Build a Resume

General Guidelines

The resume is the one document that forms the basis for being called for an interview or not. Don't copy- paste details from your friends' CVs or any CV you may find on the Internet.

With hundreds of CVs on his desk the HR manager will spend about 20- 30 seconds on each CV during his first scan. You want to be on the shortlist.

There is no fixed format and no fixed headings to make a great CV.

Fresh out of College? Preparing for that first job?

Before you start writing your CV spend a few days systematically writing down, starting from Class X, all that you have done in school and college that were of significance;
       * Participation in extra / co- curricular activities like dance, dramatics, debates,
            extempore speeches, NCC, NSS, scouts / guides etc.
       * Games you have played and whether you have any achievements in those.
       * Your reading habits - Mention your favourite authors.
       * Are you some kind of geek? Anything you did in technology?

Read up on the projects you want to mention on your CV and any others you may have done in college

For each job, prepare by gathering as much information about the company you wish to join and about the job, as possible. Consult your alumni association and find out if anyone is in the same company and talk to them.

The CV itself 
After your name, address and contact details, can you think of an objective that's specific and relevant? Otherwise don't put it. Ensure that your academic details have only such details that lead the interviewer to ask on your strong points. Mention a few academic areas which are relevant to the job and become thorough with them.

Do not use fancy coloring or font.

Spell- check your document on the computer but be sure to proof- read it yourself for errors, spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes etc as these can ruin even the best resume. Get it crosschecked again by one of your friend’s who has good English skills.

Mention examples where you displayed people management skills, writing skills, speaking skills, organizational skills, ability to work in a team etc (example of organizational skills - Was selected to organize the college freshers party which was a success).

Mention projects or internships that you have done, in some detail. Mention your role and your contribution if it is a group project. Companies like team players. These details will provide a good indication of how you could fit into the organization. Be prepared to be questioned extensively on these.

Your CV must not be more than two pages long. Keep it clear and concise. Employers want to look at a resume and quickly find the information they need.

You must prepare a fresh CV for each company that you are applying to by making changes in your objective and by tailoring your CV to the job requirement / job description. Use your preparation to customize it to get that edge.

We Wish You the Very Best