RESUMES 101
(Resume Writing Strategies)

Here is advice on the basics of resume writing to help you review your resume so it makes a powerful first impression within the first 10 seconds.

Resume definition and purpose

A resume is nothing more than an advertisement that tells the reader who you are and what you can offer. It is a marketing tool that can make you stand out.

As a sketch of your career history it will show:

• your talents
• your skills and competencies
• your achievements

Your resume should also highlight what you personally can take credit for along the way.

For example: Executive Assistants all have similar duties or responsibilities. What you need to give emphasis to are your achievements/accomplishments within the framework of your position.

Format

The layout must appear inviting. You need to decide on a format based on where you want to focus the interviewers’ attention.

Chronological Format: This format emphasizes employment history. It is used when you are continuing your current career path. Many employers think this is the ideal format.

Functional Format: This is a format that highlights your experience, skills and areas of expertise. It’s best used when changing career paths. The list of work history is more concise and is separated from your achievements.

Achievement/Accomplishment Format: This is a combination of Chronological and Functional format that shows that the reader your significant value to the organization.

What is important to hiring managers is an achievement/accomplishment driven resume that will show you as a pro-active candidate that will demonstrate the value that you offer the organization.

Action words/skills Worksheet >>

Alternatives to commonly used phrases

Avoid overused and clichéd phrases. Whenever possible include specific, measurable achievements and concrete numbers that are result-oriented. Here are some commonly overused phrases and samples of better alternatives

Don’t say
• "Excellent Communication Skills"
  
  
• "Thrive in fast-paced environment"
  
  
• "Work well under pressure"
  
  
• Possess great leadership skills
  
  
• "Real decision-maker"
  
  
• "Achievement-oriented"
  
  
• "Outstanding leadership skills"
  
  
• "Success-oriented"

Instead
• Possess superior communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Give a concrete example of an accomplishment that demanded fast-paced activity
• Give a specific example of a pressured situation where you performed well
• Provided decisive, proactive leadership in project situations;
• Give one example of a decision you made that brought desirable, measurable results
• Fill your resume with specific, measurable achievements
• Give an example of a project that you led that produced outstanding results
• Document several big successes

“I”, ‘my” or “me” are other errors commonly found. They are pronouns which should be eliminated. Instead of “I coordinated the scheduled……”, write “Coordinated the scheduled…..”.

Use the thesaurus to eliminate redundancy.

Strategies

Pros
• Include a brief career profile that summarizes your skills and highlights your accomplishments.
• Use industry related key words as well as action words (see worksheet).
• Write a powerful statement that specifies the challenges you faced and the solution or action you took to alleviate that challenge.
• Include the positions you had for the last 5-10 years – maximum 15 years.
• Stress past accomplishments and skills you used to get results.
• Focus on information that’s relevant to your career.
• Keep the overall length to two pages.
• Make sure your resume is easy to read.
• Edit and proof read and then do it again.

Cons
• Don’t include personal references. They will be requested only if you are seriously being considered for the position.
• If you are requested to mail your resume rather than send it online, use the standard 8 ½ x 11 inch paper in white or beige.
• Omit any references to your life that are not business related. That includes hobbies, sports, marital status, age or race. Salary history reason for leaving your previous position, military service or membership in outside social organizations.
• Do not include salary history.
• Don’t include a photograph of yourself. Remember this is a marketing tool. All information should be business related.

A good resume is only the first step in the hiring process.

These basics will be able to help you create a resume that will be noticed and reviewed because it will stand out from the rest.