1 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Here are some tips to ensure your resume does not get filed under "T" for trash!

Keep it simple, keep it clear
Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes. Faced with a pile of resumes to wade through the normal reaction is to reduce the pile as quickly as possible (ie throw them in the bin). Reading yours needs to be as simple and as painless as possible. They'll be reluctant to give a 6 page resume their full attention, unless its very relevant and interesting. So, keep it to 2 or 3 pages if you can.

Use clear fonts (10-12 point size), highlight your name, and use headlines to separate the different sections. When deciding on the style, bear in mind that your CV may be faxed and photocopied a number of times.

Don't hesitate to blow your own trumpet
Strangely some people seem to be shy about their achievements. Don't be! If you won a million dollar contract or reduce costs by 30% then show off about it. This is precisely the sort of thing an interviewer wants to see. People like numbers and specifics in resumes - for example which of the following would you prefer to see in a resume?
1) Top sales person in region.
2) Top sales person in New York with annual turnover of $18M.

For people who have a customer facing background and some of those customers could be regarded as prestigious, then name them (ensure your employment contract allows this). So all of a sudden "Won $1M contract" becomes, "Won $1M contract with IBM".

Get the details right
Your resume should answer questions rather than raise them. Make sure all the facts stated on it, employment history, qualifications, are detailed correctly.

Don't leave any gaps in your personal history. If you spent 9 months on an around-the-world trip, let them know.

Be sure to send an up-to-date resume. Resumes that are six months out of date will normally be rejected straight away.

Structure your Resume
When creating your resume, use the following headings as a guide.

Personal details:
Include and headline your name. Also include contact address, one phone number and one e-mail address. You can omit age, marital status, sex, and nationality as they are irrelevant and cannot be legally used as a basis for selection.

Profile:
Use this area to give a personal view of yourself and your ambitions. Describe yourself and your abilities clearly and concisely. Don't hesitate to stress your strengths remember that you are in competition with others for the job, and you can use your resume to help sell your services.

Employment History:
List your relevant

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to prepare your best resume?
We want to hear your view. Write now!