Ramp Up Your Resume

For Optimum Performance Keep Your CV Up To Date

Jan 12, 2008
Paym Bergson

Update Your Resume - Pedro Simao, Brazil via stock.xchng

It's always a good idea to re-read and revamp your Resume on a regular basis. As you change, so should your Resume to ensure it reflects the real you.

Your Resume is one of the first business documents a prospective employer receives - and it does make a first impression. If you haven't done so for awhile, take the time NOW to read, re-read and tweak this vital part of your portfolio.

Action Words

Be sure you have used action words/verbs to describe your experience or skills. This will show you as a person who does, not one that "has done" or sits passively. Instead of saying "did this" - say "accomplished task". It's not the past tense that makes it sound passive or inactive, but the choice of words. Use the Thesaurus that comes with all word processors, or even consider looking up the word in a dictionary - to find an alternate choice to the mundane or usual.

Update

What has changed since the last time you updated your Resume? Be sure to include any courses taken, be it on your own or through the company. More duties or accomplished a new task? Ensure you include this information. Don't be shy - here's the one time you really get to shine by blowing your own horn. Be proud of all your accomplishments. Don't forget to include any volunteer work - this shows you are a contributing member of society and looking out for the betterment of all.

Take Out Or Modify

Critically look over your Resume - too much information on some ancient history company or experience? Cut it down. Make room for more relevant or newer skills. Older experience can often be summed up in one or two lines - or even just listing previous employers and your job title. Look at your Resume with an eye as a prospective employer - is the information relevant and necessary; does it convey information or just take up space. What does it convey about you, the prospective employee?

Consider The New

Think about adding in a short section that describes what you are looking for and what proven skills you already have. Sort of a summary of you that shows how you added value to previous tasks. For example - "saved employer money (state general amount if possible) by consolidating certain accounts"; "involved in energy conservation and always looking at ways to cut energy costs".

Overall Look

Most important of all is to ensure the Resume looks neat and has NO errors - be it grammatical, typos or accuracy! Have someone else read over your Resume - often it is impossible for you to catch all errors. Don't forget the white space - the eye needs relief. Interviewers also use the side margins to write pointers about you. Use a font that is easy on the eyes (such as Arial or Times Roman) and use a size 12 for most of your information; larger size for titles.