How to Write an Effective Resume

By Dan Rover, CEO

Let’s talk a bit about a basic tool in the job search process: your resume.
It may seem basic, but professionals say that for the average corporate job, 250
applications are received, four to six candidates are interviewed and one person
gets the job. So an effective, accurate resume is essential.
Here are seven tips to make sure your resume makes the cut:

1. Choose a clean, easy-to-read format. Keep it brief and to the point and
   limit it to one page for every decade of work experience. New graduates,
   for example, should submit a one-page resume.
2. Add complete contact information. This should include full name, a
   private personal email address and phone number. Include a home
   address. Do NOT use current employer contact information and never
   include a social security number.
3. Summarize your professional experience. Highlight relevant skills and
   share a particularly impressive achievement. Share what you will bring
   to the table when hired.
4. Spotlight your skill set. Study the ad for the job and dovetail your skills
   with those the ad calls out as critical. Use bullet points to list your skills
   including relevant experience in good customer service and the ability to
   clearly communicate.
5. List your current and past experience in the work history section. For
   each former job, use bullet points to list:
   Employer
   Location
   Dates of employment
   Duties and responsibilities
   Relevant accomplishments and achievements
6. Outline your education. List your education in reverse chronological
   order. Do not list high school unless it is your highest level of education.
   Include internships in related fields, continuing education and training for
   professional development and relevant certificates and licenses.
7. Proofread and edit. An effective resume will use proper spelling and
   grammar. Personal interests and hobbies are relevant only if they relate
   to the job being sought. Don’t inflate experience.

Good luck. With some work and attention to detail, your resume will go a long
way toward getting an interview and after that, the job. In a future blog we’ll talk
about the interview process.