Resume Writing and Review

The resume’s purpose is to get you an interview. Recruiters will tell you that employers usually spend about thirty seconds on most resumes while thinning the stack. Therefore, it is critical to make your resume stand out. Use these tips to ensure your resume gets where it needs to go, optimizing your chances of getting an interview.

Resume/CV Guidelines

• Use quality white, ivory or light tan paper for printed resumes.
• Make it easy to read by including bullet points.
• Be brief. One page for a recent graduate is sufficient. Experienced job seekers should limit resumes to two pages.
• Don’t lie on your resume.
• Proofread. Errors show a lack of attention to detail and genuine interest in the position.
• Promote yourself. Your resume has to sell you. Write using action words and be factual with concrete details.
• Have references ready, but printed on a separate sheet of paper and only provide them if asked.

Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)

Today, large employers use applicant tracking software (ATS) programs for initial applicant screenings. ATS allows employers and recruiters to screen, rank, and filter resumes/CVs, making it useful for finding matches between openings and applicants. Employers use ATS programs to maintain a database of applicant and job information. Here are some tips to make sure your resume isn’t blocked by an ATS:

• Make sure keywords and bulleted qualifications and achievements replicate those in the job posting.
• Do not sure abbreviations such as "Mgr" instead of "Manager". It’s unlikely that the ATS has been programmed with a list of abbreviations to stand in for keywords.
• Avoid misspellings.
• If the ATS offers options, opt for uploading your resume instead of cutting and pasting it into text boxes.
• Do not include graphics or logos on a resume.
• If you’re being referred by an employee, make sure the ATS knows it, because it’s "smart" enough to recognize it and will rate your resume higher.

Tips for an Effective Resume/CV

• Provide employment summary details. Sort your previous positions by date, starting with your most recent employer.
• Gaps in employment longer than 30 days should be covered. You’ll be more likely to impress an employer if you can show that you used the time between jobs to acquire new skills or additional qualifications.
• If you have served in the military, include this experience. Military personnel offer a great deal of experience and dedication to prospective NDT employers.
• Provide the record of your college, technical school, and/or certificate history.
• Include all your necessary skills and background information. Be specific as possible. Provide full names when listing NDT methods, applications, and equipment used.
• Wherever possible, provide metrics used to illustrate having met goals and desired performance objectives.
• If you received honors and/or recognition that demonstrate skills or talents relevant to the position, include those on your resume.