As one of the leading job search career site, we’ve been covering resume tips quite a bit on applicant.com. Although searching for jobs using social media platforms has become a norm in today’s fast paced world, the use of resume isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. Resume still serves as the window to a job applicant’s qualifications. Recruiters get hundreds and thousands of resume each month, it’s obvious they can’t go through them all. If a quick glance at the resume doesn’t spark interest, it is sure to land in the garbage.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to writing a resume and we believe that this guide will cover everything you need to know. The guide is divided into six section/topics and is fairly long. If you don’t want to go through the entire guide, click on the link below to jump to a particular topic. However, if you are looking to master the skills of writing a resume, we suggest you read the entire guide.

What’s In This Guide?

• The Basics of a Resume
• Words to Use In a Resume
• Resume Tips for Turning Mistakes Into Achievements
• Lies That Are Ok To Mention In a Resume
• Using Junk Mails as a Guide to Writing a Resume
• Online Resume Resources

Writing a Resume : The Basics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Writing a Resume : The Use of Words

Words That Are Overused In a Resume

Before we get onto the list lets start with five overused resume words and synonyms you can replace them with

Replace the word “perform” with conduct, execute, operate, produce

Replace the word “provide” with contribute, extend, implement, produce, arrange

Replace the word “identify” with disclose, reveal, uncover, pinpoint

Replace the word “develop” with create, generate, institute, set up

Replace words such as “administer, lead, supervise, direct” with devise, produce, compose, create, etc.

Words That You Should Use on a Resume

Your resume should be concise, descriptive and should be able to detail the scope of your responsibilities and achievements with fewer words. In order to achieve that and make your resume stand out, replace your passive voice verbs with action verbs. Below we have listed 30 action verbs to help you pack a punch into your resume.

administer

analyze

assign

build

collaborate

craft

communicate

compose

conceptualize

control

conduct

create

coordinate

cultivate

document

deliver

design

evaluate

enforce

expedite

forecast

facilitate

formulate

generate

integrate

initiate

investigate

mentor

maximize

originate

operate

produce

participate

recruit

research

resolve

set up

team

track

write

Make Use of Verbs. Here are a few examples to create an outstanding resume

Employers want candidates that are best suited for the job that needs to be filled. When preparing your resume make use of results-oriented verbs to the experience, skills section so as to convey a strong message that will outline your accomplishments. Here are a few examples

achieved

attained

awarded

contributed

consolidated

customized

enhanced

exceeded

entrusted

founded

granted

improved

invited

introduced

launched

minimized

overhauled

presented

piloted

positioned

progressed

quadrupled

ranked

recognized

re-engineered

restored

restructured

resolved

revamped

revitalized

selected

streamlined

secured

transformed

vitalized

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Writing a Resume : Turning Mistakes Into Achievements

Below you will find examples on how to craft compelling resume bits from your mistakes. First we have highlighted what to write on your resume (depending on the mistake) and then what it really means. We are sure you will be able to create one heck of a compelling resume with these black hat resume tips

1. Created a new revenue stream that generated 6-figure returns by exploiting market inefficiencies; recognized by senior management for accomplishment.

What it means : This is just a really nice way of saying that your boss fired you because she suspected you were trying to embezzle a few hundred thousand dollars. Of course, if you managed to avoid jail time, you probably don’t need our help getting creative.

2. Initiated an internal communication system for relaying important updates quickly and effectively.

What it means : You were a huge gossip. Not everybody can spread the word like you can. Who cares if it wasn’t in your job description. You weren’t trying to bring down the company, you were just showing initiative.

3. Routinely finished assigned tasks ahead of schedule, leaving time to proactively reach and exceed additional self-appointed goals.

What it means : The HR version was that you were written up for playing Bejeweled Blitz during work hours, and they have a right to their opinion. But it’s not your fault your job was boring. Besides, you don’t set the office high score unless you have mad skills. Be proud.

4. Set sales marks that had previously been deemed unreachable.

What it means : So you lied on your sales reports . . . a little too much. While overstating your totals by 500% means you absolutely shouldn’t brag about your estimating skills (or your integrity), it does show that you have a habit of setting your sights high. Positivity should be rewarded.

5. Employed innovative research methods with life-saving potential.

What it means : Penicillin saves lives, and it was discovered on some moldy food that had been left out. So the fact that your poor cleaning habits at your workspace caused a health code violation should not deter you from seeing the positive. If you hadn’t been forced to douse the entire area in bleach, significant medical breakthroughs could have been in store.

6. Consistently generated project management techniques that challenged conventional cliches and opened doors for bigger and better team accomplishments.

What it means : You were always getting projects done late, forcing your coworkers to pick up the slack. That’s certainly one way of looking at it, but from your perspective you were just thinking outside the box.

7. Challenged preconceived notions of established work hours in favor of working hard until every job met your strict standards of your approval.

What it means : You usually left work early when you lost interest.

8. Recognized as an outstanding example of a coworker who placed a high priority on positive relationships at the office.

What it means : You’ve been cited multiple times for sexual harassment. They kind of made an example of you and singled you out as someone who exemplified what not to do. But in the end, people learned from your mistakes and so did you, right? It’s a win win. Put it on the resume.

9. Organized team training workshops that increased productivity by 100%.

What it means : Technically you screwed up so bad, operations had to be shut down so your entire unit could be trained on the system already mastered by everyone but you. But it made for an exciting Saturday, and it truly would not have happened without you.

10. Launched a 360-degree peer review system resulting in 50% surge in employee satisfaction.

What it means : You went off one day. You told everybody, including the boss, exactly what you thought of them. They fired your ass, and, as it turned out, you were the main reason behind half of everyone’s complaints. If you don’t put that on your resume, the parade of f-bombs you unleashed on your company will have been for naught.

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Writing a Resume : Lies That Are Ok Mention

Lies of Omission

No one in the hiring process wants to see an exhaustive list of duties from every job you’ve ever had. They don’t even want to know every job you’ve ever had. Think from their perspective: facing a stack of resumes, they aren’t searching for every last detail about you, they’re trying to find good candidates. Scan your resume for anything that doesn’t scream, “Hire me!” for this particular position. If you can’t trim it or modify it to make it relevant and appealing, delete it altogether. If you’re left with more white space than print, don’t waste your time by applying.

Take Credit for Team Success

Were you a member of a department that increased sales (or reduced expenses) by 10% for 5 years running? List that among your accomplishments if you were even the least bit instrumental in the success. You don’t need to take all the credit, just show your future employer you be a team player on a winning team.

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics

Almost any job can be converted into numbers somehow: sales, expenses, efficiency, ranking, and especially anything with a dollar sign attached to it. Numbers jump off the page, cutting through the syrupy resume verbiage. If you can fit terms like million, Fortune 500, or any percentage over 100 into the picture, even better. We don’t recommend you fudge the numbers. Just select the ones that are most impressive.

Compare Yourself Favorably

Once you’ve found a way to make your job performance measurable by rank or statistics, you need to show how you stack up to your competition at previous jobs or within the industry. Highlight those areas that make you shine. If you aren’t the very best, simply state that you were/are “among the leading performers,” “in the top 3,” or any other attention-getting comparison that highlights your strengths.

Marvel at the Ordinary

So you waited tables at a coffee shop for two years, that doesn’t have to induce yawns. Convey your mastery of quality customer service. Let them know about your keen sense of intuition and initiative. Find some way to compress your lump-of-coal job into a sparkling diamond of experience. Prospective employers want people with a strong work ethic; don’t just tell them you have it, show them by describing your experience with purpose.

Love Every Job

If you haven’t absolutely fallen in love with one or more of your past jobs (or the one you’re trying to leave) pretend you did. Think of every position you’ve ever held as a fantastic opportunity. One of the single most important traits in an employee is attitude, and a bad one will cover your resume like a foul stench. Your potential boss won’t be able to throw it away fast enough. A positive attitude toward past jobs will help you feel better about what you’ve accomplished and who you are, a perk that will help you throughout the hiring process.

Change Your Identity

We’re not suggesting you use a false name on a resume, that could get tricky once you start filling out your tax forms. But it’s helpful to picture yourself as the person doing the hiring. What would you want to read about a candidate? How would you want the resume to look? Why would you hire . . . you? Make your resume match that image, and you’ll be well on your way to that elusive first interview and a chance at landing a job you just might genuinely fall in love with.

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Writing a Resume : Junk Mail Tips

An Enticing Offer

It shouldn’t take long for a job recruiter to get the message of who you are and why you would be valuable. If you apply by email, condense your single biggest selling point into the subject line (example: award-winning graphic designer w/ 5-years experience seeks Sr. Design position). And in the first paragraph of either format, sell your key qualities as you express your intent to apply. Don’t just inform them you want the job, make them want to hire you.

Crisp, Concise Language

Good direct mail wastes no words; neither should your cover letter or resume. Make your sentences short and your points clear. You need to convey confidence and excitement with substance, not flowery verbiage. A recruiter sifting through a stack of applications can see a time-waster a mile away. Get your point across fast and get thanked with an interview.

Be Professional

Good direct mail would never be mistaken for a personal letter, except that junk mail actually designed to trick you into thinking it’s real mail. Annoying, isn’t it? Don’t get too cute and familiar, especially if you’re sending an email. Save the emoticons and LOL’s for your friends. This is especially important on your resume, which should look polished, appealing, and easy to read.

Be Personal

You are still a person. Emotion, connectedness, and shared experience will always have a place in business, and, with the right balance, they can work wonders for your job search. Your cover letter is the ideal place to relate to the reader on a personal (but still professional) level. It’s also an excellent opportunity to reference any colleagues or connections you have to the company.

Highlight the Benefits

Most job applicants list all their qualifications, just rambling on about themselves. The most compelling junk mail pieces, however, don’t just list the features of a product or service, they show how those features will benefit the user. Don’t just say you’re experienced. Tell them your familiarity with their procedures will eliminate the need for training and boost efficiency from day one. Don’t talk about you, talk about what you will do for them.

Reference your Sales Sheet

Don’t use your cover letter to repeat everything on your resume, but do draw attention to the key points (especially if you can show how your “features” will turn to benefits). By asking them to refer to specific points on your resume, you are driving them to further action and engagement with your profile rather than turning to the next candidate.

Invite a Response

Don’t print a coupon on your cover letter (unless you really are that desperate for ideas). But do make it easy to respond. Instead of just saying you look forward to their response, direct them to the best way to reach you. It’s a small touch to repeat your contact information, but you want to close the deal. At the very least, make sure your contact information appears on both your cover letter (or email) and your resume.

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A Resource For Everything Resume

1. CareerPerfect : An industry leader in resume writing that boasts a 99.9% customer satisfaction rate and a guaranteed ability to make an impression in 10 seconds.

2. ResumesGuaranteed : It’s tough to beat a resume service that guarantees to get you hired in 60 days or less. If they don’t, they’ll refund your money and kick in an extra $50. They’ll churn out a powerful resume in 1-2 days.

3. ResumeWriters : A top-flight resume writing service featuring writers who work directly with you to create a professional, effective resume with a money-back guarantee you’ll land interviews.

4. ResumeProWriters : For a company claiming to be the largest provider of resume writing services, they offer a decent price for a basic resume: $125. They keep your resume professional and attractive without sacrificing facts or clarity.

5. LinkedIn : If you want to peruse sample resumes “real ones” why not consult your connections (and their networks) at LinkedIn, the social network designed to work professionally. You can sift through people in your industry to see what’s working for them. Apply the best of the best to your resume and your profile.

6. CareerPlusResumes : CareersPlus Resumes offers writing and editing services with 90 days of unlimited revisions, perfect for customizing your resume to a variety of job openings.

7. 1-On-1 Resumes : One of the only resume-writing services with an offer below the $90 mark, and that’s for all types of resumes, not just a “starting at” price.

8. WebTechResume : A professional resume writing service with a $67 offer that includes a free thank you letter, a month of unlimited revisions, a free interview-skills ebook, and delivery within 24 hours.

9. PongoResume : Full-service resume and cover letter builder with tips for interviewing and publishing/distribution help to get your name out there fast.

10. AspirationsResume : Among the more affordable options for resume writing, they also offer free evaluations and a variety of specialized approaches. For a fee, they’ll post your resume to job-posting sites and/or recruiters in your field.

11. Employment911 : Employment 911 combines resume writing services with job listing, and they add a 100% guarantee for landing an interview. Their biggest focus, as the name implies, is acting fast, they can get your resume finished and circulating in a matter of hours.

12. FreeResumeTest : FreeResumeTest takes your resume, evaluates its effectiveness, and then helps you create a new one with the power to start you on your way to getting hired.

13. Career/Resume Advice On Monster : The folks at Monster.com know a thing or two about landing jobs. They give lots of free advice as well as hired services to take the job search to the next level.

14. Career Resources on CareerBuilder : CareerBuilder’s selection of resources and advice is pretty thorough, stacked with helpful articles and promising leads.

15. CC CareerServices : Formerly SuperiorResumes.com, CC Career Services offer high-powered resume writing that is so focused on the main goal of getting you hired, they include a free 30-minute coaching session on salary negotiation.

16. ResumePark : An excellent resource that blasts your resume across many social networks (twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace) to maximize your existing networks and expedite your job search.

17. RockPortInstitute : How to write a masterpiece of a resume, an award-winning comprehensive guide to doing it yourself with the results of a pro.

18. TotalResume : Need a resume right now? Rushing it doesn’t have to be a headache or a disaster. TotalResume can bring the results you want in minutes.

19. WriteClickResume : An excellent self-help resume builder with loads of free options that guide you through the process in an easy to navigate environment.

20. QuestCareer : Quest Career Services has a powerful arsenal of free advice and paid services, including help from a licensed Life Coach.

21. CareerStrides : With CareerStrides you begin by emailing your current resume and then choosing from a highly detailed array of specialized niches.

22. MyResumeOnline : Post your resume online at a conveniently concise URL.

23. ResumeEdge : From the cheaper build-your-own model to the more pricey writing services, Resume Edge covers a wide variety of options.

24. FreeResumeTips : This helpful list of 10 bullet-proof tips will help convert resume yawners into attention-getters.

25. CareerMaze : Another service that will help you know where to send that well written resume, guiding your choice of career or specialization within a larger field. CareerMaze helps people get out of the rat race and into job fulfillment.

26. BuildaResumeToday : A short and sweet resume builder that also includes resume webpage creation. Ideal for someone without a lot of time and/or money on their hands who needs help quick.

27. ResumeImproved : A step-by-step resume building guide with resume hosting and plenty of helpful advice and spell-checking all along the way. A solid low- or no-cost option.

28. ResumeBoutique : Their resume services are dedicated specifically to students and professionals with a special niche focus for legal professionals. If you fall into those categories, there’s none better.

29. GrandResume : A full-service resume writing enterprise with many specialized services including translation for applying for work in a foreign country.

30. ResumeTemplates : Not your standard assortment of templates. Resume Templates offers a resume writing package with over 250 sample resumes, 20 templates, a writing guide, and more, not a bad investment for ten bucks.

31. TheResumeBuilder : A quick and simple resume builder with over 40 templates integrated into a job listing/recruiter site. Have your own sample resume written and submitted in moments.

32. ResumeBear : Create and upload your resume and track in real time when an employer checks your resume using this service.

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What do you think? Is this one of the best resume guides out there? We think so! If you would like to add anything else to this guide, or would like to share links to other resume guides, feel free to drop a link. Also share with us what are some of the problems you face while writing a resume? Let’s carry on the resume writing tips in the comments section.

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1. 10 Key Steps To Writing a Winning Resume
2. Top 30 Online Resume Services (Resources)
3. Words To Help You Create an Outstanding Resume
4. The “Don’t Do It” Guide To Using LinkedIn
5. 7 Ways Junk Mails Can Help You Write Killer Resumes (and Cover Letters)