Reviewing a resume is a skill that requires knowing what a good resume includes and does not include. Reading this article on Resume doÕs and donÕts will help you identify which candidates are sharp when it comes to resume writing.
Writing a resume almost always takes more time than you expect. A good resume, though, reflects time well spent: it has no errors, it is easy to read and to understand, and it emphasizes the most important aspects of the applicant. Once you have a basic resume written, it can be revised and updated for specific jobs.
Here are some of the basics to keep in mind as you prepare your resume.
DO be brief and concise. An employer may not even consider your resume if it appears too long. A one-page resume works best; two pages is an absolute maximum.
DO be clear. Try to write the resume with the simplest, most concise language. Trim all unnecessary words.
DO be accurate. Although you may be tempted to embellish your achievements or skills, truthfulness is best.
DO be neat. Proofread your resume and also have others review it. Your resume should be without spelling errors, no missing or double words, no extra spaces; in other words, the resume should be error-free!
DO emphasize responsibilities youÕve had in other jobs or activities, especially leadership or supervisory responsibility, budgetary responsibility, and positive skills and work traits.
DO mention more than just job titles or status. Include details about skills, strengths, and accomplishments.
DO highlight creative qualities you possess beyond the typical position requirements and duties.
DO include your computer skills and experience in every resume.
DONÕT use personal pronouns: I, we, me, my, etc.
DONÕT give reasons for leaving previous jobs. Without a lengthy explanation, your reasons may be misinterpreted. Instead, be prepared to answer questions about leaving past jobs during the interview.
DONÕT include personal data such as race, religion, age, sex, marital status, or number of dependents. Employers are not supposed to base hiring decisions on personal data; just in case they may be influenced by this type of information, itÕs best to keep these details private.
DONÕT provide a picture. In most cases, including a photo with your resume is inappropriate. Again, employers cannot use that information to make a hiring decision.
DONÕT state salary or wage requirements. Your pay can be discussed during the interview.
DONÕT bring up your lack of a job. Most employers prefer to hire someone who is currently working. If the subject does come up, keep the discussion simple and as unobtrusive as possible.
DONÕT include every activity or class youÕve ever participated in, or every skill youÕve ever learned. Mention what is most relevant to the job youÕre applying for first. It is also unnecessary, as you become more experienced, to include all the small jobs youÕve had in the past.
WhatÕs most important is you include your jobs in chronological order with as few gaps as possible. For example, if youÕve had six jobs since you were twelve years old, but a big gap between that raking leaves job when you were thirteen and the Dairy Queen job when you were fifteen, you may just want to begin with Dairy Queen job and mention the other three youÕve had since then.
VERB WORD BANK
The verbs you use in a resume provide your potential employer with very specific information about your skills and duties. It is important to use verbs that are as precise as possible Here are three lists of verbs to consider while youÕre working on your resume.
When using data I have:
administered, analyzed, compared, computed, complied, coordinated, created, designed, directed, established, improved, figured, implemented, organized, recorded, reported,
researched, synthesized, written
When interacting with people, I have:
coordinated, counseled, directed, encouraged, entertained, evaluated, initiated, instructed, interviewed, led, managed, motivated, negotiated, organized, persuaded, referred, served,
shared, supervised, trained.
When dealing with things, I have:
adjusted, altered, assembled, built, controlled, demonstrated, driven, equipped, fabricated, guided, handled, inspected, mixed, moved, operated, produced, repaired, set up, shaped, tended, tested