The mighty resume - one of those necessary evils that complicates the already complicated job search.
But you need not fear the resume. We've compiled a few tips to help you put together a world-class resume and avoid some of the common mistakes that plague others. Aren't we just so helpful?
RESUME DO'S
- Use Smart Subject Lines
- strong>Be Consistent with Number Usage
- Prioritize Achievements
- Be Careful with Capitalization
- Use Proper Salutations
- Use the Active Voice
- Stay in the Now
- Type for Today
- Show Your Stuff
- Be Honest
- Cheap Out
- Overload
- Use Excuses
- Carpet-bomb
- Add In Unwanted Attachments
- Get Personal
With the increase in spam and emails containing viruses, it's best to use a descriptive subject line that compels hiring managers to read your email. Avoid anything that might resemble spam, such as all caps and exclamation points. Include your name, the job title, job reference number (if any) and a few words regarding your qualifications. Example: "Job ref. #23432 -- Mary Jones, Network Engineer/MCSE."
According to the Gregg Reference Manual, numbers one through ten should be spelled out, while figures should be used for 11 and higher. Exceptions include numbers used with dates (April 9), percentages (5%), money ($5 million), ratios/proportions (2-to-1) and time (2 p.m.). However, some job seekers don't spell out any numbers, because the eye gravitates to numerals, drawing attention to important accomplishments. The main point: be consistent in formatting numbers throughout your resume.
Give your most impressive accomplishments prominence by placing them before other, less impressive achievements. Review your list of accomplishments and rank them in order of importance and relevance to your career goal. Employers skimming your resume will see your strongest accomplishments first.
Did you know it's incorrect to capitalize job titles on your resume, unless you're using it as part of a header or at the beginning of a sentence? For example, "promoted to sales manager after demonstrating top-ranked performance" is the correct format.
When corresponding with employers, use the traditional salutation if the name is known (for example, "Dear Ms. Jones"). It's always best to address cover letters to a specific person, but if you cannot obtain a name, use "Dear Hiring Manager." Avoid "Dear Sir or Madam" and "To Whom it May Concern" -- both salutations are outdated.
Add punch to your resume by using active voice instead of passive voice. If your sentences are written in active voice, they will present you as a doer and achiever. Compare these sentences to see how active voice is more concise and dynamic. Passive: $1.2 million in new products were sold. Active: Sold $1.2 million in new products. Review your resume and look for ways to express your accomplishments in active voice.
If your resume contains a long work history, keep in mind that employers are most interested in your recent experience. Provide ample descriptions of your accomplishments from the last 10 to 15 years. As you move back in time, present just the facts: company name, city, province, job title, dates and a brief blurb about what you accomplished.
Still inserting two spaces after periods? This convention is a throwback to the old typewriter days, when two spaces were used to help signal the end of a sentence because typefaces were monospace. With today's proportional fonts, two spaces after periods can create distracting rivers of white space. Update your resume's look by inserting just one space after periods.
Make your resume more convincing not by telling them, but showing them. For example, instead of stating that you have "excellent interpersonal skills," prove your skills through achievements such as receiving a customer service award or successfully negotiating a lucrative deal.
Is your resume truthful? Many job seekers misrepresent themselves by falsifying information such as education, employment dates and accomplishments. Omitting facts can also be misleading. If the lie is discovered, you could lose out on an excellent opportunity or be fired after accepting a position. Your best bet is to honestly portray your career history.
RESUME DON'TS
Don't try to save money by printing your resume on cheap copy paper instead of good quality stock. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and coffee stains. Use the spellcheck feature on your word processor and ask a friend to review the resume to find mistakes you might have missed.
If your career warrants a two-page resume, then go ahead and create a document that reflects the full range of your experience and accomplishments. Don't reduce the type size to such a degree that your resume becomes difficult to read.
Don't include the reasons you are no longer working at each job listed on your resume. The phrases "Company sold," "Boss was an idiot" and "Left to make more money" have no place on your resume.
Don't mail out your resume to every ad in the Saturday newspaper. If you are not even remotely qualified for a position, don't apply. Read the ads, determine if you have the right credentials and save the wear and tear on your printer.
When you send out your resume, don't include copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or awards, unless you are specifically asked to do so. If you are called in for an interview, you may bring these extra materials along in your briefcase for show-and-tell.
Personal information does not belong on a resume in North America. Don't include information on your marital status, age, race, family or hobbies.
© Monster 2006
