Getting that Job: 5 Tips for Resume Writing

The key to finances is having a way to make your money. This post will be the first of a series of posts to help you get that job you've always wanted. First up: resumes!

1. Ensure your contact information is correct. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but when we were hiring for our budget counselor positions, you wouldn't believe how many people forgot to update their emails or addresses. If you've moved in the middle of applying for jobs, it is acceptable to email/phone the company you've applied with to update your address. I moved in the middle of applying here at FSWP. My old address was an hour away. My new one: 15 minutes. Guess who got a call within the week?

2. Write a cover letter. If I get a resume without a cover letter, I'm going to assume that you didn't care enough about the job to send a cover letter. This is your chance to sell yourself and tell me why you'd be the best person for the job. Don't sell yourself short!

3. Check your grammar and spelling! Nothing bothers me more than seeing bad spelling on a cover letter or resume. That's what they invented spell-check for! If you aren't positive that your spelling/grammar is up to par, ask a friend or relative to read over your resume/cover letter.

4. Ensure your resume is complete and accurate. There's nothing like getting a resume that has, and I kid you not, the contact information and one line that only says "Education Specialist." I will throw that one out immediately. If you worked at a company making espresso, and you're applying at a coffee shop, make sure that's on your resume!

5.Give a two-three line description of your job. I had a job as an administrative assistant at one point. That sounds like a secretary to most people, but when you've got a description of what I do, then you know I was a financial manager, too:

2009-2011      Administrative Assistant, [The Company Name], Location

-          Duties included: Donor database management, accounting, human resource management, writing of organizational and unit budgets, administration support for several special events each year. As Assistant to Executive Director, prepared Executive Summaries (budgets) each month and provided a variety of clerical tasks. Highly organized and proficient in entire Microsoft suite, Quickbooks, and familiar with 501c3 documentation and non-profit paperwork.