4 Tips for the DIY Resume Writer

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One of the reasons that I offer this free blog on resume writing is to explain what goes into a great resume.

Another reason is to give back where I can: to help people who are trying to write their own resumes.

Free resume help is also available from the public library, many high school and college career centers, and some nonprofits.

If you are a do-it-yourself resume writer:

1. Do not let yourself get befuddled with advice. There are dozens of ways to write a good resume and all of them are valid. Limit the number of books you consult on resume writing and the number of people you ask for opinions.

2. Remember that free advice is generic advice: it does not take into account your accomplishments, your goals and the job you want. Customize your resume to you.

3. Try to see your resume through the eyes of an employer. Amateur writers tend to love and believe in everything that they write. How you feel about your resume is not half as important as how a future employer feels.

4. Do not try to “beat the system” or “stand out” by using quirky fonts, colors, keyword spam, QR codes or any other attention-getting devices. What recruiters and hiring managers want most is a resume that is clear, accurate, easy to load into an Applicant Tracking System and a match for the skills, experience and attitudes they are looking for. That is enough to concentrate on!

Resume writer image from Bigstock

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8 Comments

1. 

   Michelle

   July 27, 2012 at 2:40 PM

   Thanks for the post. They are really true. Some folks commit those simple and stupid mistakes in resume writing. Never fall to making any mistakes in your resume.

   Reply
2. 

   Aroj

   July 11, 2012 at 8:08 AM

   I must appreciate you for sharing this great post. Agreed! Today, due to ever increasing competition in the job market, the unemployment rates has been increased as compare to last year. Thus the unemployed job seekers needs to strive hard and secure a job position for themselves. For this you need to be smart enough. You need to write a extra-ordinary resume that will stand you above others. You need to be socially connected to many job boards, recruiters, employees. Increasing social presence is must. And the rest is your skills and hard work to secure position.

   Reply
3. 

   Eva Lee

   July 9, 2012 at 4:30 AM

   Hey, good post with excellent resume writing tips.

   These days, candidates do not pay much attention on their resumes. They consider it as a formality to be completed in the job application procedure. But they do not realize that it is this document that introduces them to the recruiter in the real sense, on the basis on which the recruiter makes conclusions about whether they are fit for the job or not. Therefore, it is the duty of each candidate to make sure that their resume is drafted in a well organized way.

   Reply
4. 

   Mildred Brown

   July 6, 2012 at 2:34 PM

   When posting a resume to an Applicant Tracking System, which should you use – one in MS Word or in plain text? Thank you.

   Reply
5. 

   RMSx32767

   July 6, 2012 at 10:31 AM

   On the other hand, some folks will tell you that a QR code demonstrates your “techi-ness” and that you “get it”.

   Reply
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     Anne

     July 27, 2012 at 9:34 AM

     I absolutely agree on the QR code distinguishing a candidate’s “techi-ness” – and doesn’t the variety of opinions take us right back to item #1 on this list – don’t get too bogged down in all the different advice! Recognize that opinions on “best strategies” will vary and you need to go with whatever resonates with you and allows you to be true to yourself!

     Reply
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       Hank

       December 6, 2012 at 2:30 PM

       Be careful that the QR is scaled properly. Keep in mind that the screen on a smart phone is smaller than a PC monitor. Practice looking at what a QR-started resume really looks like.

       Reply
6. 

   Trish Thomas

   July 6, 2012 at 8:50 AM

   Great advice, Robin!

   Reply