10 simple guidelines that will improve your resume
The resume is your “first impression” when it comes to a job search. With a tough economy still and social media everywhere, it’s not uncommon for a job posting to generate 100–300 applicants. Research shows that only one interview is granted for every 100 resumes received on average. It’s been our experience that your resume will be scanned rather than read. The employer will spend between 10–12 seconds on a resume and decide whether to interview or reject. Resumes that get you in the door are pleasing to the eye and present you in the best light. Here are 10 simple guidelines to follow.
- Standard format for writing a resume is to have the font Times New Roman. Your name on top should be the biggest item on the page at size 14 or 16. The rest of the resume should be size 10. Your resume should look neat and easy to navigate through.
- All sections need to line up. Use the tab key instead of the space bar. This will ensure accuracy. Emphasize your responsibilities, experience, & accomplishments. Use bullet form and avoid writing a paragraph. Bullet form sticks out better.
- Keep your resume brief and to the point. If it’s not relevant to the job you are applying for, keep it off. Everything on the resume should enhance your qualifications.
- Tailor the resume specific to the job you are applying for. It’s not uncommon to have 2–3 different versions. One copy might focus more on managerial experience; the other version might focus on a more hands-on background.
- Special certifications & degrees are very important and can make your resume stand out from others. The abbreviation should be beside your name. (Example: MBA, CPA, CFA, DOD, or Security Clearance etc.)
- Depending on the amount of your experience, resume formats can vary. For example, recent graduates and entry-level professionals need to have their education first and then internships. If you have a 3.0 GPA or higher, have that next to your degree. If you have lower than a 3.0 GPA, leave it off the resume.
- Someone who has 10+ years of work experience will have a much different format. The current or most recent job will be on top and then previous positions to follow. Education is one of the very last things listed.
- Too much job movement on a resume is never attractive to employers. For example, candidates looking for a permanent position shouldn’t have worked at 4 different companies in a span of 5 years. Longevity and loyalty is important. You don’t want to give off the impression that you’re always looking for the bigger & better deal. Companies don’t want to hire someone for just a year.
- Entry to mid level professionals should have a 1 page resume. Senior level professionals can and should go beyond 1 page. It’s a mistake for senior level candidates to leave out or shrink relevant work experience. We’ve never had a hiring manager say, “Nope, this candidate has a 2 page resume, we are going to pass on them.”
- Put your name on all pages. Leave off your high school education, hobbies, and a picture of yourself.
We speak to people all the time that express frustration applying to jobs. Their beef 95% of the time is they don’t hear back from the employer. It’s like their resume goes into a black hole never to be seen. There is a reason for that, your resume just isn’t good. Having a strong resume is half the battle of securing employment. Put time in it, make sure you follow the correct guidelines. Highlight your strengths and include the most appropriate information to give you the best shot at securing an interview.
If you benefit from this read please follow Candidate Advisors company page on LinkedIn & Facebook for more content and updates.
Michael Mohrin is the Founder & CEO of Candidate Advisors, LLC. Our mission is to help people at all levels secure employment and advance their career. For more information about our services please visit www.candidateadvisors.com
