By Jenifer Brown
The following is my advice or my rules of thumb for writing a great resume.
1. Never have more than two pages
- The two-page rule applies only if your past experience and background relates to the position for which you are applying, if not, then one page!
- Although you might think your credentials warrant an autobiography, the majority of technical hiring managers don’t have the time to read more!
- Avoid the tendency to put critical information on the second, where it might not be read at all.
2. Beware of fancy fonts
- Using fancy fonts in your resume might demonstrate your graphic arts talent, but will rarely get you an interview. Neither will your photo unfortunately.
- Your resume will be emailed or maybe even faxed 90 percent of the time, and fancy fonts are often difficult to read.
- Employers may think there’s an underlying reason for sprucing up your resume – not enough related background, perhaps?
- Enlarging and bolding your headings with adequate spacing between topic areas will make your resume more powerful and easier to read.
3. Use bullets, not paragraphs
- Keep the text short and easy to read.
- In describing your experience and positions, always start with an action verb, and use present and past tense when possible.
- Each point you are making should be made using only one line.
- By starting with an action verb and keeping the statement to one line, your message will be powerful, and to the point.
4. Lose the fluff
- When you describe yourself or your past experience in your summary or work history section avoid using “fluffy” phrases. These do not hold any weight with employers as they are deciding whether or not to interview you.
These may be noteworthy attributes, but employers will not believe them until they actually witness them on the job.
Examples of such phrases are: I’m a people person, I’m dedicated, I’m hard working, I’m loyal
Instead, fill you resume with facts.
5. Beef it up; never make it up
- The candidate who fictionalizes a university degree may be in trouble if the hiring authority has a relative who actually graduated from the school.
- The candidate who claims to have experience with certain equipment or software may be embarrassed if a prospective employer asks for a mini-demo at the interview.
- There are many ways to make a resume more impressive without making anything up:
Summarize or highlight years of experience, sales percentages, or cost savings at the beginning of the resume, in bulleted format.
List your degree(s) and related training courses.
List all certifications completed. For example: CBET, CRES, ACCE, A+,CNA, CNE, etc.
List awards or commendations if they are industry-recognized or unique (not one that all receive).
List organizations and affiliations that are recognized by your industry and profession.
- The only personal comments on a resume should pertain to your ability to speak other languages or willingness to relocate or travel.
Overall comments and suggestions
Check your final draft for spelling and grammatical errors and inconsistencies. The last place you would like to see your resume go is into the “round file” (trash).
There are many resume formats available via the Internet but be careful to choose a format that allows you the flexibility to present your credentials to your best advantage.
If you can’t find a suitable and adaptable format, create your own. It might not be easy, but you will be more likely to obtain your objective – an interview!