Make Your Resume Sparkle

Whether you’re in the process of earning your degree online or have completed your studies years ago, chances are you intend to use the qualifications earned online to get a job. But, before you put together your resume, make sure you cast your virtual studies in the best light possible. Before faxing your resume to your potential employer, check out these four tips for making your hard earned degree shine:

1. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If it’s not going to come up during your interview or employment, there’s no need to mention that your alma mater was an online institution. Your school may be a superior, accredited university. However, not all interviewers are aware of the advancements in online education and may view online degrees as inferior to degrees earned at traditional schools. Save yourself the hassle of having to prove yourself by not mentioning unnecessary information.

2. Use buzzwords. Using powerful words to accentuate the explanation of your studies can help your resume stand out. Possible words include: certified, developed, fully credentialed, managed, created, awarded, etc. Descriptive words demonstrate your ability to act and get things done.

3. Make note of accreditation. Or don’t. If your school is accredited by one of the commonly accepted regional accreditation boards, then make note of it. If your school isn’t accredited or is accredited by a different organization, it’s probably safer not to mention it at all.

4. Connect your college. If it is necessary for you to note that your degree was earned through the internet (and if the school isn’t accredited), consider showing your school’s connections to other reputable institutions. For example, if UCLA was sponsoring the online program you participated in, you’ll want to make note of it. If Microsoft sends its employees to get certified at your school, let your employer know. Your school’s admissions counselors should have information about your school’s connections that can be used as you put together a resume.




Interviewing Do's and Don'ts

DO be sure of the time, place and name of the interviewer.
DO plan to arrive early (at least 15 minutes). This will give you a cushion against unexpected delays, like traffic jams, and shows reliability and interest.
DO dress neatly and conservatively in a style consistent with the job which you are seeking. Don't be a slob, but don't overdress. For example, an expensive three-piece suit might be just the thing for certain top management sales positions, but if interviewing for a position as a maintenance foreman or a service station manager, the interviewer might assume you have unrealistic expectations about the job. In the latter case, a sport coat, or even a nice windbreaker and slacks might be more appropriate. A lot just depends on local and company standards. If possible, check-out the work place beforehand and see what others in positions similar to the one you are seeking wear on the job--then dress about the same or just a shade better for your interview.
DO bring a pen and pocket notebook (one small enough to stick out-of-sight). First you may be given information to write down, and you won't want to seem unprepared. Second, you'll want to make notes after the interview with an eye to self-improvement, and as a reminder of what you've already said in case you are asked back for a follow-up interview.
DO remember and use the interviewer's name (NOT the first name, unless you are so invited). If the interviewer is a woman use Ms., unless you know beforehand whether she prefers Miss, Mrs. or Ms. Should you run into an interviewer whom you know has a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D., be sure to address him or her as Doctor.
DO offer to shake hands when you meet the interviewer. At the end of the interview, offer to shake hands again. This applies regardless of your sex, or that of the interviewer. However, you may encounter interviewers who are uncomfortable with this new etiquette. In that case, go with what is most comfortable for you.
DON'T sit until the interviewer offers you a chair or seats him/herself first.
DON'T smoke.
DON'T chew gum or tobacco.
DO consider your answers carefully. A thoughtful pause on the "tough" questions is quite permissible, and in fact, will probably make a better impression than if you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.
DO be outwardly oriented. Think of the other person. Interviewers, like everyone else, are concerned first and foremost with their own interests, problems, ambitions and so on. Be sensitive to this and watch for cues to the interviewer's concerns, both professional and personal.
You will also find that some interviewers are themselves inexperienced, or carrying their own heavy burdens of stress. Anything you can do to make the occasion easier or more interesting for them will be a point in your favor. Thinking about the other person will also help to keep you from thinking about and showing your own nervousness.
DO be alert for the intentional introduction of stress factors. Avoid showing insecurity or discouragement, even though you may understandably feel that way. You have nothing to lose by keeping it under control and you may gain a lot. Remember that you are a worthwhile person, however the interview comes out.
DO ask questions: About the company, the department, the job itself and tasks involved. Asking intelligent questions will probably require some research (there's that word again!). Show your interest and knowledge. Find out what will be expected of you on the job and tailor your answers and comments accordingly. To start describing all your skills, strengths, and accomplishments without knowing what the employer is looking for is like sailing full-speed-ahead without a rudder or compass.
DON'T brag about who you know (important connections, etc.)
DO bring your sense of humor along.


Interview Questions

During the interview it is crucial to pay careful attention to the questions. Remember, not every employer knows his/her role as an interviewer, or is comfortable with it. Some questions may have several interpretations. If this occurs while you are interviewed, state what you think the interviewer asked or ask for more specific information before responding. For some questions, you may need a few seconds to think about your response before answering.
The following are questions from the Northwestern Endicott Report which may be asked during an interview:



  • What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • How would you describe yourself?
  • How do you think a friend, employee or work partner, who knows you well would describe you?
  • What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her?
  • Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
  • How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies?
  • Why do you think you would like this particular job?
  • Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
  • What have you learned form some of the jobs you have held?
Additional questions from Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed by H. Anthony Medley include the following:
  • Tell me about your present job.
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • How many hours a day do you think a person should spend on his/her job?
  • What is unique about yourself?
  • Do you have any questions?
  • What have you done that indicates that you are qualified for this job?
Other examples of interview questions include:
  • What do you like best about your job?
  • What do you like least about your job?
  • For what type of supervisor do you work best?
  • What is important to you in your work?
  • How do you handle pressure on the job?
  • What type of activities outside work did you do that you can use on the job?
  • What are your long range and short range goals?
  • What do you really want to do with your life?
  • What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in our organization?
  • What are your skills?
  • In what ways can you make a contribution to our organization?
  • What are your greatest accomplishments?
  • What do you know about our organization?
  • What qualities make a good manager?
  • How do you feel about overtime?
  • What salary do you expect?
  • Do you like to work with people? Have you had to supervise employees?
  • Are you willing to travel or relocate?
Behavioral Interviewing
Most interviews include behaviorial questions. Be prepared.

What is it?

Behavioral interviewing is a technique used by employers in which the questions asked assist the employer in making predictions about a potential employee's future success based on actual past behaviors, instead of based on responses to hypothetical questions.
In behavior-based interviews, you are asked to give specific examples of when you demonstrated particular behaviors or skills.
General answers about behavior are not what the employer is looking for. You must describe in detail a particular event, project, or experience and you dealt with the situation, and what the outcome was.
Examples of behavioral interview questions:
  • Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping skills. What did you do?
  • Give an example of a time when you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.
  • Give me an example of an important goal you had to set and tell me about your progress in reaching that goal.
  • Describe the most creative work-related project you have completed.
  • Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it.
  • Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.
  • Give me an example of when you had to show good leadership.
Responding well to these types of questions:
Be specific, not general or vague. Don't describe how you would behave. Describe how you did actually behave. If you later decided you should have behaved differently, explain this. The employer will see that you learned something from experience.

Identify your skills and recognize their value

Tell me about yourself.
That is usually one of the first things that an employer will say in an interview. What he/she is really asking is what qualifies you for this position. Your response will set the tone for the rest of the interview, so your best bet is to prepare your answer in advance.

Think of your answer as a 60-second commercial in which you sell yourself. Know the job description for the position you are going for and tailor your comments to match. Your script may vary slightly depending on the position, but the foundation will always be based on your skills.

Assess yourself.
The first step in composing your commercial is self-assessment. To get started, it may help to review your resume. Look at the jobs that you have held and decide what skills you used for each.

Make a list of at least ten of your strengths and skills. Use active words that reflect what you have done. Include both job specific skills, such as your ability to use a computer, and your "soft" skills, such as your ability to organize or your attention to detail.

Evaluate how each of your skills will be useful to the position you are seeking. Decide which seem most relevant. Write them down. These will be the basis of your commercial.

Compose your message.
Now, you are ready to put your commercial together. It will help to write down exactly what you want to say, so that you can practice and be sure not to miss any major points.

Start with a brief introduction of yourself. Include your name and your usual line of work. Then, state what position you are seeking. This part may vary depending on the interview. Next, you will get into your skills. Start with your job skills and work into your "soft" skills.

Sell your experience.
Employers are interested in what you have done. Use action words to tell them. They are clear, concise and direct – all strengths that impress employers in an interview. Strong words include:

achieved composed drafted interpreted obtained produced
administered constructed established launched operated provided
analyzed coordinated expanded maintained organized reorganized
assembled created generated managed originated reported
budgeted demonstrated implemented motivated oversaw researched
collaborated developed improved negotiated performed resolved

Know the value of your skills.
Salary negotiation usually won't be an issue until a job offer has been made. However, it is important that you know the standard pay range for the position you are seeking. Consider where you fit in that range based on your skills. When the time comes to discuss salary, present your case. You may say something like "With the education and experience I bring, I would expect to start at the higher end of that scale."

Remember, your skills and experience are the basis of your negotiations. The employer is not interested in your personal finances or the number of children you are trying to support. It’s not about what you "need", but about what your skills are worth and why.

Commonly Asked Questions

Most employers ask similar questions in an interview. Be prepared. Putting your answers together before the interview will help you to stay focused and to feel more comfortable. When formulating your answers, remember to focus on how your skills and experience make you the best person for the job.
Common questions include:

*What do you consider to be your major strengths?

*What do you consider to be your major weaknesses?

*Why do you want to work for this company?

*What are your short-term goals?

*Where do you see yourself in five years?

*What did you like most about your last job?

*What did you like least about your last job?

*How would your coworkers describe you?

*How do you manage multiple tasks/projects? Please give an example.

*How do you deal with stress and/or deadlines? Please give an example.

*Do you prefer to work independently or within a team?

*Why should I hire you?

Saran-Saran Menghadapi Wawancara

Bagi Anda pencari kerja yang dipanggil untuk menjalani wawancara kerja, sebaiknya Anda memperhatikan beberapa saran di bawah ini.
  • Pastikan anda sudah tahu tempat wawancara
  • Jika tidak diberitahu terlebih dahulu jenis pakaian apa yang harus dipakai, maka gunakan pakaian yang bersifat formal, bersih dan rapi.
  • Mempersiapkan diri menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan yang mungkin akan diajukan pewawancara.
  • Usahakan untuk tiba sepuluh menit lebih awal, jika terpaksa terlambat karena ada gangguan di perjalanan segera beritahu perusahaan (pewawancara).
  • Sapa satpam atau resepsionis yang anda temui dengan ramah.
  • Jika harus mengisi formulir, isilah dengan lengkap dan rapi.
  • Ucapkan salam (selamat pagi / siang / sore) kepada para pewawancara dan jika harus berjabat.
  • tangan, jabatlah dengan erat (tidak terlalu keras namun tidak lemas).
  • Tetaplah berdiri sampai anda dipersilakan untuk duduk. Duduk dengan posisi yang tegak dan seimbang.
  • Persiapkan surat lamaran dan CV anda.
  • Ingat dengan baik nama pewawancara.
  • Lakukan kontak mata dengan pewawancara.
  • Tetap fokus pada pertanyaan yang diajukan pewawancara.
  • Tunjukkan antusiasme dan ketertarikan anda pada jabatan yang dilamar dan pada perusahaan.
  • Gunakan bahasa formal, bukan prokem atau bahasa gaul; kecuali anda diwawancarai untuk mampu menggunakan bahasa tersebut.
  • Tampilkan hal-hal positif yang pernah anda raih.
  • Tunjukkan energi dan rasa percaya diri yang tinggi.
  • Tunjukkan apa yang bisa anda perbuat untuk perusahaan bukan apa yang bisa diberikan oleh perusahaan kepada anda.
  • Jelaskan serinci mungkin hal-hal yang ditanyakan oleh pewawancara.
  • Ajukan beberapa pertanyaan bermutu diseputar pekerjaan anda dan bisnis perusahaan secara umum.
  • Berbicara dengan cukup keras sehingga suara jelas terdengar oleh pewawancara.
  • Akhiri wawancara dengan menanyakan apa yang harus anda lakukan selanjutnya.
  • Ucapkan banyak terima kasih kepada pewawancara atas waktu dan kesempatan yang diberikan kepada anda.

Difficult Interview Questions

You think the interview is going well. You knew the meeting location ahead of time, and you arrived ten minutes early. You are dressed sharp and your teeth are clean. You came prepared in every way...

You have three copies of your CV, a few business cards, two pens and a note pad. You turned off your mobile phone. You managed to find out before the interview that your interviewer held the position for which you are now applying and that you were in choir at the same college. You know the company's mission statement and have a sense of their structure. Your interviewer nodded and smiled when you spoke about your previous accomplishments and your management style. You seem to have connected with the company culture.

Your reflection, research, and practice have served you so well that you wonder whether you should become a professional interviewee rather than a Financial Planner. Then the interviewer lifts her head from her notes and, pen in hand, asks: what are your weaknesses?
You have two options: you can squirm and stammer through a response you develop on the fly, or you can look your interviewer in the eye and provide a thoughtful response that still helps you present yourself strongly. When asked difficult questions, you feel instinctively that they are probing and that you are under great scrutiny. As you prepare responses before the interview, consider what information the questions seek: are there ways in which you would be a liability to the company? If the company invests in you, what kinds of things would it need to overcome? Are you the kind of person who can deal with things when they get rough, or are you pure gloss?
In answering sensitive questions, make sure that your answers are honest, but reassuring. Use tact and choose your words carefully so that you show respect for other people in your responses. You should usually use understatement in your reply to sensitive questions. When people hear something bad, they tend to focus on it in a way that is out of proportion to its significance in everyday life. If you say that you are not always organized, the interviewer could imagine your desk with papers strewn everywhere and deadlines missed. But in reality your conception of disorganization might look a lot like the interviewer's conception of organization. In addition, most of the interviewer's questions could be answered honestly in a variety of ways. You want to choose the version of the truth that is most appealing and sensitive--the version that helps support your main message.
Examples:

What are your weaknesses?

Overemphasized: I am not a good manager.
Avoidant: I always get my work done on time. When other people drop the ball, sometimes I get frustrated with them.
Effective: I prioritize continual growth and improvement. An area on which I would like to focus is managing others who have different expectations from me. What needs to be done in order to complete responsibilities is intuitive for me, so I am learning how to give better direction to others who are not self-motivated.

Why did you leave your last job?

Vague and negative: Law always interested me, and I was looking for a new challenge. I thought it would be a good time to go to law school. Besides, I had gotten frustrated with the lack of support I felt at work.
Dangerous: In the end, my manager and I could not get along. He was driving me crazy and I needed to leave.
Effective: As I succeeded in financial analysis, I became increasingly interested in broader issues of managing money. I wanted to understand how legal regulations and individuals' goals affect decisions about how to manage money. When I gained entrance to my top choice in law school, I seized the opportunity to infuse my financial training with legal knowledge.

How do you deal with criticism?

Disrespectful: When I remember the source, I usually realize that the other person is in no position to criticize me.
Unbelievable: Criticism does not bother me at all.
Effective: Criticism is vital to my continued growth, and I welcome constructive criticism that helps a team operate better together or produce better results. It is important to me to understand where my critic is coming from so that I know how to apply the feedback.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Dismissive: Living in a boat off the coast of Bermuda.
Exploitative: I hope to have gained enough skills here to start my own company.
Scattered: In ten years, I imagine that I will want a change of scene. One of my long-term interests has been ecological protection, and I can see myself working as a spokesman for a lobbyist organization. First, though, I need to make some money and I want to contribute to your company.
Effective: In ten years, I endeavor to have refined my strategic and client relations skills. I intend to be a leading expert in estate planning. After having proven myself as a senior manager, I hope to help shape the strategic direction of estate planning services. I could do this in any number of official roles. The important thing is that I will continue contributing my abilities in a challenging and rewarding environment.

How do you deal with authority?

Concerning: I think it is important to question authority from time to time.
Frightening: In my last job, there was a time when my boss made a financial decision that I knew would be abysmal. I went directly to his superior to explain the problem. His superior agreed that I was right, and my boss had to alter his plan.
Effective: Respect is very important to me. As an employee, I try to respect my boss not only by following her guidance, but also by seeking her guidance. When a trusting relationship is formed, I have often found that my bosses have appreciated concerns or options that I raised to them. They know that I support them, and I know that they respect me.

What do you think of your previous manager?

Evasive: She did her job fine. She was a pretty nice person.
Disrespectful: She knew her stuff, but she did not give my colleagues or me any real guidance. It is like we were fending for ourselves. She rarely stood up for us either. I do not really think she should be a manager.
Effective: My previous manager had excellent technical skills and was very agreeable as a colleague. I would have liked more support from her at times, but her hands-off style meant that I had to become resourceful in problem solving and negotiating with colleagues.

What is the riskiest thing you have ever done?

Too much information: My wife and I conceived our first child in front of the police department.
Dangerous judgment: I play chicken with trains.
Effective: The greatest calculated risk that I have taken was to launch my own internet company. My idea was solid, but I knew the market was volatile. Even though the venture ended, my investment of time and money paid off in terms of the skills, perspectives, and contacts that I made through the process. I feel like I matured-rather than aged-ten years during that time.

Persiapan Menghadapi Wawancara

Wawancara adalah bagian dari proses penerimaan karyawan yang sering kali membuat banyak orang merasa ketar-ketir. Berbeda dengan proses lainnya misalnya psikotes atau tes keterampilan yang mungkin masih bisa ditebak, wawancara sama sekali tidak terduga, baik mengenai karakter pewawancara maupun pertanyaan yang akan diajukan.


Satu hal yang pasti, proses wawancara mempunyai tujuan tertentu. Bisa saja dimaksudkan untuk lebih mengetahui keterampilan teknis yang dimiliki pelamar, mengetahui kepribadian pelamar, atau sekadar mengetahui kemampuan pelamar menangani berbagai situasi yang berbeda.
Wawancara biasanya dilakukan untuk melengkapi hasil tes tertulis. Hal-hal yang tidak mungkin diperoleh dari tes tertulis akan digali melalui proses wawancara. Dalam hal ini, Anda dituntut untuk benar-benar menguasai bidang pekerjaan yang Anda lamar, sehingga pertanyaan apa pun yang diajukan dapat dijawab dengan memuaskan. Meski sama-sama menguji pengetahuan, namun wawancara sedikit lebih sulit karena Anda harus mampu mengungkapkan pengetahuan tersebut secara verbal.
Sering kali Anda mungkin paham seratus persen materi yang akan ditanyakan. Namun karena Anda gugup, kurang percaya diri, dan tanpa persiapan, semua pengetahuan Anda mendadak buyar. Tidak ada cara lain untuk dapat menguasai kemampuan verbal ini kecuali melatihnya terus-menerus. Berlatihlah dengan seorang rekan untuk mengantisipasi semua kemungkinan pertanyaan yang akan dilontarkan pewawancara.
Wawancara Tak Terduga
Menghadapi wawancara mengenai bidang kerja, mungkin tidak terlalu menyulitkan. Yang sukar jika "topik" wawancara sama sekali tidak jelas dan tak terduga. Hal ini kerap dilakukan untuk mengetahui kepribadian si pelamar.
Kerap kali, jika Anda telah sampai pada tahap wawancara sebenarnya secara kualitas Anda telah memenuhi persyaratan untuk diterima di perusahaan tersebut. Tinggal lagi persoalan cocok-tidak cocok. Dan tidak ada jalan lain untuk menentukan hal ini selain berinteraksi langsung melalui wawancara. Repotnya, tidak ada standar mengenai wawancara "cocok-cocokan" ini, karena sangat tergantung perusahaan masing-masing. Apa yang bisa Anda lakukan ialah membuka mata dan telinga lebar-lebar, mencari informasi sebanyak-banyaknya mengenai kebiasaan di perusahaan tersebut. Tidak ada salahnya Anda bertanya kepada resepsionis, satpam, atau tukang parkir sekalipun untuk mengetahui kebiasaan-kebiasaan di tempat tersebut.
Namun, beberapa hal prinsip yang dapat Anda pegang, pewawancara mana pun kurang menyukai orang yang terlalu tertutup. Usahakan memberikan informasi sejelas-jelasnya mengenai apa yang ditanyakan oleh pewawancara. Jangan pasif, sebaiknya usahakan aktif memberi informasi. Jangan mengesankan Anda menyembunyikan sesuatu, namun Anda juga jangan terlalu berlebihan dan menyampaikan hal-hal yang tidak relevan. Tetaplah tenang dan mengatakan yang sebenarnya.
Ada juga tipe pewawancara yang "telah kehabisan ide", yang mencoba-coba memberikan pertanyaan yang terkesan menyelidik, misalnya "jika Anda sebuah pohon, Anda ingin jadi pohon apa?" atau : jika Anda adalah seorang atlet terkenal, kira-kira menjadi siapakah gerangan Anda?" Terhadap pertanyaan begini, berikan jawaban yang panjang-lebar dan pastikan bahwa pewawancara akan merasa bosan sehingga ia akan segera menghentikan pertanyaannya. Namun ingat, usahakan jawaban Anda selalu mengindikasikan karakter yang kuat, ulet, dan bersemangat, karena perusahaan mana pun selalu menyukai orang demikian.
Berbagai Kondisi
Ada kalanya wawancara juga dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui kemampuan Anda menghadapi dan menangani berbagai situasi. Untuk yang jenis ini Anda mungkin menghadapi pewawancara yang akan mendiamkan Anda begitu saja selama 5-10 menit sebelum memulai percakapan. Mungkin juga ia akan berpura-pura tidak peduli dan membaca koran ketika Anda masuk, atau ia akan mengajukan bantahan-bantahan yang tidak masuk akal terhadap setiap jawaban Anda, atau mengajukan pertanyaan-pertanyaan konyol tentang keluarga Anda, dan banyak trik lain.
Menghadapi kondisi begini, prinsip utama yang harus Anda pegang adalah Anda benar-benar menginginkan pekerjaan tersebut, sehingga apa pun yang terjadi Anda akan menghadapinya dengan baik. Jika Anda dicuekin, tetaplah bersikap sopan. Katakan "Saya tertarik dengan pekerjaan ini dan bermaksud menjelaskan kepada Bapak/Ibu mengapa Anda harus mempertimbangkan saya untuk posisi ini."
Jangan sampai terpengaruh dengan sikap pewawancara yang mungkin tampak aneh. Usahakan tetap tenang dan berpikir positif. Tanamkan dalam benak Anda bahwa hal ini hanyalah bagian dari proses yang wajar sehingga Anda tidak perlu merasa sakit hati atau kecewa. Nah, selamat menghadapi wawancara.


Beberapa Saran dalam Membuat Resume

Sumber: Milis Persiapan Seleksi
Bagi anda pencari kerja yang mungkin mengalami masalah dalam membuat resume, perhatikan beberapa saran berikut ini:
Nama dan Uraian Jabatan
Tulis nama jabatan anda dan lengkapi dengan penjelasan tentang aktivitas-aktivitas harian Anda. Usahakan untuk menuliskan aktivitas-aktivitas yang dapat diukur. Ingat: Anda harus dapat memberitahu pembaca tentang apa persisnya pekerjaan yang telah Anda lakukan.



Tanggal dan Tempat
Tulislah riwayat pendidikan dan pekerjaan anda secara tepat. Misalnya: kapan anda diterima bekerja dan kapan anda keluar dari perusahaan X, kapan anda menjabat sebagai .... atau kapan anda pindah kerja dari kantor pusat ke kantor cabang.
Ingat: Jangan membuat pembaca menebak-nebak kapan anda bekerja dan untuk berapa lama.

Rinci
Jelaskan kata-kata atau istilah-istilah teknikal/khusus yang mungkin ada dalam resume anda sedetil mungkin.

Proporsional
Tuliskan pekerjaan atau pendidikan sesuai dengan kepentingan si pembaca dan buatlah secara proporsional.
Contoh: Jika anda melamar sebagai Marketing Manager hendaklah anda tidak menulis hanya satu paragraph mengenai pekerjaan anda sebagai Sales Manager dan tiga paragraph lainnya tentang kegiatan anda sebagai Trainer.

Relevansi
Tuliskan hanya hal-hal yang relevan dengan tuntutan pekerjaan yang anda lamar.
Contoh: Tidak perlu menuliskan pengalaman berorganisasi anda selama kuliah meskipun anda menjabat sebagai ketua Senat Mahasiswa selama beberapa periode, jika pekerjaan yang anda lamar tidak berhubungan dengan kemampuan organisasi atau leadership.

Eksplisit
Jangan membuat resume yang membuat pembaca berimajinasi.
Contoh: jangan berasumsi bahwa pembaca tahu bahwa anda tamatan Unika Atma Jaya Jakarta, atau Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. Jika anda tidak menuliskan nama kota bisa jadi pembaca menganggap anda tamatan dari kota lain.

Panjang
Pada umumnya resume hanya terdiri dari 2 (dua) halaman. Namun jika memang riwayat karir dan pendidikan yang anda rasa sangat penting untuk ditampilkan menuntut anda untuk memperpanjang, maka 3 (tiga) halaman resume masih dapat diterima.

Tanda Baca, Ejaan, dan Tata Bahasa
Tidaklah dibenarkan jika dalam resume terjadi kesalahan-kesalahan menyangkut tanda baca, ejaan maupun tata bahasa. Jika anda menulis resume dalam bahasa Inggris, cobalah minta untuk direview oleh teman/kerabat yang menguasai bahasa tersebut, jika memang anda belum yakin.

Mudah Dibaca
Resume yang dibuat secara kacau balau menggambarkan pikiran yang tidak jernih dan ketidakmampuan penulis dalam menuangkan isi hatinya. Oleh karena itu sangat penting membuat resume yang mudah dibaca, tidak terpisah-pisah dan logis.

Penampilan
Pilihlah format terbaik yang dapat anda tampilkan untuk membuat resume, termasuk disini adalah pemilihan jenis huruf, kertas yang digunakan serta paduan warna (jika menggunakan printer warna).

Untuk lebih meyakinkan pembaca, Anda dapat memberikan penekanan pada beberapa aspek tertentu dari latarbelakang Anda yang relevan dengan pekerjaan dalam rangka memberikan pemahaman kepada pengusaha tentang nilai-nilai potensial anda yang akan berguna bagi si pengusaha atau perusahaannya.

Hati-Hati Menuliskan Hal-Hal Berikut Dalam Resume

Sumber: Milis Persiapan Seleksi
Dalam membuat resume pelamar perlu berhati-hati dalam mencantumkan atau menuliskan hal-hal sebagai berikut:
Riwayat Gaji
Riwayat gaji adalah gaji yang pernah diterima dan yang diharapkan. Dalam hal pencantuman jumlah gaji yang diterima dan yang diharapkan, pelamar harus sangat berhati-hati dalam memutuskan perlu tidaknya mencantumkan hal tersebut dalam resume. Untuk itu pelamar dituntut kejeliannya dalam melihat iklan lowongan kerja atau informasi tentang lowongan kerja tersebut.
Pada lowongan kerja yang sudah mencantumkan dengan jelas berapa gaji yang akan diterima pertahun atau per bulan, sebaiknya pelamar tidak perlu membuat riwayat gaji dalam resume yang dibuatnya. Hal itu tentu saja akan sangat berbeda jika di dalam iklan memang mengharuskan pelamar untuk mencantumkan riwayat gaji dan besarnya gaji yang diharapkan.

Referensi
Dalam hal pencantuman nama orang yang akan dijadikan referensi, pelamar harus benar-benar yakin bahwa orang tersebut benar-benar mengetahui diri si pelamar dan memiliki pengaruh positif bagi perusahaan yang dilamar. Artinya pelamar tidak boleh asal menyebutkan nama orang sebagai referensi seperti mantan atasan atau dosen. Daripada memaksakan diri untuk menyebut nama- nama orang sebagai referensi, pelamar cukup menuliskan: "Referensi: akan diberikan jika diminta".

Dokumen Pendukung
Meskipun tidak ada keharusan bagi pelamar untuk menyertakan dokumen atau bukti-bukti tentang hal-hal yang dituliskan dalam resume, seperti ijazah, transkrip nilai, sertifikat atau penghargaan, dll, namun mengingat kondisi di Indonesia maka sebaiknya pelamar menyertakan dokumen pendukung tersebut dalam bentuk photocopy. Hal ini penting untuk meyakinkan pembaca bahwa anda benar-benar menulis resume berdasarkan fakta yang ada.
Ingat: "Jangan sampai dokumen pendukung tersebut menjadi terlalu banyak". Untuk itu anda harus menyeleksi/mensortir dokumen mana yang paling pantas dan relevan untuk dilampirkan.
Contoh: Jika anda pernah mengikuti kursus komputer beberapa kali, tidak perlu semua sertifikat dari setiap kursus tersebut anda lampirkan, tetapi cukup salah satu yang paling tinggi tingkatannya.

Informasi Pribadi
Pelamar sebaiknya berhati-hati menuliskan hal-hal yang bersifat pribadi. Beberapa hal yang umumnya boleh dituliskan adalah status perkawinan, jumlah anak, kepemilikan kendaraan, kesediaan untuk di relokasi atau melakukan travelling ke luar kota / luar negeri. Di luar hal-hal tersebut pelamar harus benar-benar yakin bahwa informasi pribadi yang ditulisnya akan relevan dengan pekerjaan yang dilamar, jika tidak sebaiknya jangan menulis informasi pribadi tersebut.

Para pembaca yang budiman, apapun pilihan karir anda pastikan untuk membuat resume atau pun CV secara maksimal. Bila memang anda merasa belum yakin dengan apa yang telah anda buat selama ini, cobalah buat sekali lagi dan bila perlu minta orang lain untuk menilai resume atau CV anda tersebut. Selamat mencoba! Semoga anda cepat memperoleh pekerjaan yang diinginkan.

Aspek-Aspek Yang Ditonjolkan Dalam Resume

Sumber: Milis Persiapan Seleksi
Untuk lebih meyakinkan pembaca, Anda dapat memberikan penekanan pada beberapa aspek tertentu dari latarbelakang Anda yang relevan dengan pekerjaan dalam rangka memberikan pemahaman kepada pengusaha tentang nilai-nilai potensial anda yang akan berguna bagi si pengusaha atau perusahaannya. Adapun aspek-aspek yang dapat anda tonjolkan adalah:



Penghargaan atau Reward
Tuliskan yang sesuai dengan posisi yang Anda lamar.
Contoh: jika anda melamar sebagai IT Manager, pihak perusahaan (recruiter) tentu ingin tahu kemampuan anda di bidang teknik dan bagaimana kemampuan tersebut dibandingkan dengan rekan-rekan yang lain. Jika anda pernah menerima penghargaan di bidang tersebut, tuliskanlah! Dengan demikian perusahaan akan tahu dimana tingkatan kemampuan anda.

Prestasi Akademik
Tuliskan gelar dan prestasi akademik yang anda raih sertakan juga judul Tugas Akhir/Skripsi/Thesis/Disertasi.

Kemampuan Tambahan
Kemampuan tambahan dapat berupa kemampuan mengoperasikan program komputer atau pelatihan-pelatihan khusus yang pernah diikuti.

Keanggotaan dalam organisasi Professional
Jika anda terlibat dalam organisasi professional seperti Assiosiasi Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia (PSDM), Ikatan Akuntan Indonesia (AAI), dll yang berguna bagi pembaca, jangan segan untuk menuliskannya.

Indikator Kesuksesan
Anda dapat menuliskan berbagai indikator kesuksesan yang pernah anda peroleh.
Contoh: beasiswa karena kecerdasan anda, dikirim training ke luar negeri karena keberhasilan anda dalam perusahaan, keberhasilan anda menekan biaya operasional di divisi anda, dll.

Pengalaman yang Berhubungan dengan Pekerjaan
Tuliskan semua pengalaman yang pernah anda alami sesuai dengan tuntutan pekerjaan yang anda lamar.
Contoh: jika pekerjaan yang anda lamar menuntut anda untuk sering melakukan traveling keluar negeri, pastikan pembaca tahu bahwa anda mahir berbahasa Inggris.