Writing an Effective Resume.

There's no way around it: if you want that job, you have got to get the interview. To get the interview, you have got to submit a resume. It is the first step to getting your foot in the door.

Simply having a resume is not enough however. You need an effective, eye-catching resume, one that will be read by a recruiter who will immediately think, "I've found the winner." Learn the secrets to creating that winning resume!

• Format. You will have to adhere to the requested format of a company. For many, a Word document is fine. However, some will prefer a simple Text document. For those, you cannot dress up for qualifications in some fancy font with bold text. you can't rely on appearance to make your resume stand out; the words must speak for themselves.
  
  
• Layout. A simple layout works best. White space is important. Limit yourself to one page. If you have a lot of experience that you feel is pertinent, then have a two page maximum.
  • Name and contact info on the top.
  • A clear objective statement. Avoid generalizations. It is very important that you are specific in what you hope to achieve by submitting this resume.
  • Your skills and qualifications
  • Prior work experience and education
    
    
• Action words. Do not submit a passive resume. Give your resume some life by using an abundance of action words.
  
  
• Break up heavy paragraphs. Use bulleted lists rather than lengthy paragraphs and break up sections with line spacing.
  
  
• Make your key points first. Resumes are generally looked at very quickly. If you decided to start with your weakest info and then build to your best skills, your resume will be overlooked.
  
  
• Do not include irrelevant personal information. Employers do not need to know that you enjoy basketweaving and Ballroom dancing. Only include information that show you are the most qualified person for the job.
  
  
• Remain positive. If there is anything you feel might make you look less appealing, don't include it - provided it isn't necessary. Honesty is important in creating a resume but use your judgement to see what is necessary. If stating a graduation year may subject you to age discrimination, do not include it.
  
  
• Offer references. You don't have to write the names on your resume, but state that references are available upon request. Have the names and contact information readily available so that when a recruiter asks for this information, you don't have to scramble it together.
  
  
• Answer the Ad. If an opening is listed having three requirements, be sure you have addressed each of them in your resume. Keywords are an important part of the strategy.
  
  
• Let someone else review your resume. You may think you have created a masterpiece, but only an outside viewpoint can attest to that. By allowing someone else to look at your resume, you get an idea of what a recruiter might think. Choose someone who will be objective, not your mother who thinks everything you create is genius.
  
  
• Submit resumes as they have been requested. If someone asks for it via email, don't fax it. Be sure to include a contact name if one is given so that you know where it is going. If there is no name but a phone number, call and ask to whom you should address your resume.