Secrets to Successful Resume Writing

Secrets of Successful Resume Writing

Whether you are making a career transition or applying for your first job out of school, there is a good chance that your resume could use some editing.

Here are a few easy tips to writing a successful resume:

Focus on text, rather than formatting

·         Draft your resume in a word processing program to receive spelling and grammar assistance

·         Considering that most resumes will be received through an applicant tracking system, fancy formatting will most likely not be noticed

Use bullet points and keywords

·         Bullet points with facts, figures and returns on investments will demonstrate your skills and experience better than long sentences

·         Demonstrate the key skills and value that you will bring to the employer

·         Use keywords relating to any software, IT skills or specific skill-sets that an employer has listed in their job posting

·         Highlight achievements and results that you have acquired at your previous jobs

Focus on the main points

·         Ensure that your value proposition jumps out at first glance

·         Avoid long sentences and duplication of daily tasks

·         If a paragraph on a resume appears to be too long, there is a good chance that it will not be read

Cut the clutter

·         Evaluate whether your early career experience is relevant to the job that you’re applying for; if it’s not relevant, don’t include it

·         If you held a leadership position in an extracurricular organization or received any honors, this should be completed. Otherwise, most information beyond your school and degree is unnecessary

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”