10 Things You Don’t Know About Your Resume
Posted on June 2, 2011
A resume is more than just a piece of paper that documents someone’s job history; it is the first step in the interview process. What you communicate during this phase should really be the first step in setting you apart from everyone else.
Below is a list of the Top 10 things that you may not know about your resume:
1. Your resume only has five to ten seconds to catch a potential employer’s eye. Make your resume stick out. A generic word template resume will easily blend in with all the other interested candidates.
2. Some employers feel Objectives are obsolete. Instead you should make sure to highlight your qualifications under a Qualifications Section. This can be tailored specifically to each job you are applying.
3. An inconsistent format or tense, in-legible font, or incorrect spacing is something that can make or break your chances. If it is hard to read it is unlike it will be read.
4. Choose your words wisely! There are action words that tend to captivate the reader and highlight your accomplishments more thoroughly. Make sure you use a variety of these throughout. Examples include: Achieved, managed, delegated, generated, established, increased, etc…
5. Your resume should include the key words that the job description you’re applying for is seeking— assuming you have the experience! This could be a turning point to whether a resume is passed on to a Hiring Manager.
6. Always proofread! Spelling errors are the equivalent of saying “I’m not professional”.
7. Please be sure that the contact email address you provide projects your professional image. I would recommend using an email address that is some combination of your name or initials. Any email addresses that include a silly nickname from friends or after work activities is something that can make even the most qualified candidate lose credibility.
8. Leave out irrelevant information…. That short term summer job you had in High School will not make an impact to a professional company.
9. Keep your resume to 1 or 2 pages if possible. Too lengthy is unnecessary and you don’t want to bore anyone.
10. Add your community service experience to show you are a well rounded and caring person. However, don’t go in-depth with all your responsibilities.
