Resume Writing Dos and Don'ts

Do these things



Include your full name - don't use nicknames or abbreviations



Use a telephone number that you can always answer - use a cell phone if possible or make sure there is an answering machine at the listed phone number



Use bullet points to highlight information - it is much easier for an employer to absorb relevant information while scanning your résumé



Print your résumé and cover letter on high quality paper - when printing your résumé you should use paper with at least 50% cotton content



Be concise and get to the point - say what you need to say and nothing more



Use action words and descriptive phrases - be creative when trying to get your point across using as few words as possible



Target your résumé - address your résumé to the position you are applying for to show that you are really interested in working for that company



Focus on relevant facts only - list skills, accomplishments and personality traits you know the employer is looking for



List quantitative support for statements made - back up your skills and experiences with real scenarios, facts and figures



Begin statements with action verbs - action verbs demonstrate your importance to the achievement or experience being described



Don't do these things



Have any grammatical errors - always have someone else proofread your résumé for errors and flow



Have any spelling mistakes - always spell check your résumé, your contact's name, and the company's name



Misrepresent your background or experience - employers oftentimes verify this information and can fire you if it is discovered that you were dishonest



Fill in employment gaps with unrelated information - wait to discuss this information in person to put a positive spin on it



Use lengthy paragraphs - employers notoriously skip over paragraphs in résumés



Use long sentences - just like paragraphs, the reader easily skips over long sentences



Use personal pronouns - keep your résumé impersonal for a more professional image



Forget to list basic skills - all employers want to see that you are a team player, take charge of situations and are reliable

John Williamson is a Career Development specialist and spokesperson for Vision-Resume.com

Related articles