Additional Tips on
How to Write a Resume

Now that you have an idea of how to structure and write a resume, read these additional tips as a finish-up to your work.

You have written your resume. To your untrained eye, it looks pretty good to you. So you are ready to send it out. Unfortunately, a successful resume isn’t dependent on whether or not you like it, but on the opinion of hiring managers. As a result, you have to look at your resume from an employer’s perspective. -ArticleCity.com

Do's & Don'ts of a Resume

Do:

• Use letter size, light-colored professional paper which is normally a little thicker than plain white paper. It can be easily purchased at stores like Office Depot or Amazon. See the images below to purchase right away.
• Remember to have a professional e-mail address. Managers will not take you seriously if your e-mail address is sugarpie@yahoo.com... Sign up for an e-mail with your full name. See our Resume Heading page here for some examples.
• Make sure your font is simple. You can use other types than Arial or Times New Roman, but don't be fancy.
• Adjust margins and paragraphs evenly throughout the whole page.
• Revise your resume each time you apply for a different position to fit the company's requirements.

For example, you're looking for a marketing position, but one company is in fashion and the other is a nonprofit. You would change the objectives this way:

"An entry-level marketing role in the field of fashion."
"An entry-level marketing role in a nonprofit organization."

Revise a few qualifications as well to what the company is looking for.

Don't:

• Use first-person, like "I" and "My".
This an absolutely BIG mistake to make. Using first-person in your resume can make you look very unknowledgable at resume writing. Remember, you are creating a marketing-like document. Only your cover letter should be in first-person.
• Place a picture of yourself.
Even if you are the most professional-looking executive, a picture is never recommended! You want employers to call you first based on your skills, not your looks. Save your physical presence for when you actually get the interview.
• Staple your resume.
If it's longer than one page, you can present it as is.
• Use templates already prepared from Microsoft Word.
Many people (... and I mean MANY!) use the formats already set in Microsoft, so I highly advise that you stay away from them. Most human resources reps are familiar with the templates, and you will not come across as unique if you use them. That's why being creative and using your own design as you write a resume is suggested.
• Provide your work number.
Even though you are obviously seeking other employment, you don't want to seem unloyal to your current job. If potential employers call you for a phone interview, you want to be in a private setting away from anything that may distract you. Just leave one main contact number. If you only have a home number, inform the other residents of your household to let your calls go to voicemail.
• Have more than one page unless you're completely established in your work experience.

Entry-level workers should keep it to one page.

If you've had about 5 good years of experience in your field and/or are a qualified manager, 1-2 pages would be okay.

And only senior executives are allowed a maximum of 3 pages. However, I personally don't recommend going over 2 pages, if possible, even for an executive.

Ask a working professional who has direct experience in reviewing resumes to critique, such as an HR manager, recruiter, or career counselor. And see if they would hire you after you write a resume. Nothing is wrong with constantly updating it until it's employer-friendly. After all, your chances of landing a job depend on it.

Job searching is extensive work. If managers see that you've made quality effort in demonstrating your skills, then they may trust that you will put just as much effort into your job. Never underestimate how much more you can do when you write a resume.

View some samples here to help you write a resume.






Also don't forget to create a reference list!

Or go to Main Resume Writing Guide.

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