Health & Fitness
The JOB-BLOG: Resume Tips
Are you looking for a job? here are some tips to help beef up your resume.
September 2012
They don’t call it the “Job Hunt” for the Heck of it . . .
Hunting for jobs doesn’t need to be as hard as it sounds. Here are a few simple tips that you can apply to your resume to help transition you from being the hunter to the hunted.
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1 – Make it clear. I read resumes everyday where people dance around what the actually do, to make themselves “stand out” when it really does the opposite. Tell the reader what you do. If you are a plumber then you are a plumber, you are not a water management specialist. When I am searching monster for resumes, and I need plumber I search for plumber, not water management. I know you are trying to make what you do sound more important, but Don’t!
2 – Use “key words”. I know it sounds cheesy, but use key words. Many employers are looking for something specific. Find a place in the beginning or at the end of your resume to list all the key words that will enhance your experience. If you are an engineer list all the programs you are familiar with: AutoCAD, Solidworks, etc. These words will help you stand out from the crowd when employers are looking for specific skills.
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3 – Do NOT keep your resume to one page. Whichever “friend” told you to keep your resume to one page is probably the same friend who convinced you it’s ok to have one more beer before you drive. Make that resume 2 pages (at least). You need to sell yourself to the employer. If you limit yourself, they may pass you over. Tell the story, even if you dribble over on to the 3rd page - it’s ok. If you have been in the business for over 10 years, prove it. You can’t squeeze 10 years into 1 page. Elaborate on your experience. This resume is the only shot you have to sell yourself, so don’t sell yourself short!
4 – Don’t leave gaps in your resume. List the month as well as the year you started or ended a job. The first thing a recruiter can spot is a gap in your resume. Employers want to know the full story, and just listing the year you started somewhere leaves the employer guessing, and not in a good way.
Matt Bergin - the Job-Blogger is a professional recruiter at Liberty Personnel in King of Prussia.
