Creating YOUR Resume

After completing the rough draft you are ready to create your resume. Rather than using a pre-formatted template, open a blank Word document and start your resume from scratch, using the rough draft outline as your guide. Since pre-formatted templates are often not compatible with various software, you will find that most employers require resumes in Word format.

Scannable Resumes

Aside from visually 'scanning' resumes, many organizations electronically scan resumes into a database.  With both processes, employers often scan based on keywords, skill sets, and other predetermined criteria.

To ensure that your resume is 'scannable', remember these tips:

Choose nouns and adjectives carefully to effectively describe your skills, background and experiences. For your 'keyword strategy', use industry jargon (you'll have to do a little research), phrases, and technical terms relevant to your field of interest and/or the specific employer.

CHEATSHEET - Click for a list of action verbs and phrases and tips for using them.

TIPS

• It is in your best interest not to use bullets, italics, underlining, or graphics. These formatting features prevent your resume from being electronically scanned into some databases.
• The fastest way to get your resume from the recruiters' desk to the trash bin is to have spelling and grammar errors.  You MUST proof read your resume and cover letter! It goes without saying that you should use spell-check, and pay attention to the grammar suggestions in most word processing software.
• Read your resume out loud.  Although it feels awkward, this is a great way to catch your own errors.

The Bottom Line...

There are many different resume formats from which to choose. No matter which format you ultimately decide to use, remember that your resume is a representation of YOU and should not only make a good impression, but must also concisely and effectively impart to a potential employer what you have to offer. Even the best resume will probably not get you hired, but it should at least get you in the recruiter's 'interview pile'!

What Resume Format Should I Choose...?

The two popular resume formats are chronological and functional - click for advantages and disadvantages, plus links to samples, of each format.