Good Resume Writing

Good resume writing allows you to create a resume that highlights your most marketable skills and create a great first impression at a glance. These 12 tips for writing a good resume will get you started.

1. Be certain that each resume you submit is targeted to the position you are seeking. There's no getting around it; if you are looking for more than one type of job, you will need more than one resume.
   

2. Proof read, proof read and then proof read some more. No matter what type of work you are seeking, employers assume that your resume represents you at your very best. Your resume must be completely free of errors. One typo can be enough for some employers to put your resume in the "no" pile.
   

3. Avoid fancy paper with designs or bright colors. Fancy paper might make your resume stand out, but not in a good way. Flashy paper does not present a professional image. Black ink on good quality white or off white paper is ideal.
   

4. Ensure that everything on your resume is true. Present yourself in your best possible light, but do not lie or overstate accomplishments.
   

5. Avoid personal pronouns. The words I, me and my do not belong on a resume.
   

6. Do not specify reasons for leaving jobs on your resume. Employers do not expect to see that information on a resume, and, depending on your reasons for leaving, that information may not show you in your best possible light. If employers are interested in your reasons for leaving a job, they will ask you during the interview when you will be better able to explain your reasons for leaving.
   

7. Write all words out in full. Avoid abbreviations on your resume.
   

8. Resumes may be one page or two pages. If your resume is longer than two pages, you need to edit it. Employers will not take the time to read through a three or four page resume.
   
9. Ensure your resume is not repetitive.
   

10. List your most recent and most relevant skills and experience. Avoid going back more than ten years in your work history unless you have a very good reason.
    

11. Ensure that everything on your resume is relevant to the job you are seeking. Your objective or profile will state the type of job you are targeting. Everything else on your resume should prove that you would be great at whatever job you specified in your objective or profile.
    

12. Include plenty of white space and use bulleted point form when writing your resume. An employer will only spend a few seconds reviewing your resume, so it's important to structure your resume so it's easy to read at a glance.

Follow these tips for good resume writing and you'll be well on your way to writing a winning resume.