How to Write an Effective CV/Resume

Practical Resume Tips

Looking for some resume tips to upgrade your bland, run-of-the-mill resume? Or maybe you're writing your first resume and need tips on where to start. We're here to help you write a great resume that will float to the top of the pile and help you stand out of the crowd of applicants for any job. Don't ever be left in the "maybe" pile because of a weak resume again!

The first glance says a lot about your resume, so make sure you use a resume that is nicely formatted and printed. If you're running low on ink, put a new cartridge in before you print your resume! Use plain white or ivory paper. Many people who offer resume tips say that colored paper or fancy resume brochures only draws the kind of attention that makes you end up in the trashcan. Employers say that they look pretentious or fake. You should also not fold your resume. Use a full size envelope to mail it, so that the document is not wrinkled or folded when it arrives at the destination.

You know that you should include all relevant work experience. An important resume tip is to not leave any gaps in time. Looking for some resume templates at different sites like resumebros will help you to understand better what you need to do. Potential employers think this looks like you have something to hide. If you weren't working, say what you were doing, such as "full time parent" or "student." Another important resume tip in this area is to combine similar jobs into one category. This makes it look less like you change jobs too often. For instance, you could say that you were a secretary and list several companies on one line with a date range, rather than listing each separately.

Resume tips are also important for educational backgrounds. If you have not completed a degree, you can say when you expect to receive it, or that you have taken Masters level coursework in a subject. If you received a degree in an international institution, you can say something like "received degree equivalent to American Bachelor of Arts" and list the school and country where you graduated.

What about listing hobbies or personal information? Some people think they should be included in resumes, but most professional resume tips recommend not including them unless they are directly related to the job you are seeking.

WHAT NOT TO PUT IN A RESUME

DON’T include personal information such as:

• Your age
• Your marital status
• Your children’s ages
• Your problems finding a job
• Hard-luck stories
• How difficult your life is

DON’T include details about your physical shortcomings such as:

• Any disabilities
• You can’t drive
• You’ve survived some trauma
• How you’ve been victimized

DON’T include details that show you in a bad light such as:

• Any type of negativity
• Self-ridicule
• That you’ve never had a job before

DON’T include your height, weight or photo (unless this information is specifically requested by a prospective employer).

DON’T ramble on about how much you used to make in your past jobs.

DON’T mention family members and their employment or interests or hobbies. These are some of the important points you should always keep in front of you.

These are rules you must stick to closely. The office manager at an insurance office isn't going to care that you grow orchids. I hope that this guide is helpful for everyone who'll read it. Writing resumes is not that hard, but you definitely should do your best if you want to be hired.