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Your
resume is your first contact with a potential
employer. It is very important that the first
impression makes a profound impact on the person
who is reading it. If your resume is blasé,
it will be set aside or tossed into the trash
and you will not get that all important interview.
Before
you begin typing your resume, make a list of
all your previous jobs with the dates. The organize
the jobs with your last job on the first page.
Most
people do not include basic but very important
concepts in their resume. Be sure to proofread
again and again and again… well, you get the
idea. One small mistake in grammar, punctuation
or spelling is a virtual death sentence to any
job applicant.
What
to Avoid
Common
resume mistakes include run on sentences, disorganization,
irrelevant information, too much family history,
incomplete sentences, weak demonstration of
results and typos. Be sure to use your spell
checker, but even spell checkers can sometimes
be wrong so maybe you want to ask a friend or
family member to review your resume. Be sure
to check your resume several times before submitting
it to a potential employer. I know this is a
repeat of information, but it's very important
if you wish to get an interview.
A
Powerful Impression
Make a powerful first impression on the prospective
employer. Include a comprehensive portfolio
that includes key accomplishments and functional
job insights.
Job
Search Failure
Many
people seeking employment fail because they
focus too much on themselves. It is important
to give necessary information about your skills,
education etc., but focus on the needs of the
company and the people you will be working for.
Think about what you would like to know about
a person who you were going to hire. Use your
resume to point out what skills you can bring
to the company to which you are applying and
also to the people you will be working with.
Resume
Styles
The
three styles of resume writing are chronological,
creative and functional. Chronological is organized
in time and the best style for most prospective
employers. Creative and functional are used
when applying to non-traditional careers. The
style of resume you use is very important. Do
your homework and know which type of resume
you should be using.
Other
Important Information
There
are many things that you shouldn't include on
your resume. Do not send a photo unless the
job you are applying for is in the field of
acting or modeling. Do not specify marital status,
anything to do with children, health information,
past salary, why you left the employ of previous
employers, race or ethnic background. Your resume
should include all languages that you can speak
and read, awards, degrees, licenses, professional
memberships, military service and security clearances
if that relates to the job you are applying
for.
References
Never
list references on your resume. This is confidential
information. Make a note at the bottom of the
resume that references are available upon request.
If you follow the tips and tricks in this article,
you will soon be answering the phone and making
an appointment for your interview. Good luck
and happy job hunting.
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