RESUME BASICS

Generally, resumes follow a basic guideline. While there are some flexibility in these guidelines, staying within its bounds will keep you safe. You want a resume that is bold, exciting, and enticing but remember that over-emphasis is bad too. Try to have a resume that is somewhat conservative. In other words, it must be bold, not flashy. You must show in your resume that you have confidence in your abilities, but don’t be boastful. You must sound eager to do the job, but not desperate. So there is a fine line that you must walk in order to produce the best possible resume.

You want to use intelligent language. However, you don’t want to try and impress the employer with long, flowery, or uncommon words or phrases. Use everyday language whenever possible. Of course, if you are applying for a highly technical position, it’s acceptable to use some of the special terms used in that particular profession. But as a rule you should keep it simple and straight to the point.

The word resume comes from the French word “resumer” which means to summarize. So the exact purpose of a resume is to summarize your experience, knowledge, and accomplishments. Therefore, you must avoid being too wordy. Say exactly what you mean in the least number of words possible.

The length of your resume is important, 1 to 3 pages long is advisable. Don’t be tempted to make your resume longer than 3 pages, even if you have a lot to tell. A resume is a summary. A resume that is too long simply will bore the reader. There will be so much material that nothing will stand out and be remembered.

The resume is the first step, your introduction to an employer. First impressions really do count. If you make a poor first impression, you’ll never get to step two — the job interview. The purpose of your resume is to make a good first impression. In effect, your resume should tell the potential employer that you have good abilities and are truly interested in working.

This report will help you make that good first impression. And it could very well help you to get the better job you’re looking for.

Your resume is a mini-statement about yourself. After reading your resume the employer should have a better “feel” for you as a person and as a potential employer. It serves to get acquainted with the employer so that they can decide if they want to know more about you.

Most people have the experience, training and skills to achieve this goal. It unfortunately that many job hunters have very poor communication skills. They are unable to clearly tell potential employers about their job qualifications. In other words, they have a poor job seeking skills. In most cases, this prevents them from getting a high paying job which they could have easily done. Sadly, the job instead will go to someone who is less skilled but has written an eye-catching resume.