Free Resume Writing Tips

Having a resume-writing block? Stuck halfway through your resume? Here’s some tips for CV writing.

1. Be neat and error free.

Catch all typo’s and grammar errors. Get someone to proof-read your resume,

2. Keep your language simple

Avoid bombastic or flowery words. Don’t try to impress with the depth of your vocabulary. Keep it simple and neat.

3. Photos

If you really have to put a picture, try to get a livelier and professional picture. You don’t want your CV have a look of an obituary.

4. Focus on your benefit to the employer.

Think of your CV as a sales brochure. The hiring manager or recruiter will ask “How will this candidate fulfill the role and make a positive impact”

5. Make a good first impression

Remember that a CV is usually read for about 30 seconds before the employer decide whether to continue or discard. List your most relevant abilities and accomplishments at the beginning.

6. Use keywords rather then bold and colour your words.

Rather then have your CV looking like a rainbow just because you want to capture the attention of the employer, employ the use of keywords. Common keywords can include action verbs such as a managed, established, supervised or organized. Other common keywords are positive-words like success, self-confident, optimistic etc. The final most important keywords are those related to your profession

7. Try to qualify or quantify your experience.

When stating your experience, try to quantify or qualify your abilities. For sales professionals, a common example would be “achieve sales target of $1million annually” etc.

8. Avoid sensitive subjects

Avoid mentioning personal information such as race, religion, political party.

9. Salary information

Always include your salary information. Most positions have a salary range. Including your salary would make it easier for the employer or recruiter to take your application forward faster. We have noted that applications with salary information are usually processed faster and more successful.

Salary information can be divided into current salary and expected salary. At least include one of the two.

10. Use common section headings

Use common resume section headings such as Experience, Objective, Accomplishments, Achievements, work history, Educational Qualifications, Skills Summary etc

And most importantly, be positive. Avoid negative comments or feelings when it comes to previous employment experiences or reason for leaving. Show a positive and can-do attitude.

If all these cannot help, then seek professional help with professional writing services.