Remember that your resume/CV and cover letter are the first things that an employer will see – they are the first impression your potential employer has of you, so make them good.

Here are 10 top tips on writing a resume or CV. Follow these simple guidelines and you will improve your chances of getting a call inviting you to an interview.

 

Tips For Writing A Resume Or CV

Upon first glance is the resume or CV easy to read?

Always use BLACK ink to print a resume.

Use a standard font such as Arial or Times New Roman.

The font size should be no smaller than 10, but no larger than 12

 

Use a good quality resume paper for your resume.

Do not use your typical white paper.

A good color choice in paper would be a light off-white or cream paper

 

Run spell-check and correct any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors!

Have someone else read your resume if you do not have spell-check.

 

State previous job history in chronological order starting with most recent job first.

State Company name.

State your title.

State length of employment.

State responsibilities or duties.

If there are any large gaps in between jobs, explain them.

Concentrate on skills and achievement relevant to the position you are applying for.

 

Does your resume objective sell you? A good resume objective should state:

The job you’re applying for.

Why you’re the best candidate.

What you can bring to the company.

 

Keep your resume as short as possible.

If possible keep it to one page but not more than two pages.

You can make a statement that further information is available upon request or refer to an appendix for less relevant information.

 

Be honest.

Do not profess skills you do not have.

Do not exaggerate lengths of employment to cover up gaps.

 

Make sure it’s relevant.

Tailor your resume or CV to each job you’re applying for. Employers like to see you have singled their job out particularly.

 

Make sure to follow instructions.

If an employer requests a resume via regular mail, email, faxed, etc. submit your resume as requested.

 

In your cover letter make sure you make mention of the specific job you are submitting a resume for.

Keep your cover letter short and to the point.

State the position for which you are applying for and where you saw it.

Make a statement such as “I have” such and such experience.

Make a statement such as “I can” do such and such for your company.

Make a statement such as “I am” looking for a position that …

Make a closing statement thanking the employer for their time and saying you look forward to hearing from them.

 

If you follow these simple guidelines when writing a resume or CV, you will present yourself in a favorable way. Employers are looking for employees that can stand out above the rest of the applicants that are vying for the same position. By catching their eye with a professional, relevant and interesting resume, and presenting the facts in a way that the employer does not have to search for them, you are showing the employer that you take pride in your work. This is what every employer wants.

 

 

We are 4 interviewers with over 67 years of recruitment experience between us and we want to help you snag a job — your dream job. Our website provides free help and advice on all aspects of finding a job, from cover letters and resumes, to sample interview questions and answers.

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