Introduction


The main purpose of a resume is to secure an interview. Moreover, the CV must be shaped for the employer.

IN THIS SECTION:

Brainstorming time The categories Be concise The style And some tips


Brainstorming Time

Before starting your word processor,  take a piece of paper and write down all your skills, knowledge and experience, even things you think you can't put in a resume. This way you are less likely to forget something important.

Think about what you can do for the employer.


The Categories

This CV tutorial is divided in categories that are generally used in a resume.

For example:

  • Personal information
  • Career objectives
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Extracurricular activities
  • References

But you are free to develop your own categories to highlight your special relevant experiences and skills.

Examples:

  • Related Experience
  • Related Courses
  • Community Volunteer Work
  • Workshops & Conferences Attended
  • Technical Skills
  • Special Skills
  • Computer Skills
  • Travel
  • Leadership
  • Accomplishments
  • Professional Memberships
  • Military Experience
  • Language Proficiencies
  • Additional Information

In place of "Related Experience" you might wish to indicate your field of experience in the category heading.

Examples:

  • Business Experience,
  • Engineering Experience,
  • Human Services Experience,
  • Sales Experience,
  • Etc.
    There is no absolute correct way to organize your resume. Creativity is encouraged.


Be Concise

If you have five years or less experience, you resume should fit on one page, and only more extensive experience can justify a second page, but three pages are an absolute limit.

For each job offer employers receive up to 400 resumes. Thus employers may give only a glance to each. They are looking for job titles and skills that match their job requirements. To catch employers' attention your job titles and skill headings must be seen within 4 to 10 SECONDS.

On a two-page resume write your most relevant information on the first page


The Style

In English, begin your sentences with action verbs, and don't use the past tense. Show you are someone who is active.

Example:

Salesperson, Fly Computer Store, Strasbourg, Alsace.

  • Assisted clients with selection of computers,
  • Developed and promoted special marketing events,
  • Trained new employees,
  • Monitored cash.
    Store increased in sales by 7 percent in month period.

Some action verbs:
achieved, acquired, adapted, more.

For information, here are some traits sought by employers:

  • Ability to communicate
  • Flexibility
  • Intelligence
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Willingness to accept responsibility
  • Self-knowledge
  • Initiative
  • Ability to handle conflict
  • Leadership
  • Competitiveness
  • High energy level
  • Goal achievement
  • Imagination
  • Vocational skills
  • Direction


And some tips

Never use "I" or other pronouns to identify yourself and don't use many articles (the, a). Proof-read your resume many times to catch all spelling and grammatical errors, unusual punctuation or capitalization.
Do not use shortcuts, such as St for street, they are harder to read.
Analyse advertisements to identify skills employers want, so you can select (not invent) your most representative skills. Get  opinions from other people and consider their advice seriously.
Try to find a trusted friend who can critique your writing and give an objective comment on your CV.
White paper scans better.


An electronic resume has some other rules. It can be longer due to the usage of key words. Do not hesitate to use keywords. Use nouns rather than adjectives, the former will be the focus of a research (e.g.: in database)


For more information, you can also see 6 Easy Steps to Create Resumes