Simplify Your Resume

By Kevin Donlin

President

Guaranteed Resumes

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? 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, try: “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.

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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