10 Tips For Writing A Professional Resume


1. Start with an attractive layout. Use bold and italics to
highlight key points.

I do not recommend downloadable templates because they are very
generic and dull. Get creative but not crazy. You can use a
little touch of color if you are modest.

2. Justify the text instead of using left align.

Most people are accustomed to reading justified text. This will
make your résumé easy to follow.

3. Choose a common font. Times New Roman, Arial, and Verdana
are some of the best fonts for a résumé.

Now is not the time to experiment. Most computers do not have
600 different fonts installed so the file will not read
correctly if you use your decorative fonts.

Do not use cutesy graphics such as candy canes or teddy bears
if you want to be taken seriously.

- Yes, I have really received a résumé with teddy bears and
candy canes on it.

It is NOT appropriate for business correspondence, and I
guarantee your résumé will be canned if you do this.

4. Do not use the word "I" in your résumé. Start each sentence
with a powerful verb.

- Organized annual student symposium by securing speakers and
working closely with marketing department executives.

- Implemented production bonus incentives and "best practices"
matrix for all divisions raising overall productivity by as
much as 40%.

5. Write a proper cover letter for each position you apply to.
Do not ever send out a résumé without a cover letter.

This is basic business etiquette. Personalize each cover letter
directly to the position you are applying to. A generic cover
letter will not work to your benefit. If possible, address the
letter directly to a person. If you do not know the hiring
managers name, use "Hiring Manager".

6. Print your résumé and read it word for word.

You can use the grammar and spell check function, but don't
rely on it.

7. When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained
your degree.

When you list your dates of attendance, many résumé scanning
systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only
that you attended college for a period.

8. Deactivate all e-mail links and web addresses in your résumé
and cover letter.

To do this in MS Word, highlight the link with your mouse, go
to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click
"Hyperlink", and on the lower left-had side of this screen
there should be a little button that says "Remove link", when
you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively,
you can highlight the link with your mouse, right click on it,
and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.

9. Be consistent!

For example, don't list one date as 1/2004 and then list
another date as 9/22/2004.

List software consistently. MS Word and Microsoft Excel are
both correct, but not consistent when used together.

10. Adhere to punctuation and capitalization rules.

Use a reference manual if you do not understand standard
punctuation and capitalization rules.

Post your resume and Let employers know you.
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About the Author: Jennifer Anthony is the owner of
http://www.ResumeASAP.com, offering professional and affordable
resume writing services. She also moderates the forums over at
http://free-resume-advice.com/resume-advice/index.php Come
visit us if you need resume advice or have specific questions
about your resume. E-mail: jenn@resumeasap.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com