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5 Hot Resume Tips
Working with Purpose
The purpose of a resume is not to land you a job, but rather to get you in
the door for an interview. This concept is important because it will help
you familiarize yourself with the resume process. When you feel compelled
to include unrelated experience and clutter a resume with irrelevant
facts, think twice. Don't fill the page with empty sentences and boring
detail. You can avoid this downfall by prioritizing your accomplishments
and identifying pertinent information related to your new job search.
Strategize
Begin the resume writing process with the end in mind. Before you commit
final words to paper, think about what you want the end result to be.
Nothing on your resume should be done without prior thought and
strategizing. This includes your choice of font, format, keywords, and
action words. Every aspect of your document should serve a distinct
purpose.
Important tip:
Avoid resume templates. Let’s face it, almost all home-spun resumes are
created on some form of a Word template. Therefore, they all have the same
feel, taste, and look as every other candidate. Be different. Be powerful.
Be specific. Get INTERVIEWS.
Be Aggressive, But Truthful
A resume is not a time to be humble. Be proud of your accomplishments,
highlight them, and make the hiring manager take notice. But beware: don't
let your creativity get the best of you. Your statements should always be
truthful and results-oriented. Let’s visit an example of a weak and strong
Objective/Profile.
Weak:
Seeking a position as a bilingual teacher where I could make a positive
impact on students in your school district.
Strong:
Experienced bilingual educator dedicated to fostering education by
creating a stimulating, nurturing, and culturally-friendly environment for
bilingual students. Keen understanding of the importance of student
assimilation and the need for respect of their native upbringing. Adhere
to new procedures and commissioner regulations for LEP and adequately
incorporate these methodologies in a classroom setting to enhance
learning.
Today's resumes must answer “why you?” Strong, powerful statements will
ensure that your resume does not end up in the “file me” pile.
Stand Out
Everyone who holds the same job title as you most likely has the same job
responsibilities. That is why it is imperative that your resume sets you
apart from all other bankers, sales managers, etc. out there. This means
your resume must be dynamic, grab attention, and offer unique information.
Relax
Writing a resume is tough work. If it does not come easily to you, don't
be alarmed. You are not the only one. If you find presenting yourself on
paper properly difficult to do, consult resume writing books or a
professional resume writer. The job search process is taxing enough. Don't
allow words on paper to taint your approach to gaining a job.
By Linda Matias
Visit her website at
www.careerstrides.com |
Writers
Profile
Recognized as a
career expert,
Linda Matias brings a wealth of
experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her
knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies,
interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The
Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She
is president of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers’
Association. email her at
linda@careerstrides.com.
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