One of the major reasons why new graduates tend to suffer from high mortality rates in job interviews is purely due to the submission of badly written resumes. In fact, most new graduates have a very bad tendency to view resumes as a simple statement of their KSA (knowledge, skills and abilities). A workforce veteran would naturally know better. A resume is your one and only shot of getting interviewed, let alone hired. And because of that, your resume should be able to provide information about yourself, all of which coincides with what the employer would expect from an employee. Secondly, a resume is an official, no-nonsense document. Unless you're applying to some glitzy advertising company, or something similar where a flair for the arts is needed, your resume can't be a polychromatic display of your educational qualifications and accomplishments. Keep in mind the following resume tips when youre about to write your very first resume: TECHNICAL TIPS Always print your resume on standard size sheets of paper (8-1/2 x 11 inches). Use black ink only. Choose a non-decorative typeface and stick with it. Do not fold your resume, or staple your photo to your resume. Place your resume in a large enough envelope when planning on mailing it to a company. GENERAL TIPS Always make use of the grammar check feature of MS Word or whatever software youre using to ensure that your resume is free from typographical errors, and grammatical mistakes. CONTACT INFORMATION Write your full name with a font size slightly bigger than what youll use for the body of the resume. Do not use nicknames, as its very unprofessional. Use a permanent address and telephone number this shall ensure that youll receive a prompt response for any of the applications youve made. Always include your email address with your contact information, but make sure that the email address is professional sounding. Create a new one for this purpose if need be. RESUME OBJECTIVE When writing your resume objective, remember that this is the section of your resume where employers would have an idea of what type of job youre looking and are best suited. Keep your objective short and simple. Be specific about the type of occupation for which youre aiming. Change the objective of your resume if needed to match the company or position youre applying for. EDUCATION As a brand new, or recent graduate, its imperative that you make this section of your resume as detailed as possible. This will compensate for the absence of detail in the Work Experience section of your resume. Start with your most recent educational attainment. Do not forget to include your grade point average (G.P.A.) if it has given you honorary status or is considered above average. List all the academic, and non-educational achievements you have received in college. Include all details of seminars and workshops that youve attended. Mention only important achievements you had in high school, if any, such as being the president of the student body. WORK EXPERIENCE Include details of all the summer jobs youve had and present them as professionally as you can. Be sure to supply the exact dates for all jobs youve had, especially if you have been consistently employed throughout your high school and college years. OTHER INFORMATION This is your last chance to speak for yourself. Make sure that you list any other skills and talents. Include details of any specialized knowledge you have such as possessing proficiency in Informational Research techniques, strong computer skills, or possibly artistic talents. REFERENCES Family relations do not count as references! Its always better to be safe than sorry so simply state References to be furnished upon request in this section of your resume. |
