A resume is a self-promotional document that makes the case for an interview.  Each resume that you send out should be tailored to the specific job that you are applying to.  Different employers look for different attributes.  Sometimes, the job posting will specify what the employer wants, sometimes it won't, sometimes it will be incomplete, sometimes it will be misleading, etc.

 

What does that mean concretely?  It means that you have to use your judgment, do your own research, and read between the lines.  In the real world, nothing will be handed to you on a silver plate.  "Hard work will get you ahead of others."  Guess what, that maxim doesn't only apply once you get a job; it also applies while you are looking for one.

 

The first step in writing a good resume is to reflect.  Don't rush to your computer yet.  Answer these few basic questions:

Once you know what to say, sit down and think of the best way to say it.  Don't stop at the first draft, but work through many.  Once you are done with a draft, let it rest and come back on it a few hours or a day later.  If possible, ask trusted friends or family members to comment on your resume.  

 

Although there are no strict rules on how to write a resume, there are general guidelines that you can follow in order to increase your odds of getting noticed.  There are also some basic mistakes that you should avoid.  We have asked some top resume writing services to provide us with useful resume tips.

 

Remember that the main purpose of a resume is to get you an interview.  Once you get that interview, no matter how impressive your resume looks compared to others, you will be put on an equal footing.  From thereon, the decision to hire you or not will probably be based solely on how you performed at the interview.

 

With that in mind, don't forget that a resume is a promotional tool, so don't be modest.  At the same time, don't lie or exaggerate your skills if you cannot back them up.