Top 10 Resume Tips

How to Write a Resume and Land an Interview

Resume writing is a skill, and unfortunately most of us are less than prepared to know how to write a resume that will land us an interview much less a job offer. In consulting with candidates on a daily basis for the past 5 years, I have narrowed my resume tips to the top 10 so that you can be ready to apply for that next job. Remember, the goal of your resume is to get an interview. Then the goal of the interview is to land the job!

Resume Tip #1: Look Carefully at Job Descriptions and Ads

Learning how to investigate the key words that employers provide in their job ads and job descriptions becomes a powerful tool in writing your resume. For example, I did a brief search on Craigslist and found the following ad:

Human Resources Representative
Will serve as liaison between different departments as it relates to human resources. This person will be responsible for knowing and communicating company procedures and benefits information to employees. Other responsibilities will include but are not limited to: employee relations, processing new hire paperwork, benefits administration, training, and recruiting/hiring employees, as well as, assisting in the development and administration of human resources policies and procedures.

This ad, while small, is very precise and lists keywords that can help you on how to write a resume that matches what the company is looking for. Do not be tempted to embellish your resume with skills that are not accurate to your actual work history, but if they are related to your past or present duties, use the key words the employer is using to prepare a better resume.

Resume Tip #2: Pay Attention to Employer Needs that are Hidden