Top 12 Tips for Writing a Great Resume

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Do you need help writing or updating your resume? It can be challenging because your resume is going to be reviewed by software as well as by hiring managers. You'll need to write a great resume to get your application selected for an interview.

Review these top resume tips for choosing a resume format, selecting the best font for your resume, personalizing and customizing it, using resume keywords, explaining employment gaps, and more tips for writing interview winning resumes.

Choose the Best Resume Format
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal and professional circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume.  Use the one that's the best fit for your work experience, educational background, and skill set. Take the time to customize your resume – it's well worth the effort.

Choose a Basic Font
When writing a resume it's important to use a basic font that is easy to read, both for hiring managers and for applicant management systems. There are several simple fonts that will make your resume clear and easy to read.

Include All Your Contact Information
It's important to include all your contact information on your resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and zip, phone number, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or professional website or blog, include those links as well.

Add a Profile to Your Resume
If you include an objective on your resume, it's important to tailor it to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in or consider using a resume profile or summary, with or without a headline, instead.

Include Resume Keywords and Skills
Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in job descriptions. That way, you will increase your chances of your resume matching available positions – and of you being selected for an interview. Also, include keywords in your cover letter because that will be screened too.

Prioritize Your Resume Content
It's important to prioritize the content of your resume so that your most important and relevant experience is listed first, with key accomplishments listed at the top of each position.

Write a Custom Resume
It takes more time to write a custom resume that matches your qualifications to the employer's job posting, but, it's worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.

Tweak for Technology
In this competitive job-seeking environment, job seekers need to make sure that their resume stands out from the pack, is selected by talent management systems, and shows, in a professional, no-nonsense way, that the applicant has taken the time and interest to pursue a specific job opening.

Review Resume Examples
Before you start work on writing or updating your resume, review resume examples that fit a variety of employment situations. Then select a style and format that best highlights your strengths and achievements.

Use a Resume Template
Use a resume template as a starting point for creating your own resume. Add your information to the resume template, then tweak and edit it to personalize your resume, so it highlights your skills and abilities.

Email Your Resume
When you're sending an email resume, it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume. The employer may want your resume attached to the email message and sent in specific format, typically as a Word document or a PDF.

Send Your Resume as an Attachment
When you apply for jobs via email, you may need to send your resume and cover letter as an attachment. It's important to send your cover letter and resume attachments correctly, to include all the information you need so your email message is read, and to let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview.

Source: http://resume.travelideasonline.com/resume-tips/top-12-tips-for-writing-a-great-resume/