Make Your Resume Stand Out
They say that first impressions count. So make sure that the impression your resume makes is a good one.
If it's been a year or more since you last write your resume, it's probably time that you looked at it again before sending it out to prospective employers.
Starting Your Resume
Here are some tips on how to make a resume. Your resume is the first impression that your prospective employer will have of you. And you know that there's only one chance to make a good impression!
If you've already got a resume, take it out and read it. If it's a while since you last read it, chances are that you'll approach it fresh in the same way as a new employer would. Then apply these tips to polish up your job resume.
Start by making notes of all your previous jobs and job responsibilities. If you haven't had a job yet, put down the jobs you did at school and the jobs you've done at the clubs and societies you've been a member of.
Mention anything you've done in your previous jobs that shows that you've accomplished tasks rather than just attended work. Maybe you led a project or gave a talk on a subject.
Add in information about your education. List the exams that you've passed, the grades you achieved. Make sure that you also say which schools and colleges you attended and the dates.
If you've already got a resume, take it out and read it. If it's a while since you last read it, chances are that you'll approach it fresh in the same way as a new employer would. Then apply these tips to polish up your job resume.
Start by making notes of all your previous jobs and job responsibilities. If you haven't had a job yet, put down the jobs you did at school and the jobs you've done at the clubs and societies you've been a member of.
Mention anything you've done in your previous jobs that shows that you've accomplished tasks rather than just attended work. Maybe you led a project or gave a talk on a subject.
Add in information about your education. List the exams that you've passed, the grades you achieved. Make sure that you also say which schools and colleges you attended and the dates.
What Do You Think Makes For A Good Resume?
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How To Format Your Resume
Keep the format of your resume clean and tidy. Your aim is to fit everything on a couple pages. Your prospective employer isn't normally looking for your complete life history. If your resume is getting too long, don't be afraid to cut out early sections.
Whilst it's OK to list your first job in McDonalds if you have only recently left school, it likely isn't too relevant once you're in your mid 30's or above. Work backwards in time on the jobs you list.
Make sure your resume has your contact details on it. Name, address and phone number are essential. Your email address helps. If your current email address isn't serious enough then take out another address at one of the many free services available - ideally not a common address such as Hotmail. If you've got your own website, consider using an email address on that. You can normally forward emails to your regular account, so you won't be involved in lots of checking.
Proof read your resume.
Then read it again. Out loud.
Reading out loud is weird at first but you'll pick up things that you don't find by just reading in your head.
Then leave your resume for a day or so before reading it again.
Finally, before sending in your resume check that it covers everything that's been asked for in the job advert.
Of course, you could always "cheat" and use a resume creator to either create your whole resume or give you a head start (rather than staring at a blank screen).
Whilst it's OK to list your first job in McDonalds if you have only recently left school, it likely isn't too relevant once you're in your mid 30's or above. Work backwards in time on the jobs you list.
Make sure your resume has your contact details on it. Name, address and phone number are essential. Your email address helps. If your current email address isn't serious enough then take out another address at one of the many free services available - ideally not a common address such as Hotmail. If you've got your own website, consider using an email address on that. You can normally forward emails to your regular account, so you won't be involved in lots of checking.
Proof read your resume.
Then read it again. Out loud.
Reading out loud is weird at first but you'll pick up things that you don't find by just reading in your head.
Then leave your resume for a day or so before reading it again.
Finally, before sending in your resume check that it covers everything that's been asked for in the job advert.
Of course, you could always "cheat" and use a resume creator to either create your whole resume or give you a head start (rather than staring at a blank screen).
Tips To Make Your Resume Stand Out
The chances are that your resume will be one of 10's or even 100's that your prospective employer will receive. What can you do to make your resume stand out from the crowd?
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Make your words more powerful
A lot of the words we use aren't as powerful as they could be. Cut out the fluff and hone your words so that they are as precise and powerful as they can be. -
Be specific
For instance, if you increased productivity, state how much it improved. Specific numbers are better than non-specific. If your contract says you are not allowed to be specific without giving away industrial secrets maybe you can say "by over 33%" or something similar. -
Is there enough white space?
A densely packed resume may be getting in all the facts but it is daunting to read. If your resume looks too much like the small print of a sales contract, you're trying to pack too much in to too little space. Adding some white space will make your resume more attractive to read.A few blank lines go a long way to making your resume more attractive. -
Use bullet points
If you've got a list of things, bullet them. It makes them easier to read. -
Use numbered points
Notice how this section uses numbered points. If your information doesn't fit neatly into a bulleted list, consider a numbered list like this one instead. -
Be easily contactable
Give your prospective employer as many different ways as possible to contact you. Phone, cell phone, email, post, fax. There are services out there that will receive faxes and forward them to your email address, so don't rule out having a fax number as well. -
Put a Summary section at the top of your resume
Not every single resume gets read. But a summary section near the start of your resume gives your prospective employer a flavor of what you're about and if you wrtie it well, you'll increase the chance of the rest of the resume being read.
Helpful Resume Writing Links
- Resume Creator
- Create your resume in 10 minutes or less using this simple resume creator.
- Resume & Cover Letter Secrets
- Get hired in 30 days or less by using the secrets revealed here. 100% money back guarantee - get hired or get a refund!
- Job Interview Guides
- Getting your resume read is only the first step. You also need to know how to handle the interview to get the best chance of the job.
- Throw Away Your Resume!
- For those times when ordinary resumes won't work. Discover a "dirty little secret" about resumes that recruiters and hiring managers don't want you to know...
- Resume Writing Software
- Feature filled software that comes with over 13,000 samples (so at least one should be relevant for you!) plus professionally designed templates, resume checking for the most common mistakes. Also formats and submits your resume to the top job sites.
More Help On Your Resume Writing
Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer
Amazon Price: $3.49 (as of 02/13/2012)
List Price: $18.95
Whitcomb has created the gold standard in resume guides.
Share your resume tips here
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cruiser123
Sep 22, 2011 @ 1:52 am | delete
- A well piece of information provided by you.Before reading this lens,i was in dilemma with a lot of questions ,but now everything is as clear as crystal.I have a similar kind of post for
resume skills and business letter format.
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execresumegenius
Feb 19, 2011 @ 10:18 pm | delete
- Great information and helpful to the community. I've also created lenses on sample executive resumes which prove useful.
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AftermarketJournal
Oct 14, 2010 @ 9:06 pm | delete
- CreateResume.org is here, thanks
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resume-analyst
Oct 3, 2010 @ 8:48 am | delete
- Very constructive lens. Keep up the good work.
Grtz
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ReneC
Jun 16, 2010 @ 2:53 pm | delete
- Reading out loud does feel weird but I do it every time I work on my medical resume cover letter and i find it helps. For some reason things sound better in your head
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