Resume Writing : What it takes in a resume to generate serious job interviews

• The entire résumé, which is measured in the first glance (much as every advertisement is measured), must be comprehensible and readable. If it seems complex, difficult to read, and heavy going, it probably will not be read. The résumé must be true in every way. It must be clear and not contain any misleading statements. Your Position Desired; Education; Skills; and, Employment are what they are! Everything not absolutely essential must be dispensed with and what is left must be compressed into an understandable (and inviting) layout. The fewer words the better.

• The résumé must offer a person who can do a specific job, which will benefit the company and fill a need they have. The résumé must describe this person and convince the company to call them to set up a face to face interview. A successful résumé must be "company-oriented" (as opposed to "me-oriented").

• The offer should be supported by specific examples. Merely listing job titles and duties is not enough; dig deep and come up with a specific accomplishment or two - and a word or two of explanation. Your offer then becomes believable. Consider this: after Position Desired add a Summary of Qualifications and include 4 or 5 brief statements that support the position you can do best for the company.

• The résumé must be of a level and quality that you can send to the hiring authority, a president, executive vice president, controller, plant superintendent, etc. This increases your chances considerably to gain an interview.

• The résumé should make every effort to "sell" you, and what you can do for them. If it tiptoes, is nervously modest, hedges or whispers timidly-- it will fail. Make them an offer they can't refuse!

• Of course, your good impression must be continued, with a high-quality printing effort - neat, not gaudy, preferably on a good-quality white paper.

• The résumé must be perfect, up to date-current, free of errors and have no writing on it. If need be, do it over, have it reprinted. You have only one shot, make it good.

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