Writing Resumes – Free Tips, And Other Freebies
Let us get straight to the point. Imagine you are a Manager, and have heaps of resumes lying on your desk, and you have the job of sifting through hundreds of resumes. Which one is likely to go into the waste paper basket, and which will come through to the other side of the table for a second look ?
Obviously, since you are the Manager, you are looking at some pre-requisites for the job. What are they ?
1. Age – there may be a minimum and a maximum age
2. Qualifications
3. Experience
4. Marital Status
5. Whether spouse working
6. Children, if any, if so, what grades they are in
7. Language used
8. Gender (may be) depending upon the job.
10. Present Location: would the person go from his present position.
11. Other qualifications, say, an extra degree in another subject
12. References.
If you look at this the way it should be, then your job of writing a resume is simpler. It’s very much like standing in a crowd, waving at the dignitary, or friend, trying to catch his attention! So your resume has to be one that meets these requirements.
Plain simple language, brief description of study and experience, school and college grades, ability to relocate,etc. , all listed above matter.
If the ad is stressing a particular attribute or attributes, be sure to address those very attributes first. That gets you in on to the pile to be considered. The others become secondary.
Sounds simple, but really it is not so. It all lies in reading between the lines, especially when you are first time applicant. You do need advice, other than the one given above, even though, you as Manager assumed what you wanted. But the real man behind the desk might have different thoughts. Acknowledge that first, and acknowledge that there are competitors for that very same job.
Who can help you? Well, there are very many people. First, you could try your college dean or placement officer. They would know from their experience how it should be structured.
It’s also quite possible that the person whom you are applying to is from the same fraternity you belong to! No matter what one says, it helps! So highlight it, but subtly. Don’t be obvious. Everyone wants to look neutral, and natural.
Take the help of friends, associates, and even your family. You could also try some of the professional firms and individuals which specialize in helping you find jobs, and in turn, are also used by employers to find the right match for their vacancies.
Be precise. Writing long paragraphs is a strict no-no. Who has the time? Only you. Precision also indicates that you know your stuff, and that you are not a high-flyer, who sings only his own tune! Be careful to stress only what you really know, and don’t exaggerate your own importance. Why not, you question? The answer is straight: if you are so excellent, then why are you looking, and if your experience is small, then are you a hustler, or a rolling stone. Remember this proverb always: A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss. it applies and is used. it’s the best way for your resume to find a place in the waste paper basket.
Yet another tip. Write the resume yourself. Place yourself in the shoes of the person who is going to get it, and appraise it with those eyes. If not possible, then, show it to one of your senior friends, dad or mom who are working. Take their advice. it helps. They have been there before.
This writer knows that he is repeating himself. It’s for your own excellent.
Never act smart in language or use fancy terms. Be practical to the nth degree. Don’t show off. No fancy paper. Plain paper will do. Check for obvious mstakes in spelling. Read the previous line. It should have read “check for obvious MISTAKES” Got it?
Read it twice before dispatching it. Question your sis or another person to read it through. Remember that sometimes two heads are better than one. Weigh carefully what is pointed out to you.
