Writing a resume that gets results

Making your resume stand out from among hundreds of others can be a challenge. The fact is that you have only a few seconds to grab the reader's attention. If they spot something interesting, you may get a little closer review. If not, your resume may be discarded with a stack of others, never to be seen again. So how can you entice the reader to keep reading? Here are a few proven strategies:

Use titles that match the job you want. Rather than saying you are looking for an accounting position, be more specific. What type of accounting position are you looking for? General accounting? Tax accounting? Payroll accounting? While you may have experience that qualifies you for any of these jobs, the employer is only looking for experience relevant to the position they are hiring for. A perfect match to the title they are looking for will more effectively grab their attention than a non-related one.

Use numbers and power words. Be clear and concise throughout your resume. When appropriate, include specific numbers. Did you help reduce overhead costs within your department? Did you increase sales? Did you consistently exceed your sales quota? Great! Put a number with it to make it measurable. Also replace more passive words with stronger, action-oriented words. Instead of saying "responsible for" repeatedly, substitute power words such as directed, managed, or implemented. Power words highlight results instead of responsibilities.

Proofread, proofread, proofread! This is perhaps the most important thing you can do. Even one minor spelling mistake shows a lack of attention to detail and can instantly move your resume into the discard pile. Let me say this again - proofread your resume. Make sure the font is consistent throughout, words are spelled and used correctly. It is a good idea to have someone else review your resume for you.

Omit irrelevant or assumed information. There is no need to include information about your hobbies, your age, or other personal information (other than contact information) unless it is specifically asked for. This takes up valuable space and most hiring managers are not interested anyway. There is also no need to include phrases such as "references available upon request" or "available for interview". Most people reading your resume will assume that you are available for an interview and willing to provide references.

If you are interested in more tips to help fine-tune your resume, please join us for our telephone seminar on Wednesday, April 29th at 8 PM Central. We will discuss these tips and many others as well as allow for questions and discussion. For more information, click here.

Any comments or tips that you would like to share with other readers? Feel free to send us your thoughts!


Coach April
Nexus Coaching Partners
"Bringing Inspiration to Life!"
www.nexuscoachingpartners.com