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There is a lot to consider when writing your resume. You don’t want to miss an opportunity for an interview by offering a less than stellar result. In her blog, Hire Someone to Write Your Resume, career advice blogger and author Penelope Trunk refers to a resume as a “complicated sales document and also a piece of direct mail.” That said, here are my top 5 Resume Do’s and Don’ts…DO
Remember that your resume is a marketing piece, not a laundry list. Sell yourself; don’t just list what you’ve done.
Focus on transferable skills and quantifiable accomplishments. Determine the employer’s key words and incorporate them. Include soft skills, otherwise known as emotional intelligence. Use strong, active language that helps the reader picture you working for them.
Design your resume to be easy to read and scan – both with software and the eye. Remember that the typical first read allows a 10-second glance. (Some say 7 seconds is all you get!) Make it count by using white space, bullet points and bold, appealing design elements. Ensure that your resume is error free.
Target your resume to the employer. Do NOT zap your generic resume to 100 different online job postings. If you do not personalize your resume to include key words, you may be wasting your time sending it at all.
Be precise. Although the “one-page” rule no longer applies for all employers, it is important to narrow your information to include the most important material. (Typically, two pages are plenty.) Employers do not want to wade through a lot of extraneous information.
DON’T
Use “I, me or my” in your resume. The first-person is implied. Don’t use the phrase “responsibilities included” or “responsible for.” These are passive ways to structure your information.
Don’t use an objective. Your objective is to get the job, so you are wasting space in the very important real estate of your resume – the top! Attract readers with a targeted “Accomplishments,” “Highlights,” or similarly named section. Don’t list “References upon request.” This is assumed.
Don’t include ANY personal information such as age, gender, religion, marital status, social security number, weight, etc. In the U.S., do not include a picture on your resume. All of this information is inappropriate and will make you seem dated and unaware of correct resume etiquette.
Don’t rely on standard resume templates, especially from your word processing program. Don’t copy text from sample resumes posted on the web. You are unique; your resume should be distinctive.
Don’t ever lie on a resume. Present the best possible image consistent with the truth.
I will design and write a resume that captures your skills and accomplishments and sells your skills!
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Article by Miriam Salpeter
Miriam Salpeter, author of Social Networking for Career Success, is a CNN-named "top 10 job tweeter" and contributor to U.S. News & World Report's "On Careers" column. Quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and NBC news for her cutting-edge career advice, Miriam is an in-demand writer and speaker regarding job search and social media. She offers custom packages for job seekers and business owners, including transforming resumes and creating social media profiles/personal websites for clients. Keppie Careers has you covered. Let's get started!
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I landed an interview within a week! They really like my resume. Thanks for all of your help!
— Julie RI had an interview yesterday with a company that I'm very excited about. I had sent them a version of the resume we worked on about a week ago, and they responded back within 24 hours asking for an interview! Thanks for everything!
— Lauren BI floundered around for months, unemployed and without knowing what to do. Then, you revised my resume and wrote my cover letters and interview invitations started streaming in! I can't THANK YOU enough for all that you've done to encourage and support me in this tough time.
— Noel POur mock interview really narrowed down my weaknesses. Thanks for your great suggestions to improve. I'm much more confident and ready to take on my next job interview now!
— Alex MI never thought it would happen, but I found a job! Your resume must have done the trick, because I've been looking so long and nothing! I'll be happy to tell my friends to contact you when they need help! Thanks so much!
— Cathy F(Before we worked together) I felt like I had no skills, that no one would look twice at my resume, let alone hire me, and I should just give up before I even start. Now I feel amazing! You helped me remember that I am good at something, and that I do have some marketable skills. Actually, for the first time in a while, I feel good about what I'm saying about myself. (Now I'm getting all weepy). So again, thank you!
— Kelly LOur conversation served as great job interview practice. (Miriam) asks some tough, thought-provoking questions!
— Andrew RYou helped me reach for a promotion and get it! My new resume stood out among many other applicants and made my organization take a second look at me. I now understand that I am more marketable than I thought. I can define my strengths and skills, and I feel better about my career now that I know what I have to offer and where to focus my energies. Thanks so much!
— Jeff RAfter being out of the work force for over four years, I was lost when facing the task of updating my resume. Keppie Careers was a life-saver! We all have skills and talents; however, getting them on paper in a way that pops out to potential employers is an art. Thanks to Keppie Careers, I now have a polished, professional and very well written resume and have found the perfect job! Thank you for your outstanding service!
— Monica MMiriam, I must tell you again how pleased I am with what you've done for my resume so far. When I'm lying awake at night worrying about my future, I feel better when I read about my accomplishments as you've set them out so far. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
— Gloria MYou were so kind and thoughtful. I knew from reading your blog that you would be able to help me. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to using my transformed resume!
— Shelly CMiriam understands the frustration of the twenty-something trying to pursue a career and has devoted herself to helping others achieve their goals. My correspondence with Miriam has resulted in not only a renewed determination in the pursuit of my career, but also in a remarkable transformation for both my resume and, perhaps most importantly, confidence in myself.
— Susan PI'm hardly a religious person, but I must bless you for all the inspiration and support you've given me. What you do is very special. I hope earthly rewards will follow, because you deserve them.
— Gloria MI am very pleased and excited by the results so far. This process has been a great "shot in the arm" for my confidence. Again, thank you for the kind words and the advice. This resume gives me a great foundation for my story in the interview. It was a pleasure working with you and I will keep you informed of my progress as well as recommend your services to whomever I meet. Thanks again!
— David TI did get a job offer today based on my new resume - more than I had in 1 month with the old resume! (Received this email within 48 hours of delivering new resume!)
— Andi D
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