How to Get Started With Writing Effective Resume



Posted: Saturday, September 05, 2009

by
www.ResumeWritingHelpline.com

In preparing your resume, the more you know about the position you are targeting, the better. If you know the company's missions and goals, if you understand the needs of the position, if you recognize the company's "concerns," and if you know who comprises the company's competition, you will be prepared.

AND you (and your unique skills and experience) can meet the needs of all the above (you have accurately assessed your own value to those who have employed you in the past), you will have the material necessary to create an effective marketing piece.

As in any type of marketing material, it is important to present the information so that it captures your customer's interest quickly. Your goal is to encourage the reader to stay with your document as long as possible. Your chance for a more detailed reading increases when you give the reader that information which he or she most wants to secure, early in the document.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is to create a Summary Section at the beginning of your resume. A Summary Section highlights for your reader those personal and professional skills you possess that allow you to excel in your chosen field and position.

Items and skills of greatest importance (from your readers' viewpoint) should be listed in priority, supporting an impression of both "fit" and potential success. In addition, these should be aspects of your background that set you apart from your competing candidates, particularly candidates with skill sets similar to your own.

You are, in effect, showing your reader how you will solve their problems - better than the competition - and why interviewing you will be a worthwhile expenditure of their time.

You are not writing your resume in order to put your career autobiography out there for posterity. This is not about you - seriously. It is about how you can meet the needs of your reader - in this particular position at this particular company. It is all about them.

James Sweeny is a resume writing specialist. He owns and maintains ResumeWritingHelpline.com, an information-rich site that shares tips on effective resume writing.

Here's a complimentary free subscription to his effective resume writing mini-course where you'll discover the 10 resume writing "Trade Secrets" of professional resume writers.
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