Resumes

How to Sell Yourself on Resumes

Resumes are a potential employee’s advertisement of themselves and an employer’s peek into the potential of a new hire. It is important that a resume accurately reflect the intent, ability and personality of the employee to ensure that an employer can make an educated determination as to weather the applicant is the best person for the job. Different types of employees should emphasize different qualities on their resumes, depending on their education and experiences.

Education

An applicant who has a strong education background, but little work-related experience will want to emphasize any relevant courses, internships or other relevant academic experiences they received during their education. While employers like to have a hire that has had experience in the field, education may also be a useful asset. If an applicant is short on experience, the focus of the resume should then be on education.

Experience

For new hires that have solid work experience, but little or no education, it is important that the resume reflects and emphasizes the applicant’s ability to fill job requirements based on the work history. For certain jobs, employers may overlook the lack of education for commiserate experience. On a resume for an applicant with a strong work background, but lacking education, it is important that the qualities of work – a good work ethic and the proven reliability as an employee elsewhere are elements that a potential employer will take into account.

References

References can make or break a resume. After listing references, an employer will contact each one to learn more about the applicant. It is important that all references be made aware that they have been listed on an application in the event a potential employee chooses to contact them. It is also important that the references listed are not random or even the most recent employers, as there is the risk of an unfavorable review. Only list the references that are certain to be positive.

Mistakes

Applicants can make many mistakes on a resume that can cost them the position they have applied for. A common mistake found on resumes is misspelling. If a word is misspelled, a resume is likely to be thrown away without another glance. Spelling should be checked and double checked, as well as grammar. Utilize the help of another person, if possible, who may be able to find any overlooked errors.

Another mistake some applicants make on a resume is making it too flashy. Employers are not necessarily interested in what a resume smells like, what color it is or how many different fonts are used. Often times what a potential employer is locking for is the barest of facts, plainly laid out and easy to read. Using a common font, of a normal size, minimizing the creativity and making the pertinent details as easy to find as possible is what helps a resume get noticed. If an applicant wants to place emphasis on a certain point or detail, it should come in the organization of information, rather than the artistic capabilities of the applicant.