Tips for Resume Writing - Create an Awesome First Impression

" First Impression is the last Impression " a very well known phrase , but  usually we get it wrong when we go for interview because we have already made our first impression over the recruiter when they received our resume , This is a resume which  craft our first impression then lands job interview call but unfortunately  we don’t give much significance to our resume as we should given it and we merely treat it as piece of paper  and we thought once we will get an interview call then we will make awesome First Impression , usually we wait for this opportunity to make the  first impression but in reality it’s been already developed. Being a recruiter we have only 40 - 60 seconds for resume short listing , yes 40 - 60 seconds only , so you make have only 40 - 60 seconds to land your job interview which will bring a job offer for you. 

What is Resume ?

• The answer to :
• “What can I do for you Mr. Employer?”
• “This is how I am going to make your money!”
• Highlights the relevant facts about you, your education, and your experience.
• Makes the first impression about you.
• Positions you in the mind of the employer, thus creating a value.
• The interview gets you the job, the resume gets you the interview!

 Page Set up Of Resume  ; 

# Use 8-1/2 x 11inch ( A4 size) white or off-white paper.
# No Need to show your picture until & unless not required by Employer.
# Print on one side of the paper.
# A resume of a Fresh Candidate should NOT BE more than one page & Experienced resume should be on 3  Pages , if experience is  less than ten years.
# Use a font size of 10 to 14 points.
# Use non-decorative typefaces and choose only one font.
# Avoid italics, script, and underlined words .( only main headings must be underline)
# Do not fold or staple your resume
# If you are going to mail your resume through courier, choose a large envelope.

What should be in Your Resume?

Put in everything that would point out why you would be good at the job.

 1) Contact Information

• Name (largest font)
• Complete Address, City and State
• Telephone Number
• Cell Number
• Email Address ( should be Professional one )
• lucky_sapna2002@hotmail.com ( Unacceptable )
• fahad_hotguy@yahoo.com( Unacceptable )

 Your Email should be your name preferably  , 95 % resume rejected due to unprofessional Email addresses.

2) Objective

• Your objective is a statement of what kind of job you are seeking.
• Keep it short & Clear.
• Aligned with the job applied.
• 
  
• Example:
• “ To obtain a position as an Administrative Assistant in a hospital setting.”
•  
• Example:( Not Recomended)
• “Contribute, explore, innovate, improve, profit and benefit in the management with an employer that can afford the luxury of having some one like me thinking out of the box.”

  3) Career Summary 

• It is a concise section about what you have to offer to a prospective employer in terms of , Education ,Experience, Skills, Results, Interests or you job Objective.

• Example for Professional :
• “About X years’ hands on Human Resources working experience with multinationals & local organizations. XYZ University’s Post graduate with MPA specialized in Human Resources. Proficient in HRIS (Oracle's Application software version 10.7), ERP (Oracle 8.1.7.4 based), MS Office, Windows XP and the Internet.”

• Example for Fresh Candidates:

• XYZ University’s Business Graduate with 3.5 GPA. Have done six months Internships in Local & Multinationals like XYZ , Proficient in MS Office, Windows XP and the Internet.”

  4) Professional Experience

•  It Include your work experience in reverse chronological order that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:
  
  
• Title of position ( can be mold)
• Name of organization
• Location of work (town, state if applying for out of station & abroad)
• Dates of employment
• Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills , details and achievements.  Check the Job Description web page for ideas.

Exclude

• Company Comprehensive History.
• Company Logos .
• Street address, supervisor names, telephone number or reason for leaving. 
•  

5) Achievements

•  During Employment mile stones

• Extra Mile; you have covered for employer
• Anything which feel you Proud.

 6) Education

• List most recent education first.
• Mention Date of Completion and University/College name.
• Percentage only if I class.
• Academic honors.
• Don’t include high school (unless this is your highest level of education).
• 
  
• Relevant Coursework (Optional)
• This is for new graduates or current students.
• This lets the employer know which courses you have already completed.
• Do not list every course, only relevant courses to specific skills.

7) Trainnigs & Personal Information

Avoid 

• Height, weight, place of birth, marital status, race, caste, religion and health.
• Fancy Fonts, Clip art or non-traditional paper.
• Don’t go for bordered paper.
• Don’t fold resume, don’t stuff into envelope, don’t crumple.
• Avoid Details of Travels.
• Any statement that begins with &;I ; or ;My;
• Reasons for leaving previous job(s).
• Picture of yourself.
• Salary Information.
• References.
• Religion, Sect affiliations, political affiliations.
• Don’t Under line every Heading.
• Grammatical Errors & spelling Mistakes

 Making the First impression

•  The way you dress is the single biggest nonverbal communication you make about yourself.

• Your dress conveys success, trustworthiness, intelligence and suitability.
• Lean towards the conservative side of style.
• Avoid loud colors and printed fabrics
• Make sure your clothes are nicely pressed.
• Bring an extra tie, shirt or coat just in case.
• Make good relation at Reception & office boys.

 By: Syed Shahzad Ali

HR Expert in Pakistan

•