How to Write an Outstanding Resume
- 1). Review the job description. Make a list of the keywords the employer included in the job description. Often times, employers use a computer program to filter resumes. Having keywords that appear in the job description will help your resume get through this first phase of the screening process.
- 2). Design a resume that is organized and easy for prospective employers to read. Include your contact information, job objective, work history, education and special skills and abilities. For work history, generally employers want information about your previous three to four jobs.
- 3). Describe your accomplishments with actionable verbs. For example, don't say "responsibilities included," which is an overused phrase. Instead, say you executed a project that resulted in a sales increase of 55 percent over six months. Other actionable verbs included "directed," "facilitated" and "organized."
- 4). Include experiences outside of your traditional work history. For example, highlight skills you acquired during volunteer opportunities, professional association involvement or other experiences relevant to the job. Include these details in a section titled "Professional and Volunteer Organizations."
- 5). Ask a friend, family member or colleague to help you proofread your resume. This will assist with avoiding embarrassing typos or grammar mistakes.
- 6). Create a new resume for each new job opening. This takes more time, but will make your resume stand out to employers. Use the first resume you make as a template. Then, revise the keywords and skills most relevant to the job based on the employer's needs.
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