Get That Interview &Ndash; Resume Writing Tips You Can’t Miss

Don’t assume that the employer will have the time and patience to read your resume from start to finish. Put the most important and relevant information about you first in your resume. If you have recently graduated, put that first. If you haven’t completed your studies, start with your work experience.

2. Remember that a resume works to get you a job interview

While many people often debate as to what a good resume is for, the fact remains that a good resume is a resume that works. And how does it work? It works to get you an interview. If it explains how well-suited you are for a job but fails to get you an interview, then the resume doesn’t work. But if it is something short of mediocre yet was able to land you an interview, then that is an effective resume.

3. Show them what you got

Never leave any blank period of time in your resume. Every time span must be accounted for. If you haven’t any paid jobs, mention things like volunteer work or odd jobs. If you haven’t finish a degree, mention the estimated date of completion. As long as you mention relevant things to the job you are applying for, if doesn’t matter if they are paid or not.

4. It is “Your” resume

Don’t forget that your resume is about you. It should be able to sell you as a capable person that matches the job you are applying for. Even merchants appreciate the value of exaggeration to sell their wares. Knowing how much is too much is crucial in writing your resume.

5. Only include relevant data

Things like hobbies, favorite movies and latest read book may interest your friends but not a potential employer. Unless you think adding them is somehow connected to the job you want, leave them out. Sometimes, too much unnecessary information can ruin your chances of landing an interview.

6. Use a prefix if your name goes both ways

If you have a name that can both be used by males and females (Robin, Joey, Alex, etc), remember to include either Mr. or Ms. It won’t help you to confuse your potential employer.

7. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth

Exaggeration is very different from telling lies. Avoid making lies in your resume. Companies these days do background checks, and one little lie can spell disaster for you. You may even be blacklisted, and this is a very big price to pay for a very small lie.

8. Keep in mind the pay you are aiming for

Your resume must match the salary and other benefits you are aiming for. It makes no sense to create a run-by-the-mill resume for a person looking for an executive position.

9. Browse the local job ads

Check the job listings of other companies looking to hire the same or related position you are applying for. This will give you an idea about what they would be looking for potential applicants. Then, modify and tailor your resume as needed.

10. Call a friend

Even if you think that your resume is a masterpiece, still call a friend to look it over and notice his reaction and opinion. You may have missed something out. Also, you can have another valuable opinion aside from the one you have about your resume.

11. Keep it less than three

Most employers and recruiting specialists agree that the ideal resume should contain one or two pages. If you have provided all the relevant and necessary information in your resume, then it doesn’t matter even if it’s only a single page.

12. Detail your job duties

A common advice to many jobseekers is to use action words when describing their job descriptions. Detail exactly and accurately what you have done, and phrase it in a way that makes your employer think that you are a winner. Companies want leaders, and you can show this through your resume.

13. Print with a good printer

Laser printers are good choices when printing your resume. Stick with white or ivory-colored paper, and use the ordinary ones. Many employers think that special and embossed paper seems to undermine their judgment. If you think using special paper earns you favor, think again.

14. Support your strengths

Instead of listing all your strengths and qualities, which can ultimately bore your employer, try to support your qualities with experiences from real life. If you just make a list, the employer may think that you are just trying to inflate yourself. Support your strengths with relevant and practical information.

15. Create effective titles

With a lot of applicants, employers usually don’t have the luxury of time to peruse your resume. In about five seconds, the employer can make a judgment about your resume. That is why it is very important to make a title that will grab attention. Try to be as descriptive as possible, giving the employer a good idea about the nature of your past work experiences.

16. Proofread, proofread, proofread

This cannot be stressed enough. A single, forgivable mistake could make your chance of getting hired get away. Making sure your resume has no typos shows that you are keen to details, and will appear a good choice for an employee, compared to a very accomplished one who has typos in his resume.

17. Bullet your points

Use bullet points and short sentences to describe your resume details. No employer has the time or patience to browse and check resumes. Always show through your resume that you value the time your employer will spend in reading your resume.

18. Typography matterz

Check that you use fonts that are neither too big or neither too small. Using 11 to 12 points is very optimal. Avoid using all CAPITAL LETTERS. While some tinkering with the use of fonts may appear cute to you, it wont seem as appealing to a potential employer.

19. Leave out the obvious

It should be obvious that you are available for an interview and that you will provide references when requested. Many people put statements like these in their resumes. Others simply see it being put by others and copy. Try to avoid items that would make the employer say “duh!”

20. Explain why your skills would be helpful to your company

Instead of just saying that you can do something, try to explain how it can produce benefits to the employer’s company and how it can produce real results. This will make the employer think that you are not an ordinary applicant, and ignoring you could result in a loss for him.

21. Forget it

Information that might sound negative for the employer should be omitted. This is good advice, not only for your resume but for your interview as well. You don’t have to include the things you hated in your former job and former company.

22. The employer wants to hear achievements, not responsibilities

Other sample resumes include a list of responsibilities a certain job has. This is boring, not only to a time-conscious person but even to a person who has all the time in the world. So, list instead your achievements and accomplishments. Remember, you are not selling a prototype applicant; you are selling yourself.

23. No pictures pleas

Unless the employer requested it or your job has a lot to do with your appearance (acting, modeling, etc), avoid attaching your picture to your resume.

24. Numbers speak louder than words

If you are going to list your past professional achievements, it would be a good idea to make them as solid as possible. Numbers best illustrate how this works. Instead of mentioning that you have increased sales, try using phrases like you have increased sales to $50,000, 77%, and so on.

25. There is no need to have one universal resume for all applications

Sure, having one resume for all purposes saves you time and is very convenient. But, this practice actually decreases your chances of getting interviews. Ironically, you consume more time and money, not to mention the effort and frustration that go with it. Just like you tailor your attire to the weather, customize your resume for each potential employer. After all, you don’t wear your sweats to all your activities right?

26. Be the employer’s answer

Before even applying, it is a good strategy to identify the possible problems your employer may be facing at the moment. Then, it’s as simple as being the answer. Understanding the nature of the company and the job would give you a clear idea what the employer may be looking for, or even need, even though he isn’t aware of it at the moment. Use your resume to show that you and your skills can be a solution to those problems.

27. I am this young

While it is illegal to discriminate based solely on age, many employers still do this. So, why risk it? Unless you are specifically requested, decide not to put your age or birthdate on your resume. If you want to put your birthday, try leaving out the year part.

28. Your resume is not a life compilation of all your work experiences

Unless relevant to your current application, you don’t have to put all the job experiences you have had. Applying for an executive position cannot in any be helped by mentioning that you have posed in an adult magazine when you were younger. You don’t have to put things like these; it is ok to omit them.

29. My hobby is not to tell my hobbies

If you are sure that some of your hobbies will be be met with enthusiasm by the employer, then put it in your resume. Otherwise, avoid putting things like these in your resume. While your friends would certainly appreciate that you have a level 56 character in World of Warcraft, but your employer may not.

30. Don’t forget to update your resume often

Everytime something relevant happens to you, it is a good thing to update your resume regularly. The best way to keep track of everything you do is by constantly adding to your resume. You do not want to send an obsolete resume to your employer. Also, trying to make an updated resume on the fly is very time-consuming and difficult. You might forget to add something very relevant to your resume.

31. Name drop

If you have reported to or worked with someone that is well-known in your industry, don’t forget to mention him. This thing also applies to presidents and CEOs. If you have reported to or worked directly with a highly-ranked executive, be sure to place it in your resume.

32. Show direction and focus

Even if you are not focused, try to give your resume the appearance of focus and direction. It would be taken against you if you mention you worked as an accountant, then later say you worked as a model. Be sure that the information you provide would depict you as approaching a unified goal. This is also one of the reasons why you should have many resumes, each tailored to the job and employer you are applying for. Employers like people who know what they want.

33. White space is important space

There is no penalty if your resume is not filled with text. A resume is not an english term paper. Don’t flood your resume with blocks and lines of text. White space in your resume improves the presentability and readibility of your resume. These things help quite a lot in getting you a job interview.

34. If you have been stuck with the same company, list your positions

If it happened that you have been working for the same company for a long time, it is recommended that you mention the different positions and roles that you had during that time individually. A long time is a period over 10 years. Probably, you have had many different responsibilities and have developed different skills. Let your employer know about these.

35. In English please

Unbelievably, people still omit to observe common sense in writing resumes. Jargon and slang should be avoided at all costs. Even for technical terms, don’t assume that the employer will know what you are talking about. People reading your resume for the first time may not know what on earth you are talking about.

36. Beware sample templates of resumes

Many offer free resume templates. They can help you get an idea of what you should be putting in a resume. But, refrain from copy and pasting them. Your resume should say that you are not just like any other job applicant. Copying what others may have already copied is a sure way of saying that you are just like everybody else.

37. Remove your older work experiences

Most experts agree that the last 15 years of work experience is enough for your resume. If you have very relevant work experience from way back, just add it in your resume under other experiences and omit to put a date.

38. Spiceless is better

Avoid using fancy fonts, decorated background and graphics on your resume. While these things would certainly make a poster or a website very entertaining, the same would not work for a resume. People may just throw away the creative effort you have put in your resume.

39. I, me and myself

Since a resume is already a document about yourself, it is redundant to use pronouns like “I” and “me.” If you miss the fact that the resume is a document about yourself, then it is more likely the employer would think the same about you.

40. Do not forget the basics

The first thing on your resume should be your name and contact details. Make sure to write your name with a bold and large font. If your resume would consist of two pages, make sure that your name and contact details appear on both pages of your resume.

41. Don’t hesitate to ask for help

Just like any activity, if you can’t seem to have it done, call someone else to do it for you. Professional resume writing services create effective resumes for a living. You have many options to choose from, and you will need it only once if you land the perfect job.

42. Say what you want with your title

Using a vague title for your resume is a sure way of getting your resume unnoticed and leaving you without a shot at getting an interview. Instead of using generic titles, use a job title that relates and matches the job you are applying for. Incorporate your skills in your headings. After all, the employer peruses hundreds of hopeful resumes. A well-crafted title can grab his attention and make him  read more.

43. Design for what the employer may have in mind

Since you already know that a potential employer has only a few moments to spare, make sure that your resume is designed for this purpose. Place relevant work experience, educational attainment, seminars and workshops attended at the top. Keep in mind the nature of the company you are applying for. If the company is computer-related, make sure that your computer-related training and experience appear at the top. It makes no sense to prioritize your stint as a congressional aide if you are applying for a position as a website design engineer.

44. Remember to sell yourself

While humility is a very admirable trait and characteristic, something many parents try to instill in their children, a resume is not the place for it. Remember that you are trying to sell yourself. Humility will not get you a job interview, if that humility prevents you from accurately describing the skills and achievements you have made. If you cannot build up yourself with your resume, then the employer will think that you are the right person for the job. So, sell yourself and sell it big!

45. A resume promotes yourself

Many people confuse a resume with a work blog, a diary or even a confessional. Don’t! A resume should be used to promote yourself. Keeping this in mind, even if it was true that you were suspended from a certain work in your younger days, try to keep the data in your resume relevant. If it would hurt your chances of getting an interview, then that information is not relevant. Unless specifically asked by your employer, do not volunteer additional information that may jeopardize your chances of landing an interview.

46. It’s all about me

Even if you have work experience from a prestigious company, or graduated from a very reputable school, your resume should remain as a document about you. It should not be about highlighting the charitable organization you. It should be about you, your achievements and your goals. It may sound selfish, but your resume is the only document where it is exactly about yourself. If you feel uncomfortable writing about yourself, get somebody else to do it.

47. Forget failures and only put accomplishments

Since a resume is not a document under oath, you are not required to cite every little thing that you have done. Place your accomplishments, but don’t put misdemeanors and other failed attempts. If you find some things embarrassing, imagine your employer reading about it, in a document that is supposedly used to promote you? Do you see the picture? A resume is a document used to promote a person, and then your employer finds failed attempts and other shortcomings listed under it. Don’t backstab yourself.

48. What do you want?

Many resumes forget to have a job objective. If your excuse is that you don’t know what you want yet, then you can imagine the frustration of employers with that kind of resume. You should clearly say through your job objective what kind of job you are looking for. And this job objective should be found in your resume.

49. A resume starts with a job objective

Deciding on a job target or job objective is the very first thing to do when writing a resume. Most experts agree that this should be 5 or 6 words. Anything more would tell the employer that you haven’t a clue as to what you want, and that you are a person who lacks direction. Even if you are a person who has no direction, don’t let that show in your resume.

50. Chronologically arrange if staying in the same field

Employers prefer the chronologically arranged resume, where you list your work experience from the latest backwards. This is very useful if you want to stay in the same field or line of work you are currently in. Remember that you don’t have to go so far back in listing your work history. A work history of 15 years back is advised by most resume writing experts.

51. Use a functional format resume if planning to change fields

If you are planning to change fields in work, the best approach would be to use a functional format for your resume. With this format, you list your skills that are transferable. While you would also add your chronological work history, be sure to lead with your skills first. Research the company you are applying for, in order to know the skills that they are looking for. Then, lead with that. 

52. Feel the world

If you have no experience whatsoever, the best thing is to go out in the world and get some. The experience doesn’t have to be paid. Look for a local volunteer group or a charitable organization. Volunteer! But make sure that you volunteer for something that is related to the job you are applying for. So go out and experience something!

53. Never leave gaps in your resume

Even if you were unemployed for some time, consider what you have been doing and then put it into your resume. Some people place items like “full-time babysitter” when they spent a year at home, watching her baby sister. Or, you could use a description like “full-time student” or “housemaker.” Use your creativity to describe what you have been doing during the time you had no work. Employers absolutely have no tolerance for unproductivity.

54. One job objective – one resume policy

If you have different job objectives, then create different resumes. There is no rule that says that a person is supposed to have only one resume. Cramming all your job objectives in a single resume is ill-advised. It would give you the appearance that you don’t even know what you want. And if you don’t know what you want, neither would the employer. Having a separate resume for each job objective is more effective than having one, universal resume.

55. Chunk together similar short term jobs

If your work history consists of many short term jobs, instead of listing them chronologically, combine similar jobs together and place them under one item. Join together the similar jobs, and under it, place the different establishments where you have worked. Although you can opt to leave out a certain small job, you shouldn’t do this if the job was where you acquired important skills or experience.

56. Impress by showing off your problem-solving skills

To impress your potential employer, fill your resume with statements talking about a problem and how you solved the problem, and how this affected your company. Putting statements like these instead of lines depicting your responsibilities shows the employer that he has a lot to gain from an employee like you. Merely listing your duties and responsibilities will not give your resume and edge; listing specific scenarios were you solved a problem will definitely get you a seat for an interview.

57. Use both your job title and the employer’s job title

If your job title is not accurate, you can either use a job title that accurately represents your work. Sometimes, your current job title doesn’t clearly reflect the things you do in your job. If that’s the case, use both there job title and your real job title. Put this in your resume, listing first the designated job title, and then insert yours to show the real level of responsibility that you have.

58. Avoid letting the employer discriminate based on age.

Remember that nothing says that a resume should containg your entire work history! If you like to put experiences falling under that category, simply put a separate category in your resume, aside from your recent work or relevant work history. Many resume writing experts agree that the last 10 or 15 years of your experience is enough. Anything more than that can be safely omitted. To add experience more previous than 15 years, you could add a paragraph in your resume to indicate important but very old jobs.

59. Always give yourself credit

Having no real paid jobs is not the same as being unproductive. Give yourself credit! List your odd jobs and other self-employed work that you may have done while you are between regular jobs. Remember to give accurate and meaningful descriptions to the jobs or activities that took up your time while unemployed. But, don’t forget to keep good references in case your employer asks for them.

60. The best summer of all

For students listing summer jobs, it is advised to just mention summer and then add the year. Don’t put the duration of the job, since it probably is too short. Even if the job lasted for only a few weeks, just mention either Summer 2010 or Spring 2011. You could opt to use a tiny font for the word spring though.

61. Anticipate future qualifications

If you haven’t completed a degree yet, you should still put it in your resume. Indicate that your eligible for your credentials, and when you expect to have it. Mention that your degree is in progress, and then list the time you expect to graduate. Always let the employer know through your resume things that are relevant to your application, whether already acquired or in the process of acquiring.

62. Don’t fold

Avoid having to fold your resume. If you need to travel, get a folder or a large, preferably hard envelop to contain your resume. Remember that that your resume somehow represents you and your chances of getting an interview. Don’t fold your chances before the are even evaluated.

63. Realize that your resume is filtered

Before the boss even sees your resume, many companies have employees who act as filters to browse and see your resume. Thus, the people who judge your resume first are not the employers, but the human resources personnel and the secretaries. Keeping this in mind, know that these people have only a few seconds to look over hundreds of many resumes, grouped into intimidating piles of paper.

64. Look at other similar applicants resumes

If you want to join a certain company, then it wouldn’t hurt to ask other people accepted in that company what they did, or how they prepared. In this vein, it also wouldn’t hurt to ask them to let you see their resumes. Of course, always ask for permission; doing this against their will will only get you in trouble.

65. Admire the hired

Nobody can resist giving advice to an admirer, whether the admiration displayed is genuine or feigned. Use this to talk with the current employees in the company and in the field you want to apply for. They may give valuable information, even very silly ones, that may seem to be the only thing the employer looked for in their resumes that landed them the job that you want. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

66. Keep your resume smudge-free

You ‘ve always heard that first impressions count, and this is very true especially with resumes. A smudge on your resume may even prevent it from being read. Since employers only spend a few moments checking resumes, a smudge on your resume says that you don’t care. And if you don’t care, then why should your employer care about you getting an interview?

67. Print don’t photocopy

A cheap photocopied resume sends a message that you don’t really care about appearances. Sadly, appearances and impressions count. Since a resume is supposed to give a good impression, what kind of impression does a cheap photocopy of your resume give? You can kiss your chances of getting an interview goodbye if you opt to be stingy in producing quality copies of your resume.

67. Polish your resume

When networking and talking to others about employers and promising job interviews, always polish and modify your resume accordingly. Yes, it is daunting sometimes and you may feel it is irrelevant. Why fix something that ain’t broke, right? But if your resume doesn’t get you the job interviews you want, then don’t hesistate to buff up your resume. Advice only produces results when applied.

68. Avoid gibberish

The choice between putting a job objective or not in your resume is purely your own. But if you do decide to put a job objective, please avoid putting a vague and unclear objective that you yourself don’t want to read or hear. Make it easy for the people reading your resume to know what position you want. If you make their job of looking at resumes easier, then you will surely get a good chance of landing an interview.

69. We all know you need money

Let’s face it. Your employer and you both know that you are applying for a job because you need money. It makes no sense to put in your resume that you value growth more than financial rewards, or that helping others is natural to you. A resume is not a declaration of ethics and charitable notions. You want a job, and the resume should showcase that you are the right person for the job you want.

70. Know what they want

It seems pretty obvious but to appear as the best person for the job, make it appear that you are the best person for the job. Do some research, know what your potential employer is looking for. Notice the details of the description and requirements they need for the job position. Then, use these information to write your resume. Simple, yet brilliant!

71. Illustrate and expound on what you can do

Sometimes, your resume may be topped by someone else who has much experience in a certain skill you possess. Nevertheless, use your resume to list what you can do with your skill. Instead of just listing a specific skill and your years of experience, list the possible ways it can help your potential employer gain more profits and cut losses. With illustrations, you show with your resume that it would be a waste not to give someone like you a job interview.

72. Don’t be too original

When you are applying for a specific job that you saw in an ad, use the employer’s and the ad’s terms for your resume. Observe the word choices used, and notice the credentials considered important by the job employer. Use these to customize yout resume. If you are not sure, you can always ask them. Really, you can!

73. Saying less means more to them

A resume is like a sample of what you are and what you can do for your employer. As long as it is complete with relevant data and information, it shouldn’t be long. Very long resumes almost always end up in the trash bin. Having a one or two page resume is enough. This would make the job of the person sorting resumes easier. And if you make him happy, he can make you happy by making sure you get an interview.

74. A resume is not a complete list

A different resume should be used for different purposes and job objectives. That said, you don’t have to list all the achievements, skills, seminars attended and workshops joined in your resume. Only put those that are relevant, not only to the nature of the job, but to the exact and specific job you are applying for. This means doing some research about the employer and what he wants. You don’t need to put you took up piano lessons when you are applying for an office-based job.

75. Say what you did, not what you were supposed to do

Employers are more concerned with how their current problems can be solved. They don’t really care about the things you were responsible for before. With this in mind, use your resume to list not your responsibilities, but the things you have actually done. Show how you managed to solve problems and handle situations. Elaborate how you made more money for your previous employer. Make them see that you are the best person for the job.

76. The past repeats itself

Your past performance and attitude are factors that employers consider would be constantly repeated. Thus, don’t talk about how you ruin a deal or a contract signing. Talk about the impact and effect you had on your past employers. If you say in your resume that you were a winner in your jobs before, the employer will think that you would be the same if he hires you. Winners are extremely cherished by employers.

77. Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

Although your whole block may know you by your nickname or alias, avoid using this in your resume. Never assume that your reputation (or notoriety) precedes you. Stick to your given name, and let your new boss decide on what to call you.

78. Use a permanent address

Avoid using an address that you have just rented or leased. If you are not sure whether you would be staying in your address for a long time, it would be better to use your parents’ address, a friend’s address, or the address you plan to use after graduation. You wouldn’t want to miss any important mail that may be sent to the address you give.

79. Wassup?!

When including a telephone number, be sure to include the area code. More importantly, make sure that you have a neutral greeting on your answering machine. While friends and family may love your humorous greetings, the same enthusiasm may be lost on a potential employer.

80. Get an email address that sounds professional

The email address you place on your resume should sound and appear professional. If your email is something like bigdaddy321@gmail.com, then it is time that you get something more professional. Unless it is relevant to the job you are applying for, avoid fancy email. Also, indicating an email address shows, at the very least, that you are computer and Internet literate.

81. Include a website only if it is relevant

Some jobs require the applicant to showcase a portfolio, but most portfolios can now be found on the Internet. If this is your case, don’t forget to add the url of your website to your resume. But only add the url of a website if it is professional and it is related. Do not add the url of your blog about your frustrations; while this may get you some sympathy votes, it will not get you an interview.

82. Your resume should speak for you

Remember that the employer has not met you yet. So, they only thing they can base any assumption or evaluation about you is your resume. Keeping this in mind would prevent you from thinking that writing a resume is just like doing any other kind of paper work.

83. It’s for life

I’m not talking about the specific resume that you now have. Writing resumes is the thing that is for life. Since you will undoubtedly grow with more experiences, and may find yourself wanting to leave your job for a better one, you will constantly be writing and rewriting your resume. It’s a good thing you know this know; otherwise, you might think that your resume is something like a birth certificate.

84. Capture the readers interest early

Just like a news article that uses a catchy headline to keep the reader reading the whole news item, you should do the same with your resume. In this case, your reader is your employer. What is your potential employer looking for? You should start your resume with information regarding the needs and problems of your employer. If the employer sees your statement, he may want to read more of your resume.

85. Place a summary section to highlight yourself

One effective method of making sure your skills and accomplishments is noticed immediately is by adding a summary section. This would act like a sampler or preview of the whole resume. This way, you give the employer a glimpse of what he would be missing out if he dares to ignore your resume.

86. Follow your reader’s priorities

You should list your experience, skills and other relevant information according to the priorities of your potential employer, not according to the priorities you think are important. An employer looking for an experienced copywriter would have nothing to do with a resume that starts off with a long list of workshops and seminars attended. Similarly, a company looking for a professional with a degree in a certain course cannot be dissuaded by an impressive list of work experiences. Though sometimes this works, it is still a good rule to observe your potential employers priorities.

87. Make it about them

Your resume is indeed about your accomplishments and skills. But instead of making it about how good you are, make it about how good it would be for your employer if you are his employee. Focus on selling yourself, not just a very good product, but a very good product to solve your potential employers dilemmas.

88. He who reads the resume is king

Many friends and peers all have something to say and advice you about your resume. But, remember that the only opinion that would matter is the opinion of the person who will be reading your resume. So, do your homework. Learn about the company you are applying for, and keep your target audience in mind when composing your resume.

89. Avoid repeating again and again and once more

Check your resume for redundant statements and descriptions. Writing the same description over and over again will not win you points in getting a job interview. This may even annoy the person reading your resume. Undermining the ability of the person reading your resume is not a good way to get an interview. Although only a few seconds will be spent to check your resume, you should be able to impress not annoy the employer.

90. You’re only as good as the benefits they’ll get

The employer is not concerned about hiring a graduate or an experienced professional just for the sake of having a graduate or professional in his team of employees. He wants to hire someone who would make him earn more. And, your resume is your tool to show him that hiring you is equivalent to more revenue. Keep this in mind when drafting your resume.

91. I am no deserter sir!

Companies and employers know how expensive it is to hire and train employees, and know how frustrating it is when these trained employees leave. Indicate in your resume your participation in the accomplishments of your former employers. Let your potential employer know that giving you a shot in their company is not a costly mistake. It is your job, through your resume, to assure them that they will not regret giving you a job. Of course, they need to set you up for an interview first!

92. Don’t Bold and italicize often

Ironically, these features that often used to emphasize produce the opposite effect when done in a resume. While you are not prohibited from employing these, do not overuse them. These features is step behind putting heart symbols and flowers all over your resume. Cute for note, not for a resume.

93. Leave room for suspense

Since a resume’s function is to get you an interview, you don’t have to put all the details of your work, schooling, experiences and accomplishments in your resume. You can elaborate with more details during the interview. If you have completely exhausted all you have to say in your resume, then you might end up in a staring contest during your interview. Put enough details on your resume so that you would be asked for an interview, but not too much that you would have nothing left to say.

94. Name your price

The topic of salary history comes up during the interview. In fact, it is the only time you should mention anything about your salary history. Avoid this topic when writing your resume. If ever it would be discussed, the appropriate time for both you and your potential company is during your interview.

95. Use paper that is heavier than normal

Normal paper is better than using onion paper. The reasons are obvious; the thinner paper is easier to tear, easier to lose and and easier to be smudged with ink. Therefore, using paper which is slightly thicker than normal paper would make sure that your resume stays intact, although subtlely, compared to the other resumes when they are all stacked together.

96. Use 8 ½” x 11″ paper

It would not give your resume any advantage if it the paper size is longer than most resumes or shorter than others. Try sticking to 8.5 by 11, and avoid the confusion you would give the person sorting out the resumes when he finds one sticking out. Also, using a longer paper than the others would cause your paper’s extended part to be crumpled when put in a pile.

97. Use only one side for printing

No good resume would have the words “see reverse side.” There is absolutely no reason to print on both sides of a page. Never be careless and print your resume on both sides of a single sheet. Errors like this tell the employer that it would be a mistake to hire you.

98. One font to rule them all

You should try to stick to one font when writing your resume. Remember that you are not writing a copy or a promotional ad, although you are selling and promoting something – yourself. Remember to be professional with your resume. The interview is where you can show all your creativity and talent.

99. The resume is not a drawing board

Portfolios are where employers expect to see graphics and drawings, but not the resume. While your friends may love your letter with the heart-shaped bullets and fancy bold horizontal lines, try to avoid this when writing a resume. Unless of course, the potential employer is already one of your friends who love your flair for graphical designs.

100. Staple me not

Don’t staple your resume. Your contact details should appear on both pages of your resume, if there are more than one, and avoid stapling them together. Use a paperclip instead. Puncturing your resume may end up puncturing your shot at an interview.

101. There is no failure, only failed attempts

If your resume doesn’t work, try and write it again. You shouldn’t be stuck with something that doesn’t work