How To Write A Resume

Resumes are used mostly by North Americans in domestic job hunting.

The North American job search process is very commercial. Looking for jobs in the USA is much like selling a product - you are selling yourself. Therefore, your resume is a marketing tool, which must be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

The standard resume is between 1 and 2 pages long, however a resume for a mid-career executive may be as long as 3-4 pages.

The resume should focus on past accomplishments, expressed in terms as concretely as possible (e.g. number of people managed, amount of increased sales or improved customer satisfaction).

There are various formats of resume writing:

Regardless of the format you choose the focus of your resume should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview.

Nevertheless, whichever resume you chose, it must be targeted and scannable because it:

Maximizes the computer's ability to "read" your resume.
Maximizes your ability to get hits.

Recruiters and managers access the resume database in many ways. When searching for specific experience, they will search for key words or phrases, usually nouns such as engineer, BA, marketing, Society of ..., Spanish (language fluency), Los Angeles, etc.

So, describe your experience with concrete words rather then vague descriptions. For example, it is better to use "managed a team of engineers" then "responsible for managing ...".

Use enough key words to define your skills, experience, education, affiliations, etc. More skills and facts (key words) you provide, the more opportunities (hits) you will match or generate.

Carefully consider what to leave out of your resume. Do not add details about yourself or your past experience that may call attention to your weaknesses or ability to do the job.

It is advantageous not to submit business references with your application but mention that they are available on request only.

Keep the most important information near the top of your resume. When they receive a resume electronically, the look of it does not matter as much as when it is on paper.

In your resume use common heading such as: Objective, Experience, Work History, Employment, Positions Held, Examinations, Skills, Certifications, Appointments, Summary, Accomplishments, Strengths, Education, Professional Affiliations, Publications, Licenses, Honors, Miscellaneous, etc.

Use enough resume key words to define your skills, experience, education, affiliations, etc. More skills and facts (key words) you provide, the more opportunities (hits) you will match or generate.

The resume key words and phrases table may help with organizing your resume statements. They convey involvement and accomplishments making your resume more readable and effective.

Increase your list of key words by including specifics. For example, list the names of software you use such as Microsoft Word or Lotus 1-2-3.

Describe your experience with concrete words rather then vague descriptions. For example, it is better to use "managed a team of engineers" then "responsible for managing ...".

Use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry (spell out the acronyms for human readers).

Be concise and truthful.

Focus on results not on duties and responsibilities.

Use more then one page resume if necessary. The computer can easily handle multiple-page resumes. It uses all of the information it extracts from your resume to determine if your skills match available positions. It allows you to provide more information than you would for a human reader.

If you have extra space, describe your interpersonal traits and attitude. Key words could include: skill in time management, dependable, leadership, sense of responsibility, able to work under pressure, quick learning, good memory, etc.

In addition to your e-mail address, include your regular phone number (and fax number, which you should try to arrange to have) on your resume. This gives potential employers the option of contacting you in the way they prefer. Even if they never e-mail or fax you, it leaves a positive impression that you are up-to-date. Remember - every advantage helps.

Keep resumes consistent in format, style and language.

Check the spelling and grammar of your resume or cv . Use the word processor's spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation or English language usage errors or if you need help in organizing your resume, bring it to a professional for assistance.

If you have a difficulty with your resume writing, try Professional Resume Writing Services.

Stop writing your resume the hard way. Instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use one of these “fill in the blanks” The Amazing Resume Creator.

Other How To Write A Resume Info

Now to finalize your job search, if your cover letter and CV / resume are ready, you may email them through our international job search engine to job recruiters and executive headhunters.

In addition, on international job search, international cover letter, international CV / resume and international job interview pages, you will find very useful tips for many different countries.

Good luck with how to write a resume!