Build A Resume – 3 Quick Tips!
Posted by: JohnnyC on: June 9, 2009
To start to build a resume, determine your objectives (do this before you write the resume). State the sort of a job you want and know what skill-set and experience you need to do well in that job. Once you have determined your objectives, prioritize the content of your resume to suit those objectives. To get the interest of the hiring manager, you will only have a small window of time so brevity and focus is essential.
Even though your resume is basically a marketing tool, it shouldn’t read like one. Try not to over-use industry jargon, be factual, concise and state compelling results. Don’t go into detail about every accomplishment in your resume but companies are looking for more than just training and education today… they are looking for a proven track record.
Remember: the interview is the place to expand on your accomplishments and evaluate work-style cultural cues. Not the resume.
1. Use Bulleted Sentences
When you begin to build a resume use bullets with short sentences to structure the body of your resume. The main selling points of your resume need to be clear and quick to scan. Don’t worry about the specifics; you will go into the details during the interview stage.
2. Use Action Words
Action words make your resume stand out. So use words like, prepared, managed, developed, championed, monitored, and presented. Don’t over use the same verb over and over. If your resume is scanned electronically, the computer will pick up on the words. Some companies now scan in your resume and have computers pull those that meet certain criteria. The computers are looking for one thing – the keywords that have been picked by the hiring manager. These are action keywords that relate to the position so not including them or using shortened acronyms could mean your resume is disregarded as a “non-match”.
3. Use Facts & Figures
When you build a resume, use dollar totals, numbers, and percentages. Theses stand out in the body of a resume and hiring managers like to see them in the resume. Look at the examples below.
Example 1
Bad: Account manager for building company. Good: Managed 15 strategic accounts billing in excess of $10 million annually.
Example 2
Bad: Sold chip sets to clients located in the Midwest. Good: Increased sales by 17 percent in a five-state territory.
When you build a resume the above will make your it stand out. Bear in mind the use of relevant keywords, especially if your resume is likely to be scanned.
