A Resume To-Do List: Your Career Depends On It

Appearance

• Did you get another person to proofread your resume for spelling errors, missing words and proper grammar? Yes I know, you looked at it 15 times and swear there is nothing. You may be right, but chances are there is something you missed or didn’t consider. Let your proofreader help.
• Is your use of white space and the overall appearance of your resume uncluttered and visually appealing? Many times your resume will be viewed for about 10 seconds. Can they understand your resume… and want to keep reading?
• Did the style of your resume (headings, indentations, underlining, etc.) remain consistent? This might be the most irritating and confusing thing on a resume for someone to review. If your proofreader can’t really understand it, make it easier to read.
• Does your resume have at least one inch margins on all sides of the page?
• Did you get your resume printed on high quality paper of a light, neutral color?
• Considering your experience and education, is the length of your resume appropriate? One of the most popular things I see on resumes is that there is too much information under experience. Keep it simple. Whet their taste buds with a few key bullets on each. Targeting your resume to the specific job you are applying for can limit how much you add in the most productive and marketable way. You may think two or three pages is necessary, but that is too much. For best results, stick to one page.
• Did you read and re-read each statement to make sure it is concise, action-oriented and credible? Good one… do this over and over again.
• Are all statement written to express the benefits you can offer that prospective employer? Remember this is where you can target your resume to the specific job you are applying for.

oContent

• Did you quantify statements that might at first seem unbelievable? Are your statements convincing?
• Did you use short, punchy sentences with action-oriented words? Need samples? Contact me and I can share some examples with you.
• If you decided to include an objective, is it clear and concise? Sometimes you don’t have to. In fact, if you are squeezing tight on space, take the objective out. I don’t think it makes or breaks you. The interview will give you a chance to clarify your objective.
• Did you delete all irrelevant information that might make a prospective employer stop reading? Once again, do not add everything. Be specific and short. Make it interesting for them to read, but don’t put everything in your resume. Keep it specific to the job you are applying for. You will have a chance at the interview to clarify more. But you won’t get that interview if they’re bored from reading your resume/novel.
• Does your education section highlight your academic background without going into too much detail? Rule of thumb: if you graduated top honors in your senior class, or were recognized for something academic in school, add it. If not, just include the degree you got and the school/location.
• Did you include a current address and telephone number where employers can reach you? When you include this, include every way to contact you. Also indicate whether your phone number is cell or home.
• Does the overall effect of your resume reflect a positive image of you and your skills and abilities? Have someone read it and be completely honest with you when answering this question about you.

Send your resume to me! I’ll review it and offer advice for free.