UMass Amherst Alumni Association
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Career Tips: Resumes Done Right Get Noticed
A well-done resume can give a job search candidate a foot in the door while a poorly written one can do just the opposite--close doors to new opportunities. So how do today's job seekers ensure their resumes don't end up in a company's "circular file?" Job seekers can follow a few simple guidelines to create a resume that will stand out.
A resume should never be vague. The career objective, in particular, should be very clearly communicated since the average resume is scanned in about 60 seconds by recruiters and hiring managers who are pressed for time. Some tips on how to create a stand out resume include:
Communicate that you can do the job: Many people talk about their personal qualities (i.e., "I'm a team player."). Although these are important, they don't show prospective employers you can get the job done.
Summarize your experience: Under your objective, summarize your experience to show you have the skills to succeed.
List experience in chronological order: List your professional experience, beginning with your most recent position. Under each include a brief statement about your job responsibilities, but focus on what you've accomplished.
Think about what makes you special: Consider what qualities make you the right person for the job and then communicate them.
Position your education last: Unless you're a recent college graduate, list your education at the end of your resume.
Reveal your qualifications, but don't go overboard: Your resume should have plenty of white space and a large enough font and margins so that it's pleasant to look at and easy to read.
Don't always follow the one-page rule: Most candidates squeeze their resumes onto one page. However, if a hiring manager likes the first page of a resume, he or she will read more. At the same time, if the first half isn't appealing, he or she will toss it aside.
Avoid a few other resume downfalls: Don't use the word "I" or "my" in your resume, print on both sides of a piece of paper or explain why you no longer have a job. It's a given that today's companies downsize, so an explanation isn't necessary.
These Career Tips are brought to you by the UMass Amherst Alumni Association and CareerTools®Â
