Resume Writing Tips

In today’s tough job economy getting a job means standing out from the crowd. For every job posted the employer receives hundreds of resumes so the first step to getting an interview that can land you a job is creating a powerful resume. Most employers scan resumes quickly and pull out a handful to call for interviews. Based on the shear volume they get you must make your best qualities easy to read and stand out to get into the smaller interview pile.

Another thing that you have to be aware of when submitting a resume is that many companies now use digital software to scan applications that are submitted online. This means they are looking for certain things to be there.

For example a job for a receptionist may mean they are searching for words such as Microsoft office, appointment scheduling or any other keywords that are associated with the job title. So using keywords that are specific to the job you are applying for is a must.

If a human is scanning resumes as opposed to a computer you need to make certain points stand out. A good way to do this is to use bullet points. Do not write paragraphs that explain what you did at a past job instead use bullet points that make it easy for the person to scan for the skills they are looking for.

After you finish your resume make sure you proofread it a couple times. Many times reading something out loud will allow you to catch mistakes that you might not find while reading in your head. Also ask someone else to read it for you. If you have friend or mentor who has hiring position in a company ask them to look it over for you.

The main goal you are going for in a resume is something short and compact that highlights your most valuable skills. Unless you applying for a highly technical job try to keep your resume no more than a single page. If you have a long work history you don’t have to put every job you ever had in your life. If you are 35 and looking to become a marketing manager it doesn’t really matter that you worked at McDonald’s when you were 15.

So be relevant but show them at least the last few jobs you have had to show a work history and highlight your top 4-5 responsibilities with that employer. Hopefully your resume will show that you have been constantly employed and have move upward in your field but if not just make sure you highlight the positive.