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WHO GETS THE JOB is not always the one who can do the job best
BUT who knows best how to get the job! Hence, each detail of this
process should have your meticulous attention since people are often
screened OUT on the basis of a poor letter and/or resume.
PEOPLE DON'T READ RESUMES, THEY SKIM THEM. So think of your
resume more as a piece of advertising than a comprehensive data sheet.
Use margins and good spacing, which make it easily skimmed.
USE ACTION VERBS. Don't use the verb "to be." Instead of "I
did... I was... I am..." use verbs like "initiated, created, developed,
supervised, managed, instructed, counseled, negotiated,
maintained...etc."
EMPHASIZE SKILLS, especially those which transfer from one
situation to another. The fact that you coordinated a student
organization leads one to suspect that you could coordinate other things
as well.
DON'T USE NEGATIVE WORDS. Don't apologize for lack of experience
or weaknesses. This is not the place to hang out your dirty laundry. Be
positive, capitalize on strengths, and leave out tone negative or
neutral words.
RESUMES SHOULD BE ONE OR TWO PAGES. Anything longer is an
autobiography, not a resume. Don't overwhelm employers with information.
If your resume is two pages long, be sure to write "Resume of (your
name), Page 2" somewhere on the top of the second page. Using that type
of heading eliminates the need to staple your resume.
EXPOUND ON YOUR RELEVANT EXPERIENCES, condense jobs or
experiences that are not directly related. This means that you slant
your resume to the type of job you are seeking. Hence, you will need
more than one resume if you're applying for different types of jobs. For
example: If you are applying for a Child Care Counselor job, devote more
space to your experience as a camp counselor. But if you're applying for
a position as a Manager Trainee, condense that and emphasize your
organizational and supervisory abilities.
EXPECT A PHONE CALL if they are interested. Most employers call
to set up an interview. Seldom will they write. Hence, make sure they
have your phone number or a number where a message can be left.
Telephone answering machines are useful tools when conducting a job
search, because they allow you the freedom to leave your home without
fear of missing an important call. Remember that the outgoing message
must sound professional; some employers may be turned off by silliness.
RULES TO WRITING A RESUME
Rule #1:
NEVER use a resume template
Rule # 2:
Resumes should be printed on quality
bond resume paper (white, ivory, or light gray) and sent in a matching
envelope.
Rule #3:
Resumes for recent college graduates should be 1-2 pages long.
Rule #4:
Be certain that the second page of your
resume reads “Name, page 2”.
Rule #5:
Never staple a resume or cover
letter.
Rule #6:
Use only 1 font style throughout resume and cover letter. (Vary
size; use CAPS,
bold, underling and italic to guide the reader’s eye
to pertinent information)
View our resume critiquing checklist! Do you have everything that should be on your resume??
Download the complete resume writing guide!
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