How To Make A Resume - Tips & Resources

So, the resume is all rosy, you’ve got the elevator pitch off pat and your interview technique rivals Barbara Walters. But wait, what’s missing?

You know we always say that the resume is a first impression that needs to last?

You've probably read hundreds of resume tips, cover letter advice, and job interview strategies over the web. We don't want you to be just part of the pack. We want you to always stand out above the rest.

Here at Resumes Start Here, we want you to capture that 10 seconds critical attention of employers & recruiters. This is when your future employer will determine whether or not you do have a chance at becoming their next valuable member. You want that outstanding resume to receive an interview invitation.

Always remember that there are no fixed rules or proven solutions in how to make a resume. Be Creative! Be Unique! Be You!

Updated March 28, 2010 - How To Make a Resume Tips

Start with the Basics – create an exhaustive list of your education background, work history, highlight skills, and important achievements. Don’t leave anything out, you’ll need this list in the future as you mature as a professional.
Tailor your Profile – According to the position you’re targeting, trim down your list according to relevant work experiences and skills you have acquired over the years. If you’re a fresh graduate, mention some thesis or major projects you have completed during your university days. Important – highlight your goals achieved. Achievements are like gold nuggets in the eyes of employers / recruiters.
Dress Up Your Resume – There are now several websites that offer free resume samples and resume formats. Although the substance is what counts, your presentation will still be the one who will catch the attention of recruiters. Here are some tips in your resume presentation:

Please be mindful of typographical errors. This is the number 1 most common error of job seekers in creating their resume.
Be sure to leave a good amount of white space for readability
A resume with 2-3 pages is a standard. Any page more than that will run the risk of the recruiter ditching your resume.
Use easy to read fonts (Times New Roman, Arial, or Verdana) with font sizes of 10-12.

Contact Details – You’ll be surprised to know that there are still quite a significant number of job seekers who forget to include their contact details. This can be really frustrating for recruiters and HR personnel. Here are a couple of tips in sharing your contact information:

Do not use your current company email if you’re going to jump jobs.
Do not use a personal email if it means ruining your reputation as a job seeker (ex. goodlookingeric@gmail.com)
Please provide an alternative phone number just in case you can’t be reached in your main number.

Proofread – First, you read your own resume. You’ll be surprised at some points you might find inappropriate even with your own writing. Second, have a friend or a relative or someone to read your resume and ask for constructive criticism or advice of what needs to be improved. Lastly, but not the least, ask for professional advice. ResumesStartHere has experienced resume advisors who can help you in this aspect.
Review the Job Ad – Most of the times a job advertisement / description is too lengthy for you to comprehend at first read. Be sure to read it again and follow the instructions in it. If it says, it should be sent through email in a Word document, be sure to do so and don’t give the recruiters a hard time by attaching a PDF.

You've read our experts' voice on resumes, cover letters, and interview winning tips. It's time to see what other experts are saying. Here is our compilation of tips, resources, presentations and videos on how to make that oustanding resume:

Effective Resumes: An 'Objective' Debate by Erin Hovanec
"Those in favor say objectives are the simplest, quickest way to target a specific position. Those against charge that objectives waste valuable space and limit you to just one position when you might be qualified for others."

How To Write A Masterpiece Of A Resume by Rockport Institute

"Writing a great resume does not necessarily mean you should follow the rules you hear through the grapevine. It does not have to be one page or follow a specific resume format. Every resume is a one-of-a-kind marketing communication. It should be appropriate to your situation and do exactly what you want it to do."
Six Tips for Following Up on Your Resume by Liz Ryan

"Don't worry-sending a résumé into the Black Hole (AKA lobbing a résumé into the HR pipeline) is almost always a requirement these days, even if you have a more promising entrée to the organization. You'd need to have that résumé on file in order to get an interview, so you haven't wasted any effort. Still, there are lots of steps you can still take to increase the probability of getting an interview for the job. Here are six of my favorites."
10 Tips to a Kick Ass Resume by Jim Wang

"Nowadays, the jobs are harder to find and companies aren’t going to take a risk on a “pretty good fit.” So, I compiled a list of ten tips I’ve tried to use when crafting my resume during a job search."
Why Your Resume Gets Tossed by Sara Goldsmith

"This is the time to highlight your qualifications for the job in hand. Don’t forget to quote the relevant keywords and phrases mentioned in point 1! Your parting information should include your contact details and availability and method for further dialogue. If you are still employed by somebody else, a prospective employer will respect that your contact details and availability will be confined to private addresses and separate times."
Infamous Resume Lies by Rachel Zupek

"OK, while it's not quite a "crime" (more like a misdemeanor), resume lies -- and those who tell them -- don't fare well in the working world. Yet somehow, these seemingly harmless untruths are still making their way onto paper and into the hands of future employers."
Proven Resumes: Strategies That Have Increased Salaries And Changed Lives By Regina Pontow (On Google Books)
The Damn Good Resume Guide: A Crash Course In Resume Writing By Yana Parker (On Google Books)