Cathy Said:

Resume writing?

We Answered:

First of all your resume is all about format. When people look at your resume, you have to keep in mind that they will be looking through dozens more...so they ALL start to look the same and EVERYONE seems qualified.

There are two piles resumes go in. The nice looking pile and the "I can't follow this easy enough pile" Interviweresw go through the neat pile looking to see who they will hire first and if they can't find anyone then that other pile gets picked over. You DO NOT want to be in that pile.

Very Broad and Basic Ways to make your resume stand apart is

Firstly: Format (igone the dots. Don't put dots on your resume, i did cause yahoo spacing was acting up)

Make sure your Headings all match and that the alignment is even.

Productions (Underlined)
Kate ..........................Kiss Me Kate....................2004

Black Mary ...............Gem of The Ocean............2005

Education (Underlined)
PS 121 ......................2005
Brown Univ .......................Expected 2005 - 2008

You get the idea. Your left and right margin on your paper should be were the words start and end.

Secondly: Tell Them Who You Are

Your Name should be the biggest thing on the page. At the top centered or wherever it makes sense to you. Pick a nice font while your at it. Underneath of that is state what it is you do.

Joe Blow
Actor

Lastly: Presentation of the Material

Try and have some nice paper that your printing out on. Not PINK OR something with writing on it, but maybe a slightly off white resume type paper with a heavier pound (lb) so when you hold it in your hand it feels different from the rest that the interviewer will be riffling through.

And if you mail your resume off. NEVER EVER EVER EVER fold it into 3 sections. Go out and but an 8 1/2 X 11" full size envelope and put your resume, headshot and whatever else in there.

When that shows up next to all those little envelopes that will pique the people's interest and make you more memorable without you even being there.

IMPORTANT: Don't think once you do this your done. You'll be fine tuning your resume coming up with your own style for as long as you pursue this. It will take time getting everything looking right and aligned so be VERY VERY patient.

Break a leg.

Carolyn Said:

RESUME WRITING?????????

We Answered:

Your resume is a marketing document and should respond to the market you are interested in securing opportunities in. There are different formats you can use depending on your background and how type of position you are going after..


1. Your resume is your first impression. When you apply for a job, it all boils down to a sheet of paper. Thoroughly review your resume and avoid typos, grammatical errors, misspelled words or inappropriate use of words or terms. Know your industry. Know the buzz words. Put them on your resume but be prepared to explain them.
2. Your resume should be interesting and read.
3. Your resume should be focused and concise. Keep in mind, your resume is a marketing document and recruiters view at least 60% more resumes today than they did just five years ago thanks to technology.
4. Limit your resume to two pages. No one has time to read a 5 page resume.
5. Your resume must be easy to read, avoid using small font, 10.5 - 12pt is acceptable.
6. Your resume should be truthful - Avoid misrepresentation of your education - employers may be able to terminate your employment should they learn you mis-represented your credentials. Since 9/11 employers have intensified their background checks. Your education will definitely be confirmed, some companies are even checking your credit and driving record. Also, an employer can verify your responsibilities when they check your references. Don't risk being black listed. Just be honest.
7. Avoid using pictures, graphics, listing url addresses and non- traditional bullets.
8. Avoid leaving out dates, company names, and position titles - it may appear misleading.
9. Don't talk a reader to death. Avoid using long paragraphs and wordy statements.
10. Use real content with measurable achievements.

- Tawana Wood, Expert Resume Writer