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 running.

Advertise Yourself

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

• Emphasize your work-related skills.
• Focus only on the qualifications, skills, and occupational goals that are related to the position to which you're applying. Create several versions of your resume. This allows you to highlight 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 an eye-appealing visual layout.
• Keep it neat, well organized, and professional.
• Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume. It makes your application more personal. It also demonstrates that you are seriously interested in the job.

Make Your Resume Scannable and Readable

Companies often do not have the resources to review all the resumes they receive. Large employers use electronic resume scanning systems that look for specific keywords or phrases. They use this to match your resume to the minimum requirements for the position. Your resume will have a greater chance of being read if you follow these tips:

• Give priority to the skills on your resume. Scannable resume systems are designed to look for skills.
• Use keywords for skills and occupation-specific requirements.
• Use large 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, bold, or underlined text.
• Do not use graphics or shaded backgrounds.
• 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.