Copyright 2005 by David Green

http://www.powerfuljobsearchtips.com

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #1 NEVER USE THE WRONG PAPER! What
kind of paper should you choose when typing your resume? The
color of paper you will want to use will be white or ivory. You
will also want to type your resume on a heavier paper, such as a
20 lb. bond.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #2 DO NOT APPLY TO THE WRONG JOB!
Focus on targeting your resume to one specific job. If the job
you are seeking is that of a receptionist, you want the person
reading your resume to know this. The employer may have several
openings and not know if you are applying for the receptionist
job or the maintenance position. Always make sure you reference
the position you desire.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #3 PLEASE, NO LIFE STORIES! You
want to keep your resume short; one page is optimal, more than
two is disastrous. Keep your resume clear, concise and relative
to the particular job market. Remember, the person reading your
resume has no desire, nor intentions to read your life story.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #4 DON’T FORGET THE PITCH! The
most important thing to remember when typing your resume is your
qualifications. Write a short opening paragraph to ‘sell
yourself.’ You want to come across as capable and qualified,
yet, you do not want to sound like a narcissist, so do not over
do it. Show confidence and strength through your written words,
but avoid boasting.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #5 NO MISSPELLINGS! Always use
your computer’s spell checker! If you cannot spell the job
position correctly, how will you perform the job? Misspellings
are a big annoyance to the person reading your resume. You don’t
want to irritate him/her before you have even been granted an
interview.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #6 NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT!
Emphasize your skills, talents and achievements. Especially if
they relate to the position you are seeking. Elaborate most on
the skills that apply to the exact job for which you are
applying.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #7 DO NOT LEAVE OUT PERTINENT
INFORMATION! When writing about your past jobs, make sure to
include their locations. Do not omit the cities and states where
you have previously worked. HOW TO WRITE A RESUME MISTAKE #8
AVOID USING WEAK WORDS! When telling of your past employment
positions, try to use the word ‘work’ sparingly. It is a weak,
passive verb, and applies to a broad spectrum of tasks. Everyone
‘works’, but maybe you’ve ‘implemented’, or ‘collaborated’;
these types of words sound much more impressive.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME MISTAKE #9 DO NOT CREATE A CENSUS! It is
most common now, as well as accepted, that you don’t use
‘profile’ information. Information you should leave out are
height, weight, age, date of birth, gender, marital status, race
and personal health information. Also to be omitted are
controversial issues such as, religious and political
affiliations.

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME MISTAKE #10 DO NOT OVERLOOK YOUR
REPUTATION! Who will vouch for you? If you are going to include
personal and or professional references, make sure the people
you list will give you a shining recommendation. The best
reference would be a leader in the industry you are applying
for, or another well-respected professional. Try to use only the
people who will mention your best attributes. It is also
recommended that you contact the person you will use as a
reference to assure that the information they will supply about
you is only top notch.

Image taken on 2009-09-30 00:00:41. Image Source. (Used with permission)