For Job Seekers: 10 Tips About Writing Your Resumé

1.Use a Summary: You want your resumé to catch the attention of the reader during the first 3 seconds. An summary of qualifications is the best way to make sure that happens. In that summary you should describe briefly why you are qualified for the position you have applied. 

2.Customize it: You would not use a mouse trap to catch a fish. similarly, you need to use the a resumé that matches the position you are looking for. In other words, include and highlight in your resumé the experience that matches the job requirements. 

3.Make it succinct: Even with a solid experience, your resumé could be thrown into the “slush” pile if you do not describe it effectively. Avoid unnecessary details, they will only become a distraction for the reader.

4.Show Achievements: Achievements are not the responsibilities you had at work. They are the successes you had while fulfilling your responsibilities. Always include achievements when describing your work experience.

5.Check Spelling: Wrong spelling is one of the greatest turn offs in a resumé. Use not only spellchecker, but also a dictionary when reviewing your resumé.

6.Watch the Grammar: You might not know this, but if you are a Computer Science Major who plans to write code for the rest of your existence, the College Writing classes ARE important. Bad grammar, just like bad spelling could send a potential employer the wrong message about your qualifications.

7.Read it out loud: This might seem dumb, but how things are written and how they sound can be VERY different. Sometimes reading out loud your resumé is the only way to find grammar and spelling mistakes.

8.Be Honest: While you should always highlight the positive in your resumé you should NEVER lie, mislead, or exaggerate when describing your experience. Sooner or later you will be caught.

9.Have someone look at your resumé: A second set of eyes is always helpful when writing your resumé. Find someone who relates to what you do (or a good writer) proofread it, and be receptive and cordial with the suggestions he or she might give you.

10.Update your resumé periodically: Keep including new experiences and projects that might relate to the position you are looking for. Remember that job postings (and therefore requirements) might differ even if the title is the same.