| |
Resume Tips
An effective resume succeeds in three aspects:
 | Visual |
| Chronology
and Geography |
| Content |
(Please take a look at our sample resume
template.)
Visual
| Many
resumes, while attempting to look "different," end up frustrating
the reader. Therefore, keep the format simple and uncluttered. |
|
With most resumes being
emailed today, formatting seems less important—however, bold
headings, dates and titles can effectively separate sections within
your resume and will create visual interest.
|
| Justified
margins make a resume look clean. |
| Functional
resumes are more difficult to assess and candidates are often requested to
create a chronological resume. |
|
Try to limit the length
of your resume to two pages, or at a maximum, three pages. Remember,
a short, clean and "to the point" resume has a better chance
of being read all the way through (See template).
|
Chronology and Geography
|
Clearly indicate in reverse
chronological order (begin with most recent or current position) each
organization at which you’ve been employed, along with each position
title you have held.
|
| Each
position should have corresponding dates. If you’ve held several positions
at one organization, include the
dates for each position (when you started and finished), together with the
overall dates at that company. |
| Indicate
the city and state (and country, for international roles) for each position
held. |
Content
|
Do not write in the first
or third person (i.e., "I was responsible for..." or "John
Smith was responsible for...").
|
| Be clear and concise in describing the main responsibilities of each position
held. Limit your description to three lines. |
| Whenever possible, customize your resume to suit the specific position for
which you are applying. |
|
Don't state an "Objective"
unless it is highly compelling. Rather, focus on specific companies
and positions—and your responsibilities and accomplishments
at each.
|
|
For each position held,
highlight your major accomplishments in bullet point format.
Use words that express actions—directed, negotiated, improved,
generated, launched—and focus on the results achieved, i.e.,
"Increased customer retention by 10%, etc."
|
| A sales
executive should indicate targets and sales results in dollar amounts. |
|
Give less detail of responsibilities
and accomplishments from the early part of your career, focusing on
the most recent ten years.
|
| Do not put any false or exaggerated information on your resume.
More and more often, companies are requesting that search firms
confirm the accuracy of resumes. |
| Include professional memberships, associations, awards and language
skills. |
| Do
not include personal information (i.e., "married with children,"
"loves to play soccer"). |
|
