My Own Version of Resume Writing

I'm not an expert in my field but I've been doing recruitment for almost 10 years. Here's my version of resume writing tips.

• Place your educational background in the first page especially if you are a fresh graduate. However, I do not mind this if you are already experienced (i.e. more than 10 years work experience) and if your education is not relevant to the career you are into (i.e. You are an IT graduate but you are in finance & accounting).
• Indicate in your education if it's a bachelor's degree or not (i.e. BS Electrical Engineer or Diploma in Computer Programming). It would be better if you also indicate the covered period (i.e. 1998-2002).
• If you have a license (PRC license, certification in Cisco, Microsoft, project manegement, etc.), place this beside your name or in the first page of your resume.
• Place your contact details in the first page. I would recommend below your name.
• If you have more than 5 years work experience in the same function/field, provide a summary of your qualifications on the first page. This way, the one screening your resume will just check this portion before going through your resume.
• Indicate the covered period of each employment  (i.e. July 2002 - January 2006).
• Be grammatically correct. 
• If you are a fresh graduate or have below 3-4 years work experience, try to have a 1 page resume only.
• If you are a skilled professional (i.e. writer, artist), always carry a sample of your work. You might never know when this is needed. At least, you already have it.
• Avoid scented resume, resume printed in colored paper, and resume not printed in a letter-sized paper (i.e. booklet style, CD).
• If you are to provide a picture, have yours taken in a studio. I have experienced seeing cut out pictures from a group picture (with another's arm placed on the applicant's shoulder) and from a swimming pool!
• If you are to provide a picture, choose one that resembles you. No childhood, single, slim pictures. You might end up frustrating the interviewer when s/he sees you.
• Highlight your achievements and summarize your deliverables. Job description may also do but I prefer competencies. 
• No need to place personal information such as your birthdate, religion, spouse/parent-related information, birthplace, etc. This way you prevent recruiters from subjectivity issues. We do not have an equal opportunity law but I'm an advocate of one. In addition, it also adds to your resume space.
• Be mindful of your spaces. If you can limit your resume from1-2 pages, please do. 
• Font size should not be that small. Some find it hard to read if it's too small or too big. 
• Sometimes, presentation matters so avoid photocopied resumes. Some want their resumes enclosed in a folder.
• Always have an application letter prepared. 
• Always have a comprehensive resume.
• You can always customize your resume depending on the position you are applying for.
• Do update your resume as needed.

Happy resume writing!



-as of 10.2011