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Build A Great Résumé

typingandsurveys — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:01:54 +0000

Building a great résumé is not simple. Start with the question, “What is a résumé?” Stupid question to ask you might think, but not quiet. If you are looking to create a résumé and regardless of whether you have made one before or this is the first time, forget everything you know about it and start afresh. Start with the first question about what is a résumé as that itself determines the shape that your résumé takes from here on.
A résumé has 2 main purpose:
1) Get you noticed when you résumé lies in a pile of a perhaps a 100 or more similar résumés applying for the same job. This means that while your qualifications and profile might be not very different from all other candidates, it should certainly be presented in a way that catches the idea.
2) Second purpose is to get you an interview. People do not get jobs based on their résumés but the interviews. So your résumés should be built in a manner to evoke enough interest and even curiosity from the person reading it to call you for an interview. Even if your qualifications and experiences are not much different from other applicants, you must realize that even the résumés have the power of presenting a person in a manner so as to get the employer interested enough to call you for an interview. You must learn to harness this great power and the potential of a résumé.

Basic Principles of A great Résumé

Being Concise
One of the most accurate aspects of a contemporary résumé. Latest research says that a recruiter, on an average, spends just about 10 seconds looking at each résumé. So that is all the time that you have to grab his / her attention. Remember, the idea of a résumé is to get that interview, not to get you the job. Avoid making a résumé lengthy and elaborate unless you have some very worthwhile credentials to fill it up with. Just try to get the recruiter’s attention. That is enough.
A single page résumés are appreciated. But if you need to use 2 make sure you put you basic details on the second page so that the more important aspects that will land you the interview are all there on the first one.
If you are using more than one page, use headers or footers with your name and phone number just in case the 2 pages should get separated.

Being Accurate & Honest
Nothing is more distasteful in a résumé than the implications of grandiosity and boastfulness. Do not exaggerate. Be very accurate. Do not stretch your qualifications and experiences. The people that are hired for HR development are experts and know more facets of employing the right people than you probably think. Not only are they knowledgeable about the field of work but can also read the psychology of a potential employee by the nature of his communication.
So if you are going to exaggerate, it is surely not going to help your cause any. Stick to the facts.
Never lie in a résumé. Employers verify everything that they do not know about your background and the prior experience. Even if the falseness of your résumé does not come out then, it had a very good chances of coming out anytime in the future.
The working community has become increasingly fluid. Do not believe that different companies and even competitor companies have no means of exchanging information. Not only do companies keep channels of communications open as far as verifying employee details are concerned, but people are frequently changing jobs. So never assume that your prior record is not accessible to the company where you are applying for a job.
If once you are labeled as someone who lies about their résumés, you will have a hard time bypassing that judgment every time you look for a job. No employer will hire someone who lies.

Focus of the Résumé
It natural, when writing a résumé, to focus on your achievements while describing your previous employment. Nothing wrong with this. In fact it is recommended. However, the approach to mentioning prior achievements can also differ.
While speaking of prior employment in your résumé speak from a employer’s point of view rather than your own.
Instead of writing of targets that you achieved, mention how the same targets benefited the company.

Being Neat
Nothing sends a wrong message to the employer quicker than an untidy résumé. No matter what your qualifications or ill suited you are to any job, the LEAST anyone can do is make sure that a résumé is neat.
Not only is it a matter of using good clean sheets and good quality printers, but also proper formatting of the résumé.
Print your résumé on fresh, plain white paper. If the paper is wrinkled, don’t use it.
There should be no stains on the paper. If there are throw it away immediately so that in the future if you need a copy urgently you only have the good ones. An untidy résumé is least likely to get the employer interested in you.
Hold your résumé up in front of you at arms length. Look at the shapes of the paragraphs on the paper. Are the margins equal? Is the spacing between paragraphs consistent?
Always check for spelling mistakes AND grammar. Never send in a résumé without running it with the spell checker on whichever word program you are using to type the résumé. Spelling mistakes are unforgivable. And yet, checking just the spelling in not enough. The grammar and the punctuation has to be just as immaculate.
The commonest mistake is that of changing tense in the sentence. Avoid using words like ‘you’re’ and ‘I’m’ instead of ‘you are’ and ‘I am’. Not only are you less likely to forget the punctuations but it is also better grammar.
Use common fonts and not a very fancy one. Stick to a regular size. Nothing less than point 12 in most cases.

Get it Reviewed
A typical result of having written something yourself and having gone over it repeatedly a few times is that you develop blind spots. No matter how carefully you go over it, you are liable to miss a few mistakes in terms of formatting and grammar.
Having someone proof read your résumé will save you from inadvertent errors.
Also this person should be someone who is knowledgeable about these matters and someone who will be honest in pointing out your mistakes and criticizing you where required.
You need to respect this person enough so as to listen to this criticism and learn from it.
Choosing the right person is essential as you want the right advice and not just what THAT person thinks is right.
Go over the criticism carefully and take whatever advice you need to from that.
There is no point in going to someone who will not give you an honest opinion.
It is recommended to go to someone uninvolved but even if the person is known to you can assure them that they need to be honest with you as it for your own good.
You can ask them questions yourself in order to get a better opinion on what you think might be problem areas.
Think like an employer and ask them whether they can see the things that an employer would like to see or the ones that you as a aspiring candidate wants them to see.

Stay Up To Date
Stay current and up to date with your résumé. Keep adding what ever new information that you need to. It is highly recommended that you actually create fresh résumés for each new job application. Change the focus on yourself according to the requirements of the job. This does not mean that you make them up, but approach them differently where the qualities that are best suited for that particular job are highlighted the most.
Definitely write a new cover letter for each new job. A cover letter is essential as not only does it give you the chance to address the recruiter and the employer on a one to one basis, but provides some latitude in making the right impression about yourself.

When Its Time For That Interview – Nail It!

typingandsurveys — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:35:16 +0000

Interviewers often make decisions about an applicant during the first few minutes and spend the interviewing time verifying their decision. Be ready to take advantage of that small amount of time to make a favorable impression. The following tips will help you create an all-around positive persona. Personal chemistry can be almost as important as job qualifications.

How to make a good first impression
Be ready: research the company, prepare questions, take work samples, have contact numbers handy for references—that you have already contacted and asked permission to use their names.
Review your notes to boost your confidence.
Arrive early
Take extra resumes
Be friendly and polite
Note how employees relate to one another, and how they dress
Greet the interviewer with a FIRM handshake [even if the interviewer is a woman] and a smile. Thank them, by name, for their time and the opportunity to meet them at the end of the interview.

Why you should fill out the application

Even if the information requested on the application duplicates the data on your resume, complete the entire form. It often is an indication of how well you follow instructions. The consistency of information provided may be necessary for the final hiring records.
Read through the application first. Determine what they are asking. Follow all directions explicitly. If the application states “print,” do so.
Never leave blanks or write “see resume.” Be specific; use notes and refer to your resume to be consistent.
Read disclaimers at the end of the application. They refer to references, employment requirements and other important information. Sign the application and be prepared to follow the rules indicated.
Inconsistent or incomplete information can result in dismissal after hire.

How to decide what to wear

Plan ahead so you have time to iron, go to the drycleaners, or buy something new. Trying to decide what to wear at the last minute can prove disastrous and make you late for the interview—in which case, it won’t matter how well turned out you are, you probably won’t get the job.

It’s acceptable to call the company and ask for information about its dress code. If you don’t want to call, there are a few simple rules to follow: avoid “Casual Friday” styles; clothing, hairstyles and accessories must fit the company image and the job—conservatism is always in good taste; wear very little jewelry; avoid fragrances in case of allergies; women should wear only clear or light-colored nail polish. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it’s pressed—and shine your shoes. (Wear comfortable shoes in case you are offered a tour of the facility). Your image a sign of your credibility, and employers expect you to be at your best.

When it’s your turn to ask questions

This is a very important part of the interview. Your questions indicate that you have researched the company and the job, and that you understand the employer’s goals.

Some Company-Related Examples

(All questions should come from the information you learned about the company during your research).
Are there any big changes in the company expected in the near future?
Is there room for me to progress?
What are the company’s priorities?
Are there any particular challenges the company is working to overcome?
How many employees work in my area? (Your research should have told you how many employees there are overall.)
Are there benefits available? Do I have a choice of benefits? When would I be eligible for each plan?
What is the company policy on vacation time?
Are there any opportunities to work anywhere else in the world?

Never ask about salary.

Some Job-Related Examples

(All questions should come from the information you learned about the company during your research).
Is this a newly created position?
Is there a formal training program? Is there someone to teach me my job?
How does this job fit into the overall goals of the company?
Who would be my manager?
Would I be able to work from home?
Do you offer flex hours?
Why did the last person leave?
Do you cover, or partially cover, the cost of any related courses?
Will there be any overnight conferences or traveling involved?
Will there be any overtime involved?

Source: QuickStudy.com

Do's And Dont's Of Building a Resume

typingandsurveys — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:30:02 +0000

Do…
Write brief phrases. Full sentences not necessary.
Start with a first draft. Expect to do several revisions.
Begin with a summary statement that describes the functional area of your work.
Use present tense in describing current job. All previous positions should be described using past tense.
Support all activities and responsibilities with results and accomplishments.
Describe specific responsibilities.
Summarize early employment by briefly describing your functions at the end of the resume.
Pick a resume format and be consistent. Dates should appear at the right side of the page.
Write out all numerals up to and including then number nine. Use the numerical form for 10 to 999,999.
Layout resume so that a job description or a sentence on the first page does not run over the second.

Do Not…
Do not use italics, dashes, or underlining to emphasize items and make them stand out.
Do not use abbreviations. Use professional and technical information when it is relevant.
Do not use odd-sized, bordered, or colored paper-anything that may be considered eccentric.
Do not include your picture.
Do not list references; reserve them for the interview.
Do not include personal data, marital status, number of children, or “excellent health.”
Do not devote more space to earlier jobs than to more recent employment. Employers are interested in most recent, relevant experience.
Do not list grade point average or college honors, unless you are a recent graduate.

How To Build A Resumé In The Right Format

typingandsurveys — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:23:36 +0000

Consider your resume your personal agent. It should represent you in the best possible light to a potential employer, promoting your skills, talents and experience. Successful resumes look polished, speak well, and tell the whole story in concise, articulate language. Every i must be dotted and every t must be crossed-one typing error or misspelled word could cost you a job. You should proofread your resume carefully on a hard copy, and then pass it someone else to scrutinize before you fax, mail, drop off or e-mail it. No matter how qualified you may be for a job, if your resume is not perfectly presented, it may not make it to the list of “potential candidates.”

Make sure to include all contact information, which these days may involve a variety of numbers including cell, phone and fax, and an e-mail address. Generally, this is placed at the top under your name.
You will find yourself submitting your resume physically with head hunters and placement agencies and also online with the several jobs and careers portals.

Employers now expect resumes to be presented in one of three standard formats, which are described below. And, depending upon your needs, there are a few additional ways to enhance the style you have chosen, such as including a quote from a reference letter. More enhancement ideas are outlined below.

There are three basic styles of resumes that employers expect to receive: chronological, functional and combination. Each one is organized differently and each has its pros and cons. The following descriptions will help you decide which one is most likely to land you a job in your field.

1) Chronological

In this style, you list your last job first, showing work experience in reverse chronological order.

Who should use:
This benefits those with much experience in a particular career.

Advantages:
Allows for different formatting to include key words and career highlights.
Human Resources interviewers, recruiters, and employers seem to prefer this format.
Easiest to prepare since it is arranged by titles, companies and dates.

Disadvantages:
Reveals employment gaps. (It is recommended that any gaps are explained in your cover letter, such as family responsibilities or educational opportunities.
May not emphasize areas that you want to show off.
Skills and achievements at last position must match current position search.

2) Combination

This style combines the skills and achievement section from the functional format with the employment history listing from the chronological format.

Who should use:
This is a good format for almost anyone; however, re-entry people, recent graduates and career changers find it particularly useful. It must be well written and laid out, however, to keep an employer’s attention.

Advantages:
Provides opportunity to emphasize the applicant’s most relevant skills and abilities.
Order of sections on the combination resume can be changed to market yourself in the best possible light.
Provides opportunity to highlight skills, while showing evidence of employment.
Good tool for almost anyone; however, re-entry people, recent college graduates and career changers find it particularly useful.

Disadvantages:
Employers lose interest quickly unless it is very well written and attractively laid out.

3) Functional

This style focuses on achievements.

Who should use:
Job seekers with specific skill sets and re-entry people and recent grads may find this style effect.
Organizes work experience into skill clusters.
Dates and places of employment are left out.
A special section, Analysis of Experience, is written instead of listing employment history. Usually, three to four areas are emphasized, showing results and accomplishments.
Sections may be arranged in any order.

Advantages:
Stresses selected skills and experience areas that are marketable or in demand.
Helps to camouflage a spotty employment record.
Allows the applicant to emphasize professional growth.
Positions not related to current career goals can be down played.

Disadvantages:
Employers are careful, and they may want to see additional work history information.
This type does not allow you to highlight companies or organizations for which you have worked.