Resume Tips

The old saying that the “first impression leaves a lasting impression” is very true.  This goes for your resume as well.  After all, this is the first thing a hiring manager or HR staff member will see when you are being considered for employment.  Your resume is a highly valuable tool that reflects your professional experience.
Your resume will be competing against many others vying for the same position.  It should act as your self-promotion tool so that when compared to resumes, it helps you meet your objective – get the interview so that you can personally sell yourself.
A few tips on writing your resume:

• Stay focused remembering that your resume is not a life story, but a highlight of your work experience.
• Your resume should be used to help sell yourself.  Don’t just list your jobs with itemized generic responsibilities – describe how you performed your duties and how your skills can benefit your new employer.
• Stay current.  Don’t give a lot of detail regarding jobs that are beyond 10-15 years.
• Be sure to list accomplishments.  Numbers and awards show that you’re an achiever.
• Be relevant.  If it doesn’t have a lot to do with the position you are applying for…leave it out.
• Don’t worry about fancy paper – most resumes are scanned in anyway.
• Show off your success by including promotions along the way.
• Use descriptive action verbs.

Here are a few links to helpful websites that provide samples of resumes.  (Note:  These links are provided as reference only.  Genesis Staffing does not endorse the information provided, nor are we affiliated with any of the below organizations.)
http://www.resume-resource.com
http://www.resumeedge.com
http://www.careerperfect.com
http://www.provenresumes.com
http://www.resume-help.org
http://www.accent-resume-writing.com
 

Things you should avoid on your Resume:

• Do not list references on your resume – put them on a separate reference sheet
• A picture of yourself on your resume
• Anything related to Religion, Race, or Political affiliation
• Your personal data (ex. – height, weight, hair color, marital status, etc.)
• Salary history or requirement – if the employer asks for this information you should include it on your cover letter
• Don’t make your resume too long – usually 1 or 2 pages in length is adequate
• Don’t have any misspelled words (use Spell Check!)
• Use of the narrative “I”
• Grammatical errors and poor punctuation