Top Tips on Writing a Resume or CV

Follow these tips for success

If you are looking for tips on writing a resume or cv, you have come to the right place.
You may be looking to change career or just seeking a new job, but getting your resume
just right is essential.
Your cv or resume is your one change to make an impact on your future recruiter. If you get
it wrong here, your application fails.
There are lots of tips cv and resume writing, but here I have picked out my top ten to help
you really focus.

My top ten tips on writing a resume

So what are my top ten tips on writing a resume?

1. If you want to write a good cv or resume, it takes time. Dont rush. The effort you
put in at this stage will give you good returns in the long run.
2. Remember that it is not a one-off exercise. Your cv needs to be constantly reviewed
and revised each time you use it. You are constantly growing and changing, so your
resume needs to follow suit.
3. Be clear what the recruiter is looking for. Your job is to show them that you have
what they need. So research those needs and make sure that you have them at the
front of your mind as you put your resume together.
4. Know yourself. Be clear what you have to offer so that the reader can quickly
understand what you can do. Review your skills and experience and then select the
cv style that presents what you have in the best light.
5. Use the headings that are right for you. You will probably want to use most of the
usual ones, but allow yourself to create new ones if you want to highlight something
in your experience doesnt quite fit.
6. Be specific about your achievements and accomplishments. Saying 'I am a good
team player' is just too general. Use examples to show when you have worked well
in a team and what you achieved through your team.
7. Be concise. The kiss of death on many a resume is lengthy, wordy explanations of
what you have done. You need to use simple, punchy language that focuses on
actions and achievements. Grab the readers attention.
8. Pay attention to how your resume looks. CV and resume writing is not just about
content. If your presentation is scrappy and unprofessional, the resume may be
rejected without even being properly read. You are scoring plus or minus points the
minute it comes out of the envelope.
9. Remember the purpose of a cv is to get you an interview, getting the job comes
second. Dont make the mistake of leaving out critical information because you think
will be able to talk about it at interview. You may not get this chance if your cv does
not convince the recruiter to shortlist you.

10. The last of my tips on writing a resume is that there is a simple formula that will
keep you on the right track. It is the three P's P P P.

Preparation do your homework on yourself and on the recruiter.

Presentation pay real attention to the way you design and present your resume.
Proofread Your resume must not contain any grammatical errors, spelling
mistakes or typos. Get someone else to check it if necessary.

CV and Resume Layouts

Making sure you get the 'look' right
The issue of cv and resume layouts is often overlooked by eager job hunters and career
changers in a rush to get their resume out to as many people as possible.
But the way your cv looks has an enormous impact on how well it will be received by a
recruiter.
The minute your resume or cv is out of the envelope or reaches the top of the pile, you are
gaining plus or minus points in the recruiter's eyes.
Before they have even read a word, they will be forming an impression of you from the
general appearance and layout of your resume. If you are changing careers, you need to
score every plus point you possibly can.
So it is essential that you pay attention to your cv layout. Time spent here will pay dividends
in the long run and will increase the chance of your application going on to the 'yes' pile for
interview.
So what are the key factors to consider with cv and resume layouts?

Font

Many computers default to Times Roman. Now I have to say

that I think this font has a stuffy, old-fashioned look about it, so
I always recommend to clients that they change it to a more
modern font like Ariel or Verdana. Just that one change can lift
the look of a cv and immediately make it seem lighter and more
contemporary.

Fonts like Ariel are also easier to read, so you are helping the recruiter as they wade
through dozens of resumes. If you are trying a new font, check it carefully for readability
before deciding to use it.
Think about the size of the font too. 12pt comes out quite large in Ariel so you could get
away with 11pt, but 10pt is beginning to look a bit pokey.
If you are trying to squeeze a lot of content into your resume a 1pt drop in font size can be
the answer, but dont go so small that you make it a strain to read.

Headings

The headings on your cv are the signposts to guide the reader round quickly. So help them
to navigate easily.
Make sure that the headings of each section stand out clearly. Usually bold plus an increase
in font size by 1-2pts is all you need. Italic may be worth a try, but it doesnt usually stand
out enough. Underlining is a bit old fashioned and all three together is too much!
Dont make your headings too large or use BLOCK CAPITALS as this often makes them
dominate the whole resume.

Colour

Clients often ask me about using colour as part of their resume layout. I think you can use
colour, but use it sparingly and with care. Above all your cv must look well designed and
professional.
A quick look at some company annual reports can give you a few ideas. Colour in resume
layouts should be limited to the headings and you should select subdued colours like dark
blue or dark green rather than red or pink.
Remember that your resume may be photocopied in which case the impact of any colour
you have used will probably be lost.

Space

Let your cv breathe. Dont fall into the trap of trying to cram masses of information into a
small space. You will end up with a resume that is such hard work to read that some
recruiters will not even bother, or at best they will just skim read it.

Take a look at how web pages are put together. Sub headings, short paragraphs and
bulleted lists are used to space the text out so it is easier on the eye.
Actually you can learn a lot from well designed web pages so browse around and see what
works well. Much the same rules apply to cv and resume layouts.

Use bulleted lists as these create white space on the right of the page.
Keep your margins a reasonable size so there is white space around the edge.
Add extra blank lines between sections. This helps draw the eye to them and also
helps to open the page up.
If you have a lot to say, allow your cv to spread to two pages with well spaced
sections. This will have a stronger impact than one page of densely packed text.
Try to avoid solid blocks of text that are longer than 4-5 lines.

Paper

People agonise over the quality of paper they should use for a cv or resume. Personally I do
not think your choice of paper is such a critical factor.
Of course you should avoid using the cheapest paper you can find that feels flimsy and
crumples easily. However, any reasonable quality of photocopy or printer paper should be
fine.
Some people spend a lot of money on expensive, high quality vellum style paper. This might
be an investment worth considering if you have been invited to send your resume in
response to a personal meeting with a new contact.
But in most cases, it will not add significantly to the impact your cv has, as it will be just
one of many being considered by a recruiter.
Coloured paper is not usually a good idea, but if you want to give it a try, stick to very pale
colours blue or beige are the most appropriate. If your cv is photocopied in black and
white, coloured background paper may show up as a dirty grey. So on thewhole, white
paper is safest.

Exceptions to the rules

There are always exceptions to every rule and in the case of cv and resume layouts, you can
ignore all of this if you are going for a creative or design based job.
In this case your cv layout is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your creative flair. So
using an eye-catching design with a range of colours and unusual fonts is acceptable as you
try and capture your readers attention by standing out from the crowd. You can feel free to

try out different resume ideas to show off your inventiveness.

Bottom line?

The basic message is to think about who you are sending your resume to. What kind of
company or organisation is it? Tailor your resume layouts to meet their expectations.
Your task is to make your resume easy on the eye, so that the reader is invited in,
encouraged to read through the whole document. Paying attention to details like font,
colour, space, headings and paper can make all the difference.
Once you have won them over with eye catching cv and resume layouts, your next step is
to impress them with high quality content.

A CV or Resume Outline
A summary of the key headings
Trying to write your cv?
It is always helpful to begin with a cv or resume outline which will give you the basic
structure you need.
It is very tempting to just dive in and start writing, but if you take the time to do a bit of
planning, you can be sure that the result will be much better.

CV and Resume Outline

Main Headings

Here are some resume writing tips that focus on the most important headings you should
include in your resume. Under each one, I will make suggestions about what you should
include and other things to consider.

Personal Information
Dont miss out any of the obvious basic information youd be surprised how many people
do!
Name
Use the one you want to be known by at work.

 Make this the heading of your cv. Dont put 'Curriculum Vitae' or 'Resume' at the
top they can see what it is!
Full address
This is to ensure that they can contact you by post easily.
If you know you will be moving, put your new address to with the dates.
If you dont know your new address, use the address of a reliable family member
or friend (with their permission of course!)
Phone
Include a mobile and a landline number if you have both.
Remember that you have given out your number to a potential employer, so think
about how you answer the phone. First impressions count!
Email address
Absolutely essential these days.
Think about what your email address says about you - sexysusie@hotmail.com or
gone_golfing@yahoo.co.uk may not make the impression you want!
Set up a new address if need be - but remember to check it regularly!
Web address
Do you have your own website? This is not really a requirement for your cv or
resume unless you are applying for IT jobs where you need to demonstrate your web
authoring skills.
But if you can create a website, it can be a great addition to your cv where you
can give much more information about yourself than you ever could on a couple of
sheets of paper.
But make sure that it is a smart, business-like site. Avoid jazzy colurs and
flashing headings!

And generally, you dont need to bother with

Date of birth
Gender
Marital status
Number of children
Driving license

Objective

This is where you talk about your career objectives. Explain the career area or job
you are aiming for you need to show that you have a clear sense of direction.
Focus on what you have to offer as an applicant, but be careful that it doesnt turn
into a hard sell.
Make sure that what you have to offer matches what the employer is looking for
you have researched that, havent you?

Education

You can grow or shrink this section in your resume outline according to your
situation. In most cases unless you are going for an academic job your education
becomes less relevant as your work experience builds up.
You will normally list your qualifications and where you gained them in reverse order.
The most recent is usually the highest level and therefore worth giving the most
emphasis.
You may choose to call this section Education and Training if you want to draw
attention to professional courses you have taken.
This section can be particularly useful if you are changing career and you have done
some relevant study or training to prepare you for your new career area.
If you have a lot of work experience, this section can appear after your employment.

Employment

This is another section that will vary according to what you are trying to achieve.
At its simplest, just list your employment in reverse order, giving the dates, the
name of the company and your job title.
Make sure that you highlight duties and skills gained that are relevant to what you
are now applying for.
If this is a career change resume, you may wish to re-sequence your work
experience to highlight the work that is most relevant first. You could split the
section into Related Experience and Other Experience.

Interests

This part of a cv or resume outline may be omitted if you are short of space. This
could be the case if you already have a range of work experience to present.
However, the main benefit of this section is that it shows another aspect of who you
are.
If you are a career changer, this could be where you have been developing relevant
skills and experience to back up you plan to switch direction.
Dont just make this a list of 'hobbies' make sure that you say why you are
involved and what skills you have gained from these activities.

References

You would normally include the names, job titles and contact details of two referees
here.
Make sure that you have asked their permission and explained to them what you are
applying for so that they write an appropriate reference.
If you are short of space, you can write references available on request.

CV and Resume Styles

Select the one that will promote you most
effectively

There are a number of cv and resume styles that you can use and it is important that you
stop and think carefully about which one is going to be best for you.
The different cv styles all have their own strengths and weaknesses and some will work
better for you than others, depending on your situation.
Career changers in particular should think careful about which style will present them in the
best light to future employers.

What are the different cv and resume styles?

Chronological resume or cv
As the title suggests, the chronological cv lists your education and experience in date order.
Usually you will begin with the most recent first and track backwards. This is because your
most recent experience is usually at a higher level and is more relevant to where you want
to go next. This works well if your career has followed a steady path and your next career
move fits in with this.
Skills based resume or cv
This style focuses on the key skills you have to offer. (To review your skills, click here). This
makes it easier for you to show the employer that you have just the skills and experience
that they need. It can be a great way of really capturing the reader's attention in the first
15 seconds. If you are changing direction n your career, this style of resume can focus the
reader on what you can do rather than on your occupational 'label'.
Functional resume or cv
This kind of resume has much in common with a skills based model, but in this case you
highlight the professional functions that you have experience of. This could include broad
functions such as project management, budget control or marketing. So if you are looking
to move up within your current field of work or move sideways to a different organisation
but want to continue to use the functional expertise you have developed, it will help
showcase the abilities that you can apply in any job.
Combination resume or cv
You wont be surprised to hear that this style of resume pulls together aspects of the other
three. You can use a combination cv to highlight relevant skills and experience, but at the
same time, a chronological listing of your employment history shows you have a consistent
and credible record. This style will establish you as an expert in your field.

How do I choose?

As I have suggested before, it is essential that you think about what will capture the interest
and attention of your reader your future employer. Remember that your cv is your
marketing tool and the way you present it will play a big part in the impact you have.

Most recruiters have very little time to spend looking at your cv, so your job is to make sure
that the most relevant information hits them on page one. Your resume must always be
carefully targeted at the employer you are sending it to.
When selecting between cv and resume styles, always ask yourself:

What are they looking for?

What have I got that matches their needs?
Which style will allow me to present what I have to offer most effectively?

If you are changing career, it is likely that skills based or functional resume styles
will be the most appropriate as they allow you to promote your skills and
talents most effectively.

Resume Keywords
Why you should be using strong action verbs on
your cv or resume
Using positive resume keywords is one of the most important factors in making sure that
your cv or resume has impact. But when working on cv or resume writing, many job seekers
do not take advantage of the benefits of carefully choosing their words.
When jobs are advertised, the recruiter will often receive way more applications than they
can look at closely, so the first sift through will be done quickly, making an assessment
based on the initial impact of the application.
This is where using positive keywords can make all the difference.
For career changers, one of the main tips on writing a resume must be to use positive
action verbs. This is because you may well be trying to focus the readers attention on your
transferable skills to demonstrate your ability to move to a new career area.
CV power words like established, succeeded, presented, initiated all add weight and impact
to your application.

Why are these keywords so important?

Firstly they just make the cv sound so much more positive and active and generate a
stronger impression of you, the applicant. Remember that most resumes have about 30
seconds spent on the first reading, so you do not have long to grab the reader's attention.
The purpose of your resume is to draw the recruiter in and make them want to read your
application carefully and then like you enough to shortlist you for interview.

Using positive words means that your resume has an upbeat, dynamic feel to it which will
be much more effective than a simple description of what you have done.
Try to avoid woolly generalisations like 'I worked in...', or 'I was responsible for...'
For example, look at the following:
Weak - I worked in the customer services team.
Better Handled over 100 enquiries per day efficiently and politely and maintained
customer goodwill when resolving complaints. .
Weak - I was responsible for monthly statistical returns.
Better - Collated data from seven departments and produced succinct statistical summaries
for the management team.
Notice that in the improved versions, the writing becomes more 'telegram style', which
means sentences do not all begin with 'I'. The positive action verb comes at the beginning
of each sentence and so has much more impact.
It also shows a future employer that you have a good command of the English language if
you can bring a bit of variety into the language you use on your resume.
Secondly you will find that resume keywords are used by recruiters who are scanning cvs
and resumes submitted by email or via company websites.
This means that the first assessment of your cv is not even a pair of human eyes it is
done by a computer. The system will be set up to look for keywords which they have defined
as important, so you need to use words that will please the computer.
How do you do know which words to use?
First of all, read the job description and person specification very carefully. You will probably
find that there are key terms there that will give you clues.
For example, are they looking for someone who is proactive, good in a team, able to cope
with pressure?
These are all hints which should lead you to a very careful choice of words as you describe
your relevant experience. Make sure that you select resume keywords which will
demonstrate that you have got the skills and qualities they have mentioned in the job
description.

CV action words or keywords

Not sure what resume keywords to use? There are very many you could try, but make sure
you pick ones that fit in with the company requirements. And make sure that they match
the tone of your cv.
Here is a selection to get you thinking.
Accelerated
Acquainted
Administered
Analysed
Appraised
Assessed
Authorised
Built
Co-ordinated
Collated
Compiled
Consolidated
Contracted
Co-ordinated
Counselled
Decreased
Delegated
Designed
Developed
Diversified
Effected
Established
Explored

Accomplished
Activated
Advised
Anticipated
Approved
Attained
Balanced
Calculated
Coached
Commanded
Concluded
Consulted
Controlled
Corrected
Created
Decided
Delivered
Detected
Directed
Documented
Eliminated
Evaluated

Achieved
Adapted
Amended
Applied
Arranged
Audited
Budgeted
Centralised
Collaborated
Communicated
Conducted
Constructed
Convinced
Corresponded
Customised
Defined
Demonstrated
Determined
Distributed
Edited
Enabled
Expanded