10 Suggestions for Writing an Effective Resume

Travis & Company receives hundreds of resumes every month. Over the years, we have formed strong opinions on what makes a good resume. So here, in outline form, are recommendations to resume writers. We hope they are helpful:

1. Understand your audience. Recruiters and hiring managers review dozens or hundreds of resumes in a single sitting. Your resume should provide them with a succinct and clear summary of your history and accomplishments.
2. Use the standard reverse chronological format. Using the standard format makes it easy for prospective employers to take in your background at a glance. Avoid alternative formats (such as the “skills” based resume), which suggest an attempt to obscure an undistinguished job history.
3. Provide a one sentence summary of each employer’s business. You cannot assume your audience knows every company for which you’ve worked. Include industry, employees, revenues, growth.
4. Provide a one sentence summary of the scope of your position. This provides context for the discussion of your accomplishments.
5. Focus on accomplishments and the impact they had for your employer. Describe what you did and why it mattered.
6. Get the length right. 2 pages for most people; 1 page if you have a relatively short work history, 3 pages maximum. The only exceptions are scientists, physicians and others who list publications.
7. Be complete. Employers need all the facts about your background. Be courteous and include full employment dates (with months), dates of degrees, and your complete job history. They are going to ask anyway.
8. Edit and edit again. Get rid of every unnecessary word. Enlist friends to review your resume for focus and clarity.
9. Scour for typos and grammar. Errors reflect poorly on your communication skills and your attention to detail. Don’t rush, and don’t rely only on computer spell checkers.
10. Always be truthful. It goes without saying that you must be truthful in describing your employment and salary history, credentials, and accomplishments. Competent recruiters and employers will verify everything.

These days most resumes are submitted by email. Employers and recruiters receive dozens every day, so make it easy on them by listing your target position and industry in the subject line of your email.

There are no tricks or special techniques to getting noticed. A good resume is an exercise in good writing. Focus on telling your story in a clear and succinct fashion and you will be in fine shape.