5 Steps to Writing an Effective Resume

There seems to be many rules and regs to resumes. How many pages, what format, do I use an objective don’t I. For something that doesn’t have an exact science to it, it surely can have a wrong way! When it comes down to it; after you read all the resume books, memorized all the materials you can, networked for ideas on formats it really only comes down to one main objective. Get the interview!

Your resume is your marketing flyer. It is a quick snap shot of how you can benefit your potential employers. It is very important to your job search but it isn’t you. So with that said I will try and give you pointers to help your resume writing go smoother.

The rumor that the top 1/3 page of the resume is the most that ever gets read by a decision maker is true. You need to make sure that the first quarter of you resume has the most beneficial, relevant eye candy to the decision maker it can possibly hold. So that means do have a;
Summary of Qualification or Profile
Accomplishments including metrics; increases of performance, reduction of coast, ROI.
Testimonial from former boss, client, or co-worker.
Skills table that lists pertinent qualifications to the position applying for.
Hint: These will always change with each job applying to. You will need the formal job description to cater the resume to the job.

2. Contact information needs to be professional.

Make sure personal email address isn’t “TOO PERSONAL”. Toomanyspeedingtickes@gmail.com for traveling sales person or likestosleepin@yahoo.com for a Receptionist job.
Be careful of ring tones and voice messages on cell phones. No one wants to hear Sir Mix A lot; I like big butts playing when they are getting ready to consider you for a position. Or my favorite, “Hello, Hello, Hello! Just kidding you got my voicemail so leave a message. Probably not going to leave a message.
Hint: When you are actively looking for a job please make your family aware that hiring managers will be calling your house and when answering the phone be professional If you need to write them a script of what you would like them to say and always keep a message pad with all the information you would like them to get for you.

Double Hint: Build yourself a header with your contact information and use that for all other interview documents you will bring with.

3. Where should my education go?

Education is placed on the resume in accordance with when you attended. If you recently graduated and your entry level experience is your training it should go in the 1/3 of your resume. If you hadn’t been to college in 20 years it needs to go on the bottom.
Education should list school, degree, and subject. If you are entry level you should include courses, case studies, volunteer work, GPA (if it is good), Deans list, awards, accomplishments, papers you were recognized for, and fraternity (if it is relevant) i.e. boss was member of same.
Hint: Asking the person setting up your interview for the names and information about the people you are interviewing with might earn you brownie points and a raise in pay!! Google their names and collect as much information about them and the company will very much impress them; especially if you compliment them on a paper they wrote or an award they won.

4. Work History. Is just that HISTORY

When writing down job responsibilities makes sure you are writing in the past tense if you are no longer with the company. Also each time you update it review your past positions to make sure the information makes sense to the current job you are seeking.
Be sure to list your 4-5 most important qualifications of each job that can be consider transferable skills to the position you are currently seeking. As it is important to brag about accomplishments make sure you are detaching yourself from the old company and write it in a way that allows the potential employer to see you accomplishing it for them.
Hint: Based on your job history you only need to go back ten years at the latest. If what you did past that would compliment your current job search list only what would be important to the potential job.

5. Personal Information and Hobbies.

Be sure to not list any personal information that might discriminate you from an offer.
Hobbies on a resume are not required unless they have professional or work related reference. For example you should list any professional groups or associations you are a part of that are relevant to your position, industry, expertise, or professional growth. i.e. SHRM (Human Resources) PARW/CC (Career Coaches), Microsoft (Information Technology), IEEE (Engineering), ect.
Hint: Make sure if you have a social networking profile like Linkedin, Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter that it is professional and represents you positively. Hiring manager are checking sites like these for character flaws, communication style and cultural fit for their company. If you have a personal site and want to keep it that way you should make it private so that only friends and family are able to view the content.