10 Top Tips for resume Writing

When you are writing a resume, you are communicating with someone who you have probably never met. Its important to try and make this first impression count. Quick wins as you write your resume are easy, and its not hard to make a good resume. Follow our top resume tips to make your job hunting successful! Good luck with writing your resume.

1) Your resume will not get you a job.
The best you can hope for is that the company you are applying to will look at your resume and offer you an interview. When creating your resume, its worth bearing in mind that the person looking at it will be considering inviting you for for an interview. Don't give them so much information that they can easily dismiss your application. Concentrate on positive statements and your achievements, however small they may appear to you.

2) On our resumes we do not have a section for hobbies & interests.
It doesn't matter if you like hang gliding or are a committed pagan, they are unlikely to be relevant to the job. They can only serve to be taking up valuable space at best. At worst, they can serve to get your application rejected.

3) Pictures.
Unless you are applying to be a model, what you look like should not make any difference. Most resumes will be printed out by the companies so they can sort through them and make notes. Have you seen your photo printed out on a mono laser printer?! Attaching photographs, unless specifically requested, will again hinder the companies who are sorting through the application.

4) Keep it simple.
Your resume should be to the point. Don't think of it as an exercise in your literary prowess, just concentrate on getting the spelling right! There is no ideal minimum, but if it stretches to more than 3 pages, consider reducing some of the items in length, but never miss anything out.

5) Work the system.
Many agencies use software to search through resumes for key words. Our resume system makes best use of this. Remember to always use keywords in your descriptions too.

6) Tailor your resume for different jobs.
Check the job description and move the emphasis on your resume to match the requirements. This doesn't mean lie, its simply a method of getting your resume to work for you. For example a driving job may ask for good knowledge of a city. If you have this knowledge, make sure its in your skills list and appears in the description of each job where it was used. This will really improve your chances of getting that interview.

7) Print quality.
Paper choice is important, make sure it is bright white and letter size. If you can get it printed out on a laser printer, even better. Make sure it goes out clean and if at all possible, unfolded.

8) Covering letter.
Some companies request a covering letter in you own handwriting. If your handwriting is bad, don't get someone else to do it. Simply keep it very brief and to the point. Ensure that it looks neat & tidy and is readable. Get someone else to check it for spelling too.

9) Don't leave gaps.
Missing years in your history will be viewed with suspicion. The recipient will have visions of years in the county jail or worse. At best, they will think of a string of failed jobs which you are trying to hide. Remember to always tell the truth.

10) Always keep your resume up to date.
Through the course of a year at work, you will experience new things, and probably go through some training both formal and informal. Its easy to spend an hour a month keeping your resume updated, rather than try to remember what training you did one day three years ago. Remember, resume writing is easier when you are adding to an existing resume rather than starting afresh.