Power Up Your Resume
Keywords: resume, employment, career
The first thing that an employer usually sees about you is your resume. It is not just a listing of your qualifications, experience, and education. It is an actual extension of yourself. Your resume is your first interview with the employer, and it should be just as dynamic as you would be if you were there - even more so, in fact! You already know how important first impressions are. Since your resume is your very first impression, even more attention needs to be paid to that presentation than to what you wear to your first interview.
Taking this concept even farther, think about your resume’s first impression. What image of you does it project as it comes into view for the very first time? In what way does it stand out from the rest of the stack and draw the reviewer to want to pull it out and read it first? It’s appearance, the paper it is on, not being bent or folded, an attractive layout, all being on one page, and easy readability of the font all contribute to the reader’s experience. And that experience needs to be all positive!
Don’t go nuts on the paper choice, however. It shouldn’t be on super-thick stock or too much of a non-resume color. Go with a nice quality, medium stock, off-white color such as beige or light gray. Do pay attention to the layout and font choice. Arial is probably best. Use bold where appropriate and lead the reader through the document naturally, without having to do any straining. A potential employer should not feel like they have to work to read your resume.
The most important part of the document is your employment objective. This should be right at the top, the first thing they see after your name and contact information. It should be customized for each potential employer! There should be some boldness to it (not just in the type style), tempered with respect and professionalism. For example, if you are applying for a receptionist position at ABC corporation, your objective might be: “To begin my life-long career as a top executive at ABC corporation by being the flat-out most outstanding receptionist in the history of the company.”
There are only two additional sections that are necessary to a resume after the employment objective: Work Experience and Education. And even education may not be necessary in some situations. Which order you put them in depends on your work experience, education, and the type of work you are seeking. For example, if you just graduated from Harvard you won’t have any work experience but you can certainly expect job offers. Your education will be what you are highlighting. On the other hand, if you are an account executive in a niche industry then you could even leave education off the resume entirely, because all anyone cares about is your experience, past production, and contacts.
When writing your work experience, throw a parade for yourself! This is no time for modesty. You were the absolute best at what you did, and you need to phrase your descriptions in that light. Pay no attention to what your previous employer’s stupid job title for your position was - instead, use your own job title that accurately describes what you did (keeping in mind they will be calling your previous employer to verify). For example, if your last job title was officially “Janitor,” on your resume it could be “Facility Maintenance Manager.”
Similarly, in your previous job description you always managed something. Whatever your position, I guarantee there was something you had to manage, so describe it that way. More importantly, I’m equally sure that there were problems which you solved. Be SURE to mention those.
If you received any recognition awards in the past, create a separate section at the end and list them in a less-than-modest manner. End the resume with a line about references available upon request, and do prepare them on a separate sheet. Almost any employer will follow up on references these days. If you have room, you can even list them at the bottom of your resume and save that step.
Remember, you are the best at what you do. Every line of your resume should be written with that in mind, and your resume should be the best one that’s ever been compiled for the position you are seeking. If you can get that through your head, and permeate it unto paper effectively, you ought to be able to get any job you want.
Andrew Kasch is an expert in his own eyes on most business-related subjects. You can get more resume writing tips at his website: www.freeresumetips.info
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Establishing Good Credit (1)
6.Sizeable debt or a large number of open accounts. Keeping an Eye on Your Credit Another recent increase in credit problems includes identity theft. For these reasons, you should check your credit once a year.
The Advantages Of Using A Forex Signal (2)
Also, talk to others who have used a forex signal to guide their trading; there are many forex forums out there. Scott Fromherz owns multiple informational websites. For more information on using a Forex Signal go to TopForexSystem.com or visit www.ArticleAdvocate.com
Baby's First Days At Home (3)
Like all other expectant parents you will have spent the last nine months preparing for this day. You will have a baby room full of everything a newborn could possibly want.
Job Hunting Tips And Hints (4)
Write about your achievements You may add your achievements, but make your statements factual and relevant. It does not do harm to advertise yourself, but make your advertisement matter-of-fact and not just hot air.
Busy With No Time To Read A Book? (5)
If you are at a loss for the specific business audio books to go for, below are 6 of some of the best that any business person should listen to: 1.
Collie Dog - The Companion (6)
He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in which education has comparatively little share, he is the only animal born perfectly trained for the service of man.
I Need Surveillance Cameras (7)
They offer the peace of mind that comes from having an effective deterrent to crime. Home Security Assistance is an informative Home Security site that looks into all aspects of Home Security from Cameras to Alarms.
7 Ways To Reduce Stress During Exam Time (8)
This way you will only spend time on things you need to know. You can pay closer attention to the material the teacher has labeled "important." 3) Get organized a few days in advance - make sure you have the notes, the handouts, worksheets, the book and any tests or quizzes from the first semester.
The Foxhound Dog (9)
Mixed breed dogs are much less likely to suffer from inherited diseases and disabilities than purebred dogs. Dog Breed Names is an informative resources site about Dogs. Find out how Dog Breed Names can expand your horizons at www.dogbreednames.com
Can A Golf Tip Online Help Your Game (10)
Keywords: golf, golf coach, golf club, golf lessons A golf tip online can save you hours out of your schedule, but can it really help your game? With more and more people getting Internet connections, golfers are flocking to the Internet in hopes to find tips, techniques and even total golf performance programs to save their golf game.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
The Concept Of A Free Home Based Internet Business (1)
You can hire someone to do this for you or you can do it yourself. There are many websites on the internet that are dedicated to weblogs. There are many free home based Internet business opportunities available but you have to look at more than cash outlay when you use the term free.
Top 10 New Year's Resolutions For Failing Businesses Facing Corporation Bankruptcy (2)
As much as we want to turn away from the ugly monster that has become our debt, to get a clear picture of our future we first need to grip reality.
Top Ten New Businesses To Start In 2007 (3)
Cookbooks and cooking classes for kids might be one possibility as well as party planning and decorating that kids can perform as do-it-yourself projects. To start a business like this requires the ability to "think like a kid." 8.
Take Advantage Of Audio Books For Better Time Management (4)
You should as well. Not only that, with the incredible advantage of listening to your favorite book instead of reading it, the popularity of audio books has now gone through the roof.
Are Long Term Mortgages For You? (5)
Another major consideration, though, should be the value of the house itself. Forty or fifty years down the road, what will the house be worth? Or, what will the economy be like - or your health?
How To Get A Good Rewards Credit Card (6)
Also, look to see if there is any balance transfer fees that apply when you do this. Many cards have no charges for this service. By looking around and comparing rewards credit cards, it will certainly enlighten you to be able to see what is going on in the credit card market.
Understanding Mortgage Basics (7)
No one can see that far ahead. A bad economy also means that your payments can become very high - maybe even too high. These are excellent when the economy is doing well, but you may need to get another if the economy goes bad.
What Choices Are There In Home Mortgages? (8)
With many people having adjustable rate mortgages and this option, when their rates become adjustable - the rate is based on the principal owed, and after many years - it will still be 100%, or near it!
5 Things You Must Do If You Want To Be Beautiful (9)
Get out the magazine that you found with the look you want and practice recreating it. Tip - Just remember that these models have been digitally enhanced so go for as close as possible without beating yourself up if it is not exactly the same.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards - Which One For You? (10)
You will need to double-check the fine print on the credit card to be sure that this rate applies to balance transfers. Most often it applies to the interest rate on your purchases, and only on some cards will it apply to transfers.