We are taught so many things regarding writing resumes. Keep it to 1 page, use 12 point font, list your achievements and the list goes on. I had the opportunity to speak with a registered nurse the other day who said to me “People are just not hiring nurses anymore; even other nursing friends are having the same problem.” I began to look closer at the individuals resume and noticed the resume didn’t fit the job. I took the time to explain to him that this statement wasn’t true that in fact the unemployment rate for nurses is less than 1%. Your resume has to convey your experience as it relates to the job in which you are applying.
It’s important to know it takes a recruiter less than 60 seconds to determine if they will be reaching out to a candidate. Employers want to know who candidates really are.
Here are 10 tips to help write that resume which will land you the interview:
1. Job Duties. Determine the job duties by reviewing the job description and how your experience relates to the interested job.
2. On a blank sheet of paper write/type out your education including any certifications or licenses, degrees, work experience including keywords found in the job description, technical skills, any achievements or accomplishments.
3. Choose your font. Font should be simple, Sans Sarif, Times New Roman, Arial, Garamond or Calibri works well
4. Write your resume. From the notes taken earlier began to write out your resume. Try to keep your resume to a maximum of 2 pages. You only need the last 7 years of work experience. Make sure and use keywords here. Use acronyms and also spell out any acronyms that might be keywords i.e IT Developer and Information Technology Developer. You can use IT Developer in the title but also spell out information technology somewhere else on the resume.
5. Your name. Use your real full name. If you are William referred to as “Bill”, Bill can be put in parenthesis.
6. Tell your story. Instead of stating subjective adjectives show actual accomplishments on projects. 2-3 sentences of your job duties
7. Focus on recognition. This is very important this is what will help to set yourself apart.Testimonials can be included from previous managers and/or clients. Be sure to include any honors or awards.
8. Use numbers. Create a vivid and specific image by quantifying your track record. Tell how many employees you’ve supervised or how much time you’ve saved.
9. Describe interests. Personal interests don’t have to sound silly. You may discover that you and your new boss have something in common like tennis or baking.
10. Proof read. In addition to anything else you want to communicate, let the hiring manager know you’re conscientious.This is an absolute must!! Have a second pair of eyes check your materials for grammar and spelling.
Make your job search easy by taking the first step in creating an eye catching resume.
