Recently, I posted an article about five things that any resume must not have. Now, I shall talk about five things that every resume should have. Again, I am quoting from the 22 February 2009 issue of Sunday Times (Singapore).

These are the items that make a resume powerful:

1. Clearly spelt out career objective.

You should write briefly about the career goals you have. That would help your prospective employer zero in on the jobs or area of responsibility that are most relevant and in line with your goals.

2. A clear summary of your career so far.

Nothing irritates and employer more than having to figure out what job came first in your resume. Also he or she would not want to figure out what are your strengths or weaknesses. You should list all these on your resume.

3. Focus on your achievements.

Instead of telling your interviewer what your job entails tells him or her how well you have been assessed to do it. In other words, talk about your achievements.

4. Don’t write your resume in the passive, clinical way.

Instead of being passive write in an active manner. A statement like ‘ I was part of a group which conducted thorough research” it would come across better if you wrote,” I took charge of designing the penetrative questionnaire for the research team.”

An active voice shows you are in command.

5. Well organized resume.

Your work experience and academic qualifications must be chronologically arranged. This is to enable the interviewer to see your progress in education as well as in the work-place.