The Do’s and Don’ts of Resume Writing
Your resume is a summary of your work background and qualifications.
It’s your introduction to a potential employer and a chance to make a good first impression.
According to research, employers spend on average six seconds looking at a resume before deciding if the candidate will get an interview. Therefore, it’s important to make sure the information on your resume is relevant, comprehensive, easy to read and accurate.
Here are a few resume tips to make sure yours is professional and helps you move forward in the interview process.
RESUME TIPS: THE DO’S
Highlight your achievements. Call attention to your accomplishments by listing them as bullet points. Include leadership or volunteer experiences.
Keep it relevant. Employers want to know how your skills and expertise relates to the job our applying for.
Use statistics. Adding statistics and figures make your achievements more compelling. For example: “Acquired 30 new clients” or “Cut costs by 20 percent.”
Check spelling and grammar. Don’t rely on spell-check. Ask a friend or family member to look it over.
RESUME TIPS: THE DON’TS
Don’t clutter the page. Stay away from fancy fonts and using all caps. Avoid dense blocks of text and use plenty of white space for an easy-to-read resume.
Don’t exaggerate titles and/or responsibilities. Never misrepresent yourself or your experience.
Don’t make it impossible for the employer to contact you. Double-check your contact information. (Also avoid using an inappropriate/unprofessional email address.)
If you need more help with your resume, West Michigan Works offers a free resume makeover workshop online to improve your job search skills and keep your search active.
