At some point we all need to write a resume. The following resume writing tips give some positive suggestions which will increase your chances of successfully landing an interview, but remember that the resume is just the start of the process. These tips include:

Using no graphics/pictures

Using easily read fonts size 12 point - Verdana or Times New Roman

Using only relevant information, but not personal details/sexual orientation/family structure/pet names/weight/physical appearance descriptions/unnecessary software or other equipment details

Keeping the resume updated regularly to include all new employment/certifications/education

Keeping the resume to 2 to 3 pages maximum, unless you have done professional contract work

Can catch the attention of the employer in under 60 seconds

Includes your name

Includes your address

Includes your phone number (s)

Includes your email address

Includes a career goal summary

Includes an experience and achievements summary

Includes education details

Includes employment experiences from most recent to least recent

Includes employers’ names, last positions held within those companies and dates of employment in years only

Includes bullet point job responsibility and achievements in simple form, starting with an action word (responsible for, directed, etc.)

Includes specific skills related to the position you are trying to get

Includes all training, certifications, memberships, volunteer work and seminars after the education section

Includes all relevant publications if needed

Offers references upon request

Uses simple sentence structure

Avoids wordiness

Use proper grammar and punctuation

Avoids marital status, birth date and number of children

Avoids all interests and hobbies that are unrelated to the position being sought

Avoids salary quotes or previous salaries

Avoids negative or unnecessary jargon or comments

Avoids explanations about employment void history

Always remember that a good resume makes you stand out from other competitors. Most recruiters or employers are overwhelmed with resumes and so if your resume does not catch their immediate attention, generally within the first sixty seconds of reading, you can guarantee that you will probably not get an interview.

You can learn how to write a resume by asking yourself questions as if you were an interviewer. By learning what a company does, its market and is looking for, you will find that writing a resume can be an easy task if you simply know how!

Here is a resume example that can be tailored for any industry/profession:

I have a combined 5 years experience in management/technical consulting, IT solution sales, and team management. I am recognized as an out of the box thinker, fast learner, exceptional team player and leader, and able to grasp technology very quickly. I have an extensive knowledge of network management, infrastructure, and e-commerce analysis. My achievements include: an excellent understanding of E-Commerce and ERP/CRM packages, having implemented various solutions that have included wireless devices and various wireless technologies; was promoted within two months to sales manager at Cignol Corporation; awarded the individual sales management sales award from Cignol Corporation for over-achieving the team quota; received IBM’s dealer award; and the Competitive Win-back Achievement Award. I am aiming to achieve a position within a federal organization.

EXPERIENCE:
INSIX (Interactive Netcasting System X) 2003 to date
(Washington)
Sales Consultant - Enterprise Accounts

Managed and maintained major accounts

Prospected new business

Did webcasting

Managed and tendered contracts (Slidecoft - PowerPoint over the web)

Micro Solutions (Washington) 2001 to 2002

Consulting Manager - Enterprise Accounts

Marketed Micro’s GPRS wireless data solution for corporate client portfolios

Supported voice account executives by helping them market GPRS to the 5MB market

Developed a good understanding of the objections to GPRS Technology

Cignol Corporation (Washington) 2000 to 2001

Sales Manager/Regional Channel Account Manager

Responsible for growing and managing the BC region

Focused on maintaining the corporation large account portfolio

Enabled and educated IT Managers about how to utilize ‘Total Cost of Ownership Methodology, and introduced them to effective new technology

Devised a cost-effective proposal for the most effective data transfer rates that enabled Deere Hitachi office workers to roam freely in their open office concept

Surpassed the $12 million annual quota

EDUCATION:

Technology Diploma, Network Management and 1990 to 1993 Infrastructure (Washington Tech)
Web-trends Suite certification
E-Commerce Analytics training
GPRS certification
Lucent Wireless Advanced Modules 802.11 a/b training
Digital Sales certification

INTERESTS:
Art, jogging, cycling, squash, badminton and tennis.

EXCELLENT REFERENCES PROVIDED UPON REQUEST

All resumes can be tailored to suit this format. It is important to highlight all relevant achievements/experiences, preferably in dollar/percentage amounts, as well as keeping it short and to the point. Remember: an excellent resume should make an impression within 60 seconds.

Most people write their own resumes, others get professional help. However, it is easy to understand how to write a resume and successfully win a coveted position.

When writing a resume, it should include (in this order):

Name

Address

Phone number (s)

Email address

career objectives

summary of your highlighted achievements/experiences

Employment history - final position held, company name, dates of employment (years only), and bullet form-brief outline of valuable/related skills, responsibilities, training and major achievements; always use action words to start points (i.e. responsible for, directed, marketed, achieved, etc.)

Qualifications/education/memberships/certifications/seminars, etc. - qualification name, institution of study and dates of study (years only)

interests - extra-curricular activities

A good resume does not include personal opinions, sexual/family orientation or any details that are not relevant to the position (s) being applied for. If varied positions or industries are being sought then it is important to tailor a separate resume for each one. However, resumes should be kept to about 2 to 3 pages maximum, unless you have done contract work.

Other things that should not be included or used when writing a resume include:

Graphics/pictures

Strange fonts - always use Verdana or Times New Roman

Fonts that are too small or large - always use 12 point

Specific software, equipment or other things used unless absolutely applicable

Colored paper

Colored fonts - use black only

Always remember that a good resume should make you stand out from other candidates. Most employers or recruiters are overloaded with resumes and so if your resume does not catch their attention within the first sixty seconds of reading, you can guarantee that you will not get an interview.

The best approach when writing a resume is to research the company (s) that you are sending your resume to. This will help you assess what skills you possess that they might need or what you have that they could consider as an asset. First impressions are everything when job hunting, so ensure you avoid using any unnecessary jargon, excess wordage or irrelevant information.

You can learn how to write a resume by asking yourself questions as if you were an interviewer. By learning what a company does and is looking for, you can avoid sending resumes for positions that you are not qualified to do. Resume writing can be an easy task if you know how!