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Resume Writing Tips

The average resume reviewer spends 6-15 seconds assessing a resume before deciding whether to interview a candidate. How well does your resume work for you?

Your resume is often your first chance to market yourself to hiring managers. It is vital that you put time and effort into your resume to ensure it properly represents your background, competencies and interests.

 

Content Tips

  1. Ensure achievements and key information stand out: Consider including a list of key contributions or key achievements within each individual job description, or you include a separate resume section that highlights your career achievements. Don’t hide accomplishments at the bottom of the resume - make sure they are quickly noticed.
  2. Boost your personal SEO by including keywords that apply to the position and skills: Ensure those keywords are embedded multiple times within your resume. By adding in the most relevant titles, job functions, technologies, industry jargon, and certifications, you’re optimizing your resume for your target roles.
  3. Include industry experience: Industry-specific skills and background carry weight, especially in industries like government, financial services, healthcare, pharmaceutical, product development, and education.
  4. Put data in its proper context: Describe the company in the context of its industry (for EX. “ABC is a $800 million telecommunications service provider with a presence in 35+ states.”), describe the scope of responsibilities, use time frames where applicable, and align word choice and tenses correctly.
  5. Share your relevant non-work experience: Consider including a community involvement section and outline involvement with technical user groups or philanthropic activities. Any participation in, or support of, the community will be a positive reflection.

Resume Quality Assurance

As with any project, you need to complete the QA process before making it live. Review your resume and see if it answers questions like:

  • Why should this company hire me?
  • Does it market my skills effectively?
  • Is my resume reader-friendly?
  • Are my achievements and career progression instantly visible?
  • Does it include industry and technical jargon that further shows my knowledge and sophistication?
  • Does it show my successful track record?
  • Does it include any personal experience, non-profit or technical community involvement, memberships/associations, or training the might reinforce the professional brand I’m trying to portray
  • Am I satisfied with my resume in terms of content, layout, formatting, style, mechanics, and how it markets me?

Resume Sections to Include

  • Customized Objective
  • Qualifications/Skills Summary
  • Contact Information
  • Educational Background
  • Training and/or Certifications
  • Achievements
  • Professional Experience
  • Optional:
    - Technical Skills/Competencies
    - Summary
    - Organizations or Affiliations
    - Online Portfolio or Website Link
    - URL to LinkedIn Profile

 

Resources

Click on the graphics below for more information about building a strong resume:


Visit the following sites for resume examples,
templates and additional tips: