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Resume Writing Tips

It only takes a couple seconds for an employer to toss a poor resume. Follow these tips to increase your odds of staying in the applicant pool.

Advertise Yourself

Have you ever seen an advertisement or flyer which really caught your attention? Did it provide key information? Design your resume as an advertisement that makes the employer want to learn more about you.

  • Emphasize your work–related skills.
  • Focus on selling only the qualifications, skills, and occupational goals that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Create several versions of your resume which emphasize your qualifications for different types of jobs.
  • Describe your qualifications using measurable outcomes and specific accomplishments.
  • Do not make statements that you cannot prove.
  • Use "I" to refer to yourself. Avoid any mention of salary expectations or wage history.
  • Keep it brief (1-2 pages). Your resume is an overview of your qualifications, not your life story.
  • Correct all typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors.
  • Maintain eye–appealing visual appearance.
  • Keep it neat, well organized, and professional.
  • Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume. It makes your application more personal and demonstrates to employers that you are seriously interested in the job.

Make your resume scannable and readable

Companies rarely have the resources to review all the resumes they receive. Many larger employers use electronic resume scanning systems that look for specific keywords or phrases which match the minimum requirements for the position. Your resume will have more chances of being read in its entirety if you follow these tips:

  • Give priority to the skills on your resume. Scannable resume systems are set to read skills.
  • Use keywords for skills and occupation-specific requirements.
  • Use generous margins and plenty of white space.
  • Use 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
  • Do not use a font size smaller than 10 or larger than 14.
  • Do not use italic, script or underlined text, graphics or shading.
  • Do not staple or fold your resume. Send it in a flat white envelope.

Source: Creative Job Search , Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.