Resume Tips

There are many resume writing "experts", workshops, books, articles, and advice on the internet that are available to job-seekers. While most of these sources are accurate and solid, here are a few key points to remember:

1. Latest statistics show that over 30% of all US firms have some form of automated recruitment process. That means that Human Resources departments are relying on scanning to handle the high volume of resumes that are submitted. Here at PCS, we have automated our office and rely heavily on the scanned image. The benefits to you, the job seeker are enormous. Preparing your resume for the computer can mean the difference in obtaining the position or getting passed over. The computer LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD. If you use the right Keywords to describe your skills and experience, your resume can be easily picked out of the data base. Also, biases such as race and gender are filtered out.
2. Your information stays on file in the computerized data bank and is incorporated into ongoing search processes. This allows your background to continue to be searched for current openings over a period of time.
3. Computers do read resumes differently than people. Therefore, focus on nouns, not verbs. While you still want to incorporate "action verbs" (such as acheived, acquired, constructed, doubled, maximized, interpreted and negotiated), you now need to pay attention to the nouns that describe your role. Just be aware that action verbs are not scanned.
   EX: Keywords for Accountant:
   BS Accounting, IRS Amendments, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, CPA
4. Use acronyms and also spell them out. EX: CAD/Computer Aided Design.
5. Accuracy, Accuracy, Accuracy. Remember that if your dates and information are not correct, it could result in no offer - or worse yet, a rescinded offer. Include month as well as year.
6. It is good to have an objective, but include it in your cover letter. Save the body of the resume to highlight your accomplishments.
7. When detailing your area of responsibility, make it as concise and detailed as possible. Be specific, use your most current employer, as long as it is significant to the position you are going after. Remember, you are selling your accomplishments to a future employer who's asking, "What can you do for me?"
8. Bullets are easier to read than paragraphs.
9. HONESTY AND INTEGRITY ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR.
10. Make sure that your resume is computer-ready. It should be on white or cream paper (colored paper screams out - questioning substance). Clearly typed in Word DOC format. Remember to use Keywords. Heading should always be in format below:
    Jane Doe
    123 Street
    City, State ZIP
    Home Phone
    Office Phone
    Cell Phone (if applicable)
    Email Address

Resume Example
Sample Resume [DOC format]

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