Create a basic resume using a Microsoft Word Template
Basic steps in formatting including center, bullets, fit to page, decrease indent, fonts, etc.
Category: Preparing Your Resume
An important part of your career development is preparing an effective resume. Your resume should reflect you, your experience, and your interests.
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Best Practice Resume Writing Guide
This Resume writing guide will give you the most practical ways for creating and making your resume.
The best way to avoid resume mistakes is to review the complete document. A resume that was created years ago must be looked at again to eliminate all possible details that do not pertain to the job you are seeking.
Many resumes use the “original” Microsoft resume template. This is acceptable, but if you want to get the employer’s attention, do not use a resume that has an old look and feel. Create your own original layout resume and make every effort to produce a resume that will show your personal achievements.
Your objective is the first section of your resume and it should standout with something original. This is a good place to show your motivation for those just starting their job search and to the job seekers that do not have much work experience. Job candidates with an established working background can use a well written summary instead. The resumes summary is the longer version of the Objective and intended for those with significant work backgrounds.
Do not exclude dates of previous schooling or jobs held throughout your career. This may seem like the applicant is trying to hide something.
If details of your employment background contain a multitude of jobs, it is recommended to limit the job list to only those that are significant to the job you are applying for or jobs that may impress. Do not list irrelevant and outdated past jobs as this will not help you.
Do not write an excessive amount of personal details on your resume. Personal interests such as your hobby or interests are not essential but may help if it somehow relates to the job you are applying for. Do not add deeply personal information to your resume. Include this information on your Curriculum Vitae or when being asked questions during your interview.
There are a multitude of ways to make sure that your resume will look well written. Have your friends or family review your resume. Your resume is your marketing advertisement so make sure your resume says all it can about you.
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Avoid These Resume Mistakes
Your resume is the single most important document in any job search. What if you submit one resume after another resume and receive no call or results at all? Your resume may have the classic mistakes!
The biggest flaw for a resume is when it does not showcase a person’s accomplishments and contributions. Instead only modestly displays a job description of each position you have held.
Use these tips for a successful resume…
1. THINK BIGGER THAN YOUR ROUTINE TASKS
Whatever jobs you’ve held, think beyond the routine tasks of your position. If an interviewer is hiring for an assistant, they already know what an assistant does and doesn’t want to see a resume that says an applicant can type and answer a phone. Showcase what you do and how it serves the organization as a whole not every little task you have ever performed. If you’re in a sales position, consider how successful the person you are selling to is.
2. BE CRYSTAL CLEAR CONCERNING YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Focus on your accomplishments rather than your specific responsibilities will help your resume standout. It is a fact that Resumes are typically skimmed for a mere six to eight seconds so adding more than just routine tasks will help. Make sure you’re listing the companies you worked for, how long you were there and if you earned a promotion. Also, If your job title is long and overly vague, fix it up so that people immediately understand what you’ve done. A highly focused and accomplishment filled resume is the way to go!
3. THINK ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE – FROM THE EYES OF THE PERSON READING YOUR RESUME
Add information about how you’ve helped build the big picture for your previous employer. Do not give the impression that you just did your job and there’s nothing special about what you have accomplished. If you cannot add information about what they’ve done in terms of enhancing the position or the company, focus on what you have done avoiding the truly obvious. Find other opportunities in which you can contribute and grow to the company you are trying to work for. You’ll enjoy a more rewarding career and a successful resume.
