Resume Writing Tips

by someone who just sorted through over 200 potential candidates

Resumes are all about qualifications and efficient use of space. Represent yourself as the professional person of skill that you are. If you don't have an extensive work history, then focus on the pertinent skill sets you have built outside of work. These do not include random hobbies. For example, if you are applying for a job as an Administrative Assistant, it is not important to highlight Jewelry Maker at the top of your resume.

If you don't have much to say, don't insult yourself and your potential employer by trying to fluff your experience up to more than what it is (there is something to be said for a clean-slate). This includes line-spacing. It didn't fool your history teacher and it isn't going to fool a potential employee. So, remember that triple spacing your resume to take it from 1 paragraph to 6 pages only does two things: it kills trees, which in turn, kills babies. And if you were a dead baby then you wouldn't need a job, now would you? Something to think about.

Similarly, repetition and over-elaboration is boring. No matter how amazing you were at your last job, keep it concise and to the point. For example: If you were a Pizza Creator at your last job, knowing that you can make both pepperoni and cheese pizza will not going to change the fact that Pizza-Making sucks. You know this, because you are looking for a new job. Don't get mad at me, you know it's true. Here is another example: "I scanned and copied documents using a computer." Using a computer, you say? The only way this sentence needs to end with a clarification is if you scanned and copied documents using black magic bestowed upon you by the great Llama Sorcerer himself.

Avoid vague statements and generalizing. It does not make you look smart. Case and point: "I am proficient at Microsoft Office and most other computer programs" is not confidence inspiring. Neither is the objective statement: "I am looking for a satisfying job in the field for which I am applying at a company where I want to work." If you can't think of something to say, then don't say anything.

The presentation of your resume is almost as important as what it says. If it is not readable, no one is going to care how talented you are. Format your resume to be read in 60 seconds or less. If it cannot be skimmed, it will probably get passed by. In the same regard, fonts are important in that they need to be completely unnoticed. If your font is size 36 and bright pink, they are going to assume that you are 5 years old and a violation of child labor laws to even interview.

Templates are not terrible. If you are not prepared or able to design your template to look professional and eye-catching, then check out a few templates and see if something fits your style. Your resume may end up looking similar to another candidate's, but at least your employer can tell that you cared enough to make your resume presentable. You must, however, examine the template thoroughly to see where you need to insert your information. No one is going to hire "Insert Your Name Here," and nothing says "lack of attention to detail" than missing information on your own resume.

Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are not optional. Keep your contact information up-to-date. If you can't take the time to proof read, why should they read it at all?

If you apply to a job via email and do not bother to write anything in the body, then there is no reason for your resume to stand out in the over 300 emails they will receive that day. However, applying for a job with a fancy signature that includes a quote or a smiley face is a great way to make your resume stand out... in the trash.

Bilingual means TWO languages. If you apply for a job in English and schedule and interview in English, chances are they are going to expect you to speak English. On the flip side, claiming that you are fluent in another language just because you took it in High School is a lie. The person reading your resume took a language class in High School too. Your chance of getting the job is as slim as them finding anything other than a bathroom, library, or discotheque in a foreign country. In other words, no bueno. (Hey look, I'm bilingual!)

An employer will not beg for your information. So, do not write in to say : "I am extremely experienced and have a resume that I know you would love! Let me know if you'd like me to send it over." Do not bother to ask if they are still hiring unless you are going to leave them with your information as a reason to consider you a potential candidate. Do NOT email them just to say that you are either to busy or incompetent to attach your resume. For example: "I am unable to upload a resume via iPad but I can fax it or apply in person. I have experience. Please let me know." is all kinds of stupid.

Finally, even the best of intentions will not get you a job. The most IMPORTANT aspect of getting your resume in front of a potential employer is remembering to ATTACH the document.