Effective Resume Writing

A resume can make the crucial difference in receiving that all-important call for an interview. The task of writing a resume can be quite daunting, and if you’re one of those people who finds it difficult to demonstrate their job suitability on paper, then you’re not alone. Many people can find it challenging to express their skills and experiences in a one or two page document. However, with time, consideration and a little bit of help, you can create an effective resume.

Your resume is a powerful marketing so think about how you can most effectively convey your capabilities, skills and experiences. Having a job in mind will also help you tailor your resume. The first step in writing an effective resume is to think about the job in question and what is required to perform that position.

Recruiters and employers look for evidence that you have the skills and qualities needed to perform well in that role. Depending on the vacancy, the recruiter could be looking for specific qualifications, experience or specialist skills so read the job specification/advertisement carefully. Always ask the question, does my resume demonstrate evidence of the skills and qualities required for the job? And does my resume stand out from other applicants?

Remember that your resume is about you. A common mistake made by many jobseekers, is to focus on the company and past jobs rather than how you performed and what you accomplished at work. Keep in mind that ‘past behaviour will predict future behaviour’ so a good resume will demonstrate your abilities, skills and competencies, and highlight how you would perform in the future.

Your resume needs to make a good first impression. Spelling and grammar checks are essential and attention to the layout cannot be stressed enough. Your resume should be two pages maximum, single singed and printed on A4 paper. Keep your resume simple, concise and the font readable. Avoid graphics, gimmicks and fancy paper.

Remember your resume is a reflection of you, so make sure that you use professional language. Use the active rather than the passive tense and always check that you remain in the same tense.