Create the perfect résumé

A well-crafted résumé could mean the difference between landing, losing a job

Many a night’s sleep has been lost worrying about an upcoming job interview. Questions like, “Will I make a good impression?” or, “Am I qualified for the job?” can make for a restless night’s sleep on the eve before a job interview.

Writing a résumé is another aspect of the job hunt that can stoke your nerves. Men and women may pour over job timelines and skill summaries for hours in an effort to make sure they have included the right mix of information stand out — in a positive way —from the other applicants.

Though résumé writing has changed considerably over the years, some conventional wisdom about résumés still prevails. How closely job seekers adhere to the following rules goes a long way toward determining whether or not they earn a chance for an interview.

Create a showcase for yourself.

While a résumé should showcase your professional accomplishments, it should also showcase how your skills relate to the job you’re applying for. This way, the company understands you have researched the position and are in tune with what they’re looking for in an applicant.

One résumé is not adequate when

applying for multiple positions.

A résumé is not a static document. You may need to adapt your résumé, depending on the job for which you’re applying. Although certain information can remain the same, you will need to update your skills and other information based on each position.

One page may not be enough.

Applicants were long told to keep their résumés concise, limiting the document to just one page. However, if your experience is extensive or if one page cannot contain a long job history, don’t be afraid to submit a two-page résumé.

Be selective about information.

You need not include your entire job history on a résumé, especially if certain past positions you have held are completely irrelevant to the position for which you are applying. Don’t be afraid of job gaps, either. Many of today’s recruiters understand that the changing economy

“Though résumé writing has changed considerably over the years, some conventional wisdom about résumés still prevails.”

can make it challenging to maintain steady employment.

Don’t over-embellish your skills.

Always be open and honest on your résumé. You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks — and if you cannot back up what is included on your résumé, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing the company’s opening with you.

Make sure it’s perfect.

A résumé is a reflection of you, so a résumé with typographical errors or a poor layout is never acceptable. Make sure your résumé is as professional and error-free as possible. Have a friend or a proofreader look it over before distributing.

Include unpaid positions if they’re applicable to the desired job.

Internships or volunteer work are perfectly acceptable to include on a résumé, particularly for younger applicants who may not have a wealth of professional experience. Include a mix of information on the résumé that will reflect your versatility.

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock The criteria for an effective résumé have changed over the years, but some conventional wisdom remains the same.