How to Write a Resume That Will Get You the Interview

There are several vital rules to follow to write a resume that will get noticed by hiring managers and recruiters.  These helpful tips include items that should and should not be included on your resume to grab the reader’s attention.  These tips are designed to help you land the interview. 

First of all, there are two basic resume formats, functional and chronological.  A functional resume outlines your applicable skills followed by a list of companies, titles held and dates worked for each company.   This is the lesser desirable format for recruiters and hiring managers alike.  The more widely used and accepted format is chronological.  This format lists each job you have had and the details you performed at each position. 

The basic chronological structure includes:

·         Your resume should contain your name, email address and the best phone number to reach you.  It is highly recommended that you do not include your address for security purposes.

·         Use an easy to read font face and font size.  Usually Arial or Times New Roman at 11 or 12 point font is recommended.   You should stick with black lettering on a white background. 

·         Use bold, italics and underlining sparingly.  Many resumes are entered into the company database and will not translate such additions.

·         Unless you are a PhD with a list of publications you have written, it is best to keep your resume to 1 – 2 pages, no more.

·         Additionally, your resume should have an objective that is short and to the point as to what type of position you are seeking

·         Make sure your resume is free from typos 

·         Your job history should begin with your most resent employer with the company name, your title and the date employed.  Bulleted description of your duties, listing the activities performed most frequently.  Be sure to include any duties that are listed in the job description you are applying to.

·         The older a position is the less detail should be given

·         Finally, include a section with your education and training.  This section should only be added after the objective section if you have just finished your degree.

·         Try not to duplicate activities if performed at several jobs unless it is critical to the position you are applying to.  An example is having been an Administrative Assistant at two different companies before advancing to a Marketing Coordinator.  At both Administrative Assistant positions, part of your job description included filing.  List ‘filing’ at both positions only if it is a requirement of the position you are applying for. 

Items that should NOT be included on your resume:

·         Full sentences.  They take up too much real estate and make your resume longer than necessary.  Most reviewers are glancing at your resume and not reading it word for word.

·         ‘References available upon request’.  This is a given

·         Listing hobbies or interests

·         Personal information such as marital status, age, religion, number of children

·         Do not put your picture on your resume

The key to getting your resume read is your use of key words from the job description.  Recruiters and hiring managers receive literally hundreds of resumes for an opening.  In order to have your resume considered, you must use the words that are in the job description.  For instance, if the job description states you must have ‘3+ years of software product development’ be sure your resume has ‘software product development’ listed for each position you have that experience.  The more requirements you have listed on your resume that matches the job description, the better your chances are to gain an interview.

One last tip, if you have large gaps in your resume where you were out of work for whatever the reason, add a sentence to your resume where the gap is with a brief explanation such as ‘from 12/07 – 12/09 I cared for my ailing mother’ to assist the reader with any questions they may have about the gap.

Remember, because of the high volume of resumes received, it’s easier to screen someone out that doesn’t appear to be a fit than to schedule an interview to get an explanation for anything questionable listed on your resume.