Resume Writing Dos and Don’ts

Include your full name – don’t use nicknames or abbreviations

Use a telephone number that you can always answer – use a cell phone if possible or make sure there is an answering machine at the listed phone number

Use bullet points to highlight information – it is much easier for an employer to absorb relevant information while scanning your résumé

Print your résumé and cover letter on high quality paper – when printing your résumé you should use paper with at least 50% cotton content

Be concise and get to the point – say what you need to say and nothing more

Use action words and descriptive phrases – be creative when trying to get your point across using as few words as possible

Target your résumé – address your résumé to the position you are applying for to show that you are really interested in working for that company

Focus on relevant facts only – list skills, accomplishments and personality traits you know the employer is looking for

List quantitative support for statements made – back up your skills and experiences with real scenarios, facts and figures

Begin statements with action verbs – action verbs demonstrate your importance to the achievement or experience being described

Don’t do these things

Have any grammatical errors – always have someone else proofread your résumé for errors and flow

Have any spelling mistakes – always spell check your résumé, your contact’s name, and the company’s name

Misrepresent your background or experience – employers oftentimes verify this information and can fire you if it is discovered that you were dishonest

Fill in employment gaps with unrelated information – wait to discuss this information in person to put a positive spin on it

Use lengthy paragraphs – employers notoriously skip over paragraphs in résumés

Use long sentences – just like paragraphs, the reader easily skips over long sentences

Use personal pronouns – keep your résumé impersonal for a more professional image

Forget to list basic skills – all employers want to see that you are a team player, take charge of situations and are reliable

By: John D Williamson

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