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A very popular question is, "How do I write a resume?"
This page contains general resume writing tips and ideas
to help improve your odds of landing that all important
position!
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Some characteristics a resume should
demonstrate
No graphics or pictures.
Easy to read fonts. (not "Old English", for example)
Large text typeface (12 point)
If referring to a specific job opening, please refer
to it in your cover letter.
Be specific when listing your expertise. What specific
software, operating systems, CAD programs, application
versions, etc.
A cover letter is not a requirement, but it can
help a recruiter "read between the lines".
If you update our database with a new resume, please
indicate that it is an updated resume. Thank you.
It is a good idea to update a resume when you have
received additional education, certifications or
recent employment. |
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Writing an effective resume
Your initial contact with future employers is almost
always achieved through your resume, and with the
high volume of resumes that most hiring managers
must review for a given position, it is crucial
that your resume clearly show how you will benefit
the company. Most hiring managers spend 30 seconds
or less reviewing your resume, so the resume must
sell yourself quickly in order to be considered
for a face-to-face interview. The interview is the
real key to getting the job you want, but without
an effective resume, your chances of success are
greatly reduced. The appearance and content of the
resume is a direct reflection on your professionalism,
attention to detail and desire. It goes beyond just
documenting your education, work history and contact
information. |
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What is an acceptable length of
a resume?
While the "old" rule of thumb was one page; two
and even three page resumes are becoming more common
and, for the most part, acceptable. With many professionals
changing employers more often, growing numbers of
contract professionals and all the additional software
information and upgrades, it has become increasingly
more difficult to produce a single page resume.
Most employers, however, still prefer a one to two
page resume. Much more than that will tend to lose
focus and interest of the reader. Remember, you
need to sell your value to the employer in 30 seconds
or less! |
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What information does or does not
belong on a resume?
THE "DOS":
Contact information - (Name, address, phone
number(s), email address, etc.)
Employment / Career objective
Summary of Qualifications - (Optional. Normally
placed right beneath your objective.)
Education - Include name of institution,
degree, graduation date. If you are a recent graduate
with little or no relevant work history, place your
education history near toward the top of your resume.
Otherwise, it should be located near the bottom.
If you have a college degree, there is no need to
list your high school or earlier education. Likewise,
if your highest level of education is high school,
then list only that information.
Work History - Start with your most recent
or current position at the top and work backwards.
List dates, employer name, position, and a brief
description of your accomplishments. Do not use
the word "I" (I did this; I did that), use action
verbs such as initiated, accomplished, successfully
completed, designed, reduced, improved, etc. This
will show your potential value to a new employer,
rather than just documenting your past tasks.
Additional Skills - This includes any special
computer skills such as software packages (including
release/version numbers), operating systems, programming
languages, etc. Also include skills such as ability
to read blueprints, SPC, CMM, calipers, QS9000,
etc.
Additional Training - Relevant courses, seminars,
or certifications. This should follow your education
section.
Professional Affiliations - Include only
those which support your career objective or which
may be of interest to a potential employer.
Awards - Include relevant awards, special
recognition or published works.
References - Some employers like seeing them
included on a separate page and some don't like
them at all. If you do include them, please make
sure they are relevant to your work history. If
you don't have any work experience, then they should
be people that can attest to your character. Teachers,
ministers, counselors, coaches, etc.
THE "DO NOTS":
Don't be too wordy. Check your grammar. Use proper
punctuation and be sure to use a spell checker or
have it proofread thoroughly by others.
Do not include irrelevant information such as your
height, weight, children, marital status or age.
Do not include activities or hobbies, unless you
feel there is a direct benefit or relevance to the
position you are seeking.
Do not include salary history.
Do not put anything negative on the resume.
Do not have unexplained gaps of time in your work
history. |
Ready to apply for a JOB?
Visit our Submit Your Resume
page for instructions on submitting your resume to us.
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