Write a short summary using do's and don'ts notes
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DO sum it up: It is a summary after all, not an essay on yourself. Some people tend to go overboard by trying to fit all their accomplishments into their summary but it is advisable to keep it 3-5 lines. Focus on your key selling features (which could be degrees, certifications, awards, challenges you’ve faced and actions you took to successfully overcome them). Try not to go overboard even if you’re very awesome and you feel 3-5 lines will not do your awesomeness any justice. Your summary shouldn’t occupy half of a page. You might think that it shows that you’re extremely qualified for the position you’re applying for but it really just shows one thing: that you’re incapable of summarizing something.
DON’T sell yourself short: Perhaps while trying to follow rule 1., you decided to omit useful selling points and ended up selling yourself short. Remember, it’s like a commercial of yourself and in that moment, you have to include what will increase your market value the most. This is your chance to impress a hiring employer so think of what you excel at in regards to the position you’re applying for. You’re applying for the position of a computer programmer and you own a successful app, put it there. However, remember not to take up too much space in the process of trying not to sell yourself short.
DO add creativity to your work: Don’t sound like a stiff robot. “A hardworking qualified candidate capable of working under pressure and delivering effectively” sounds like something a computer was programmed to say. Add flavor to your summary and by flavor, be specific. Tell them exactly what you can do that will make them think “I absolutely must hire this person”.
DON’T throw in unnecessary information: If it doesn’t concern the position you’re applying for, it has no business being in your summary. Imagine a 30 second car commercial where all they do is show a lady apply a cream to her hair and then, her hair becomes silky. The hair cream is good and effective but what business does it have in a car commercial? So you won Miss Nigeria in 2016, good for you but you really don’t have to put that in the summary of your resume which you’re submitting to apply for the job of a software engineer
DON’T sell yourself short: Perhaps while trying to follow rule 1., you decided to omit useful selling points and ended up selling yourself short. Remember, it’s like a commercial of yourself and in that moment, you have to include what will increase your market value the most. This is your chance to impress a hiring employer so think of what you excel at in regards to the position you’re applying for. You’re applying for the position of a computer programmer and you own a successful app, put it there. However, remember not to take up too much space in the process of trying not to sell yourself short.
DO add creativity to your work: Don’t sound like a stiff robot. “A hardworking qualified candidate capable of working under pressure and delivering effectively” sounds like something a computer was programmed to say. Add flavor to your summary and by flavor, be specific. Tell them exactly what you can do that will make them think “I absolutely must hire this person”.
DON’T throw in unnecessary information: If it doesn’t concern the position you’re applying for, it has no business being in your summary. Imagine a 30 second car commercial where all they do is show a lady apply a cream to her hair and then, her hair becomes silky. The hair cream is good and effective but what business does it have in a car commercial? So you won Miss Nigeria in 2016, good for you but you really don’t have to put that in the summary of your resume which you’re submitting to apply for the job of a software engineer
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