Here’s a general overview of important things to consider when writing your resume. Overall, be consistent in design and content, truthful and relevant.
Design
- Keep it simple and consistent
Keywords
- Reference the job description throughout your resume; find words that matter to the employer and use them to your advantage. In large companies with hundreds, even thousands of applicants, resumes are often sorted between “yes”, “no” and “maybe” piles by computers and these relevant keywords will increase the probability of making it to the “yes” group.
Experience
Find a way to link the following three areas for each of your current/previous jobs
- Positions
- Responsibilities
- Accomplishments
Education
- Generally follows experience; posted higher only for those applying for their first full-time position (entry level, straight out of college)
References
- List them: Names, titles, contact info (phone and e-mail) or don’t mention them at all
Hobbies
- DON’T list them (it’s rare they matter or relate to the position you are applying for)