4 RESUME WRITING TIPS
#1 What goes on a resume must be truthful and accurate – but not everything has to go on a resume. Remember, only purpose to get you an interview – no need to explain everything you did. Focus mainly on accomplishments/outcomes.
#2 Write your resume at a 9th grade level. Keep it simple. Not because you, a hiring manager or any recruiter has a 9th grade education. No, because whoever reviews your resume simply does not have time to read long sentences or figure out a vague or confusing sentence.
#3 Struggling with where to start/what to say on a resume? Write out the five W's and one H. WHO am I?/WHAT skills have my family, friends, bosses, co-workers, clients, or vendors told me I do well? VERSUS WHAT “do I think” I do best? WHY do I do what I do/WHAT brings me joy/satisfaction? HOW do I achieve success/HOW can I help my next employer? WHEN and WHERE do I perform my work tasks? If you are struggling with answering any of these questions and/or writing a persuasive resume, I provide a free consultation: joecsd@gmail.com or 858-531-7128. Telling a story is one my five principles for a successful job search. Learn more here.
#4 When reading a job description, think of it like a "wish list,” equivalent to your “Christmas list” as a child for Santa Claus – however, assume you asked for the moon, sun, and stars! If you asked Santa for EVERYTHING and you got EVERYTHING, consider yourself lucky! Many job descriptions are written this way – they are really just "wish lists." Do some employers take everything they write in a job description literally? Yes. But most do not.
Here’s an example of what I mean by this: when you read “Bachelors’ Degree required” and you do not have a Bachelors’ Degree, apply. Masters’ Degree required and you lack a Bachelors’ degree? Not so much. For most job descriptions, you want at least 60% of the core qualifications – ideally more than this. However, most applicants do not have 100%!
Still have questions? Need help with your job search? Contact me: 858-531-7128 or joecsd@gmail.com. Until then, Happy Job Hunting!
