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Writing a Resume

When you consider that the average hiring manager can receive hundreds of resumes for a key position, it becomes very obvious that making yours top-notch is crucial to landing a great job. At Kelly Scientific Resources, it’s our job to make sure you look as qualified on paper as you are in real life. With that in mind, here are a few simple tips to make your resume get noticed.

DO:

  • Use active verbs like: managed, designed, sold, saved and developed. These words draw attention to what you have accomplished.
  • Tap into the power of the search engines. Use several key words that are strongly related to your field throughout your resume.
  • Keep it short and concise with paragraphs no more than six or seven lines. Make it easy for the hiring manager to quickly scan to see your accomplishments.
  • Spell check. Spell check. And spell check. Then, have a friend proof it for you just to be safe!
  • Choose a clean, easy-to-read design and typeface so your information can be easily scanned into a company’s database. Keep in mind that certain types of software can’t read special designs or bold typefaces, which means the resume won’t make it into the database.
  • Tailor the document by highlighting your unique capabilities, awards, experience and other information specifically relevant to the position. Remove any other information that is not relevant to the position for which you are interested in.

DON’T:

  • Provide vague information; facts and measurable results strike a highly professional tone (e.g., "Helped the company realize a 30% savings through newly developed employee accountability policy.")
  • Use the words "I" or "me." (e.g., simply state, "Received an Employee of the Month award.")
  • Cover up gaps in employment history; you can explain them during the interview.
  • Provide information unrelated to the job you are seeking.
  • Give reasons for leaving a prior job.

Designing your resume

PERSONAL INFORMATION.

  • Include your full name, address and telephone number.
  • List your work number or email address only if you’re certain you want a prospective employer to contact you at work. (Check your voicemail often if you’re not easily accessible by phone).

OBJECTIVE.

  • The stated career objective is the focal point of your resume.
  • Make sure it not only relates directly to your experience and accomplishments, but to the job for which you are applying.
  • Have a few versions of your resume on hand, with different objectives that support the various types of position you’re seeking.

WORK EXPERIENCE.

  • Include your title or position, followed by the company name/location and dates of employment.
  • Use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

EDUCATION.

  • List your most recent educational experience first.
  • Include the name of the institution you attended, the degree you earned, your major and date of graduation.
  • Special commendations or awards should also be listed here.

OTHER INFORMATION.

  • Ideal for information—only if relevant—that doesn’t fit elsewhere (e.g., professional certifications, special interests or multilingual skills)

REFERENCES.

  • Indicate that references are available upon request.
  • Develop a list of three references (make sure that your references agree to be included) and provide their name, title, employer, business and home telephone numbers.