How to Write A Resume in 2011
When it comes to knowing how to write a resume, it can be tricky, especially if you are new to the job hunting game or have been out of it for a while. It also does not help that the world is changing and the way that you used to write a resume is no longer valid or acceptable. Here are a few hints that I have received when I was working on updating mine.
Objective Statement – This is no longer a requirement on your resume, which I am thankful for. When I was taught how to write a resume, I always wondered why you had to include this as I thought it was redundant. Turns out, I was correct and this is no longer needed.
Skills – If you have done anything on the internet, even basic items such as having a Facebook account or an account on Twitter, you may want to include these when you are working on updating your resume. Depending on the type of work you are looking for, these may be essential skills that you want to show an employer. As a side note, if you are job hunting, make sure to go through your Facebook account and remove any incriminating photos and ask friends to un-tag you in theirs.
Keep it Short – You know the saying, KISS? (Keep it simple, Stupid) Well, you want to do this with your resume as well. People do not have long attention spans these days and there are a lot of applicants, so you want to make sure you get your point across quickly. If you turn in a 10 page resume, chances are it will hit the garbage before anyone will see it.
Be Relevant – If you fresh out of high school and figuring out how to write a resume, then you will want to list items such as high school diploma and volunteer work you did in high school. But if you are someone who has been out of high school for quite a while, then you can drop those items as they are no longer relevant. Take a look at the other education, volunteer or other activities on your resume and determine if you really still need them.
Just like anything else, how to write a resume changes over time and evolves. If you are job hunting, it is important that your resume evolves with it.
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Exactly. I always recommend tailoring your resume to each position anyway though.
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That is a good point. But the objective statement that says "looking for a full time position that uses my education" is pretty broad and useless
While the objective statement isn't required, I actually still suggest that people use it because you can make a good impression right off the bat if you do it right. Make it relevant to the business you want to get a job at. If you do your company research, you can make a statement in your object that tells the employer that you bothered to research them and give them the impression that you want the job.
For example, if you research a company and find that they allow employees to volunteer for a certain number of hours a month on company time you could say, "Objective: To obtain full time employment at a company that understands and supports my desire to contribute to my community." BINGO - you've got an interview I'll bet!
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