Resume Advice

Many talented job seekers have missed precious interview opportunities due to a poorly written resume. We believe that the underlying critical success factor to obtaining a satisfying and enriching career is the possession of a powerful resume. Regardless of what industry you are from, years of experience you have or the type of job you are applying for, you will definitely need a well written resume.

Spend time on analyzing and writing your resume which is effective and generates high interview invitations. This is the goal of any well-written resume to stand out. Rethinking and re-writing your out dated resume is the best time investment you can make for your career.

Every resume is a one-of-a-kind marketing communication. The objective of a good resume is to win you the interviews.

Start By Choosing The Format of your Resume

Chronological Format

This is the most commonly used resume format and as the name suggests that this is a style of resume in which it  lists your education and experience in reverse chronological order, by placing your most recent items first.  Most resumes are variations of the chronological format.
  
Functional format

 A functional resume combines the skills you have from a variety of experiences – Professional roles, student jobs, volunteer work, teaching experience and projects - and groups these skills by category of skills that relate to the kind of job you're aiming to get hired for. This resume format is usually used when a traditional resume just doesn't make the candidate look good even though he may have the right skills.

Combined

A combined resume includes elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It may have shorter job descriptions preceded by a short "Skills and Accomplishments" section or, it may be a standard functional resume with the accomplishments under headings of different jobs held.

Choosing a Resume Format

Choose a combination of features which highlight your key strengths, credentials and support your objective.
Any person in any profession can use either or a combination of both types.
If you are unsure of which resume highlights your skills, start with a traditional chronological style.
Show your resume around and get it critiqued before you start your job applications.

Creating the Content

Start by creating the main headings. The content of the resume is going to get the attention of the reader. The descriptions you include of your skills and abilities will determine how many interviews you generate.

Include specific information instead of a generalized phrase.
Use numbers and figures to quantify and describe achievements where they can be disclosed.
Use power verbs and action phrases generously throughout the body of a resume.
Keep in mind the potential employer’s objective.
Study job advertisements and use key words which are relevant to your role.
Review your resume for grammatical and spelling errors.

Resume Review and Employer Applications

Get a few people to review your resume who can suggest improvements or point out obvious mistakes which you may have overlooked. Pick and choose opportunities which are part of your career progression. Every time you send your resume you increase your chances of getting a good opportunity. Send your resume to opportunities at your level and take a risk by applying to positions just above your current role which may seem like a stretch.