Resume Rules Revisited

Since I was a recruiter for so many years, I often get asked to review resumes, forward resumes or give general job search advice. I'm always happy to do so and particularly happy when those connections I facilitate result in a job found for a friend or a position filled for a colleague. This post was forwarded to me by my husband and it is one of the best quick reads on writing a resume that I've seen in a while. It's not that the information is new as much as in 10 quick "words not to use" it outlines what is wrong with many resumes:

1. Give examples, don't use fancy words to make yourself sound better. What did you accomplish and what were the results of those accomplishments?
2. Don't waste space on the obvious ("salary negotiable")
3. Be unique by using your resume to outline what makes you special and successful (everyone has "problem solving skills")
4. Describe what you did, not what your team accomplished or what you watched others do ("responsible for...")

Resume writing is definitely a skill and it's hard to be specific about what you've accomplished. However, if you can master the resume, you will find yourself in interviews that are better suited to your interests and talents.

Good luck!