Résumé Writing Tips

It’s really important that you target your CV
or résumé to highlight the requirements of the job you are applying for.

When employers are scanning a batch of CVs – and remember they
may have to look at several hundred – they will spend 20-30 seconds
on each.

That means that you have 20-30 seconds to make an impression!

So, if you are applying for a job as a secretary, does the employer
want to know that you worked for 3 years in a factory? No!

Does the employer want to know that you are an accomplished
dressmaker? No!

Does the employer want to know that you got an A in Art? No!

Does he or she want to know that you can type 65 wpm? Yes!

Does he or she want to know that you can take shorthand at 120 wpm. Yes!

Does he or she want to know that you are proficient in Microsoft Office? Yes!

Whatever the employer wants, comes first. The rest can be included, but not highlighted. Whatever is related to the job should stand out, so that the employer sees it within that crucial 20-30 seconds.

It is usual, at least in the UK, to go back only 10 years on a CV, but it depends on the individual situation. In some cases it would be more appropriate to have a heading “Relevant Experience” under which you list the jobs which relate to your application, even if they aren’t in chronological order. Other jobs can be included briefly below these.

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