Have you ever submitted a resume or CV to an employer and not received a call for an interview?

It’s frustrating and leaves you wondering what you did wrong.

Remember that your resume/CV and cover letter are the first things that an employer will see - they are the first impression your potential employer has of you, so make them good.

Here are 10 top tips on writing a resume or CV. Follow these simple guidelines and you will improve your chances of getting a call inviting you to an interview.

Tips For Writing A Resume Or CV

• Upon first glance is the resume or CV easy to read?
• Always use BLACK ink to print a resume.
• Use a standard font such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• The font size should be no smaller than 10, but no larger than 12

• Use a good quality resume paper for your resume.
• Do not use your typical white paper. A good color choice in paper would be a light off-white or cream paper
• Run spell-check and correct any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors! Have someone else read your resume if you do not have spell-check.

• State previous job history in chronological order starting with most recent job first.
• State Company name.
• State your title.
• State length of employment.
• State responsibilities or duties.
• If there are any large gaps in between jobs, explain them.
• Concentrate on skills and achievement relevant to the position you are applying for.

• Does your resume objective sell you? A good resume objective should state:
• The job you’re applying for.
• Why you’re the best candidate.
• What you can bring to the company.

• Keep your resume as short as possible.
• If possible keep it to one page but not more than two pages.
• You can make a statement that further information is available upon request or refer to an appendix for less relevant information.

• Be honest.
• Do not profess skills you do not have.
• Do not exaggerate lengths of employment to cover up gaps.

• Make sure it’s relevant.
• Tailor your resume or CV to each job you’re applying for. Employers like to see you have singled their job out particularly.

• Make sure to follow instructions.
• If an employer requests a resume via regular mail, email, faxed, etc. submit your resume as requested.

• In your cover letter make sure you make mention of the specific job you are submitting a resume for.
• Keep your cover letter short and to the point.
• State the position for which you are applying for and where you saw it.
• Make a statement such as "I have" such and such experience.
• Make a statement such as "I can" do such and such for your company.
• Make a statement such as "I am" looking for a position that …
• Make a closing statement thanking the employer for their time and saying you look forward to hearing from them.