Free Resume Writing Advice gives you the EdgeYou are out in the job market looking for a new career or maybe you just want to change your job, and are currently sending your resume to potential employers. Have you updated your resume lately? How is it structured? Does it present the most relevant skills first? There are two ways to structure your resume: 1. Reverse chronology, where your latest job is at the top of the list and you work backwards. 2. Functionally, where you group your skills together in similar with the most relevant first. Here is some free resume writing advice to help get your resume on the right track. Reverse Chronology is the Least EffectiveWhile reverse chronology resumes are the simplest to use they are also the least effective resume type. This is because they highlight when you did something as important, rather than that you can do it. They also show up gaps in your employment history where you may have had time out of the workforce. These types of resumes are ineffective if you are just entering the workforce or changing careers.Free resume writing advice is that the only time to use a reverse chronology resume is when it clearly shows a progression along a defined career path and you want to take the next step for promotion. Write a Functional Resume
There is a lot of free resume writing advice around. Writing a functional resume that is analytical, creative, and skills oriented will help a potential employer see immediately how you fit into the organization. When you write a functional resume it is easy to cover any gaps in your employment history. To write a functional resume start out by understanding what the skills are the employer wants. The employer’s job description will have this information. Then look at your education and experience to see how your skills match up. Once you do this you are ready to start writing your resume. Start with the most important information that relates to the job and you will end up with headings such as: • Sales • Computer Literacy • Communications Skills • Experience • Education Headings such as these will have more impact on the person reading your resume than dates. Employers are looking for specifics in experience and skills, your dates are meaningless other than to tell them you are working. Free resume writing advice is that employers are more likely to read resumes that are clearly set out, easy to understand, and invite them to read it. There is no point burying your information, make it easy for people to find what is important. Resume BasicsThere a few things you need to know about the basics of resume writing such as:Be Specific: While short descriptions are essential do not be too vague about the duties performed for other organizations. Highlight Accomplishments: If you made a significant contribution (for example, project head, improved productivity, increased sales) to any of the organizations you have worked for, highlight them. Do Not Use Handwriting: Handwritten resumes are long a thing of the past, but make sure you use a standard font so it is easy to read when it is printed out. Keep it Short: Make it no longer than two pages. Less is better. No Negativity: Remember the old adage, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing”. This is good advice to remember when writing your resume. Do not include negative or embarrassing information but be ready to face questions about in a positive way at an interview. Check for Mistakes: Have someone proofread your resume for mistakes. Any mistakes in your resume will put you out of the running from the beginning. Elements of all ResumesAll resumes contain the following elements of information:• Name • Address • Marital Status • Contact phone numbers • Email address • Position you are applying for • References • Special skills and abilities • Education History • Experience
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