I’m happy to announce that for FIVE days beginning October 18, 2013, my new e-book, How to Write a WINNING Resume… 50 Tips to Reach Your Job Search Target, will be available for FREE on Amazon Kindle! This e-book takes you through the entire resume writing process, from concept and preparation through formatting and special issues you might face.

Here’s a sample of one of the 50 tips included in the book. Download the book for FREE on Amazon, October 18th through 22nd, to get the remaining 49!

Consider Including a Chart, Graph or Testimonial

If you are in sales or you are an executive, you might choose to create a chart or graph as a pictorial representation of your accomplishments. If you’re a receptionist or a nursery school teacher, a graph would be overkill. Here are some samples of a graph or chart included in a resume:

Only use a graph if appropriate for the position to which you’re applying. In Career Directors International’s survey Global Hiring Trends 2012, 33% of respondents reported that they still have not received a resume with a chart or a graph. 24% of those who had seen charts and graphs found them helpful or very helpful, while 22% found them distracting. These results are rather inconclusive but indicate that if you work in a conservative industry (such as insurance or finance) it might be best to stick to the tried and true bullet format; in more innovative industries, or for marketing and sales positions, charts and graphs are a great fresh approach. For someone climbing the ladder within the same company, charts and graphs might also be very effective. When in doubt, keep it simple!

Testimonials

You might not particularly like tooting your own horn, and frankly, some things are much more credible when said by people other than yourself. If you have received recommendations on LinkedIn^®, positive feedback in evaluations, or testimonials in any form, consider putting them on your resume!

Here’s what a testimonial might look like:

The use of testimonials is becoming more and more common on resumes. In Global Hiring Trends 2012, 29% of those surveyed said a testimonial would influence their decision positively. So take advantage of this trend and let your potential employer know what past employers (or professors if you are a new graduate) have to say about you! You may place the testimonial in the top third of the resume, near the relevant position, or anywhere that makes sense and is visually appealing.

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Was this article helpful? You can find more tips like this (49 more to be exact!) in my new do-it-yourself resume writing e-book titled How to Write a WINNING Resume… 50 Tips to Reach Your Job Search Target. And specifically for executives, I’ve authored a second version just for you called How to Write a STELLAR Executive Resume… 50 Tips to Reach Your Job Search Target.

** From October 18th through 22nd, get your copy of How to Write a WINNING Resume absolutely FREE on Amazon! Or purchase How to Write a STELLAR Executive Resume for just $9.97.**

Remember: When you send me a link to your Amazon review, your name will be entered into a bi-annual drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card! You will also be entered into my monthly drawing to win Mary Elizabeth Bradford’s Job Search Success System (winner of a 2011 CDI Career Innovator Award and a $97 value – check it out here). Click the images above to check out the reviews, purchase, or write a review of your own for a chance to win!