Tips on Putting Together a Good Resume

Whether you're applying for the job of your dreams or trying to land an entry-level position in a business that offers you room to grow, your resume represents the first impression you'll make on a prospective employer. If it's a good one, you may get an interview or two, or even land the job. But if your resume doesn't make the right impression, your chances are gone before you've even begun.

Writing a great resume takes skill - but it doesn't have to be hard. There are smart, simple ways to craft a resume that will make you stand out - in a good way! - and alert prospective employers that you're the right person for the job.

Ready to learn the top secrets of getting the best offer in the shortest amount of time? Below are 10 proven tips for putting together a resume that gets results:

1. Use the right keywords: Many companies are drawing on staffing databases to run a preliminary resume search. If your application doesn't have the right keywords, a real person may never even see it. Know the keywords for the industry and position you’re applying for, and insert them strategically throughout the text.

2. Lead with the most important information: HR departments are busy, and they may be sifting through hundreds of resumes per day. If you want to be sure your work experience or relevant skills will be seen, put them at the top of the page.

3. Support your claims: It's not enough to simply say that you have good negotiation skills or customer service experience. If you’re going to make these claims, you’ll need to support them with evidence of your work history, volunteering gigs, or other facts.

4. Explain benefits: Claims without evidence don't mean much on a resume. A laundry list of work experience won’t work to your advantage unless you also list the skills, strengths, and experience you've garnered from those jobs, and demonstrate how they make you the perfect candidate for the job you're trying to land.

5. Be clear and concise: It’s essential that you make your resume as easy to scan as possible. Calling your last position "Accounting" doesn't say much; using the title of "Computerized Accounting and Administration" is much clearer.

6. Stay positive: Whatever your experience with your previous employer, stay positive. Negativity in your resume or interview reflects poorly on you.

7. Market yourself: Don’t just summarize your tasks - to really sell your effectiveness and desirability as an employee, make your professional accomplishments sound as impressive as possible.

8. Solve your employer's needs: Do your research and try to pinpoint the skills and proficiencies a prospective employer is seeking, and then include them in your resume.

9. Use bullet points: Make it easy for busy HR representatives to scan your resume by using clear headings and bullet points to break up the page.

10. Proofread it twice: Or even three times. If possible, take a few days after preparing your complete resume and sleep on it before you look it over again. Looking it over on paper also improves your chances of catching anything you might have missed on the computer screen.

You can't go wrong with these 10 fool-proof resume tips. Take them to heart, take the time to get the details right, give it your best shot, and you’ll be much more likely to land a position that matches your skill set and interests.

If you have questions or comments please call us at 866-826-4101, or 602-274-9911 today!

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