Resume Writing Tips

Resume Tips From thedindigulonline.com

Your resume is the first interface you have with your employer. Make the most of this opportunity............. The employment market is changing all the time and so have resumes, evolving from a one-size-fits-all standard. Here are our tips to convert your resume into a catching one.
Follow These Basic Standards....

Mistakes:

* Spelling Mistakes.
* To avoid spelling mistakes.
* Don't use words with which you aren't familiar.
* Use a dictionary for your correction.
* Perform a spell check on your finished resume.
* Carefully read every word in your resume.
* Have a friend or two proof for read your resume.
Punctuation Mistakes:
+ Things to look for.
+ Periods at the end of all full sentences.
+ Be consistent in use of punctuation.
+ Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.
+ Avoid using exclamation points.

Grammatical Mistakes:

+ Grammar hang-ups to watch for.
+ Do not switch tenses within your resume.
+ Your current perform should be in present tense (i.e., write reports)
+ Duties you may have performed at previous jobs should be in past tense (i.e., wrote reports).
+ Capitalize all proper nouns.
+ When expressing numbers, write out all numeric between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven), but use numerals for all numbers above 10 (i.e., 10, 25, 108).
+ If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g. Eleven service awards won while employed.).
+ Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e.11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01. Choose one and stick with it.).
+ Choose Your Words Carefully
+ Phrase yourself well
+ Lookout for the easily confused words
+ accept (to receive), except (to exclude)
+ all right (correct), alright (this is not a word)
+ affect (to bring about change), effect (result)
+ personal (private), personnel (staff members)
+ role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
+ Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).

References:
In most instances its not necessary to include references on the resume. If you include a reference, make it sure that the referenced person knows well about you. Its advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer can contact easily. If possible add the contact no. or mail ID of the reference.

STICK TO THE POINT

Employers have busy schedule, so don't expect them to read your resume. Ideally, resumes should be of one or two pages only if at all necessary, to describe relevant work experience.

WORDS COUNT

Using of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently. Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling resume. Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines). If you provide small, digestible pieces of information, your resume will be read. Use action verbs such as "developed", "managed", and "designed" emphasise your accomplishments. Don't use declarative sentences like "I developed the ..." or "I assisted in ...", leave out the "I". Avoid passive constructions, such as "was responsible for managing". Just say, "managed": that sounds stronger and more active.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them. Don't be vague. Telling someone that you "improved the company's efficiency" doesn't say much. But if you say that you "cut overhead costs by 20 per cent and saved the company Rs 20 lakh during the last financial year", you are more specific.

HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments. There is difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resume can cost you the job later.

DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES

Check your resume for correct grammatical and spelling - evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a resume filled with preventable mistakes. Make your resume easy on the eye point. Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text on the page. Allow some space between the sections and avoid unusual or exotic fonts. Preferred fonts: Arial and Times Roman.