What is an Effective Resume? by Mass DoWD

How to Write an Effective Resume

Employers who contributed to this guide represent large and small companies from diverse industries across the state.Most employers explained that they skim resumes quickly and appreciate only those that are easy to read. An effective resume highlights the qualifications an employer is looking for and makes it easy for the employer to find these qualifications. A resume should sell your skills, experience and accomplishments to the reader with little effort. The employer will be looking for a match between the qualifications and skills needed to do the job and your experience. An effective resume increases the employer’s interest enough so that you are called for an interview. A resume can get you the interview, but you must get the job!! Resumes are only the first step. The likelihood of getting a job offer will depend on your interview with the employer and your ability to demonstrate how your skills fit the company’s need.

Resume & KSA Tips by USAJOBS

Resumes

As you may have noticed if you have begun your Federal job search, agencies have varying and unique application procedures to meet their hiring needs. One application format may be acceptable for one agency and not another. In the past, this proved to be frustrating for job seekers applying to multiple positions.

Resume & KSA (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) Tips

Whether you’re writing your first resume, updating an existing one, or answering a position’s Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s), stop and think about which keywords you need to add. You could be the most qualified person for the position, but you could be lost in a sea of applicants without the right keywords.

Write Your Resume by Work Source

Choose your focus

Decide what type of job you’ll be applying for and the write it at the top of a piece of paper. If you need help in finding different industries and occupations, search America’s Job Bank and America’s Career InfoNet to identify hot industries and available opportunities. The job objective you list on your sheet of paper doesn’t have to actually appear on your resume. Sometimes, it’s best to describe your job goals in the cover letter, where you can tailor your objective to each opening. Most employers do like to see an objective statement on your resume. Make sure that it is precise. For example, “A marketing management position with an innovative corporation” is much better than “A position which utilizes my education and experience.”

Take inventory

Start with several pieces of blank paper. Title each with the following headings and then brainstorm.

• Education
• Activities
• Interests
• Work Experience
• Honors and awards
• Skills and Abilities