07. May 2008 | Show Originial
Some companies and organizations can receive anywhere from hundreds to hundreds of thousands resumes every month, and unfortunately only a handful of those will make it past the elimination rounds. It's easy to create a resume, but the hard part is getting your resume to stick with the employer. So how can you ensure success? You can start by following these simple guidelines.
10. Know your style. You're one in a million, kid, so make sure that you recognize your writing style and stick with it. Just like doing a bad impression will get you heckled by your closest of pals, jumping back and forth between styles on your resume could make the hiring manager think you're unsure of yourself.
9. Use the spell and grammar check. I before E except after C, and all that jazz. Unlike Algebra*, you're definitely going to use the English language in your every day life so it's important to double check yourself when submitting anything written to someone who just might provide you with a paycheck.
8. Have a proofing committee. The hiring manager likely will not be the only person involved in the hiring process, and likewise, you shouldn't be the only one involved in the resume writing process. Have a few friends read over your resume. They'll probably catch something you didn't, or have some great advice on how to sell yourself better.
7. Take your words for a walk. No, not literally, but using action verbs like "demonstrated," "accelerated," "initiated," and my favorite, "innovated," will give your progress some movement. Not only do they sound sharp, but the hiring manager will recognize that you didn't just work at your previous job, you accomplished.
6. Have a goal. Your resume should be specific to the job you're applying for. Everyone wants to feel special, even hiring managers. But seriously, an objective that clearly states what you aim to do will help avoid any confusion and keep you in the hiring manager's line of sight. Try something like, "To secure a challenging position in a growing company where I can utilize my skills with the English language and never, ever use Algebra." That'll do it.
5. If you've got it, flaunt it. Just please don't send photos of yourself with your resume. However, do highlight your skills and experience. If you can speak fluent Gaelic, that's awesome. If you are able to balance plates on sticks, that's pretty cool, too, but it'd be more helpful if you provided the hiring manager with some of your technical or skilled trade certifications instead.
4. "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Not many people know that Theodore Roosevelt actually got that quote from a West African proverb, but it's so true. Be brief and concise on your resume. Use short, bulleted phrases that share your contributions to the company, not just your duties. (Though, I'd lay low on the aggressive "We might invade if you don't give me a job" verbage.)
3. Share your smarts. List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with college and/or technical school. It's not necessary to list your grade point average or your favorite professor.
2. Write a cover letter. The cover letter is kind of like one of those "You've been pre-approved for a 10 million dollar credit limit!" letters you get in the mail, but less annoying and more necessary. A short, concise and focused cover letter will help sell your resume, which in turn will land you the interview. It's a precursor to the real deal.
1. Always follow up. You may have noticed that this was number one on the Top 10 Resume Don'ts list, as well. (Cleverly disguised as a don't!) Following up is the final nail your hammer of a resume will drive into the employer's desk. It's not only polite to send a follow-up note, but it will also ensure the hiring manager knows just how interested you are.
If you follow these simple guidelines, your resume can take you that much closer to the end of your job search. Visit EmploymentGuide.com to get more tips on resumes. Also check out The Employment Guide®'s Career Services and Job Hunting Resources for more ways you can make your job search more effective.
10. Know your style. You're one in a million, kid, so make sure that you recognize your writing style and stick with it. Just like doing a bad impression will get you heckled by your closest of pals, jumping back and forth between styles on your resume could make the hiring manager think you're unsure of yourself.
9. Use the spell and grammar check. I before E except after C, and all that jazz. Unlike Algebra*, you're definitely going to use the English language in your every day life so it's important to double check yourself when submitting anything written to someone who just might provide you with a paycheck.
8. Have a proofing committee. The hiring manager likely will not be the only person involved in the hiring process, and likewise, you shouldn't be the only one involved in the resume writing process. Have a few friends read over your resume. They'll probably catch something you didn't, or have some great advice on how to sell yourself better.
7. Take your words for a walk. No, not literally, but using action verbs like "demonstrated," "accelerated," "initiated," and my favorite, "innovated," will give your progress some movement. Not only do they sound sharp, but the hiring manager will recognize that you didn't just work at your previous job, you accomplished.
6. Have a goal. Your resume should be specific to the job you're applying for. Everyone wants to feel special, even hiring managers. But seriously, an objective that clearly states what you aim to do will help avoid any confusion and keep you in the hiring manager's line of sight. Try something like, "To secure a challenging position in a growing company where I can utilize my skills with the English language and never, ever use Algebra." That'll do it.
5. If you've got it, flaunt it. Just please don't send photos of yourself with your resume. However, do highlight your skills and experience. If you can speak fluent Gaelic, that's awesome. If you are able to balance plates on sticks, that's pretty cool, too, but it'd be more helpful if you provided the hiring manager with some of your technical or skilled trade certifications instead.
4. "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Not many people know that Theodore Roosevelt actually got that quote from a West African proverb, but it's so true. Be brief and concise on your resume. Use short, bulleted phrases that share your contributions to the company, not just your duties. (Though, I'd lay low on the aggressive "We might invade if you don't give me a job" verbage.)
3. Share your smarts. List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with college and/or technical school. It's not necessary to list your grade point average or your favorite professor.
2. Write a cover letter. The cover letter is kind of like one of those "You've been pre-approved for a 10 million dollar credit limit!" letters you get in the mail, but less annoying and more necessary. A short, concise and focused cover letter will help sell your resume, which in turn will land you the interview. It's a precursor to the real deal.
1. Always follow up. You may have noticed that this was number one on the Top 10 Resume Don'ts list, as well. (Cleverly disguised as a don't!) Following up is the final nail your hammer of a resume will drive into the employer's desk. It's not only polite to send a follow-up note, but it will also ensure the hiring manager knows just how interested you are.
If you follow these simple guidelines, your resume can take you that much closer to the end of your job search. Visit EmploymentGuide.com to get more tips on resumes. Also check out The Employment Guide®'s Career Services and Job Hunting Resources for more ways you can make your job search more effective.