Resume Writing !

On Saturdays we held interviews for software trainees. Around 35 people showed up. Our process includes a MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) set of 3, IQ, Aptitude and Technical. Those who clear this are given a short subjective paper of a couple of questions on simple coding. And those who make it go through a personal interview.

It is during the personal interview that the interviewee, peruses the candidates resume. I went through 20 resumes. And just as I went through each and thought that it couldn’t get worse, I was proven wrong.  It seems very strange that potential candidates will spend hours reaching the interview, but will not spend any time on doing up their own resume.

Believe it or not, a resume without a typo is a rarity. Some even misspell their own names. The fonts are all over the place, there is no structure, no beginning and no end. Its said that the most important is the first impression, since that makes a lasting impression. It would seem to me that a resume is what makes the 0^th impression. And that is probably as important if not more critical than the first impression, which is when you meet the interviewer. On many occasions, it may even decide whether or not you’ll get an interview.

It's actually quite simple to make a good resume. That's because since most people don’t care about their resumes, even a slightly above average resume will stand out. Here are 10 Tips to create an impressionable resume.

1. Make sure that you have no typos. Spell-check isn’t enough. Read and check. Then recheck.
2. Have a first page that is a summary. Summarize in 1 or 2 paras what makes you special.
3. In your work experience, for each job, talk a little about your role and anything interesting you did.
4. Use color. Laser printouts are affordable (Rs. 10 per page).
5. Don’t have a signature column, and a “Its true” declaration. If you’re selected the company forms will take care of that.
6. If practical, have a formal photograph.
7. Put basic information last. Your date of birth or address is not likely to be what the interviewer is looking for. 
8. Don’t use a standard line about how you want a professional organization that offers challenging opportunities. Instead state what you’re really looking for, such as “An opportunity to work at a product development company”.
9. Customize your resume to fit the company you’re applying to. Mention the company’s name.
10. Make it unique and interesting.