Resume writing do's and don'ts

There are some general guidelines that should be followed if you want your resume to stand out from your competition. While some rules can be open to interpretation, there are others that almost every hiring manager will agree on. These are the do’s and don’ts of writing an effective resume:

DO Tailor Your Resume

Just as one outfit won’t work for every company setting, one resume won’t work for every job posting. You should tailor it towards the position you’re applying to. Utilize key words from the job posting and have bullet points that reflect similar work experience. Taking a few extra minutes to make these edits will increase your chances of landing an interview.

DON’T Use an Inappropriate Email

In the business world, professionalism is everything. Your resume is no exception! The design, word choice, and email address all play a factor. By no means should you use a work email on your resume, nor can you use an outdated email such as tweetybird12@hotmail.com. You don’t want this to be your personal brand! Besides, it’ll be easier for hiring managers to contact you if they can associate your name with your email address.

DO Use Numbers/Data

When it comes to the job search process, your word means nothing unless you can back it up. Simply listing off job duties is not enough; hiring managers want proof that you were successful. That’s why you need to add quantifiable accomplishments. For example, instead of putting “Conducted customer outreach in order to increase sales” on your resume, you could write “Conducted over 150 customer outreach phone calls each day, which increased sales by 30%”. The latter is much more impactful.

If your resume consists of open-ended statements, then you should rework it so that it better illustrates your accomplishments. Present the situation/goal, say the actions you took, and discuss the results in terms of numbers and data- otherwise known as the STAR method. Utilizing this method will help you prove yourself to a hiring manager.

DON’T Bend the Truth

Lying on your resume is one of the worst things you can do. Not only is it wrong, but you’ll inevitably be caught. If you say that you’re proficient in specific software and begin a job where it’s required, then you are bound to encounter problems. To avoid such a situation, it’s best to abide by the “honesty is the best policy” mentality. List your skills on your resume, and go into more depth when it comes to the interview phase. Do not say you are proficient when you’re still at the beginner/intermediate level. This will ensure that you land a job that fits your skill set.

DO Check for Spelling/Grammatical Errors

This is a given, but you would be surprised at how many people forget this simple step. Any errors will lead a hiring manager to infer that you’re not detail oriented and that you don’t care about the position. Always run a simple spell check and proofread every single version of your resume. Then, proofread again! It may seem tedious, but it could make all the difference.

DON’T Have too Many Pages

Although there is no page number restriction, hiring managers agree that too much information is a bad thing. Resumes are typically looked at for less than one minute and having more pages will not change this fact, so only include what’s important! As a rule of thumb, you should have a max of 5 bullet points per job description. In addition, each bullet point should only be two lines long. Implementing these restrictions makes your resume stronger and ensures that you include only your best accomplishments.

DO Utilize a Word Cloud Generator

Have you ever reread a piece of work and realized that you’ve used the same word one too many times? Even if you reference a thesaurus, who’s to say you’ve chosen the right words to highlight your skills?

One way to find out is to upload your resume to a word cloud generator. A great one to use is Word it Out. You can upload your resume text, create the word cloud, and then examine the word list to see which words/skills are used most often. You can also edit the word cloud to only display words that show up a certain number of times. If the results aren’t what you had expected or hoped for, you can edit your word choices and try again.

DON’T Forget to Update

No one enjoys updating their resume, but it’s a necessary step if you hope to land a new job. However, the task can be more manageable if you update it consistently, and this helps ensure all important responsibilities and projects are included. If you wait until the end of a job, then chances are high that you might forget something.

Now that you have a few tips to get you started, you can dramatically increase your chances of landing your next job. Remember, editing your resume may seem like a tedious task, but it is a necessary one. Take your time and tackle it section by section. Before you know it, your stellar resume will having hiring managers dying to hire you.

Have questions on your resume? Looking for your next great accounting or finance role? We are here to help! Click here to find the closest CFS location to you and connect with one of our expert recruiters! 

21 words to never include in your resume

Article originally published on Glassdoor

We have all heard the saying, “You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is perhaps most true when it comes to a job resume. While many companies use screening software to initially evaluate a candidate’s resume, recruiters are largely the first people you must impress.

“The language or content of a resume can definitely tank a job seeker’s chances of landing their dream job,” says Jamie Hichens, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Glassdoor. “You have a limited amount of time to catch a recruiter or hiring manager’s eye – use it wisely.”

Filling precious resume space with verbose language or overused buzzwords can certainly backfire. Therefore, we tapped a group of HR and resume experts to give us the inside scoop on the 21 words and terms to never include in your resume. Scan your CV to make sure you’re not guilty of including these red-flagged terms:

1. Unemployed

“Your employment dates already show if you’re unemployed – you don’t need to highlight it,” says Hichens.

2. Hardworking or Hard worker

“We hope you are a hardworking individual who shows up to work on time and is self-motivated, but you don’t need to call it out,” she adds.

3. “Ambicious”

“Misspelled words [like this one] should never appear on your resume,” says Elizabeth Harrison, Client Services Manager and Senior Recruitment Partner at Decision Toolbox. “Read your resume numerous times, print it and take a pen to it and have someone else read it. One misspelled word can completely eliminate an otherwise strong candidate from consideration because it demonstrates lack of attention to detail.”

4. Microsoft Office

“Popular resume templates and HR pros prompt job seekers to include a list of strategic skills on their resume,” says Glassdoor expert Eileen Meyer. “From Java to Final Cut Pro, speaking Arabic to spearheading 150% growth, be sure to include not only the relevant skills that make you a perfect fit for the role, but also the skills that make you stand out. Take note, command of Microsoft Office is not a skill. It’s a given.”

[Related: Game-Changing Skills To Include On Your Resume (Hint: Not Microsoft Office!)]

5. Objective

“Is your career trajectory pretty straightforward and lacking major gaps between jobs? Then you probably don’t need an objective statement,” contends Glassdoor writer Caroline Gray. “If your resume is self-explanatory, there’s no need to take up valuable space with anything that’s redundant. Also, if you’re submitting a cover letter with your resume, that should be more than sufficient in addressing your objective for your application.

6. Synergy

“Words like ‘synergy’ and ‘wheelhouse’ are completely overused lingo,” insists Hichens. Steer clear.

7. Reference Available Upon Request

Having “references upon request” at the bottom of your resume is a sign that a candidate is overeager. If a recruiter wants to call to know more about you, they will reach out directly. There is no need to point out the obvious. As one HR expert said, “everyone assumes we want references, but honestly, we can ask.”

8. I, She, He, Him, Her

“Talking in 1st or 3rd person reads weird – did someone write your resume for you? Just state the facts,” says Hichens. For example write, “Led a team of 4” not “I led a team of four people” or “Jamie led a team.”

9. Rockstar

“It’s been overused in the last five years,” insists Jennifer Bensusen, Technology Lead and Senior Recruitment Partner at national recruiting firm Decision Toolbox.  “Unless you are truly a singing superstar, applying for a wedding singer or entertainer role that is!”

10. Dabbled

Bensusen says do not use “technology or systems you have touched or were exposed to but really don’t know.”  For example, stay away from sentences like, “… a Software Engineer who dabbled with Python in college seven years ago but has been developing in .NET professionally since.” In this case, don’t add Python to your resume if you’re not a pro.

11. On Time

Again, a candidate being on time is an expectation. “[Instead] craft a well thought out, concise resume with interesting content on accomplishments, KPI success or significant highlights with bullets on what you did,” advises Bensusen. “Did you create efficiencies that saved the company big bucks?  Did you hire a stellar team that accomplished world peace?”

12. Expert

“Stay away from the word expert, unless you truly are,” says Bensusen.  Otherwise, “be prepared to be peppered with questions regarding your expertise.”

13. Can’t or Won’t

Negative words should not be included in a resume. “Resumes should demonstrate what you can do and not what you can not do,” says Harrison.

14. Unnecessary personal information

Harrison advises that your “date of birth, family status, personal interests etc. should be avoided on a resume. These items do not pertain to the qualifications of an individual for a position.”

15. “I know HTML, Photoshop…”

“Skills are the most common resume lies,” writes Heather Huhman, career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended.  “Although you may think that having every skill listed in the job description will get you the internship, that’s not always true. Telling the truth about your skills can set you up for success in your internship. You can still land the internship by being honest, and can gain valuable training and learning experiences on the job.”

16. Hobbies

“Content that does not relate to the job and does not address what qualifications a candidate has for a job can absolutely eliminate a candidate who may have accomplished many of the tasks that job is looking for, but was not articulated in the resume,” adds Harrison.

17. Generalizations

“Substantiate your accomplishments with numbers,” says Nicole Cox, Chief Recruitment Officer at Decision Toolbox. Some recruiters prefer to see actual numbers (such as “cut manufacturing costs by $500,000”), while others prefer percentages (“cut manufacturing costs by 15 percent”). Either way, provide enough context to show the impact. If your objective was to cut manufacturing costs by 10 percent, make it clear that you exceeded the goal.

18. Accomplished

Instead of saying you are accomplished, show it. “Accomplishments are currency when it comes to resumes,” advises Anish Majumdar, CEO of ResumeOrbit.com. “The more you have, and the more applicable they are to the job you want, the greater your perceived worth. This can have a big impact not just on whether you receive an interview, but how much you’re ultimately offered. Front-load the accomplishment, then describe how it was achieved. For example, ‘Improved customer satisfaction 30% within 9 months through re-engineering support processes and introducing new training materials to staff.'”

19. Stay-at-home Mom 

Like personal information, do not feel obligated to explain gaps in your resume. “Personal information about age, relationships or children can expose you to discrimination,” warns Cox. “Employers aren’t allowed to ask for that kind of information, and you shouldn’t offer.” However, if you’d like to address a gap because you are re-entering the workforce, Cox says, “You can be creative, such as putting Domestic CEO as the title and listing ‘Successfully managed procurement, budgets and scheduling.'”

20. Responsible for…

“Often, careerists will write, ‘Responsible for’ at the beginning of a statement where a more powerful lead-in would energize; e.g., instead of, “Seasoned sales management executive …,” write, ‘Regional Sales Manager for Largest Revenue-Generating Area, exceeding competitors by 25-55% in revenue growth, year-over-year’,” says master resume writer Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter. “In other words, strengthen the story through muscular verbiage and results. Lead with strength and energy.”

21. Results-oriented

“While many other words are misused or diluted by overuse, these are the weakest and most abused,” says Barrett-Poindexter. “If your resume language or content is weak, unfocused and/or rambling, you can obliterate your chances of landing that dream role.”

Have questions about your resume? We want to hear them! Comment below or contact one of our expert recruiters today! Find the closest CFS location to you here.

Read the original article published on Glassdoor. 

5 keys to composing an impactful resume

Article originally published on US News & World Report

Try this exercise with a friend or loved one:

Give the other person your resume, but limit their reading time to six seconds and instruct them to show you how much they were able to assimilate in that limited time.

Why six seconds? Because that's the amount of eyeball time your resume typically receives when it's being first reviewed by human resources staffers or hiring authorities. If you can't convey something that grabs their attention, chances are strong they won't hesitate to hit the "delete" button and end your chances of being considered, no matter how well-qualified you might be.

This fact should influence the decisions you make about the overall look and feel of your resume. How you organize your information, what you choose to include, your choice of words and graphic elements all should contribute to a clear and coherent message that can be grasped in six seconds. Even a simple line across the page can facilitate a reader's understanding or detract from it, depending on how it is used.

Here are some things you should strive for when creating your resume.

Readability

Make certain that even at a distance, your page looks inviting to read and that it is easy to follow the various sections, such as Skills, Professional Experience, Education, etc. Using color to highlight the section titles can make a difference in this regard.

Is there enough white space on the page to avoid looking like a solid blob of ink?

Have pity on people with poor eyesight by not going any lower than 10-point type. Use standard, easy-to-read fonts like Calibri or Optima, or others with similar weighting.

Audience accessibility

It is likely that within your target company, a variety of types of people with diverse backgrounds and roles will be reading your resume. For example, HR, financial and technical professionals all may weigh in on a resume's value. It is important that the document speak to each of them in ways that they can appreciate and value.

Especially if you are in a field with its own particular vocabulary that is unknown to non-specialists, make sure you do your best to explain things in a way that can be commonly understood. When you list obscure tools or techniques that you are accustomed to using, take pains to also convey what results or accomplishments you attained by using them.

Present your personal brand

It might be that your resume surfaces because it came up in a sourcer's search as possessing the right keywords. Congratulations! But now, as they begin to read it, a succinct and well-crafted branding statement at the top can truly set your document apart from others using the same keywords. In the top few lines, just under your name and contact information, it is essential that you give a "helicopter view" of yourself, conveying your essential qualities, areas of expertise and specific content that only you can offer the employer. Keep it to no more than four or five lines, tops!

Get rid of ambiguities

A resume recently reviewed by your author had this line: "Devised solutions that produced the desired results." Lines like this convey no real information and leave questions about the candidate's ability to communicate clearly.

When asked, "What were the problems requiring solutions? What kind of solutions did you develop? What were the desired results and how were they achieved?" the response was: "I'll get into that when I have an interview."

Sadly, ambiguous statements like these are counterproductive to getting the desired interview, and are likely to sink one's chances of getting to the point of explaining their exceptional skills and talents.

Avoid stock phrases and clichés

Expunge what you think a resume "has to have" if you believe stock phrases like "aggressive go-getter," "results driven," or "excellent communication skills" are necessary. You'll immediately generate a yawn or a grunt on the part of your resume reader.

They've seen all these and more countless times! Instead, utilize clearly thought out phrases and sentences that demonstrate the results your "go-getter" qualities generated, thereby communicating effectively.

Have questions about your job search? We want to hear them! Comment below or contact one of our expert recruiters today! Find the closes CFS location to you here. 

Read the original article published on US News & World Report.