How to Make a Resume (Part 2)

In part 2 of 'How to make a resume' - we look at some different techniques to really write a killer resume.

Previously in days of lower job competition you could use fancy graphics or colored paper for your resume or CV - unfortunately those days are long gone, every applicant for a job is using any advantage they have with their resume or CV to ensure they get noticed.

Some experts say that the whole resume creation process needs to be a total strategy. When you think 'how to make a resume' - you need to think along similar lines to advertising or business brand building these days. Create a favorable 'brand and image' for yourself in the resume document and you get the upper-hand.

First Impressions:
Research done on employers shows that for large responses to jobs, they typically will look at a resume or CV for 45 seconds or less. This means you need to make an impact FAST. Your document will be quickly glossed over and if it catches attention you will get a second look. Make that resume an exciting and inviting document from Page 1.

Get Your Important Points Across:
Because you have a limited window, make sure important pieces of information in the resume are seen. Make the critical points stand out by boxing, highlighting or bolding them and placing them in strategic positions. Don't let information that is out of date such as a boring job from over 10 years ago get in the way of a major success or something important you have achieved. The employer needs to see the important stuff quickly.

Photo Addition:
We spoke about this previously at 'How to make a resume' - but putting a photo on your CV or resume document simply works. The readers can remember a photo much better than a name. Even if your resume is good, remembering it without a photo is harder. Attach a nice, well groomed picture / photo of yourself to the front of the resume document.

Keywords:
As more employers and recruiters file resume documents on electronic databases that are kept for searching purposes - it's important you maximize keywords within your resume document. This ensures in future searches your resume will come to the forefront.

Cover Letters:
More important for larger companies, but attaching a personalized cover letter detailing 'why' you want this job helps you get attention. Keep the cover letter very brief, a quick summary of why you want to work for company 'XYZ' is a great touch. Employers like this and is shows your eagerness and fit for the company and their own brand.

Final 'How to Make a Resume' Tips:
The final tips for todays part 2 information is to 'be positive' about yourself in the resume. Be positive without telling lies. And apart from including the photo of yourself, also highlight your name in a color. This will assist the employer to further associate you via the photo and the name that will stand out.