10 Tips for a Great Resume

A new topic to the blog, but something I wanted to share. In the last month I have had three friends contact me for help with their resume, and I found myself giving some consistent feedback. It made me think that maybe this would be useful information for anyone writing a resume that really wants to do it right – supplied in a memorable fashion.

1-You’re not online? That is NOT fine. To be relevant in the marketplace, you need to have an online presence, meaning if your name is searched in a search engine, something needs to come up.  This can be Linked in, a blog, Facebook, or articles in the paper, but you need to have something out there that shows you are connected with the world.

2-You clicked apply, so I already know why. Objective statements are out.  You applied for the job so it is already assumed you would like to have it.  jump right to education or skill sets instead.

3-You only get 30 so don’t be nerdy. The average time spent looking at your resume is 30 seconds.  It’s true.  I know because I fit that mold.  You need to make your resume impactful and understandable at a glance.

4-A bullet point is your friend, from beginning to end. Instead of paragraphs and long sentences, use bullet points.  Break down information into nice, concise and neat bullet points of information.  Try to limit your bullet points per job experience to no move than 5 each.  (4 is even better).

5-Standing up not out, is what it’s about. You want your information to look professional, showing you will be the best person for the job.  Humor, different colored paper, or decorative font give the wrong impression and end up being a distraction not an addition.  Keep to a basic font, black ink, on white paper.

6-You get one look, don’t write a book. Keep it to one page if at all possible.  Remove all information that is not relevant to the position, this includes skills, hobbies, and even references.  They will ask for this if interested and references can even be on a separate sheet of paper that you bring with you to the interview (that’s a thumbs up-don’t waste their time looking at it, until they want it! Unless of course you have a big name reference that they will want to know about-then of course, flaunt it)

7-If you want to meet, check your sheet. It is so important to spell check your resume and make sure that there are no errors.  The quickest way to get placed in the drop pile instead of the interview pile is to have a resume loaded with errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting. (yes that line spacing or missing bullet point does matter)

8-To the top, without a drop. Nothing is more scary for a potential employer than to see the applicant has been job hopping in the past, especially when the job positions move progressively up, then keep dropping to start over.  This is concerning because it shows a lack of consistency, commitment, and is a red flag for work performance.  If this is you, maybe you need to evaluate your own work history. If there are reasons, family, moving, workplace closing etc., you may want to include that in a cover letter.

9-Before they look at you, look at them too. Always research the company and the job.  Tailor your resume to them  and the job that you will be holding.  Show in your past experiences what you have done that is relevant to the job you are applying for and how it makes you the best person for the job.  If the company has a focus on service, make sure to include your previous/current volunteer work.

10-After your through, would you hire you? Look at your resume from the employers point of view.  Does it look like you are the only person for the job?  Make sure it is the best it can possibly be.  Competition can be high so ensure that you will be at the top of the list.

Coming next: 10 Tips for a Great Interview