Writing A Winning Résumé

Writing a résumé that gets you an interview can be one of the most challenging parts of a job search.

Kevin Donlin, author and creator of thesimplejobsearch.com, shares these tips for writing a winning résumé.

Use A Time-tested Format

"Résumés should be two pages maximum," advises Donlin. "And the most critical information must appear at the top of page one." Don't go any smaller than 11-point type and keep your formatting clear and easy to read.

Winning résumés should have these components:

When it comes to describing your experience on your résumé, Donlin tells clients to list quantifiable achievements for every job. "The more numbers and dollar figures in your résumé, the better. They attract attention," says Donlin.

Present yourself as a sound investment. "If they don't feel you're a fit for this job, they could still create a position for you. Employers want assets on the job, not liabilities, and they certainly don't want the competition to hire someone who's that good."

One of Donlin's time-tested secrets for creating a winning résumé is to use testimonials. Find two to three powerful quotes from past clients or managers in your letters, e-mails or performance reviews and include them in your "Profile and Experience" sections. "What other people say is 10 times more believable than what you say about yourself. Testimonials sell," says Donlin.

Don't Share Too Much

While sharing some personal information is fine, it should be done carefully. Your interests, volunteer efforts and memberships say a lot about your character, but you should avoid religion and politics unless they directly affect your job.

Write A Convincing Cover Letter

"Never write a cover letter as an afterthought," advises Donlin. "Your cover letter can introduce your résumé so effectively that the hiring manager will call you before he or she reads anything else." One surprising way to make this happen is to use a postscript for your letter. Donlin strongly suggests something along these lines: "P.S. If you don't have a need right now, please pass my résumé on to someone who needs to produce $1.2 million in annual revenue as I have over the last three years." It's intriguing and it could move you to the top of the interviewing list.

Kelly Burkart is a Twin Cities-based freelance writer.