The resume is the foundation of the job search. An effective summary of qualifications written to market the candidate’s job skills and to vociferously proclaim that the job seeker has what it takes to succeed wows employers and sets the candidate apart from all other job applicants. Without a professionally written, updated resume, the job search languishes while employers file the paper into the nearest trash receptacle.
The Importance of Updating the Resume
When the job seeker has been laid off or has otherwise had a difficult time finding gainful employment due to a languishing labor market, special attention should be paid to updating the resume to highlight job skills and relevant work history. Retooling the summary of qualifications accordingly increases the chances of an interview and subsequent job offer.
10 Tips for Writing a Killer Resume
Many job seekers consider writing a resume somewhat intimidating. However, it doesn't have to be. For writing success that gets the document read by top employers, the applicant should consider the following 10 tips:
- Decide which type to use. A job seeker who has one or more long gaps in employment may opt to write a functional resume which places more emphasis on job skills over work history. However, job seekers who have a relatively gap-free work history may opt for a traditional reverse chronological resume.
- Follow the basic five-part structure. Generally speaking, every resume should include a section on contact information, objective, work history, skills, and education. Don't get fancy with fonts – use Times, Arial, or other readable font.
- Write an effective objective. The objective (or qualifications summary) should be approached from the standpoint of marketing one’s skills, capabilities, and accomplishments. It should be targeted rather than simply a string of empty cliches; for example, “Certified SAP Implementation Specialist with experience working on SAP implementation projects in a fast-paced IT environment under tight deadlines.”
- Focus on tone, style, and layout. Make sure the tone consistently sells the candidate, though a layout that is easily scanned and provides the information employers are looking for.
- Use use plenty of action verbs. Action verbs make the summary of qualifications pop and wow the employer with the candidate’s amazing job accomplishments. Examples of action verbs include developed, managed, coordinated, led, advised, directed, and presented.
- Review job skills. Include all skills relevant to the position and eliminate any job skills that do not pertain to the job opening or are otherwise inconsequential.
- Effectively market job skills. Use the resume to highlight and market relevant job skills. However, maintain objectivity and do not go overboard in the sales pitch.
- Keep resume length to one page if possible. However, do not sacrifice readability or proper formatting just to keep to one page; doing so will prove detrimental to the job search.
- Use a targeted resume. The targeted summary of qualifications is tailored for each position to which the candidate applies. The worst thing a job seeker can do is submit a generic summary of qualifications that may have some of the required skills and experience, but not all; or job skills that are impertinent or outdated. A targeted resume shows the employer the candidate is a perfect fit for the job in every way.
- Don’t forget the cover letter. The cover letter personalizes the job seeker’s summary of qualifications and highlights the candidate’s amazing job skills and career accomplishments. Employers do read it, and job seekers should always include it in every job application package.
An updated resume impresses employers and increases the chances of receiving that coveted job offer.
 |
