JobsCity.net

1) Keep it short.

Considering that initially HR personnel only spend approximately 10-20 seconds on a resume, the shorter your resume, the most desirable it is. Aim for one page. Of course, it is sometimes impossible to create such short resume. You might have to include a second page because you have way too much information regarding your work experience, accomplishments, etc. In this case, make sure that you list the most relevant information within the upper half of the first page. This way, these important insights will surely be noticed.

2) Spelling, Spelling, Spelling

It is not enough to run the word processor's spell checker on your document. Proofread your resume at least 3 times, once backward (sometimes that is how you notice mistakes.) Remember, a sloppy presentation is almost a guarantee that your resume will end up in the circular file even if you have all the qualifications in the world.

3) Start your resume with a Power Statement.

Many resume writers suggest an objective. My suggestion is that you start your resume with a power statement such as: "Award-winning, highly accomplished Operations Manager with successful track records of consistently increasing revenue and slashing operating costs." Whereas the objective tells the employer only what you want to do, the power statement goes further in highlighting not only the job you are seeking but also your major achievements. The power statement also showcases what you can do for the company.

4) Begin your sentences with action verbs for added punch and to express a sense of accomplishment.

What are action verbs? Here are some examples: resolved, developed, improved, instituted, increased, constructed, engineered, overhauled, diagnosed, expressed, formulated, involved, streamlined, spearheaded.

5) Use specifics such as numbers, percentages, figures and facts.

Example: "Exceeded sales quotas by 25% within 1 year." Numbers stand out and communicate clearly and openly about not only the results you produced but also about what you can do for the company (can't repeat that enough).

6) Answer the "What's in it for me?" question every employer is asking while reading your resume.

Employers are looking for people who will solve their problems. You have to present your case accordingly. How?

By answering these questions:

What kind of problems did you solve on the job? How did the company benefit from your performance? How did you do the job differently and better than the person before you did? Did you introduce a new program, system? If yes, what were the results of it? Did you save or earn money for the company? What were you most proud of in your job? What would your supervisor and coworkers say they will miss most about you when you leave? How did you make a difference in your job? How did you affect the company's bottom line?