Resume Techniques

Any employer wants to know: “How can you solve my problem”? Your resume should sell your strengths and qualifications, and answer this question. A resume is your marketing tool, communicating your career objective and value to a hiring company. A strong resume is carefully planned and developed in an appropriate format designed to showcase your experience and accomplishments in direct relation to the job you are applying for.

Your resume is the first contact with a prospective employer and you do not want it to be your last.


Here are some tips for writing an effective resume:

• Don’t list your life history, employers are not interested. Be concise as they will not spend time reading reams of paper.
   
• Accuracy counts : Get spelling, names and phone numbers right.
   
• Be honest in order to build trust. There is no chance of a job interview without it.
   
• First impressions count! Have a polished, professional look to your resume.
   
• Review your work carefully. Have others review it. Does it say what you want to do?
   
• Emphasise achievements and relatable skills. They are more meaningful then a long list of job responsibilities
   

Basic formatting rules:

• Enlarge and bold your name at the top.
   
• Use an Arial or Times New Roman font (or similar).
   
• Font size no smaller then 11pt or larger then 12pt, except for names and headings.
   
• Avoid using “I, He, She, His, Her” in any sentence, and never list salaries.
   
• Use pictures and graphics sparingly unless you are in the creative field.
   
• Leave out personal data, photos, and unrelated hobbies.
   
• Use volunteer and community activity if you have limited work experience.
   

Review, Review, and review again!