Choose the Format That Works for You
When it comes to resumes, there are several different things you want to consider. The first should be whether or not your format works for you. You need to effectively communicate your excellent experience and skills, especially when you’re jostling for a position at your dream job. First, make sure you choose a format that complements your experience. For example, those with large gaps in their work history look best when using a functional resume instead of a chronological resume. By listing your work experience first and glazing over the dates, you get a more complete view of your experience, instead of emphasizing gaps in your employment to a prospective employer.
Stick to What’s Relevant
Many applicants include “objective” or “about me” lines, but employers no longer care for this information. It can be easy to make this mistake if you haven’t been job hunting for a few years. Now, employers simply want to know what you are going to bring to their company. With this in mind, skip personal information, while making sure your prior work experience is described in a way that shows off your relevant skills. Avoid listing personal details, unrelated hobbies, or irrelevant awards.
Be Truthful
It’s also unbelievably important that you are truthful on your resume, even when you’re switching careers or shooting for a higher position. It might seem easy to get away with lying or over-exaggerating your experience, but most employers are smarter than you think. For example, by simply searching online for the phone number’s area code you provide with each reference, your employer immediately has an idea of whether or not your referees could work where you say they do.
Cite Facts, Not Opinions
Another way for your resume to pack a punch is to cite hard facts instead of opinions. Older resume formats usually included a spot to list your other skills, but avoid listing character traits, as these are in the eye of the beholder. Instead, state real results. For example, improvement in store ranking after you came on board, bringing a project in under budget by 10%, or other specific numbers. By listing your experience this way, you focus on results employers want to see, instead of opinions that your prospective new employer might not agree with.
Use a Readable Design
Another way to make your resume accessible is to use a readable design. It’s fine to format your resume in an original way if you are applying to graphic design or art-involved jobs, but the average resume is most effective on blank paper with dark type. Try to avoid cutesy graphics, overly ornate fonts, or colored paper.
Use Direct Job Titles
Another crucial way to keep your resume accessible is to use direct job titles. If you list your job experience with names that are impossible to understand, a prospective employer may not realize the skills you bring to the table. To avoid being glazed over for a job you qualify for, list your experience with titles most people recognize.
Use a Professional Email Address
Another key way to keep your resume successful and eye-catching is to use a professional email address. You will want to include at least a phone number and an email address on your resume, so make sure your email address says the right things about you. The best way to ensure your email address is professional is to make one that just includes your name.
Triple Check Spelling and Grammar
Finally, though it seems like a small mistake, spelling or grammar errors immediately tell future employers that you don’t care about details. To be the most valuable employee in the pile of resumes, you want to do everything right. This includes triple checking that your grammar and spelling are correct. Especially because many jobs require solid communication skills, either with customers or clients, your prospective boss is looking for someone who can communicate credibly and properly. Keeping your resume to these guidelines will have you well on your way to landing your dream job. But what about grabbing a hiring manager’s attention with your cover letter? When you have your flawless resume set up, check out our tips on crafting the perfect cover letter here to truly perfect your application. Featured photo credit: Flazingo Photos via flickr.com
