Preparing an effective resume. Your resume is vital in giving that positive and memorable first impression of you. Spend the necessary time preparing your resume to ensure it represents you accurately and positively and it will open more opportunities for you during your job search.
Structure & Format
An effective resume has a structure that allows the reader to know exactly where to look for particular details. Your name and contact details will appear at the top followed by a brief “Objective and Summary of Experience”. For more details, please refer to our Resume Builder.
Also, remember that positions are listed starting with the most recent and working backwards, and that any change in division or position needs to be detailed on a separate line and in such a way as to ensure the person screening can clearly identify the position or promotion as part of the same organization.
Your resume should never be written in the first person. Describe your objective, for example, as “To obtain a management position in accounting that fully utilizes my skill and experience”, rather than “I want a position in accounting that fully utilizes my skill and experience”.
Be sure to maintain a consistent format throughout the document. For example, if you began by listing a position, title and department on one line, use that format for every listing.
Content
A resume has to grab the reader’s attention and convey your message quickly and easily. Use clear, concise language and when describing duties, for example, be specific and give examples. It is not enough to say: Managed many overseas plant construction projects. Specify the number of large and small projects and summarize the scope of responsibilities. For example: Responsible for all aspects of scheduling, procurement, human resources and budget control. Avoid clutter, and leave out personal or irrelevant information.
Be sure to list every full-time position that you have held, and never give false information or exaggerate for any reason. Interviewers may ask you about anything on your resume, so make sure you can confidently and comfortably explain every aspect of the document.
Update regularly
When applying for a new position, never simply submit a copy of the resume you used last time. Check each fact for accuracy and relevance and add all pertinent new information. You should clearly show the date on which your current resume was compiled.
Check, check, and check again
Don’t spoil your wonderfully structured and informative document with simple errors in spelling or grammar. Invest a generous amount of time and effort in reading through and proofreading it carefully. Also, ask a native speaker of the language of the resume to check your final draft.
You may also want to ask trusted friends whether they feel the document is as informative as possible, whether it looks professional and whether it leaves a good impression on them.
Always
Be specific
Give examples
Proofread
Revise your resume for every application
Never
Include irrelevant information
Use complicated language
Exaggerate
Delete any full-time work experience