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A resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
is a summary of academic and professional history and achievements. The number
one aim of writing a resume as in a cover letter is to land you the interview
for the job you want. |
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OTHER AIMS OF WRITING A RESUME
 To
provide background information;
To pass
the recruiter’s screening process;
To
establish youself as a professional person with high standards and excellent
writing skills based on the fact that the resume is well written and
well-organized. |
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| Below are some pointers which you may like to
take note when writing a resume; |
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| HOW TO CATCH THE ATTENTION OF THE
READER? |
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Recruiters will be more thorough when going
through your resume when you have a good introduction in your cover letter.
Research shows that your resume has less than 20 seconds to make the right
impression. The first impression that a reader gets when looking at your resume
is the format of resume. (See the next point on format of resume). Choose a
format which gives the reader the sense that this resume is well organized and
easy to read. |
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There is no fixed format of resume that
recruiters would like to see, but the general rule of thumb is that information
provided in a resume should be grouped and classified with a header for clear
presentation and easy reading. When stressing your strengths; use different
fonts such as bold or italic to catch the attention of the reader. |
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Recruiters normally spend 1 to 2 minutes for
each resume when screening. This time translate to a resume of about 1 to 2
pages. A person with 10 years of experience may have more than 2 pages for
their resume. But if your resume is more than 2 pages, it must be compelling to
read. Remember: the purpose of your resume is to get an interview, not to tell
your life story.
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| HOW TO PRESENT YOUR PERSONAL
INFORMATION? |
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Your resume is a collection of facts that
reflects your past. But if you were to write your resume as just a fact sheet
of your past, the reader will be bored with all the facts stated. Recruiters
would be more interested to know what happen last and most relevant to what
they are looking for; so state your work history and education in reverse
chronological order (latest ones first). List down what is relevant and cut
down on unimportant information. |
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| HOW TO PRESENT YOUR WORK HISTORY
AND EDUCATION?
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Your resume is a collection of facts that
reflects your past. But if you were to write your resume as just a fact sheet
of your past, the reader will be bored with all the facts stated. Recruiters
would be more interested to know what happen last and most relevant to what
they are looking for; so state your work history and education in reverse
chronological order (latest ones first). List down what is relevant and cut
down on unimportant information. |
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| HOW TO PRESENT YOUR CAREER AND
PERSONAL INTEREST? |
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Make sure this portion fits in with the job
that you are applying. Read the job ad and state your interest accordingly. But
be honest, because you may end up getting an interview for a job that doesn't
fit you. |
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| OUTLINED YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AS WELL
AS RESPONSIBILITIES |
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Most employers already know what the main
responsibilities of your job were. They will be more interested to find out
what you have achieved during your course of duties. An effective resume
summarizes job responsibilities in a few sentences and then focuses on
providing information about quantifiable achievements. This will makes you
different from all the other applicants. |
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| USE ACTION WORDS TO
BOOST YOUR ACHIEVEMENT |
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When describing your achievements
use words that will highlight the strength and experience you possessed. (See
below for examples) |
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| Useful Words for writing personal
profile and achievements in Resume and Cover Letter: |
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Recognized, high profiled, successful,
determined, promoted, proven track record, profitable, outstanding, out
performed, exceed expectation, dynamic, established, accomplished, achieved,
participated, perceived, sought after, solved, raised, ranked, ability,
capable, excellent, exceptional, contributed, competent, transformed,
responded, restored, revamped, proposed, maintained, managed, introduced,
Organized, influenced, generated, substantial, effective, resourceful,
significant, saved, identified, built, developed, visionary... |
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Ability to relate and interface easily at all
levels;
Recognized expert offering fresh insights and a passion for innovation;
Keen, in-depth understanding of industry;
Solid background knowledge and qualifications;
3 consecutive years exceeding sales target with driving determination to
achieve more;
Demonstrates self motivation and initiative to achieve both personal and
corporate goals;
Well qualified team leader and certified professional in the industry;
Achieve and maintain excellence in customer satisfaction rate for 3 consecutive
years;
Result-oriented and resourceful in delivering and completing projects;
Trustworthy, ethical and discreet;
Committed to delivering excellent customer service;
Talent for identifying and resolving problems;
Responsible for generating 50% of department’s profit;
Introduce measures to maximize productivity and ways to minimize cost;
Received award for outstanding performance out of a division of 8 managers;
Increased sales by 100% through a series of strategize marketing action plan;
Built a team of cohesive and inspired individual to strive for higher goals;
Enterprising Engineering student with a keen drive for success;
A client focused software engineer with solid technical background knowledge;
Identify new market opportunities and significantly expand existing customer
base;
Instrumental in securing company’s largest account;
Headhunted to join XYZ Company;
Handled all transactions, both in person and via telephone;
Successfully managed high volume sales;
A highly organized and detail-oriented Executive;
Dedicated and focused; able to prioritize and complete multiple tasks;
Exceptional command of the English language with strong written and
transcription skills;
Articulate and eloquent communicator; able to work with people of different
background;
Exceptional collaborator; able to bridge company and client interest;
Highly skilled in developing marketing strategies that increase participation
and revenue; |
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