South Carolina Resume Writing Tips

Resume writing is part science, and part art. While there are many opinions in the human resources field about resumes, businesses in South Carolina confirm that resumes are the most common element in the process of screening job applicants. The form resumes take may be different, from the traditional resume or curriculum vita, to the electronic resume used by online job services, to the multimedia website or compact disc, the important fundamentals of all have essentially remained the same. Most companies will have someone that reviews resumes received for a particular position ("Screener"). The screener that will review your resume will be searching for some key, preset words, or elements. In order to be successful in getting an interview for the job you are applying for, you need to know what the screener will be looking for and respond to their desires. Research the company's brochure, annual report and job advertisement, if any, and modify your resume as much as possible to the position.

Action Terminology

Use action terminology. An applicant's resume should be "Action" oriented, with the action high lighting your past achievements. Be aggressive and use action verbs like developed, managed, supervised, initiated, and implemented at the start of bullet points under each job or skill area. Always list you accomplishments, and if you have won awards, published article, or donated time to special events or causes, put them in the resume.

Bullet Points

Be direct and write concisely. Use bullet points and short sentences to high light all points you address in the resume. Avoid being wordy in your resume. If the screener wants to get more information from you regarding your accomplishments, they can either request it, or discuss the details at the interview.

Keep it Simple...

Keep the resume clean and simple. The resume should be easy to read and not look confusing. Never use more than two typefaces because they tend to distract from the content of the resume. Take advantage of bold and italic types for emphasis.

Explanations

Explain gaps in time. Time gaps between jobs may cause concern by the screener, especially if the field you are applying for is generally a 40 hour a work week type position. If you have any gaps, provide an explanation what you did during the time. If you were working freelance or on a special project, make note of the specific project.

Pay Attention to Layout

Allow for white space. Leave lots of room (White Space) on your resume for the screener to make notations in the margins. A well balanced resume will allow ample of room for notations, and look structured in the content presentation. Assume that any resume that you send over the internet will be printed, and anticipate where the screener may want to make notations.

Use a Cover Letter

Always include a cover letter. The reason you do a cover letter is that the screener may be reviewing resumes for several positions, and the cover letter is another way to show you skill in getting the interview. Make sure that you are upbeat, and tell the screener why you are not only qualified for the position, but that they would be making a mistake by not scheduling with at least an interview.

Accuracy

Be accurate and honest. Make sure that everything in your resume that can be confirmed is 100% accurate. Assume that the company you are dealing with will confirm your education, prior employment, and any achievements you are taking credit for.

Sometimes getting an interview is being at the right time, and at the right place. Having a great resume will at least put you a leg up on other applicants.