Resume Building
There are many different ways to build a resume, and there is certainly right and wrong
ways of putting one together. The best way to design a resume is for the audience that
will be receiving it, but for now let's concentrate on general tips that apply to all.
If you have ever done any hiring yourself, you'd know that most hiring managers will only
take a cursory glance at any given resume. That being said, resumes coming from recruiters
will typically get a longer look, since the interest is already there in seeing it.
However, attention grabbing and precise information will always get the job done.
Things to consider for your "at a glance"
- Make it original.
Resumes based on templates say, "I don't take the time
here, so I don't take the time anywhere."
- Make it readable.
Clear and concise points, bulleted, proper headings, and
enough white space create a much more readable document.
- Make it appropriate for your level.
The more experience you have, the longer
your resume is likely to be. A simple guideline would be less than 5 years, stick with one
page, and anything more than that you can allow yourself two. Remember, hiring managers
do not like reading novels, so stick to these size guidelines and if you do have 2 pages
put a distinctive summary directly underneath your name.
Be descriptive
Employers don't want to see generalizations. All generalizations and overarching
statements do is group you with everyone else. This is a very bad thing, since you are
trying to Stand out from the crowd. Be as detailed as you can.
"Increased revenue 123% over 4 years" sounds a lot better than "Increased revenue in time
with company."
A way to distinguish yourself and be descriptive at the same time is say how
you achieved the results you did. From the example above:
- Increased revenue 123% over 4 years by generating referral business
is better than
- Increased revenue 123% over 4 years
is better than
- Increased revenue in time with company
Remember, a resume is THE way to start talking with potential employers.
Without a strong resume, you won't even be able to do that stellar interview.
With these two basic concepts, your chances of getting noticed out of the crowd are much,
much better.
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