Professional Resume Writing Tips

Reading hundreds of resume writing tips is a bit like eating popcorn - there's a point where you know you've had enough but you still keep going back for more...

To be honest, I prefer popcorn, but resume writing tips are quite addictive too. I spent ages trawling the internet and as many books as I could find looking for the perfect tip that would transform my resume. I finally came to realise that the perfect tip does not exist. Nope, sorry, it doesn't.

The real reason your resume or CV exists is to get you an interview, not a job. This means your resume must catch the attention of the employer and stand out from all the others received.

You can achieve this by following some basic rules for writing a CV rather than spending your time searching through hundreds of resume writing tips.

Once you've got the basics right your time is better spent matching your resume to the specific job and company you are applying to. This is what gets you noticed.

Remember I said I'd spent a lot of time looking for the ultimate resume writing tips? Well, I've taken the best of these and compiled my Top Ten Resume Writing Tips which you will find lower down on this page.

But before you dash there take a moment to consider how you sell yourself using your resume. Oh, and I use 'Resume' and 'CV' on this page to refer to the same document.

Marketing Tool...or Autobiography?

One problem with writing a resume is that it's really hard to write about yourself. When we do we either don't sell ourselves enough (usually the case) or we lay it on too thick.

I really do hope you will get to write your autobiography, but I'm sorry to tell you that this is not that time! To write your resume you have to think about yourself as a product.

Think carefully about your 'special features' and who you want to notice and buy the product. Your resume needs to tell prospective employers what the product can do for them and why they should have it.

This means you should focus on the employers needs, not yours.

I recently talked to someone in car sales about this and he really helped me 'get it'. He told me that a car he sells will have a basic set of key features.

Just telling people what these are gives him, let's say, a 1 in 20 chance of selling a car.

These odds are hugely improved when he takes a little more time to assess and listen to the person on the sales floor. Then he tells them about those same features in ways that matter to them.

So, for example, an electric window is a key feature. To a mom wanting a car that will also transport children an electric window is not going to be the reason she buys the car.

Telling her about the "anti-pinch" safety mechanism that stops the window if fingers get in the way when it closes is more likely to make the sale. Same feature, different emphasis.

So, what are your key features? One of the best resume writing tips is to make sure you turn your key features into something valuable for the company you are selling yourself to.

This means you must do your homework on the company and the position advertised. And don't market the same key features to every company you apply to!

Keywords

Do you ever find yourself thinking in keywords? I find I'm doing it more and more. If I think of a topic I want to know more about I automatically begin thinking of the best keyword combination to use for a Google search.

I believe the Internet is really changing the ways we think. What's this got to do with resume writing tips?

These days a resume needs to contain the best keywords related to the post you are applying for. Why? A simple reason - scanning.

Many large company's are receiving huge numbers of resumes for any post they advertise. They use specialised software to scan resumes for post related keywords in order to generate a shortlist of candidates.

If no technology is used then you'll be lucky if your resume gets a brief once-over (from a tired HR employee) to see if it fits the job advertised. You have a few short seconds to convince them to read further.

If particular keywords catch their attention the resume will be placed on the shortlist pile. If not...well, you can guess where it goes.

As far as resume writing tips go this is very important. Personalise your cv for each application, and use current and relevant keywords related to the position being advertised.

Give yourself an advantage and phone the HR department at the company you are applying to and ask them if they scan cv's electronically. You get the answer you need PLUS a foot in the door as they now know your name and know that you are thinking!

Start thinking about the keywords used to describe main job functions in your area of interest. These keywords are industry standard words used to describe specific job descriptions or abilities.

Build a list of relevant keywords by carefully reading the specific advert for the job you're applying for. Read other advertisements placed by other companies and notice which keywords are often used for a particular job title. Read newsletters or web pages, or other information, you can get from the company concerned.

Use these keywords throughout your resume. Don't load them all in one place but use them throughout your cv in the correct context.

Some examples of keywords might be:

• time management skills
• committment to quality
• sales experience
• sales and communication abilities
• strategic planning

These keywords are different to the 'action' words that should also appear in your resume.

Make sure you find and use keywords that are relevant to your industry. These keywords and 'action' words should also be used when you write your cover letter. I'll tell you more about 'action' words in my top ten resume writing tips.

My Top Ten Resume Writing Tips

These great resume writing tips are the result of my own search for the ultimate resume writing tips, and my realisation that a great resume gets the basics right.

Honestly, if you follow these ten tips your resume will attract attention. If you need to trawl the Internet for more resume writing tips then do so, but know that anything else you do is just tweaking.

1. Decide on the structure of your CV.

   Chronological or Functional? These are the two main resume styles.

   The first of the resume writing tips you need to think about is the general structure of your resume. The chronological format for a cv is the most common and accepted format for a cv. However, if it's a career change resume you are creating the functional format is likely to be most relevant.

   The Chronological format is focused on describing all the jobs you've held over time and there is not an emphasis on your skills or achievements at the beginning of the resume. This is useful if you are applying for a job in the same field as you've had for a while and highlights what you did in each job.

   The employers name is prominent which is useful if you've had some impressive employers and want to impress someone else.

   The Functional format is a must for a career change resume. The functional format emphasises your abilities, qualities and achievements up front so you immediately highlight the skills and education that prove you will be successful for your new employer.

   If you are changing careers you should use this format, but it's also good if you've changed jobs frequently, done lots of different things in your career, or are entering the workplace after an absence.

   If you don't already have a CV it might be useful to look for examples or templates in books or on the internet. There are plenty of resume examples and templates on the internet, but don't let yours end up looking like hundreds of others.

   It might be useful to get some professional advice or assistance with your cv. You can't beat a professionally designed resume.

   Generally your resume should contain the following information:

   • Your contact information;

   • Your professional experience;

   • Your education and any awards you've received;

   • Professional affiliations;

   • Any publications you have;

   • Personal interests (only if they are very relevant to the job);

   • References: although sources differ I believe it's acceptable to write "references available on request" at the end of your resume. You can take your references on a seperate page to the interview as most employers will only contact them after you've been successful in the interview.

2. Advertise, Sell, Promote!

   

   A great resume is not just information, but advertising.

   Information on it's own is boring, so give it a spin. For the full benefit of these resume writing tips re-read what I wrote above about selling yourself in your resume.

   Declare your qualities, abilities and achievements...and then give evidence that you can actually do what you said you did. This evidence is the conventional stuff of resumes, where you describe the jobs you've had and your education.

   Hint: Most people only include the evidence section in their resumes! They don't loudly proclaim their qualities, abilities and achievements.

   If your CV just lists all your jobs and education it will be successful - at putting people to sleep! Don't do it! Your resume is not an information sheet, it's a marketing effort. You want people to be excited and interested to try the product as soon as they've read about it.

   Merely stating that you can do something is not enough. If you explain how it will benefit the company, and connect it to actual results, then you will greatly improve your chances.

3. Use Keywords and Action Words.

   I've written about the importance of using Keywords above, so take this section to heart and add them to your resume. Keywords are as important for a career change resume, as you need to show you have the knowledge of what is required in the field you wish to enter.

   Action words, or Power words, are different to keywords. You want to get into the habit of using a really impressive verb to describe every skill, ability, achievement and job you've listed in your resume.

   What's that? A verb? You weren't listening in class that day?

   Okay, I'm no english teacher but a verb is a 'doing word'. It describes some sort of action or the way you do something. So you didn't just deliver the paper - you secured the paper round! You didn't make tea for the boss, you inspired a tea drinking culture. You get the idea?

   Begin your sentences with verbs that powerfully and descriptively add to what you did. One rule - keep it real! Don't overdo it or it will feel false, and don't use the same verb all the time. Vary them.

   I've added a list of action words you can use at the bottom of this page of resume writing tips.

4. Keep it short.

   This is the simplest, and also the hardest of all the resume writing tips. Your resume should not be more than two pages long. It's a two page advertisement.

   If you can't convince them you're the best in two pages, it won't happen in ten.

   Get help if necessary. Edit it. Be ruthless. Every word must count and work to sell you.

   Two pages. No more.

5. Style It!

   Your resume must look professional and be easy to read.

   Crammingallyourinformationintotwopagesmakesitdifficulttoread...phew! and people will give up.

   Keep your sentences short and make sure there's lots of white space between your words, lines and paragraphs. This invites people to read it as it's easy on the eye.

   Use bullet points and short sentences where possible. People quickly lose interest reading long paragraphs.

   Use standard fonts (size 11 or 12) to make your resume easy to read. If you don't know too much about laying out text on a page find someone to help you do this or copy the layout of a resume that looks professional. You'll be amazed at how good use of space and typefaces (fonts) can improve the way your resume looks.

   The style of your resume should suit the job you are applying for. It could be an advantage to use a creative layout when applying for an artistic or creative job, but not for an accounting or legal job.

   Print your CV on a laser printer or other professional printer and use clean off-white, ivory or bright white paper. Use the best quality A4 size (8 1/2 x 11-inch) paper you can afford.

   Make sure your CV is clean - no smudges or coffee stains! Don't include pictures, color backgrounds or fancy borders.

6. Proofread It.

   Your CV is an advert for you. Mistakes in your CV reflect badly on you and will affect your chances of being invited to an interview.

   Read it through once, twice, and as many times as necessary after that to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or other errors. Ask a friend to read it through and ask for critical feedback.

   

   Make sure all the facts are accurate and there are no grammar or punctuation errors.

7. A Different Resume for Each Application

   You have every right to feel proud of the resume you've created. It looks good and it says lots of good things about you. Why mess with a good thing?

   Sure, most of us feel that once our CV is complete, and we are ever so proud of what we have produced, we can simply send the standard document out to any job opening. How can they not call me?

   If your resume is not tailored to the specific job and employer you send it to you are less likely to be invited to an interview. Your application will take on the feel of a mass flyer drop.

   So, even if all you change are the keywords you use in your resume, tailor your CV for each unique employer. Send a different resume for each application. Do the same for all your cover letters.

   Of all the resume writing tips this one needs the most discipline because it's the easiest to ignore. This is a key tip. Push yourself. If you follow these tips carefully your resume will be noticed and you will be invited to the interview.

8. No False Advertising

   Imagine responding to an advert offering a great discount only to discover the discount never existed. You'd feel cheated wouldn't you? Even angry.

   Now I know that your CV is really a brilliant marketing effort, but make sure you do not offer something that the employer is never going to get.

   Yes, use power words to market your 'excellent marketing skills', but don't tell lies in your CV. Don't even expand on the truth, or tell a little lie!

   Most companies do background checks these days, or subcontract someone to do this for them. There's a strong possibility of being caught out, and then it's your reputation at stake.

9. Check the Basics.

   It may seem silly, but use these resume writing tips to check that you've included all the fundamentals in your resume.

   The first thing on your resume should be your name, preferably bold and in a larger font than anything else. It should also be at the top of the second page of a two page resume.

   Check that your address, contact phone numbers (with all area codes) and email address are all at the top of the first page. Potential employers must know how to contact you easily. Oh, and please make sure the telephone number you give is one that will be answered - preferably not by a five-year-old!

   Have you listed the jobs you've had in reverse chronological order? Your educational qualifications should also be in reverse chronological order. This is fundamental information that must be included in your resume.

   Make sure there are no errors, no spelling or grammar mistakes. It's crazy, but in a resume errors easily misrepresent you. Imagine an advert for an airline that has a spelling mistake in it. I'd be thinking 'can I trust this airline if they can't even spell'?

   Check for errors in your resume.

10. Write a Cover Letter.

    Every resume must be sent with a cover letter. This is a letter that introduces you to the employer and explains your interest in the position offered. You also have a brief chance to tweak the readers interest and motivate them to look at your resume, which is the next document.

Following these resume writing tips will guarantee you a resume that gets attention. These resume writing tips are as important for a career change resume.

If you are unsure about your resume, or you're getting no response to your applications, a professional resume writing service might be a worthwhile investment. Find one online or in your local community.

Action Words

Here's a selection of "Action" words that you can use to describe the skills, abilities, achievements and jobs you've listed in your resume.

Use these great resume writing tips to create a CV or resume that will attract attention and get you invited to an interview.

If you're planning a career change your resume is an important tool to convince others that you have the necessary skills and abilities for the job.

Following these resume writing tips will give your career change resume the edge it needs to be noticed.