Tips For Writing A Resume

1. Don’t write Your life History!

Keep your resume to one page, or two maximum. If a hiring manager doesn’t like your first page, s/he is not flipping to read the second. So keep it short and relevant.

2. Never ignore instructions.

If the job description asks for resumes to be in Portable Document Format (PDF), then follow the directions. Ignoring instructions at this early stage in the hiring process is a sure way to get blown out. Before submitting your application, read the employer’s hiring instructions. Research the employer’s needs, match your resume to the employer requirements, and follow all job notice instructions before you send off your resume.

3.No Silly Email Addresses!

Don’t use a daft email address on your resume. Think! Keep it professional

4. Don’t write “references available upon request”

Why? Because “references available upon request” is implied. If you get an interview and an employer wants references, they will ask.

5. Don’t list references on your resume.

Never list specific references on your resume. Keep your references safe from harm by submitting them only after the interview. Keep reference emails, addresses, and phone numbers private for only those jobs you really want.

6. Don’t be a designer.

Don’t go crazy on a dramatic looking resume. If you’re using multiple fonts, colors, sizes, and titles - it’s a fair chance your attempts are going to look messy. Hiring managers have little time for strange layouts and will not take the time to work out what you’re trying to tell them. Stick to simple, clean layouts to highlight your accomplishments.

7. Don’t do chronological order.

Often your most recent job does not show the best experience for the position. If you’re currently working at McDonalds waiting to find an accounting job, then list your relevant experiences first.

Hint: Organize your resume to consider the reader’s interest. What does the hiring manager care most about? Your skills? Your accomplishments? Your most relevant work experience?

8. Don’t get personal.

Keep highly personal information off your resume. No one cares if you are single, married, or divorced. Also, do not include your age, race, or gender. Listing these personal stats could encourage discrimination.

9. Cover letter.

Always send a quality cover letter, even if one isn't requested.

Avoiding any of these resume writing ‘no no’s’ can keep your resume from the trash bin. Minimize your disappointment by writing a solid resume free from any of these mistakes.