How to Write a Successful Resume

Write a resume that shows employers how impressive you are.

The average hiring manager spends about 20 seconds looking at a resume. Your goal is to create a resume that sparks the hiring manager's interest and gets you a call for an interview. Design your resume to highlight your most impressive accomplishments and experiences so that hiring managers can quickly see that you're an ideal candidate

Things You'll Need

• computer with word processing software
• quality paper
• a job description of your target position
• a contact person at your target position

Instructions

1. Construct the resume so that your most impressive and relevant accomplishments are at the top of the page. Don't think that the hiring manager is going to spend time carefully looking for your qualifications. Give her the information upfront. Don't make her work for it. Create a summary at the top of the page that details your relevant qualifications. This summary can be revised and tailored for each job opening.

2. Use keywords from the job description in your resume. Many companies use online software that scans resumes for specific words. Write your resume with the job and the company in mind.

3. Use action statements and descriptions of your work that show results. Instead of just listing duties, describe what you did, how you did it and the results of your efforts. Whenever possible, quantify your results. For example, you could write "Increased sales by 20 percent."

4. Proofread, spell check and edit the resume. A resume with even the slightest error will be tossed in the trash.

5. Follow up to make sure your resume was received. Wait a week after sending your resume and call the employer. This may even get your resume looked at, leading you to an interview.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your contact short and sweet when calling or dropping off your resume. The people you're interrupting are trying to do their jobs and they're talking to you because they're being nice.

• Thank you notes get a bad rap as being old-fashioned, but they're always appreciated by serious employers.

• Never lie or fabricate experience. Your resume should be an honest portrayal of your background.

References

• Bucknell University Alumni Career Services: Creating an Effective Resume