May 2010 Topic - Writing a good resume is extremely important to finding a job in todays economy

1. Proofread & Review Work
2. Make your resume reader friendly.
3. Use Common Sense & Sell Yourself
4.Be Honest & clear on the basics

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Tips to Writing the Perfect Resume

A resume is a crucial step in obtaining any position. You need to sell yourself within a few words on a piece of paper. If your resume does not catch the employer's attention it will be placed in the trash. Keep in mind companies are getting inundated with job seekers.

A critical point to bear in mind is you are not trying to get hired through the resume. One of the most costly mistakes made by applicants is giving too much information, which in turn makes the resume long and boring. Employers are reading through hundreds, even thousands of resumes daily they are just looking for important facts and skills related to the potential job position. The intention of your resume is to get you an interview, and the purpose of the interview is to land the job.

Digital databases have become increasingly popular over the past few years. It used to be that only large companies took advantage of this system. Most recently though studies have shown that smaller companies have began to utilize this technology as well. The purpose of digital databases is to sift through thousands of resumes within minutes. It eliminates the need for someone to take their time to find qualified candidates. The databases pick out resumes based on keywords. Keywords are imperative in ensuring that the prospective employer reviews your resume. Resumes that do not have the keywords in them will never be considered. You will want to study the job ad to see what specifically is being looked for. Keywords are generally nouns.

A huge mistake people make is thinking one size fits all. Tailor your resume depending on the job being applied for. You will want to add specific experience and skills for any job you are trying to secure. Research the job area you are applying for to make yourself aware of the challenges that that industry encounters. Once you have done this apply it to your resume. Base your skills and experience on how you can benefit the company in alleviating the difficulties they face.

Understandably resumes take a lot of time to put together. It is recommended to keep the basis of the resume the same, however change a few minor pieces and it may help you attain the job opening you are dreaming of.

Throughout this newsletter we will review ways to perfect your resume and make your job-hunting a little easier. The economy and job market are not going to get better overnight. However, with a little time and some resume skills you may just land the position you have been hoping for.

1.Proofread Your Work

Remember this is how the employer is judging you. You do not want to look like you are not critiquing your work. Any kind of careless mistake could mean the resume reader will disregard you for the position.

1. Concentrate on the document. Try to avoid distractions, such as a television or cell phone. Find a quiet place to sit and read the document slowly and carefully.

2. Do not proofread on the computer. Many of us take advantage of the computer to compose our resume, which is the most practical way to draft a resume. It not only ensures it is eligible but also gives it a professional look. Once you have completed the document and taken advantage of the spell check option, it is strongly suggested to print out the resume. Regardless whether you realize it or not you will read it more carefully on paper than on the computer. It is recommended to read it out loud. Often times your ear can catch any errors that your eyes may have missed.

3. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A vital mistake is homonyms. A homonym is word that sounds exactly like another, but has a completely different meaning such as weather & whether. Use commas and semicolons when necessary. You don't want to have any run on sentences.

4. Get a second opinion. Have someone knowledgeable proofread your resume. Another person may pick up on things that you overlooked. Furthermore they will be able to tell you if you have missed any critical points.

5. Sleep on it. Believe it or not people who put it away and look at it the next day will most likely edit the document. It will give you time to clear your head and start fresh the following day with new ideas or suggestions.

Make your resume reader friendly.

The last thing you want is a potential employer to look at a bunch of words on a piece of paper and sigh. Many businesses that are hiring do not have the time or energy to read a bunch of paragraphs. Less is best in describing your skills and how you are an asset. Take advantage of bullet points or numbering options. Be sure to space out the resume. Use double space, even if it means going on to a second page. You want your resume to be as legible as possible.

A resume should be factual and to the point. The most important information should always be listed first. Past job experiences are the most significant so list that first. Following that should be any other important skills that pertain to the position being applied for.

3. Use Common Sense & Sell Yourself!

Any employer will tell you that they have had resumes that gave them a chuckle. You do not want that resume to be yours. Avoid phrases like "available for an interview" or "references upon request". Obviously the fact that you are submitting a resume would suggest that you are available for an interview or would provide references.

Avoid using slang in your resume. You want to come off as an education professional. The moment you use slang you are degrading yourself and lessening your chances of getting hired.

In addition to slang, try to avoid using technical terms. Assume that the person reading it is not familiar with the industry as thorough as you are. If you use a technical term it may come off to that person as a misspelling or simply not make sense. If that is the case you may have just decreased your chances of the resume getting passed along to the final decision maker. Save your technical expertise for the interview.

Be positive throughout the resume and into the interview. No company or person for that matter wants to know how horrible your old boss was or that you prefer to work alone. Remember you want to give off the vibe that you are a team player and respect your past and future job opportunities.

3.Sell Yourself!

Use adjectives and phrases to commend your achievements in the past. Depending on the occupation you are trying to obtain list why you are an asset and give examples from previous work experiences. For instance, if you are applying for a teaching job, state that in the past you had achieved teacher of the month twice that year since your class ranked highest in state test scores.

If applicable use specific numbers. This will be very helpful in sales positions. For example, you are applying for a sales position with IBM; advise them you increased revenue sales by 56% in the first quarter alone. It is more enticing when readers see numbers rather than a general statement, like "I increased sales".

Furthermore do not feel obligated to list every past work experience. You won't land an executive job because you were a server ten years ago. On the flip side if you worked for a well respected CEO and reported to that person be sure to list that. Only note job experiences that apply to the job you are applying for. If you are new to the working world list any internships and degrees that you have completed or will complete. Also any clubs, sororities or organizations will prove that you are a team player and give back to the community. Facts like that show that you are a team player, which is important in any line of work.

4.Honesty is the best policy always.

Sounds like common sense, but you would be amazed to find out how many applicants lie on their resumes or applications. Note to self the majority of companies will do a background check. Not being truthful about anything will eliminate your chances of ever getting hired or even an interview for that matter.

Be clear on the basics.

Your name and contact info should be listed at the top. It is suggested to list this information in bold text and even larger text. If your resume exceeds one page list the contact information on all pages.

The Internet is a great source to find resume templates. Nevertheless the majority of people use this avenue in choosing their template. Do not copy and paste it exactly. You want your resume to stand out from the others. Use the suggestions provided to get an idea, but refrain from using the standard templates.

Many employers will require you to email your resume. Word documents are generally acceptable as an attachment. On the other hand some companies have firewalls that will not allow attachments. It is a good idea to have your resume formatted in a text version so that you can put it in the body of an email. Having these two options available immediately will make it accessible when requested.

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Got a question? Then contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310 United conducts regular seminars on financial education, including "How to Budget", come along and join us. To reserve your seat contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310

Newsletter 05
Rev.1
May, 2010