The “orglearn” site in addition to career success, management, leadership and teamwork articles provides information on how to write job resumes to match different employer requirements, resume templates and resume statement examples for you to use to when setting out your skills and competencies. This approach has been take as a one off sample resume can be too restrictive and because resumes and cover letters need to be tailored to each employers specific requirements. There are also some sample phrases that can of creating a section on the scope of the positions you have held in the past.

Hope you find the new resume information valuable.

By the way you may wish to visit the original Sample Resume | Resume Blank | Resume Form | Resume Examples | Resume Sample page to fill in the free online blank resume form (even if you’re not actively looking for a job), which is designed as a handy self-analysis to evaluate the commercial realities of what you have to offer current or potential employers.

Applying for a job, resume sin number 1. Not including a cover letter with your resume. Obvious really!

Resume sin number 2. Including an objective statement. “Point blank objectives are bad form.”

Sin number 3. “Use headings like profile and career summary versus a powerful sales pitch.” Well I think the writer means the content needs to be a “powerful sales pitch”

Number 4. ‘Leaving out industry specific keywords’. A deadly sin indeed!

and finally… resume sin number 5. Small (big?) mistakes or grammatical errors. ‘Have someone [intelligent] review your resume’.

Read the full article at:

http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2009/09/5-best-ways-to-land-your-resume-in.html

Ric (orglearn) **Link for direct page viewers return to main career success blog to check out other posts!

While you’re here take a look at the free blank resume form!

Your cover letter should be specifically written and targeted at the position you seek rather than just come across as your cover letter type ‘form letter’.

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and why you would like to work for them – a disguised compliment perhaps… and everyone likes a compliment.

Effective cover letters also identify your relevant competencies (skills and knowledge when applied to specific tasks) supported by relevant proof statements (based on past job roles, achievements and responsibilities).

If you have been referred to a company by a mutual contact (ensure your contact is in good standing and with your potential employer) and use their name in your letter. (e.g. Fred Jones recommended I contact you regarding the position of xyz)

Your letter must include an explanation of how/where you learned of the position you are applying for and you must ensure you have the correct title of the position and/or any relevant reference number if included in their advertisement.

Free blank resume form at www.orglearn.org

Resumes – Cover Letter ‘Rules’ Part “B”

When responding to an employer’s advertisement refer specifically to the qualifications they are looking for and highlight the two ‘most important’ attributes you have to satisfy their requirements. (The resume should cover the rest)

Always focus on what the employer wants rather than what you desire. (Yes I know its basic however resumes I read still emphasize what the applicant wants rather than what a potential employer needs).

Research the organization you are applying to and make a statement that supports what you have read… perhaps quote their vision or some article that talks about their goals and then explain what you have to give that will help them.

Refer the reader back to your resume e.g. ‘You will see from my resume that I have had extensive managerial experience’
Demonstrate how your competencies and qualifications are transferable and relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Sign all letters with “sincerely” not “best regards” or “yours truly/faithfully” or any other variation

Try the free blank resume at www.orglearn.org

use the free blank resume form at orglearn

Use ‘formal’ language and short crisp well structured sentences – easy to read absorb.

Use subheadings – they help the overworked hiring manger find what he/she is looking for quickly.

Use simple and clear typefaces – I think “Arial” is great.

Do not use jargon or abbreviations, check the spelling at least three times…. and have someone check your grammar.

free blank resume at www.orglearn.org you can fill in the resume form online

Resume Part B – Numbers and Statistics

Use statistics to quantify your responsibilities, job tasks and achievements. Examples: “managed a department of twelve people”, “was responsible for a sales budget of eight million dollars” or achieved production growth of 88%. Numbers will create vivid images in the reader’s mind that will be more likely stick.

Free information on blank resumes at orglearn and the resume form itself.

Resume Part C – Use the ‘Right’ Words

A well written ‘generic’ resume is a great start however when applying for a job interview you must use the appropriate words and statements. So how how do you find out which words will get the attention of your reader. This is easy… just use as many words and statements, in your introduction, from their ad as you can. Example if they say they are looking for a ‘hard working team player that enjoys a personal challenge’ you use “team player”, “hardworking” and “likes a personal challenge” in your statements about yourself.

Practice writing your resume at orglearn using the free blank resumes by using the free blank resume form

Ric orglearn More articles to come why not subscribe to the RSS feed?

One two or three pages maximum using the following format, note one well written page is probably best:

Name

Introduction

Functional Skills/Competencies

Scope of Positions Held

Career Highlights/Awards

Employment History

Education

Personal Data

Note: There is no “career objective statement” and the reason for excluding it will be explained in a later post (so can I suggest you hit the RSS subscribe button for this blog)

resume writing practice and blank resume forms at www.orglearn.org

Resume Part B: The First Ten Words

The first ten words will grab the interest of your reader and they will only read further into your resume if what you write is powerful and related to their specific job requirements. Look at the employers ad and think about what they want and make your opening statement a bit like a good news headline.

free blank resume form template at orglearn.org

Resume Part C: No “I”, “me” or “my”

Write your resume almost as if you are writing about another person, it will present better to the employer and be more credible.

resume example: An experienced executive who impresses customers, colleagues and suppliers who constantly meets or exceeds targets set. (the ‘I am’ is assumed however never written)

Sounds better than… I am an experienced executive that impresses my customers, my colleagues etc… sounds like boasting!

Links  to orglearn blank resume information and the resume form itself.

More to come check back in a day or so (best to subscribe to the RSS fee perhaps)!