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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
  • 4.1 Work Search
    • 4.1.1 Traditional Methods of Finding Openings
    • 4.1.2 Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements
    • 4.1.3 Creative Methods for Finding Work
    • 4.1.4 Researching Employers
    • 4.1.5 Networking, Developing Leads and Making Contacts
    • 4.1.6 Networking Contacts
    • 4.1.7 Networking Diagrams
    • 4.1.8 Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card
  • 4.2 Resumes
    • 4.2.1 Preparing to Write Your Resume
    • 4.2.2 Major Sections of a Resume
    • 4.2.3 Types of Resumes
    • 4.2.4 Functional Resume
    • 4.2.5 Additional Resume Tips
    • 4.2.6 Action Verbs that Describe Skills
    • 4.2.7 Preparing an Electronic Version of Your Resume
    • 4.2.8 Resume Templates
    • 4.2.9 Resources on Resume Writing
  • 4.3 Letters
    • 4.3.1 Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.2 Comparison of Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.3 A Process to Develop Letters
    • 4.3.4 Creating Thank You Letters
    • 4.3.5 Sample Letter Format
    • 4.3.6 Resources on Letter Writing
  • 4.4 Interviews
    • 4.4.1 The Core of the Interview Process
    • 4.4.2 Selling Your Benefits
    • 4.4.3 Understanding Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
    • 4.4.4 Approaches to Interviewing
    • 4.4.5 The Employer's Evaluation
    • 4.4.6 Tips for Effective Interviewing
    • 4.4.7 Your Rights in the Interview
    • 4.4.8 Resources on Interviewing
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 4.2.5: Additional Resume Tips

• Do not include the word "Resume" at the top of the page or the date you prepared the document

• Be sure that your name appears at the top of all pages

• Include the page number at the top of page two

• Avoid verbs such as: "assisted", "helped", "aided", "participated" or "involved" as they do not say precisely what you did and the employer will not know what your contribution was

• Start with strong verbs (e.g., wrote, presented, advised, etc.) and to eliminate any misconception that you might be responsible for the total project, end with "in conjunction with", "in collaboration with", "as a member of [design] team", etc.

• Avoid expressions such as "responsible for" or "duties included" as your accomplishments may not be understood

• Avoid excessive repetition

• Avoid weak verbs such as "did", "had" and "handled"

• There is no exact formula for determining how recent an experience must be to be included on your resume; if it is relevant, it can be included

• Do not create a section if you have only one bullet of information; instead, include it in another appropriate section of the resume such Summary of Qualifications

The Final Step - Proofreading

Before you give your resume to any potential employer, have at least one other person proofread your copy. It is important to pay attention to the following points:

• Appearance - At first glance, will the employer find the resume attractive and want to read it (paper weight/colour, layout of sections/points/margins, font size/style, unfolded, no corrections in handwriting, etc.)?

• Accomplishments - Does the document present your qualifications from both theoretical and practical perspectives regarding education, skills, experience, personality, etc.?

• Writing/Presentation - Is every word necessary to determine the meaning of the point? Is the point relevant to the job you are applying to? Does the writing style clearly and completely convey what you want the reader to know? Are your words precise and action-oriented? Are there any spelling, typographical or grammatical errors?

• Sales Appeal - Have you told the reader in a positive, interesting way what you can do for their organization, and given sufficient proof of expertise that the reader will want to meet you personally in an interview?

• Personal Identification - Do you have your name, street/e-mail addresses, voice/fax numbers on the top of page 1 so that an employer can easily reach you?

To continue with Step 4.2.6. click here.