Resume writing is both an art and a science. You want your resume to be aesthetically appealing while it outlines your skill-sets and accomplishments in the most positive way possible. In order to assist you, I've compiled some Resume Do’s & Don’ts.
 
But first, a short quiz to test your Resume IQ: 
 
Q: What is the average amount of time potential employers spend looking at a resume?  
A:  22 seconds per page
 
Q: How do 90 percent of all employers receive applicants’ resumes?
A: Online via email
 
Q: What four aspects of a resume are of greatest interest to an employer?
A:  1. Your most recent work titles
     2. The companies you've worked for 
     3. The chronology of your work experience 
     4. Your level of education 
 
The main goal for most employers is to try to discern from your resume if you possess the competencies to do the job and whether or not your background, experience and personality would make you a good fit with the company. 
 
I’ve been a recruiter for more than 35 years and, I've worked closely with hundreds of employers who have shared a variety of valuable insights on Resume Do’s & Don’ts.
 
Here are just a few:
 
Resume Do’s:
• Tell your story.  Make sure your list of accomplishments makes sense so that a hiring manager can easily follow along.
• Link your skills to your accomplishments. After stating what you have done, write a few bullet points reflecting what skills you used in those positions.  
• Make sure to use bullet points, not paragraphs. Less is more.
• Make your resume keyword searchable. This means knowing some specific words an employer is looking for and making sure they are on your resume and presented in the right context.
• Write clear, concise headlines for each job/position you have held.    
• Include months and dates with all of your accomplishments/experience.  
• Include a few hobbies or interests on your resume that could serve as positive talking points during the interview.
• If you are having trouble, ask two people to look at your resume.  Ask one person who works in your field whether your resume accurately depicts your past job functions.  Ask a second person outside of your field to see if he/she understands the general concepts of your work experience from reading your resume. 
 

 
Resume Don'ts:
• I advise not having an ‘Objective’ on your resume. If it is too broad, it will not help the resume reviewer. If it is too specific, it will provide the employer with a reason to say ‘no’. If you feel you need a lead statement, list six skills or achievements that you think the employer is looking for.
• Do not put a photograph of yourself on your resume when applying in the United States.
• Do not send everyone the same resume.  Have a general resume, but when applying for a specific job, modify the resume so that it aligns with that particular position.
• Make sure there are no typos or misspellings.
• Expect that employers conduct background checks to ensure that the information you provide is factual. A resume is a legal document; therefore, make sure you create an accurate representation of your background and be able to support all information you provide.  
Final thoughts: 
 
Only provide information that will make employers view you as an asset to their companies. Include notable accomplishments that link together your training/education with your experience. As for military experience, place it first on your resume -- especially if you are just leaving the service.
 
All in all, sell yourself on paper. There is no one resume format that appeals to every employer. It is the combination of the resume’s content and format along with the employer’s subjectivity that will get you in the door for an interview. A resume can get you in the door, but you are the one responsible for getting yourself hired.
 
I wish you the best of luck with your resume writing endeavors.
 
Next time: Preparing for the job interview.