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You will also want to type your resume on a heavier paper, such as a 20 lb. bond.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #2 DO NOT APPLY TO THE WRONG JOB! Focus on targeting your resume to one specific job. If the job you are seeking is that of a receptionist, you want the person reading your resume to know this. The employer may have several openings and not know if you are applying for the receptionist job or the maintenance position. Always make sure you reference the position you desire.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #3 PLEASE, NO LIFE STORIES! You want to keep your resume short; one page is optimal, more than two is disastrous. Keep your resume clear, concise and relative to the particular job market. Remember, the person reading your resume has no desire, nor intentions to read your life story.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #4 DON'T FORGET THE PITCH! The most important thing to remember when typing your resume is your qualifications. Write a short opening paragraph to 'sell yourself. ' You want to come across as capable and qualified, yet, you do not want to sound like a narcissist, so do not over do it. Show confidence and strength through your written words, but avoid boasting.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #5 NO MISSPELLINGS! Always use your computer's spell checker! If you cannot spell the job position correctly, how will you perform the job? Misspellings are a big annoyance to the person reading your resume. You don't want to irritate him/her before you have even been granted an interview.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #6 NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT! Emphasize your skills, talents and achievements. Especially if they relate to the position you are seeking. Elaborate most on the skills that apply to the exact job for which you are applying.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #7 DO NOT LEAVE OUT PERTINENT INFORMATION! When writing about your past jobs, make sure to include their locations. Do not omit the cities and states where you have previously worked. HOW TO WRITE A RESUME MISTAKE #8 AVOID USING WEAK WORDS! When telling of your past employment positions, try to use the word 'work' sparingly. It is a weak, passive verb, and applies to a broad spectrum of tasks. Everyone 'works', but maybe you've 'implemented', or 'collaborated'; these types of words sound much more impressive.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME MISTAKE #9 DO NOT CREATE A CENSUS! It is most common now, as well as accepted, that you don't use 'profile' information. Information you should leave out are height, weight, age, date of birth, gender, marital status, race and personal health information. Also to be omitted are controversial issues such as, religious and political affiliations.
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME MISTAKE #10 DO NOT OVERLOOK YOUR REPUTATION! Who will vouch for you? If you are going to include personal and or professional references, make sure the people you list will give you a shining recommendation. The best reference would be a leader in the industry you are applying for, or another well-respected professional. Try to use only the people who will mention your best attributes. It is also recommended that you contact the person you will use as a reference to assure that the information they will supply about you is only top notch.
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