Points to Remember
1. Always be honest and truthful. Do not exaggerate.
2. Prepare your resumé yourself. You know better then anyone what you have accomplished. Avoid 'Professional' resumé writers.
3. Plan the layout and content of your resumé. Prepare a draft and keep changing and editing it until you are happy with the content.
4. Based on experience gained at interview and questions asked, you may choose to change or add certain information.
5. Be prepared to change the content of your resumé according to the role you are applying for. You may need to emphasise specific experience according to the requirements of different vacancies.
6. In your resumé place most emphasis on your responsibilities and what you have achieved.
7. If you feel the need, have your resumé reviewed by someone you believe can give you constructive feedback.
8. Do not be paranoid about confidentiality and end up leaving out significant information in your resumé. If you have concerns about confidentiality then either emphasise the need for confidentiality in your covering letter and / or contact the person shown in the advertisement. Find out more about the position before sending your resumé in.
9. Structure your resumé using reverse chronological order.
10. When listing past employment always include dates and always include months as well as years i.e. June 1996 - September 1999.
11. For each relevant position ensure you describe your key responsibilities and accountabilities and all achievements.
12. Whilst you need to be concise, do not be too brief, factual and bland. Do not use single words to describe what you do. Use powerful words and phrases which describe to the reader what you do, what you are responsible for and what you have achieved.
13. If there are one or two key activities or projects with which you have been involved and which are highly confidential, indicate broadly what they are and that you will be prepared to elaborate at interview.
14. Do not criticise present or past employers or make any derogatory comments about a company in writing.
15. It is not necessary to follow up emailed resumés with faxes or posted originals.
16. If for some reason you need to post a copy of a resumé, send it without expensive binding or plastic folders. These are a hindrance.
17. Do not include the names of referees in your resumé and do not attach copies of references. At an appropriate time you will be asked for referees.
18. Ensure referees you intend using are relevant i.e. boss, peers, key subordinates and customers. At reference checking stage ensure you contact the referee prior to the prospective employer undertaking the reference check and brief them on the role you have applied for so that they can answer questions constructively. Remember referees you consider appropriate may not be appropriate to a prospective employer.