When it comes to getting a leg up on the competition, your resume can make or break you. Often, potential employers will see your resume before they meet you face to face, which makes it highly important for your resume to be not only informative, but also factually correct and easily read. Your resume represents you, and an effective resume could open some doors that a poorly crafted resume would not. Here is a look at the five key points I make sure are covered on my resume to achieve maximum success.
Professional Overview is a Must
A professional overview is a very informative piece of your resume. A professional overview details your expertise in the role you are applying for. Often, I include the software programs that I am proficient in, such as the Office Suite programs, financial data software and the like. You can also explain briefly your expertise in various areas of your profession that would apply to the position you are attempting to land.
Factually Correct
It should be noted upfront that your resume must be factually correct. Do not embellish on any detail, especially the position you held, the dates you were employed or the special projects you undertook. Be honest and straight forward and your resume will speak for itself.
Forget the Objective
A bullet found on many resumes is the objective, and it is often one of the most difficult pieces to write. What is your objective? To get a job that isn’t too painful to remain at for 8 hours a day, while getting paid what you think you deserve. I skip the objective because I find this piece of information to be not only unnecessary, but redundant as well.
A Note on References
I do not provide my references upfront. Under the references section, I always offer to furnish references upon request. This often works out well, and the prospective employer asks me for my references if they require them.
Don’t Forget Spell Check
This piece of information is pretty obvious and should be common knowledge, but as someone who has viewed many resumes, I can firmly say that not everyone uses their spell check button. I proof read my resume several times before sending it out to a prospective employer. I check dates, verify the spelling of employer names and run spell check once before manually checking the spelling myself. When it comes to the future of my career, I want employers to see me as a positive prospect and not write me off because of a simple spelling mistake.
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