you're not alone… writing a resume is intimidating for everyone. What makes it difficult is knowing what to include, what not to, what to highlight, what to de-emphasize, etc.

Putting all the RIGHT pieces together RIGHT

10-30 seconds  The fact is, HR professionals and hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes for any given position, and on average, will spend about seconds on yours. nine seconds  Some experts agree that obsessive review of documents or similar – like resume searches can cause attention spans to drop to as little as nine seconds – equivalent to a goldfish glance.  Organizing information incorrectly could cost you a shot at an interview, and is a very common mistake made by job seekers.

Why is a Resume so important?

experience education employer interviewemployment  A résumé is a document that contains a summary of relevant job experience and education. The résumé is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview, when seeking employment. (usually one page) keywords  In many contexts, a résumé is short (usually one page), and therefore contains only experience directly relevant to a particular position. Many résumés contain precise keywords that potential employers are looking for, make heavy use of active verbs, and display content in a flattering manner.

 A resume reflects the potential work an employer can expect from you.  Of course, there are those unusual cases when a resume didn’t make much of a difference.  However, there are times when employers make really wrong decisions and/or references.

Walt Disney was once fired by a newspaper. For lack of ideas… Beethoven’s violin teacher declared him… “hopeless as a composer.”

For everyone else… the resume there is only the resume to get you noticed.

Content...so then, what are recruiters looking for?

First, it is vital to understand the resume reviewing process and your recruiter's situation:  Recruiters are normally under immense time pressures and working to tight deadlines.  They are initially searching for just a few keywords in your resume.  They will heartlessly reject resumes that they are finding difficult to navigate through, as their time is precious.  Not knowing what you are like, the presentation of your resume will reflect on you and the potential work they can expect from you.  Jobseekers do not realize that the way their information is presented, can often be of more value in getting to the next stage of the application process, than the information itself.

 Hide  Hide your most important background and skills from the recruiter.  Stop  Stop your resume from being read fully.  Convey a poor standard  Convey a poor standard of work impression in the mind of the recruiter just from content.  Ultimately, STOP  Ultimately, STOP your application from going to the next stage.

 Attract the HR professional  Attract the HR professional to the document the moment your resume is received or before other applicants.  Communicate that you have skills  Communicate that you have skills needed for the position and beyond by just what is described in the text of your resume.  Instantly give positive  Instantly give the recruiter a positive feel about you.  Ultimately get you that first interview.

10 RESUME WRITING TIPS

one page 1.Try to limit your resume to one page. Not everything you have done needs to be stated here however everything needs to be true and relevant.

boldkey skills accomplishments 2. Determine a layout that works best for you and your experience. Use bold to emphasize related key skills and accomplishments. Sample: Top Format

Sample: Middle Format 3. Create your resume to the type of position to which you are applying. Decide and tailor what you want to convey about your experience and background.

Do not use “I” or “my” 4. Maintain a consistent writing style. Do not use “I” or “my”. Make sure your statements are clear and understandable. SKILLS: Computer: Even if it is only word processing skills, list familiarity with computer systems, applications and programs. If you don’t have it, assume you don’t know it. Language: state degree of proficiency in reading, writing and speaking. HONORS & AWARDS: List academic, leadership and athletic honors. If you only have academic awards you can list them under your GPA in the Education section. ACTIVITIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Include leadership positions, such as offices held and responsibilities. You do not need to include everything you have done, be selective in your listing. REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST: You should only use this if you need to fill space, and you do have dependable references to give. Sample: Bottom Format

understand- able 5. Make sure your information is understand- able. Emphasize accomplishments and responsibilities. Streamlined procedures leading to 25% increase in production over previous quarter. For example: Streamlined procedures leading to 25% increase in production over previous quarter. 6. Be Clear and concise in your descriptions. Do not make any confusing or complicated statements. NO Spelling and/or Grammar Errors 7. Make sure there are NO Spelling and/or Grammar Errors. It’s a good idea to have someone proofread your resume.

Bold Type bold 8. Follow a uniform format. Be consistent as to the entire look of the page. If your headings are in Bold Type, then all headings should be in bold. Times New Roman Palatino In building your resume, choose a font that is easy to read like Times New Roman or Palatino, not larger than 14 point or smaller than 10 point.

10. Think outside the box, but not too outside to get your resume noticed. In most cases a cover letter should be attached. Print final copies of your resume on quality paper that photocopies well.

10Resume Major Sins

1. Avoid a lengthy resume DOES NOT Have a crisp Resume that captures the employers' attention without being lengthy. Having a long Resume DOES NOT guarantee you a job! 2. Do not fake Unnecessary inputs that add no value to your resume needs to be avoided at any cost. 3. Do not be too loud and ornate Avoid color paper and uncommon fonts. Make your resume easy to read with white color paper and black color font that is easy on the eye.

4. Avoid slang, jargons, abbreviations. Avoid all. Keep the language simple and spell where necessary 5. DO NOT USE Funny addresses. Make sure that you create a professional-looking address to use it with your Resume & DO NOT use those used for chatting & Facebook socializing. 6. DO NOT Use Improper Photos Make sure to use a RECENT, professional- looking photo whenever requested. DO NOT use cropped photos, old photos, or poorly scanned ones.

7. Repetition of words. Don't repeat the same words again and again. 8. Do not get personal Basic information about you is sufficient. Don't get into details about marital status, age, weight, religion, caste, etc. 9. Avoid criticizing past employers Never blame others, especially past employers. Stick to being positive and focus on your accomplishments. 10. Do not misrepresent skills Do not exaggerate your skills. You want a potential employer to consider you for a job you can do.