Resume writing – 12 tips

A resume is like a short story that grabs the reader and keeps them interested. This article features 12 surefire tips that have benefited hundreds—college students, clients, colleagues, family, and friends—regardless of field or professional level. They will surely help you too.

12 tips

· (Tip – 1) Prepare a short profile

Start strong with a short profile, not a goal. Listing a target is a thing of the past. What should your profile contain? Two to three short, concise sentences summarizing your experience, skills, and personality traits. Regarding the latter, avoid writing a laundry list.

So what three words best describe you? Your dominant personality traits surface in your professional and personal life. In other words, wherever you go, you are there.

· (Tip – 2) Don’t sound like your job description.

Don’t turn your resume into a document that reads like a boring job description. Instead, discuss accomplishments. How did you make the difference? What unique skills or abilities were used to make things better. Pick one or two achievements from your current position. Please provide a brief summary.

· (Tip – 3) Select the correct format.

However, there are two types of resume formats: chronological and functional. While the former starts with his most current position and works backward, the latter builds the resume around his dominant skills.

· (Tip – 4) Include special training/professional development.

For more than a few years, I advised a friend to include a professional development section on her resume. Why? Employers like to see what you’ve been doing since graduating from college. As a result of working in the corporate arena, he accumulated a lot of training. Well, long story short, she made her stand out and get even better offers.

· (Tip – 5) List education and credentials last.

You are not selling your education; grades are a dime a dozen. You are promoting your unique skills that help potential employers solve problems. Therefore, list your credentials last, not first.

· (Tip – 6) Determine the proper length.

A recent college grad, high school student, or person entering the workforce for the first time won’t have as much to say as someone with more experience.

· (Tip – 7) Omit references.

Create a special file for references. By the way, your references should be people who know you in a professional capacity. And make sure each person has good written and verbal communication skills.

· (Tip – 8) Create a slogan.

Imagine this. You work in human resources as a recruiter. Every day you receive tons of resumes when you open your email; No one stands out because the subject lines say things like Curriculum vitae or resume. Be creative! Use a slogan. When you save the document, use the tagline, not your name.

· (Tip – 9) Always send a cover letter.

The letter should state what you are applying for, how you can contribute, and most importantly, it should refer the reader to your resume. Cut and paste or copy the letter into the body of your email.

· (Tip – 10) Use current voltage.

Instead of writing in the past tense, use the present. It adds punch and lets a potential employer know you’re still making a positive impact.

· (Tip – 11) Be creative.

Why not include a testimonial? Select one or two comments from a performance review.

· (Tip – 12) Develop a resume website.

If you really want to stand out, build a professional resume website. It is free and a template is provided. Verify Wix.