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Nine Tips to Keep Your Resume From Being Tossed

Thinking of looking for a new job? Going up for a promotion at work? Wanting to update your resume? Before you begin, look at these professional tips:

1. Don't Use a resume template. Nothing stands out more than one of those off-the-shelf templates. Your resume will look just like several others waiting to be reviewed. The format is inflexible and usually out of date. An original resume, custom fitted to showcase your achievements, is the best approach.

2. Do proofread, proofread, and proofread. Put your resume away for a few days and proofread it again. It's good to have a friend or family member proofread it also. Don't just rely on spell check. The computer won't recognize that manger is not the same as manager. Remember: first impressions don't get a second chance.

3. Don't use personal pronouns such as I, My, We. “Resume speak” doesn't include pronouns. Short, to the point sentences beginning with an action verb will instantly catch the reader's attention.

4. Don't use passive voice. Use of passive voice in a resume is like a limp handshake. Use: Managed xyz product from inception to completion……instead of Have managed xyz product….Leave helping verbs out. They don't help here.

5. Do have a focus. If you don't know what you want to do, consider hiring a career coach. Your resume must be focused for a specific position. General resumes don't work.

6. Do emphasize accomplishments not duties. If all you need is a job description then you would be able to get a resume from a vending machine: “I'll have one clerical position with five years experience, please.” Show your future employer what you accomplished in your previous jobs.

7. Don't choose the wrong format. It is essential that you emphasize the skills and experiences that an employer is looking for. You must choose the right format in order to accomplish that. Most employers like the reverse chronological, but sometimes that style doesn't showcase your skills and accomplishments. Adapt the resume format to fit your needs.

8. Don't use irrelevant information. Resume readers are busy. They don't have time to read on and on about nothing.

9. Don't keep it to one page when you really need two. Use one to two pages, as needed, but don't sacrifice content in order to keep it to one page.

 

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