Crafting Your Resume: Expert Tips and Strategies

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    Sections of this Topic Include:

    How Not to Write Your Resume

    How to Write Your Resume

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    Related Library Topics

    Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Writing a Resume

    In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs
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    How Not to Write Your Resume

    There is a vast range of articles about how to write a resume. Some are included
    later on below. So perhaps now it would be most meaningful to start by writing
    about how NOT to write your resume.

    by Sheri Mazurek

    In a recent article, Forbes lists three things that will get your resume “thrown
    in the trash.” The list includes three resume mistakes that will most likely
    get candidates overlooked. The article provides good advice. I would recommend
    giving it a read. The Forbes list includes the following:

    • You don’t meet the basic requirements
    • You are not a cultural fit
    • You don’t pay attention to detail

    In addition, be mindful of the following:

    • The resume doesn’t highlight the qualifications for the specific job for
      which you are applying. Look at the ad or description that is posted. It will
      most likely not only tell you the qualifications, but many times it will start
      with what is most needed or required. If you learned about the job from someone
      in the company or a recruiter, be sure to find out what skills are required
      and what is most important. Your resume will be scanned quickly, be sure
      you can show how your qualifications will fit this position.
    • The resume includes an objective statement that refers to another industry,
      position, or company. This is in line with Forbes’s advice to pay attention to
      detail. I would recommend removing the objective statement altogether. Use
      that space for a headline statement that highlights your skills and background.
    • The resume makes claims about your abilities or skills without communicating
      results. Be sure you can show what results you have achieved by using those
      skills. You have very limited space to display your qualifications and sell
      yourself to a recruiter. Use that space wisely.
    • Do not use creative fonts and formatting for your resume. The resume is
      often uploaded into an applicant tracking system. Those systems do not always
      display special fonts accurately. If it doesn’t convert well, the recruiter
      will not be able to read it and it will be skipped.

    How to Write Your Resume

    Resume
    and Cover Letters

    44 Resume Writing Tips
    Free Resume and Job
    Search Workshops
    Sample resumes

    How to Write a Winning Professional Resume
    7
    Ways to Impress Recruiters With Your Resume

    Reference
    in the Resume

    What
    is it like to work in HR

    The
    Definitive Guide to Submitting Your Resume in Sand Land

    How to Improve Your Employment Application
    8 Simple Ways to Customize Your Resume
    How to Write a Resume: 6 Steps to Take Before You Write
    Free
    CV Examples & Templates

    Free Printable Job
    Applications Online

    Don’t Wait Until a Job Search, Think of Resume In Everything You Do
    Is your SHRM membership on your resume?
    My Success Portfolio: Why Have One?


    For the Category of Career Development:

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    Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

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