Effective Resume Writing
The interview is a critical part of the job search process. The resume, which is usually sent out in Word format, provides your potential employer with an overview of your past work history, education and skills. It's also an opportunity for you to show off your personality and why you are a great fit for the company. While your objective is to make a favourable first impression, you must also present yourself in a positive light. This can be achieved through strong writing skills that highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
There are three basic components to every resume:
1. The objective statement, which clearly states the role you're applying for and why the company should hire you for it. This is 35 words or less.
2. The skill statements, which identify your skills and abilities that are relevant to the position, such as communication skills or problem solving abilities. These are usually underlined in bold print and tend to be two to three paragraphs long.
3. The experience section, which describes your past job titles, employer names and location information, as well as the dates you worked for this company.
To create an effective resume is a lot like writing a story. It requires carefully selecting your words and using clear and concise language that tells the employer exactly what you want them to know in the shortest amount of time possible. It's not uncommon to read a resume that's three pages long or more. Although there is no definitive length to a resume, generally speaking it should be no longer than one or two pages in total length.
In the following steps you'll learn how to create a well-written resume that will grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more.
Step 1: Create a Job Objective Statement.
The main reason for using a resume is to convey why you're well suited for the particular position and what you bring to the table that makes you an excellent candidate. You'll have at most one page, so this is your chance to sum up the essence of what it is you want them to understand about you in the shortest amount of words possible. In your "job objective statement" include at least two or three bullets that clearly describe what you are seeking in a new job and how they can benefit from hiring you.
Step 2: Write a Resume Summary.
This section is a little like the introduction to a novel. Here you'll tell your potential employer what they are getting into by reading your resume and why they should "pick up this book" to learn more about you and what you can do for them. Try to keep it between one and two pages in length, but don't feel obligated to write more than that. If you find that it's taking too long to sum up past work experiences, then include one or two sentences about each job at the end of this section instead.
Step 3: List Key Skills and Abilities
This is where you're going to list various skills and abilities that are relevant for the position in question. This is usually underlined in bold print and should be no more than two or three paragraphs long. Don't go into detail about what you did in your previous job roles, but instead concentrate on what skills you possess that will be useful to the company. For example, instead of saying "I supervised 20 employees", say "supervised 20 employees".
Step 4: Include Relevant Work Experience
This section is typically displayed on a separate page from your resume, either before or after the other sections. Include your job titles, employer names and location information, as well as the dates you worked for this company. You should also include any supervisory experience that's relevant to the position in question. An example of this would be "Supervised retail workers for three years" instead of "Served as the director of marketing for a health club".
Step 5: Ensure Proper Formatting and Layout
In general, you should avoid using the same font colour throughout. This will make it look unprofessional, especially if you have a lot of writing on your resume. However, if you do use bold typeface and display it in your proper layout, then you'll look professional and stand out from other candidates that may use larger fonts than yours.
Below are some examples of different methods with which to arrange your resume:
* Use Headings to highlight sections such as Skills and Abilities that are unique to that particular employer.
Conclusion
Your resume is your opportunity to make a great first impression. Use it to highlight your skills and abilities, so that the employer knows you will be a valuable addition to their team. Keep it brief and effective, and don't forget to proofread prior to submission.
Beatrice M. Deveroux, Career Coach - Mr Nathan Career ServicesCanada
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Effective Resume Writing