There are way too many tips on writing a resume to include in just one article,
so watch for next week’s column to read Part II: Your skills and
Experience.

Your General Information

1.

      A resume is a MARKETING TOOL that presents you in the

 

      best possible light for the purpose of getting invited to come in for a job

 

      interview. The resume is written for the reader, be it an H.R. person or the

 

      hiring manager.

2. There are three main types of resumes, the Reverse
Chronological, the Functional and the Combination which includes elements of
both. Determine whether it is the Chronological or Functional format that is
best for you at this stage in your career. Use chronological with recruiters for
sure. Functional if you are changing careers.

 

3. Never
include information about age, marital status, weight, height, children or
health. Unless you’re applying for an acting or modeling gig, never enclose a
photograph with your resume. Many other cultures do this, but it is not done in
North America.

4. Use a standard-sized font, 12-point is the norm, but 10
or 11 are acceptable on one-page resumes. Times Roman or Ariel are the most
popular. Don’t vary your fonts or use too much bolding. Underlining makes the
page look busy. Your name should be bolded, but no more than 14-point font. Try
to keep your resume to a maximum of two pages.

5. When emailing, send your cover letter in the same file as
the resume as well as in the in the body of the email message. Don’t send a
blank email with an attached resume and cover letter.

6. Tailor each resume to suit the skills and accomplishments
highlighted for each job that you are applying to. Generic resumes DO NOT
SELL.

7. Keep your resume relevant. Unrelated hobbies and
pass-times and experience from more than a decade ago are not likely to be
interesting to potential employers and will just take up valuable space on your
resume.

8. Put your name, phone number or email address, and Page 2
at the top of page two.

9. Be sure to also put your name, address and phone number
on your one page cover letter.

10. Tell recruiters that you do not want your resume sent
out to hiring companies without your permission.

Colleen Clarke

Career Specialist and Corporate Trainer

www.colleenclarke.com

Author of Networking: How to
Build Relationships That Count and How To Get a Job and Keep
It