Resume Advice that Works

Handing out resumes can become frustrating when you receive no or few inquiries from employers. Before joining the masses of the discouraged, take a second look at your resume. With a bit of tweaking you could set your resume apart from the heap. Connect with your dream career by presenting a crisp, clean resume to potential employers. Stop worrying about your resume landing in the trash can.

Proofread

The devil is truly in the details. You must proofread your resume even if a professional completed yours. You would not believe how many interviewers toss out paperwork just because a word is misspelled. Check for bad grammar and verb usage. For a professional looking resume, write in second person. Verify that your address and contact information are correct. It does little good for an employer to call if your number is wrong.

Professional Name

Just because everyone calls you "Sissy" or "Little Man" does not mean it belongs a resume. Stick with your professional name, the same name that appears on your Social Security card. If embarrassed by a first or last name, use an initial. Sound professional and you'll look more professional.

Hire a Pro

Talking about yourself effectively challenges some people. If this is you, hire a professional resume writer. The pro can pick the right words and help you create an attention-grabbing resume. Hiring a professional could be the cutting edge you need.

Be An Expert

Everyone is an expert in something, even you. Intensive training, a proven track record of experience all combine to make you an expert. Don't claim to know stuff you don't, but you may probably be surprised what you do know. Make a list of all the tasks you accomplished at your previous job. Take note of any task patterns and include your newly found expertise on your resume.

Keep It Brief

Your resume should be as brief as possible. Don't add words to your resume just to make it look longer. A long-winded rambling paper is no fun to read much less meeting the person who wrote it. Edit your work and cut away extraneous words like "very" or "then."

Brag On Your Accomplishments

Feel free to brag on your accomplishments. If you won the "Man of the Year," include that. Breaking a cycling record, earning an award, even quitting smoking are all notable accomplishments. Include those in your "Interests" section.