Resume Writing Tips

Recently, prior to my company's office closing, a colleague in another department sent out a mass email advertising her resume writing skills at the nominal fee of $30. Naturally she saw an opportunity and tried to capitalize. Unfortunately, her "skills" were unsubstantiated and her email was a dead giveaway. What should have been possessive was written as plural and vice versa. She was obviously not a writer.

Resume writing is not rocket science, but should not be left up to the guy/girl next door unless they are, at the very least, an able writer. If you have the money to do so, you may opt to utilize a professional resume writing service; they generally charge as much as $175, but you definitely get what you pay for. However, if money is an issue for you, you may want to use the following resume writing tips:

1. AppearanceCounts
Format is important as it allows the eye of the reader to travel seamlessly through the document. Margins should be no more than 1-inch all the way around. The font should be between 11 and 12 point in size and preferably Times New Roman, which is a pretty standard font because it is easy to read.

2. Get to the Point
A resume should only be as long as it needs to be. It is unnecessary to add words in order to "pump up" your experience. Simply state the facts about your talents and background as they relate to the job you are applying for. If all of that can reasonably fit on one page, your resume should only be one page long, not two.

3. It is Not What You Say, but How You Say It
Resume experts advise using "power words" to add impact to resume writing. The following are examples of text before and after using power words:

Before:
Handle a variety of accounting duties

After:
Compile and maintain accuracy of data related to payroll

Before:
Develop sales ideas

After:
Plan and implement sales concepts

Before:
Use a computer to create support materials

After:
Utilize [you may want to identify software most used here] software in the development of professionally printed support materials

4. Red, White or Blue?
While we may want to exhibit our personal flair by way of peach colored paper, lightly scented, for the purposes of obtaining an interview it is wise to stay away from flashy colors as well as fluorescents and darker grays and blues. They decrease the contrast between the ink and the paper. Instead, opt for ivory, off white or white.

Resume writing is simply marketing and a resume is nothing more than you on paper. The process requires thoughtfulness, accuracy and honesty - and spell check! Take heart, a well-done resume will no doubt land you the interview you deserve.

Read Steven Provenzano's "Slam Dunk Resumes" for more tips and samples.