This doesn’t mean open season to talk about how you are the end-all and be-all to save the company from itself; no one likes a braggart. What it does mean is that you focus on your strengths, experience, and goals, and how they fit with the position and company.
7. Avoid talking money or benefits. These discussions are best left for after the job has been offered. Focusing too much on them gives the impression that money and perks are all that you’re interested in. Worse, by discussing salary at this phase, you just give the employer the ammunition they need to screen you out
8. Be careful when talking about your current/previous employer. While some may think that criticizing their past employers shows them as go-getters keen to move ahead; in truth, all it does is paint you as a malcontent. So stick to the old adage: “If you can’t say something positive, don’t say anything at all.”
9. Smile and stay calm. Yes, you’re going to be nervous; you know it and they know it. It is how you handle being nervous that will count. Be aware of your body language; sit up straight and don’t fidget. Smile when you talk. Look confident, make eye contact, and speak clearly and succinctly. Don’t rush your words and don’t interrupt the interviewer.
10. Assume that for everyone you meet, it is Interview Number 1. That means, don’t be rude the receptionist, and when the interviewer says, “I’d like you to meet my boss” assume that the boss has never seen your credentials. Everything you say and do whilst in that environment is part of the interview; so stay on your toes and act the part.
Interviewing is a learned skill, but even those of us who’ve been through our share can still make mistakes. Whether new to the job-seeking world or a veteran; by taking these 10 tips to heart, you are well on your way to ensuring that the next interview you’re on, you’ll make a great impression.
As one of the leading authorities on resume writing, personal branding, and job searching, Michelle Dumas is the founder of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Since 1996, Michelle and her team have empowered thousands of professionals worldwide with results-generating resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com to get your free “Revive Your Resume” audio mini-seminar.
When your job search is not giving you the results you need, it is time to seek out professional help. We can help you get your search back on track and help you find your dream job. Come visit the industry leading professional resume writing service at http://www.resumewriterinc.com today!