CareerFood

Writing Better Resumes or...

Bang! Bang! 20 Bullets, I'm Dead You're Dead!

This is long over due because the whole "Bullet Point Thing" has been stuck in my craw for some time now. Everyday I get dozens of resumes with way too many bullet points listed under each and every previous job. Dozens and dozens of bullet points informing me on everything from filling in for the manager when he/she is out sick to attending weekly staff meetings.

OK, Listen up! Hopefully this is the last time we need to cover this. Two Rules...

Rule #1 - Less is more

• bullet - a heavy mark, sometimes in the shape of a bullet (but more often a boldface dot), that is used to indicate an item of special interest or some special features on a page of copy. Barrons

So it would seem you should use bullets to highlight areas of special interest or things you want the reader to focus on. You knew this already because you took a resume writing class or bought that book that told you bullets are much better than writing long boring paragraphs no one will ever read. Right? What they forgot to tell you is when you use 20 in a row, they loose their effectiveness!

Rule #2 - Don't be a Fancy Pants

Unless you're trying to get a job at a flower shop, monogram store or graphic studio save the fancy script and curly cue bullets. It's distracting and sometimes even annoying. Circles, squares, etc. are preferred on business communications and should be on resumes.

I can't guarantee following these two rules will get you the job, but I will guarantee you will have a more professional looking resume that will get more consideration.

Resumes that POP

Still playing catch-up but came across this great post on resume writing by Janelle Godfrey.

My only comment is I think 40 seconds is being a little generous...you're lucky if you get 20!

10 Steps to a Better Resume

To help you construct a better, more powerful resume, here are ten overall considerations in regard to your resume’s content and presentation:

1. Position title and job description
Provide your title, plus a detailed explanation of your duties and accomplishments. Since job titles are often misleading or their function may vary from one company to another, your resume should tell the reader exactly what you’ve done.

2. Clarity of dates and place
Document your work history and educational credentials accurately. Don’t leave the reader guessing where and when you were employed, or when you earned your degree.

3. Explicitness
Let the reader know the nature, size and location of your past employers, and what their business is.

4. Detail
Specify some of the more technical, or involved aspects of your past work or training, especially if you’ve performed tasks of any complexity, or significance.

5. Proportion
Give appropriate attention to jobs or educational credentials according to their length, or importance to the reader. For example, if you wish to be considered for an engineering position, don’t write one paragraph describing your current engineering job, followed by three paragraphs about your summer job as a lifeguard.

6. Relevancy
Confine your information to that which is job-related or clearly demonstrates a pattern of success. Concentrate only on subject matter that addresses the needs of the employer. 

7. Length
Fill up only a page or two. If you write more than two pages, it sends a signal to the reader that you can’t organize your thoughts, or you’re trying too hard to make a good impression. If your content is strong, you won’t need more than two pages.

8.  Spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Create an error-free document that’s representative of an educated person. If you’re unsure about the correctness of your writing (or if English is your second language), consult a professional writer or editor.

9. Readability
Organize your thoughts in a clear, concise manner. No resume ever won a Nobel Prize for literature; however, a fragmented or long-winded resume will virtually assure you of a place at the back of the line.

10. Readability
Be sure to select a conventional type style, such as Times Roman or Arial, and choose a neutral background or stationery. If your resume takes too much effort to read, it may end up in the trash, even if you have terrific skills.

Finally, I suggest you write several drafts, and allow yourself time to review your work and proofread for errors. If you have a professional associate whose opinion you trust, by all means, listen to what he or she has to say. A simple critique can make the difference between an interview and a rejection.