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Eight Resume Writing Tips - Blank Resume Form

Tip One - Format

Two pages maximum using the following format:

Name; Introduction; Functional Skills/Competencies; Brief Employment History; Scope of Positions Held; Career Highlights/Awards; Education; Basic Personal Data

Tip Two - No “I”, “me” or “my”

Write your resume almost as if you are writing about another person, it will present better to the reader.

Example: An experienced executive who impresses customers, colleagues and suppliers. (the ‘I am’ is assumed however never written)

Sounds better than… I am an experienced executive that impresses my customers, my colleagues etc… sounds like boasting!

Tip Three - The First Ten Words

The first ten words need to get the readers attention and they will only read on if what you write is powerful and related to their specific job requirements. Look at the employer’s ad and think about what they want and make your opening statement a bit like a good news headline.

Tip Four - Use “Matched” Words

A well-written ‘generic’ resume is a great start however when applying for a job interview you must use the appropriate words and statements. So how do you find out which words will get the attention of your reader. This is easy… just use as many words and statements, in your introduction, from their ad as you can. Example if they say they are looking for a ‘hard working team player that enjoys a personal challenge’ you use “team player”, “hardworking” and “likes a personal challenge” in your statements about yourself.

Tip Five - Numbers and Statistics

Use statistics to quantify your responsibilities, job tasks and achievements. Examples: “managed a department of twelve people”, “was responsible for a sales budget of eight million dollars” or “achieved production growth of 88%”. Numbers will create vivid images in the reader’s mind that will be more likely stick.

Tip Six - General Presentation

Use ‘formal’ language and short well-structured sentences that are easy to read and absorb.

Use subheadings - they help the usually busy hiring manger find what he/she is looking for quickly.

Use simple and clear typefaces - I think “Arial” is great.

Do not use jargon or abbreviations, check the spelling at least three times and have someone check your grammar.

Tip Seven - Be Concise

Limit the more detailed information regarding your work history to what is pertinent to the job you are applying for - short is sweet.

The most important information (from the potential employer’s point of view) must come to the fore very early on in your resume.

Tip Eight - Sell Your Benefits

As in selling anything the ‘buyer’ is looking for the benefits you bring. To make a benefit statement you need to write down a full “FAB” statement to make sure you are actually listing the benefit you are offering. The best way to do this is to start with a (F) feature which turns into an (A) advantage that finally delivers a (B) benefit.

Example: Your Feature may be say, “Fred holds a full XYZ (whatever it is where you live) drivers license which means he can (Advantage) operate all vehicles in your fleet / production facility (giving the Benefit of) removing the need for additional/temporary drivers for a wide range of operations.

These types of “FAB statements” help convince the potential employer that you have the competencies that it takes to be both successful in the new position and in your ongoing career with the company. Of course the benefits must relate to the desired ‘attributes’ or ’skills’ listed in the ad you are responding to.

You can construct/practice your resume writing using the free blank resume form at www.orglearn.org

Ric (Richard Townsend - orglearn)