Here are a few points to be kept in mind while preparing a resume.
Have a proper focus
Some people have the tendency to make a resume and give copies of it to whichever place they go hunting for a job. As far as possible avoid doing this. Try to make changes to your resume to address the need of the employer whom you are approaching. Give only the facts relevant to him. For example if you are applying for the post of a software professional, you have to give details of your educational background and experience related to the software field. If you do not want to take up software and are trying to pursue a career in teaching with your post graduate degree in English language and literature, you need not describe in detail about the software related qualifications (the post-graduate degree is important) while submitting a resume for that post.
Don’t say too much
Be short and precise. You need not include your family details and all your educational qualifications beginning from school days. You need not even describe your physical attributes like height and weight if it is not asked for. Just include the details that are relevant to the post that you are applying for.
SMART method helps
Resume writing professionals say that the SMART method can help in quantifying your achievements. You have to describe the positive results of your past job experiences in your resume. It should be Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time based. Imagine that you were into marketing and had made some commendable achievements. You should project those achievements. Do not just say, "made remarkable achievements while working for so and so company". It will look good if you describe the percentage growth that you could achieve for the organization in a particular time span.
Do not try to impress
The employer likes to know about your accomplishments to see whether you can do the job. However do not think that you can even cook up stories to prove that you are a great person. Always keep in mind that you will be tested for your worth, before you are appointed.
Use action verbs
Resumes should be lively. So it is always good to use action verbs. Try words like organized, analyzed, achieved, implemented etc and see how strong your sentences now turn out to be.
Proofread
Proofread your resume once you have finished putting down the facts. Watch out for errors. Make the necessary corrections.
Looks too matter
It is always better to decide upon a format for your resume after you finish putting down the details. Once all the facts are in place you will have a clear idea as to which format your resume should have. Remember, the resume has to catch the eye of the employer who goes through thousands of resumes. There should be proper spacing, margins and white space. Borders, Italics, boldface, etc can be used to emphasize text. However do not employ too much of these emphasizing tools. It will give your resume a cluttered look. Do not try to make your resume attractive using multi-colors and attractive graphics. That would create the impression that you are trying to show off and your resume might be ignored. So, be appealing in a simple and meaningful way.
