Resumes are an art form. While it’s easy to think one resume fits all. It doesn’t. Learn the basics of resume writing, how to tailor resumes for ten different career stages, and how to fill in the gaps in work history.

Three Tips To A Winning

“The Way to a Winning Resume - Follow these easy tips, and your CV is sure to impress even the most jaded HR executive” by Douglas MacMillan elaborates on the three fundamentals for resume writers.

1. Focus on Specifics: “Using a generic résumé instead of a targeted résumé is the biggest mistake [job seekers] at all levels make,” says Pat Kendall, a nationally certified résumé write.
2. Stick to One Page: According to Karlene Comiskey, president of Washington executive search firm KDSearch,”Unless you’re Bill Gates, there’s no reason to go over two pages,” Comiskey advises “After that, people just stop reading.”
3. Misspellings Are a No-No: “KDSearch’s Comiskey says forgiving HR people might let you slide with one flaw, but two is an express route to the trash can. The best way to make sure you’ve covered all these grounds: Hand over your résumé to someone you trust and respect for a second opinion.”

While these three tips are self-evident, it’s still worth you to read MacMillan’s article. I also recommending creating resumes specific to the job class you’re pursuing. For example, I had a product marketing resume, a product management resume, and a “middle management” resume. If you’re taking a multi-lateral approach like this, then play to your strengths for each job type, using MacMillan common sense tips.

Winning Strategies for Ten Career Stages

MacMillan offers additional winning resume strategies for ten career stages in his Business Week slide show, “Winning Résumé Strategies - Here are some tips to help you get the interview, regardless of your age or career stage.” This slideshow is invaluable since MacMillan captures the subtle or not-so-subtle differences in job search and resume strategies for each career stage. Below are his ten career stages with recommend resume writing strategies:

1. Total Novice: Strategy - Get the conversation started
2. College Graduate: Strategy - Choose education or experience
3. Young Worker: Strategy - Target the job and tailor your résumé
4. Early-Stage Manager: Strategy - Use keywords
5. Mid-Career Employee: Strategy - Don’t keep them guessing
6. Career Changer: Strategy - Highlight accomplishments rather than job titles
7. C-Level Executive: Strategy - Cross your Ts, Dot your Is
8. Accomplished CEO: Strategy - Edit selectively
9. Seniors Staying Engaged: Strategy - Show you’re up-to-date, not dated
10. Seniors Approaching Retirement: Strategy - Advertise yourself as an expert

Check out the “Winning Résumé Strategies - Here are some tips to help you get the interview, regardless of your age or career stage” slideshow. You’ll find its the perfect resume writing resource for those of you at a specific career stage.

Filling in the Work Gaps in Your Resume

If you’re having problems gaps in  your résumés, then check out Marty Nemko’s video for resume writing advice on how to deal with this issue, proposing a simple solution for the work gap problem.

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