How To Write A Resume

<h1>How To Write A Resume</h1>Author: <a title="John Chase" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/john-chase/106970.htm">John Chase</a> Simply put, a resume is an advertisement that makes the reader act. And if your resume is well-written, the reader should want to interview you. And if you haven't already done so - <a href="http://www.fileforunemployment.net/">file for unemployment</a>. Keep It Simple Recruiters want resumes that are simple to understand, especially when it comes to the skills needed to perform the job and employment history. Be sure your resume clearly communicates that you possess the knowledge and experience needed to perform the job in question. Use the job description to tailor your resume to the position. Try to avoid industry jargon and Dilbert-esque words such as "facilitated" or "value-added" when describing your skills and experiences. Your resume should also include your dates of employment. The absence of dates makes recruiters scrutinize your employment history even more closely. Features Versus Benefits Your resume should show how you can benefit an employer -- not just list your features and skills. Past performance is often an indicator of future performance. Explain how you made a past employer money, saved them money or improved a process or product. Think about instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty. Look at past performance reviews to refresh your memory. Employers want the best employees, and your resume should reflect your value. Truth in Advertising People say that it's the sizzle that sells the steak. That may be true but, when it comes to job searching, you have to have done what you claim on your resume. Many employers today take steps to ensure that you have the background you claim. They have a wide variety of background checking tools at their disposal. Background checks can include: reference checks, credit checks, criminal background checks, past employment verification, education verification and social security number traces to verify identity. If you're dishonest in the hiring process, odds are that you'll be caught. Rather than waste the recruiter's time -- and your time -- be truthful on your resume. It's not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing. It Takes Two You can't create a strong resume alone. Everyone needs help. Don't rely on automatic spelling and grammar checking programs. You need to find an editor you trust. If no one in your immediate circle of family or friends can help, try other resources. Yahoo! HotJobs offers valuable resume tips and advice. Staff at your state's employment development office may be available to review your resume. Staffing agency recruiters may also volunteer to help you. And finally, you can even take advantage of a professional resume writing service. Writing an effective resume requires practice and feedback. But once you get the basics down, interviews are sure to follow. And if you haven't already done so - <a href="http://www.fileforunemployment.net/">file for unemployment</a>.About the Author: John is a DJ and radio producer by trade who has performed in the U.S., Russia, Germany, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and India. Through a strange twist of fate he found himself working in the debt consolidation and debt settlement field in Chicago. John has a great interest in charity work as well.

His other interests include fitness, science & technology, modern medicine, politics, world events and pop culture.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/resumes-articles/how-to-write-a-resume-1025973.html" title="How To Write A Resume">How To Write A Resume</a>

Simply put, a resume is an advertisement that makes the reader act. And if your resume is well-written, the reader should want to interview you. And if you haven't already done so - file for unemployment.

Keep It Simple

Recruiters want resumes that are simple to understand, especially when it comes to the skills needed to perform the job and employment history.

Be sure your resume clearly communicates that you possess the knowledge and experience needed to perform the job in question. Use the job description to tailor your resume to the position. Try to avoid industry jargon and Dilbert-esque words such as "facilitated" or "value-added" when describing your skills and experiences.

Your resume should also include your dates of employment. The absence of dates makes recruiters scrutinize your employment history even more closely.

Features Versus Benefits

Your resume should show how you can benefit an employer -- not just list your features and skills.

Past performance is often an indicator of future performance. Explain how you made a past employer money, saved them money or improved a process or product.

Think about instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty. Look at past performance reviews to refresh your memory. Employers want the best employees, and your resume should reflect your value.

Truth in Advertising

People say that it's the sizzle that sells the steak. That may be true but, when it comes to job searching, you have to have done what you claim on your resume.

Many employers today take steps to ensure that you have the background you claim. They have a wide variety of background checking tools at their disposal.

Background checks can include:

reference checks,
credit checks,
criminal background checks,
past employment verification,
education verification and
social security number traces to verify identity.

If you're dishonest in the hiring process, odds are that you'll be caught. Rather than waste the recruiter's time -- and your time -- be truthful on your resume. It's not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing.

It Takes Two

You can't create a strong resume alone. Everyone needs help.

Don't rely on automatic spelling and grammar checking programs. You need to find an editor you trust. If no one in your immediate circle of family or friends can help, try other resources. Yahoo! HotJobs offers valuable resume tips and advice.

Staff at your state's employment development office may be available to review your resume. Staffing agency recruiters may also volunteer to help you. And finally, you can even take advantage of a professional resume writing service.

Writing an effective resume requires practice and feedback. But once you get the basics down, interviews are sure to follow.

And if you haven't already done so - file for unemployment.

John is a DJ and radio producer by trade who has performed in the U.S., Russia, Germany, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and India. Through a strange twist of fate he found himself working in the debt consolidation and debt settlement field in Chicago. John has a great interest in charity work as well. His other interests include fitness, science & technology, modern medicine, politics, world events and pop culture.

Rate this Article:

5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/resumes-articles/how-to-write-a-resume-1025973.html

Article Tags: resumes, free resume examples, resume template, how to write a resume, resume tips, free resume template, resumes

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Resumes Articles
More from John Chase

Does your resume project you as an achiever?

By: SHAILJA SHAH PUROHIT | 09/11/2009
In today’s competitive scenario - it is achievements that distinguish one candidate from the next. Here are 3 tips on how to effectively turn your resume around - to project you as an achiever.

How NOT to Differentiate Yourself From Everyone Else

By: Brad Remillard | 07/11/2009
As candidates become more and more desperate in their job search they often turn to desperate measures that more often than not hurt the candidate. One example of this is with the resume.

Resume Do's and Don'ts

By: Brad Remillard | 07/11/2009
Every person that has put together a resume knows the basics, no spelling errors, limit to two pages, chronological format, use keywords and so on, but there are other basic issues that candidates do and don't do that have a big impact on getting their resume noticed. By getting noticed I mean read and ultimately you get a phone call or email.

Resume Tweaking May Be Better Than An Overhaul

By: Brad Remillard | 07/11/2009
I was meeting with a candidate today, we will call him Andy, who recently landed. He had been on the market for about 5 months. He did all the right things, went to the networking meetings, drank more coffee than he should have, reworked his resume over and over, all for nothing. He would get interviews but never make the cut. He had sent out lots of resumes with moderate success.

Employment Cover Letter - Critical Factors to Win Interviews

By: Steve Wong | 07/11/2009
A good employment cover letter can make a big difference between being successful in getting job interviews or not.

Executives: Are You Worth the Investment?

By: Heather Eagar | 04/11/2009
Executives have the challenge of proving their worth in their resumes even more so than than a mid-level professional. Read more to find out how do it.

Is your CV letting you down?

By: Charles | 04/11/2009
If you are applying for jobs but not getting interviews it could be because your CV is letting you down. Your CV is the key to attracting the recruiters attention and selling your suitability for that perfect next job and this is a guide on designing a CV to give you best possible chance in reaching the next stage of the process, the interview. Do not forget a well-designed CV is essential to the job search process and should mirror the job for which you are applying as closely as possible.

How to Write a Resume Cover Sheet

By: Nick Ramirez | 31/10/2009
Preparing a good resume cover sheet is as important as the resume or the written application for the post of job you feel suitable for you. A good cover letter is actually going to attract the attention of the employer. Remember that cover letters can be normally of three types- "Application letter" which is a response to the work opening; "Networking letter" that is seeking guidelines for the job search; and the "Prospecting letter" which is a...

How Is The Unemployment Rate Calculated?

By: John Chase | 03/11/2009 | Careers
The United States unemployment rate is actually an estimate based on a survey conducted every month by a division of the U.S Census Bureau

U.S. Unemployment Rate Shows No Sign of Dropping

By: John Chase | 03/11/2009 | Careers
This prediction was made by Christina Romer, the chairwoman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, during a hearing of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. In addition to her prediction that unemployment rates would rise above 10%, Romer added that she believes job growth will not start to rise again until 2010 reaches a close.

Tax Credits Take Sting Out of Job Hunting

By: John Chase | 03/11/2009 | Careers
In order to deduct job-hunting expenses, you only have to meet three criteria.

Economic Stimulus Plan 411

By: John Chase | 03/11/2009 | News & Society
Two years ago, the United States started slipping into the most severe recession in decades. Over the past six months, the economy has slowly begun to climb back, largely because of initiatives created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Why Check Cashing Companies Are Bad News

By: John Chase | 02/11/2009 | Personal Finance
Depending on where you live, you could pass several check cashing stores every day. Their neon glowing signs and flashing lights advertise that they are fast, easy and efficient ways to get cash, but in actuality, they are a terrible investment and should only be used when you don’t have any other options.

Credit Card Debt: Avoid It Like The Plague

By: John Chase | 02/11/2009 | Finance
Whenever you get a credit card offer in the mail or in your inbox, you can be faced with a lot of temptation. The idea of a new, clean line of credit can be enticing, but it can also be your first step down the road to credit card debt.

Diet: How Healthy Is A Sugar Substitute?

By: John Chase | 02/11/2009 | Nutrition
Next time you decide to sweeten up that cup of coffee, think again before you reach for the packet of sweetener. They come in familiar light pink, blue and yellow packages but do you really know what’s in them?

House Plants: Natural Air Purifier

By: John Chase | 27/10/2009 | Health
Did you know there are thousands of toxins and allergens floating around in the air? They are in both your home and workplace, just waiting to make your breathing more difficult and irritate conditions like asthma.