How to Write a Resume: the Dos

Want to write a winning resume? Here's what you need to do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen, paper, computer

1. Be Concise - There is a fine line between detailed and boring when it comes to resumes. If you take to long to tell your story, it will not get read. Job hunting is a sales process.
2. Do Include Multiple Contact Info - Your home phone, cell, work phone and email address should be on the resume as well as your mailing address. Regarding employers, list names, city and state as well as dates of when you worked there. You may use years alone as in “2002-2007”, but be consistent throughout the document.
3. Be Specific - Talk about your accomplishments in very specific terms. The same goes for skills. What computer software are you familiar with in detail and any industry specific software. How much gross profit margin did your store increase by since you started work. People do not want a task list, they want to know what you have accomplished.
4. Be Neat - Yes, everything counts including spelling, formatting and writing style. Make sure your document is flawless, or you could be rejected because you appear to be careless.
5. Be Honest - You want to give your best impression but be careful not to over-embellish. Never say anything on a resume that is not entirely true. If you are close to getting your degree, you can say you are a B.S. degree candidate and give a date when you expect to finish your program. Do not include reasons for leaving your jobs on the resume, save that for the interview.
6. Include an Objective - Include a brief line or two on your overall objective for the future of your career but you may need to adjust it to suit the job you are currently applying for. Make your objective realistic and as open ended as possible, without being vague. Follow these principles and you will find will find the job of your dreams given time, persistent effort and appropriate follow up.