Hiring a résumé writer is popular because certified writers work diligently to present their clients’ unique background in a way that showcases talents and accomplishments.
Résumé writing is an art form (and subjective), so like many creative processes, there is room for a variety of opinions and styles. Résumé certifications help align the writer’s understanding of résumé best practices and writing rules.
Effective résumés are sales-focused, relevant and visually appealing while providing quality succinct information. Here are some additional résumé guidelines:
- Sell client’s benefits using active (not passive) tense.
- The most relevant, detailed information should be at the top of the résumé.
- Prioritize qualifying data and experience. A résumé is not a job history obituary. Most hiring managers only need 10 to 15 years of relevant experience. Professional experience should not include every aspect of every position—save some information for an engaging interview.
- Keywords are nouns or noun phrases aligned with the hiring manager’s needs.
- Include sufficient white space for easy scanning.
- Avoid trite, overused phrases such as “accomplished leader or proven success.”
- Present information in the first person without personal pronouns such as I or me.
- Use telegraphic writing style and limit the use of articles such as a, an, the. Résumé writing is not the same as cover letter writing.
- Use headlines, categories, and lead paragraphs to guide the reader through sections.
- Write to meet the needs of the hiring manager.
Some professionals find it difficult to use simple words and not overwrite résumé content. While there is not a rule regarding résumé length, most professionals communicate sufficient amount of information to fill one to two pages. If a résumé is long, each page should offer substantial information that is at least half of the page or more.
Not sure how to write your résumé? Contact me and we can discuss your project.