Review this check list and see if you need to make some changes to your resume. The overall appearance of your resume must make the employer want to read it. Presentation is everything, because first impressions last.
- Your resume layout must be modern, professional, and eye-catching
- Information must be organized for easy reading. When the recipient first glances at it, key skills and accomplishments must be easily seen. Remember, five to twenty seconds is all your resume gets in the first screening round.
- Does the quality of the print look great? Don’t mix fonts. Highlight and capitalize relevant job titles.
- Quality paper is a must. Avoid coloured paper as most recruiters prefer white, ivory, or beige. If you are faxing the resume, use only white paper.
- There must be no typos or grammatical errors. Remember, this is an indication of your best work.
- Your writing style must be clear and concise. Do not use inappropriate jargon or slang.
- Statements should begin with action verbs, and should communicate results, accomplishments, and the value you can offer the company.
- Verb tenses must remain consistent. Sentences must be parallel.
- If including a career objective, make sure it is clear and well-written. Your resume should focus on this objective if you want it to accomplish its purpose. Which is to get an interview.
- Are your strengths relevant to the objective, and do they stand out? The reader must see that your qualifications are what the company is looking for.
- Stress accomplishments and skills, rather than responsibilities and job duties.
- Make sure you show the reader that you are a trouble-shooter and can solve the company’s problems.
- Include examples and quotes from previous supervisors – this increases your credibility.
- Include community, volunteer, or unpaid work experience that might be relevant to the position you are seeking.
- Keep your resume to one page if possible. However, it is imperative not to leave out relevant points. It’s extremely common for job seekers with less than seven years of experience to have only one page.
- Experience over that will more than likely require two pages.
- Keywords and industry buzzwords are a must. Use these words in your resume to ensure it arrives in the “Yes” pile.
- When you are sending your marketing documents by email, send both an ASCII text version (fix the formatting after the conversion) and an MS Word attachment to ensure your documents are read. Many companies don’t open attachments for incompatibility and virus reasons.
