Creating A Resume : What To Avoid
writing a resume is on most people’s ‘to be avoided’ list right along with your annual dental checkup. Afterall, you know what you’re capable of, why can’t a prospective employer just know that too and do away with the whole application/interview kerfuffle? Then when you try writing a curriculum vitae a whole range of doubts arise about what to include and what is best left out.
The rules of thumb for a basic resume aren’t really as challenging as some would think. Unless you are in a technical field or seeking an executive position, your resume shouldn’t be more than one page. It should include your objective at the top, your education, and your last ten years of work history in chronological order with the most recent first - working backwards. Depending on the space available, you can add a “Special Skills” Section. Though some prefer to indicate that references are “available upon request,” I advise adding the names, titles and phone numbers of two references at the bottom. It just makes it easier on the hiring agent.
The standard format that I use has been tried and tested by many thousands of job applicants. And while there are other details involved, the challenge of writing a good resume is more about preparation than putting computer ink to paper.
I don’t advise using an e-mail address on a resume. There are just too many reasons that something could go wrong (e.g., mailbox overload, technical problems) However, if you feel you must use your e-mail address, here are some tips. Change your e-mail address or reconsider using it on a resume if it is something like wildchild@whatever.com or buffdude@whatever.com. The idea is that you want to convey an appropriate image from the start. Also, you need to be able to check your e-mail several times daily in order to be responsive. If you are going to be out of town and don’t have other access, make arrangements to have someone check your e-mail. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that, if a hiring agent is really interested, he will call you if he can’t get you by e-mail. The responsibility is yours to be accessible. If you make it difficult for them, or add time to their schedule, you may be risking your candidacy.
The most important action to take when preparing and creating a cv is to adopt a marketing mindset. With a basic format and the right mindset, that resume headache you started out with will never haunt you again.
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Self Help, Business & Management
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