Good Resumes Get You Hired

To get a job after we graduate most write resumes. These technical documents inform potential employers about our academic and employment experience, personal data, and the reason we are applying for the job.

Job hunting is a lot of work, and a good document shows employers that you have the ability to communicate effectively.

Making a good first impression is important to getting that job. Because employers normally see your resume first, a carefully done document could get it for you.

Its appearance reflects the writer's professionalism or lack of. If it is neat and well done this implies that you probably do quality work while the reverse says that you are a slob, and shouldn't be hired.

Most employers prefer neatly written laser printed ones that can be photocopies on good quality paper. You can create the document yourself or have it done by a professional.

Resumes should be tailored to the specific audience, therefore having more than one version is a smart move.

A punctilious professional looking one should have:

• Generous margins.
You should have about one inch space on all four sides.
• Clear type.
The fonts should be easily descerned, use a laser quality printer.
• Balance.
Arrange your information so it gives an aesthetically pleasing orderly appearance.
• Clear organization.
Make good use of white space. Ensure the line spacing between items is greater than the spacing within the item.

You should clearly see different sections in your document.

• Use indentation.
Proper use of indentation makes improves the reading of your resume.

It is especially helpful when you use bullets to make points.

There are four different types: chronological, functional, combined, and targeted.

Base your document format on your background and what sort of work you want to get, or career change you want to make.

All resumes should be clear and concise using short sentences and paragraphs, have no typos, written on quality 81/2" x 11" white paper and be a maximum of 2 pages long.

Every type has four basic sections and all formats include:

• Contact information.

All pertinent contact information written at the very top of your technical document. Clearly indicate your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

• Summary.

This part is one that some people recommend while others say it is not really necessary.

If you use a good document, it will encourage the employer to continue reading the rest of it.

Here you summarize your your strengths, skills, training, and achievements, telling the reader how this may apply to the job you are trying to get.

• Work experince.

List all your working accomplishments, experience, knowledge, skills, training. It very important to use the active voice using action verbs to describe things.

Show clearly how you solved problems and saved your employer money using your excellent background and training. List your accomplishments by area of expertise.

• Education and training.

List your relevant education and where you got it. Include a list of special courses, seminars, workshops, and professional training.

• Any additional information.
Here you can include relevant information if need be, things like membership in service or professional affiliation groups. Also proficiency in extra languages.


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