Resume Tips

A resume is a summary of your professional experience and skills that you can offer a potential employer. it is a tool with which you market yourself and it can be the key to securing an interview. BlueStone Personnel offer some simple ways to ensure your resume markets you in such a manner as to increase your opportunity of a successful job placement.

Presentation

Recruiters can sift through many resumes in a very short space of time. You need to make sure that your resume will capture their attention for all the right reasons. Arrange and present your information so that it is relevant, practical and easy to read. Ensure your resume will catch their eye for all the right reasons. Arrange your information so that it is practical and easy to read.

Chronological vs. Functional

The format you choose should be based on your work experience and the job you’re seeking.

• By Date
  Chronological resumes are ideal for those with extensive experience in one field, who is searching for a job in that same field. This type of resume will include an objective (summary statement) about the job you are seeking and list your employment history, starting with the most recent position.

• By information Relevance
  A functional resume focuses on your abilities. This is ideal for people new to the workforce, such as college graduates and those changing careers. By directing a prospective employer’s attention to your relevant skills, you place the emphasis on your potential, rather than your experience.

How Long Should My Resume Be ?

Your resume is a clear, concise snapshot of your professional success. Its goal is to market you to the specific job you want, so include only the information that is key to the position you are applying for. There is no strict standard to resume length, but it is important to target the information you want to convey depending upon the type of job you want. Therefore, it is important to have a tailored resume for each type of position you want to apply for. The following ideas may help you write a great resume :-

• New to the job market or transitioning between careers? Aim for a short, sharp one to two page resume.

• When Extra is OK
  For those with several years experience related to the job they are seeking, or anyone whose field requires technical skills, may require up to three pages.

• Licence to Tell All
  Academics, executives or senior managers with a long list of accomplishments in their field may require a resume that is three pages or longer. An addendum can be used for additional documents.

Content is the Key Factor

While formatting is important for a successful resume, no amount of dressing will make a weak resume strong. List your skills and accomplishments first and tidy the document later. Place your postal address, telephone number and email at the top of your resume. Your current work telephone number and work email address are not appropriate.

Define Your Career Objectives

A career objective makes your intentions clear. This may be appropriate for those with a long list of accomplishments in their chosen field or those changing career fields. If you choose to include your career objectives in your resume, follow the following guidelines :-

• Advertise Your Value
  Emphasize the value you would bring to the company; not the reason you want the job. Employers are looking for someone who will enhance the organization and provide value to their business operations.

• Clarity is Critical
  Be specific about your career goal.

• Stay on Target
  Keep it succinct with a job title or target, and brief description.

• Working Words
  Choose language that communicates that your strengths match the job. Use active words like ‘develop’ and ‘contribute,’ or include terms from the job advertisement to ensure that you address the employer’s needs.

Honesty

Grossly overstating your accomplishments can trip you up during an interview or eliminate your chances of securing an interview at all if they arouse suspicion. Even if your embellishments make it past a recruiter, you set yourself up for failure by misrepresenting your abilities.

Job Descriptions

There is no need to detail the job description for each position you have held. The details of your performance are more important.

The WOW Factor

Adding the following details to your resume (if applicable) will help you stand out from the crowd and greatly assist you in getting that all important interview :-

• Figures Speak Loudly

Where possible, use figures to quantify your achievements. If you managed a large budget or team, mention this. Numbers show employers exactly what you have done and what you are capable of achieving for them.

• Off the Job Skills

Highlight any skills, community work and additional training that a potential employer might view as an asset. Include any relevant professional awards, recognitions or accomplishments. Including photographs, hobbies unrelated to the job, or personal information is unnecessary.

• Use Power Words

Include any words that convey your ability to work with others, be proactive and get the job done regardless of circumstance. These include ‘teamwork’, ‘flexibility’, ‘detail-oriented’ and ‘self-motivated’. Avoid Weak words. Weak words include abbreviations and acronyms may confuse a potential employer who is unfamiliar with the terms. Personal pronouns are also unnecessary — don’t waste space with I, me or my.

• Spelling and Grammar
  Spelling and grammatical errors are unacceptable and do not demonstrate attention to detail.

Simply, Be the Best Candidate

Keep the format clean and professional. Employers typically spend 15 seconds or less scanning resumes, so use bullet points and a bold font to highlight key information. Avoid italics, as they can be difficult to read.