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Dos and Don'ts of ResumesDO:

Include A Summary. Take advantage of the Summary or Highlights section at the beginning of your résumé. Do some research to determine what core competencies the employer requires and encapsulate your skills as they relate specifically to the position you seek.

Format Appropriately. Be aware of the style and appearance of your résumé. It should be formatted so that it looks great both electronically and on paper. The material must be well-organized, easy to read with absolutely perfect spelling and grammar.

Focus on Achievements. Make your résumé more exciting and readable by writing it in an achievement-oriented style. Do not submit your previous job descriptions in the guise of a résumé. An achievement-oriented resume will convey your relevant experience and skills, your talents in using these skills and the pride and enjoyment you receive from your work.

Example:
Increased profits by 35% by developing and implementing a national direct marketing campaign.
Drove sales to 120% of targets through the successful launch of three new products.

List Relevant Details. Include a listing of technical, professional and personal details that do not fit in the body of your résumé, towards the end of your document. Association affiliations, computer skills, community service, awards and personal interests portray a well-rounded individual. However, be sure to keep your list brief by limiting yourself to the items that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Submit By Email. When emailing your résumé, include a specific reference to the position you are applying for in your subject line, to ensure it reaches the correct person.

DON’T:

Include A Personal Website. Do not submit your personal website address as a replacement for a traditional résumé. Technology has been known to fail and if your website is not viewable, a potential employer will not waste time trying to reconnect. If you have a website that is applicable to your career history with samples of your work; add it to your contact listing at the header of your document.

Be Too Long/Too Short. Be aware of the length of your résumé. When writing your résumé, ask yourself if each statement brings you closer to landing an interview and include only the information that truly sells you as a candidate.

Use Incorrect Writing Style. Do not write your résumé in first person format. As a business communication, the résumé should not include “I” or “me” and articles should be limited. Do not write your résumé as if someone else is writing it for you. A résumé is known to be a personal marketing tool and its impact is compromised when it appears you solicited another party to write positive things about you. Save the testimonials of others for reference checking, or speak about them in an interview.

Use Incorrect Résumé Style. Do not use a functional résumé when your career history is solid. Your presentation on paper is not as strong when your career progression is not apparent or if you do not connect your skills to a particular position. The chronological format is generally preferred.

One Response to “Straight Forward Résumé DOs and DON’Ts”

  1. I like that you mentioned listing the achievements you may have had at your other jobs rather than just that you worked there. When I was applying for the job I now have that was very useful because it showed that I rose to shift lead very quickly. It was something that they brought up in the interview and I think definitely helped me get the job.

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