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Ten
Keys to a Dynamite Resume
To help you
construct a better, more powerful resume, here are ten overall considerations
in regard to your technical CV's content and presentation:
1.
Position title and job description.
Provide your title, plus a detailed explanation of your duties and
accomplishments. Since job titles are often misleading or their
function may vary from one company to another, your resume should
tell the reader exactly what you've done.
2.
Clarity of dates and place.
Document your work history and educational credentials accurately.
Don't leave the reader guessing where and when you were employed,
or when you earned your degree.
3.
Explicitness.
Let the reader know the nature, size and location of your past employers,
and what their business is.
4.
Detail.
Specify some of the more technical, or involved aspects of your
past work or training-especially if you've performed tasks of any
complexity, or significance.
5.
Proportion.
Give appropriate attention to jobs or educational credentials according
to their length, or importance to the reader. For example, if you
wish to be considered for an engineering position, don't write one
paragraph describing your current engineering job, followed by three
paragraphs about your summer job as a lifeguard.
6.
Relevancy.
Confine
your information to that which is job-related or clearly demonstrates
a pattern of success. For example, nobody really cares that your
hobby is spear fishing. Concentrate on subject matter that addresses
the needs of the employer.
7.
Length.
Fill up only a page or two. If you write more than two pages, it
sends a signal to the reader that you can't organize your thoughts,
or you're trying too hard to make a good impression. If your content
is strong, you won't need more than two pages.
8.
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Create an error-free document that's representative of an educated
person. If you're unsure about the correctness of your writing (or
if English is your second language), consult a professional writer
or editor.
9.
Readability.
Organize your thoughts in a clear, concise manner. No resume ever
won a Nobel Prize for literature; however, a fragmented or long-winded
resume will virtually assure you of a place at the back of the line.
10.
Readability.
Be sure to select a conventional type style, such as Times Roman
or Arial, and choose a neutral background or stationery. If your
resume takes too much effort to read, it may end up in the trash,
even if you have terrific skills. Most presentation of Resume/CV
information is done via email in today's world. Use Microsoft Word
or compatible format such as RTF.
Finally, I suggest
you write several drafts, and allow yourself time to review your
work and proofread for errors. If you have a professional associate
whose opinion you trust, by all means, listen to what he or she
has to say. A simple critique can make the difference between an
interview and a rejection.
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