| They say you only get once chance to make a first | | | | like a pig's ear. |
| impression and writing your resume is definitely | | | | 3. Proof read it |
| included in that. So what do you need to do in order to | | | | Read your resume. Out loud. I don't care who's |
| make your resume stand out from the crowd? | | | | watching or listening! You're checking for factual errors, |
| 1. Tailor it to the job | | | | awkward gaps and whether or not it actually reads |
| Now I don't mean lie! But adapt each resume for the | | | | well. Reading out loud is the best way to do this - |
| job you're applying for. Not lots, otherwise you'll be | | | | wherever you stumble, something is wrong. |
| forever typing, just enough to give it the edge. Maybe | | | | 4. Follow any specific options on the ad |
| an introductory couple of lines, a bit like a cover letter. | | | | You'd be surprised how many people don't read |
| Or maybe by excluding things that are totally irrelevant | | | | instructions. Some adverts specifically ask you to |
| to the job you're hoping to get. | | | | include certain points. If that's the case, be certain to do |
| 2. Make it look professional | | | | so. |
| If your resume is on flimsy paper that looks like it's | | | | 5. Use a nice email address |
| been dragged through a hedge backwards, there's a | | | | The jokey email you set up at school or college |
| good chance you'll get ignored. Use a reasonable | | | | probably doesn't project the best image for you. Since |
| quality paper and make sure that the formatting is in | | | | most employers will expect you to include an email |
| tact. Computer word processors do a good job most | | | | address, choose carefully (which means be boring!). |
| of the time but occasionally they can mess with page | | | | Email addresses are free so if yours doesn't send the |
| settings and suddenly your work of art is looking more | | | | right tone, get another one. |