Resume Writing Advice for Total Beginners

Are you a total beginner in the complicated world of the job market? If you are, you may need some pieces of resume writing advice that should tell you the do's and don'ts of job hunting. At this critical point of job searching, there is a need for you to know and follow simple rules to avoid committing huge mistakes.


A list of do's


First of all, always remember that applications are usually screened by hiring managers or employers in less than a minute. As such, you need to maximize that time and opportunity to show your qualifications and competencies as a likely candidate for the job.


Make sure you placed any possible contact information that allows people to reach you during business hours. Write your qualifications summary in a simple and straightforward way, including the job title you are applying for.


Prepare a list of your jobs in reverse chronological order. List them according to its importance to the reader such as title or position, name of employer, city/state address, and dates of employment. If you are targeting a different career path, you should put more emphasis on your transferable skills.


Make your copy more meaningful by adding accomplishments, apart from enumerating your job responsibilities. If you can possibly quantify your accomplishments, that is, if you know how many customers or clients you served, or the figures of increased sales and profits, feel free to do so.


To make your document reader-friendly, consider using bullets. Apply designs that are unique and distinct, rather than just copying templates and wizards available on the Internet.


Before you submit your application, carefully proofread it to ensure that there are no spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors.


A list of don'ts


One worn-out resume writing advice is the so-called "one-page rule." Don't be pressured by having to squeeze everything in one page. Why? If you clearly have more important things to say, it is appropriate to add another page, but avoid going beyond two pages as much as possible.


There is no need for you to state your height, weight, age, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, sex, ethnicity, or social security number, or talk about your high school. Also, you don't need to explain your reasons for leaving your previous job. It can possibly stir controversy and discrimination.


There is also no need to include hobbies and other trivial stuff that are totally irrelevant to your target job. However, you may share these during interview conversations, if the situation seems appropriate.


Don't mention skills and job activities that you don't want to do anymore, especially if you are targeting a managerial position or a totally different kind of job.


Personal pronouns such as I, my, and me are a no-no. Use concrete and consistent action verbs and adverbs in your work experience section and qualifications summary. Make your application accomplishments-oriented, rather than duty-oriented. Duties automatically come with any job, but accomplishments are something that expose your work attitude and performance.


As a final resume writing advice, hiring managers and employers want to know the truth about you, so don't ever tell lies.




By Melinda Edwards