Build Your Resume

Pop Quiz Time:

The purpose of your resume is:

a) To get a job silly!

b) To have something to hand potential employers so you don't look foolish

c) To get you in front of the interviewer

If you chose

c) To get you in front of the interviewer - give yourself an "A"!

Your resume (or CV) is the primary tool for getting an interview. Often, resumes are coupled with a cover letter to spell out exactly why you are perfect for that position or to explain a potential problem like a gap in your employment.

While  there are lots of resume styles and ways to approach presenting your education and employment history there are a few rules that always apply.

Rule 1) Always be truthful.

While you don't always have to reveal all your "dirty laundry" in a resume - some things you should NEVER reveal - you need not volunteer everything about yourself either. But you should never, ever lie about your education or work experience. This is non-negotiable.

Rule 2) Use action words and phrases.

Instead of listing your "job duties" show what you did to improve things for previous employers.

"Impemented a coupon program resulting in a 20% increase in sales"

Again, don't lie. And don't quote figures you can't back up. But DO try to give an accurate picture of what you accomplished and DO offer whatever measurable results you can.

Rule 3) Put your contact information prominently on every page! 

If you need to, consider chosing function over style. Leave fancy to the designers (unless you're a fancy designer by trade!) and opt for simply legible and easy to find. You might be surprised at how many applicants got hired because their phone numbers were handy!

Rule 4) Emphasize your qualfications to match the job description.

Almost every employer looks no further than qualifications at first glance! You only have a few seconds - often less than 3 seconds - before they've decided for or against you!

Make the most of what you've got. If an employer wants someone to answer the phone and take messages - don't start out by saying how many awards you've won for filing - they don't care! Or at least that is not what the consider most important. Instead of taking it for granted any fool can answer a phone and take a message - put those qualifications up front. You'll be glad you did.

Your local library is a good place to start for resume resources. Even the smallest library is likely to have a couple of books on the subject.

We also like Resume Magic by Susan Britton Whitcomb available from Amazon.com Ms. Whitcomb writes from her experience as a professional resume writer.

Many job seekers are simply better off letting someone else sweat over their resume. It's faster and easier to give it all to a professional. Plus you get the added benefit of an objective perspective on your job history. A good resume writer will often draw out things you never thought of!

Another benefit is professional resume writers stay on top of current trends so your resume is sure to appeal to what employers are looking for right now.

If you'd like professional help to make your resume the best it can be why not consider Resume Writers.com? They've helped thousands of job searchers build resumes that get the interview.

Click here for more information about ResumeWriters.com

We are adding articles on all aspects of job hunting all the time - including interviewing . Check back often or better yet sign up below so you'll be instantly notified every time we post a new article.

Now you've got your resume - get it out on the market fast with Resume Rabbit.

WARNING!  While this "shotgun method" does work - we do NOT recommend you rely solely  on this for your job search. Your first choice should always be to surgically pursue the best employers for your qualifications and skills. You should also consider modifying your resume for each job you apply for so it is optimized for each employer's perceived needs.

So why even bother with a service like Resume Rabbit? Simply this: You just can't post your resume to 1.5 Million employers manually. Broadcasting your resume increases the chances of finding a position you may not have otherwise uncovered. In other words - despite your best plans and flawless execution - sometimes things just kinda fall in place by themselves. So with that understanding, we do suggest you seriously consider adding Resume Rabbit to your arsenal. Click on the banner below for more information...

We are adding articles on all aspects of job hunting all the time - including interviewing . Check back often or better yet sign up below so you'll be instantly notified every time we post a new article.

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