Copyright © 2000 by Kevin Donlin
About 150 years ago, Henry David Thoreau had two things to say that
can help you write a better resume today.
They are: "Simplify! Simplify!"
You've heard many times that you have only 15-30 seconds to impress
readers of your resume. So, the simpler and easier-to-read you can make
it, the better.
Here are three ways to do just that.
1. Begin with clarity.
I'm always amazed by the number of resumes that begin with no objective
or summary statement. As a result, the employer is forced to start
reading without knowing what the applicant can do.
Many resumes begin by listing education, for example. But even if your
degree is in high demand, such as computer science, you're still leaving
room for misinterpretation (Does this person want a job in network
administration? Telephone support? Internal help desk?)
Instead, try opening with an objective such as this:
"Position in network administration where my computer science degree
and technical skills will add value."
If you want to be more flexible about the job you're after, you can say:
"Position where my computer science degree, troubleshooting skills and
customer service experience will add value."
2. Group information logically.
Hurried readers want to quickly scan through your resume. You can help
them by breaking things down into logical groupings. Don't jumble
things together, as in this example:
Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows NT 4.0 Server, MS Exchange, DOS,
Windows 95/98, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Outlook.
Break longer lists into smaller bits and give them a clear heading,
like this:
COMPUTER SKILLS
* Operating Systems - Windows NT 4.0 (Workstation and Server),
Windows 95/98 and DOS.
* Applications - Microsoft Exchange, Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
3. Focus on results.
To make it easier for your reader to picture you achieving results on the
job for him/her, clearly show how you've done it for others. Be as
specific as possible.
Avoid dry language, like this:
* Responsible for maintaining accurate inventory, acquisition and delivery
of supplies.
Try saying this, instead:
* Vastly improved customer service while cutting costs 24% by accurately
managing inventory, acquisitions and deliveries.
Simple is good. When you begin your resume with clarity, group your
information logically and focus on results, you'll enjoy a simply
wonderful job search.
