Resumes: 30 Must Know Items

I know, you are tired of looking at it and working on it, but it is the situation that nothing will impact your job search more than your resume, followed by your ability to interview well. A resume is no different than a professional advertisement or a marketing brochure companies use every day to generate interest and sell products and services to demanding customers. You are looking for a customer and buyer too, and the way to generate a high quality lead is to have an outstanding professionally prepared resume document to showcase what you can offer. Most resumes, like many advertisements, are sunk from the start.

Do not let that happen. Here are some critically important tips for improvement. Make a sharp professional first impression. Look and feel is what grabs attention intially. Do not make the mistake of relying on resume templates and samples to produce your resume. Know as much about what not to put in your resume as you do about what to put in it. Do not waste your valuable time with free resume builders, or anything else supposedly free. Your resume should have a professional appearance appropriate for the type of position you are seeking. Based on the job you are seeking, think about what the hiring manager would want and need.

1. Position your bullet points correctly and word them appropriately. Size does matter.
2. Use standard fonts including an appropriate size. Most people go way wrong in this area.
3. Be neat and error free. The slightest error will change a hiring manager's perception.
4. Do not make your resume too short or too long. There is a correct and appropriate length.
5. Use appropriate action verbs, adverbs, and adjectives but do not overdo it.
6. Use words that show an extensive vocabulary. Do not misuse a word or have grammar errors.
7. Use your summary to grab the attention of the reader and make him or her want more.
8. Craft your headline in such a way as to not exclude yourself from other positions.
9. Do not explain why you are no longer with an employer, or fill in blanks with an explanation.
10. Avoid personal pronouns or referring to yourself by using your own name.
11. Use keywords and buzzwords relevant to your industry and job function. Avoid ambiguity.
12. Make reading your resume a pleasant experience. Don't let people stop after 10 seconds or so.
13. Indicate accomplishments along with duties and responsibilities, but structure it properly.
14. Package your education accurately and place it in the appropriate area. Know what details to include.
15. List only recent and relevant information in detail. You must know what to include and not to include.
16. Highlight key points, skills, and accomplishments. Remember, you are trying to impress.
17. Email your resume in the proper document format and make sure it prints out beautifully.
18. Take special care with your resume if you are trying to change careers. Packaging is key.
19. Title yourself correctly with regard to previous positions to help match the job opening.
20. Summarize information logically, and only include information that is key to attract employers.
21. Quantify experience and accomplishments when appropriate, but don't overdo it.
22. Accurately prioritize the content and sections of your resume for maximum impact.
23. Avoid questionable subjects and content. People put all sorts of inappropriate items on resumes.
24. Sell yourself really well. This is a professional marketing brochure and advertisement.
25. If entry level, package your resume appropriately for your targeted area.
26. Do not rely on your own critique of your resume. Also, do not rely on friends and family.
27. Have your resume professionally prepared. It is a very worthwhile investment.
28. Don't waste your time and money printing your resume on expensive off-white paper.
29. Don't be a resume hoarder. Many people can't let go of a lot experience that shouldn't be listed.
30. Avoid asking your family and friends what they think of your resume. They don't know.