How to write a resume
The one page rule no longer applies: Don't worry how long it is, it is more
important to explain your technical expertise. If you make it short, you have to
cut valuable experience that could make the client cut you.
People scan resumes first, read them second: You have about five seconds to get
your point across in your resume before the resume is discarded. Most people
have a skills section and think that if they put their technologies there, the
people reading will look there. This is not always the case. People care more
about the skills you used on your last two jobs. Put as many of those skills in
your job history as possible. That is the first place recruiters and clients
look most times.
You're only as good as your last two jobs: In the ever changing technology world
time is important. When writing your resume spend the most amount of space on
the last two to three years. No one really cares about the cobol work you did in
1981. It doesn't really apply. If you want to shorten your resume in any place,
back then is where you can start.
You are professional, your resume should look like your suit: You would never
walk into an interview with a non-conforming appearance - tennis shoes,
warm-ups, shorts etc. So why would you use laid back or unique fonts to try to
make yourself stand out? Use standard fonts, let your skills and background do
the talking.
But I really was laid off ten times in one year: Writing your resume begins with
living your life. You have to think about how your moves in the business world
will affect it. People check references. They find out where you've been naughty
and nice. Your history has to be put down on paper eventually. If you were laid
off ten times in one year, it is a good idea to put your reason for leaving on
your resume. You want people to know when reading through your resume that you
are not a job hopper...And make sure when searching for a new opportunity that
the next job lasts a significantly longer period.
